《Hollywood Art: System of sunnys》


 hollywood system

    reincarnated rules:


    Art system.


    [Art System: The user can improve his artistic skills, for the cultivation of skills under the assumption of reincarnation the user has to fulfill the greatest wishes that in his previous life he could not fulfill.


    According to the way you receive points, whether they are points of emotion, gratitude, and admiration. An emotion point is worth 1, an appreciation point is worth 4 points, and an admiration point is worth 10 points]


    [skills:


    Choose the art skills that you feel are necessary to deliver on your promises. You can only choose three special skills that give you the chance of the reincarnator]


    - Musicals:


    - Interpretive: Chosen


    - drawing: Chosen


    - artistic:


    - literary: Chosen


    - bodily:


    - emotional:


    - policies:


    - sports:


    [interpretive:


    This special ability is subdivided into three items, which are now embodied in certain types of player activities:


    - language:


    - body posture:


    - charisma:


    a person who masters these skills above level 20 is considered a professional actor, language is the way you convey words to your audience, good language can express different feelings, while body posture is the correct movement of your body.


    Charisma is the special ability provided by the system, many people are born with charisma due to their personality or their beauty, this ability will be developed by the system which will influence people according to your level of charisma]


    [He drew:


    This special ability is subdivided into three items, which are now embodied in certain types of activities focused on drawing:


    - copy:


    - animation:


    - reality: S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the drawing skills are incomplete, they do not allow a story to be narrated, however, the quality speaks for itself, the copy skill allows you to improve your drawing style and copy regardless of improving the copied drawing. The animation skill allows you to bring your drawings to life either on said platforms, digital, on paper, in color, charcoal, or watercolors. These animation skills will bring closer a drawing identity shown in the development of the story.


    The special ability really, is how a story can convey the feelings of the characters together with each reader.]


    [literary:


    Literary skills are those that help you tell stories born from your heart, they are subdivided into four


    - coherence:


    - argument:


    - narration:


    - reality:


    the coherence skill together with argumentation will lead you to understand the different arguments and organizations of the story for the consistent creation of plots that will later be at your disposal, either development, creation, or improvement.


    The narration skill is a text perfection skill, it is polishing the degree of coherence and plot to professional states, together with the reality skill, they convey emotions for your readers]

 1. unexpected trip′

    "The day my father took me to see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at the movies, I realized that maybe I wasn''t in a confusing dream, and perhaps I was in a life sent to me with a system of suns."


    Monologue:


    My name is Billy Carson. I''ve just turned six years old. I was born on June 10, 1976. At first, I thought it was all a confusing dream, vague memories playing tricks on my mind. But I was born in the state of California, San Francisco. I could only wake up from a deep sleep when I watched Steven Spielberg''s movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. From the beginning to the end of the movie, I couldn''t even touch my popcorn or sip my soda. I just thought about the misfortune of being reborn without even realizing I was in a new life. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -Little Billy, did you like the movie? - asked Thomas, his father as the credits rolled after a magnificent ending. What a difference between ''80s cinema and modern 2000s cinema.


    -Yes, Daddy, - Billy whispered. He wondered if his father would be nervous. He had been acting silent and withdrawn for almost six years. Not that he blamed him, it was just his emotional state, all muddled in this thing called reincarnation. Now he understood the art system. When he first read the system''s specifications, he had skipped over the part about getting involved in a new being. Along with age, it had made it very hard to understand.


    -Daddy, do you think I can meet the extraterrestrial E.T.? - Billy questioned and affirmed. He wanted to propose becoming an actor, but his child''s brain couldn''t handle such complex matters. The result was a question appropriate for his age.


    -Oh, son, didn''t you see that he left in his spaceship at the end? Maybe in a few years, he''ll visit Earth to greet his friends, - Thomas said.


    -What if I buy you a shirt from the clothing store? I saw some models for little kids, Billy, - the father replied again.


    -Father, but if it''s Elliot, E.T.''s friend, he won''t come for me, - Billy responded as they exited the movie theater and walked through the mall. In the morning, they had burgers at Burger King, and later, they indulged in strawberry yogurt ice cream with chocolate cookies. In the afternoon, they enjoyed the movie by watching E.T.


    -Well, we can sort that out later. There are still many years before E.T. returns, -- mused Thomas. --Perhaps, if we send a letter to Elliot, we could get to know him, and he can introduce us to his space friend. -


    -Okay, when we get home, we''ll sit down and write a letter, - Thomas suggested.


    -Daddy, can you buy me drawing books? - Billy asked, considering the new skills granted by the art system.


    -Of course, I can, but this will be your last gift, -he replied.


    He ended up buying a blank sketchbook along with all kinds of pencils and colors. In his previous life, his development as an artist was poor. He tried to draw all sorts of things, from comics and paintings to murals, pictures, and anything else imaginable, but he didn''t improve.


    In the compulsory learning process, the previous skills were there, but they needed practice and consistency. He started by reprogramming the series from previous years, all the series created and known throughout the years. Starting with contours and edges, he practiced portraits and began drawing his father, acquaintances, and passersby he glanced at. Focusing on the negative spaces, which are mainly the spaces that surround the main subjects, or theoretically, aligning a main image with secondary objects.


    He began developing the series of Kenichi Shirahama, "The Strongest Disciple," a manga he quite liked, published in August 2002. In this development, the ultimate idea was to construct the art concepts and sketches he remembered, as well as other original models and innovations.


    In the activities he started, he has not yet fulfilled the self-imposed wishes of the system. On his thirteenth birthday, he will be allowed to join an acting academy.


    -Dad, look at my new drawing, - Billy said. The development of Kenichi was quick and polished, but completing it was not as easy. Fixing a detail and reconstructing vague memories was not a straightforward task because weaving a forgotten plot is not a matter of memory.


    -Is this your new drawing? - Thomas asked.


    -Yes, Father, it''s my new design. It''s a character who practices martial arts, - the boy said.


    -You''ve become fond of martial arts since you started going to the library, - Thomas noted.


    -Dragon Ball, - Billy said.


    -It''s a new series, Japanese. They call it manga. The creator is amazing, - Billy announced. The Dragon Ball manga is one of the few visible in the library, along with a few others like Captain Tsubasa. At this time, the drawings are not a great marvel, and there is a lot of technical evolution needed.


    -I didn''t know. -


    -I know, Father. -


    -I''ve been thinking about joining the drama club, Dad. I''d like to appear in those movies we often go to see. There''s a new movie out, ''Top Gun,'' - Billy said.


    "Okay," Thomas said.


    "This Thursday after school," Billy replied.


    "What''s the drama club all about?" Thomas asked.


    -They meet on Mondays and Thursdays after school, --Billy repeated, -- and the music teacher is in charge of putting on a play that''s presented at the end of the school year. He also gives us some quick acting lessons, - Billy smiled. Inside, he feared stage fright, something he had experienced in his previous life.


    -Very well, -Thomas reconsidered. - I have a meeting with a client at two in the afternoon. I''ll pick you up at four after you finish your tasks with Mrs. Sherman, - he said.


    -Dad, Mrs. Sherman is a tyrant. Her social studies classes are impossible. -


    [Reincarnated Wish:


    Enroll in an acting academy.


    To discover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill the first one.


    ...]


    And the wish can only remind him of his past life and the fear he had when he left high school: stage fright.


    ...


    edit-

 2. billy is and will be billy′

    December 31, 1988.


    Time jump, six years.


    In Billy''s exhaustive quest to improve his acting skills, he participated in a series of activities that he is still embarrassed about. He served as scenery, playing the role of a tree was never as challenging as being a lion, or sun, and fulfilling some other extra roles to fill in the gaps. In some plays, he had a few lines, but at no point could he fulfill his repressed wish number 6.


    -Yes. -


    -Hello, Grandma, - Billy said on the phone.


    -Dear, how was your New Year''s party? - Helen Carson paused for a moment.  --You should come to visit us sometime. Your grandpa has been working at the gas station a couple of blocks away. Remember, the one you used to go roller skating with. --


    -I''d love to come at any time, - Billy said.


    His grandma was always dedicated to her words.


    -Happy New Year, young man. Your dad told me about your comic and the book you''re about to publish. I''m so proud of you, - Helen Carson said.


    -Yes, Grandma, -- Billy replied.  -- Dad encouraged me to publish the two comics I''m working on, and the book will be self-published in his name. I couldn''t find a publishing house that offered a decent deal. -


    -Well, that''s good, - Helen responded, making a peculiar mouth gesture, something she did when she struggled to find the right words.


    -It''s been a while since you visited; the Texas heat is always overwhelming. You get used to it over time. Your father told me you''ve started drawing in your free time and want to become an actor, - Helen said, almost pleading.


    -It''s a drama school, Grandma, not essentially just becoming an actor, - Billy argued.


    His grandma wanted another lawyer in the family. Initially, his drawings were well received, and his sketches surprised the family. However, when he mentioned his intentions to pursue an artistic career, tensions with his grandma began to surface on different occasions.


    -Yes, it''s the same, - Helen replied. - Your father is a good lawyer; he''s been working since he finished college. If you follow in the family business like he did, you may get a better job in ten years. -


    -Thank you, Grandma, but my destiny isn''t to be a lawyer. I''m meant to draw, write, and perform, -Billy said.


    His father had just entered the living room, and he gave him a look of solace. -- Happy New Year, Grandma, -- Billy finished, trying not to shout, but it came close.


    -We''re going to San Francisco in ten days. Your grandpa has some business to attend to. I hope the issues... I hope your father can give us a clear answer, - Helen replied.


    -Yes, Grandma. -


    -Good night, young man, - Helen said.


    -Happy New Year, say hi to Grandpa, - Billy repeated for the tenth time, clearly feeling uncomfortable.


    -Mom''s been so sweet ever since I moved from Texas to California, - Thomas Carson commented with a smile.


    "I know, Dad. Have you finished work for today?" Billy asked.


    -Yes, the divorce case I was handling closed this morning; they decided to settle. After dividing the assets, it turns out the wife wanted the house in New York, and the husband wanted the store in New York. They both believed they each wanted what the other did, -- Thomas said cheerfully. --Working in December when your son is on vacation is not my favorite thing to do. -


    -In two days, do we have a meeting with your friend? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, remember when you were eight, and you told me you wanted to be a great comic book artist, like Marvel Studios and DC Comics? We started to set up a production line in the garage, - Thomas said.


    -Yes, I remember; you made me clean up, - Billy replied.


    -I worked by mowing lawns throughout the neighborhood, doing the dishes, the laundry, and selling cookies, - Billy thought out loud.


    -It was money well invested, - his father said.


    For their investment, they purchased 140-gram offset paper. With the help of Thomas''s contacts in the copyright office, they found a supplier who provided them with wholesale paper: 10 kilos for $14.99, 100 kilos for $215, and 1000 kilos for $1300.


    They bought a special laser printer for comics, which cost a substantial sum of $1500. It was a high-quality color printer that produced two pages per minute. To save on costs initially, they purchased a special photocopier that provided 1800 DPI black and white copies. Each photocopier cost $999, and they could copy documents onto 140-gram offset paper on both sides.


    The comic''s size would be A4, almost like a pocketbook, with each volume consisting of 25 pages. They designed the covers on 200-gram matte paper. They aimed to start a production line for 40,000 copies to be marketed all over California.


    In the 1980s, the comic industry experienced a surge in popularity due to TV series and Star Wars movies. However, this unprecedented expansion led to market saturation, and many comic publishers were liquidated due to a lack of creativity. By 1988, the comic industry was experiencing a downturn, and new technologies were diverting consumers towards video game purchases. In 1989, Sega Genesis was released, further intensifying competition with Nintendo in the gaming market.


    -Don''t get me wrong, son, -- Thomas chuckled, amused by his son''s expression. -- It''s all for your well-being. Thanks to your father, you''ve completed the national and international copyright registration for the two series you''ve created. -


    -What are their names? They sound pretty interesting, - asked the elder Carson.


    -Dad, you initiated the copyright registration process as original works, - Billy pointed out.


    -They''re Slam Dunk and Phantom Report, - the boy said resignedly.


    Although Phantom Report is "Yu Yu Hakusho," the trend of Americanizing the series is indeed a novel idea. The plan is to develop the plot similarly but give it an American tone, making it a more planned series.


    The copyright registration was done five months ago, and it''s a cumbersome process with a main branch in Washington. First, an integrated copyright search is conducted in the main branch''s databases. The whole process took a total of twenty days, and the registration was completed without any issues.


    -These are fantastic works. The production level of both is perfect, - said Thomas.


    Slam Dunk and Phantom Report both have a condensed development of 20 volumes each. The plan for this series is to create a linear story spanning 50 volumes.


    -Have you started on the next volumes? Your dear father has been eager to know what will happen in the next volumes, - Thomas inquired.


    -Yes, Dad. There are still some pages and panels to touch up, but volumes five of Slam Dunk and Phantom Report will officially be available. I''ve been focusing on the series of Samurai Jack and Hellboy to keep both series in sync with unified releases. I want to maintain a consistent publication schedule, -Billy replied.


    -Both of those are very good as well, especially the Samurai one; it has this intriguing vibe that makes you want to read the next volume, - Thomas said.


    -Yes, they are indeed good works, - Billy exclaimed.


    -I haven''t decided on the development of certain story arcs yet, but they''ll be available soon. I want to give them a sequence and show the stories of some secondary characters so that the body of work has more meaning. I''m still working on the characters, - Billy explained.


    This weekend, the registration for Samurai Jack and Hellboy will be done. He can''t wait to earn points when the comics are published.


    -Very well, tomorrow we have a meeting with the folks from Dark Horse Comics. Let''s not rush it. Plan B is the company that went bankrupt a year and a half ago, Charlton Comics. It was bought by some enthusiasts, and there might be a deal there if we propose it. Although Dark Horse Comics liked your comics, - the responsible adult mentioned.


    -Thank you, Dad. -


    There was support from his father, though not unconditional. They set various conditions, starting with the requirement to complete his school subjects diligently and pass the final exams for each grade. It''s nice to have support.


    On the other hand, the beginnings in the academic field of performing arts for teenagers were based on fulfilling activities like pantomime, theater games, and improvisations.


    -I''ve had fun, - Billy thought.


    In a review of his wish fulfillment:


    [Rencarnated''s wish:


    Publish a comic with sales of 100,000 copies.


    To discover your next repressed wish, you must fulfill the first one.


    ��]


    The number 1 wish was mysteriously fulfilled when he joined the theater group and participated in the play as an extra. He had a total of four short lines, but fulfilling the wish helped him raise his drawing skills to level 20 and gradually overcome his stage fright.


    Task number 1 earned him a total of 100 points. Subsequent tasks assessed a total of 100 points with a progressive increase of 10 points for each task.


    Although the subsequent development of each activity increased by ten points, the difficulty also rose. It was revealing that with every step, his heart shone. Each deeply rooted wish cleansed the dark feelings his heart had harbored.


    [Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 21.53


    Literature: 18.34


    Acting: 6.34


    Points: 0.3]


    [Drawing Store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack: 15 points.Hellboy: 22 points. 1993Slam Dunk: 30 points. 1990Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points. 1992��]


    The idea is to go ahead with the basketball series Slam Dunk. Due to his drawing skills and the purchase of a series that he unlocked when he increased his drawing skills to level 20, the work became smoother. He managed to establish a timeline for Slam Dunk.


    The system is simply a fantasy. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    edit.

 4. dark horse Comics.¨

    -Wake up. - said Thomas.


    -Today is the big day. We have a meeting in San Jose, it''s an hour and a half by road. - Mr. Carson said, wearing a blue apron and a business suit.


    -Dad, five more minutes. It''s too early, and the meeting is not until 10:00 a.m. - Billy said.


    When he didn''t hear a response, Billy continued.


    -I''m sleepy! - Billy shouted.


    -I told you not to stay up watching movies too late. - Thomas Carsen mentioned.


    -Billy pondered his response but said, - Father, I needed inspiration, and what''s more inspiring than watching the cartoons that have filled the lives of countless children with happiness? Besides, I couldn''t sleep; I was a bit nervous.


    -Well, get up, take a shower, and I''ll wait for you in the kitchen in thirty minutes. - Mr. Carson said, leaving the room.


    -Okay. -


    Stretching in the morning is always a strenuous job, Billy thought.


    In recent years, his father has been improving his cooking skills. He usually prepares simple dishes. He dated a woman from Peru for a few years, and ever since, his dishes have had an indecent amount of curry or pepper in them. Billy still doesn''t understand where his father''s penchant for curry comes from.


    As time passes, the meeting with Dark Horse Comics and the dream, goal of publishing comics is near. About the staging of new comics that will change the history of art, according to the prior negotiation with Mr. Mike Richardson and Neil Hankerson.


    Both figures are the two main managers of the company, and they have a recently established distribution chain. They are looking for new artwork for their publication. They have had a dispute with Marvel Studios and the property rights for Star Wars comics about licensing permission, a signing is something they are searching for from the bottom of their hearts and pockets.


    According to Thomas Carson, the purchase of Charlton Comics is a joint purchase. It would make them partners with Dark Horse Comics, establishing a second headquarters in San Francisco - and another in San Jose, an impossible dream.


    Dark Horse Comics (DHC) already has a distribution chain throughout the United States through a logistics company that charges them a shipping percentage nationwide. However, they do not have their IPs. Their sales development is based on licensed works like "Terminator, Aliens, Robocop, and Predator."


    With that in mind, the idea is to purchase Charlton Comics, which they couldn''t part with at the time of their liquidation, the comic giants ate everything. However, the printing presses are still alive, and a few other things.


    They made a joint purchase of $80,000 for the special letterpress printing department for color comics.


    Charlton Comics started in 1945, and at its peak, it had its main headquarters in Connecticut, New York, and Derby. They had a giant printing press that allowed them to survive through their dark years until their total dissolution in 1984. After several negotiations, they gave us some special machines purchased in 1980 before the comic market went crazy.


    Thomas seems to have decided to invest in his son''s designs when he saw the talent. He may not know much about art, but he understands business, and now he''s part of a small partnership with Dark Horse Comics.


    In 1989, the company Lux Animation was created, a comics company that will be under the care of Dark Horse Comics for marketing and distribution throughout the United States, as the LUX label of DHC. They will share operational accounts for 30% of the sales.


    Today''s meeting with Charlton Comics is for the purchase of Captain Atom. The IP of Captain Atom is not highly valued at the moment, but it will be appreciated by DC Comics after the acquisition. The reason for this importance is its potential sales and its connection to the Justice League.


    At the moment, the purchase of Captain Atom is valued at $15,000, and it won''t be handed over to Warner Comics as a separate copyright sale. Despite using his last savings to buy Charlton Comics, the purchase of Captain Atom is a loan that he will have to repay with the future profits from the upcoming series.


    Although his successful career as a lawyer has given him the freedom to invest, he is just as strict with Billy as his father and grandfather were. They don''t give anything without imparting a lesson, in this case, about the dangers and costs of a business. $15,000 in this era is a ridiculous price, and in 20 years, the purchasing power of that $15,000 will be half of what it is today.


    Before the famous meeting with the CEO of Charlton Comics, Thomas invited Mike Richardson to discuss the interest in bringing Captain Atom into a creative collaboration between the two to strengthen the alliance between Dark and Lux.


    -What''s the purpose of the meeting with Mr. Richardson? - Billy asked.


    -It''s about the titles we''ll be willing to publish: your series Slam Dunk and Ghost Report/Yu Yu Hakusho. They will initially be published in black and white due to our limited capabilities with color printing. But according to your ideas, they won''t follow the same pattern as Samurai Jack and Hellboy, which will be your first works in color. - Thomas Carson said.


    -I still don''t understand, Dad. I thought it was about a joint development. - Billy said.


    -You''re right, but it''s also a meeting of recognition between the parties. It''s good that Mike knows who you are and who''s the mind behind Slam Dunk. - Thomas said.


    No errors at all!


    They agreed to 30% distribution for Dark Horse Comics and 70% for Lux Animation, with a partnership contract of 6 years starting in 1989. After seeing the promising designs, Mike Richardson didn''t refuse and was quite supportive. He''s a comic enthusiast and not a typical businessman. Most other companies were demanding an acquisition of at least 80% of the copyright and a 50% market share on sales.


    Mike only asks for 30% for the partnership, as well as the exclusive publication of your other comics in his company during the six years of the contract. They''re the kind of company you''re familiar with, advocating for the protection of comic creators and seeking fair compensation, whether through buying the work or paying royalties.


    Thomas, sensing your doubts, responded.


    --I suppose that as more money comes in and the comics gain a larger fanbase, merchandise, TV, and film rights will become highly profitable. If there are offers, we''re confident that they will come. Dark Comics has connections with a Fox network producer, and visibility is in the air - said Thomas.


    This benefits Dark Comics as well because it allows them to sell the comics, and when they become famous, they can leverage their interests to secure licenses or deals.


    For now, the company has started with the distribution of the Alien, Terminator, Predator, and Robocop series. Some Japanese manga like "Akira" are contributing to an acceptable market share in supermarkets and comic specialty stores. But it''s not booming like it will be in the mid-''90s.


    -All right, we''ve reached our destination. - Thomas Carson said.


    They arrived almost twenty minutes before the scheduled meeting time, and Mr. Mike was already sitting in the caf�� with a notepad on the table, featuring some rough sketches and notes in the margins, a habit acquired in his youth.


    -Mr. Richardson, - Thomas inquired.


    The gentleman sitting at the table smiled and got up to greet both Thomas and Billy, shaking their hands. His deep, cheerful blue eyes were quite a contrast to Billy''s memories of his younger self. Mike Richardson seemed to radiate a freshness that set him apart from many others, especially considering he was nearing fifty.


    A pleasure to meet you, Thomas, Billy. Please, take a seat. - Mike said. - Although the steps have already been worked out, it''s always good to meet my new partner in this venture. I''ve been pleasantly surprised by the drawings you''ve shown me and the future development of the characters.


    -That''s right, the young Billy has been drawing for a year and a half, and these two series. I''m eagerly looking forward to the market boom after the joint release of these series. - Thomas Carsen added, his thick honey-colored hair emphasizing his features.


    -I wholeheartedly agree, especially with the Slam Dunk series. When I read the first two volumes, I could only exclaim, that in a country that claims basketball is a cultural sport, there are very few people who genuinely attempt to exploit this franchise as a comic tool. - Mike sighed. - What led you to come up with such an innovative series? I see you''re using concepts from Japanese manga in your drawings, but the bold and simpler lines give it harmony.


    -Anything to say, Billy? - Thomas Carsen asked. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I agree, sir. I enjoy watching sports with my father, and I''m interested in creating an American football series as well. The idea arose from how much fun it is to play basketball and not perform well. - Billy replied.


    -Have you started sketching the outlines for the upcoming arcs? - Lux Animation''s partner asked again.


    -Yes, I want to imitate the famous Captain Tsubasa series, which is Japanese. The concept of achieving impossible feats never before seen in world sports, Mr. Richardson. - Billy said with a touch of excitement.


    -That can only be good news for Dark Horse Comics. - Mike stated.


    Thomas, who watched the conversation with newfound vigor, chimed in. - Yes, with the contacts you''ve provided, Mike, the development of this hub as a publishing port for the entire country is perfect. We''ve implemented a special design for sales. We call it the "Comi-boon," a compilation of comic issues in a special book that contains a special arc of the series. Because Billy mentioned the continuity of the comics, the idea of bundling ten issues into a single book without limitations for all fans is perfect for business. - Thomas concluded with joy.


    He took out a blue folder from his briefcase containing data for approval. A market study had been conducted, and each comic would have a selling price of $1.99, while a Comi-boon would be priced at $10.99. Each comic printed in the garage had a cost of 10 cents, and each issue would consist of 30 pages, while a Comi-boon would compile 10 issues.


    edit.


    that��s chapter 4. Have a good week.


    disclaimer: This is a science fiction series.

 5. captain atom′

    January 2, 1989.


    The first meeting of the day ended in a perfect cooperation agreement between the two parties. The next one is for better or for worse, the highlight of the day. The purchase of a superhero from Charlton Comics didn''t initially interest Thomas, as he wasn''t particularly interested in the bidding war until his young Billy mentioned the potential of Captain Atom and the possible profit from the character.


    -Do you think it''ll be that easy with Mr. Mike? - Billy asked.


    -I doubt it. These people are still willing to fork over some dollars for their characters. Almost a year ago, they sold Blue Beetle to D.C. Comics for $50,000. - Thomas explained.


    -Why didn''t they sell Captain Atom along with Blue Beetle? - Billy inquired.


    -That I don''t know. But Mr. Joe Gill, the creator and the one authorized to sell the franchise by his former boss, is likely looking for a substantial commission. He might be sent to us to evoke that sense of nostalgia. - Thomas mumbled. S~ea??h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the following years, the world would transition from an era dominated by big movie stars to one defined by major franchises. Marvel, for example, would break box office records and shake up the entertainment industry. In the meantime, entertainment was largely shaped by hit television series and streaming platforms like Netflix.


    For a moment, Thomas paused to question whether his plan with Captain Atom would yield the expected results. It felt like a leap of faith, supported by the fame of his copied works and his incredible system that helped infuse emotions into manga, all while enhancing his skills. Ultimately, the partnership with Dark Horse Comics would help create a more stable continuity line to generate a strong foothold.


    In essence, most successes stem from a reimagined brand that resonates with a key fan base and appeals to different fans through your drawings.


    How do you create a good superhero? �C Perhaps the question is how to create a compelling character. Can my new designs for Captain Atom offer the right balance to break into the superhero market? With improved character designs, which I''ve honed through studying cartoons with better perspectives, updates in the movements of each character, creative panels, and the new visual structure model.


    -Dad, what''s the maximum amount we''re willing to pay for Captain Atom? - Billy asked.


    -Approximately $20,000. Even if they demand a price above that, I can''t go beyond that amount. - Thomas replied promptly.


    -How famous is this character? - Billy inquired.


    -Not very famous, it mostly sold about 10,000 copies across all the collected volumes, which are nearly 16 volumes. Charlton Comics hasn''t sold much since the early ''80s, but the co-creator has also been involved in different comics like Spider-Man. - Thomas explained.


    -Let me handle the negotiation. - Thomas said.


    -You''re the lawyer, Dad. I trust you with the negotiation. �C Billy Commented


    Surprisingly, most of the negotiations Billy has attended or witnessed are held in cafes or private dining rooms. What''s common is that nobody orders food during the negotiation. Is it a symbol of trust? Is it considered impolite?


    -Good afternoon, Mr. Gill, a pleasure to see you today. - Thomas said.


    -Likewise. - Gill replied. He looked deadly serious with his well-groomed white mustache and furrowed eyebrows.


    -Let''s get straight to the point. I''m willing to offer you a copyright assignment for Captain Atom for 70 years for a value of $18,000. - Gill stated peremptorily.


    -We could do it for $17,000. - Thomas responded.


    -Done. - Gill said so quickly that it caught Billy off guard.


    Thomas produced a contract on legal-size paper. Billy''s father read the contract out loud and discussed some legal terms with Mr. Gill regarding the rights to exploit the work, along with other random terms.


    With a 3% share of copyright profits for Captain Atom, they paved the way for a new IP for the development of Lux Animation, which was gradually taking shape.


    In summary, they negotiated that the work could be modified, and new creations would be counted as a derivative work of the authorship itself. It was disappointing that the negotiation didn''t last more than five minutes, and the other party''s disappointed at giving away their work so easily, but perhaps they had hoped to scratch up more than the proposed $15,000.


    In summary, they established an animation company, "Lux Comics," bought an industrial comic machine, rented a small warehouse, expanded the garage, and acquired Captain Atom.


    Expenses amounted to a total of $70,000. Considering Billy''s two years of savings, they only added up to $5,570, after refusing birthday and Christmas gifts, working by mowing lawns, and doing school chores for two dollars.


    The following portions came as a gift from the grandfather, amounting to $1,000 for my company. The rest was covered by Thomas''s total savings and a $20,000 bank loan, with the understanding that only hard work in the coming months would recoup the investment.


    ...


    edit.


    disclaimer: This is a science fiction series.

 6. Bill Carson’s debut

    January of 1989.


    Today is the big day. The release of the Slam Dunk and Ghost Report/YuYu Hakusho comics. The manga''s colors are portrayed in a carefully detailed black-and-white tone, thanks to my superior drawing skills. I hope to achieve a complete sale of 50,000 copies of both series this month. The initial distribution will take place nationwide, with plans to expand to Canada soon. In summary, there are nearly one million potential comic readers in the population, and if we consider the drawing update, my skill level would be categorized around 2010, which is quite acceptable.


    In the end, with the top position at Dark Horse Comics, a total of 500,000 copies were printed, with around 25,000 copies to be distributed per serial number.


    The first Slam Dunk comic introduces our protagonist Sakuragi/Wilt Robertson, a teenager with anger issues who is considered a delinquent due to his behavior. He has one goal only: to find a girlfriend who will love him, despite having an impressive record of fifty rejections, which makes him the laughingstock among his loyal friends who are also considered a gang. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In an unlikely encounter, he meets Haruko Akagi/Hanna Brosmer and becomes completely infatuated with her. Being a basketball fanatic, Sakuragi/Wilt tries to impress her with his basketball skills, despite never having played basketball before and having no knowledge of the sport''s main rules.


    The manga begins with a girl with black hair and smooth, fair skin.


    ...


    The manga''s storyline continues with Wilt''s depression caused by the rejection from girls and his enrollment in senior high school.


    Since 10:00 AM, comic stores have opened, offering manga. Overall, the manga features an impressive full-color cover of Sakuragi/Wilt holding a basketball, wearing the orange school uniform of South California. The cover is embossed cardboard, and the pages are on 140-gram offset paper, thick and glossy, with beautiful illustrations. Given the American interest in sports, it''s highly likely that most people will be interested in buying the comic, priced at $1.99.


    -How are you? -my father asked.


    -I''m fine. I''m confident. I''ll be satisfied if the first issue of Slam Dunk sells 50,000 copies. As for Ghost Report, which premieres tomorrow, I don''t have a general estimate yet, but I hope for a similar value, - I replied.


    The cost of the 500,000 copies amounted to seven cents per issue, which is $35,000. The amount was borrowed from Dark Horse Comics with a monthly interest rate of 5%, and the pressure weighed on my mind.


    The system classified the sale of 100,000 copies. I''m partially certain that among future wishes, one of them is to have a book signing or to complete a series. Maybe become an actor. In my next steps, I''m waiting to improve my drawing skills and buy some series before their publication.


    Although I''ll try to extend some series and use others, it''s not possible to have a book signing for more than 10 series at once if I want to become an actor. Therefore, I''ll focus on finishing Slam Dunk and Ghost Report as quickly as possible to move on to the next series.


    Due to the impressive print run we conducted; production costs are not particularly high. However, we need $40,000 to start recovering the lost money, which is focused solely on Ghost Report/YuYu Hakusho. It''s quite peculiar how fame can help one series contribute to the success of another, given the market''s attraction.


    Therefore, on January 10, 1989, the new wave of comics began. Deep down, my only desire was to fulfill my goals as an actor. But the key moment of comic sales is also a crucial part of my creative development idea.


    The following day, on January 11, 1989, the Ghost Report premiered. I restarted school and resumed my new acting idea at the theater club, taking advantage of the acting classes my grandfather secretly paid for as a Christmas gift. Almost fifteen days passed, and today, on January 25, the first sales report for comics by states would be carried out. Throughout the day, I received exciting feedback from my readers, which gave me a good omen that the sales were going well.


    The results were revealing: a total of 23,000 copies for the first volume of Slam Dunk, and 21,000 copies for the second volume. Not bad considering they had only been on shelves for five days.


    Ghost Report sold 18,000 copies in the first release and 19,000 copies in the second, which is inconsistent since the second part sold more copies than the first, whereas Slam Dunk had the opposite outcome.


    The first two issues of each series sold an estimated 81,000 copies. The total profit after loans and distribution commissions amounts to $76,083, which will be used to repay the $20,000 bank debt.


    According to my father, the expenses and costs of operations for this first month are not $56,000; they are $45,000 after deducting fixed and operational expenses like rent and discrimination. The profitability tax is 34%, which is insane, amounting to $15,000. However, due to some exemptions, it will be reduced to 25%, which is $11,250 for the $45,000, but this will only last for the first year as a company. After that, the full rate will be paid.


    With the current crisis of savings and loans, the IRS has slightly relaxed its rates for new entrepreneurs who have just started a business. However, the payment is for the following year. For example, if a new expense line related to the company is opened, the tax is lower.


    We didn''t reach the goal of 30,000 sales per chapter/book, but we managed to cover the basic production and transportation costs. The sale of posters reached a total of 1,200 posters for both series, providing a temporary relief as no more posters would be dispatched until May, closing and beginning the summer.


    There was still a stock of 1,600 posters distributed across the states, but it was insignificant and the investment was recovered. Each poster has a value of 20 cents, so the profit doesn''t exceed $200. Nonetheless, it''s a profit and the next step.


    My excitement levels had never been so high. I gained so much that it probably summed up all my months of effort with the fulfillment of wishes and continuous displays in the school''s art club.


    That''s chapter six of this series.

 7.New development

    January 1989.


    My condition has been progressively improving. It takes a total of 100 points to level up completely, and since I scored twenty points on the application, it will cost a hundred. I estimate that professional skills range from 30.00 to 50.00 points, but my drawing specialty from my previous life is a practice that has allowed me to continue with the drawing schemes, along with the comic bookstore, reaching the established 20,000 points.


    [Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 21.53-22.00


    Literature: 18.34-18.89


    Acting: 6.34-10.03


    Points: 0.0]


    [Drawing Store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack: 15 points.


    Hellboy: 22 points (1993).


    Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990).


    YuYu Hakusho: 40 points (1992).


    Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points (1994).


    Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers: 25 points.


    Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992).


    Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994).


    Rurouni Kenshin: 25 points (1994).


    Evangelion: 20 points (1994).


    Doom: 15 points (1993). ...]


    The currently available series add up to a total of 10, which is my limit as an artist for Slam Dunk and YuYu Hakusho manga.


    I must take a drawing break for publication and feedback on what I publish. Hellboy, Samurai Jack, and Pinky and the Brain are the center of my attention. According to the color costs, it''s better to sell a 200-page graphic novel. Each comic book should have an average number of numerals.


    The color books will only be sold in the summer, and both Pinky and the Brain and Samurai Jack have four volumes. Hellboy has a total of 12 volumes, with each volume containing four or five parts. Its story is more captivating, but it''s years of continuous work.


    So far, I have a total of 16 chapters of the ongoing series. My drawing quality allows me to complete one chapter every eight hours, which means I will have three chapters done in a week. For the Hellboy series, I have already completed the specified number of volumes for this year, which is one, divided into five parts. Its publication will start before the summer, in May, and end in early August. Each part of the volume is the first series of Hellboy, "Seed of Destruction."


    There are a total of 12 volumes, with each volume having at least five or more chapters. Hence, the focus is on the quality of the colored drawings and the captivating story that uniquely subverts the typical hero.


    -So, you''re sure that the lease price for this warehouse is $4,000 per month? - Billy said.


    -Son, keep in mind that the reason we leased this warehouse building is its proximity to the residential area. And yes, with the sale of the third volume of the series, we earned $47,000. Given the recent banking problems, it''s foolish to get into debt if you don''t have sufficient means. But assuming a debt can help with the tax burden. Furthermore, I found a good property in Almaden Valley for the price of $250,000. I checked the zoning plan, and construction on a scale is permitted. The journey is an hour away from our home and allows for expansion. On the other hand, we could invest in the property and pay rent until it''s deemed necessary, - his father said.


    -How much is the starting price for the business? - Billy asked.


    -About $80,000, and the payment is in three installments, - Thomas said.


    -Well, that''s not bad, - Billy said.


    -Alright, I''ll start the sales negotiations. The cash flow is $40,000. We''ll borrow an additional $40,000 from the bank and the rest from our own pockets, - Thomas said.


    -On another note, I checked the stock of Cisco Systems, Inc. and researched it. It hasn''t gone public yet. I''m curious where you heard about this company, - he said.


    -From a friend at school. His dad works in the stock market and boasts about his knowledge. It just seemed interesting, and we have money. It''s okay to invest in a few other things, -Billy said.


    -That''s true, but I''m surprised you have such foresight, - Thomas replied.


    In his era, Billy knew several internet companies that collapsed during the dot-com bubble burst, one of them being Cisco Systems, Inc. At the time, it was named among the stocks of the new millennium, alongside WorldCom, AOL, General Electric, and Yahoo. These are the two main cases he knows that will fall after the internet bubble burst, not to mention Enron and its stock fraud.


    He watched a movie called "The Truth About the Enron Case," which shed light on some interesting stories about stocks, and conducted further research on the stock market crash.


    WorldCom, previously known as Long Distance Discount Services (LDDS), was a company that also focused on value-added services. Currently, it is growing.


    -I''ll keep an eye on Cisco. But if you want my advice, invest in Coca-Cola or Johnson & Johnson. They are companies worth admiring for their consistent returns before investing in comics. Some acquaintances in the office approached me to invest in them, - said Thomas.


    -Well, when we have the money, let''s go to the brokerage office at PaineWebber, - Billy told Thomas.


    -I''m not surprised you know about the PaineWebber brokerage office, but Merrill Lynch is better. E.F. Hutton provides better advice for individual investments, and portfolio management isn''t as expensive. The commission fees are different," his father replied. "Although, you should think about skateboards or toys. How about a home theater in the unused room we have? I know you still love movies. I heard that the ''Elmo Super 8 Sound 350SL'' is like having a cinema at home. We can buy a special screen. The total investment is $1,000. Each Super 8 film costs $30. It''s not bad to buy the Star Wars series, - said Thomas.


    -That sounds great. But I''d prefer Raiders of the Lost Ark. I couldn''t see it during its premiere, - said Billy excitedly.


    -Alright, Raiders of the Lost Ark it is. -


    They both continued to inspect the factory, paying attention to minor details. After all, they would need it for the coming months.


    ��


    "The ''Elmo Super 8 Sound 350SL'' is a specialized video machine, a projector for watching movies. It''s the home theater of 2020. Super 8 films were a popular small-format film format. These films were recorded on 8mm film reels, allowing enthusiasts to make homemade movies with smaller, more affordable equipment. The film was loaded into a Super 8 camera, and a ''Super 8 mm'' projector was used to play it on a screen.


    It''s a well-known tool used in some small independent cinemas to save costs or in upscale homes. Spending $30 to watch a movie is no joke; the price of a ticket is $3.50.


    "The Truth About the Enron Case" is a real movie that explains the entire stock fraud committed by Enron in the late ''90s and early 2000s. According to my research, at that time, it was possible to manipulate accounting with future asset accounts. The "dot-com" crisis occurred because companies assimilated the profits of the next five years as accounts, and everything seemed to add up until it became impossible to sustain those margins.


    Another movie that uses this issue as comedy is "Dick and Jane: Fun with Dick and Jane." S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 8. yuyu hakushu.

    March 1989.


    To everyone''s surprise, the two months following the comics'' publication, the groundbreaking changes in comic history have generated a sense of anticipation. The first to reach 100,000 copies was "Informe Fantasma" ("Ghost Informer"). In reality, the progressive comic sales increased steadily, with Dark Horse Comics'' positioning followed by the surge in sales of Slam Dunk, and the new series "The Terminator," which has gained significant traction in the market.


    [Reincarnated wish:


    Publish a comic. Sell over 100,000 copies.


    To discover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill the first one.


    ...]


    Mission fulfillment: 160 excitement points.


    [Reincarnated wish:


    Sell over 1,000,000 copies with YuYu Hakusho/Ghost Informer.


    To discover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill the first one.


    ...]


    The sales numbers are 108,430 copies for Ghost Informer/YuYu Hakusho and 103,480 copies for Slam Dunk, and sales are only increasing due to the freshness of the comics. With these sales, father and son paid off half of the bank loan, and Invertron paid the rest on the "North San Jose" property, paying the first and second installments in advance. A single payment of $90,000 was still pending.


    -Now, there''s little money, and sales projections are on the rise. And the quarterly payment of taxed revenue to the company is on the fifteenth of April, and we have $33,545 ready for these quarters, - his father murmured in the kitchen while reviewing the accounts. Even though he had some knowledge of what accounting was, he failed to grasp these statistics.


    The goal initially is to open up the distribution market in Canada, which doesn''t have the expense intensity of the UK. Even in the future, it''s better to buy or lease a small building in Manchester Enterprise Zone and establish a Dark Horse Comics zone across the UK or start with Ireland. But it''s an unknown and difficult-to-access market compared to Manchester.


    That''s the tradition of the comic market.


    It''s unheard of that these two series are causing a small sensation in the world of comics. In previous years, according to Mike, they would have sold double or triple, but comics are on the decline. Issue 7 premieres next Saturday of this month. And reprints are happening every day, with a new print run of 500,000 copies. Two employees were hired for the complete process.


    The first batch of prints, with the help of four employees due to time constraints, took a total of three weeks to assemble 400,000 comics. Now, they started a month earlier, with two employees, and the count stands at 150,000 copies ready. It''s possible that next month, two more employees will be hired, making it a team of five.


    The world of comics isn''t a very lucrative one. Compared to other entertainment media, it only yields enough. The issue is that it couldn''t be enough if one wanted to generate savings in case of a crisis. That''s why both DC and Marvel went into recession during the ''90s. In both situations, it was due to a lack of innovation and creative strangulation. One is cushioned by the large Warner chain, the other by selling its characters and the challenge of starting new projects in marketing, animated series, and the cinematic field.


    The next goal is to hoist the world of fantasy and science fiction, perhaps handling different works composed in literature, to generate an amalgam of drawn series capable of generating a great chain of comics that will subsequently be reflected in animated series and comics, providing a joint idea to a great animation channel like Cartoon Network or later Crunchyroll as a streaming platform.


    -Mr. Mike, it''s a pleasure to speak with you over the phone, - said Billy, still lost in his thoughts as he conducted a brief meeting.


    -The pleasure is mine, - replied Mike Richardson, jotting down notes. - In these two months, sales have exceeded our imagination. I''ve had a meeting with the sportswear brand Nike for advertising in your comics. I know you''ve developed up to the final arc of Slam Dunk, and it''s printed 15 issues so far. As an initial form from the following titles, you can include Nike advertising in your comics, especially in your drawings, - said Mike.


    -Fantastic, -replied  Billy absentmindedly.


    -Can you redesign the entire layout to include the Nike brand as a period of advertising while the comic lasts? - Mike Richardson asked pedantically.


    -It''s possible, but it would mean reworking the design of the books in general, which is a long and tortuous process, - replied Billy, with some hesitation, knowing that starting from scratch is not very easy to swallow.


    -But, starting from issue 16, adding the ads won''t be a problem. The next print run of all issues will already include the advertising, and in the color comic books, it''s a done deal. The color design will feature all the elements, - said Billy.


    -We need to get the structuring done, take it as a quick fix for some cash to sponsor your drawing work. It''s not normal for good brands to approach for sponsorship, - commented Mike.


    -How much is the brand sponsorship? -asked Billy, already starting his reprinting process, luckily he has the drafts and whole pieces they used for hand printing.


    -A lot. -


    -I''ll do it, just give me time. -


    -Billy, that''s perfect. I''ll call them and discuss this matter with Nike. I don''t think it''ll be a problem; the CEO is willing to make a payment of $2 million for including Nike in your books immediately, as long as they have a right of first refusal: meaning they would be our exclusive sports sponsor for this comic, - Mike replied, pressuring the boy. - If you think about it, it''s a net income of over a million dollars. Dark Horse Comics will take a 3% cut of the payment, and the rest will go into your coffers, - said Mike cheerfully.


    -It''s a joy for me to accept Nike''s advertisement, - said Billy, with some doubt. His father listened to the conversation while Billy picked up the phone, with a gesture as if to say, - Shouldn''t you be doing this? �C He asked.


    -Well, I''ll send the contract to your father; there will be a few loopholes they''ll use to exploit the spending. Be careful with these sharks; they''re quite terrible, and before you know it, you''ll find yourself in a disadvantaged position, - said Mike.


    -Billy thought about it.


    -Well, I''ll adjust the volumes, but I want you to hire assistants who focus on the comic factory process. Currently, I only have two people helping me with the volume creation process, and this is for the packaging process. I need a specialized artist to help me with the small processes that take up my time, - replied Billy, loading Mike with operations.


    -I have plenty of people who can do that, - added Mike, resolved and quick.


    -I''ll do it, but I want those gentlemen! - said Billy.


    -Deal, - replied Mike.


    -Then I''ll start editing the volumes; however, the brand visibility would begin in May and pause in June until September when the summer season ends, according to the established plans, - said Billy.


    -We''ll discuss it; we could advance the distribution of the Slam Dunk series by a month. It depends on the final negotiations your father agrees to, - said Mike.


    The logistical expansion of the company isn''t particularly good for him, especially considering the time he has to draw the series that he already has as a support point. For the summer, the 90s are the next year, and time doesn''t wait. How would he fare with his acting career; will it be possible to succeed in this new challenge? Upon reflection, with more points of sale, it''s more likely that he''ll reach the million-copy mark. Depending on the sales volume, a portfolio of investments could be created, investing in potential stocks is in his next steps.


    ... S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 9. romeo and juliet.

    theater day


    Acting is the art of portraying a character convincingly on stage or screen. It involves embodying the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors of a character to create a believable performance. Acting requires a combination of skill, talent, and dedication to effectively convey the character''s intentions and emotions to the audience.


    In many ways, acting does require courage. It''s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing vulnerability, and putting yourself in someone else''s shoes. Actors often have to perform in front of large audiences or in front of a camera, which can be intimidating. They also have to take risks with their performances, exploring complex emotions and situations.


    The middle school theater department has been working for half a year to complete the classic Shakespearean play: Romeo and Juliet. During the audition for roles, Billy auditioned twice, and on the second try, he landed the role of Romeo''s enemy, a Capulet named Tybalt. Due to his acting skills highlighted by the interpretation system, Billy could be considered the cream of the crop, in terms of middle school standards, but his shyness was a trait that didn''t go unnoticed. It was due to his limited participation in previous performances that he didn''t have much attention from his teachers and was merely a backdrop.


    The teacher who directed the play, was Mr. Clarens, a Spanish teacher in the final grade of middle school. The haughty attitude of the characters, as well as their Victorian postures of straight backs from English culture, about nobility and formal education of etiquette measured in small gestures, he attended four group etiquette classes to perfect this traditional baroque performance for a total of two hundred dollars.


    An expense funded by his father! but ultimately provided by the sale of comics. Unnecessary, as Thomas Carson would say.


    The classes already adjusted to the tight schedule of a young man crossing eighth grade and drawing almost four hours every day. He learned about the representative greetings that should be offered to gentlemen and ladies, the courtesy titles, and some protocols to be observed at the table, postures, meanings, gestures, traditions, and how not to fail in the attempt.


    Billy woke up early, with the cloudy day on the horizon, but it didn''t dampen his enthusiasm to continue practicing his usual lines.


    In front of a mirror, he observed his face, his features, and everything he showed to the camera.


    ...


    I could only reread the lines until the moment they got out of the car; some words of encouragement from his father were heard in the distance as he entered the grand theater of the school, at least for about 300 people. They arrived just in time to enter the dressing room and prepare for their big night.


    -My dear Juliet, - he mentioned to Hanna Parks, one of the main faces of the theater club. - Today, the voices will acclaim your beauty, - said Billy, as a soft bow gestured in his steps.


    Hanna only hummed softly. - You flatter me, - she said.


    She wore a green and gray costume, the colors representing the Capulets, while the Montagues wore a brownish-red, emblematic of Romeo''s passions.


    Exiting character, Hanna took a seat beside Billy.


    -It''s nice to see you too, Bill. I''m nervous; it''s the first time I have the lead role, and I''m afraid of messing up any lines, - Hanna replied.


    -You''ll do great, - the young man added, sitting beside her. Seeing Hanna''s watery eyes, he continued his conversation.


    -The teacher explained that no matter what if we make a mistake, the grace is not to step out of character, although I don''t think it''ll happen to you. You were perfect in Friday''s practice, - Billy concluded.


    -It''s not that; it''s just the shame that doesn''t wash away. I''m afraid of blanking out, - Hanna commented.


    Not far from Billy''s feelings.


    -I''ll get a glass of water; I''ll see you in a bit, - Billy said, exiting the dressing room, needing to have a glass of water.


    Among the theater club, two people boasted potential futures: Hanna and perhaps Mauricio Diaz, who played Friar John. He had a warm aura when performing, which gave him a certain air of talent that the other schoolchildren didn''t possess, even though only in eighth grade, the difference was already apparent. However, it''s not very common for many children to be supported in acting; the field is only loved from afar.


    Billy''s acting career was built on methodical study and the points of the system, which gave him a talent that only years of practice achieved for other people. But it wasn''t just the work; there was something deeper, his ability that stood out above ordinary people, like an athlete acquiring a deeper talent than his competitors, an innate talent. The invaluable ability that a genius manages to locate in just two hours takes others twice or three times as long to achieve the same result with a little effort.


    Billy''s POV.


    The red curtain displayed the children''s faces; the gentle voice of the social studies teacher, who served as the off-screen narrator for this play, sounded. She announced the participants and the roles each one assumed in a sample. She positioned each scene or star act so that the audience wouldn''t get lost, as well as so that the children wouldn''t lose the rhythm of each scene.


    It was a fragrant night of panic, in the nervousness of the performances. In front of an audience, artistic capabilities were reduced to fragrant fear imposed by the gazes; even with experience, the desires to give a good show were overshadowed by that incomprehensible thing for our brains, in this case, the awakening of a new sought-after and yearned-for profession. It might have been the deep-seated fears marginalized in life that what was new contained a high value of learning difficulty. Or it was my soft character speaking, deep within my numerous falls. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He stuttered his lines forcefully, the best he could; if there were a recording, people would mock it. What panic to be in front of an audience observing everyone from afar.


    In one moment, it was the lines; in the next, time passed like lightning. He only reacted to the red curtain closing. His journey to the car felt extinguished.


    -I think you did fine, son, -Thomas added.


    -Hmm... I was terrible. At least I could sustain the small dialogues between each scene. I wouldn''t say it was perfect. I just feel like I could have done better than I expected, - the boy finished, feeling discouraged.


    -Well, in a few days, you''ll get over it. I''m sure you''ll make it. Watching E.T. isn''t about getting discouraged; just keep doing what you''re doing, - Thomas replied.


    It was my first scene.


    1. Shakespeare introduced and popularized many words and phrases into the English language through his plays, and "Romeo and Juliet" is no exception. Some of the popular words and phrases introduced by Shakespeare in this play include "in love", "crossed star", "love is blind", and "winged departure".


    disclaimer: This is fanfiction, nothing belongs to me.

 10. relations with Nike.

    Shortly after the theater club debacle, Billy delved into studying Nike''s request, completing the manga exactly as they had asked.


    The development of the Slam Dunk manga:


    Initially, the comic and manga samples faced several challenges due to handling black, white, and gray colors. The prints didn''t allow for special tonal adjustments. Manga printing until the year 2000, based on the technology of the time, saw a change due to the use of glossy paper. Although it increased comic assembly time, it added a bit more impressionism to the artwork.


    Through his previous experience as an editor, inker, colorist, and independent cartoonist in his former life, Billy managed to improve the current poor image quality and adapt the comic to a practical black-and-white design as much as possible. However, Mike Richardson mentioned that an industrial printer allowed for more vivid colors. The issue? The price.


    For now, only a spectacular drawing was all they could offer.


    This success in selling comics from the Lux Animation company was due to the innovative handling of shadows and the artistic approach of drawing to portray a more linear idea with complete scenes. It caused a stir thanks to its design, ahead of its time, along with the increased quality of paper, using 45-gram offset paper.


    However, offset paper couldn''t compare to the thicker, finer couche paper, which would increase total costs by 30 cents per comic.


    Relations improved due to talks with Mike. Canadian company Domtar handled all the work, specializing in producing fine papers, weights, and formats, with a headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and expanding into the North American market. The paper quality was different in terms of ink absorption.


    Although couched paper already had a special manufacturing process, it was used for printed publications, brochures, or business cards, and was adopted by the comic industry in 1997 amid a progressive decline in sales, even though color printing covered excessive paper costs.


    For now, offset paper is the most suitable. A prompt update would require a few years back.


    -I still don''t understand why I have to come to the contract signing meeting, - Billy said.


    -Nike doesn''t have a headquarters in California, so the meeting was scheduled at The Sainte Claire, - Mr. Carsen said.


    Billy had never entered such a beautiful and elegant restaurant in his two lives; this was the first time. The deserving hotel represented a change in the way it made its customers feel. "The Sainte Claire" was a historic hotel located in downtown San Jose, near San Jose Diridon Station, and it was simply spectacular.


    Everything was very elegant, comparable to an 80s movie, even though it was the early 90s. The waiters dressed professionally with gloves. A not very tall dark-skinned man and a common white man, both in standard business attire.


    In the distance, two men in identical black suits observed the Carsons'' arrival with a raised hand, a call.


    A pleasure to meet you, Thomas Carsen. I''m Peter Ruppe, Director of Marketing for Nike''s Sportswear Division in the United States, and this is Tom Clarke, executive assistant manager of the sales division, - Peter Ruppe said with a friendly smile.


    -Pleasure, gentlemen. This is my son Billy, the cartoonist of Lux Animation. I''d like to call him writer, cartoonist, and designer of the Slam Dunk comic, - Thomas said to Peter and Tom, in a presentation that would astound anyone.


    Both stopped in surprise; it wasn''t common. Their raised eyebrows said it all. A comic of such structure, with elements proposing a classic, being designed by a young man��Americans'' precocity directed towards different social aspects. This was the new Richard Branson of the era.


    "Please, have a seat," Tom said.


    "We ordered a bottle of wine, but it seems that was a hasty decision," Peter Rupe mentioned jokingly. "But, I was expecting two adults; my apologies for the miscommunication," he added with a calm voice.


    -No problem at all, Mr. Clarke. It''s very kind of you. I''ll order a burger for Billy. And I''ll enjoy the wine with you gentlemen, - Thomas said, signaling the waiter again.


    -It''s appreciated. Now, as we''ve discussed in phone meetings, we have a framework of ideas for the expected advertising of these comics, but there are some doubts, - Peter Ruppe said with a hint of flavor.


    -There are some necessary events to determine the ongoing business we''re proposing. I understand this is one of the few linear series in the industry. How long do you expect this series to be in print? - Peter Rupe asked, directing their gaze towards Billy.


    -At least eight years, - Billy commented, notching up. - No! Maybe ten years, - he corrected himself.


    -That calms our doubts. It will be put in writing. Additionally, if possible, could you dedicate a collaboration page with Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Clyde Drexler? The average age of Slam Dunk series buyers is 12 to 23 years old. This has generated a sense of anticipation in these past two months. We have a perspective to negotiate for the duration of the series for a minimum of two years, - Peter Rupe said.


    -That''s possible, - Thomas said. - In the series extension, we expect the publication time to range from two to three years, not including post-completion publication. -


    -As for the exclusivity proposed in clause number 6 regarding the comprehensive advertising of derivatives on platforms outside of comics, the relationship and due payment are not detailed, - Thomas pointed out.


    -Ah-ha, - Peter acknowledged.


    -The comic''s design aims for this series to have some on-screen appearances in television and cinema. I''d like to extend the preferential right regarding the design to extend this clause and generate payment attached to the production company, - Peter Rupe said.


    -Do you expect support from our company for a possible audiovisual production? - Thomas asked.


    -That''s correct. We know it; future buyers will come sooner or later, - Peter replied.


    -Well, we''ll have a series. If Nike wishes, they can create it, - Thomas remarked.


    -We accept the sponsorship deal for advertising; however, part of the animation is distant for Nike. But if it happens, it also implies that you notify us in case the said series is produced, - Peter responded.


    -That''s fair, - Thomas agreed.


    Billy ate his cheeseburger with a gesture of discomfort. Although fast food from the 90s has become standardized, specialized burger joints are scarce. Fast-food chains are associated with economy, speed, and availability on every corner.


    The back and forth between Thomas and Peter Rupe was intense; every topic was meticulously studied by Thomas.


    -Billy, do you have anything to say? - his father asked.


    -Yes, I have the idea of releasing some collectible cards for the Slam Dunk series after showcasing some other characters. I like the idea of having cooperation in selling collectible cards similar to baseball cards, - Billy said to Peter and Tom, looking up from his burger.


    -You can publish them without any inconvenience. Meanwhile, we''ll think about possible activities that would benefit us as a company and brand in the future. If you have an idea, just let us know! - Peter encouraged.


    -Alright, - Billy replied, returning to his burger, ears attentive to anything else.


    They poured another glass of wine, now halfway through.


    -That''s good, then there''s no problem. We''ve reviewed the faxed copy of the contract; it''s a pleasure to meet you both, - Peter Rubbe said.


    -Yes, we''ve read the contract. It''s a pleasure to sign a cooperation agreement with Nike. I''ll send it over when everything''s finished. For now, we''ll work on Nike''s advertising as much as we can, -Thomas said.


    -Very well. The initial payment of one million dollars will be deposited at the end of this month, in late 1990, with the next payment at the convenience of fulfilling the agreement, - Tom, the other part of Nike, more responsible for the organizational side, stated. - It''s the mistrust of closing a business of such capital without any inconvenience! -


    -Why was everything so easy, Dad? - Billy asked.


    -I don''t know, son. One reason could be the eagerness to close the deal, - Thomas replied.


    For that reason, they would be eating into the market before it even manifested itself. Maybe Adidas will be at my door next month. Billy thought. But it doesn''t matter anymore; an exclusivity agreement was signed. Winning now is more convenient. It''s possible that with the bidding of two sports companies at play, the sum of advertising may increase, but I''m just a small comic company, backed by a comic company with only a few years in the market.


    ... S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 11. If I have to use the advantages, I will use them.

    -So, Nike behaved well and didn''t cause any issues, - Mike Richardson questioned over the phone hours later.


    -Yes, they had a clear goal and didn''t seek any apparent benefit. Is something strange? Are all negotiations this smooth? - Billy said.


    -They aren''t. Regarding your request to create a comic about Terminator, I spoke with my contact, and James Cameron gave the green light for the script to be adapted into a movie just as you proposed, - Richard said.


    -Wow, you talked to James Cameron? - Billy exclaimed.


    -It might sound like that. His assistant handles calls, and his agent deals with these kinds of matters, - Mike said.


    -If you''re working on the story, when will the comic be ready? - Mike asked.


    -I''m working on it, but I''m struggling a bit with the respective plot. I''ll show you the product when it''s ready, - Billy said.


    -That''s good. Mrs. Halle added that she wants to have approval before it''s produced, - Mike said.


    -Any issues with that Mrs. Halle? - Billy questioned.


    -No, just that James Cameron is usually demanding with the Terminator franchise. With your skills, there shouldn''t be any problems. Remember the 40, 30, and 30 that I mentioned? With the popularity of the series, 40 percent of the revenue goes to James Cameron, 30 percent covers Dark Horse Comics'' commission and distribution expenses, and 30 percent is profit for the writer. It''s good earnings; Terminator is a series that sells quite well, with sales numbers reaching 50,000 per issue, - Mike commented.


    -Alright, Mike. I''d like to move forward with the sponsorship for advertising. It could premiere alongside Pinky and the Brain, Samurai Jack, and Hellboy, - Billy said.


    -The Pinky and the Brain series will be produced with color issues of 30 pages, especially enhanced, as a way to catch the attention of Warner Entertainment and Amblin Entertainment. Lux Animation has high hopes for the sale of this series to expand its coffers. Samurai Jack and Hellboy are different identities, with intriguing stories developed over five seasons of thirteen episodes in their animated series. The comics serve as a means to build relationships to create animation and reprint many more series. Terminator is a 1991 movie; in a comic containing shots from the film elevated to the square. Setting the future as an introductory prologue to spice up the volume, referencing both the past and the future, all done before James Cameron starts tweaking the effects, will be part of Billy''s comic. Even if I have to cancel the Samurai Jack series for next summer, publishing the Terminator series is of vital importance. For the plan in the film industry, it''s said that nepotism in Hollywood is evident, and relationships are an important part of an actor''s development. Scaling from scratch is a long and tedious process, - Billy explained.


    -Your drawings are amazing; I''m eager to see what design you''ll come up with. I''m a faithful fan of Ghost in the Shell/Yu Yu Hakusho. It''s on par with Akira, Astro Boy, and Sandman. I''ve read up to volume 8 that you advanced here in Oregon. I look forward to seeing the project drawn in advance, - Mike said.


    -I''ll consider it. It''s better to surprise you instead of you knowing the entire course of the story beforehand, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, little Billy, don''t keep me waiting too long, - Mike joked.


    -Mike, no spoilers until June, - Billy said.


    -Don''t forget the Comic-Con at the end of August in San Diego. Last year started with the Eisner Award for best artist, best series, best editor, best artist, and writer, - Mike reminded. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Among everything, you''re your writer, editor, artist, and draftsman, all in one, -Mike said.


    -Is there a chance to beat the big two? - Billy asked.


    -It''s complicated. DC and Marvel''s design is a massive market share, and their teams are among the best in the market, but there''s a possibility of winning one award over the others, - Mike said.


    The award typically garners some recognition within the reader community. Positive success statistics are a significant draw for Americans seeking new entertainment reads, and even for entertainment companies. Those winners have evident popularity indices; word of mouth tends to spread among characters willing to invest.


    -Those are fanciful ideas, Mike, but it wouldn''t hurt to win the Best Artist award, -  said Billy.


    -Speaking of which, DC recently reached out to me, asking about purchasing Captain Atom. They''re willing to shell out 20,000 dollars, - said Mike.


    -It''s too little. Captain Atom will help me later. Restarting the series isn''t a bad idea. Tell me, what do you think about creating a world similar to Marvel or the Justice League, infusing culture and suspended animation into a new world written by our own hands to compete with the previous worlds created by those pioneers who marked the Golden Ages? - said Billy.


    -It''s interesting, - said Mike. - I''ll pass on the negative response. But superheroes are being revalued. There''s no need to focus on a bygone era. The novelty and intrigue of your series focused on everything but superheroes, is one of your strong points. The focus is shifting, and the stories are becoming more compelling. -


    A shrewd comment from Mike Richardson, albeit mistaken because there are many mediums in which superheroes are loved and will continue to be loved. But he''s not wrong; television series, beloved for the intriguing stories they can represent, don''t lie.


    -I''ll think about it, Mike, - said Billy.


    Certainly, the ambiguous world of superhero series has been lost, and new productions have become engrossed in different and unimaginable universes. - thought Billy - who, knowing the future, knows that series like V for Vendetta, Sandman, The Walking Dead, Saga... are many revalued ideas straying from the classic superhero formula.


    For now, Terminator is a step in the carefully planned series he has for the next thirty years.


    Ambition?


    ...

 12. terminator.

    The months of March, April, and May were revealed in an ethical study. Following Nike''s sponsorship, the financial cushion of Lux Animation entered a period of prosperity. Savings and investments opened doors to new ventures.


    Sales totaled 300,000 copies. A reprint of Issues 1 and 2 of "Ghost Report" and "Slam Dunk" has begun, with a total of 100,000 copies distributed. Over the next ten years, Slam Dunk will undoubtedly seek to make a lasting impression.


    The issue with sales figures lies in the lack of longevity. While initial sales years are strong, the danger lies in expanding volumes or losing freshness, which can ultimately end comics.


    -The shares are priced at 0.41 cents. We bought $20,000 worth of shares,- said Thomas.


    A total of 48,720 shares. The growth proposal from the investment fund is null, but his father followed his advice.


    -We bought shares of Coca-Cola for $7.03. That''s $50,000, for a total of 7,103 thousand shares purchased. The wait is long, but we''ll earn some dividends from Coca-Cola. And that''s it, the deposit payment, - said Thomas.


    -Wow, quite the businessman. A $70,000 investment isn''t a joke, - said Billy, surprised.


    -The second tax payment of $250,000 to the IRS will be made on June 15. The total bank credit for the plot in Almaden Valley, two acres, of the new Lux Animation company has been paid off. It meets the specifications you gave me. If comic sales continue to do well, we''ll buy the vacant land behind it. Much more expensive, it''s almost two hectares that perfectly border the acres, forming an L, particularly novel in the topography plans, - said Thomas.


    -It sounds like an ironic dream, our place to create comics, - commented Billy, utterly joyful.


    -Have you made any progress with the summer season? - Thomas asked.


    -Yes, look, - Billy handed over a blueprint.  -This is the complete design so far of the Terminator spin-off set 13 years in the future, - said Billy.


    ...


    -Wow. - S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -So, what do you think? - Billy asked Thomas.


    -It''s a very good comic. I see clear and explicit differences in your style, very similar to James Cameron''s film. It''s more... American, not... it''s like the 80s movies we love so much,- Thomas told Billy.


    -About 60,000 color copies, profits are higher due to concentrated sales of multiple issues in one. So far, this is halfway through the story, with another 150 pages to complete the comic book, -said Billy.


    In the last three months, his skills have progressed at a dizzying pace. However, he made a miscalculation; the orders and desires are extravagant, and the point total has decreased. Admiration points are increasing.


    He has earned hundreds of admiration points and some excitement points, but progress is slow and steady. After reaching 13,000 points in interpretation, orality came easily to him, but anxiety and nerves were still present in his performance. According to the master, his skills are acceptable for any supporting role.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 22.00��22.40


    Literature: 18.89��21.23


    Interpretation: 10.03��14.00


    Points: 0.4


    [Drawing store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack 15 points.


    Hellboy 22 points. 1993


    Slam Dunk. 30 points 1990


    Yu Yu Hakusho. 40 points. 1992


    Dexter''s Laboratory. 21 points 1994.


    Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers 25 points.


    Pinky and the Brain 15 points 1992.


    Johnny Bravo 15 points 1994.


    Rurouni Kenshin 25 points 1994.


    Evangelion 20 points 1994.


    Doom 15 points 1993


    The production of the comic series is on the right track. But the design hasn''t progressed at a dizzying pace, as initially thought. He''s been drawing and creating for a total of a year and a half. Even with cheat systems, there are too many issues that can''t keep up with the creations.


    Pinky and the Brain have six issues planned for this summer season, which are already done, drawn, and in the packaging process. Each one is priced at $1.99, with 15,000 copies printed.


    Samurai Jack finished the first two volumes of 200 full-color pages, with an elegant design covering the entire first season. Each volume has a print run of 60,000 copies, to be released on June 13th and June 23rd, priced at $8.99 each.


    Hellboy has a five-part installment on the "Seed of Destruction" series, with each having a total of 70,000 copies, to be distributed every Friday starting from the first week of June, priced at $8.99 each.


    Terminator is a 300-page tome priced at $10.99, and it''s a sensation. It will sell a total of 60,000 copies in the first delivery and a second one is proposed for late July, based on the sales pace.


    An agreement has been reached with Comic Journal and Comic Scene regarding advertising expenses for our massive release of three new series throughout two and a half months.


    Advertising expenses amount to $30,000. Along with exposure in some major comic stores in five large comic-consuming cities.


    New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco were focal points in sales processes, along with Oregon, which was chosen for being the industrial headquarters of Dark Horse and has brought in an established fan base as its first point of sale. They have clear contacts that have established a fixed market share.


    -Just keep working, son. For now, I''ll register the trademarks. Take note of the matter and register the brand from different perspectives, -  Thomas commented.


    ...

 13. the time chosen’

    June of 1989.


    Most of the time in art, it can evoke a sense of powerlessness in those inspired to find an omen, the call to madness is to show readers a product good enough to impress the niche, impressing everyone from wide-eyed children to university students bored with their ghostly classes, who are in marginal stress from studying and working, to the teenager who can''t decide on the future of their life, or the old person seeking shelter in an image that separates their life and distracts their thoughts.


    The art system can repeat and navigate scripts across different eras and adapt them in beautiful artistic equality. The point is, when you recreate a work, you feel the perfection of the previous artist who seeks to achieve their own identity that composes the entire work. A work shines with pleasure, and adding a touch of perfection is only known from the margin of appreciation of repeating and knowing it over and over again.


    -Some demand.-


    This is Terminator. a repeated work a million times over in an argued process of conceiving a repeated work, derived from a known product. It''s a search to fill spaces, improve environments, fill characters with three-dimensionality, empathize with the machines, hate the machines, and vice versa. Loving John Connor and hating John Connor, as every work seeks the dawn of emotions.


    -Billy, your comics, Comicboon, haven''t sold as expected, and sales haven''t reached a good margin. The Hellboy series has found some ardent fans. I''ve received calls about your incredible masterpiece of the red devil and the great anticipation for the following publications. Although the idea of the Nazis is already worn out, curiously the anchoring of characters is liked. - Mike commented.


    -On the other hand, Terminator has caused a sensation. But nothing out of the ordinary, it has reached a good margin of sales, but as you know, your profits are minimal. Your best-selling series hasn''t managed to attract new fans, your new comics haven''t increased sales of the old ones. -Mike finished by saying.


    -I understand. Thank you for the report, - said Billy.


    -I''ll call you for the next report, - Mike commented.


    -I have a quick impression, but we have progressed for the next print runs, - Billy commented.


    -Just keep drawing, kid... - Mike replied.


    He said no more, today, June 20th. It''s almost a month, a month and sales haven''t been friendly to Lux Animation, it''s an expected setback, sales barely cover the bills for June, but they have 10 days, and the month of July. Which is an unknown bitter shot, it can lead to better statistics. He hung up the phone discontentedly, saw his father arrive, and had an uncomfortable look conversation.


    -How is the play going? - Thomas asked, who heard the entire conversation between Billy and Mike Richardson.


    -It''s going well, it''s a representation of the unforgettable Peter Pan, - Billy said.


    -What''s your role? - Father asked.


    -Nothing important, some pirates part of Captain Hook''s crew, - Billy said.


    Peter Pan, in the United States, has been an inspiration since its first productions in Hollywood, it has been part of several commercial successes, and the box office appeal is due to the historical context itself that can even attract large audiences for its design and popular moral.


    So far, it has been adapted twice in film studios, there have been different film adaptations, the first in 1924 and the second in 1953. The second became a worldwide animation classic made by Disney, which is still remembered in the 90s and still generates some commercial profits for Disney in the sale of derivatives.


    -Well, you''ve climbed quite a bit in your skills. I''ve noticed some improvements in your performances in front of the mirror, it''s just a matter of continuing to strive, - Thomas said.


    -I know, but it''s not enough. I''ve dedicated five long years to repeating the interpretation shots I have at home, studying famous acting methods, - Billy said.


    Wow! You still have time to study acting methods! What''s that thing you''re doing in front of the mirror called? - Thomas questioned.


    It''s physical theater theory, it was developed by Jacques Lecoq in the 1950s, but it emerged earlier, it just wasn''t fully established, and some theater members used it through experience and practical teaching.


    At the moment, I have some ideas related to "movement dynamics", I explore different postures and movement dynamics, such as speed, resistance, tension, and relaxation all tied to my naturalness. I like to portray a pirate, well, then I have to adjust my usual movement patterns to how a pirate would. But I adjust these movements in a specific scene. - Billy stated.


    -Wow! That sounds great, a lot of things I don''t understand, - Thomas exclaimed.


    -Just general knowledge, father, -Billy said.


    -Where did you learn all this? - Thomas asked.


    -In acting classes and at the county library, one of the advantages of the state of California is that artistic updates are better archived than I initially thought, perhaps going to a university library with an arts program would help me find some books I overlooked, - Billy said.


    -Is it necessary for you to do all this, Billy? - Thomas asked.


    -I have no idea, but if I want to appear in some movies. I have no connections, and scraping from scratch for a position in some television or film series, it is necessary to meet the requirements that producers or directors expect, who don''t have a budget or are looking for hidden gems that allow their work to be realized as they expect, - Billy said.


    -Hmm... I thought you would use comics as a way to promote yourself as an actor. Of course! That''s why your comics are signed by the name Bill. C. And, that''s the reason you don''t care about the popularity of your drawings, - Thomas commented, continuing with disdain for acting.


    -Father, comics serve other purposes. Expressing my artistic senses and making some money. How much money have we made in five months? - Billy debated.


    -Quite a bit, more than I''ve earned in my 12 years as a lawyer, - Thomas said. -It still doesn''t make sense, I respect you, son, but doing difficult things in your acting career for a little secrecy is contradictory. -


    -Well, not so much. The exploitation we are providing to comics is negotiations that we will use to generate new lines of business. I would like to take a leap into animation, study art at a good university or academy, and open an investment channel to the real estate sector, because following a plan, - Billy said.


    -Real estate sector, -Thomas asked, skeptically.


    -Yes, the real estate sector. I''ve been thinking, here in North San Jose, of buying a good plot of land and building a spacious building that doesn''t exceed five floors. And diversify our businesses. It''s also good to expand throughout California, New York, and Miami, - Billy said.


    -Wait, Billy, buying in New York, are you crazy? Prices are quite inflated, get your ideas grounded, - said Thomas.


    -It''s true, but think about it. Big cities always have greater development, and as one of the tourist destinations, it''s interesting to take a piece of places that have a good future balance. At worst, we rent and sell, - said Billy.


    -Change your career, study business. Someone with your vision would surely make a lot of money with some extra business basics, success is guaranteed," said Thomas.


    Continuing with his knowledge rant.


    -Four days ago, you proposed the idea of ??setting up a burger business, specializing in artisanal burgers. An idea that initially contradicts chains like McDonald''s, Wendy''s, White Castle, Jack in the Box, and Burger King. All hamburger chains with giant productions compete on every corner in every corner of each state. How do you compete against heavy machinery... - he commented.


    >>Your sensible response about using artisanal products that seek a delicate and succulent flavor above the hamburger vending machines that fast food suffers from today. A proposal for a delicious restaurant that only specializes in gourmet-style burgers. Like the new markets of vegetarians and vegans that people have overlooked, due to the new dietary trends that society now considers good. Installing vegetarian options on the menu is interesting. I recently saw an article that precisely talked about the Indian population that doesn''t eat meat and the profit margin that restaurants lose by ignoring this population sector. -


    >>I don''t want to confront you, you know that due to the pressure from my parents, I ended up studying law at university and didn''t study to be a social sciences teacher? I know how it feels, not being allowed to make your own decisions, but your business genius is evident, I feel like you''re wasting your skills that could lead you to enjoy a good life, - Thomas ended up saying, the conversation was drifting.


    -I have a talent for art, Dad, although I indeed have to study something related to business administration or business. It''s never a bad idea to have some knowledge about how money and companies function. Art is more important than anything else! - said Billy.


    In his previous life, he never had job opportunities, art consumed his body and soul, and the great offers that came were all wasted due to his lack of planning and stubbornness.


    -I like it and I''ll dedicate some time to it, but I would like to have more time to dedicate myself to the comics industry and acting, - said Billy.


    He took a breath.


    -You''re not being mature, -Thomas commented.


    -Listen to me, the early graduation program, taking high school degrees in two years. It requires academic intensity, but I can promote an excellence scholarship, I mean I''m a young entrepreneur and I know very well what my dedication and interests are, - said Billy.


    -Ohhhhh, you plan to finish school at 16, Billy, it''s quite complicated. University students live in a different kind of environment, I wouldn''t agree to let you rush so much in life. People must go through processes and one of them is going to school and living your student life, - said his father.


    -I understand, Dad, let me finish. I want to go to an animation academy (CalArts), the California Institute of the Arts. I''m sure that in four years I can qualify for a bachelor''s degree in animation. I promise to dedicate myself to the study of animation and make it work, - said Billy.


    >>>The animation fine arts program can be used as one of my main means, dedicating myself in parallel to photography or painting studies. They are closely related, and it would help me with my future ideas of bringing my comics to life in Lux Animation''s animation studio. Once I''m done with that, I can easily dedicate myself to studying introductory courses in college, like social sciences and mathematics. and in four years, when I finish my animation degree. I''ll be free to study administration, - said Billy.


    Approaching Thomas.


    -I don''t like it, you''re getting ahead too much, and besides, this institute is a small representation of a university focused on art. As far as I know, it''s also very expensive, and a scholarship is something that only great geniuses would get, I don''t doubt you, just go step by step, you have a whole life, - said Thomas.


    -Are you saying I don''t have a talent for drawing? What nonsense. Let''s leave this conversation here, apparently, you''re not much different from your parents, nothing is enough for you, - said Billy, choking up, wanting to slam the door shut with force.


    -Billy, we''re not finished! -Thomas shouted with a cry.


    ...


    disclaimer: This is a science fiction series and everything described here is not real.


    edited.  S��ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 14.what is acting

    After a loss, what happens? Even if you''re right? S��ar?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The school year ended, without much fanfare. Middle school was finally over. Graduation day, hosted by Brian the braggart, a kid who got the best grades among all the graduates, but was certainly unbearable with his arrogant attitude.


    ...


    "School is the home that educates us and teaches us to be better kids,


    the study we share with our teachers during the day


    is demanding and tough, but life is often demanding and tough, thanks for everything,


    to my classmates, my teachers, and everyone who allowed me to be who I am


    now." From Brian Jones.


    ...


    It must be declared that in these educational institutions, there is a more established sense of belonging than in other countries, not because it makes it better, it''s almost as if Americans, from childhood, teach their children through structured study and through schools that effort brings success, and it''s worthy of celebration. It reminds me of the Pink Floyd song "Another Brick in the Wall."


    A small runway, filled with photos. Some gossip about the parents'' meeting, where they talked about their living pride in their children and the next steps to take in high school, and the shelter of school relationships. Private schools are miles apart from public ones in terms of education, order, and implementation of different types of courses and academic approaches.


    My next school, the beautiful Notre Dame High School, had good academic approaches to the art scene. My focus would only go through theater and the necessary courses to skip a year. For now, my deal with my father ended after the school assistant mentioned the difficulty and requirements needed to accomplish such a task, due to the difficulty of skipping two grades. Normally, and on extraordinary occasions, one is more than enough for precocious children, who often prefer to take some college courses on weekends and attend school during the week.


    Why act, why pursue the world of arts so ardently? It''s for the love of pursuing something you consider unimaginable. Cinema has a vibe that everyone feels at some point when they shed tears after finishing a movie, the hearty laughter after watching a comedy, the drama experienced in some series, and the curiosity aroused by certain performances that lead to trying something they were never able to try, life stories with pleasant morals.


    We all like to lie down and dream about nicer futures, that''s what an actor does, providing comfort over the daily hardships. It''s ultimately a great production chain that builds from the bottom and ignites people''s hearts.


    -Congratulations, dear. -said Billy''s grandmother, Helen Carson, with her white hair. She still clashes with my father, Thomas, after Thomas mentioned that he would force me to study business administration at least. Her attitude improved a bit.


    Grandma''s life is somewhat sad.


    Life''s courses have changed. People are not blamed. From a young age, she was always restless, but her father was a stubborn and tough man who didn''t allow her to go beyond high school. At a young age, she was married off in an arranged marriage in 1929 at eighteen.


    After years of a tough relationship, she had three children, one of whom was a rancher. And he''s had some success in recent years, but nothing relevant. He earns enough to live a good life. Jeffrey Carson is the eldest. The middle brother died while serving in the Vietnam War, a taboo topic in the family, and Grandma still harbors resentment against the military for the death of her 21-year-old.


    Lastly, there''s my father, the youngest by far, Thomas Carson. He''s the one who had the fortune to fulfill dreams and spread his wings. There''s a family feud with his older brother over leaving the family ranching business. Grandpa stopped working ten years ago, but because of his boredom, he decided to work as a mechanic for a few hours to distract his mind. The years take their toll, just as he never imagined.


    Thanks, Grandma. - Billy said.


    -Why the long face? - Clarke, a fellow student from his school, asked.


    -I''m just feeling down. I hate these kinds of ceremonies. - Billy replied.


    -I hear you, buddy. Wearing this gown in this unbearable heat, surrounded by hypocrites, it''s the worst. - Clarke sympathized.


    -We just have a few more grades to go, and then we''ll be free from obligations. - Clarke added.


    -I''m going to Notre Dame High School next year. - Billy announced.


    -Where''s that? - Clarke asked. - I guess I didn''t think much about high school. I figure the one closest to home will do, as long as it has a good SAT score. My folks will understand my decisions. - Clarke shrugged.


    -Oh, still dreaming of venturing out into the world, huh? - Billy asked Clarke.


    -Yep, a road trip across the United States, focusing only on gas, food, and getting with women. - Clarke grinned.


    -You don''t even know how to drive. - Billy whispered to him.


    -I''ll learn next summer, no big deal. - Clarke replied cheerfully.


    -Where did the idea of traveling to all states come from? - Billy asked.


    -From my brother, he''s an NFL player for a mid-table team. During his winter break, he takes me on road trips all over California. They''re the best days of my life, feeling the wind on my face, going to big cities where you don''t know anyone. - Clarke explained.


    -How will you make a living? - Billy inquired.


    -That, I don''t know either. - Clarke admitted.


    Billy smiled. -I hope you figure it out. You know, travelers in Europe earn their keep by working part-time wherever they go, saving up enough to move to the next place. Some develop skills and become street performers, you know, juggling, magic tricks, or singing. - Billy told him.


    -Wow, sometimes you seem to know a lot of stuff. - Clarke remarked.


    -How''s your dream of becoming an actor? Is that why you chose Notre Dame? - Clarke asked.


    -That''s one of the reasons I chose it. The other is my family. I have to be someone in life other than just an actor and artist. - Billy replied.


    -That sucks. - Clarke sympathized.


    In his previous life, he always had support and blamed his mother for all the obstacles he faced. He never achieved any promotions and in the end, could only hold on to avoid living on the streets. The bad job and countless sleepless nights, regretting every decision he made.


    It''s all about wisdom.


    In his previous life, he was begged to study architecture and help in his family and friends'' company. His stubbornness led him on an irreversible journey. If there''s love, there are ways to enforce things; dreams are not excellent moves for anyone.


    Now, he has the reluctant support of his father for art since he has generated talent, money, and business opportunities. If his development were similar to his previous life, he would be forced to follow Thomas''s predetermined path. His family found it distasteful to earn money through fabricated lies like fame. His father gained recognition for his performance as a lawyer but is still punished for his relationship with his South American mother.


    His father''s conservative mindset is somewhat diminished, but he still thinks like a utilitarian; benefits are the mother law, and he doesn''t take actions he deems useless.


    Therefore, he understands that after turning 21, his decisions will have to be taken into his own hands. Under the yoke of his family''s behavior, all his decisions will be suppressed.


    -Congratulations, Billy, - his father said.


    -Thanks, Dad. - Billy replied.


    ...

 15. the new commitment.’

    June of 1989.


    A world without standardized email where everyone communicates, schedules, chats, and potential business relationships start with an email is almost an impossible cradle for some people in this day and age.


    Practicality! Everything is at a good price.


    The dear bomb of why the Nike relationship closed so quickly and without some dark methods that large companies usually use to close deals. Adidas came at the end of July with a wide-ranging offer, a point-of-sale commercial relationship, Slam Dunk''s commercial image with Adidas, and a four-year high-exposure cooperation relationship. Full sponsorship of $5 million, with earnings from derivatives like the Slam Dunk design brand.


    -I see we lost a more reliable relationship - Billy told Thomas.


    -Yes, exclusivity leaves us with our hands tied; it''s impossible to close that relationship unless we pay the contract penalty clauses. It''s almost double what we made with their three-year commercial relationship. - Thomas said.


    -Do you think there''s foul play? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, strange things happen among these giants; we''re just part of their political games of repression. - Thomas said, patting his little son''s head.


    -Is it a two-year contract? The series is planned for about 200 volumes. So far, it''s number 16, the last one printed. - Billy replied, that all he wanted was to keep drawing to earn many system points.


    -Sales haven''t been very good this month. Your series, although of good content, needs time to build a community. Selling the comic book is a cost that kids aren''t willing to bear, and sales aren''t what we expected. - Thomas said.


    -It doesn''t matter; I uploaded them as a way to give myself time to continue with the other issues of the series. Although I have the design for the entire series, it''s not easy. Publishing issues every week for these two months, with alternative publications, gives me space to get ahead and publish until December. - Billy said.


    -Drawing problems? - Thomas asked. - I hadn''t considered it! You''re always drawing everything so smoothly, it gives me the impression that it''s a very simple task.


    We have printed up to issue number 20. Don''t rush it; Mike told me it''s good to let some time pass so that new readers enter the market and have the opportunity to recommend it to their friends. Don''t worry, son, it''s good to take some reader vacations. - Thomas said.


    -I''m not in a hurry. - Billy said. - I know that, over time, we''ll sell. Father, think about it, it''s an investment; have you heard of George Lucas''s case? Content bets these days are on derivatives; once we have more fame and recognition, we can start selling YuYu Hakusho/Phantom Report and Slam Dunk stamps. The relationship between basketball and the United States can generate a lot of income.


    -What''s George Lucas''s case? - Thomas asked Billy.


    -Look, in the 70s, George Lucas proposed to 20th Century Fox (now Disney or Star+) that the original content''s profit came from ticket sales in both North America and the rest of the world. At the time of closing the contract, Lucas bet on the merchandising rights and derivatives associated with the franchise. At that time, Fox didn''t consider the derivatives valuable, so they agreed to give Lucas the rights in exchange for lower royalty payments. - Billy said.


    -I had no idea about such a trick. - Thomas said.


    -Yep, he''s a brilliant guy; he''s a billionaire with his series, and he played Fox incredibly. - Billy told Thomas.


    -However, the key to all this is that your work performs in the North American box office. - Thomas said. - Only high exposure can sell large quantities of products as you have told me.


    -There''s truth in your words, but right now, we''re getting exposure. By the way, let''s go watch the fourth Pistons game against the Lakers, - Billy said. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We will; let me sort out some contracts. - Thomas said.


    -Yes, although there''s no surprise, the Pistons will win; they''re a very complete team. - Billy said.


    -Billy, they''re tied 2-2; there were some obvious problems with the Lakers'' lineup in the last few games, but they''ll surely win the next game- Thomas said.


    -Is it certain? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, everyone is talking about the big comeback in the fifth game. - Thomas said. - We''re talking about the Super Lakers with five championships; they have Magic on their team. - he said.


    -I''m rooting for the Pistons; want to make a bet? - Billy asked.


    -Bet! Sure, we''ll see, kid. - Thomas said.


    -Okay, $50 that the Pistons win - Billy said.


    -My son, although you''re intelligent, leave sports to the more experienced. Let''s do this. $100 on the Lakers, don''t be discouraged by losing your lunch savings. - Thomas said.


    A whole new world of possibilities doesn''t know much about NFL outcomes, but if there''s something he knows, it''s about the golden age of basketball during Michael Jordan''s time. The Pistons will continue winning; next year, they''ll also be crowned champions, and then it will be the hegemony of the Chicago Bulls, winning three tournaments and achieving the same feat after retiring to play Baseball in 1995.


    Knowing the winner of the World Cup between Germany and Argentina, 1-0, how much could he win with sports betting in this dream life? He needs to be of legal age to go to betting houses; he can''t wait six years to start betting, he''s forgotten some games. But he''ll never forget great moments in sports history. Unfortunately, he only knows basketball and football results, two golden sports in Spain.


    On the night of June 21, 1989, Billy could be seen receiving $100; he upped the bet after the second quarter when the Pistons'' start wasn''t very threatening, but their explosive physique and staunch defense ended up drowning out the Lakers'' warm game.


    -I still can''t believe it! - Thomas said.


    -Believe it; they''ll win next year in the East and also the final against the West - Billy said.


    -Are you boasting again, Billy? - Thomas said.


    -Not at all; they''ll certainly win next year. - Billy said.


    -What are you basing that on? -


    -How do you think a team can sustain Michael Jordan, one of the best players in the East, who in my opinion is one of the best in the entire league? In the West, there''s no other Michael Jordan, so as long as they win in the East, they win the West, simple. - Billy said.


    -Sure, but they''ll win next year in the East; it''s two in a row. - Thomas said.


    -Yes, they''ll win because... Want to bet again? - Billy said.


    If there''s something his father can''t stand, it''s losing; he''ll certainly lose again and fall into a vicious circle, typical of gambling.


    -Yes, how much do you want to lose? - Thomas said - How about $1,000, now that you''re making some income with your comics, in a year, it''s certain you''ll have that money. - Thomas said.


    -Better, Dad, if I lose, I won''t go to the graphic animation school and I''ll immediately study business at Stanford University. - Billy said.


    -Wow, Stanford! We have money to pay for it. - exclaimed his father.


    -There''s the sale of the comics, - Billy said. - Anyway, it''s an investment for the future.


    -Deal, Billy, although you''re very intelligent, this bet will cost you dearly - Thomas said.


    He had always wanted his son to go to a good university, but he wastes his talent for business and doesn''t go to not-so-good universities here in California. - Thomas thought.


    -And if I win? - Billy said.


    -Well, what do you want? Ask for anything you want; it''s not possible that you''ll win anyway. - his father said jokingly.


    -We have $400,000 in the company''s savings account. With the comic sales and the $1 million that Nike owes us, it''s possible to make transactions. I want $30,000, to bet in three betting houses, that the Pistons will win the 1990 season, both in the East and the final championship. - Billy said.


    -I still don''t understand what all this is about. - Thomas said.


    -Easy, the bet is $30,000. If I lose, we lose $30,000, and I go to Stanford. If I win, I keep all the betting money. - Billy said.


    So far, there hadn''t been a distinction in income, and his father handled all the accounts. He was even the owner of Lux Comics, Billy had all the copyrights, but he did nothing but present comics and sell them. Like a good worker, his father was very austere in his expenses, and all the money went to single purchases for the company and household expenses, also sustained by the company.


    But he didn''t have financial freedom; although he had 90% of the company, he trusted his father, what if something happened to him? What about his grandparents, his uncles, or worse, a new woman coming into the house? Money is the root of all evil; it can bring happiness, and comfort, but for money, people are willing to do anything.


    -You''re crazy! $30,000 isn''t a trifling sum; you need to know when to stop. - Thomas said.


    -Come on, Dad, it''s $30,000 to go to Stanford. - Billy said.


    -Okay, deal, I''ll check with the notified betting houses, - Thomas said. - I hope you don''t regret it; you''ll go to Stanford, study two basic courses, and then an MBA in management.


    -Sure. - Billy said.


    -Why are you so sure? Recently, we argued about your hurry to enlist in the animation school. Now, you''re saying that because of some bets, you''re willing to postpone for five years. - Thomas said.


    -I''ll win. - Billy said.


    ...

 16. golden ages.

    The era of comic book industry reform began in the 1970s, which is considered the Bronze Age of comics. New superheroes emerged and agreements were made to utilize merchandising. Marvel teamed up with Mattel and started the process of selling action figures in the early 1980s. Comics were evaluated more realistically, transforming the casual way of relating to superheroes. Three-dimensionality emerged during this time when the boom of a golden age faded, and sales gradually declined with the advent of television.


    Since 1985, the modern age has been established. New themes about character evolution and linear storytelling were explored, with a stronger chronological sense. There were several comic reboots, and the industry faced evident crises, both for DC and Marvel. The leap from this industry reached the film and television world, where new ideas started to emerge for bringing superheroes to the screen. Even comics made their way into the gaming industry, all thanks to the vast North American market, which can sell different things every year due to its consumer-driven economy.


    For capitalists, the North American market is a gold mine that produces substantial dividends. Entertainment is just one of the markets to exploit, and from there, you can understand that wealth is always distributed in questionable ways.


    -Hellboy sales have taken off, - said Anne, the new secretary at Lux Animation.


    Anne has a tan complexion, blonde hair, and soft features. She studied Administration at the University of San Jose. At 27 years old, she hasn''t been able to secure a good job that helps cover her expenses, so she decided to work as a secretary and manage Lux Animation. A weekly salary of $900 is not insignificant. She works from Monday to Friday, and the schedule is not strict, allowing her to pick up her younger brother from school, which is a 30-minute drive from the Lux headquarters.


    The most intriguing aspect of her contract is the confidentiality clause regarding Billy''s identity and the handling of the yet-to-be-released titles stored in the drawing office.


    -How are the numbers? - Billy asked.


    -The sales increased by five points compared to last month''s June. The fourth installment had a sold-out initial release, and they requested a new order for the entire series, -Anne replied.


    -Not yet. We''re short on ink. The order has been placed, but it will take three days for the delivery, along with a supply of 200 kilograms of paper from last month, - Anne said.


    -70,000 copies sold in two days! - exclaimed Billy.


    -No, but many stores have sold out. It''s estimated that New York consumes the most comics, followed by Chicago, Phoenix, Arizona, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Everything is sold out in these five cities, according to the distribution chart. We can implement another print run for the same quantity as before, - said Anne.


    -That''s good. I suppose you''ve scheduled it with the workers, - said Billy.


    -Currently, there are only six people responsible for the entire book production. Given the number of sales, two people manage to assemble 1,500 books daily, totaling 4,500. With the sale of your new series and the accumulation of new ones, we need four more workers. -


    -Make the arrangements and tell my father to provide the contracts. Is the production behind schedule? As for the ink, buy it wholesale without hesitation, - Billy asked.


    -No, but it could be. The order for 280,000 copies can only begin tomorrow, with your advance numbers for Slam Dunk up to issue 24. And the great comic book from issues 1 to 12 and 12 to 24. It won''t be possible to finish them by the end of this month. We can print up to issue 24, pause, and fulfill orders for the Terminator, Samurai Jack, and Hellboy series, - Anne said.


    -If there are so many orders, it''s because there are good sales. Are four workers enough? - asked Billy.


    -In some cities, there have been significant sales, but in others, sales are scarce. We still receive letters requesting more Slam Dunk issues, which have become the bestseller. But with the comic. boon business, the distributors have been waiting, - Anne said.


    -If four are enough, it would fill the machine''s capacity. Even if we hire more, it would be a waste of money. Nevertheless, expenses would increase with four more workers. Currently, you spend a total of $12,000 per month on payroll, - Billy commented.


    -That''s a considerable amount of money. An increase to $14,000 is manageable, - said Billy.


    -It is. The financial statements are healthy. I''ve already started a management plan to optimize processes. There''s a poor organization, but once the implementation begins, we could produce 10,000 copies per day, - Anne said.


    -That many? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, it''s all a matter of order,- Anne replied.


    -Damn, remind me to give you a bonus at the end of the year, - Billy said.


    - I''ll note it in the company''s agenda. By the way, you have a meeting with Mike in two days regarding the comic-con. You didn''t participate, but he wants to give you some details. Also, the sale of shirts was well-received. But, as you said, all profits will be donated to ''Save the Children.'' We received a thank-you letter, - Anne said.


    -Good. I''ll start studying next Monday. I don''t know how much free time I''ll have. Tell Mike that I''m free until Sunday - Billy said.


    -Noted, -Anne replied.


    -Mike also forwarded fan letters. There are a bunch, so be careful. Read them and respond to a few. They''ll be left in the shipping mailbox, -Anne said.


    -Alright, I''ll be in the studio, - Billy said.


    Billy''s studio has changed significantly since they moved from his father''s garage to a large warehouse five blocks away in North San Jose. The old warehouse met all the requirements. Remodeling the entire warehouse was madness. It was thoroughly cleaned, painted a nice white, and some broken things were replaced.


    Currently, only 40 percent of the warehouse is being used, while the rest remains abandoned. As time goes on, they expect to utilize all the available storage space. Comics for children like Pinky and the Brain and Rugrats are especially targeted for ages 4 to 10. Billy plans to expand this section with Dexter''s Laboratory.


    Status: S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 22.12


    Literature: 22.23


    Acting: 17.00


    Points: 134


    [Art supply store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack: 15 pointsHellboy: 22 points (1993)Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points (1994)Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers: 25 pointsPinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)Rurouni Kenshin: 25 points (1994)Neon Genesis Evangelion: 20 points (1994)Doom: 15 points (1993)The Lion King: 50 Points (1991)


    His latest purchase of The Lion King is quite something. As long as it''s published before 1991, there shouldn''t be any significant copyright issues. Considering that this film began its production process in 1988 as a secret project, the earlier it''s published, the better," he thought.


    The Lion King could be one of Disney''s biggest hits in history. If I can secure a portion of that IP, I could earn over 900 million dollars at the box office, especially with its 3D remakes, which have multiplied its earnings. Not to mention the potential profits in other sectors. Now, selling the film rights of The Lion King for a share of the box office, let''s say 10 percent, would be a golden opportunity.


    On the other hand, my stats have increased by 17.00 points in acting ability. The system doubles the increase after reaching 20.00 points. However, with an ability of 20.00, it can already be considered semi-professional. But since it reached 22.00, the point gain has gone from 200 to 400 points.


    In other words, this increase in points is progressive. How long will it take to reach 30.00? An estimate of at least 6,400 points, assuming the increase doesn''t double with each step. However, since reaching 20.00, my abilities have taken a qualitative leap above the rest.


    [7. Sell over 1,000,000 copies with Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Informant: 170 points.


    -Sold 380,000 copies.


    To discover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill the first one.]


    On the other hand, the majority of my desires are complicated and unfulfilled goals, but as more people read the comics, the vicious circle grows.


    The process of reading fan letters is endearing. Most of these fans ask for autographs or updates on the series. There''s already a predesigned document for the majority of cases. Only a few are worthy of a response.


    ..


    .

 17. back to school.

    Welcome to the new school year of 1989, with your principal, Mr. Banks, present, - said a white man with pinkish skin in his 60s.


    >>The day''s schedule and all the agreements will be explained according to the classroom assignments. The schedule will be provided by the respective teachers for those enrolled in the arts program. Rooms 202a and 202b are responsible for distributing the schedules. -


    >>We will have a community integration day. Everyone will have two free hours to get a head start on summer vacation or explore the facilities for new students. For further guidance, please go to the secretary''s office and ask any questions," he said.


    -I need a sunny guy like Clarke in my life, - he thought.


    The school was beautiful, elegantly designed in a Californian style, tailored for the idealistic youth of Los Angeles and Hollywood who dream of becoming famous. Most aspiring actors start with what''s called getting their first break. Some enroll in acting academies, pay some money for opportunities as extras, join unions, or foster relationships with acquaintances.


    -Good morning, - Billy said. - The small classroom had seven people present, which wasn''t unusual. The school had 120 students spread across the upper four grades.


    The teacher was a woman with short blond hair and some wrinkles around her eyes and a smile. A sweet energy emanated from her.


    -Nice to meet you, sir. Please come in and take a seat. We''re still waiting for a few more students from the class to start this informative session, - she mentioned from her desk.


    The beautiful frames of modernist artworks, premiere posters, and drawings on the wall created a picturesque and elusive portrait. The squeezed art of a city so saturated, though lacking the romanticism found in other cities, one could still sense a festive atmosphere in certain areas.


    -Hi, I''m Claudia, -said the young woman with large glasses to Billy''s left.


    -Hello, I''m Billy Carson, - he replied.


    -What''s your talent about? - she asked.


    -What''s my talent about? - he counter-questioned.


    -Well, I mean, what do you specialize in? I''m focused on photography and painting, -Claudia said.


    -The guy two seats down from me is an art companion. We''ll be showcasing our skills for the theater club''s set design. -


    - Oh, theater and drawing, -Billy responded.


    -Oh, an aspiring artist. -  she said.


    -Well, be careful, there are many aspirants in this school. Although this class is small, the upper grades have more identity, and there''s a surplus of roles in theater, - Claudia said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I had no idea about that situation! How big is the theater team? - Billy asked.


    -Hmm...- she pondered aloud, her index finger resting on her chin. - I think around 30 or 40, but I''m not sure. It''s said that one of the upper grades has already landed some supporting roles in TV series. They were in a small part of ''The Wonder Years.'' They''re the sensation of the school, -Claudia said.


    -Oh, they must have a lot of admirers, - Billy said.


    "Yep, although they''re jerks��arrogant and shallow. Their smiles can melt the coldest winter. Jack Boor is their name. They''re always with their buddies, Rick and Edgar. You''ll recognize them, don''t bother," Claudia said.


    -Well, even though I don''t think I''ll be able to participate in many plays, I''m in the accelerated graduation program. I''ll complete four years of study in two and a half years, -Billy said.


    -Wow. Wait, you mean you''ll finish all your studies in two and a half years? -Claudia said.


    -Yes! I took the course. My math, Spanish, and social sciences classes are at an advanced level, -Billy said.


    -Wow, you''re already a year ahead, - Claudia said. -So, how does it work to graduate a year early? Do you know Spanish? �C


    -Well, for now, I just need the most important classes and to earn a certain number of credits. During the summer vacation, I''ll take some additional courses, such as philosophy, art, and history, which will open up my academic schedule to take advanced classes like economics, - Billy said.


    -And yes, I know Spanish. I have a certificate of proficiency in the language. I''ll be taking the two advanced courses offered by the school, - Billy said.


    -Well, then, that''s great! You won''t be in such a rush with the theater club, - Claudia said. - I wanted to be your friend!"


    -Yeah, I participated with pleasure. Acting has always had its charm, -Billy said.


    Just as Claudia was about to speak, the teacher interrupted and clapped, silencing all conversations in the room.


    -Well, now that everyone is here, it''s a pleasure to welcome you all. Due to some schedule changes, the theater club will have two productions instead of three for this academic year. I hope everyone can participate in the play, and attend classes and rehearsals. I''ll be in charge of providing you with some guidance on this wonderful world of theater, -the teacher said.


    >>Oh... I haven''t introduced myself. I''m Raquel, your teacher for acting, dancing, and singing. Every self-respecting actor should have some qualities, whether it''s dance, singing, or playing a musical instrument, -she said.


    >>It''s not mandatory to have skills in these areas, but as you participate in more and more productions, some basic abilities are required to perform certain roles. The most common ones are singing and dancing. The plays tend to embellish the performance with songs or choreography, adding an artistic style unique to the theater. I hope we get along well in this relationship. I''d like everyone to have some basic skills in these areas I''m talking about,- she said.


    She took out a few sheets of paper and went around each seat, handing out the respective schedules.


    -So, it''s true that you''re taking some extra classes, -Claudia said, approaching Billy to take a look at his schedule.


    -Well, that''s me, - Billy said.


    -You''re taking Spanish at an advanced level because there''s no advanced Spanish in this class, from what I understand, - she said.


    -Yep, it''s not much, but it fulfills the requirements I''m looking for, -Billy said.


    -Great, we share math, social sciences, and English, -Claudia said.


    -We''ll see each other then!- Billy said.


    -You''re leaving... I mean, come with me to grab some lunch. We have the day off to explore the school, -Claudia said.


    -Sure, - Billy said.


    -Great, we''ll meet up with some friends who are also in the school. They''re in the regular program, - Claudia said.


    Her friends were Peter, Sarah, and Alicia. It seems that if you attend a middle school, it''s mandatory to come to Notre Dane, and if you''re in a certain school, it''s almost certain that you''ll be admitted here. I understand now why my entrance exam had some requirements. I understand now why the academic grades are more challenging than in my previous school.


    I mean, biology, chemistry, math, social sciences, history, Spanish, and English. They''re a bulk of many subjects that some academic programs don''t include, like electives in economics, philosophy, and theater. It''s just wow.


    ..


    .


    disclaimer: it is ficti��n.

 18. How impressive is Slam Dunk.

    The first week of school was stressful. I didn''t remember how similar schools were to office jobs. The school day is equivalent to eight hours of continuous work. Of course, workdays are filled with pressure that high school overlooks. The education system aims to create a difference and make students feel comfortable.


    The manga Slam Dunk started its release with chapter 17. It refined some unnecessary dialogues and added more convenient elements in line with the sports/shounen drawing style. The script of an animated series takes a stressful path, based on animated blends and fresh designs that allow the word "epic" to remain in its repertoire. (Slam Dunk is one of the best-selling manga series.)


    Initially, the manga may not have the administrative strength to compete against big animated series in the first few chapters. However, as the story progresses and the plot becomes apparent, the magnetic charm of Slam Dunk begins to captivate the hearts of fans. In a country where basketball has not been extensively explored in the animated world, it is seen through a different lens.


    The vibrant colors, and the underexplored sports atmosphere, can be considered the birthplace of sports anime alongside Captain Tsubasa or the Super Champions.


    -So, Mike, the Adidas signals arrived four months late compared to the well-accomplished Nike, who stole the business relationship, -Billy said.


    -Yes, Billy, with an offer of at least 5 million dollars, explosive clothing collaborations, and a special line, - Mike said.


    -Although the two-year deal with Nike has already been finalized, Adidas is willing to wait. However, Nike''s preferential clause gives them an advantage over Adidas. And with just a reasonable increase in contract terms, they can maintain their dominant position,- Mike said.


    -Well, maybe you can call Mr. Peter Ruppe and share the good news with Adidas,- Billy suggested.


    Chapter 19 is the continuation of the series. The technical development of the characters represents the slow progression of a young man from being arrogant, conceited, reckless, and foolish to maturing through basketball. The joy of playing basketball doesn''t merely become a club to win over the love of his life. The desire to become better, portrayed by Sakuragi/Wilt, is a constant longing in his heart.


    Snippet from Chapter 19:


    ... S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The various forms of training, postures, and the animated blend between the intentions of a gang member who seeks to become the boyfriend of the basketball captain''s sister, the journey to greatness throughout high school, and the intricacies. The constant struggle with people who can''t keep up with Sakuragi/Wilt''s thought process is an ongoing battle of qualities between the fun and drama experienced by athletes in their daily lives.


    ...


    -This chapter is quite entertaining, Billy, - Thomas Carsen, his father, told him.


    - Yes, Father, I believe you already know about the Adidas matter, - Billy questioned.


    -Yes, I have some knowledge, -Thomas replied. - Don''t worry, even though we lost some money, I negotiated with the idea that your series will grow in the future and make it to television. First and foremost, Nike is only in a commercial war to capture a portion that Adidas can''t have.


    >>If you notice, the rights to the authorship still belong to you, and even the collaborations will have a share. Nike will only have distribution rights for advertising and marketing purposes. Your work will still retain its identity, and if in three years you can create a product that can be turned into an animated series for television, the profits will exceed two million dollars," Thomas told him.


    -You''re right, Father,-Billy said.


    -Hahahaha, let your father take care of his interests. I hope you continue working diligently on your new releases, -Thomas said.


    -I will. I finished Title 24, and I have the idea of publishing a special edition that includes the entire basketball game, - Billy said.


    -I don''t understand, -his father said.


    -Mmmmm, it''s the first game, a representative arc of Slam Dunk. It''s the beginning where the protagonist falls in love with basketball. In the special edition, Title 25, it''s the day of the game. I want to create a complete volume with two parts, each consisting of 120 pages, narrating the game, - Billy explained.


    -I still don''t understand, - Thomas said.


    -I want Volume 25 to be a single 300-page volume. Expand the plot design during the game and provide a character mapping, showcasing the abilities of different players from other schools, as well as listing the skills of the California Central School. Unleash the events that take place during the game, - Billy said.


    -Give the readers a bit of content, - he concluded.


    Even though the concept of fandom may not be present in everyone''s mind, a series that covers all the details and offers a reasonable design always holds a special place in people''s hearts. Although Slam Dunk is perfect, it''s not a problem to make slight adjustments and extend some scenes that could be interesting for the complete serialization of the series in animated chapters.


    "Fandom" refers to the dedicated and passionate community of followers of a particular TV series, movie, or book. Series fandoms are groups of fans who share a common interest in a series and actively participate in discussions, content creation, events, and activities related to the series. They are a significant sector that holds a special place in people''s hearts.


    -The untapped niche can already be considered for future series, - Billy thought.


    *when I saw slam drunk I was probably 8 years old. it''s a very good series about sports that opened the way to many more, it''s also one of the bestselling series in history.


    /vin_modeus12


    hi everyone, I have written a lot of this story probably almost 30 chapters. I have a few published, but I hope my ideas keep flowing. I hope you all like it, I have written more stories from different series, and I might publish them someday.

 19.money pursuits

    august of 1989


    in August 1989, significant changes began. One of them started on August 13, marking the end of a social era. The USSR came to an end after the initial stages of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which had been a symbol in the Cold War, replaced by the division between East and West Germany. This event was a significant milestone in the reunification of Germany and the transition to capitalism, which spread its roots to different economies across Europe.


    It is unclear whether one of the mortifying reasons for the devaluation of the US dollar began in 1989, with the birth of an empowered European Union through new political changes and restructurings since the 1950s, or the growth of different Asian powers that dominated the Pacific seas with their inexpensive goods and large wholesale sales. The concept of "Made in China" became synonymous with low-priced industry.


    From Billy Carson''s perspective, the good days in his business ventures seek the light of a company chasing money. While art should never pursue as an end, only money can propel his dreams to fruition.


    The start of the new Lux Comics collectible cards, a package of collectible cards for each character with some interesting details, became well-known due to the overexploitation experienced by these events, especially in the NBA, sports, and Marvel series. For now, Billy would only focus on Slam Dunk since he had a promotion with Nike and had some collaborations to fulfill with four professionals and a team sponsored by Nike, the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls.


    He knew that the boom that would arise later with all the characters from the Chicago Bulls becoming three-time champions and starting a new chapter in basketball would ignite a fever in the hearts of those fans who lived through it��an extraordinary era in American sports history.


    Basketball cards would sell well, with a need for at least 15 million dollars by 1995, which seemed unreasonable for an individual. With the betting system, everything could be easier. I just had to offer a generous bet to the winner, and voila, the money would come naturally. Among the collectible cards, the most important aspects are timing, design, and expertise in handling the medium.


    The most commonly used tactic by companies is to print a limited number of cards as stocks run low. It involves studying the market and determining when the supply might decrease sales. Then abruptly cutting off the instructions and initiating new collections. Anything that falls into the realm of collectible items can generate ambitious demand over time from those willing to pay unreasonable prices for luxuries.


    Nike sponsorships prove to be effective promoters, and one of them is the exposure desired for these cards. From my perspective, it''s about creating open space for relationships with Peter and Nike''s management. In the realm of sports brands, it''s about selling a dream product to those who aspire to become great players in their lifetime.


    Here''s the plan I''m pursuing to negotiate with the NBA for rights to promote an animated card game featuring their teams. Engage in discussions with some players sponsored by Nike and go all-in with the release of special animated Slam Dunk cards. The focus is not solely on profits but on exposure. Recovering the card investment is sufficient. This marketing strategy may only work once. In the future, many companies would go crazy over this strategy, and the licensing costs might become unaffordable for the Comics company. However, it would undoubtedly mark a beginning in sponsoring marketing ventures in different districts, such as toys, video games, clothing, and collectible items.


    The baseball card market began in 1880, while basketball cards emerged in the 1930s. There have been several eras, and not all of them have been fruitful. It''s important to consider how prosperous the current era is and how passionate your target market is, as well as whether your product offers enough novelty.


    In general, it expands to cover various sports and later extends to albums and other important themes like music bands, sports, cars, or other inventions. However, bringing those great stars into the animated circle is just a glimpse of what''s to come. In 1996, Fleer Ultra Motion cards will enter the Marvel realm, and so on. But only a market with a clear understanding of printing cycles can succeed, although extraordinary events may occur where the type of product becomes beloved and appreciated.


    - Billy, pay attention in class... Stand up, you''ve been staring out the window the whole time without showing a hint of attention to my lesson, - the teacher said.


    - Ah, yes, sorry, - Billy replied.


    - You''ve been distracted all day, - Claudia said. - Is something wrong? -


    -Not at all, I just have one of those contemplative battles going on in my mind, - Billy said.


    -Contemplative battles, come on, stop lying. I saw you staring at Jessica this morning, - Claudia said.


    -I don''t think I know who Jessica is, - he replied.


    - Oh, come on! Everyone is crazy about her, it''s normal - Claudia said.


    - Well, I don''t like her. I have a different type of taste... though she''s pretty, I prefer other kinds of company, - Billy said.


    - Haha, you sound like my grandfather... other kinds of company, - Claudia laughed.


    - I''m serious, - Billy said.


    -Please, pay attention, it''s an important topic! - the teacher said again, raising his voice slightly.


    -Very serious. You better tell me everything during lunch, - Claudia said.


    -Lunchtime is too short to tell you my thoughts, - Billy said.


    -Oh, Mr. Mysterious again. That doesn''t work with girls like me, - Claudia said.


    -Girls like you? -he asked.


    -Yes, you know, handsome guys, we cool, cheerful, intelligent women who are more mysterious, -Claudia said.


    -I still don''t understand, I got stuck at the part about being a handsome guy,- Billy said.


    -"Oh, conceited, -Claudia said.


    -Shhh, - Mr. Costantine said.


    Claudia didn''t pay attention for the rest of the class. She hated fractions, and she hated math problems even more. Repeating school wasn''t fun or recommended. She''d rather repeat university courses a thousand times. Although nostalgia is associated with the time spent in school, taking classes is not something she would recommend.


    -Claudia, wait, you''re not going to the rehearsal room, - Billy said.


    -I am, I just have to go to my locker, - she replied.


    -I''ll accompany you, - he said.


    -Okay. What do you think of the play? Are you going for the lead role? - she asked.


    -I don''t feel like it, - he replied.


    -Oh, well, you should. Your acting is decent, and they only give the lead role to the arrogant jerk because no one else tries, - Claudia said.


    -Yeah, but I don''t want to get into trouble. I want a peaceful student life, - he replied.


    -Well, get excited. We can participate in the state play competition and perform on a bigger stage. You know, if you want to be an actor, theater is a good stepping stone. It can even help you later if you want to join an acting academy, -Claudia said.


    -Acting academy...? -he asked.


    -You''re clueless. You say you dream of being an actor and don''t even know. Look, actors take courses in academies certified by the industry. Getting into those academies can be done through a registered agent, a union-affiliated actor, a letter of recommendation, or those with theater experience, - she explained.


    - It''s difficult to get into those academies... Why doesn''t anyone talk about it? - Billy said.


    - Well, you''re supposed to know... there are many strange things, but I can help you. My mother is a professional photographer and knows a thing or two about the industry. That''s why I hate the idea of being an actress, - she told him.


    - But what does that have to do with being the lead in the play and the academies? I don''t see any relevant connection, - Billy said.


    - Well, everyone focuses on the star, and the academies look for promising talents. They can''t accept just anyone due to the academy''s profile. They stake their reputation every time you make a movie or hand your resume to someone. It''s all about credentials,-  Claudia explained.


    - So, it''s a way to pave the path to fame...- S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - You can call it what you want, but yes, starting from the bottom comes with its costs, -  Claudia said.


    - Everything has a cost, especially when you live in a money-driven country. The directions are always ambiguous, but if your goal is to establish yourself as an actor, you''ll have to navigate these issues, - Billy said.


    - It interests me, but I''ll have to check my schedule. You know, with my attempt at early graduation, my theater time is limited, - Billy said.


    - That''s true... let''s just leave it like that. Why early graduation, though?-  Claudia asked.


    - To go to CalArts. My father wants me to study business, but I want to go to animation school. By graduating early, I can do both, -  Billy said.


    -Incredible! You''re going to CalArts! You know it costs a fortune, - Claudia said.


    - I know, but still, I''m going, - Billy said.


    - Now I''m just envious. Well done for ruining my day, - Claudia said.


    - Wait, Claudia! Don''t be mad. I''m sure if we start saving from now on, you can go too, -  Billy said.


    - It''s impossible, genius. If I save my entire weekly allowance, it''s $20. I''d have to starve myself to save another $20, - Claudia said.


    -Well, how about I treat you to lunch, and you save $3? You must start somewhere, - Billy said.


    - Damn it, now I just want money, and I won''t stop thinking about making money until tonight. You can''t do this to me, you know I''m anxious, - said as she playfully hit him.


    - Wait, there are ways to make money. You don''t have to get angry, - Billy said.


    - I don''t want to work, that''s for adults. I''m too young to wake up early on Saturdays. Plus, what are you expecting? $15,000 is a hefty fee per semester, -Claudia said.


    -Photography only takes 2 years, and with lighting, you can do it in three. If you manage the first year, it''s guaranteed your mom will pay for the next one, and you can save for two years to pay for the third, - Billy said.


    -It doesn''t sound like a bad idea, but still, it''s $15,000 over four years. That''s a lot,-  Claudia said.


    -Let''s go to class. I have some ideas that might help, - Billy said.


    ..


    .

 20. drama club

    Well, children, I''m glad to see everyone excited about the theater plays," said Raquel, beaming. The classroom had an unusual, tangled appearance, almost like an animated Halloween scene, akin to the marvelous world of Jack. Vines and lights hidden behind translucent white paper enhanced the gentle design of the room.


    -For today, we will explore what is known as dance in theater. It''s a spirited gesture used by directors to create a different harmony for the audience''s experience, -Raquel explained.


    >>For our Christmas play, ''Our Town'' by Thornton Wilder, we will incorporate what they call dance numbers. These are choreographed routines that are part of the dance, which can include solos, duets, or trios. It''s not uncommon to see choreographies involving the entire cast, but it''s not recommended unless it''s a less demanding practice," Raquel said.


    One thing is certain, though theater has its charm, and operas are the pinnacle of art, I don''t think I''m very friendly to the idea of mandatory singing. My voice isn''t enough, and singing has always embarrassed me. Dancing is more tolerable, but I''m not very skilled at the tricks of these types of attempts.


    -Well, everyone, find a partner and let''s start with a bit of waltz to warm up the legs. It''s always good, - Raquel instructed.


    Look, there goes Claudia, escaping my sight and ending up with that guy, Justin. Quite painful for me, considering I don''t have any other friends besides Claudia.


    -Ah, Billy, you''re left without a partner, young man. Come and dance with me - said Teacher Raquel.


    - Yes, ma��am, - Billy replied.


    -Try to spread your legs a little more, just a bit. The dance is all about subtlety and elegance, - the teacher advised.


    The waltz, in dance, is a classic among the classics. Its use has become reserved for special occasions, but in the past, a good waltz emerged as a scandalous and audacious reaction to the sin of couples dancing with one another. Its rhythm and footwork can be easily learned and repeated. It originated from the folk traditions of Germany and Austria.


    Ah, do you have any skills for this step, young man?" Raquel asked.


    -Thank you, teacher. I learned something during my childhood, - Billy replied.


    -Oh, Claudia spoke a lot about you, - the teacher said.


    -Ahaha, Claudia did? -Billy asked.


    -Yes, she approached me before lunch and told me many things about you, - Raquel said.  - She spoke highly of your sharp intellect and why you deserve the lead role in the play. -


    The powerful Claudia, with all her abilities, now turns out to be a good intermediary with Teacher Raquel. When did she have time for an advanced conversation?


    -I don''t know what to say, teacher. I''ll thank Claudia tonight. But I have many things on my mind, which is why I didn''t participate in the audition, - Billy said.


    -She also mentioned your lack of common sense in personal relationships, like the fact that you live in your world, reminiscent of those individuals who have it all figured out but clearly, you don''t and seek to excel prematurely, - Raquel said.


    -It''s interesting to hear that perspective of me. Although she might be right about seeking to excel prematurely, - Billy said.


    -So, to be more direct, do you want the role or not? -  Claudia asked.


    -The role in the play? Isn''t there already a chosen actor among the third-year students? -Billy asked. -


    - Well, you must fight for what you want, young man. Yielding is wasting opportunities. Once you give up a role, someone else will take it. If you want to shine in Hollywood, you must understand that opportunities are scarce, and beyond any opportunity, competition does not tolerate indecision. �C Raquel said.


    >>The shark circle can be frustrating for any newcomer or misfit in Hollywood. You''ll have to live between luck and a branch of improbabilities that I assume you don''t fully understand, -  Raquel said.


    -What does all of this have to do with not accepting a role in a play? -Billy asked.


    -Absolutely nothing, just advice from an old person to their student, - Raquel said.


    Am I missing something? On one hand, I have the decision to pursue an academic career as an animator, and on the other hand, I have the desire to be part of film productions earlier than planned. But I may be mistaken. If I wait to graduate, I''ll be twenty-two years old. Starting early isn''t always good, but it just so happens that many actors, in general, have been involved in acting since childhood, adolescence, or when they come of age.


    -That''s true, teacher. My established plan is to participate in the creation of animated shows and earn a degree in animation. As an artist, my goal is to be part of the creative process. Creating movies is a dreamy and idealistic idea that I have about a world I''m not yet part of, - Billy said.


    - We are the dreams we live. In some people, our dreams determine our happiness. Artistic people are stubborn, they are naive, and they enjoy such naivety in the way we conceive life. It''s up to you to decide if you''re one of those who can only live a life pursuing dreams, - Raquel said.


    - Do you think Claudia did it because...? -  Billy asked.


    - Because she cares about you. She wants you to be part of the play. She feels it''s your desire, - Raquel said. - Sometimes women have a sixth sense. She may be mistaken. It''s now your decision to decide what you do. -


    - If I decide to accept, what do I have to do? -  Billy asked.


    -Well, come on Saturday morning. We have a rehearsal. Would you like to participate in the rehearsals? Come, - Raquel said.


    The music mingled with my thoughts, a series of events I couldn''t fully comprehend. As I got lost in contemplating which path to choose, it became clear that it wasn''t a crossroads but merely a stumbling block on my journey. Sometimes, you slip and stumble upon your intentions, unable to distinguish the path you were on.


    Billy saw Claudia dancing in the distance, smiling at some missteps and her poor footwork coordination. It made him stumble again, and he laughed with her partner, another funny guy whose name he couldn''t remember, but his straight, short, bowl-cut black hair gave him an innocent look. On Saturday, he would participate in a rehearsal, and once again, his anxiety seized him like a faucet cutting off his breath.


    Let''s leave destiny to chance. Usually, on Saturdays, he wakes up early to go to Lux Animation Studio and draws a complete volume of a particular story. He continues until late afternoon, has a quick lunch, and then goes with his father to watch a movie as a recreational activity or visit the shopping center to enjoy the hustle and bustle of shoppers around.


    So, what do you decide? It took me a lot of convincing to get Teacher Raquel to acknowledge your acting talent, - Claudia said, -  her eyes wide and questioning. They stood out amidst the dystopian atmosphere of cobwebs. In the distance, everyone was engaged in an improvised dance to some modern music, deviating from the once-played classical waltz.


    -Acting talent, Claudia, I''m a novice who is still learning the art, - Billy said.


    -Well, yes, I''ve seen you practice. You''re far better than that conceited and adorable Jack Boor,- Claudia said.


    -I still don''t understand what''s so special about that guy. You say you hate him, but you combine ''conceited'' with ''adorable.'' It just makes me question women''s love for men. It''s quite perverse that you, a declared intellectual, give him so much attention, - Billy said.


    - Well, that doesn''t matter. Will you participate on Saturday? I hope to see you in the front row, - Claudia said. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''m still not sure. I have some other things to take care of, - Billy said.


    - Other things? You sound like my father. Come on Saturday and leave your cane at home, Grandpa, -  Claudia said.


    -I''ll come. What''s your problem with me participating in the school play? -  Billy asked.


    -I already told you, it''s a great opportunity for you, - she replied. - I have to go now, but if you skip it, I''ll come and drag you there, - she said.


    It''s frustrating how she always ends her conversations abruptly, running off without allowing me to respond. Well, I''ll ask her later. There are still a few days left.


    ...


    ..


    .

 21.pressure pot

    The Terminator comic book made its way to theaters across North America and some parts of Europe, delighting audiences since its loud debut in 1984 with its groundbreaking take on the science fiction genre.


    James Cameron is known as one of the pioneers of technical innovation in the Hollywood industry, showcasing his mastery of special effects, makeup, prosthetics, and Arnold Schwarzenegger''s infamous portrayal of the deadly T-800 android. This charismatic "tin man" turned Cameron into an acclaimed and creatively driven director for years to come.


    Coincidentally, a member of Carolco Pictures, a successful film production company specializing in action and suspense films, found the concept of a relevant Terminator comic from 1984 intriguing. The company focused on action movies that have been gaining popularity year after year, reached out to James Cameron to discuss the potential development of this comic published in June 1989.


    After several calls from multiple agents, the Hollywood scene became ablaze with the potential for a blockbuster film. The battle for opportunities began, with small favors and opinions regarding the state of the industry. The possible roles, production costs, interested commercial brands, and the fight for box office success all started in 1989, even before production began.


    First, a meeting was held to discuss the fate of the comic publication, which conveyed the excitement and raw potential for a filmmaker''s product. Cameron was captivated by the comic''s events, the freshness of the scenes, and the well-crafted storytelling. After reading the entire book, he could already envision the entire film.


    James Cameron himself called the head of Dark Comics, and our own Mike Richardson gladly accepted the purchase offer for this derivative product, stemming from James Cameron''s previous work. Cameron expressed his deep interest in this new way of expanding upon the events of his 1984 film, "The Terminator." As a strong-willed director, he saw a new opportunity to reap substantial benefits from this upcoming film that was about to go into production.


    Cameron''s previous film, "The Abyss," released on August 8, 1989, did not have the impact he had initially envisioned. The box office numbers declined after the second week, and it could only be considered a film that recouped its production costs without generating significant profits for the Hollywood machine. The fantastic ideas and special effects showcased in "The Abyss" provided the technical foundation for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," aiming to address the shortcomings experienced in the former.


    However, Helmdale Film, who currently held the franchise''s film rights, had not yet given a positive response regarding the financial terms or any collaborative ideas for promoting this new film as a box office success.


    -This is Mike Richardson speaking, -came the voice in the background.


    -Please hold on a moment... - responded Dora, Mike Richardson''s 19-year-old secretary, a charming niece who now enjoyed a healthy job under the wing of her science fiction and fantasy-loving uncle.


    -Mike here, - said the man, his voice weary and tired after sleepless nights, a new project swirling in his head. After reading Hellboy''s book and being captivated by the art of the young fourteen-year-old Billy, he couldn''t stop thinking about his artistic talents and proposing a joint edition. It was, in fact, his favorite series among all the works written by the young artist.


    -Mike, a pleasure to speak with you, - said, James Cameron.


    -Yes, sir, how can I assist you? -


    -I see, a few months ago, you contacted me regarding the copyright license for a new Terminator saga, an allegorical continuation, you mentioned, - said James Cameron.


    Mike Richardson''s weariness vanished, like a drunkard sobering up after a good night''s sleep. It was the one and only James Cameron speaking!


    -Sir, apologies for any inconvenience, - said Mike. - I''m glad to speak with you. We at Dark Horse Comics like to connect with authors as a way of building relationships. You can tell us everything about your thoughts, and we''ll always strive to find the best possible solution. -


    -Ahhhhhhh... It''s good to hear that, Mr. Mike. I recently read the masterpiece, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The continuation. I''m pleased to see the excellent work. I would like to get in touch with the comic''s author, - said James Cameron.


    -Ohhh... the comic''s author is quite special. He prefers to handle only the artistic aspects. If we''re talking about artistic matters, I can provide you with his phone number. If it''s related to printing, copyrights, or financial aspects, you can direct all your inquiries to me, - said Mike.


    -A man of art, -James said aloud in front of the phone, his focus solely on those words spoken by Cameron himself.


    -I''d like to contact him. His ideas seemed extravagant, and a conversation between him and me would be beneficial for a new project I hope to bring to the screen next year, - said Cameron.


    -If that''s the case, please call this number, (408) 555-1234. Call during the evening hours; if it''s earlier, I''m afraid he won''t respond to anyone who calls, - said Mike.


    -Well, Mike, it''s a pleasure to have this communication with you at Dark Horse Comics. If you ever need any assistance or collaboration in the future, don''t hesitate to call me, - said Cameron. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s my wish that you both have a fruitful conversation, Billy, - said Mike.


    -Indeed, it''s a pleasure working with you. I''ll have a chat with the comic''s author. I''m quite curious about this personality, - said James.


    -Very well, sir. I only hope for good news. Have a nice day, - said Mike.


    -Alright, goodbye for now, - said James.


    in parallel there was a phone call to a young man who had recently felt disheartened by some mistakes he believed he wouldn''t make again in life. Leaving the theater club had left some impressions on his future. When did he start outlining all his plans? He didn''t know. In a previous life, perhaps he improvised a lot, lacking even a stable home. He traveled throughout the European peninsula, visiting places ranging from Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Eventually, he settled in the United Kingdom due to an unexpected opportunity he never sought during his twenty years of work.


    For now, he would continue with his meticulous character designs for " phantom report/YuYu Hakusho" and "Slam Dunk" in their respective chapters 25.


    -Hello, - Billy said.


    -Anne, how are you? -  Billy asked.


    -I''m doing well. I''m reviewing and analyzing the results of the past three months, and we have a net profit of $30,000,-  Hanna said.


    "Wow! The books are doing well," Billy remarked.


    -Not as well as the first few months, but it''s true that expenses have increased in some areas, - Anne said.


    -Your father explained that as long as it''s not a huge sum, you have the right to the company''s earnings, - Anne continued.


    -Wait, I handle the money! - Billy exclaimed, surprised. It''s the first time he has so much money in his possession.


    -That''s right. Starting last month, it was agreed that I would be your administrator and in charge of your investments, - Anne said.  - Of course, I can report on your financial behavior according to my judgment. -


    - Hmm... Have we paid the salaries? - Billy asked.


    - The salaries for this week are already paid. I accounted for the depreciation of the earnings, hence the net profit, -  Anne replied.


    -Good, invest $10,000 in a company called WorldCom, and $10,000 in Coca-Cola stocks, - Billy said. - Keep the rest as financial support. Let''s save a bit. -


    -Stocks? I''ll do some research, although I don''t recommend this type of investment. There are better companies that could certainly give us more money, - Anne said.


    -You''re right. Look into Microsoft, -Billy added.


    -I''ll look into it. I''ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Although I consider these companies a disaster for people who invest in them, don''t expect too much, - Anne responded.


    -I plan to sell the WorldCom stocks when they reach $50, - Billy said.


    -I don''t think that''s possible, but I''ll wait and see how the stock market situation develops, -Anne said.


    -On another note, I''m still waiting for volume 25 of Slam Dunk. The delivery needs to be made by next Friday. Your father mentioned two volumes of 120 pages each, but we only have the printing of the first volume, which will be distributed this Friday, - Anne said.


    -Yes, I''m working on it. ''YuYu Hakusho'' is already finished. I''ll leave it on the table for my father to pick up tomorrow morning, -  Billy said.


    -Oh, by the way, a secretary called and requested a phone meeting for tomorrow afternoon. I hope you''ll have time; it seems to be something very important, - Anne said.


    -Thank you, Anne. See you tomorrow, - Billy responded.


    -Until tomorrow,-  Anne whispered.


    He needs to calm down. The next few weeks will be somewhat busy, and he needs to have the winter season ready, along with some new books based on his work.


    ...


    ..


    .

 22. the land of opportunity

    Mr. Thomas Carsen couldn''t question why he was still engaged in a ridiculous bet with his fourteen-year-old son. But reaching the point where betting $30,000 on the Detroit Pistons seemed like a symbol of madness��it''s good that last semester they won as the surprising dark horses of the year with some incredible plays. But two years in a row, only great teams can achieve those results.


    -Yes, please. I want to place a $30,000 bet on the Detroit Pistons winning the Eastern Conference and the championship against the Western Conference for the 1989-1990 season, - Thomas Carsen said with some reluctance as he considered it a crazy idea, and he thought that the betting limits would prevent someone from placing such a significant bet.


    Unbeknownst to him, a law was being reformed. Still a proposed federal law at the time, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibited sports betting in 1992, making it illegal to engage in sports betting. Even young Billy wasn''t aware of this law, as it was later amended to a more lenient form after 2000 and eventually repealed.


    For now, Mr. Thomas Carsen, in a stroke of ingenuity, went to a specialized betting house and put $30,000 under his name for the upcoming tournament in early 1989.


    -Give me a second, I''ll ask the manager about the amount you''re betting, - the young man behind the counter said. He walked through a metal door behind him, and Thomas impatiently waited, feeling uncomfortable about engaging in this kind of betting for no reason.


    - What''s your name? -the young man asked upon returning.


    - Thomas Carsen, - he replied.


    -Alright, I''ll process your request, - the young man said.


    -Very well, I''ll be waiting, -Thomas said.


    - If it''s accepted, according to the betting odds, even if the Detroit Pistons win the Eastern Conference but lose the championship, you would lose all your money. The payout ratio is 45 to 1 based on the probability index. Here''s your ticket, make sure not to lose it. Once lost, we''re not responsible for any bets placed with our organization, - the man behind the counter said.


    -I accept, -Thomas Carsen said, handing over the cash to the young man behind the counter. He kept the receipt they gave him in his wallet and quickly left the place, paying no attention to anything but his exit. Indeed, when Billy loses this little bet, he''ll study business and become a successful person, contrary to what Thomas initially thought.


    He pondered a bit on the road, with the tunes of songs playing on the radio. Nothing like the music of the ''70s. These new bands have very harsh styles that tire anyone out. His wife loved jazz, too bad he couldn''t find a good jazz radio station on this trip. Maybe he''ll buy some cassettes for the next long car journey.


    His beautiful Agustina, perhaps with her, he wouldn''t force Billy to study business and let him be as free as a bird. But a good future for his son is built through education. If he allows him too much freedom, he might waste the talent he has.


    He arrived home and didn''t find Billy at the table. Maybe he''s sleeping. Lately, he takes a nap after coming home from school. If he recalls correctly, he had a phone meeting. Anne called him this morning to inform him about the meeting with the Warner TV cooperative group. She didn''t mention anything as a surprise for the boy. He would be thrilled to know they were interested in a TV series based on "Ghost Report." They''re just hoping he can advance the production or at least have the outlines for the TV series ready.


    Suddenly, the sound of the phone interrupted his thoughts. Maybe it''s Amanda, Thomas thought to himself.


    -Hello, good morning, Carsen residence -Thomas said.


    -Good morning, I''m looking for Billy, - the man on the other end of the line said.


    -What do you need him for? This is his father speaking, - Thomas replied.


    -I see Mike Richardson didn''t inform him. I''m speaking on behalf of James Cameron''s secretary. I''d like to get in touch with Billy. Mr. Cameron is on the line and would like to have a conversation about the Terminator series, - the woman on the phone said, her voice clear and strong, belying her advanced age.


    -Please hold on for a moment. -


    Thomas went upstairs to Billy''s room, where he was immersed in his usual drawing work. Chapter 25 had several important parts in the manga storyline, such as Sakuragi/Wilt''sdesire to become more talented and improve his basketball skills for upcoming matches. It competes that the boy begins to see the sport with eyes beyond impressing a girl.


    -Billy, it''s for you on the phone. A Mr. Cameron wants to talk to you about your Terminator: Judgment Day comic," his father said.


    "Cameron... it can''t be him. I mean, I''m just a small artist," Billy thought after hearing his father''s words, almost refusing to believe the evident truth before his eyes. People are often classified into different social ranks, and the famous, rich, or well-connected are considered unattainable to ordinary people. It''s far from reality, but the status gap is a reason why that truth holds.


    -Good afternoon, - Billy said.


    -Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Bill C. Y.? The creator of the Terminator comic? -asked the strong and clear female voice from the other end.


    -That''s correct, you''re speaking with the creator of the comic, - Billy replied.


    -One moment, please...- the voice said.


    -James Cameron speaking, - came the voice.


    -Pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Cameron. I''ve been informed that you have some questions, -Billy said.


    -Ahhh, I do. Initially, I thought the work you guys did would be nothing more than a simple book narrating some events from the first movie produced in 1984. But upon studying your work, I found a perfect script for the continuation of the Terminator series, -Cameron said.


    On the front of his desk, he had two comics��one intact and the other scattered all over the desk with some annotations between pages and notes. The script writing had already begun, and they were expecting to deliver it to the publishers on specific and formal topics by the end of the year.


    - It''s great to hear, from Mr. Cameron. I based it on your work and the continuous linear image that is the format I give to my productions. If you look closely at my other published works, they all follow a coherent storyline. It allows the reader to immerse themselves in the role I want to portray, similar to a novel where each character''s transitions are evident, - Billy said.


    -I''m not a big comic fan, but I have a few favorites like Batman, Spider-Man, and Punisher. I liked yours, - Cameron said. - It''s true that in some cases, there isn''t an established timeline that follows the characters'' events panel by panel. -


    -Well, if you like it, Mr. Cameron, I consider myself well-served, - Billy replied.


    -Ah, young man, I initially thought you were an old man, but you turned out to be a kid, - Cameron chuckled.


    - I liked your work and meticulousness, especially regarding the comic''s settings. On one hand, it captures the science fiction elements that the author wants to see, and on the other hand, it doesn''t lose sight of that dramatic storytelling aspect of a novel that gives it that pleasant feeling. It''s perfect for producing a movie. You''ve saved me a lot of work, - Cameron said.


    -That''s great to hear, Mr. Cameron. I hope to see Terminator in theaters next summer, - Billy said.


    - I still don''t understand, why did the mother end up in prison? - Cameron asked.


    -Sarah Connor''s mission is to train John Connor to become the supreme leader of the resistance. Only someone raised and trained for that purpose can fulfill such an important role �C


    >>The people around her wouldn''t believe that in twenty years, the world would be under total control by machines. Authorities tend to conduct personality inspections and the belief that a killer machine sent from the future can only be seen as an excuse for committing criminal acts, such as carrying illegal weapons or confining her to a mental hospital to help her with the hallucinations she experiences. �C said, Billy.


    - Would she go to such extremes?  -  asked Cameron.


    - Oh, she would. After all, the fate of the world is in his hands, and Sarah was deeply marked by her first experience of life and death, - Billy said. - That''s how I interpreted the outcome. -


    - Where did you get the idea of the artificial intelligence hive? - Cameron asked.


    - Well, it''s a silly thought, but it''s said that God made us in His image and likeness. We, humans, would also make machines in our image and likeness. A hive mind represents everything it creates and controls��a rather spiritual concept, - Billy explained.


    - Quite insightful. How much will it cost me? - Cameron asked, his tone immediately shifting from a casual conversation to that of a Hollywood director.


    - I don''t quite understand what you mean, sir, - Billy responded, surprise evident in his words.


    -I''m referring to the price for the rights to the work, kid. Although I have the copyrights, coincidentally, I don''t have power over this original work, - James Cameron explained.


    -Ah, sir, I wouldn''t know the price. Although Lux Comics is not short on money, - Billy said.


    -Could we negotiate in another way and have my lawyer draft the agreement?" he suggested.


    -Negotiate in another way, huh? What are you specifically hoping for? - Cameron asked. sea??h th�� NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, we are a young company, and relationships in the film industry are more beneficial to us than guarantees in terms of money. That''s why it would be good to start a mutually supportive relationship between the parties, - Billy proposed.


    -Oh, you want a favor. Tell me straight up what you desire, - Cameron replied.


    -I want you to help promote my comic company. And, if it''s not too much trouble, I can assist you in writing the script. I have some extra ideas on how certain parts could be developed. I know some shots are impossible to achieve, so I can help with that creative spirit, - Billy said.


    -Deal. From your phone number, you must be in California. Where in California are you located? - Cameron asked.


    -In San Jose, Mr. Cameron. I''ll send my assistants to finalize the negotiation, or you can visit me in Los Angeles, - Billy said.


    -Bad luck for you, Los Angeles is my current place of residence, - Cameron replied.


    -I''ll send you the script. I already have a pencil sketch that I did earlier, which is more suitable than the comic, - Billy said.


    -I''ll receive it. I''ll call you if it fits my specifications for the movie. I''m looking to give it a commercial sense without losing that taste of action, - Cameron said.


    -Alright, the meeting can take place in North San Jose, - Billy suggested.


    -Pleasure meeting you. My assistant handles the agenda; she''s responsible for managing most of my calendar, - Cameron said. Slowly, after the evaluative conversation.


    Billy looked at his father with an inquisitive gaze and smiled. He took a breath, realizing that another opportunity is sprouting for his comic company. He wouldn''t dare ask for a role like John Connor, knowing his lack of preparation and skills that have not yet reached a semi-professional level. He needs time and prior study. However, he can initiate a productive relationship with a man who will produce great successes one after another.


    -Anything specific? - his father asked.


    -Well, apparently, it''s none other than James Cameron himself, and he wants to acquire the rights to the comic to make the Terminator 2 comic, - Billy said.


    - Amazing! What did he say? -  Thomas asked.


    - He said he would come to the factory to resolve some issues regarding the rights to the script. I mentioned that I''m willing to make a deal as long as he allows me to participate in the script creation and helps promote our comic company, - Billy explained.


    -Promote the company? You want to agree for Hollywood to help promote your small company, - Thomas remarked.


    - That''s right. It could be through advertising during the movie, small placements, or assistance behind James Cameron. You know, having a celebrity freely promoting our products would help expand our market in the United States, -  Billy said.


    - It''s not a bad idea. We both come out as winners. Although I''ll wait until the movie is released, or at least during its production, to determine the extent of the increase. I''ll prepare a document and call Mike to discuss the creation and current status, - Thomas said.


    ..


    .

 23. TV show time

    The thick walls of the Lux Comics factory could be seen in the distance. His father had been anxious since the morning when he hurriedly woke him up. He put on his newest shoes, a dark blue suit with a matching tie. That could only mean one thing, there''s something he doesn''t know. Does he have an important business deal to close tonight? A business dinner, perhaps?


    A smile spread across Mr. Carsen''s candid white teeth. From the moment he smiled, it piqued his curiosity a bit more. He''s not usually someone who smiles, nor just anyone. For some time now, WarnerMedia has been putting together different projects to compete against the ViacomCBS television network "Nickelodeon," which has been in the market since 1978, Disney Channel since 1980, and Fox Kids, which has already announced its new channel. The fight for television ratings is expected to intensify at the beginning of next year.


    Anyone who lived through the 2000s and early 90s can happily acknowledge that the television series of that time marked a spiritual beginning for animation. From different perspectives, all television channels competed, whether through sitcoms or animated programs that left a lasting impact on childhoods with their wonderful comedies or pure entertainment value.


    Now, Warner has set up some projects and channels to produce appealing series and revive some attractive programs for children. "The Flintstones," "Scooby-Doo," and "Yogi Bear" are part of their potential programming lineup, along with the Looney Tunes and some acquired programs from the MGM library.


    The plan is to acquire the Hanna-Barbera animation studio to expand the animation catalog. Therefore, a police series and a basketball sports series have caught the attention of the board of directors as flagship products. The acquisition of these two copyright properties brings joy because under the leadership of Betty Cohen, the projection of the Cartoon Network channel would skyrocket. WarnerMedia would surpass its fierce rivals, who have years of advantage and a list of successes.


    Thus, under the agreement of the board of directors, this meeting between the Comics company and Warner Network took place. With Betty Cohen leading the way, she saw the almost-abandoned warehouse and smiled. They were probably short on funds, but all they needed was a substantial sum for the film rights, and voil��, they would have a great IP for their programming.


    She entered and saw the vast warehouse. It seemed like just the front, as the structure looked better than it appeared at first glance. The Lux Comics factory was organized, remodeled, and fixed up. The walls were painted, the floor was changed, and every corner was cleaned. Although it still seemed too big for so few people, the decision to purchase it was made under the premise of growth.


    - Good morning, - greeted Anne, Billy''s temporary secretary but overall administrator of the Lux Comics business.


    -The Carsons will be here soon, please excuse the delay, - said Anne. - Follow me. -


    They arrived at a large office filled with many drawings stuck on the walls. At first glance, one could see the quality of the artist. Betty Cohen, an incredible visionary, took her doubts to heart. Sometimes, it''s better to polish these gems and give them an identity than to send them to the competition. If she manages to secure an exclusivity deal with Lux Comics, it''s certain that for the next three years, Warner Network could become the biggest children''s television channel in the United States.


    - Would you like something to drink? - Anne asked.  - We have bottled water, coffee, Coca-Cola, and Sprite. -


    -I''ll have bottled water, - said Betty Cohen.


    Anne''s gaze turned to the two young men in the room.


    -Thank you very much. - Bottled water sounds


    A heavy team is assembled to negotiate with a 14-year-old who still attends high school. However, this is a critical point in the executives'' careers. To establish themselves in the market, nothing can be left to chance. Sacrificing a few hours of sleep on the road to close a potential deal is nothing compared to the future benefits.


    I saw a young man with blond hair and a hint of a three-day golden beard. His stylish suit and the way he walked made me think he was a manager or lawyer.


    -Good morning, Mrs. Cohen. I apologize for the delay. I had a meeting this morning that extended until noon, - said Thomas.


    - -don''t bother about the wait, Mr. Carson. I''ve been waiting for ten minutes, and Miss Anne has ensured the comfort of me and my team, - Betty said.


    -This is the logistics director and the person who will handle most of the issues between Lux Comics and Warner Media. And here is Paula Sullen, who is your direct contact, -  Betty said.


    Introducing their companions.


    -Nice to meet all of you, -  Thomas said.


    An awkward silence fell as everyone took their seats at the round table, which had initially been thought to be large enough for some meetings but now seemed a bit uncomfortable.


    -Great to see you all. This is my son, Billy Carson, and he is the owner of Lux Comics. He has been the behind-the-scenes artist for the series you are currently seeking, - Thomas said.


    Betty''s keen eyes focused on the teenager if he can be called that. Billy has the Carsen family''s youth syndrome. At 14 years old, he looks like he''s 12 with his baby-like features.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Billy, - Betty said, leading the meeting from the end of the table, while Adam Robre and Paula Sullen, who took notes in a black spiral-bound notebook, backed up the executive director like a pack of wolves.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet you too, Miss, - Billy said.


    -Oh, what a polite young man, - Betty said. - Let''s talk about the relationship that concerns us, - the deep voice interrupts Billy.


    - Very well- the boy responded.


    - I sent the contract to your lawyers. Have they informed you about the contract terms? -  Betty asked gently, with a grandmotherly voice.


    - Not yet, but my lawyer is my father. He should already know the contract terms, -  Billy said.


    -Ah, I see. We want to produce the series Slam Dunk and Ghost Report on our channels from Warner Media. The information is confidential, as stated in the contract, but next year, we will start a new era. We hope to launch a new animated channel, Cartoon in Network, by 1991. And we hope both productions can be done under the Warner label, - Betty said.


    >>The initial proposal provided by Warner Media regarding the film rights for Slam Dunk and Ghost Report is a sum of one million dollars and 5% in royalties, including payments for advertising. This will be for 10 years, starting from the moment the TV series airs. The film rights include commercials, television programs, collaborations with other programs and movies. If the film is released in theaters, there will be a 1% box office share in North America, - Betty Cohen said.


    -Is all of that correct, Mr. Thomas? -  Betty asked.


    -Everything is correct, Miss Betty, - Thomas replied.


    - So, Miss Anne has made it clear that you already have an established vision for the future of Lux Comics, - Betty said.


    -Yes, Miss Betty. My idea is to turn Lux Comics into a massive animation studio. For that, I want to finish school and start my animation career at CalArts, - Billy said.


    -Will that take a long time? For now, as a channel, we can help your studio earn some extra income that can be beneficial for your company''s future, - Betty said.


    - I understand that, but I still have two conditions. How can you guarantee the quality of the character designs and animation? It must be perfectly done because that''s what will draw people to Lux Comics and captivate them, - Billy said.


    -Don''t worry, we will ensure the integrity of the work and the quality of the artwork. That matter is already addressed in the contract. There was a lengthy negotiation via fax regarding the details, - Betty said.


    - Very well, - the teenager whispered.


    -Lastly, I would like to have a special clause in the contract. I don''t mind if you use the film rights for the series. I assume you already know about the agreement with Nike and the merchandising campaign, - Billy said.


    They responded with a brief nod of agreement.


    -I would like to have an option to purchase the program when it is discontinued. Those drawings mean a lot to me and my children, - Billy said.


    -It''s not possible to hand over the program for potential sale to another company, - Betty said.


    -What if we establish that only I can use the rights of the discontinued work and it cannot be under the name of a third party? - Billy suggested.


    -At what price would the work be valued? - Betty asked.


    -Naturally, at half the transaction price, - Billy said.


    -Impossible, - Betty said.


    -Mrs. Cohen, in ten years from the program''s premiere, we will be in the 2000s era, which means Warner Media will already have made some profit from the program. Besides, our interest is not just money. My son wants the film rights to continue the story with his own hands and not sell it to a major television network that would be his competition, -  Thomas said.


    Knowing that we could negotiate the purchase of the film rights for the work. The purchase will be made at half the selling price. However, due to production costs, Warner Media will enjoy a commercial license for another ten years, - Mr. Carsen said.


    - Hmm... that''s interesting. -


    - We''ll buy the work once the ten-year period is over. We can use the commercial work to our advantage as long as the rights remain in our name and not with third parties for the next ten years, during which we''ll share a commercial license, - Thomas said. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - I agree," Betty said. "A work that''s over twenty years old can''t be used anyway. Even famous ones like The Flintstones or Looney Tunes fade away with time and the demands of animated works. -


    -Having said that, we''d like to invest the initial payment of $500,000 in the Ghost Report work, which is the one expected to be produced first, - Thomas said.


    -Invest in the work? We''ll accept depending on the terms, - Betty said.


    -We''d like to invest our payment in the work to enhance our relationship with Warner, of course, all at a price that allows us to give visibility to our comic company. In the future, Warner''s television channel can be used to promote us, and we''d also like Billy to be involved in the production process. -


    >>You see, he''s been wanting to make programs for children since he was seven, and if he can learn from Warner''s company, he''d be more than thrilled, - Thomas said.


    -Of course, that''s easy to arrange. I''ll take care of the arrangements, and Miss Paula Sullen will be kept informed of the entire process, as per your specifications discussed in writing, - Betty said.


    She thought the request would be ridiculous, but promoting comics is something Warner can easily do, and the better one goes, the better the other goes. It''s a win-win situation. And $500,000 for the producers at Hanna-Barbera to give drawing genius advice is an unforgettable relationship that will only help with the costs of this new channel. If everything goes well, little Billy has four more series in publication that could be produced by the Warner network.


    -Very well, I''ll draft the contract and the details discussed in this meeting. I hope the TV series thrive, - Thomas said, shaking hands with Betty Cohen.


    He fulfilled Billy''s wish to buy the TV program once the ten years are over or the work is completed. This means that both Ghost Report and Slam Dunk have a cost of $500,000 for ten years. It''s not a bad deal if the purchase of these two series can be finalized.


    ...


    ..


    .


    another chapter, I''m 24 chapters ahead. it''s been complicated to write some parts, but nothing that writing over and over again helps.


    I hope you like it; my idea is to generate some changes in the future because of the actions Billy has done, any ideas?

 24. Thomas’ Impression

    -Well, that went... good, -Thomas said.


    -Tell me, Billy, I''m very curious to know why you had that repurchase condition for the film rights, - he asked.


    -It may seem like a bad purchase, but it''s quite the opposite. My idea is to create our television channel with the entire repertoire of Lux comics. Imagine, Dad, our channel to compete against the heavyweights, - Billy said.


    - Son, that''s a great idea! -  Thomas said.


    -It''s still just an idea but showing Lux Comics works to the world can lead to success, - Billy said.


    - How will you compete against the giants? You know the difficulties these companies pose to limit their competitors, from sabotaging the content rating system to negative publicity or closing commercial franchises, - Thomas said.


    -The MPAA, based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and industry self-regulation, is a tough chain to break with its subjective criteria and hidden agendas. And that''s just one of the many methods used in the industry that can compromise the channel''s service, - Thomas said.


    -Dad, that doesn''t matter now. If Cartoon Network does a good job, our company will skyrocket, - Billy said.


    -If, for some reason, that doesn''t work, do you have a plan B? - Thomas asked.


    There he goes again, his father thinking efficiently and without limits. If he sees any failure or hesitation at any moment, he''ll disapprove of any attitude and, like a dog sniffing out mistakes, he''ll punish and stubbornly refuse to give in. Sometimes he thinks he''s talking to a colleague to whom he gives his legal opinion.


    -Of course! In case we can''t establish our channel, I would join as a subsidiary to the highest bidder. There are plenty of opportunities in Hollywood. If I must live in the shadow of a major entertainment industry player to create a channel, I don''t mind. As a company, the priority is to earn enough to maintain a stable position, - Billy said.


    The hazel eyes observed for a while before smiling.


    -The Warner studio is in Los Angeles,-  Thomas said.


    -Well, the series will start once Warner Media decides to create the channel 100%, - Billy said.


    -Which will likely be next year. I can see that you have everything planned out, and Mrs. Cohen is a very capable woman, - Thomas said.


    -I know. Doing the math, it''s a six-hour drive, and the plane journey is 35 minutes. Although air travel isn''t very popular these days, it could work, - Billy said.


    - Could we buy a small apartment in Los Angeles, in West Hollywood, near the studios? -  Billy ventured.


    -That''s the best idea. Let your old father take care of the financial side and determine the value of a good property. It''s better to buy a modest house in a safe neighborhood, - Thomas said.


    -Well, Dad, now I just want to go and have something delicious to eat. The meeting exhausted me mentally. Let''s go to Burger King, - Billy said.


    -We can go, but first, tidy up the office and deliver the drafts of the next chapters to Anne, - his father said.


    -Yes, I''ll give everything to Anne. Just wait a moment, - Billy said, heading to Anne''s office. The warehouse had a library of published works and a private one in his studio. It was like having another library at home with all the prints up to that moment.


    Now his father doesn''t know the whole picture. Who needs to compete against content services and federal regulations for television when there''s an untapped market, the wonderful internet? There''s nothing to fear. When television becomes part of the streaming platforms that started gaining traction in 2006 and exploded in 2010, that''s when the catalog and digital library start to matter. The big productions, the feast of viewers entering from the internet to an online platform. From a feedback perspective alone, millions and millions of dollars can be earned by creating a competitive platform that allows for their cartoons and some movies to gain market share.


    The streaming market accelerated in 2010, but no one imagined something that changed everything, the creation of personalized original content exclusively for a platform. If someone wants to watch a series, they only need to subscribe to see the original content. Many people become attached to a series they enjoy, and from there, it''s an old story. They find the convenience of being part of the platform, the variety of movies, and the nostalgia of great classics. That''s why, from now on, I will build my digital content base.


    I''ll try to acquire some series here and there to expand my virtual library. It''s wonderful to have a collection of all the Marvel and Star Wars series that will keep us supplied for the next few decades.


    -Father, tomorrow I have to go to school to participate in the theater play scheduled for next spring before the end of the year, - Billy said.


    -I can drive you tomorrow, but I have a meeting with a client downtown at noon, - Thomas said.


    -Mmm, I''ll call Claudia to pick me up, - Billy said.


    -Ah, Mrs. Branovich,- Thomas said.


    Claudia and her mother are from Eastern Europe, and although their heritage doesn''t give them the expected beauty of those women with those genes, they are quite cheerful and liberal. They escaped during World War II through the Mediterranean borders and arrived in the United States. Later, due to her mother''s work as a photographer, they ended up in San Jose and then Los Angeles.


    -When will you have the collectible cards? -  his father asked.


    -Mmm, next year. At the moment, with only 20 cards, it''s not possible to start a collection. I''ll wait a bit to showcase more characters, along with the Nike partnership. Surely, having around 140 available cards will be enough, - Billy said.


    For now, he has partnerships with the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz. We have some players from all the teams who have accepted the proposal to appear as animated characters. But we need to give it some time. Also, the relationship with Nike is current until June 1992.


    -Keep the Magic card for me, will you? - Thomas asked.


    -Yes, he''ll be there. I haven''t made his card yet, but I have some plans, - Billy said.


    ... sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ..


    .

 25. drama club

    -Hello, dear, - Mrs. Branovich said, her hair looking wet and disheveled.


    Claudia''s smile opened like a cruise ship. She was quite happy that Billy was participating in the school play.


    -Claudia handed him a file of papers. -This is the script for ''Our Town.'' Teacher Raquel edited some parts of the text, so give it a read. Rehearsals start next week, but it''s good for you to gain some skills before the performance. One of Jack Boor''s friends will be playing Joe Crowell, which is the role we''re looking for you. The casting for Dr. Gibbs has already been chosen by Jack, so good luck in winning George.


    This play is a classic of American theater, although not very well-known. It still appears on stages and in public readings by some people. The past resembles a reconcilable way of interpreting things, and plays are always necessary to deconstruct that past, behind the silhouette of art.


    The whole play takes place in the 1900s to 1910s, a time of significant change and, for some, a golden era depending on the perspective from which one contemplates. The nostalgia for past times is a sunset often seen from distant places. The setting is Grover''s Corners, New Hampshire.


    -Wait, why didn''t he choose, on the contrary? -  Billy asked.


    -What are you talking about? -  she asked.


    -Yes, George is an even better character than Dr. Gibbs,-  Billy said.


    -Ahhh, whoever plays Dr. Gibbs also acts as the stage manager to captivate the audience as the protagonist, - Claudia said.


    -So, it''s almost a one-man show! -  Billy exclaimed.


    -Not necessarily. At one point, it was performed this way because there are only two people in the class who truly can handle so many scenes, and those are Jack and Justin, - Claudia explained.  -But Justin always gives in to Jack''s insistence, so the fight for the role of George was put aside. That''s where you come in. Auditions will be held next week after the rehearsals for the part, - she said.


    -How do you know all that? - Billy asked.


    -Laura from the set design is in the same grade as those two, and it''s not something new, -Claudia said.


    -There won''t be a conflict of interest, - Billy said.


    -Conflict of interest? Are you an idiot? Of course not. The final word lies with Teacher Raquel, and she''s a very firm person. You''re still getting caught up in detestable competition. It''s a school, don''t expect active sabotage. What they were telling you is to at least give it a try, you know, don''t give up without even trying. And don''t give me that look, Billy Carson, just memorize the script, - Claudia said.


    -Yeah, I know. I just... You once said those guys were problematic, - Billy said.


    -Oh, I said that that''s true. But Raquel is the lady in charge. Besides, the worst they can do is selectively ignore you, but I doubt they''ll do that. Because Justin rejected the role of George, and now he only has to pick up the leftovers he once didn''t want, - Claudia said.


    This reassured him a bit. He didn''t expect to start an argument over a silly theater role. However, he knew that this could be a valuable opportunity to gain a letter of recommendation for an acting academy. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy''s imagination wandered a bit. Ever since he read the script, he enthusiastically envisioned a future where he would act in movies he had seen in his past life. The private school had some advantages, apart from almost guaranteeing admission to certain private colleges in the county. There''s no doubt that Raquel was one of the best teachers he had ever seen. The next step was to win the role of George Gibbs for the play. He gained some skills through his development in the interpretive category.


    -Well, have a good day. I have to deliver some photos to my boss, and I''ll pick you up at 3:00 PM, - Briantic Branovich said, lighting a cigarette.


    -Give me some money for lunch, - Claudia said.


    -Didn''t you already have lunch? - her mother responded with feigned surprise.


    -Well, give me money to buy something to eat, - Claudia said.


    -Fine, I have two dollars and forty cents, - Briantic said. The Renault drove away, and Claudia had a handful of coins.


    -How much money do you have saved? - Billy asked.


    -Ten dollars and it''s not a joke. You''ll have to take me to the museum next month and pay for all my treats. Saving has never been so difficult, - Claudia said. She was now two dollars and forty-three cents richer.


    -To the museum? Isn''t it free for students on weekends? What would I have to pay for? - Billy asked Claudia.


    -That''s the story my mother doesn''t know. We''re going to a place near the museum. A new Italian restaurant opened, and Nancy from my previous school says they make the best burrata she''s ever tasted. And on the way back, they sell some delicious desserts that my mother can''t eat due to colon problems. We''ll have a great time, -  she said.


    -Well, I can go next month, but let my dad find out, I''ll be delighted, and he''ll give us extra money, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, you said it yourself, you''ll have to go. The dish costs thirty dollars, so get your wallet ready, tiger, - Claudia said cheerfully.


    What are thirty dollars to Billy? It''s a lot of money, but not too much. He still has the two hundred dollars he won by betting with his father that the Pistons would win the championship. And Claudia has been part of his plans for some time now. Where else would he find someone who can connect with everyone? What''s better than a talented person in photography?


    He''s not a very outgoing person to make friends wherever he goes. In a way, Claudia is what he needs at CalArts. Even if she can''t afford it, he would pay half of her tuition for her to go. Then she could work for him on some jobs. With the right tools, the little girl will be great.


    -What did you think of the script? -  Claudia asked.


    -Well, it seemed ordinary. I thought it would be more special, - Billy said.


    -Wait, are you telling me you want to be an actor and you don''t know how to read a script? No play is ordinary. Bring magic to your role, Billy. Ask Teacher Raquel for advice; she usually has great ideas about that, - Claudia grumbled.


    -I will. What do you usually do during rehearsals? - Billy asked reflexively, not finding anything impressive.


    -Nothing out of the ordinary. The actors practice their lines, and we work on some short scenes for ten minutes. Sometimes we play different roles to explore how to interpret the play. I take some photographs and help with some paintings for the play. You''re going to love it, -  Claudia said as she entered the theater room.


    The studio still had the charm of Halloween. It seems they''re planning a special party for Notre Dame students, and that''s why the theater has a gothic and eerie ambiance. The dances are held in autumn, spring, and at the end of the year. The goal is not only to integrate people but also to give them a healthy life.


    Everyone had a festive atmosphere. The wooden houses and the set backgrounds were set aside as two young people added color to the environment they would portray in the play.


    He saw Jack''s group laughing on the stairs leading up to the stage. Teacher Raquel was talking to someone beside her.


    -Good morning, Teacher Raquel,-  Billy said.


    -Ahhh, so you decided to come... Well, practice your lines for George, just the first scenes. You''ll be doing some performances in an hour. These hours are essential for choosing the role. I want to see that talent Claudia boasts about your acting,-  she said.


    The teacher next to her smiled.


    The second scene is not relevant. He can handle these roles. His acting has improved significantly since he performed in Romeo and Juliet.


    ...


    ..


    -

 26. two steps forward and one back.

    I trained their lines for nearly an hour. The first act isn''t too difficult. And the acting value lies in the female roles. These are the winners in this first act.


    -


    Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - I see you''re doing well, - Claudia said, holding her camera, with some tempera paint on her hands, looking quite cheerful.


    - Not really, I can''t seem to find the right role, - Billy said with frustration. The infamous self-doubt always returned, and he felt inadequate in his performances.


    - Did you ask Raquel for advice? - Claudia asked.


    - Sure, - Billy said. It was a lie. Raquel had been busy talking during the hour and a half he had been rehearsing.


    -No, you didn''t. I watched you. You only greeted her when we arrived. I''ve told you; the teacher is excellent for theater and can give you advice, - Claudia said.


    - I''ll go later. For now, I want to find my focus, - he said.


    -Well, let it be your choice. But honestly, how many times have you rehearsed this play? Almost ten times, - Claudia said.


    -I''m a bit demanding, but I''m getting used to the role. And how about the stage design? And the blog? Have you taken the photos you wanted? - he asked.


    -It''s been going well, and yes, I have some for the yearbook and the upcoming school newspaper. I still need some of the sports teams, but you''ll see. We only have basketball and swimming teams," she said, thinking about some potential issues.


    "Oh, look! The teacher is free now. I''m going to ask for some advice, -  Billy said.


    -At the end of the rehearsal. There''s no more time, and it''s better if we stay for ten more minutes, - she replied.


    The rehearsal started ten minutes later. All the characters delivered their lines, and the three Saturday performances were done with the missing roles of Mrs. Webber and beloved George. Surprisingly, young Justin had more talent for acting than Jack Boor. It was just her impression.


    There was a remarkable young girl named Virginia who had her skills. The color of her voice was powerful, perfect for theater. It could be heard throughout the place, even when she didn''t shout, and her expressions were not entirely bad. How many people start acting at a young age? How many people fail to achieve the success they desire in pursuing what they seek and long for?


    It is said that thousands of people travel across the state to enter the world of entertainment, but many end up disappearing in that spectacle, whether due to fierce competition, a lack of evident opportunities, limited acting experience, or poor personal relationship skills. It could be said that they lack proper training. Perhaps that''s why those children who start young if they manage to thrive in the stressful industry and have a good image, end up carving a space for themselves in the industry.


    -Great job, Billy! -  Claudia said.


    - I haven''t won anything yet, - he replied.


    -Well, you didn''t do bad at all. Actually, better than I expected. Much better, - she nodded.


    -Thank you, dear fan, - he said.


    -Haha, when you win the role, I could come and see you. But until then, you''re the trying kid. Come on, the teacher is free! - Claudia told him.


    -Good morning, you two, - Raquel said.


    -Good day, teacher, - Billy paused. - I was wondering if you could tell me about my performance in the play. Perhaps something to improve? - he asked.


    ..


    .


    The woman''s dimples appeared on her face.


    -Of course, although you did great... but you have to relax your character a bit. Natural movements are always good. A person''s posture says a lot and is important for theater, as well as acting in general.-


    >>You seem a bit stressed, and it doesn''t reflect the spirit of a child who is usually carefree. Try to relax your posture a bit, be looser when delivering your lines, and try not to repeat your acting style too much, - Raquel said.


    -More relaxed? - he asked.


    -Yes, I noticed that even your body movements are rehearsed, which can be good. But there are times when you need to relax and improvise certain scenes in the act. That''s why they say ''getting into character.'' You have a guide, but you''re not using it. When you feel like you have no idea what to do, take that guideline you already have in your head and use it, - she explained.


    -I''ll try, teacher, - Billy said, a bit confused.


    The suspicious look the teacher gave him was almost like that of a mother who detects the deceit behind the words.


    Well, without further ado, see you on Wednesday afternoon for another rehearsal," Raquel said.


    The long black dress, along with the denim jacket, gave her an unusually youthful look for an older person in this era. Billy got lost in his thoughts.


    -Well, take me to the caf�� across the street. It''s 3:00 pm, but Mom will take about forty minutes. It''s better to grab something to eat while we wait, -Claudia said.


    - Does she know we''ll be at the caf�� across the street? - he asked.


    -Oh, she assumes so. It''s a routine we have, - Claudia said.


    The following week, he lost the role to Justin in the final performance. He couldn''t help but feel a bit disappointed after putting so much effort into the play. He even read the script for "Our Town" several times, ensuring the play was ingrained in his mind for a long time. However, despite his best efforts, losing didn''t feel pleasant. They gave him a supporting role with a few lines that he politely declined. Claudia mentioned his inability to see into the future and accept the role, but he didn''t want to participate anyway. relationship

 26.5 the irreplaceable of desires

    November 10, 1989


    The daily routine of balancing frequent studying and managing relationships at her company, Lux Animation, has yielded some results for her business. The increasing sales fulfilled wish number seven, as per the system, on November 2nd of that year. Although the wonderful Anne has put in some extra hours alongside her father, the atmosphere has brought joy following the growth of Lux Comics and Dark Horse Comics in general, attracting attention from various media outlets.


    [7. Sell over 1,000,000 copies of Yuyu Hakusho/Phantom Informant, scoring 170 points.


    To discover your next repressed wish, you must fulfill the first one.]


    Her next wish, wish number eight, is to create a game for platforms. The constant struggle with her father over game creation left both dissatisfied that same night due to the discussion, and even some clashes arose regarding work division and the concept of trying to cover too many things without depth.


    This is not necessarily a good thing for me as a businessman. However, the 200 points for fulfilling the wish are enough to increase my drawing ability to 24 points and get closer to perfecting my drawing skills.


    First and foremost, the goal is to start a game completely from scratch and release it in multiple installments, similar to the Megaman series. Logically, this game, which is easy to develop, would be used by game creators of that era.


    Therefore, I would be interested in creating my own Metroidvania with a general open world and special features related to 2D platform development, which is the smartest choice for this era. For this, among the two available works to base the game on, Samurai Jack''s IP and Hellboy, what better than to use the fresh style of a superhero navigating through extensive 2D mazes on a map that requires completing multiple tasks?


    I developed the entire story with some clear differences from the comics and the respective franchises'' released series, as it needs to smoothly transition into the game and leave room for possible sequels. The best way to generate high sales is to distort the game and bring it to a platform. And what better sales vehicle than the marvelous Game Boy? However, there are some drawbacks, such as the pixelated quality of the game.


    In this era, gameplay is more important than design, but if I could release a beautiful color game for the wonderful NES by Nintendo, it would be great. The most convenient option is to find a video game company.


    The nearest one is an hour''s drive away, not much to say. A company that will become a super-giant in the video game industry in the future.


    -I still can''t believe you''re sticking with the idea of publishing a game, - his father said angrily, but with a willingness for this new adventure.


    -I will, and we won''t invest much money, - Billy said.


    -The company''s accounts are fine, but investing in the gaming industry is not a good idea, - Thomas said. S~ea??h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That''s why we''ll solidify ourselves with a preliminary proposal for Electronic Arts (EA) to consider making our game. The most important thing is that the game platform allows for extensive gameplay on different consoles. We want to cover a huge market that grows over the years, and that will bring publicity to the company. We''ll also recover a percentage of sales, - Billy said.


    -I understand... but Billy, you''re just a kid. This is something you should be doing when you''re twenty or thirty, - Thomas said. -And I''m still frustrated because it''s a hasty decision.


    -Father, don''t worry. That''s what experts are for. They judge how viable the story is, - Billy said.


    -And as for having a bit of fun, next week I''ll go to the museum with Claudia. We already had it planned, but we''ll go out to eat at an expensive Italian restaurant. Mrs. Branovich can''t find out about it. Something about a sightseeing tour of the local places, -  Billy said.


    -Expensive? Thomas asked.


    -Hmm, it''s thirty dollars per plate, - Billy said.


    -That''s not much, - Thomas replied.


    -Well, you''ll go next week and have some fun, - Billy said.


    -That''s what we plan to do, although we have to keep it a secret from Mrs. Branovich, - Billy told him.


    -I won''t ask anything, - his father responded.


    -Mike called me yesterday and mentioned that the company''s sales have been increasing. Both series are exceptional, and you may win multiple awards in the coming years, - Thomas said.


    Lux Comics has seen a slow increase in demand. Initially, they were selling 25,000 copies, but now 80,000 copies are released per chapter. October was a record-breaking month, with a total of 320,000 copies of the available series sold. The factory had to expand with a new printer and four new employees were hired. Surprisingly, it''s now possible for the company to have a union with fifteen workers, following the rules of California in 1989.


    The production is stable, and some rules that the 21st century refined and improved have been followed. Strong security systems for employees, benefits management for every 100 hours worked, and some provisions for new workers.


    -The awards will bring some novelty to the company. I hope to win some, - Billy replied.


    -I also hope you win some, even if it''s not for the main works. You deserve it. Although Mike told me that it''s physically impossible for newcomers to outshine D.C. and Marvel in the awards season, it happened last year, but it was only in one category out of many, - Thomas said.


    -The decline of D.C. and Marvel has become more noticeable. Many people don''t know it well, but in this modern age of comics, the heroes and their major franchises will go through a dangerous period that will only be witnessed by a few. This crisis will be widely recognized much later, as well as the exploitation of these series on television, which provides some relief amidst the reconciliation of television with superheroes and television with children.


    Series like Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, and Spider-Man in the 1990s will be applauded by the audience.


    The money is no longer in comics; it''s in other similar activities. The chase for money was the first trigger after the overexploitation it suffered in the ''80s, even with numerous issues of poor quality. It''s not surprising that companies fail in less than a year, even Lux Comics is struggling.


    But luckily, Lux Comics'' characters have delighted comic book buyers and gained a stable reputation for publishing four volumes per month with sequential stories.


    -I''m also happy. With the collectible cards coming out in December, we have another challenge to face, - he said.


    -You''ll do well. Mike told me they''re very beautiful. It was brilliant of you to make shiny and higher-quality cards, - Thomas said.


    -Well, they must be impressive for people to buy them, - Billy said, drawing inspiration from a future with all the cards he had seen.


    -You''ve impressed me with those pleasant designs, - Thomas said.  - The Magic card is incredible. You know, it''s a bit unsettling to put statistics on the players. It somehow piques my curiosity about the players'' reactions, - Thomas said.


    -Yes, it''s unsettling. Some people might get upset. That''s why I only used three statistics that can be called the players'' best weapons, - Billy said. - By the way, the consultant was very helpful in completing the package of 140 cards. -


    -He''s an expert in the field and a recognized sports critic in the industry. He often works with some youth teams, - Thomas replied.


    -How did you get him?"


    -Through work. I called a client who works for a sports newspaper and they gave me the contact information of some consultants. During the interviews, he performed the best, - Thomas said.


    -He''s really good. Maybe we''ll need him again for the next 140 cards, - Billy said.


    Mr. Carson nodded as they arrived at the parking lot of Electronic Arts. The planned meeting and the future of the game depended on the company''s mood and their support for the game''s creation.


    ..


    .

 27. electronic arts.

    The unveiling of a new video game is always a positive thing for a company. However, the challenge is that the market space is often limited, and Electronic Arts has a limited budget. Creating a game requires hard and constant work.


    First, there''s comprehensive game planning and defining its purpose. But don''t rush it, as this initial plan can be adjusted and changed during work. The game implementation requires special programming code specific to that game, as well as solving technical issues, optimizing performance, and ensuring the game functions correctly on different platforms and devices.


    This encompasses the game''s material content. Next comes the art and graphic design of the game, including graphics, animations, visual effects, and sound design. These elements are crucial for creating a visually appealing and immersive experience. Producing high-quality art and sound design can take a lot of time and expertise.


    Finally, the game goes through testing on various platforms. It''s an exhaustive process of identifying errors and addressing gameplay issues to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Initially, people may not fully grasp the complexity of weaving all these components together for game creation. But that''s a summary of everything involved, which can take months of hard work and, in some cases, years.


    From music to visual effects, gameplay, story development, and human resources tools, these elements contribute to engaging players in extraordinary stories. It''s almost an art that few can comprehend. Since the Atari fiasco in the United States, the gaming industry has been dominated by foreign communities that have taken over the market, with Sega, Nintendo, and Capcom being among the reigning kings. This is where Microsoft''s competition with the Xbox Series X arises.


    -Good morning, we have a meeting with Mr. Will Wright, - Thomas said.


    -Ah, yes, Mr. Wright is expecting you today. Please wait a moment, - the receptionist at the entrance said.


    No, this is not the Electronic Arts that you know from the 2010s, but it is a company with great potential. Can Electronic Arts and Nintendo work together? The answer is yes. In 1993, they initiated what people will now recognize as FIFA, one of the best-selling games known for its annual innovation, which was initially known as "FIFA International Soccer."


    Will Wright is a doctor with oval glasses and blond hair. He is dressed casually in an 80s style, notable for his black leather belt and shirt tucked into his pants.


    -Good morning, gentlemen, - politely greeted Will as he shook hands briefly.


    -Good morning, Mr. Wright, - Thomas said.


    Hey, will! It''s a pleasure! -  expressed Billy less formally because someone like Will, who has dedicated themselves to an entertainment industry that doesn''t have clear returns in this decade, might face bankruptcy due to a bad season. These are the kind of people who value other universal standards such as passion, creativity, and understanding. They are undoubtedly more appreciated by these entrepreneurs, where formality is learned over the years.


    - Ah, pleased to meet you. Please come to my small conference room, - said Mr. Will, leading them into what seemed to be the company''s coffee lounge.


    -Do you want something to drink? - he asked.


    -Coffee would be great, - Thomas said with a smile.


    -What do you have? -  Billy asked.


    -We have coffee, water, and herbal tea, - said Mr. Will.


    -Mint, peppermint, and passion fruit flavors, - he added.


    -Passion fruit, - Billy responded.


    -Well, I received a fax five days ago, and I was surprised that the new sensation contacted Electronic Arts, - said Will.


    -As you can see, I''m a sports fan, and I faithfully follow the Slam Dunk series. I find it quite intriguing, - he continued.


    -It''s a pleasure to know that you''re a fan of Slam Dunk, Mr. Wright. We''ll send you a small gift box with the company''s new trading cards that will be released next month, - diplomatically said Thomas.


    -I''m eagerly looking forward to it! Now, tell me, what brings you to this secluded place in San Mateo, California? - he asked while stirring his coffee.


    -We hope to collaborate with Electronic Arts to bring one of our works into the world of video games, - Billy said.


    -Of course! What kind of game are we talking about? - Mr. Wright asked.


    -My son Billy is the official creator of the comics, and he handles the creative part. So, Billy, - Thomas said.


    -I want to bring the Samurai Jack or Hellboy series to Electronic Arts. I would like the style to be in a 2D platform like Megaman but with some differences, - Billy explained.


    >>Sir, would you like to consider an open-world design, a 2D maze game where the protagonist embarks on quests, exploring hidden levels, and as they navigate the maze, they gain abilities, objects, and clues to complete the game? �C Billy said.


    -Imagine, Mr. Wright, a game with multiple endings. By incorporating different endings, we would be fostering a new type of gaming community, combining the designs from my comics with the brilliance of Electronic Arts to create an exciting game with many unexplored nuances for players, - Billy exclaimed cheerfully.


    -Wait, let me call someone. Hold on to that idea, give me a few minutes, - Will said, rushing out of the improvised boardroom to make a call.


    After a few minutes, footsteps could be heard, and four individuals entered the room. There was a small, hunched figure wearing glasses named Alan, a gifted coder and master of skills. There was also a bald man in his forties named Paul Lopez, seemingly the graphic designer of the company, and Richard Garriot, a co-collaborator with Will Wright in game creation and planning.


    -Now I believe I can confidently say whether your project is viable for this company, - Will said. - This is Billy, the creator of the series that recently appeared on the shelves under Dark Horse Comics. He wants to bring one of the series into video games."


    -Which series, exactly? - Alan asked, taking a sip from his Coca-Cola.


    -Samurai Jack and Hellboy, - Billy replied.


    -Wow, that''s interesting, - Alan said, showing his intrigue.


    -Do you know anything about them, Alan? -  Paul asked.


    -Well, they were released in July, and they have interesting content. There are four of them, and I have three, but it''s fascinating -  Alan explained.


    Will observed the enthusiastic discussion among the team and couldn''t help but feel excited. This team is filled with passionate practitioners who love what they do and infuse their work at Electronic Arts with spirit.


    -Well, young Billy, you can start from scratch once again. Here, we have a team that is eager to hear your idea, - Will Wright said with a stronger and more confident voice than fifteen minutes ago, radiating energy that everyone in the room could feel. Even Mr. Carsen''s posture became a bit more tangled.


    - I want to create a 2D game with an open-world concept, utilizing a hidden maze with multiple primary and secondary background stories. Through a unique map with various environments, players will undertake different main missions. As they explore the maze, they will gain special abilities such as a special attack, weapon upgrades, important items, and clues to complete the game. -


    >>Using a style like Mega Man and Metroid, the game''s mobility will help players acclimate to the gameplay with designs reminiscent of various games. However, I will incorporate my design and art for the game. I already have the story developed aesthetically, and I have some ideas for bosses to be encountered in each different maze environment. - Billy said.


    >>We can use dungeons to unlock secondary achievements, which would make the game more extensive or longer. Additionally, involving readers with panels and intervals like an animated series can enhance the content, - explained Billy.


    -That''s a magnificent story, the way you''ve described it. But I''d like to know some details about the maze''s planning, -  Alan asked. - What kind of design are you envisioning? Because in terms of bits, we couldn''t create a maze with a lot of detail that would take up 256 Kb of space. Although dividing it would be more feasible, a long maze would require more space for maintenance and code design. -


    -But if we organize three well-designed mazes, it could provide us with a longer gameplay time. If we duplicate the code... - Alan suggested.


    I stopped understanding the conversation after a certain point. Alan was nearly the code producer, and if he gave the green light, it meant the game was feasible.


    -Now, what about the character selection? - Paul Lopez asked.


    Well, that''s a decision we can make together. For Samurai Jack, we can have different maze environments in different countries. We could have mazes at sea, similar to Mario Bros, and in Egypt, featuring dunes and the Great Wall of China.


    - For Hellboy, I was thinking of having the first part of the game set in Hell, and the second part during a post-World War II type of holocaust as a mercenary for the United States,-  replied Billy.


    - We could start with the game. However, have you discussed any investment for the game''s production? - Will asked after having a brief tacit conversation with his supporters.


    -We could invest $100,000 for the game''s production, and we''ll provide the licensing rights for Hellboy or Samurai Jack for free. Billy will assist in developing the graphic materials, and we will handle the marketing through Dark Horse Comics and another media outlet, which will be duly notified. Our fanbase currently consists of 60,000 people in the United States as of October, - said Thomas.


    -$100,000, advertising, and licensing for the game''s creation...- Will repeated.


    -What about future installments? - Will inquired.


    -We would remain open to negotiation as long as we can invest and have a share of the profits,- Thomas replied.


    -Well, we like your idea. Gentlemen, we''ll discuss it with our entire team and will notify you in the coming weeks, - said Will.


    -It''s a pleasure, and we hope everything goes well, - Thomas said.


    The farewell was swift, and the hot day didn''t help ease the post-stress of such a competitive negotiation with Electronic Arts. Billy slept the entire way back to San Jose. The waiting time of a few weeks felt like a punch to the stomach.


    ...


    ..


    .

 28. reviews from 1989.

    After the fortunate strike in August, September, and October, Lux Comics somehow opened three market lines. The first one with Warner Media, the second with Nike, and their collaboration with the NBA, a product of the commercial sponsorship relationships and the comic "Slam Dunk." Furthermore, when sports superstars join forces with comics, part of Nike''s sponsorship call is exposure to other market areas. Peter Ruppe''s study on the Lux Comics brand gave him the certainty that this relationship is beneficial.


    Lastly, although not fully agreed upon yet, there is a race for the video game industry. Somehow, it is desired that one character from the chain becomes part of the gaming industry within the next three years. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other hand, the beginning of the second industry bubble is fermenting with Ronald Perelman''s newly printed film and his media management of Marvel Comics. Ronald Perelman, an American businessman, and CEO of Revlon Inc through his investment group, spent $82.5 million to acquire Marvel Comics.


    This purchase is set to close in December, but there are already newspaper announcements about Ronald Perelman''s acquisition that destroyed Marvel''s integrity and profited from his pockets. This means that the profits and market share gained by Lux Comics may decline, and they may follow the path of many unfortunate small companies that went bankrupt during that period.


    This information is partially unknown to our young Billy, who knew about the great bankruptcy of companies but didn''t have in-depth knowledge about the development of this bubble that would burst in 1993 and continue until 1998, followed by the internet bubble, which caused disastrous situations.


    The year 1989 is a year of process with multiple company acquisitions that will foster future changes for different businesses. On one hand, the Walt Disney Company negotiated a merger with Miramax Films, a company led by the Weinstein brothers, in June. It would later be acquired in 1993. Typically, these companies buy small portions and acquire companies through the drowning tactic, which involves constant investment and capital injection. One company can acquire another as long as the latter doesn''t have the means to match the investments. What matters is the vision of those who dominate Miramax. They are excellent producers with a keen eye for profits.


    In the industry, having a discerning eye to detect talent or brilliance is important. If they see details that others are not willing to see, their success may be based on those details that many people overlook initially.


    The purchase of Columbia Pictures by Sony in November of this same year is causing a lot of discussion because it represents the entry of the East into the US market. Sony Pictures Entertainment is established, which over the years serves as a starting point for their other industries such as video games, music, and appliances.


    What tactics will Billy use to combat the comic bubble and the sweeping changes in capitalism? He has had the idea of tapping into the established manga reading culture in the Japanese economy. If he manages to gain readers in that culture, it''s possible to recover some of the sales losses here in the United States. Therefore, it was proposed to Mike to target the Japanese market as a way to sustain income in the face of future challenges, through partnerships with Japanese publishers for collaborative efforts and publishing their works in that market.


    Mike has already set his sights on this industry and in 1988, he started with the work ''Akira'' by Katsuhiro Otomo. It is interesting to try to open small sections through Slam Dunk, Yuyu Hakusho, and Hellboy. Slowly, without rushing, giving the necessary space for the acceptance of Lux Comics in Japan, they will enter gradually without causing a sensation. As they are not well acquainted with the attitude of the Japanese audience towards Dark Horse Comics. However, Billy''s main works have a similar level of technical quality, so a less receptive market is expected.


    Mike will try to communicate with some individuals to establish a meeting with publishers and publish under their names, but nothing is certain. The aim is to seek partnerships with magazines not only through investment but also through showcasing their works.


    -Anne, has there been any news from Electronic Arts? -  Billy asked.


    - I haven''t received any news, but I could make a call. I haven''t sent the plans and designs you made for the games yet, to have a chance to talk to someone from the company, - Anne said.


    -You haven''t done it! - the young man exclaimed in surprise.


    - No, your father said you performed perfectly and caught the attention of the company''s executives. I thought of giving it a week and then sending them to discuss with the folks at Electronic Arts, - Anne said.


    -If you send that, could we have another conversation about their potential proposals? - Billy asked.


    - Hmm... yes, but first they need to send the document stating all the innovative ideas presented by Lux Comics, - Anne said.


    - Well, go ahead and do it, - Billy said. He had been feeling insecure about Electronic Arts for a few days now. He didn''t know of any other companies that could meet his requirements, and Nintendo is quite dominant when it comes to hiring people. Certainly, they won''t negotiate without the copyright.


    -I''ll get right on it. Your father requested that I teach you how to read financial statements, so young sir, once I''m done with these issues, I''ll have you review the accounts, - Anne said.


    -Anne, what if we tell him that I already learned how to read financial statements? Then you wouldn''t have to bother, - Billy said.


    - Your father told me you would say that, so I''ll see you in an hour, - Anne said. - Besides, it''s preparation for the restaurant they plan to open in the food boulevard. It''s not just important to have good business ideas, but also to understand the flow of money. Honestly, I''m surprised that you lasted four months without a manager. You lost some dollars in pointless endeavors, - argued the young manager of Lux Comics, who came in to straighten out all the mistakes made by the Carsons. Running a company is no joke.


    -Alright, I''ll be there in an hour! - he exclaimed.


    As the winter season of 1989 begins, preparations are underway to release the animated story of The Lion King, along with the upcoming titles of Pinky and the Brain and Samurai Jack. The plan is to publish the comic and present a proposal for an animated Lion King film to Disney. Everything comes back full circle, and the company earns some dollars that will be profitable for future ventures.


    The Lion King is an animated film that started production in 1991. However, its copyright wasn''t published until 1994, when the entire work was completed. The production of the film began in early 1989 to kickstart the cinematic development of the movie in 1991.


    With the high anticipation surrounding the film, which was generated not only as a reaction to Pixar''s designs but also due to Disney''s evident animation crisis, Disney executives sought to give this film a fresh start for the Disney project. Four screenwriters were needed to unify the plot of the series, and it turned out to be a successful move. The staging of the film draws inspiration from biblical tales such as Moses and Joseph, as well as William Shakespeare''s play Hamlet.


    However, if you look closely, the script was crafted in a way that it can be viewed differently depending on the age of the viewer. It contrasts a story of personal growth and finding one''s path with the critique of ideas like imperialism and socialism. There''s a clear contrast of political ideas veiled within the film, tailored for those who like to watch movies with a different perspective.


    The idea was initiated by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Roy E. Disney, and Peter Schneider, and it was later produced by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers. Behind the scenes, the entire series had an enormous team of professionals who created an animation masterpiece that continues to be discussed even twenty years later.


    That''s why Billy wants to publish The Lion King a year before Disney begins its production to avoid significant complications. The copyright for the story, consisting of about thirty pages and sketches, is registered under Billy Carson since June 1989, and the work will be published on December 4, 1989. With almost a year of difference, no common connections, and completely unknown to Disney''s plans, only the higher-ups know about this project. So, it''s time to bite the bullet.


    ..


    .

 29. museum

    It was noon when Mr. Carson saw the excited little Claudia at his door. Like her mother, her slender body and tousled hair gave them a crispy air of youth and anarchy.


    - Good morning, Mr. Carson, - Claudia said.


    - Pleasure to see you, Miss Claudia. Please come in! Billy is waiting for you in the movie room. I assume you''ll be going downtown to hang out, -  Thomas said.


    - To the art museum, - Claudia replied. - Then we''ll grab a bite here and there. -


    -Ah, the museum. I''ve been living in this city for fifteen years and I''ve never visited the art museum. But I know where it is. I had a date nearby once, - Thomas said.


    - Oh, Mr. Carson, you should go. Museums are beautiful in themselves. Billy hasn''t been, so I decided to take him, - Claudia responded, as she walked away from Mr. Carson and headed to Billy''s screening room. It was a luxurious area, with a large house spacious enough to fit three apartments.


    - Hey, Billy! - She saw him freshly showered, or at least with wet hair, lying down watching some old movie he wasn''t exactly familiar with. The room had a state-of-the-art projector and a library filled with films, almost like a video store. She recognized some familiar ones.


    - Claudia, I''ve been waiting for you since 9 a.m., - grumbled Billy. Sundays were his days off.


    -Come on, Billy, hurry up. We''re running late. I have the whole day planned, - Claudia said, ignoring Billy''s words.


    -Huff. - Billy sighed and grabbed his coat, following Claudia down the stairs.


    -The bus from here comes in about ten minutes, - Claudia said, looking thoughtful.


    -No, my father will drive us. We''ll use public transportation on the way back home, - Billy said.


    The journey lasted nearly 45 minutes due to the traffic. The main highways were congested despite being designed for better circulation. The number of cars was insane in a country where almost every family owned a personal vehicle. Traffic issues were expected.


    -Thanks, Dad. See you tonight, - Billy said.


    Be careful, and call if you encounter any issues, -  her father said. - Come here, say goodbye to your old man with a hug."


    Billy approached, and his father asked him how much money he had and if he had enough to treat Claudia.


    -I have 100 dollars from the bet, - Billy said.


    -Well, take fifty and be careful, - his father replied, handing him the bill with a handshake.


    Claudia was lost, examining a slightly worn-out blue brochure.


    -Well, let''s visit the museum for a while first, and then we can check out the restaurants I mentioned, -  Claudia said cheerfully. - And stop grumbling. -


    -How are things going with the theater group? - Billy asked, keeping pace.


    -Terrible, I quit after taking the photos for the school newspaper, - Claudia said.


    -What? Why? You liked the place, - Billy said.


    -Well, I found out some things that dampened my spirits. So, I''m giving the club space for the next season. Besides, I had already finished my artistic part with the sets, - she said.


    -Some dispute with your friends? -


    -Nothing interesting, Billy. Hurry up, I have the whole day planned, and I don''t want to miss a thing,-  Claudia said.


    - It''s very beautiful inside! - she whispered to Claudia. The museum exuded an elegant contemporary charm, quite different from the museums in Europe, which had their modernism rooted in centuries-old cultures. Billy caught a whiff of Claudia''s pleasant perfume.


    - You see, in a way, I didn''t lie. We''re visiting the art museum, - Claudia said.


    -By the way, is your father still planning to open an artisanal hamburger restaurant? - Claudia asked.


    - Yes, we''re thinking of inaugurating it early next year, in January, - Billy said, observing the paintings in the museum.


    - Well, it''s very close by, near San Jose State University. Grabbing the attention of the students with delicious burgers is a good idea, - Claudia said.


    - Just five streets from here, not far at all, - Claudia responded. - I hope you take me to the opening. You know I love hamburgers. -


    - I''ll take you, and you can spread the word among your friends. For the first month, the burgers will be priced at three dollars. My father hired a chef to create a special vegetarian menu��we have lentil burgers and a special potato bun, - Billy said.


    Claudia fell into thought. - I''ll talk to some friends to go as a group. It all depends on whether your burger meets the special requirements of my delicate palate, - she said.


    -It better live up to it, I''m telling you. We opened a call for some renowned chefs and fast-food experts. There are a total of six special burgers and one vegetarian option. From the traditional cheeseburger with cheddar and Swiss cheese on top to one with tomato jam and bacon bits... �C


    You''ve made me hungry! It''s forbidden to mention delicious dishes in front of me unless you have the honor of inviting me to eat, - Claudia said, amused and happy. She paused, looking into Billy''s eyes, then turned her attention to the sculpture at the center of the room.


    -Well, let''s finish looking around here and head to that Italian restaurant you''ve been talking about all week,-  Billy said.


    -Damn it, now I hate you even more for being understanding! - Claudia replied.


    Silence punctuated their conversation. Billy wasn''t very good at responding to Claudia''s constant ramblings.


    The fast-food restaurant, T-Box Burgers, was set up as soon as her father found a location in a designated area with good sales traffic, according to the real estate agent. The rest was sorted out in a matter of days; money tends to solve problems. The space already had a kitchen, previously used for a Thai restaurant, so the funds initially planned for kitchen renovations were allocated to advertising and burger development.


    The location is still being prepared, along with the necessary permits, but everything will be ready by February 1990. They spent almost $9,000 on creating the menu and hired a recently graduated gastronomy student as the head chef of the burger joint.


    -Well, we''ve arrived. It''s this way, - Claudia said.


    The Italian restaurant was spacious, with a back garden basking in the afternoon sun. The wooden chairs were exquisitely refined and decorated, and the large tables had umbrellas to shield them from rain and sun. The pleasant flowers and ecosystem partially justified the restaurant''s prices.


    -Welcome to 1976, an Italian restaurant. What would you like to order, folks? - the young waiter asked.


    -Hmm, I would like some pesto ravioli, please, with fresh orange juice, - Claudia said, licking her lips.


    -A traditional lasagna and a Coca-Cola, - Billy said. - Two servings of the house pizza as well. -


    -For starters, I''d like some bruschetta and tomato with burrata plates, -  Billy replied.


    The waiter happily took their order and left with the tray in hand.


    -Billy, you''re crazy! That dish costs $25; it''ll cost you a fortune, - Claudia said.


    -Don''t worry, my dad knew we were coming to eat and gave me a hundred dollars for the meal, - Billy replied.


    -Well, you don''t have to spend it all. There''s something called saving, you airhead, -  Claudia said.


    -Don''t worry! I know you had your birthday five days ago. I found out on the same day, so consider it a belated birthday treat. I owed you something special, - Billy responded.


    -You''re unbearable, but thanks. You remembered the burrata, - Claudia said, smiling. - Plus, you gave me the $70 clothing coupon."


    -Well, you''ve been telling me about this amazing place for almost a week. I couldn''t forget even if I wanted to. Since we''re here, it would be a waste not to try all the dishes we can, - Billy replied.


    -There won''t be any room left for ice cream later, -  Claudia whispered, eager not to miss out on ice cream.


    -In two hours, you''ll be hungry again. So I think we''ll manage, - Billy said.


    -Well, just so you know, from now on, I can only embarrass you on your birthday because I have to repay you for kindly inviting me to this delicious meal, - Claudia said.


    -I celebrate my birthday during summer vacation. Good luck with that, - he replied.


    -Ha, just wait and see, Billy Carson. When I set my mind to something, I follow through,-  Claudia said playfully.


    The day passed by so quickly that they only realized it had come to an end when they set off to catch a taxi that would take them home. The Italian food was as delicious as Claudia had promised. They closed the day with a stroll through the "The Tech" museum, accompanied by a particularly tasty mixed berry ice cream. Their father was waiting for them at the entrance, reading a newspaper under the late afternoon lights.


    -Well, you took long enough, - Mr. Carson said.


    -We visited several places, Father, -  Billy said. - We''ll be in the screening room for a while; there''s a movie Claudia urgently needs to see. -


    -Are you hungry? Shall we order a pizza? - Thomas asked.


    -That would be great, - Billy replied. Claudia nodded, pouting.


    -I hope The Shining is as excellent as you''ve said. I''ve been told it''s not worth watching, so it''s good to have one of those at home, - he said, pointing to the projector. During this time, it wasn''t very common to have the means to watch movies at home.


    -Well, you''ll enjoy it. Dad will order a pepperoni pizza, and you''ll get to see Jack Nicholson. By the way, isn''t your mother bothered when you come home somewhat late? -


    -She''ll come here after she feels it''s been enough time and interrogate your dad. Then she''ll realize we''re watching a movie here, calm down, and either smoke a cigarette with your dad or have a drink, - Claudia replied.


    -Well, then enjoy the movie, -  he added, sounding like a know-it-all.


    -This movie is yours, but the next one is mine. You have to accompany me to see "Enemies: A Love Story." It premieres next month, and you can''t escape. They say it''s the next winter romance, - Claudia said.


    -Well, we''ll see. We can go in January when the movie loses its audience, - Billy replied.


    -Boooo... People will spoil the movie for me. We''ll go to the premiere. Don''t be a crybaby; let''s go early. People usually go after lunch, - she added while gesturing. She tends to act like a spoiled child when she wants to be right.


    -You''re so demanding. Let me focus on the movie, - Billy said.


    -Boooo... I won''t stop talking until you say you''ll take me to the movie premiere. Billy Carson, it''s only fair that you take me to enjoy the movie, - she said while approaching Billy and pinching his ears.


    -Alright, I''ll take you to the premiere! - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, it''s settled then. You promised, and you can''t back out now.


    -Now pay attention to the movie. The Shining can be considered a classic among the classics. Among many, the writer Stephen King has always been able to depict human nature in various events in ways that can captivate people in a whirlwind of suspense. Jack Nicholson''s portrayal of madness is truly memorable, - Billy said.


    -Hey, Billy... Have you ever thought, - she said.


    -About what have I thought, - Billy responded, paying attention to the movie.


    -You know, - Claudia said, drawing closer to Billy boldly.


    -Claudia, what''s gotten into you? You''re acting a bit strange, - Billy said.


    -Come on, you damn fool! How is it possible that you''re so naive, - Claudia commented.


    In some way, she got closer to Billy and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips. Their mouths collided fiercely, and their teeth clashed. The bold girl continued, but this time her kisses were smaller and gentler, though still uncomfortable.


    -You''re quite an intense woman. Has anyone ever told you that, - Billy said. He gently approached her cheeks, caressing them. Claudia''s beauty is unique��thin and bony. Her crooked teeth and straight blond hair contrast with a few freckles on her nose.


    He saw her aquamarine eyes widen, and he lowered his gaze to her lips. He lightly touched her cold lips, while her cheeks felt as warm as a fireplace. His mind went blank, and he could only focus on that almost ferocious, primitive, and exhilarating kiss. He leaned in again, giving her a soft kiss on her mouth as their saliva mingled between them.


    I continue kissing her lips, gently caressing her tongue against Claudia''s lips, which made her flinch slightly.


    Billy felt his chest pounding, his heart thundering in his ears, and his eardrums resonating like bass. Claudia tried to speak, but their mouths intertwined once again. He felt the soft gasps amidst the tangle of recurring moments when their mouths caressed each other, and the pleasure gradually faded away, everything around him fading into a mental void.


    -Kids, the pizza is here, - Mr. Carsen said from the doorway.


    Claudia''s eyes jumped like a deer''s. She jumped off the couch, startled, and stared at the movie with her head lowered. In many ways, she was quite embarrassed and couldn''t understand how the situation had escalated to this point... she had never kissed a boy in her life, unlike Laura from her previous class, who made it seem so effortless. All sorts of mental images entangled in her adolescent hormones flooded her mind.


    - Ah, yes, Dad. I''ll come down for the pizza, - Billy said.  - You need to act normal, Claudia. My father will suspect something if he sees you with swollen lips, blushing, and completely silent. -


    - Ah, to hell with it, I don''t care... If he finds out, I''ll tell him you pounced on me, you idiot! - Claudia said, slumping back into the couch.


    -Well, I guess we have to watch the movie again. We missed almost half of it, which means we''ll have to repeat it, - Billy said, smiling mischievously. He dodged the cushion aimed at his head, turned around, and saw Claudia with her arms crossed, a look of hatred on her face, as he headed to the kitchen.


    -So, it seems like the movie was interesting, son, - Thomas said from the table, watching the game on TV with an amused expression and Sunday beer foam on his mustache. It had become a tradition to have some leisure time with his father after going to church when he was young.


    -Ha... as interesting as today''s game, - Billy replied.


    -Well, son, next time, try to close the door if you''re going to make out with your girlfriend in your room, - his father said.


    -Dad, not a word! - Billy responded, his ears turning red.


    -There''s juice in the fridge, - Billy''s dad said, laughing heartily.


    Claudia took small bites of pizza and focused on the movie, paying no attention to Billy. The tension became evident when her mother arrived, and Claudia quickly ran to her car without any explanation or goodbye.


    -What did you do to her? -  his father asked.


    -I have no idea. She just suddenly changed completely and stopped talking to me, -  Billy replied.


    -Well, son, congratulations! It''ll pass in a few days. Try not to do anything stupid, -  his father said, heading to his room. -


    ...


    ..


    . S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 30. that which we desire.

    Billy attended to his business responsibilities, feeling unenthusiastic about an entertaining afternoon of cartoons. Lately, he had been highly engrossed in the delivery matters due in 15 days. The Lion King was just a business endeavor for Lux Comics.


    -So, Claudia has been ignoring you for a week and doesn''t want to talk to you, little boss, - Anne said from the adjacent desk.


    -My father told you a lot! - Billy exclaimed, indignant at Anne''s words.


    -Well, look for her. I think she doesn''t know what to say or do and is afraid to see you, - Anne said. "Maybe she feels worse than you. Go and have an honest conversation tomorrow. You''re a sweet kid, and she''ll know if you''re telling the truth."


    -I''ll give it a try, - Billy replied, lowering his head to focus on his drawings. He had ruined quite a few drawings. He wasn''t one to make mistakes, but now everything was turned upside down.


    That same afternoon, Mr. James Cameron entered the boardroom of Caralco Films. Completely confident, he considered the script sent by the Dark Horse Comics kid to be a good one, almost something he would have done himself. The meeting revolved around the "film project" or "financing proposal." This document typically contained detailed information about the script, estimated budget, cast, technical crew, artistic vision, and various expenses, from rented locations to shooting scenes.


    The meeting proceeded with enthusiasm, focusing on the Terminator 2 project. James Cameron impressed everyone with his eloquence and almost photographic attention to detail regarding the flow of each scene in the film. Meanwhile, Mr. Cameron was eager to commence production in May 1990. There were only a few minor details to address in the upcoming months of production. This kid was quite creative. After the meeting, Cameron purchased some of his comics and saw the evident talent in the child. He had the potential to become a screenwriter or director. Anyone with such skills could capture the necessary shots, but being a director required more than just creativity.


    -Patrick, remember to finalize the details and call Jim Wiatt. Tell him I need to have a very important conversation with him, - Cameron said.


    -Oh, sir, he''s on the phone. He''s been waiting for the reasons for the past fifteen minutes. The meeting went on for a full hour, and he wants to know the news, - said young Patrick, a recommended intern who unfortunately got hired after Cameron''s previous assistant left due to his grandchild being born, opting for early retirement.


    -Call him and tell him I''ll be on the phone with him in five minutes,-  James Cameron said.


    - Where''s my lunch? I''m starving, -  James Cameron asked as he organized some papers in his briefcase.


    -Hahaha, Mr. Cameron, I didn''t know... you didn''t order lunch, - young Patrick replied.


    -Bah... that''s what I get for hiring idiots. Come on, kid, go and get me some burgers. I talk to give, -Cameron responded.


    Poor Patrick hurriedly went to get some burgers for Mr. Cameron''s lunch.


    -Hello, this is Shrimp speaking, -


    -James, - Jim Wiatt replied. - So, how did the meeting go? -


    - The meeting was perfect. Everything went as expected, and I secured a $90 million investment. I can work with that production budget, - Cameron said.


    - That''s amazing! A blockbuster is taking off, and now all that''s left is for you to do a fantastic job, - Jim said.


    - Yes, Jim, the film must be incredible. Most of the profits will come from bonuses and box office shares, - Cameron said.


    -By the way, I need to fulfill a favor for a young boy. The script he wrote was for a Terminator comic series. He offered me the script in exchange for promotional consideration on my part. The information can''t be made public. His father signed an agreement to keep everything confidential until the boy turns 21, something about respecting minors. Some close associates may know, but keep it quiet, - Cameron explained.


    -Of course, I''ll make the arrangements. Do you have any ideas on what we could do? - Jim asked.


    -We could go for a small advertising campaign to promote his company. Do you still have that friend who works at The New York Times? They can conduct an interview where I promote the new film and, at the same time, the Comic company, -  Cameron suggested.


    -Perfect, I can arrange an interview after you return from your recreational trip. It can be scheduled for late January, - Jim commented.


    -Yes, late January sounds perfect. Oh, get me Linda Hamilton''s phone number. She''ll be in the second installment with Arnold -  Cameron said.


    -And Arnold''s number? - S��ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I have that one. I''ll call him later, - Cameron replied.


    -Well, let me know if there''s anything else I can assist with. Just give me a call -  Jim said.


    -I have one more thing, -Cameron said.


    -What is it? -


    -Keep an eye on that kid. All the drawings he has are brilliant, and his potential is great. He could be the next Francis Coppola in scriptwriting, and I dare say that if he becomes a director, we''ll have another blockbuster saga or a star-maker. He has created, so keep me updated on the kid''s news. His ideas are promising, -James Cameron said.


    -Well, I''ll keep you updated on the news from Lux Comics. If someone is talented, it''s worth keeping an eye on them," Jim Wiatt said. With a hint of evident surprise in his voice, he commented on James Cameron''s praise. He''s a demanding person.


    James Cameron was very impressed with the script that young Billy delivered. It was perfect, with a few minor adjustments. It made a profound impression on James Cameron''s mind. He called it a coincidence, or perhaps it was the outstanding artistic charm that Billy had in describing the scenes. It was very close to what he would call a "perfect" job. He''s confident that this work will have a perfect reception.


    -Excuse me, Mr. Cameron, I brought the hamburgers you ordered, - Patrick said nervously from the door. It''s been two weeks, and the days have been terrible. From constant reprimands from Mr. Cameron to a loss of confidence due to constant mistakes in completing tasks properly. Well, at least he hasn''t been fired. He''ll make the most of this opportunity while it lasts.


    -Ah, yes, I had forgotten. You can go home for today, kid. We don''t have much to do. Get me a gift for a beautiful woman and have it in my office tomorrow morning, - Cameron said.


    -Yes, sir, gladly. Tomorrow, you have a meeting at 10:00 am at the Fox Studios with some partners regarding the profits from ''The Abyss'' movie, - Patrick said.


    -Well, keep organizing my schedule for the next few days, kid, - he said.


    -Yes, sir. Have a good afternoon, -Patrick replied.


    -Kid, take this money and buy something nice, - Cameron said.


    The young Patrick went off to the jewelry store to find a necklace. He bought one for his girlfriend, and she was fascinated. With a thousand dollars, buying a nice necklace is not a problem.


    ...


    ..


    .

 31. Oblivion days

    Over the next few days, Claudia''s appearance underwent a shock that prevented her from speaking about what happened on Sunday night, and she sought refuge among a close group of friends who surrounded her like a thick shield. This process repeated itself again and again.


    -Make sure to hand in your reading report on the Industrial Revolution tomorrow, -  the teacher repeated aloud.


    I saw Claudia''s friend avert her gaze when Billy locked eyes with her. It had been a week since there had been any sign of life from his best friend, and things had become a bit complicated since their kiss in the projection room. He still didn''t understand what the problem was, what the issue was with Claudia, and despite thinking that Claudia was a mature woman, she still acted like a child. Even in two lifetimes, he couldn''t understand women. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he made his way to the art room, Claudia was nowhere to be found. He searched the dining hall but couldn''t locate Claudia anywhere. He spotted her group of friends sitting and chatting at a table. As soon as Billy approached, the laughter ceased.


    -Hey, girls, can any of you tell me where Claudia is? - Billy interrupted.


    -She doesn''t want to see you, - commented the blonde girl in the corner.


    -Well, I still want to see her. Can you tell me where she is? - he repeated, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    -It''s not about what you want things to be. She''s depressed, give her some space, - responded Hanna, a brunette and part of the group of friends.


    -I''ll decide only when I talk to her, -Billy insisted.


    -You''re unbearable. Look for her on the terrace, that''s where she has lunch. Now we have to eat without anyone watching us, - Hanna murmured.


    Billy could only smile as if he had just played a prank. -Thanks, girls, - he said as he went to the terrace to find Claudia.


    On the way, he pondered how to calm her down. Claudia''s temperament was usually very direct, and her charm lay in that. But now it was the complete opposite��she had been evasive, avoiding conversation, and at best, she would give him a hateful look accompanied by words that shut down the conversation entirely.


    There she was, holding her notebook in her hands, biting into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She was muttering something unintelligible to herself. The sun cast a white curtain of light onto her smooth hair from above. He saw her notice his arrival and try to stand up to escape, but she slipped on her suitcase beneath her feet, falling to her knees on the rooftop grass and cursing.


    He couldn''t help but laugh at Claudia''s sorry state. However, it was not well received by her hunched posture. Her back was poised to explode. Her body language indicated that she would hit him if he laughed again, or maybe not. God, it was impossible to tell.


    -Claudia, how are you? - Billy asked.


    He received no response, but he heard Claudia''s sniffles in the distance and regretted once again for laughing.


    He approached her back, which hadn''t moved in the meantime, that''s maybe... well, he kept getting closer and gently touched her back.


    Her back tensed like a cat.


    He fell silent for a moment. The words weren''t coming out completely. - All or nothing, - he thought.


    -Hey, I''ve missed you. I don''t want us to stay apart. My classes have been boring without my usual companion, and... I haven''t found anything. I''ve lost my sleep schedule because I can''t stop questioning if I did something wrong. Sometimes it depresses me not being able to tell you about my day, and if I keep this up, I''ll go crazy. If you don''t want to be with me, I understand, but come back, Claudia, - he whispered, almost pitying himself. Speeches weren''t his thing. It had been a shitty week, and he had few emotional supports in his life. He had grown accustomed to hearing words of scolding or her bossy way of making him do things she felt were important for his life. He hadn''t enjoyed the affection of a woman for a long time. His mother had left early in this life.


    His father, though reserved, had shown some gestures of affection, but he expressed his feelings in other strong, rigid, and lacking understanding ways. He was demanding, tough in all his forms. He used to take him to the movies and buy him whatever he asked for, but it was different. The warm feeling that a mother produces is different from the warm presence that Claudia provides.


    -So, what do you say... can I be with you again? -


    Claudia''s bright eyes were red from tears, with sleep in them and a bit of peanut butter on the side of her mouth.


    -Of course, you idiot. I''ve missed you too, - Claudia said.  -But you''re a cold-headed empty vessel, and I hope the next time you come to apologize, you bring chocolates. - Her tearful voice trembled considerably.


    -Of course, I''ll buy you chocolates for the whole week, - Billy said.


    -Don''t waste your money on silly things. -


    -For two days then, how about going for ice cream after school? - Billy suggested.


    -I have homework to do and I need to organize my room. Mom will kill me; the last time, she grounded me for a month, - Claudia said.


    -Well, then I guess it will be another day. What are you drawing? - Billy asked, picking up Claudia''s sketchbook.


    -You have some peanut butter on your cheek, - Billy wiped away a bit of peanut butter from her face. They were very close, almost a hand''s breadth apart. Their breathing quickened slightly. He leaned in and gave her a tight hug. The last time he kissed her, he earned her contempt for a week... he hoped not to make the same mistake again. Time would give him an answer if they allowed kisses.


    When you start liking someone, you can''t understand why suddenly everything about that person appeals to you��from their particular scent, warmth, and voice, to even their teary eyes for an unknown reason. It''s their sensitivity that attracts you; everything about that person feels comfortable because it''s genuine. The deep and reserved side is always kept for special moments and accumulates until it explodes only when it''s right. He felt a shy happiness, almost unforgettable, holding Claudia in his arms.


    -Stop squeezing me, you''re going to make me disappear, - she said.


    -That''s the last thing I want, -  Billy replied.


    Her legs weakened, God, this damn guy does it on purpose. How can he say such sweet things and be a robot with everyone else? This must be what the books describe, something so strong and magnetic that you forget your sadness, she thought. "But why doesn''t he kiss me?"


    The young woman raised her eyes and saw Billy''s smile. She rested her forehead on his shoulder and could feel him kiss her crown. The electricity surged through her body again, a strong shiver ran down her spine, and she looked up once more. She moved closer, stood on tiptoes, and placed her hands beneath his armpits. She couldn''t reach his mouth, so she stretched even more. But then she felt his lips on hers. The air shattered in her lungs and escaped in a surprised moan.


    Billy paused and gave her another kiss, a small one like the pecks baby chicks give while picking crumbs on the sidewalks. It was delicate and sweet, and a nervous laugh escaped her, which was met with another tight embrace.


    -You''re an idiot, - Claudia said.


    -I am, and I can''t help it. We have a class to attend. Shall I meet you outside? - Billy asked.


    -You can, in the front courtyard. Mom will pick us up. I''ll ask her to give you a ride. -


    -After class, -Billy affirmed, smiling. Renewed by having Claudia by his side once again.


    The next few days would only get better.


    ...


    ..


    .

 32. collectible cards.

    Everything is set to start selling the collectible card sets from the collaboration with Nike. The cards feature a shiny red paper with the Slam Dunk logo, the official NBA symbol, and the Nike trademark, all in their distinctive design.


    Peter Ruppe took a look at a notebook containing the 140 collectible cards in this batch. Each pack had five collectible cards, featuring three types of cards. The common cards showcased comic characters, player abilities such as passing, dunking, shooting, and logos of sponsored teams.


    The silver cards included professional players with elegant photographs and a silver frame, all in a realistic animated design. The third type of card was the special shiny one featuring the sports superstars, including the protagonist, Will/Sakuragi, and his ultimate rival, Rukawa. Magic, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley were also featured.


    The cards would be sold in Nike stores, comic book shops, Walmart retail chains, and selected convenience stores across cities. For commercial card sales, smaller stores located near homes, schools, and specific sites where traffic is heavy can be very helpful. Small shopping centers and businesses that attract children, mothers, teenagers, and workers to do their weekly or future weeks shopping.


    Peter Ruppe has put his heart and soul into positioning the brand in the market. He has established partnerships with key players in the industry, basketball and American football teams, top tennis athletes, and campaigns with other sports personalities. These campaigns have boosted Nike''s dominance in the North American industry. The clashes between the financing team and the research and fashion team have caused numerous collateral effects.


    -If the campaign was launched this morning at 7:00 AM, all established retail points have been stocked. There are a few initial considerations, but they make sense. Having the cards available in Walmart stores is a wonderful idea since they are wholesalers. And the retail points are interesting, - they told Peter Ruppe, who was sitting in an office wearing his tight black suit and a thick tie, choking his neck.


    -Well, call the Lux Comics office and ask the administrator to provide us with the sales figures for comic bookstores, small street shops, and Walmart. Also, speak with the accounting and logistics teams about the data from the launch date until December 26th and whether the card campaign is worthwhile. Notify sales of the sales numbers, and if we run out of stock, we can initiate production based on the sales curve statistically, -  Peter instructed the sales team.


    - Hello, Arthur, I need you. I want the advertising team to create a special promotion for the purchase of our products. Something with a substantial value, like a gift package worth a hundred or two hundred dollars, - Peter said to the advertising team. - We''ll do our best, - they replied. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Great. Call the management team. I want them to closely monitor all official administrators at Nike stores during Black Friday and provide detailed reports. We''ve dedicated ourselves to a massive production campaign for this occasion, and I don''t care about overtime. I want everything to align perfectly. I''ll be in a meeting with the board of directors all afternoon. I expect confirmation on all sales areas by the time it ends, - Peter mentioned.


    He pressed the red button on the side. - Michelle, I need you to coordinate with the channels regarding the new Nike commercial. We''ve invested a substantial amount, and I expect everything to be in place, - Mike said.


    -Understood, - Michelle replied. She had been working as a secretary for top executives for fourteen years and maintained a mature order regarding her boss''s preferred character. Oh, don''t get her wrong; she had a degree in business administration from a public university. But she understood the difficulty of finding a job in her field.


    -Oh, and send congratulations to Anne, the new administrator of Lux Comics, - Peter said as he adjusted his tie.


    -Yes, sir, - Peter headed to his meeting after numerous calls. He grabbed a packed lunch, a juice box, and a small Coke. Everything was prepared by his lovely wife, who enjoyed a good life thanks to his hard work. She woke up every morning and prepared a delicious meal, waited for her husband to get up, made him a strong black coffee, and two toasts, and picked up the newspaper from the doorstep. She said goodbye to her husband and took a seat by the window, reading a book for two hours. She tidied up the house and went for a stroll to the shops.


    Other times, she did the laundry and ironed her husband''s shirts. She went around the corner and had a cup of tea with her neighbors, a result of the friendship of a lonely housewife. They chatted about her latest reading, the new soap opera, and some neighborhood gossip... the life of his beautiful wife.


    - Good morning, Miss. This is Michelle, assistant to Mr. Peter Ruppe from the Marketing department. -


    -Good morning. This is Anne from the Lux Comics administration. How may I assist you? - Anne said.


    -Nothing urgent. I''m sending greetings from the regional director of the Nike brand for California regarding our new collaboration card release, -  Michelle said.


    Ah, it''s a pleasure. Thank you, and likewise, we''ll be attentive to the budget reports, -  Anne replied over the phone.


    Anne was wearing a short black skirt. It was Friday, and she had a date. It had been a long time since she went out with someone, but she was excited. She hung up the phone and checked that all the orders had been dispatched. She walked down the hallway and saw her little boss engrossed in drawing, as usual. It was a challenging job. Comic companies usually have a team of four or five people per issue, but the little genius handled the entire production process by himself.


    But the child took care of the entire process on his own, from design, structure, dialogue, and polishing, to anchoring for printing. The work of six people. Among all the relevant issues in a comic company, continuity between the group of six people responsible for sending the product to production is a significant challenge.


    Delays and setbacks were part of daily life, but the little genius knew all the production secrets and was a well-oiled machine. Now, issue 32 of the "Slam Dunk" and "Ghost Informer/Yu Yu Hakusho" series was being released, and next week, the winter season would begin, with all the production already dispatched. From "The Lion King" book to the Pinky and the Brain series, the Samurai Jack series, Rugrats, and the new extras of Hellboy.


    The Rugrats series had a total of nine seasons and thirteen episodes in its first season.


    ..


    .

 33. stars together.

    Billy has been analyzing all possible solutions to his problem with "Enemies, a Love Story," which was released on December 13, 1989, and "The War of the Roses," on December 8. He had a marathon of premieres and a tight schedule due to his responsibilities with Lux Comics. The upcoming months will present some of the company''s most challenging releases.


    Along with numerous production setbacks with Cartoon Network, he will have a special internship for ten days from December 1 to December 10, working day and night with top production teams for series production.


    Though it may sound daunting, creating animated TV series requires documenting each frame, scene by scene, along with their movements. Different frames are created, and each frame consists of a series of drawings in motion. It''s nearly thirty pages per second. Animated series are made by hand, forming a sequence.


    The quality of the artist plays a significant role in producing the entire TV series. Since the 80s, animation, and production computers such as "CAPS (Computer Animation Production System)" have been used to streamline the process. This system involves a combination of hardware and software that animators and technicians use to work efficiently. It includes innovative scanners for digitizing hand-drawn images, digital painting software for coloring frames, and a composition system for combining different layers of animation and visual effects.


    To animate in 2D, a high-definition digital scanner and specialized digital composition software are required. However, at the moment, Billy only knows of one company with such capabilities. Throughout the production process, he will explore different animation methods to help create potential masterpieces.


    The negotiation with Betty Cohen, preceded by Anna and her father, could only take place if they met a minimum guaranteed investment. With a budget of fifteen million dollars, an excellent animated film can be made, and a series can meet all desired standards for its first 25 episodes.


    It''s a shame that he can''t get more money out of that deal!


    However, this is not his moment. In the future, what he wants is to build a solid foundation through all those renegade artists who want to make money and produce their favorite series in complex ways. There''s no point in doing the same thing if you can improve it��you just have to make it better. With a dedicated approach, he can achieve great things.


    Warner Media decided to invest exactly fifteen million dollars to produce the "Yuyu/Hakushu Ghost Report" series, adapting the comic work and manga into anime, while removing unnecessary details. In ten years, he can complete an adaptation of the entire series, as long as he has the necessary resources and the willingness to do it.


    -You can purchase the rights to the work ten years later and reclaim the film rights for each series for $500,000, but you cannot broadcast the series on any competing network for the next ten years. - Thomas said.


    -Billy, remember that you have to pay close attention to everything your grandfather tells you, - said Thomas Carson.


    -Yes, Dad and I''ll also take care of Grandpa,"-said Billy.


    -Well, good luck, and make the most of your time. Professionals in the industry will teach you, and it will be your decision whether you want to continue your career as an animator at CalArts,- said Thomas.


    -Yes, sir, I''ll do my best! - exclaimed Billy.


    -Ah, stop bothering the boy, Thomas. Children grow up, and it''s normal, -mentioned Grandfather Richard Carson.


    -Father, very timely. Do you have your medication? Mom said she wrote down the times you have to take them. Billy, it''s in the morning and at night, make sure he takes them. He tends to forget and he needs them to alleviate his blood pressure issues,- said Thomas.


    -Since when do you listen to your mother? - Richard Carson replied, with a scolding expression.


    -Father, since it''s good for your health. If you need money, you can call me. Billy has some dollars, and the folks at Hanna-Barbera will help you with any difficulties you have, - said Thomas.


    -Yes, yes. See you in ten days, dear son, - Richard said.


    -Well, good luck to both of you, -said Thomas.


    Airport traffic is one of the most stressful places a person can be, with constant delays for those who arrive on time for their flight, and punctual flights for those who arrive late to catch their flight. These are the ironies of private transportation.


    They boarded their flight to Los Angeles, California, on a small, crowded plane, understanding the hatred people have for flying and why it''s preferable to drive for six hours straight without rest on the road.


    -Well, a gentleman will pick us up at the airport and take us to the animation studios, Billy. Your grandfather will handle the issues with the hotel. Your father reserved a room at the Ramada Plaza for ten days. I''ll pick you up around 3:00, - said his grandfather.


    That''s how a young man dressed in a suit said, waiting at the entrance with a sign that read Billy Carson. A clich�� but quite practical in this cellphone-free era.


    -You must be the Carsons, - the man mentioned.


    -That''s correct,-  replied Richard.


    - Well, follow me this way. I''ll take you to the studios. I''ve been assigned as your guide for today, so if you have anything to say, feel free to mention it," -said the young man.


    -Oh, it''s a pleasure. I was thinking of renting a car, - said Richard. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - It''s not necessary. According to the hotel where you''re staying, you can take a bus that takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It departs from the studio itself. It''s also common for someone to give you a ride to the hotel if you''re at the studios, - mentioned the young man.  - But I can take you to a car rental place if you''d like, although parking will likely be an issue for you, considering the few days you''ll be in Los Angeles. -


    -Well, this old man will stay around West Hollywood, walking a bit and at the hotel bar, - Richard said.


    -Grandpa, don''t worry. The hotel has some activities, and there are places all over Los Angeles. You can find things to do while your grandson is studying, - said Billy.


    -Oh, your grandpa always finds something to do, - Richard said.


    The studio came into view, and Billy felt a rush of excitement inside him, like a child opening a Christmas present. It was time to dive headfirst into this industry that promised so many interesting things. Despite being undervalued, it could evoke impressive sensations in those who experienced their childhood or sought something to identify with.


    -Well, have fun and don''t cause any trouble. Grandpa will be waiting for you in the lobby at 5:00 pm so we can do something together, -  Richard said.


    Billy said his goodbyes from the entrance, and his grandpa stuck his head out of the window, giving him a shout of encouragement.


    ...


    ..

 34. drawing day

    -It''s a pleasure, Billy. I''m Paula Sullen, your direct liaison. I was at the meeting in San Jose, - said Paula, dressed in a beautiful black office suit with a blue shirt.


    -Nice to meet you, Miss Paula, - Billy responded.


    Paula led him closely throughout the entire journey, introducing him to everyone and even informing some people about his status and situation, like Tony Benedict, one of the big shots in the studio. Billy couldn''t help but feel ecstatic about the upcoming days of training to become an editor. The atmosphere was quite intense, with numerous offices, a complete contrast to the cheerful work environment he had imagined.


    -Well, I''ll take you to your designated mentor. He''ll lend you a hand in the process, - said Paula. -You can come to me anytime; I''m in charge of coordinating your transportation. -


    -And it''s this way... This is Mr. Paul Higgs; he''ll be accompanying you during your time here at Hanna-Barbera, - Paula said.


    The young Paul is probably around thirty years old, definitely younger than my father. Not a single gray hair on his long black hair. He greeted Billy with a firm handshake. The studio had been prepared for Billy''s arrival, and he felt a bit overwhelmed by the VIP treatment he was receiving. Or do they treat everyone the same way? From a gentleman who picks him up day and night, to complimentary snacks during his study hours and a dedicated room for him.


    -Pleasure to meet you, I''m Paul. I''ve been told that you''re the creator of the Slam Dunk and Yu Yu Hakusho/Phantom Files series. I''ve studied your works, and they''re excellent. I''ll be the animator in charge of designing the first season of Phantom Files, and I''m excited to work with you, - said Paul Higgs.


    -Yes, sir, I''m ready for anything, -  Billy replied.


    -Well, the production team is on vacation, but as the leader of the drawing team, I''m responsible for finalizing the storyboards for the first episodes. WarneMedia''s investment is substantial. We''ve never had 15 million dollars for production before.-


    >>In the contract with Lux Comics, it''s stated that we have to maintain a visual production quality on par with ''Akira,'' ''Castle in the Sky,'' and ''My Neighbor Totoro,'' which, by the way, can only be found in Japanese with Spanish subtitles. -


    >>After a brief investigation, the rhythmic quality of the film consists of 25 frames per second, followed by properly traced motion lines. However, the production team has yet to match the drawing quality delivered by you, even after recruiting four people. The design hasn''t quite come together. Your drawing skills are excellent. So, what will we do here? It''s to teach you how to follow those transitions from the comic, -said Paul.


    - That''s a lot to take in. I think my skills are better in practice than in theory, - Billy said.


    -Of course, you have a talent for visual development, - Paul replied.


    In his mind, he already had his ideas on how to bring the story to life. After all, the entire Yu Yu Hakusho series, including its manga, anime, movies, and some special OVAs, were stored in his head.


    Among the series that Warner Media''s producers initially planned to use to captivate their audience were old series produced since 1960. One of the animated series that had a significant impact but couldn''t be distributed by Warner ended up being distributed by Fox. It was Batman Beyond from 1992.


    -You can start by organizing your desk. Do you see those blank sheets called celluloid or translucent paper? The light table helps overlay all the paper and create the illusion of drawing, - mentioned the scruffy-haired man who paced back and forth, often lost in his thoughts. He was a bit nervous about teaching since he was never one to talk much, preferring to immerse himself in his world of drawing.


    -We''ll begin with our storyboard, what we call the program''s introduction. Our goal for these ten days is to have an acceptable product,- said Paul.


    -Okay, I''ll start now. I''d like to clarify that when I created the comic, I already had a clear idea of how to animate it, - Billy said.


    It wasn''t entirely true, but he had a clear idea of how to create the program''s introductory based on the previous opening used in its previous era. He would only make adjustments, incorporating some improved background scenery from the second opening and adding flashing lights of different colors to enhance the graphic design. He drew inspiration from various other shows that were still fresh in his mind, such as Naruto.


    -Alright, let''s get to work, -said Paul.


    The following hour was filled with constant drawing in small frames, approximately 7 cm x 7 cm, showcasing the best designs he could recreate with his current drawing skills. He meticulously planned the format that he believed would suit the series perfectly.


    I used the main animation frame of a witch flying on a broomstick through the clouds. As she soared, posters of the characters appeared in different colors, with a faded tone, while keeping the sky in view. The scene then transitioned to a vast meadow surrounded by a forest, where the four protagonists ran across and encountered some monsters. They showcased their powers, such as the spiritual gun.


    It took me an hour and a half to capture all those details in a storyboard that followed a linear style similar to comics but with more intricate details, showcasing how those movements could express themselves.


    -This is very polished work. I was initially skeptical about your skills, but this is excellent. However, these complex scenes can only be realized on special acetate paper, using tempera paints. We''ll need to create at least 27 scenes to complete the introductory chapter, - said Paul. S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, how difficult is it to create the acetate frames? - asked Billy.


    -Difficult is an understatement. It can be quite messy at times. Wanting too much sometimes feels impossible, but we''ll do our best,- replied Paul.


    -Why is it difficult? - Billy asked, a little perplexed by Paul''s confusion, as this man wore his emotions on his sleeve.


    -Come on, I''ll teach you how to use tempera paints. This might be one of the most challenging processes! -  said, Paul.


    To create the scene, an eighth of cardstock was used as the base, with the initial image placed on it. The first step was to shape the scene. Three shades of white were used to create the cloud, along with three different shades of blue and various details to add complexity to the image.


    Throughout the afternoon, with both Paul and me giving it our all, we managed to complete only two scenes. But it was quite an interesting process. Using an idea borrowed from filmmaking, we zoomed in and out with the camera, extracting the most from the panoramic view we created together.


    -That''s it for today. Tomorrow morning, I think your task will be to create a model guide, - said Paul.


    - Well, what''s a model guide? -  Billy asked again.


    -It''s a compilation of all the different ways the characters should be drawn, including their various facial expressions, emotions, shapes, and how to depict them in different poses. It''s a comprehensive reference for all the images, -  explained Paul.


    What a demanding and challenging task. Although it''s evident that there''s a team of at least five people working on this project, it remains long and tedious.


    -Well, tomorrow, I''ll make a list of all the possible ways to draw the characters, - sighed Billy, realizing how tortuous the work would be.


    -I see you''re feeling discouraged. Don''t worry; the result is rewarding. My first job was a simple animated commercial, but after weeks of trying again and again, I ended up with something that still impresses me to this day, - said Paul.


    -I''ll try my best, - said Billy. In this era, the challenges of animation are the same as they were twenty years ago, but technology has made some of those difficulties easier to overcome. I''ll just wait and see how this week unfolds.


    ..


    .

 35.cartoon network

    -Come on, Billy, let''s go to the pool. Don''t be boring, - said Richard Carson, slightly flushed from the eventful day he had. Since 10:00 AM, he had walked the numerous streets, played pool, and had some drinks with tourists at the bar. They also went to the corner to have some tacos, as recommended by the bartender.


    The best day of his life! His wife only allows him to go out to watch soccer with his lifelong friend, Francis Patt, and on many occasions, he gets scolded when he comes home smelling like beer. These ten days are his chance to go anywhere he wants, like a free bird.


    - Grandson, I have to work on a model guide, - said Billy.


    -Well, do it after the pool, son. The sun will set in an hour, and you can do whatever you need at dinner. Accompany your old man to the pool. I didn''t have my sweet grandson with me this afternoon, - said Richard.


    His grandfather''s smile is contagious, and at seventy years old, he makes it hard for Billy to refuse.


    -Well, let''s go to the pool,-the young man responded. It''s also good to get some fresh air after a day of non-stop drawing and painting. The water was cold, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The hotel had a characteristic luxury.


    -Grandpa, Grandpa, those aren''t Larry Bird and Kevin McHale from the Boston Celtics, - Billy replied.


    -Ah, your old man only likes American football, but go and ask. If they''re well-known, you can ask for an autograph, - said Richard.


    -Well, I don''t have anything to write on, - Billy wondered.


    -Don''t you have anything in your suitcase? Maybe some papers you brought from the studio? - Richard asked.


    -Well, I could use those, - Billy replied. He got out of the pool with excitement. He was just a few meters away from the legend Larry Bird, one of the best shooters in history, along with the winner of numerous NBA three-point contests, known for his excellent techniques.


    -Well, I think I have my sketchbook, but ah, whatever, I can use a blank page I haven''t used,- said Billy.


    He took out his special sketchbook, which consists of four notebooks featuring some of his creations or new designs for projects he''s currently working on. Larry Bird, along with McHale, was having a conversation at a table under an umbrella, and there was someone to their right whom Billy couldn''t recognize.


    -Excuse me, sir, could I have your autograph? - Billy asked.


    The sports star turned to look at him and nodded.


    -Sure, little buddy, - said Larry Bird.


    -Great, sign right below this page,- Billy said.


    Mr. Bird signed just as instructed. He looked up at his companions and said, -Will you also sign? -knowing Billy''s thoughts and wanting to finish signing and continue their conversation.


    -Pass that over here,- said the person Billy didn''t recognize.


    -You can sign on the other page at the bottom,- Billy interrupted.


    He didn''t pay much attention and signed on to the other page.


    -I guess on the other page, - Kevin McHale responded, anticipating and adding a touch of humor, to which Billy nodded vigorously.


    He had three signatures from three basketball personalities, and although he had no idea who the second one was, he would do some research. He could check the special magazines about the Boston Celtics players.


    -Thank you very much, -replied Billy, who ran to where his grandfather was sitting in a reclining chair with his beer in hand.


    -Did you get them? -Richard asked.


    -Yes, it was worth it. It''s the Celtics superstar, - Billy said, adjusting himself and letting out a sigh of relief.


    -Let''s grab something to eat. Your old man is hungry, and he can''t eat later. -


    He couldn''t find any presence of the Boston Celtics. He looked at the calendar, and they didn''t have any games in California, let alone Los Angeles.


    The days passed in the blink of an eye. He colored the fifty-seven used acetates for the introductory chapter of the anime, created the sequence of the twelve frames per second, and added a futuristic style.


    Through his friends, George Sydney obtained an explanation about the animation techniques the studios used to print their anime with such detailed features without overspending. The drawings painted on celluloid paper were developed using twelve to thirteen frames per second for animation. For more important moments, the number of frames would increase to thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen frames per second.


    That''s twelve frames per second and thirteen. The work changed, and this information relieved Paul Higgs as the production time was reduced by one-third. Later, they put the drawings in special animation cameras that guide the entire animation sequence or in a special scanner that transfers the drawings into a digital plane. Using an advanced program for the time, the images are organized and the animation is run. Billy was amazed by the multiple techniques used by Paul. The entire reel is adjusted using the animation camera and then through the digital program.


    The first opening was completed, combining elements from the first and second parts. The first part of the clouds was extended, and there was an intercut of the four main characters in static images. Then there was a transition of each of them, showing some of their special abilities, along with an image of Yusuke, the protagonist, performing his spirit gun.


    For ten days, they worked on the 45-second animation, even fixing the details of the model guide, and they planned the production of the first episode. Each episode has a total of 30 minutes, which is different from the 22 minutes usually seen in anime. The fifteen million dollars for the first twenty-five episodes is entirely reasonable. This is a major production. What Billy didn''t know is that the butterfly effect would cause many of Warner''s upcoming series to have more rigorous production, and Cartoon Network would receive more love from the Warner network after the success of the designs created in Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Report.


    -What do you think of this design?-  Paul Higgs asked Iwao Takamoto, Tony Benedict, and Eb Benedict, the leaders of Hanna-Barbera.


    -It''s excellent work, - responded Iwao Takamoto in his concise and pronounced English.


    -And you, Tony and Ed, what do you think of the work? - Paul Higgs repeated.


    -It''s good. It was Billy, the boy, who did the storyboard, characters, and settings, -  Tony questioned. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, the young man has a special ability for development. Although we expected exceptional skills, what he has achieved is beyond reasonable. He''s a genius in animation without a doubt. I worked closely with him, teaching him all the skills I''ve been learning for the past ten years, and this is the result... nothing to envy. Even our visually stunning Batman series can be overshadowed by young Billy, - said Paul.


    -How do you think we should proceed, George? - Tony asked.


    -Let''s send the work to the Warner executives. After all, we''re now a subsidiary company, - George said.


    -Once they see the caliber of this animated series, they might increase our budget for other series we''re reviving, -George added.


    -Agreed, - they all said.


    -On another note, we can collaborate with young Billy again during the first week of January. The whole team needs to see the quality of his work. This time, Tony will participate and teach young Billy. This series could be the future of our Hanna-Barbera network, - George said.


    -Paul, talk to Miss Sullen and have her arrange Billy''s next visit to the studio, -  George instructed.


    The meeting concluded, and the video reached the Warner Media executives two days later, especially Betty Cohen, who rushed to win the network''s approval to launch Cartoon Network. The executive thought to herself as she made her way in with the sound of her high heels, leaving the office in complete silence upon Betty''s arrival.


    ..


    .


    the story is already taking a little bit of the direction I want to give it, although I feel it will be a little long, I keep writing, I''m 24 chapters up in my Patreon, and I keep writing, thanks for reading my dear readers.

 36. return home.

    His time in Los Angeles was a transitional period. It is said that the quality of cartoons on Cartoon Network is poor and lacks the complexity and sophistication that other animation channels possess. However, the challenge lies in creating something good through simplicity. What would these individuals do with a lot of money?


    In his memory, he holds a deep attachment to some cartoons that are almost like memories from his adolescence. Paul Higgs taught him how to work in 2D animation. They even discussed how Disney had better technology in industrial entertainment than Hanna-Barbera. They solved those problems with various activities, such as using digital scanners. With a combination of handcrafted work, technology, and techniques like ink, watercolors, and tempera.


    On the other hand, his grandfather had a lively time exploring all of Los Angeles. He played billiards, went swimming in the pool multiple times, and enjoyed the company of friends he made during his stay. The 10 days that were supposed to be a punishment turned out to be a refreshing break for his grandfather, who was always limited under the control of his dear wife.


    Furthermore, Lux Comics continued its role in publishing these comics. The amazing thing about this winter season is the publication of "The Lion King" comics, aimed at establishing a foothold in Disney''s relationships. However, complications arise from a complete lack of contacts that could negotiate a mutually beneficial contract with Disney''s producers, as well as the economic power of other companies.


    As an essential starting point for Disney in manipulating "The Lion King" against the small company Pixar, this is a corporate project that aims to bring new glory to Disney. It requires careful attention to the construction of this elaborate plan, as there is talk of explicit suffocation where Disney, through a contract for five films, dominates and chokes off all relations with Pixar.


    He saw his father waiting for him in his usual business suit, drinking coffee at the airport entrance.


    -Father, how are you? - Billy said, completely exhausted after completing the opening structure of "Yuyu/Hakushu." They dedicated themselves to storyboarding the first chapter and completed some basic sequences for the entire first chapter.


    The project was a success thanks to Billy''s drawing skills. Everything he does in terms of drawing and leading the creative process for the series he handles is simply perfect. The creative work he did with Paul was worth every second.


    - I''m perfectly fine, son, - said Thomas Carson.


    -That''s great to hear! How has everything been with the company? -  Billy asked Mr. Carson, who had deep bags under his eyes.


    -Well, everything has turned upside down since you left. Sales have dramatically increased, and there has been a boom in the production of Slam Dunk trading cards, - Thomas said. - We have already completed nearly four deliveries of 70,000 units, and we had to double our production by hiring new workers. Luckily, we had some extra materials that we purchased for the next six months, but it won''t be enough for the upcoming months. We had to place another order to manage the production and hire five new employees. -


    - Wow, I''m quite surprised, - said Billy.


    - You should be. The orders kept coming one after another. Even the Slam Dunk comic itself is completely sold out everywhere. They are urging us to renew the entire production. In the end, I could only negotiate with Mike to help us meet the Slam Dunk orders for an additional 5%, along with providing sufficient materials for the comic, - Thomas explained.


    -How much have we earned? -  Billy asked.


    -I don''t know, son. But based on our sales, we can proudly boast of earning approximately $1.5 million, - the adult stated, with his characteristic sly smile when he strikes a good deal.


    The sales of the collectible cards have been a success in all published locations. The magnificent basketball atmosphere of this era, and the great feats of the basketball players, including the 1992 Dream Team of superstars, are the driving forces behind the series'' great success.


    -I never expected this much money, - Billy said.


    -Well, after taxes, you''ll have plenty of money to invest, - Thomas said.  - I even see the possibility of fulfilling your long-awaited game now. Renovating the entire warehouse with this unexpected income will be a great help. -


    -These are all great ideas! -  Billy responded, happy that the business was starting to take shape positively.


    -How was your time at Hanna-Barbera? - Thomas asked.


    -It was worth every penny. We developed the content for the first episode of Yuyu Hakusho, and Paul Higgs, who was my mentor, taught me a lot of tricks about animation creation. Together, we created the opening for Ghost Report and developed the storyboard for the first episode, - Billy said.


    -That''s fantastic, - Thomas replied.


    -Well, along with the first episode''s backgrounds, Paul Higgs was so impressed that he introduced me to the channel executive, who mentioned that I have an open door to work at Hanna-Barbera whenever I want, - Billy responded.


    -Well, if you want to create an animation channel, as you mentioned, having recognition from great animators like those at Warner Bros. will only enhance your future, - Thomas said.


    Mr. Carson wanted to say something aloud but stopped.


    -Little Claudia came two days ago and had pizza with me, -  Thomas said, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the situation.


    -She had pizza with you. -  Billy said, surprised.


    - Yes, she showed up unexpectedly one day and didn''t believe much about your trip with your grandfather. She thought you would stay at home watching movies. She arrived around 3:00 PM, and when she found out that you indeed took a trip with your grandfather to Los Angeles, she blushed. But since her mother doesn''t like pizza, especially a large one, she said she would have to eat it with her, - Thomas explained.


    - Hahaha, - Billy laughed. He couldn''t articulate the following sentences because he knew about Claudia''s antics.


    -She can be quite intense. She gets you to do what she wants, and you don''t even realize how you end up fulfilling all her requests, - Billy said.


    -That''s true, son. We watched the Lakers game together, and I can only say she''s a special woman. Take good care of her, son, - Thomas said, still feeling quite uncomfortable with the father-son relationship and his responsibilities as a father, needing to provide some explanations.


    -She reminds me of your mother, - Thomas said with a heavy heart.


    The love of his life, Agustina, left her soul baptized with an unforgettable love. He met her at a restaurant where he worked as a waiter while studying at university. He fell completely in love with that woman with a quick smile and a bubbly sense of humor. But she also had sporadic quick mood swings and tremendous anger that left him sitting there.


    Little Claudia had that same spirit, that characteristic burst of energy that reminded him of his beautiful wife.


    - Be a good father! There was a moment when I thought we would be together as friends, but somehow, she prevailed, - Billy said, embarrassed to share these details with his father.


    -You''re growing up so fast, son, - Mr. Carson felt the weight of the years. His little boy now has a woman in his life. He even noticed a hint of facial hair on Billy''s face, his voice has transitioned from a sweet tone to a deeper one, and undoubtedly, he has grown taller.


    How sadness fills his heart. It feels like just yesterday he finished kindergarten and would fall asleep during soccer games. And now he''s going out with girls his age. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Dad, what was my mother like? - Billy asked, surprising Mr. Carson.


    -Oh, she was an amazing woman, son. I loved her very much. She used to read on Sunday mornings in the sunlight. She would laugh slowly as she read the book, and at one point, she would jump up and say she wanted to go to the library, the beach, or some new restaurant she had heard about, -  Thomas said.


    -At night, she would have hot chocolate and fall asleep on the couch. In the afternoons and evenings, she would talk until the early hours. She loved flowers and sunny days. The happiest day she had was when she became pregnant with you. When we started the mortgage for our house, she picked out the furniture and kissed me every morning to wake me up,- he continued.


    -You loved her very much, -  Billy whispered.


    -With all my heart, -  Thomas replied.


    -Grandpa had a great time, -  Billy mumbled.


    -Yes, I can see that. He''s been sleeping the whole way from the airport, - Thomas said, looking at his father sleeping in the back seat.


    -He did everything he could to keep himself busy. If anyone had a vacation, it was him. On the other hand, I ran into Larry Bird! -  Billy exclaimed.


    -In Los Angeles. What a surprise! - Thomas said. - Well, the assistant to Mr. Cameron, a guy named Patrick, was talking about fulfilling the agreement you had. He''ll promote us in The New York Times and, if possible, arrange another interview before the premiere of Terminator in a year. -


    -That''s great, - Billy said.


    ...


    ..


    .

 37. progress

    Will Wright has been a game producer since the 80s, and in his journey of game development, he has delved into the unpredictable science behind creating them. Each game is a new creation crafted by creators who pour their entire being into a particular game.


    I have studied game designs for a month to respond to Billy Carson, a child, and his company Lux Comics, who arrived with a fantastic proposal over thirty days ago, breaking all the molds that Electronic Arts has desired since its inception.


    Recently, he had an enthusiastic meeting with the entire production team and, together with his brilliant illustrators, they are seeking to unravel whether it is feasible for the company to develop this game. They consider factors like finances, development capabilities, and most importantly, satisfying their paying players. No more selling recycled games like Atari did during the market saturation of 1983.


    Therefore, despite having a strong initial proposal for the game being developed, a good idea alone is not sufficient for the gaming industry, especially in this era. There are a series of possibilities that cannot be addressed at the moment, and the company''s future cannot be risked, even with its love for video games.


    The reasons behind this decision are twofold. First, due to the limited technological advancements of the time. Game production requires computer skills, and nowadays, the tools that facilitate this industry are ten times more complex. Second, due to the industry''s contempt during this era, given the significant collapse it has experienced over the years. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Therefore, it is not possible to proceed with the game. At Electronic Arts, we regret that we cannot establish a long-term relationship, but this is the nature of things. At this moment, the company cannot accept the contract proposal, - said Mr. Wright.


    With regret and a hint of sadness in his heart for this missed opportunity, he decides to move on from this relationship that could have generated great profits. Above all, it''s about Electronic Arts and its future in the gaming industry.


    -Yes, sir, it''s a shame that as a company, we cannot collaborate with Lux Comics. I hope to have some contact in the future. The company is always willing to establish a relationship with Electronic Arts, - Anne said, feeling a bit disheartened by the bad news.


    -Very well, if possible, we would be delighted, - Will Wright remarked.


    -Mr. Wright, before you go, perhaps you could tell us about some people who could help us fulfill our purpose, - Anne asked.


    -I will send you some names, although I can only do that. There is no guarantee that they will decide to produce your game, - Will Wright said.


    -That would be great news for me to hear. - Anne said. - Do you know my fax number so you can send me the information? -


    -Don''t bother, I will call you or have my secretary send you the contact details of those companies that can help you create those games. Additionally, I will provide you with a letter of recommendation. Give me a week to sort out this little matter, Miss Anne, - Will mentioned.


    -Perfect, without further ado, I will eagerly await your call, - Anne responded.


    Based on their research, companies that had a good reputation during this era were Sega of America, which has a presence in the country and could serve as a launching pad. Atari Games, although uncertain of the potential outcomes due to the numerous setbacks the company has faced, and Nintendo of America, although not necessarily a game producer, the contact could lead them to Japan, the birthplace of video games.


    Factory production has multiplied, and they aim to double the entire production to meet the demand. They lost some money by rescuing Dark Horse Comics, which has caused a series of inconveniences and has been a headache to resolve. The production chain is less profitable, and the shipment has reduced profits.


    As the Carsons arrived at the company, only the owner of the company would enter with such enthusiasm. Mr. Thomas Carson, father, and representative of Billy, had been postponing discussions on non-urgent matters until his beloved little genius returned.


    -Anne, it''s a pleasure to see you! -  Billy said.


    -Likewise, who would have thought that two weeks away from the company, and the world would almost come crashing down, - Anne sarcastically remarked.


    -Oh, come on!" Billy said. - You''re an intelligent person with great abilities, - Billy added.


    -Well, come to the conference room. I have some important things to discuss, - Anne said.


    The Carsons followed her closely, with hesitant looks on their faces.


    -Well, now that everyone is here, we have received a profit of one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000) for December 5th, 1989, not counting the deductions for taxes, -Anne announced.


    -Wow! That''s a lot of money, - Billy exclaimed. - What are the sales statistics? Where is all this money coming from? - Billy questioned, almost incredulous about the sudden increase in revenue.


    -Well, it''s obvious from the comic book sales. Almost all of our characters have been selling one after another non-stop. Even if we increase production on a small scale, it wouldn''t be enough. We need to buy another printing machine to keep up with production or enlist the services of Mike Richardson. We have tax exemptions due to officially having twenty employees, -  Anne explained.


    -Well, let''s buy a machine," Billy suggested. "But let''s not increase the number of employees too much. With twenty employees, can we make it work if we buy another printing machine? - the young man asked.


    -With twenty-four employees, you can operate four production lines per employee, - Anne replied. - However, we need a supervisor who knows order processing, and employee protocols, and can handle the workload better than I can, - she added.


    -Done, I will post the job offer at the employment agency and in the newspaper, - Thomas said.


    -So, how will the company''s expenses be allocated? -  Anne asked.


    -Well, a $200 bonus for the employees and a $500 bonus for you. Set aside enough money for a machine. We will look for companies that are bankrupt or facing financial problems and inquire about purchasing their equipment. Also, arrange for the necessary repairs and renovations to the factory and its facade, -  Billy explained.


    -Noted. Will you do something about the lot? There''s plenty of free space, and it would be good to maintain it, - Anne suggested.


    -Right, make the necessary arrangements for the surroundings,- Billy agreed. - By the way, how much space do we currently occupy in the factory? -  he asked.


    -Well, we only use what used to be the loading warehouse. So, we have the entire office area in the rear, which consists of three floors, and an events hall on the top floor. That accounts for almost 70% of the premises. We only utilize a small portion of the factory, - Anne replied.


    -Hmm, I see, -Billy pondered.  - Sometimes, it''s more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild. -


    -Let''s do as usual: keep a financial cushion of $100,000 in savings at the bank, pay the salaries for this month, and take care of the necessary structural repairs, - Billy instructed.


    -The rest can be reinvested in stocks, -  Billy continued.


    -Wait, about that, I conducted a study on the companies you previously highlighted, and I have an idea, although I don''t see many good opportunities. But you''re the boss, -  Anne mentioned.


    -Can you give me the data and names of those companies? I don''t remember them all," Billy asked.


    -Microsoft''s stock is priced at 49 cents per share. Apple''s shares are valued at 98 cents each, -  Anne stated.


    She paused as she reviewed the data.


    -Walmart Stores Inc. has a price of $4.30 per share, - Anne added.


    -Well, buy as much of those stocks as you can. Hmm... How much money can we invest in stocks? -  Billy asked.


    -Around $800,000, although it''s not advisable to invest in such a volatile market, - Anne replied.


    - That much! -  Billy sighed.


    - Well, our numbers are stable, - Anne said, smiling.


    -Make the bonus double. It''s the end of the year, and Christmas is approaching. Everyone wants to spend a little, - Billy suggested.


    -Invest $200,000, $65,000 in each stock, -  Billy instructed.


    - So, $65,000 in Microsoft stocks, $65,000 in Apple stocks, and $65,000 in Walmart stocks,-  Anne summarized.


    -Yes, - Billy confirmed.


    - Son, are you sure you want to invest nearly $200,000 in stocks of companies that don''t have a good growth outlook? - Thomas questioned.


    -Absolutely, -  Billy replied resolutely.  - Oh, wait, invest an additional $65,000 in WorldCom, - he added.


    -Noted, - Anne said.


    -There would still be $500,000 left. Do you want to save it in the bank or... - Anne started to ask.


    -Invest it in real estate, - Billy interrupted. - What do you think, Father? I''m thinking of buying a house in Los Angeles for our next trip, -  he said.


    -That''s a good idea, but the real estate agent hasn''t found a suitable offer. The price is quite high, -  Thomas explained.


    -Well, let''s invest in San Jose then. How about a residential building? -  Billy suggested.


    -I don''t think that''s a good idea, son," Thomas responded. "Let me handle it. I''ll work with the real estate agency to find some interesting properties. Who knows, maybe I''ll come across something intriguing, -he added.


    -No, Dad, I almost forgot. There''s a new company called Pixar, and I''d like to invest in them. You know, propose a business investment to them. It''s simply perfect, - Billy said.


    -Pixar? -  Thomas questioned.


    -Yes, they specialize in 3D animation. It would be great if we could invest with them,-  Billy explained.


    -Well, that''s my job, - Anne chimed in. - I''ll call Pixar and see what I can arrange, -  she said.


    The December meeting concluded.


    ...


    ..


    .

 38. an agent.

    February 1990.


    Jim Wiatt expressed the opinions given to him by James Cameron to closely follow Billy Carson through the request to sign Billy for his respective work with his company, Lux Comics. Among everything, he wants to give him special attention. For some time now, reports have been flooding his desk. The young man has a fruitful relationship with Nike. Secondly, there are rumors about a collaboration between Lux Comics and Warner Media. There have been several developments gathered through the information chain and some have been represented. Another animated battle may enter the battle for ratings on cable television.


    The question on everyone''s mind in the company is, how talented is this boy? Some are skeptical of his insistence on adding the boy to the prestigious roster of Creative Associative Arts. But more than anyone, after four years of working with James Cameron, Jim knows the director''s demand for excellence and his disdain for anything mediocre. Cameron is a perfectionist and very demanding of himself as well as others. That speaks volumes, as someone as difficult as James is a good benchmark, and he has had astonishing films. He is a talented individual who holds Billy in high regard.


    That''s why Jim Wiatt called Billy''s father and asked if he should follow his hunch... after all, he''s a mentor. And he has never given a bad recommendation. The response didn''t take long to arrive. Hire him now!


    Among the first things Jim did was to read his works... well, he assigned some famous writers from the agency to read his works, and they were amazed by the graphic, literary, and visual talent in the novels. They mentioned the lack of publicity for t, competence works, otherwise, they would indeed compete with Marvel and DC. Secondly, Jim conducted extensive research gathering all possible information he could find. He found copyright records dating back three years, which means Billy started drawing at the age of eleven. He always remembers a comment from his father, a retired successful agent, "There are people who are born with golden stars at their birth."


    Therefore, he decided to become the agent of young Billy Carson, a relationship that could catapult him to become a star agent and eventually a partner in the agency. Everyone desires a superstar in the world of entertainment, if there is a good relationship between agent and client. Only the weight of a superstar can secure him a prominent position in the company.


    taking risks and searching among the sea of possibilities for one that leads to success. Such opportunities are either created or connected through the world of favors that constitutes everyday life. It''s a common story for those who have industry connections, like Jim, who had a well-connected father who still could help him. However, winning ess through his means is what he desires. His father provided him with a starting point that he has worked on for 15 years, and he hopes to climb higher in the next 10 years.


    On many occasions, he has missed out on opportunities because he doesn''t belong to the network of favors among the big players. He stumbled upon James Cameron as a coincidence, but he even senses that this relationship will end in two years when his contract expires. He doesn''t have the exit strategy that other agents can provide. Even though he has made significant sums of money with James, he can''t compete with other top agents who can fulfill all their needs.


    -Good morning, this is Jim Wiatt speaking, - he said.


    -Good morning, this is Lux Comics. How can I assist you? - Anne replied, surprised by the call. Not many people can directly reach the company. The recent callers were regional sales management from Nike, Warner Media, and James Cameron himself.


    -Good afternoon, this s is Jim Wiatt from the CAA agency. I would like to schedule a meeting with Billy Carson regarding a potential partnership, - the agent mentioned the other end.


    -Oh, I can call him in the evenings. He''s usually available during that time, - Anne said from the background.


    -I would prefer to meet in person and discuss this matter personally with Billy and the relevant parties, - Jim said.


    -Ohhh, alright. It can be in two days at the North San Jose address at 3:00 PM, - Anne said. - Is that possible for you?"


    -It''s not possible for me, but it can be on Tuesday of next week, - Jim Wiatt said.


    -Oh, that''s possible, sir. I will schedule the appointment for Tuesday of next week, - Anne said.


    In the following days, Jim was caught up in a flurry of activities regarding production and James Cameron''s preferences for the development of the film. Many technical aspects of the science fiction movie, such as the visual effects, still needed to be discussed and agreed upon.


    Due to Cameron''s complete distrust of CGI effects after the failure of the film Tron in 1982, the inclusion of both digital and practical effects in the movie has become a novel and complicated idea to implement. It has been a headache for this science fiction film.


    He prefers quality over quantity, but that doesn''t mean he has fewer responsibilities. Press conferences, sponsorships, covering up scandals, and managing egos among his clients and various celebrities in the industry are part of his daily tasks. The numerous challenges that can arise in Hollywood due to misinterpretation or words taken out of context are an everyday occurrence, from tabloid journalism to relationships with the entire team. Today, on Tuesday, he was attending a meeting with a potential star in his eyes.


    Therefore, Jim Wiatt arrived at the company on Tuesday completely exhausted from the numerous items on his agenda for the week, as well as the delayed two-hour flight, which only added to his headache. He was once again running behind schedule.


    He arrived at the company half an hour late.


    -Good afternoon, my apologies for the delay, -  said Jim Wiatt, an inconvenience by the inconvenience. He looked sweaty, busy, and a little disheveled.


    The meeting room at Lux Comics had an artistic ambiance, resembling a university lecture hall or a photography studio.


    -Please come this way, - Anne said. The renovations at Lere are a testament to their prosperous times. The walls had been replaced with glass in the conference room, the floor was smooth, white, and shiny, and the newly purchased furniture had beautiful upholstery. Paintings adorned some walls, filling the blank spaces.


    Young Billy was in the meeting room, sipping a Coca-Cola and sketching on blank sheets of paper with a pencil, perhaps working on a new piece. A new comic.


    -Good afternoon, I''m Jim Wiatt. It''s a pleasure to meet you, - the agent said.


    -Pleasure to meet you too, Jim. Come this way, - Billy said. He was completely alone, a trust placed in him by his father. He was organizing his future autonomously, with the finer details to be worked out with the lawyers, "his father," and Anne.


    The two individuals looked at each other in the meeting room with a sense of curiosity.


    -We''re waiting for someone... - Jim said.


    -Not at all, sir. The finer details of the contract are being handled by my lawyer, - Billy said.


    Jim was surprised by Billy''s response. How old is he? Could there be any issues? But he decided to continue... he would try to present his points. In a way, it''s good not to have a lawyer involved who can generate hypothetical impossibilities in the clients'' future thoughts.


    -Well, starting this meeting, I represent CAA. As an agent, my goal is to seek sincerity in our relationships and maximize the benefits for your interests as a creator. The more specific I can connect you with Hollywood, the more your works will be valued and respected, - Jim said.


    -How would you achieve that? My goal is to prioritize respect for my creations and maintain ownership of them, - Billy said. - How can I be sure that, in moments of pressure from a company regarding my work or when you must fulfill a political favor, you won''t prioritize money over my interests? The concern lies in the pros and cons of having an agent. -


    -Well, you can see my work. Currently, I represent five individuals, and my success is based on the relationships I have with each of them. Money can be earned unexpectedly. I understand the distrust toward agencies, as there have been many cases where an agent has disregarded their client''s future for personal interests. If you can support your decisions with logic and coherence, I am willing to fight alongside you, - Jim Waitt said.


    -Decisions based on logic and coherence. What are your criteria for making decisions? Considering that my choices will be illogical according to common standards, - Billy said.


    -Of course, but a person with your abilities has goals. I can sense your ambition, - Jim said. -We''ll work with assumptions. You''re talking to someone who deals with numerous individuals with unique tendencies, egos, minds troubled by fame, women, and money. Eccentricity is often encountered, and I can assure you that, through logical events, the spectrum is wider than in business relationships. -


    -Well, in that case, you must understand that I want to be an actor. I have no interest in being a director. I have a strong passion for animation and nothing could be further from that, -  Billy said.


    -An actor... direct skill, could direct be just around the corner? -  Jim asked.


    -Although it may be the logical step, being an actor is my main priority. I have never been interested in directing, -  Billy said.


    -Well, that can be resolved... You could venture into directing in your later years. There''s plenty of time and reasons that could eventually lead you down the path of directing, - Jim said.


    -That''s true, we can''t predict our futures, -  Billy said cynically.


    -I can help you get into the best acting academy in San Jose, as early as tomorrow, - Jim said.


    -Can you? - Billy asked, curious.


    -Oh, yes, it''s not difficult at all, - Jim mentioned. - Have you ever reviewed for? Once I have reviewed your profile, it''s easy for me to submit it to the acting academy. -


    -In theater productions, I''ve been competing since I was six years old, -  Billy proudly mentioned. -But I don''t want to use my real name as an actor. It would be fine to use a stage name. - sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You can work with that. However, it ultimately depends on your talent, and from what I gather, your talent as a playwright is exceptional. It could be a stepping stone toward directing, -  Jim said.  - As for your stage name, sure. Have you thought of one? -


    -I haven''t thought of one yet, but simply changing my last name would be fine, - Billy said.


    -Well, I''ll think of one that would be useful, - Jim replied.


    He pondered for a moment and looked at Billy.


    -Regarding your desire to retain your copyrights, you''ll have to make many concessions. Sometimes selling the rights to your work can provide excellent guarantees. What are your reasons? -  Jim asked.


    This was the critical question in the conversation. If he didn''t want to be a director, he could consider being a screenwriter. However, young Billy''s strong point was solely his work. He hadn''t showcased his acting talent, nor demonstrated his skills, and his Hollywood career was non-existent. His value lay in his creations, creativity, and potential.


    -Well, it''s a personal reason. I don''t want to give away anything of mine. But it''s also because I want to have my animation studio. If I have the rights to my works, it''s easier to develop potential shows, - Billy said.


    -It''s reasonable, Billy. It''s all very reasonable. One could even say it''s more than what 70% of the industry wants, -  Jim said.


    -thank you, - Billy responded.


    -Now, let''s move on to the most important part: your payment. As you know, I don''t need an agent. I''m here to improve my situation as a future actor and be part of the industry, - Billy said.


    -Well, it varies depending on each person. But the CAA agency typically takes a 5% commission from all contracts I secure under my name. I keep another 5%, but given the limited prospects for new talents, that percentage often increases to 10%. It''s challenging to secure roles, contracts, and deals when we''re talking about a complete rookie, - Jim said. - However, for you, I can accept the 5% that established or regular actors receive. -  Jim said.


    -That''s acceptable. Those agreements only apply to relationships established by you and CAA. They won''t interfere with pre-existing relationships, - Billy said.


    -Well, as an agent, I need to be aware of all your relationships. It''s difficult for me to fulfill my job if I''m not well-informed about your obligations to different brands to avoid potential conflicts, - Jim said.


    -Oh, well, I''m referring to contracts made on behalf of Lux Comics, even if they are in my name, the company is under my father''s care, - Billy said.


    -No problem, as long as the contract doesn''t personally obligate you, I have no concerns, - Jim Wiatt said.  -However, I need to be aware or have an idea of anything that may impact your image, - he added.


    -Agreed, - Billy said.


    -Furthermore, if you ever need CAA to initiate a relationship, the agency will take the agreed-upon 10%, even if it''s your own company as the principal, - Jim said.


    -I understand. Does CAA ever lower those fees? - Billy asked.


    -It''s not the usual practice, - Jim replied.


    -Well, as long as the contract doesn''t have any conflicting terms according to my lawyer, it''s possible to close a deal with you, Mr. Waitt, - Billy said.


    -Well, Billy, our future is within reach. I hope our relationship will be mutually beneficial, - Jim said.


    ...


    ..


    .

 39. Fast Food

    March 1990.


    James Cameron''s interview was undoubtedly a game-changer. After declaring himself a fan of Lux Comics and discussing his close relationship with the comic''s creator, who also served as a writer for the new Terminator movie, it had a significant impact on sales. He not only repeated these words to The New York Times but also took every opportunity to talk about the company. The revitalizing effect on New York City was tangible as Lux Comics went from being the fifth best-selling comic to an indisputable first place.


    The following months flew by like a gust of wind. December marked the highest recorded sales for the company, with a profit of over two million dollars, bringing immense joy. The sales of the Lux Comics series skyrocketed in states where their purchase was previously minimal. Rumor has it that they now sell over a million copies per month, a new norm.


    In December alone, sales reached a staggering three million copies, including the sale of trading cards that became a sensation in North America. Additionally, a contract with Nike is on the verge of being finalized. An expected profit of one million eight hundred thousand dollars was not entirely surprising, as recurring profits in the upcoming months are projected to surpass 500,000 dollars in January and February.


    With the newfound wealth, the plan to invest in properties and stocks became a reality. Diversifying the stock portfolio was a necessary step. Shares in Home Depot, McDonald''s, Walmart, and Coca-Cola were recently acquired.


    Now, after some unexpected setbacks, the new fast-food chain, T-Box Burger, is set to open. Everything has been meticulously planned by Anne and her father, along with the newly hired restaurant manager, Jack Common. Jack, a 26-year-old graduate from the local University of San Jose with a diverse background in marketing and management, is thrilled to excel in this position.


    -Perfect, we have vast prospects in this business, - Jack Comman said, sitting at one of the tables in the Box-Burger restaurant, just five blocks away from his former university.


    Jack leveraged his nascent friendships from university to promote the T-Box chain. The low prices were a major selling point, along with the clever idea of offering delivery within a certain radius.


    -That''s great to hear, Jack, - Mr. Carson said as he tasted one of the burgers from the menu, the special tomato marmalade burger. A simple yet deadly delicious burger.


    -Yes, Mr. Carson, once again, we can start promoting it with the university next week. Director Brown even considered setting up a small portable food stall on campus, -  Jack said.


    -Well, it''s tight, but as long as we gain customers, all the losses will be worth it with these artisanal burgers, - Thomas Carson said.


    -Yes, sir. I''ve had conversations with the music symposium, the university, the science research center, the furniture company three blocks away, and a few other places further out, - Jack Common said.


    -Good job! How is everything with the suppliers? - Thomas inquired.


    - Everything''s sorted out. I''m still looking for some good potato suppliers, and I have a meeting scheduled next month with one of the largest potato growers in Oregon, - Jack Comman said.


    -If you need legal assistance, don''t hesitate to call me, - Thomas said.


    -Well, I will, although these supply contracts are on-demand transactions, - Jack said. - Nothing that should pose difficulties... Oh, look, here comes Billy. -


    Billy was approaching with Claudia, who had been wearing a chest-mounted camera since Christmas. It was a gift from her mother that she had been using to expand her creativity in the outdoors. Today, she was out hunting for great photographs in the area.


    -Father, how''s everything going? -  Billy asked.


    -Well, I just arrived, but it''s still early. We hope the situation will change by lunchtime, -  Thomas Carson said.


    -Nice to see you, Billy. Come this way, and I''ll have Mateo prepare some burgers for both of you, - Jack said, handing them the menus.  - Can a restaurant that only sells burgers thrive? We shall see. -


    -Ohhhhh... I want the chopped bacon with pink sauce. And for Claudia, the tomato marmalade one, - Billy said.


    -Why are you choosing me? What if I also want the bacon one with pink sauce?" Claudia pouted. She wanted the bacon!


    -You''re going to love it, and you can also order another one with pink sauce," Billy said with a smile.


    -Well, you better keep your promise, - Claudia said, blushing a little under Jack Comman''s scrutiny. Sometimes she acts silly around Billy.


    -Alright, I''ll ask the chef for one with marmalade and another one with bacon and pink sauce, - Jack said, heading to the machine to place the order.


    -Do you two have anything planned for today? -  Thomas asked.


    -Well, we''re going to the mall to take some photos, -  Claudia said.  - Would you like to join us, Mr. Thomas? Work isn''t great, and we can go to the beach tomorrow before summer hits California, -  Claudia said.


    -Well, unfortunately, little Claudia, I have some matters to attend to, but I''ll adjust my schedule to go to the beach next week, -  Thomas said.


    -Ahhh, we can''t, - Billy responded, with a nod from Claudia.


    -Why not? -  Thomas asked.


    -Well, on Saturday, I''ll accompany my mother for some family matters, and on Sunday, we''re going to see Pretty Woman, something I''m not willing to miss, -  Claudia said. - But the spring break is coming up, and we''ll have plenty of free time, Mr. Carson. -


    -Well, I''ll adjust the schedule for spring break, let your mother know, - Thomas said.


    -Well, although she might get busy last minute, it''s usually how it goes, -  the girl said.


    -Is your mother a photographer? -  Thomas asked.


    -Yep, she''s a photographer, lighting designer, and journalist in her free time, - Claudia said.


    -Look, the burgers have arrived, - Billy said.


    Even though using recyclable paper was attempted, it''s still a poor reality in the global economy. There aren''t many companies that produce recyclable packaging for their burgers. So, for now, the company will implement a waste campaign that will most likely have an impact in the future, both in terms of business, social, and legal aspects.


    -Wow, this burger is really good, - Claudia said, with a bit of sauce on her cheeks.


    -See, I told you that you''d love it. Dad hired a professional chef to create the whole menu of five burgers and brought in a specialist in burger assembly, - Billy said.


    The bacon and pink sauce burger were succulent. Its tangy and creamy flavor, along with the perfect balance provided by the bacon, made it a highly appetizing burger for the palate.


    -Wow, this is pure gold! I don''t think I''ve ever tasted something so delicious, - Claudia exclaimed.


    -You''re right, Dad. If all the burgers have this flavor, I think it''ll be a sure thing to achieve fame in no time, - Billy said.


    -Well, even though selling the burgers for three dollars doesn''t give us much profit considering the quality of the ingredients, my brother was happy to do business with me, and now he''s our main meat supplier, - Thomas said.


    -Business with your brother? -  Billy asked. S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, I invested some money in Dad''s ranch, - Thomas said.


    -Oh well, it was all worth it! -  Billy said. - Jack, give me two with tomato and two with pink sauce to go. Oh, and some flyers, I''ll distribute them at the mall!"


    -Of course, - Jack said.


    The birth of T-box Burger has begun.

 40. business of the Heart.

    Billy, with his new Hollywood business agent Jim Waitt, has generated quite a buzz due to his new prospects as an actor. In just two days, he went through the registration process for a film, movie, and theater acting academy.


    He managed to secure the best-acting academy money and connections could get. Jim made several considerations regarding the instructors, the range of topics covered, and the study hours. The academy is scheduled to begin its acting course cycle in August, and Jim Waitt enrolled in two courses. The first one is offered by San Jose State University (SJSU) and focuses on dramatic arts, which is crucial to helping him with his rhythmic, emotional, and expressive acting. They will teach him a bit about method acting and immersing himself in roles.


    The second course is provided by Stage 1 Theatre, a community theater company known for its excellent program and a few favors here and there. The acceptance process took no longer than five days in both places. The second course focuses more on intonation, improvisation, and basic acting skills, with practical classes and opportunities to participate in plays.


    Moreover, he also mentioned that he could take complementary courses in Los Angeles whenever he wanted. They have some excellent instructors there. The important thing is to enhance his resume. He recommended dance, exercise, and pronunciation classes.


    There are many things an artist can practice. Most actors have to do a lot of different things in various films, and sometimes knowing how to dance can land you a lead role in a movie, series, or commercial. However, work doesn''t determine success. Many times, that extra skill can fulfill the director''s needs for supporting roles. However, some actors build their image based on their perfect secondary skills.


    An example is Tom Cruise, the perfect guy for action roles. He can pilot planes, helicopters, motorcycles, cars, shoot guns, and has some impressive fighting moves.


    Accent practice will begin at the end of May, with two-hour sessions that can be coordinated. However, the price is no joke: 12 sessions for $8,000. Three weeks before the end of the school year, around the same time his summer courses begin, he will have to use his spring break to perform in the comics that will premiere this season.


    Acting academies are important, but they don''t define success. The first course focuses on stage movement, while also encouraging techniques of movement and body expression that allow them to use their bodies effectively on stage. Fight choreography, posture, coordination, and spatial awareness.


    On the other hand, the second course is more practical. They get to experiment with everything they''ve learned, and although they haven''t reached 20.00 points in their interpretation system yet, they will in a few months.


    -I still can''t believe you managed to get into two acting courses just like that, - Claudia said. - Those spaces are usually quite demanding, - Claudia murmured.


    -It wasn''t just like that. I got lucky with a friend who allowed me to enroll in the courses, - Billy said. -I can ask if you can join too, together in both courses. -


    -Stop being mysterious. There''s something you''re not telling me. And I hope you''ll tell me someday, - Claudia said. - But I don''t think I can attend even if I wanted to. -


    -You''re very curious. Do you have plans for August, or do you no longer want to spend time with this guy? - Billy said, patting his chest.


    -I am curious. You have to tell me! You''re suspicious and you often disappear in the afternoons after school or on some weekends, - Claudia said. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, I plan to graduate next year, so I surely have a lot of things to think about," Billy said.


    -Oh, I almost forgot! - Claudia responded.


    -Hahaha. Let''s go see the movie. I promise you''ll like it more than the previous one you made me watch, - Billy said.


    -It''s not possible for you to have better taste than me. But I''ll watch it as a way to please you, - Claudia said.


    Pretty Woman is what we call the ultimate romantic comedy. Although its story is not particularly complicated and takes place over four days, it can be seen as a nearly princely transition. Those who watch it momentarily lose all imaginary sense of the characters'' relationship and see a beautiful woman and a man sharing a communion of love. The story of the wealthy man who helps a woman become a lady has a romantic context in the eyes of young ladies dreaming of true love.


    It''s not just the impact the protagonists make in the movie. Then comes Julia Roberts'' charisma, winning over critics with her smile, revealing one of the most beloved stars of the ''90s. It''s an unforgettable movie for anyone who watches it.


    -You''re excited, - Billy said.


    -Yes, but I''ve never cheated to go to the movies before. And if we get caught, Billy, God, I hope nothing bad happens because you''ll be in trouble, -  Claudia said.


    -Don''t worry, it''s just a movie, and we''re almost 16 years old, -  Billy said with a smile. - But it''s funny, you don''t usually get anxious. -


    -Liar. You''re barely turning 15 in three months,- Claudia replied. - If they call the police, Billy, it''s clear that you''re the criminal. -


    -Oh, no way. I''ll say... Officer, do you think I could force a woman like this to do something without consent? Do you think I would break the law just to watch a love movie? None of that. Take her, she''s the mastermind. Take Claudia, - Billy said.


    -Silly, - Claudia said. - By the way, I spread the word with some friends about the best burger place in town. I hope your restaurant gains some customers. Alice is a cheerleader and knows a lot of friends who might go. I practically spent an afternoon convincing her to take me there for a meal, so she may go. The rest is up to your ability to keep the audience. -


    -Thanks, let''s go. Let''s buy some popcorn before the movie starts, -  Billy said.


    Why is Pretty Woman so important? Because in the following years, romances will impact the entire Hollywood industry. Leading men are always in fashion, but now romantic leading men are the opium of the cinemas. Culminating with a spectacular gap on the big ship and the poetic love story acted by Leonardo DiCaprio.


    The iconic beginning of the story is that of a billionaire picking up a prostitute on a street corner, unaware. He picks up a beauty named Vivian/Julia Roberts.


    -Oh, wow. The protagonist is very handsome, -  Claudia whispered.


    -Well, he''s a man with a super sports car. That usually melts all women, - Billy said.


    Although, as it has been said, none of that matters. Because the moment they leave the street, it introduces viewers to a fairy tale and fantasy from which they can''t escape, while still portraying American culture, social divisions, materialism, and redemption. This creates complicity among the viewers who see an urban Cinderella, a prostitute who is not one, even though the audience doesn''t see her as such.


    -Oh, God, it''s quite sweet, -  Claudia said.


    Well, she certainly liked it. Every time Claudia falls silent, it''s because she gets absorbed in her world or finds something to focus on. ''90s cinema was a cinema made for everyone. Identifying different age groups was something that was perfectly accomplished during that time.


    -Oh my God, I loved it! One of the best movies I''ve ever seen! -  Claudia exclaimed.


    -Just one of the best, -  Billy replied.


    -Well, yes. I don''t know how I came up with the idea to watch this movie, - Claudia said.


    -Excuse me, I was the one who invited you,- Billy said.


    -Ha... as if you were. I came here of my own free will and forced you to come. That''s not what you would tell the police,-


    Claudia said. -Well, now you admit that it''s a fabricated lie,- Billy said, smiling, and gave her a peck on the lips.


    -I didn''t admit anything. I just said that last time, when you invited me to watch "Enemies: A Love Story," it was really bad. But now everything is fixed with Claudia taking you to a good cinema, -  the girl said, smiling.


    They both left the theater and headed to the ice cream shop on the first floor.


    -Hey, how about we get a wonderful ice cream? - Billy suggested. - I think we still have time before your mom comes. Hopefully, we''ll have enough time to see the bookstore,-  Billy said.


    -Oh, finally, my reward for being amazing, - Claudia said. - But I think... I have to tell you something. -


    -Something about a new project you have in mind, ever since you saw my sketchbook, I see you acting suspicious, - Billy said.


    -It''s true that I have plans for your drawings. I want you to translate those drawings into paintings. You have an incredible stroke! But... that''s not all, - Claudia said.


    -We can go to the food court and chat more calmly, - Billy suggested.


    -I don''t want to. I... I don''t know how to say it, Billy! Screw it, I''m moving to Europe. My mom told me a week ago, and I didn''t know how to tell you. The Cold War is over, and she wants to be closer to our roots. We still have some relatives in Eastern Europe. My mother has been thinking about it for a while, and she got a job at the United Nations,- Claudia said.


    >>She has been extending the offer throughout the school and our life in California. We''ll be going from New York to Vienna (Austria) and Geneva (Switzerland). We''ll be traveling all over the world and have many places to go... She''s arranging everything at the moment. Our main home will be in Vienna (Austria). It''s hundreds of kilometers away, but sometimes I could travel to New York,- Claudia explained.


    >>From California to New York is almost a four-hour flight. On a normal day during vacation, we can be together for a month, or you could come and stay here. I just don''t want to lose you, -Claudia said sadly.


    -Ahhh, just...,- Billy sighed. She''s leaving, love always acts in indistinguishable ways.


    -But... if you stay, - Billy suggested.


    -I''ve tried everything, I''ve cried, I''ve thrown tantrums, and she still wants to take that job. Something about finding our grandmother, - Claudia said.


    As they walked together, Billy could feel her gaze. Just when everything was starting to go so well, she would be leaving for Vienna any moment now. What are the chances of this happening? What will happen at school? Will they remain friends, or will distance separate them?


    Well, I guess we should just go on. If it''s already decided, there''s nothing more to do but accept it, - Billy said. Inside, it was all a lie. He had even imagined going to college together, working together... he had thought of marrying her in the future.


    -Yes, exactly. Don''t worry about me. As the one in charge, I can organize the trips, and adjust our vacations, and seeing each other won''t be a big problem. I don''t know how expensive international calls are, but we can make a call once a week... and if you feel inspired, you can write me a letter, - Claudia said.


    -We''ll do our best, although... - Billy started.


    -Although... what, Billy? - Claudia asked.


    -Distance isn''t good, and I don''t know when I''ll be able to see you again, -  Billy said.


    -Oh, you''ll see me. I''ll make it possible, don''t worry, - Claudia reassured him.  - We''ll have beautiful moments. -


    -What will you do about the language? - Billy asked.


    -Well, my mother knows German and English, - Claudia replied.  - Unfortunately, I only know English and a bit of Spanish. I''ll have to learn it, but I''m studying some of it, - Claudia said.


    -When are you moving? -  Billy questioned.


    -My mother will leave first, but I asked to stay for your birthday, - Claudia said.


    They didn''t speak any further. Billy couldn''t continue the conversation. Now he just had to wait and see how things would turn out. Well, focusing on drawing wouldn''t be difficult. He would just draw and draw until everything passed.


    ...


    ..


    hello, what a pleasure to continue writing for you, Although I am a little ahead in Patreon, I have learned a few things writing, and with your comments, I try to do the best I can. however, the difficulties of writing such a demanding story and working in the company are difficult. sometimes I don''t have enough time to review everything in detail and edit. Have a nice day, I am in parallel on three new fanfics, but these are not as long as The Hidden World and Hollywood Art of Sunnys.


    ...


    ..

 41. Starts on Capcom.

    Since Electronic Arts withdrew from the project that Lux Comics wanted to develop, it has led to the search for many companies, but all the responses have been unsatisfactory. So they started looking for Japanese companies with branches in North America. By sheer coincidence, one of the first companies to respond is Capcom. Or is it, not just a simple coincidence?


    In life, there are always breadcrumbs floating along the river of people bound to a certain plane, and they all interact in a strangely connected way. A simple smile in a job interview can be enough to land the role, the job.


    What does the public know about Capcom USA Inc.? Established in 1985, they have started producing great games, including Mega Man. If possible, they could be the best company to develop Lux Comics games. Perhaps these individuals can create a better game than Electronic Arts. After all, it will be years before EA reaches its peak.


    Their headquarters at that time were in Sunnyvale, California (1990), and their most eye-catching games are arcade games, which have become a generational milestone. In the following years, even great gamers will seek the embrace of the original arcade machine''s joystick and buttons. Therefore, Capcom is one of the best options that Billy can choose to produce games. Only a cult game can lead to his broader desire.


    Takashi Nishiyama, the designer, director, and artist of Street Fighter, has been an incredible producer for the Capcom franchise and one of the important executives who act in the United States as head of the North American section. With a good understanding of the market, he is not unfamiliar with this company. In Japan, he is well known for his imprint of anime in American comics.


    It''s not a bad idea to match the style. It''s worse that this company has created two outstanding works, and in Japan, there is some discontent about a foreigner creating works of their kind with better skill. So, Billy has read the content, and it''s undeniable that the author has read a lot of manga. The designs, settings, and even comedies are similar to those used in Japan. It just has a North American twist that a Japanese person would never do.


    The desire to get to know the faces of this company prompted him to immediately respond to some questions about the reason behind his drawings. It wouldn''t be a bad idea to strike a good business deal either. The North American audience is enormous, and with a good game, it can work wonders for Capcom.


    As a gesture of goodwill, he headed to San Jose to meet at a caf�� near the airport. He came alone, having already produced two successful games and possessing a deep understanding of the science behind game development. His decision was enough to kickstart any project. A sequel to Street Fighter 2 would be a good title for the next year, he thought.


    Negotiations always carry a hint of anxiety for the parties involved, as they are both looking to commit in some way. Hence, there are different approaches to handling the meeting. One of them is to be guided by culture, particularly the Oriental style that focuses on personal relationships. It involves making the other party comfortable, emphasizing respect, etiquette, and subtle communication.


    The other cultural style of negotiation is the American one, which tends to be fast, direct, and immediate. It often causes upheaval among people from different cultures due to the way negotiations unfold, leading to some degree of mistrust. Will everything be done as we negotiated? So quickly, no need for further discussion? The legal aspects are always cumbersome and disruptive. Nonetheless, Americans always have a sense of urgency in carrying out their tasks, something time in the United States has taught them as a polite and learned reality.


    That''s why he reconsidered many thoughts he had previously. Americans tend to negotiate based on facts, statistics, and interests. They have a strong work ethic and a collaborative approach to negotiating for mutual benefit. Additionally, they must have a clear understanding of objectives, expectations, and interests from the very beginning to the end.


    The power of the dollar is influential.


    Takashi was sipping his coffee. He arrived an hour early, as flights tend to be delayed, so he decided to always be two hours ahead.


    Mr. Carson arrived, wearing a completely black office suit and a nice gray vest. His whitish blond hair gave him a youthful appearance. In contrast, his son had much darker blond hair, almost ash blond with some darker tones at the roots, but there was no doubt that he was his father''s son.


    Both parties arrived half an hour early, which impressed them both as it was a comfortable attitude when such coincidences occur. Thus, the negotiation started on the right foot.


    -...game designer, particularly of Street Fighter, producer, and manager at Capcom in North America, - Takashi Nishiyama proudly said, having worked hard for the company for nine years.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Takashi. I am Thomas Carson, Billy Carson''s father, and I am his lawyer. He is the reason why we insist on confidentiality since he is still a minor, - Mr. Thomas said, as straightforward as he was in his relationships.


    -Oh, it''s a pleasure. We at Capcom value our relationships, - Takashi said.  - It surprises me that Billy is the creator, but it explains a lot, - he added.


    -It''s nice to meet you. I must say that the Street Fighter arcade machine is quite impressive, although I only play on rare occasions, - Billy said.


    -A fan, huh? To create a game, you need a player. I''ll send you an arcade machine as a gift. Street Fighter holds a special place in my heart. I was thinking about it during the flight while anticipating the creation of Street Fighter 2, - Takashi said.


    -Well, that''s very kind of you. I deeply appreciate the gift, - Thomas Carson said.


    -Thank you, - Billy replied, somewhat surprised by the gift.


    -Mr. Takashi, I feel the need to reciprocate. I will send you the first two compilation volumes of Yu Yu Hakusho, - Billy said.


    - Oh, that''s a nice name, - Mr. Takashi remarked.


    -Well, without further ado, let''s get started with the negotiations, - Takashi said.


    To which Billy nodded. His father had been teaching him about negotiation, accounting, and management for some time now. This was the second negotiation he had been involved in this year.


    -Alright, among our initial proposals, we would like to create a game using the company''s IPs. We are considering either Hellboy or Samurai Jack comics. Our idea is to develop an open-world game in a Metroidvania style, set in a dungeon-like maze with key objectives. I want to create a game that provides a new challenge for players, with a non-linear story, special puzzles, and unique items that are essential to progress through the storyline, - Billy explained.


    >>That''s why we believe it''s best to entrust this to the expertise of a game development company. We have analyzed the current growth of Lux Comics, and we expect to have two million readers nationwide in two years, not to mention our new endeavors to expand into multiple countries such as Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, France, and Italy. -said, Billy.


    - Well, undoubtedly, you have a groundbreaking idea. As a company, we can consider taking on the game, but as you know, this industry is filled with challenges, - Takashi said.


    -Oh, well, as long as the terms are fair, we are willing to invest in the game, either in terms of resources or financially, -  Billy replied. - The company''s financial situation is healthy. Four months ago, we didn''t have the resources for such an investment, but now it''s entirely different. Providing $2 million is significant, as long as I can meet your point system and improve my skills, the monetary investment is just paper, - he added.


    - Investing? -  Mr. Takashi asked. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Yes, indeed. In the industrial aspect, Lux Comics can focus on promoting the game upon its release, - Billy explained. - I can also design the game covers, and posters, and provide support with logistics. I have a strong relationship with an animation studio in Hollywood that can reduce costs and collaborate with Capcom. Additionally, I can invest $2 million in the game''s development if there are any concerns, - Billy proposed.


    -Well, that''s a good start. The investment for a good game usually ranges from $10 to $20 million, sometimes even more. Game development can be challenging and unpredictable. However, we have stable finances. I am particularly interested in the advertising and animation aspects, which can be a promising start, - Takashi acknowledged.


    -It''s a pleasure. If the company requests it, I can create a short, animated film. I have received some training in animation, so that wouldn''t be a problem, - Billy offered.


    -Good, good. This partnership entails that the rights of the game belong to Capcom, which is the encoded framework of the game. Everything developed within it by the company, as well as the right to continue the series in future installments, - Takashi clarified.


    - Of course, if you develop the game, the intellectual property belongs to the creator. Regarding the continuity, we can consider signing a three-game deal, and then we can reassess, - Billy stated.


    -I see. Well, Capcom would be pleased to produce the game. However, in the proposal, you mentioned a historical guide for the game, considering that you, young Billy, want to be the writer, graphic designer, and publicist. At this point, the team needs to review the document I sent and assess its feasibility, - Takashi explained.


    -Absolutely, I would appreciate it if they could review it and consider various details, as well as create a list of scenarios that can be rearranged according to how you envision developing the game, - Billy replied.


    -Very well then. Let''s create a great game together, - Takashi said.


    Takashi knew that this relationship was different. He was facing a passionate young individual, which is a rare find as such passion is often restrained by colleagues. But as long as he had a passionate collaborator, the company would only thrive. He knew only a few passionate individuals who were not driven by money. They were all filled with great ideas, and the rest would depend on their lawyers.


    ....


    ...


    ..


    .

 42. Buy a burger.

    For Jack, everything was going smoothly. The sales in the first few weeks were amazing after setting up the burger stand at San Jose State University. The investment in one of the country''s top chefs was completely worth it, as the new and extravagant flavors were essential to the continuous burger purchases by students, workers, and referrals. Even with his optimism, he never expected to have to place orders with suppliers again, but this time asking for double the quantity. The purchases would stabilize, and so would the supply chain.


    The T-Box Burger location, occupying nearly 100 square meters, was bustling with different customers, with lines and waiting times still present. They were dispatching 1,200 burgers a day, with the restaurant''s six hands handling the workload. Jack had to step in as the manager, operating the cash register, serving as a waiter, and cleaning tables.


    -Matteo, three tomato jam burgers, - Jack shouted.


    -Coming right up, boss, -  Matteo replied with a friendly smile.


    Assistant Rick was busy frying the potato wedges. Luckily, they had a particular machine for peeling the potatoes, and an incredible kitchen team to help manage the work. The most challenging part was organizing the entire restaurant, and having all the meat, sauces, and cheeses ready... it was a damn mess, he thought.


    -Matteo, three burgers: roast beef, Mexican, and marmalade, - Jack said, jotting down the following order on a white piece of paper.


    -Rick, hurry up with those fries, - Matteo instructed. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Samuel, take care of the roast beef. There''s meat in the oven that you can start shredding, - Matteo said. It was 11:30 in the morning, and the madness of the day was about to begin. From here until 5:00 in the evening, this place would be filled with people, and the food orders would keep coming, one after another.


    -Julio, start packing the burgers, - Matteo said. - You know how busy it gets at noon, - he added.


    And so it began, customers started arriving one after another, in a domino effect of recommendations. Each burger was simply delicious, even the vegetarian menu had a decent influx for those who didn''t eat meat. Billy had thought of a vegetarian and breaded chicken menu, as there are cultures that avoid meat altogether, and even red meat can cause discomfort for some people... catering to those who don''t consume such meats was a smart move.


    -Now I understand why we have such a large kitchen, - Jack thought.


    -Tatiana, I need to make some urgent phone calls. I''ll be back in half an hour, - Jack said. He assisted Tatiana in delivering some orders and cleaning tables after the first week and the growing number of returning customers.


    -Anne, how''s it going? -  Jack asked from his small office, just a few square meters in size.


    -Oh, it''s a pleasure to hear from you, Jack, - Anne replied from her desk, munching on some donuts.


    -How can I assist you? - Anne inquired.


    -Well, I''ll send the invoices by fax and let them know that we''re opening a part-time job for a student, - Jack said.


    -Perfect, - Anne said, pulling out a large black book and a file folder containing all the paperwork and documents that T-Box Burger had generated.


    -Perfect. I''m coming on Saturday to try the burgers myself. Mr. Thomas has already said they''re the best burgers he''s ever tasted,- Anne remarked.


    -You have no idea. Although I recommend you come early. The place is impossible on weekends. I hope the sales continue to hold up in June and July, - Jack said.


    -Summer vacation, well... you always have the support of the Carsons. They make a great duo, especially young Billy. He''s talented, - Anne said.


    -I hope so. I must let you go, - Jack said.


    -Oh, okay, - Anne replied.


    Jack Common hung up the phone, organized the accounts, and began his almost ritualistic task of keeping the business in order. He wrote down the restaurant''s inventory on a whiteboard using markers, marking in red those items that might require a possible order for the following week.


    -Mr. Thomas, good to see you, - Jack said.


    -Mr. Jack, - Thomas responded.


    -Well, I just sent the financial reports to Anne, along with the restaurant''s records in the books. I''m also in the process of hiring a part-time worker. The evening service has become impossible, and we need an extra hand, - Jack said.


    -Oh, good. Prepare the contract - Thomas said. He had recently been promoted to his law firm. As financial freedom grew, stress diminished, and both salary and clients came more quickly.


    -That''s great, Mr. Thomas. I have to hang up, -  Jack said.


    -Very well, see you next month, - Thomas said.


    -Goodbye. -


    Once again, Jack sorted out a few things and prepared to attend to the whole restaurant. Another day of work, another day of earning money... although he was content. It was a good job, and he could use his studies in this role.


    Closing time came at exactly 9:00. Everyone went home. Jack was with Mateo and Julio.


    -I''m dead, buddy. Let''s grab a beer three blocks away, - Mateo said.


    -Well, that sounds nice, - Jack replied. He knew the area well and hadn''t visited the university bar, where he had some pleasant memories and even had a few encounters with professors, in a long time.


    -I''ve never seen a business thrive so quickly, - Samuel said. - It makes me want to set up my burger stand and sell. -


    -Well, I think Mr. Thomas has invested about $50,000 in the whole place, - Jack said.


    -Well, that''s simply too much. It''s just a burger joint, - Samuel said.


    -I think so too. However, not everyone is doing as well. My cousin opened a restaurant and lost a lot of money in the first six months. He had to borrow more to close it down two months later, - Mateo said.


    -Is it that difficult? - Samuel said, incredulous.


    - It''s quite challenging. Once you realize that it''s not just about cooking, everything becomes a stressful whirlwind, - Mateo said. - What did Mr. Thomas do to succeed like that? -


    - Well, besides having a lot of money, I think he hired an international chef to make the burgers, and we use the best ingredients. Have you seen the faces of the customers? - Jack said. - Plus, they have a study on the top five burger franchises in all of California. It means that if you want to make burgers, you just have to make them and pay the best.-


    -Let''s go for that beer! -  Mateo said. - I want to get drunk. -


    -Hey, I''m your boss. We have work tomorrow, - Jack said.


    -Well, we open at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. There''s nothing to worry about, - Samuel said.


    -Same here, -  Mateo said with a smile.


    The hamburger is an icon of American food. Billy knows that the most important factors are quality, affordable prices, and catering to the vegetarian market.


    ...


    ..


    .

 43. Invest in a big way.

    -I think you should reconsider your stance on investing in a company that produces digital TV commercials. The company''s funds are not in good shape, and it''s challenging to keep a company afloat that burns through a lot of money, - Thomas Carsen said from the living room. It was game day, and time with his father was enjoyed in two situations: watching TV and discussing business.


    -Well, I believe they have tremendous potential. I would even bet that Disney is the most interested buyer, but they don''t have the willingness to invest. Plus, there''s their disdain for digital 3D animation. They have even gone so far as to fire those who don''t adhere to those ideas, - Billy said.


    -I''ve already researched the company, and Anne has studied everything she could gather about Disney and Pixar. I don''t think it''s a good idea to acquire a company like that, - Thomas said.


    -Father, understand that they may not be good company now, but think about the future. It will be valued at much more than it currently is. Additionally, two years ago, they sold everything related to hardware development to focus on 3D commercials, - Billy said.


    -I still don''t understand where you''re taking this, son, - Mr. Carson said.


    -Well, I''m taking it to the point where the company will dedicate itself to animation creation, and from there, we will venture into a new world where my ideas and 3D digital animation will be the new core. Do you trust my talent to create and illustrate stories? - Billy asked.


    -I trust your talent... Do you think you will make a lot of money? - Thomas asked.  - We are making a lot of investments, and I think it could be risky for us as a company. The Capcom game for 2 million dollars, the burger restaurant, and now buying a company valued at 8 million dollars. It''s madness, Billy. -


    -Well, it may seem like madness, but what I have in mind is to develop ourselves as a company. With a digital animation company, the next contracts with Warner or any other company will be different. I have also done my homework with Anne, and while it''s true that we have been subjected to ridiculously low fees for our programs, with an animated studio backing us, everything becomes easier, and prices can increase, - Billy said.


    -It was your idea to allow a 10-year production license for Slam Dunk and YuYu Hakusho, - Thomas said.


    -We need it. With a dedicated fan base, these series can become top sellers in North America. We just must attract new kids, and what better way than through television? - Billy said.


    -In addition, I plan to purchase and utilize some technology from Pixar, expanding into the 2D animation sector, so we''ll have two studios, - Billy said.


    -Why don''t we start one from scratch? - Billy asked aloud. - Because we can''t. I don''t have the experience to start one. They are former employees with animation licenses who have worked at Disney. Perfectly, they are the ones developing the project, - Billy said.


    -Well, we''ll handle the paperwork. I''ll accept, only because Nike called. They''re interested in extending the contract and creating a sports line. The sales of the collectible cards and Slam Dunk comic are through the roof, increasing day by day. Next month, we''re sure to see another two-million-dollar check in our pockets, - Thomas said.


    -I know, Father. We reached six million in sales a week ago, and I can guarantee that when the animated series of YuYu Hakusho/Ghost Report hits the airwaves, the sales will exceed expectations, - Billy said.


    -It''s been a year since the company was created, and the growth has been remarkable. I can''t believe how enthusiastic the critics are about the series you''re creating, - Thomas said.


    -Well, I didn''t expect it to grow so fast. It''s overwhelming, - Billy said.


    The drawings he created were tested, but can they succeed in a new context and era? It''s not necessarily possible. That''s why he has improved the drawings of both series and has propelled with his talent what would have taken years to progress.


    -Anne told me about your actions, - Thomas said.


    -What actions? - Billy questioned.


    -You like gambling... I heard you made another substantial bet on the Pistons'' championship, - Thomas said. - How much was it? You know it''s not good. I told Anne that all bets are prohibited. -


    -Well, I did it on Anne''s behalf, betting that they would win the Eastern Conference championship and another bet that they would win the title championship, - Billy said. - Around $40,000 for the Eastern Conference championship and $35,000 for the final matchups, - Billy said.


    -You''re crazy! -


    -They''re in the Eastern Conference Finals, they can''t win. Sports analysts say it''s Michael Jordan''s year," Thomas said.


    -Well, Father, I bet because the odds are high, 22 to 1 for the Eastern Conference championship and 32 to 1 for the Western Conference championship, - Billy said.


    -Even more, reason for you to understand that gambling is a game of probabilities. It''s almost negligible for you to win. 32 to 1 means your chances are as random as winning in a casino, - Thomas said.


    -Well, Father, let me tell you that they had a rough patch, but if you look at the standings, they have eight games left and their injured players are returning. The rest of the season is set with Detroit''s dominance. They will win, and we''ll have easy money, - Billy said. sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Easy money doesn''t exist, - Thomas said.


    -We''ve been making easy money all this time! - Billy exclaimed.


    The stern look he gave his father said it all.


    -This year, you''ve been working day and night without rest from Monday to Friday. We''ve even worked tirelessly on weekends, -  Thomas said.


    The game started, and they watched without taking their eyes off the television, eventually falling asleep at halftime.


    ...


    ..


    .


    I''m still writing, sometimes the ideas don''t flow as fast as I would like, I hope you enjoy it. today is a double publication.

 44. pixar.

    April 4, 1990.


    Pixar is currently plagued by an unprecedented financial crisis. As a division of Lucasfilm''s animation studio, Pixar strives to develop better software and hardware every day to assist animators in creating superior animation designs.


    Undoubtedly, Pixar is a hub of talent, with many incredible animation universities in the United States contributing to its success. However, in this era, computer animation is not highly regarded, and only a visionary madman would claim that the future of animation lies in 3D designs. Interestingly, even Disney, to avoid a potential animation disaster, fired John Lasseter, one of the biggest proponents of this method. His dismissal also stems from the inherent fear that Disney might lose everything it has achieved since its inception.


    Pixar, which stands for "pixel creator," even sent its animation technology to medical companies in the past. Therefore, only a daredevil would consider buying a company that aims to create future models. Steve Jobs, in 1986, purchased Pixar for a mere $5 million, which was quite a bargain considering the prospects.


    In 1988, Pixar split into two parts. One focused on the sales of computer hardware and software, while the other took charge of animation, once again involving hardware and software. They worked on animated commercials, juice brands, boxing bottles, and dancing gummy bears.


    The CAPS system, an animation system that granted them incredible recognition, caught Disney''s attention, leading them to explore new avenues. However, the technology and hardware division were sold to Viacom, a significant move for Pixar, which saw a promising future in 1988. Therefore, Billy could only take a risk; it''s better to start from the bottom and bet without looking back, winning at any cost.


    Through his remarkable success, Billy secured a bank loan that was good enough to dot the i''s and cross the t''s and go all out. He knows very well that John Lasseter is a genius and a master in computer-generated character creation.


    -Mr. Carson, Mr. Steve Jobs is waiting for you in his boardroom. -


    In that room, John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, and Steve Jobs were present. These big names would soon become famous and acclaimed. The versatile industry has its eyes on Pixar, but Billy desires to change this narrative. A company of artistic creation is built by creators, and when that fiery passion is extinguished in the creators, it''s evident that things won''t go well.


    Now that he sees everything more clearly, there are several things he needs to focus on. Firstly, he has a little over $2 million invested in different companies'' stocks, along with $4 million in savings from Capcom and Pixar''s profits. He also has a very good mortgage credit with an annual interest rate of 4.5% on a $16 million loan. In other words, a crisis would lead to an obvious collapse of his company, but he is not afraid. He plans to invest in Disney, and that''s what he''s going to set out to do.


    -The boardroom looked substantially more elegant than the one he has in San Jose.


    -Ah, the investor. Let me tell you that this meeting only happened at the insistence of John and Ed Catmull. - Steve Jobs said from the central chair, his gaze strong, and his black hair still sitting on his head, exuding vigor.


    -Take a seat. - Jobs said.


    Both Billy and Anne took their seats. Thomas had a trial in San Jose and couldn''t come, and even though he felt secure with Anne''s company, it was always a bit daunting to be in front of these guys without his trusted lawyer.


    -It''s... a pleasure to be here. I''m Billy Carson, and you can call me the mastermind behind Lux Comics. - Billy said.


    Steve Jobs'' sharp gaze never left Billy for a second.


    -Oh, a pleasure to meet you, young man. You were quite expressive in the fax you sent about how impressive 3D animations are and your desire to see that same work reflected in a series. We didn''t expect someone so young, but I''m glad to have you here. - John Lasseter said.


    -Also quite emphatic about your desire to buy the company... - Steve Jobs said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jobs was surprised. Age is something that people often underestimate. He, at his age, when he started his Apple company, was also underestimated.


    -Wow, he''s quite tough. Almost as tough as he appears in all the interviews, past, present, and future that he had the opportunity to see. - Billy thought.


    -Well, I''m not very good at managing companies, but some people can do that for me. However, I''m good at drawing, and I know well that there are times when having a boss limits my artistic imagination. I want to buy the company because I feel it can help me open up that feeling of letting my ideas flow without any constraints. I believe that most of the people working at Pixar understand the importance of letting creativity flow and the love for creation. - Billy said.


    >>That''s why I want to buy the company, and well, it wouldn''t hurt to learn how to do 3D digital animation from geniuses like them. - Billy said.


    -You want to buy a company to teach you how to draw? You should go to an art course and invest in education at some school. - Steve Jobs said sarcastically.


    John and Ed were surprised but remained silent. Steve is rude, but they were curious. Ever since the kid entered the studio, he has exuded an air of incredulity. What were they doing at 15... 14 years old? What will he say?


    -Sure, why not... while I make an incredible film. - Billy said. - Listen, Mr. Jobs, I have confidence in my talent. I already know how to draw, but I don''t know how to animate. But I can create great stories, and those stories go hand in hand with your company. That''s my reason for wanting to buy it. What better way to learn than by applying it? University cannot give me what I want to achieve. -


    >>Furthermore, I have done some research on you. You are one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America, with the creation of Apple and now with the NeXT computer. You might be one of the best entrepreneurs... but from what I see, you might not enjoy being a part of Pixar. - Billy said.


    -Ha, you''re talking big, kid. You''re right about one thing: I am one of the best entrepreneurs in America. I am the one who has led every company I''ve been a part of to success... so you should know that without me, Pixar would have sunk a long time ago. - Jobs said. - I''m indispensable.


    -That may be true, but that''s not what I meant. I believe that while you are important to Pixar, there is a place that is even more important to you, and that is creating amazing computers. - Billy said.


    Steve looked up...


    -You''re quite clever... more than many of my employees. Give me reasons to sell this company, and if you manage to say something good, I will contemplate it and agree with you. - Jobs said.


    -Well, Mr. Jobs, I think you''re wasting your time at Pixar. Do you know Bill Gates? - Billy asked.


    -I know him... to the point. - Jobs said.


    -Well, they have Microsoft, a hardware and software company. In 1989, they started innovating their software system and created Microsoft Word and Excel packages. I am 100% sure that they won''t fall behind and will continue innovating their system. Gradually, they will gain market share with their eye-catching products. - Billy said.


    -It''s interesting that you''re guaranteeing something that won''t happen. - Steve Jobs said.


    You know that the technology market now focuses on constant innovation. The tech field is booming, and everything done now will be reaped in the future. In Pixar, innovation is good, but what is needed the most is creating friendly stories.


    -That''s why dedicating yourself to Pixar is just a hobby for you. Art is not something quantifiable or perfect; it''s a passion. In your field of business, in my opinion, and the fact that you always excel, it''s about adapting to the market and improving what already exists. - Billy said.


    -You''re saying that Pixar won''t innovate. You''re mistaken. - Jobs said.


    -They will continue to innovate, but ultimately, that''s not as important. Look at Disney; they''ve been animating in 2D for 60 years and are still an important company. The reason behind that is in animation companies, it''s all about creating fantastic stories that bring joy to people. - taking a breath and pausing to observe. - But in technology, that''s where you shine. Your talent for innovation and creating new technologies aligns with the market. What hinders you from creating another Apple is time and patience. -


    -I have to sell because my business is in another company... You''re wrong, but not entirely. Indeed, innovation is not as necessary or lucrative in this industry. That''s why we will focus on making money through commercials, and we will earn a lot. - Jobs said.


    -Mr. Jobs, I know you don''t have a strong financial background, and commercials only provide enough time to stay afloat... You even have a debt of $1.5 million. - Billy said.


    Steve''s nose slightly flared in anger, and he looked at John and Ed.


    -Where did you get that information from? - John asked.


    -I want to know too! - Jobs demanded.


    -Well, I hired an analyst, and the bank records and public tax rates from the IRRS came up, which I requested as a practice to acquire a company. - Billy said.


    The members of the Board of Directors looked surprised as they leaned back in their chairs.


    -Why are you investing if you know the bad numbers? - Jobs asked.


    -Because I enjoy doing it. I want Pixar; I want to create astonishing stories that excite children, teenagers, and grandparents. A new era of animation. - Billy said.


    Anne was completely amazed. Now she understands why her father has told her that her son is a business genius. He is convincing Steve Jobs to go through with the sale of the company.


    -Oh, you have a good team behind you. - Jobs said. -But you still haven''t convinced me to accept the deal. You''ve made a good point, but it''s nothing I haven''t thought about before.


    -Well, the next point is all about investment. You sold the hardware division in 1988 for $13 million, and with that investment, you founded NeXT Computer. You used the other $7 million to sustain NeXT. Investing in Pixar is not your first choice, and the money you invested has already been recovered. Why not sell me the company? - Billy said.


    -Your main intention is to continue making commercials, but your managers have different desires. Making a TV series is too costly considering the animation expenses, but making a movie is possible. My idea is to create a 3D film, the first 3D film in history, and release it in theaters. - Billy said.


    -How much money are you willing to pay for Pixar? - Jobs asked.


    -Seven million dollars. - Billy said.


    -That''s not possible; it''s too little for this company. - Jobs said.


    -Mr. Jobs, you already sold half of the company to Viacom. Even the price I''m offering is higher than the initial price of the company. - Billy said.


    -Well, I will consider your proposal. - Jobs said as he left the room. He paused before leaving and said, "I will send you a counteroffer if you decide to accept it."


    John Lasseter and Ed Catmull stayed behind.


    -Is it true that you want to make a movie with Pixar? - Ed asked.


    -It''s true. I have some ideas, but I''m open to your suggestions as well. I believe we can create something magnificent. - Billy said. -What do you think about exchanging information on that? We can send ideas back and forth.


    -That would be good, but it''s better if we wait for the negotiations with Steve to conclude. - Ed Catmull said.


    -With pleasure! - Billy said, standing up from his negotiation chair and shaking hands with the great men of Pixar.


    *The first animated short was created in 1984 at Lucasfilm. Steve Jobs bought the company for $5 million, which was considered very little for its future value at the time. However, it was considered obsolete because the failure of the movie "Tron" left lasting memories in Hollywood. They even had financial problems that persisted until "Toy Story" due to the limited information and available resources at the time.


    ...


    ..


    .


    pixar had financial losses until 1994 when they made a licensing agreement with Microsoft, even Steve Jobs did not see much of a future, but the media had high expectations for "Toy Story" which led him to wait, and schedule an IPO a week after the movie''s release.


    the studio initially caused panic at Disney, and vetoed any attempt at 3d animation. to the point of stifling it with unilateral contracts that brought no profit, the perspective changed in 2002 with the unprecedented successes. but beyond the animation, it''s the charm and design of the films.

 45. spring.

    April 1990.


    The conversation with Pixar has stalled, and Steve Jobs has not responded to the offer of $7 million for the purchase of Pixar''s animation studio and software. Billy''s argument has some validity, as Pixar doesn''t need Steve Jobs. He tends to be stubborn and unyielding regarding major company issues, often burdening others with work while he focuses on negotiations. His behavior is narcissistic, and he refuses to admit his mistakes. However, it does give results, but Billy knows the formula for achieving the same result.


    Therefore, the best way to negotiate is to divert his attention to other aspects, such as the technology sector, which has always intrigued him. His purchase of Pixar is for the innovation in 3D computer animation, not for the stories it can create.


    He is currently in a meeting with Paula Sullen and Tony Benedict. Recently, he decided that the publication of Johnny Bravo would not follow the assumptions of the comics and would do everything possible to bring it to the screen in collaboration with Warner Media. How long does it take him to produce an animated episode without a team? Almost a month and a half, working sporadically. He completed all the advancements that Paul Higgs compelled him to make: a storyboard, a character guide document, and a set of images for the first episode, along with the opening introduction. The results were satisfying.


    -So, for the new Johnny Bravo program, I want Warner Media to have full control. I already have 27 episodes of 13 minutes each lined up; we just need to produce the corresponding animation, - Billy said.


    -We''ve reviewed the story, and I''m thrilled... we''re excited to bring Johnny Bravo to television, - Tony Benedict said, preempting Paula Sullen.


    -Mr. Benedict, please don''t jump ahead. This is a negotiation, - Paula said, a bit nervous. This is the first time Betty Cohen has allowed her to negotiate a contract. She doesn''t want to disappoint her mentor, boss, and spiritual guide for the past few years.


    -Oh, sorry, but we need shows. You at Warner Media are pressuring us to release a series, and it''s quite challenging to create a program on our own, - Tony said, with an apologetic look but emphasizing Paula Sullen''s urgency.


    -Well, I think you could also negotiate the inclusion of Johnny Bravo as long as my demands are met. We can work out a mutually satisfactory agreement, - Billy said.


    -Well, as you know, even Hanna-Barbera is impressed with Johnny Bravo''s artwork. This series cannot be produced with the same budget allocation we''ve given to Casper''s Scare School and Batman, - Paula Sullen said.


    -Well, it doesn''t take much money to create Johnny Bravo. With a little money and dedicated workers, we can do a good job with this animated series. I have in my possession the first episode, along with the introductory arc, and sketches for another 27 episodes, each containing small segments of mini-stories, - Billy said.


    -We have a proposal to buy the animated series for $300,000, - Paula Sullen said.


    -That''s not possible. These cartoons are my precious children. We can start a contract similar to the previous one: granting a 10-year license where you can produce Johnny Bravo episodes, and I will purchase the animated series in 10 years. However, I cannot sell the license to any major television network, - Billy said.


    -Deal! - Paula said. - As long as you allow us another 10-year broadcast on our channel.


    -That''s possible, but if you cancel the series, those ten years of broadcasting will be lost, just as it is stipulated for Yu Yu Hakusho and Slam Dunk, - Billy said.


    -Well, this time we want all the rights to merchandising. In the previous agreement, there were negotiations regarding clothing, toys, and marketing. This time, we want to have that lost market share, - Paula said.


    -Fine, but I want 10% of the profits from the sale of all derivatives of the program, including advertising, toys, clothing, and program endorsements, - Billy said.


    -8%," Paula responded.


    -Okay, it will be 8%. So, what will be the price for purchasing the 10-year license for the program? - Billy asked.


    Happy with the progress of the negotiations, making money has never been so straightforward.


    -Let''s set the price at $50,000. Are you agreeable to the license fee? - Paula asked.


    -Completely agree. As long as you keep in mind that the repurchase will be at half the value, which is $25,000, - Billy said.


    -We have that in mind, and we came prepared. We will send the terms to your lawyer now that the Johnny Bravo negotiation has been finalized. I would like to move on to discussing the matter of Casper''s Scare School. In these five months, we have completed the first 22 episodes and hope to continue with the remaining 8 episodes. But before that, we made a pilot. We hope you''ll provide us with a quality report, - Paula said, proud of all the work they had done to create the series.


    -For the series, our best animators have worked day and night, along with Warner, to bring this series to life, - Tony Benedict said.


    The episode was truly impressive. The sequences were comparable, even at the level of Akira, with two years of modernization and the incredible geniuses at Hanna-Barbera working on developing the first episode, which was presented as a 45-minute pilot, equivalent to an hour of programming.


    -What a great song! Who did you hire to compose the music? - Billy asked.


    -It was done by Richard Stone. He has been working with Warner and has some interesting skills. We tried to follow the smooth and slightly rock-inspired style you recommended, - Tony said excitedly. He had learned a lot from the Japanese on how to create a series, and it had been a long time since he felt such improvement. This new perspective on animation was refreshing.


    -That''s fantastic, - Billy replied.


    -Indeed, he''s a great composer, - Tony said. - What did you think of the pilot? S��ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It was good, even better than I expected. They adopted all the anime techniques and even perfected the use of colors, - Billy said.


    -Well, Warner acquired software from Viacom, which allowed us to do computer coloring. It was a lengthy process, but it was refreshing. We saved a lot of time by using digital painting and acetate molds, delivering the best possible product, - Tony Benedict said, ecstatic about the outcome.


    -It wasn''t exactly the version you had in mind, but there''s no doubt that it has better character graphics, more vibrant colors, and improved movement scenes, although the interaction between characters varies a bit. You''re even grateful to Warner for creating this work of art.


    -We based it on the composition you did with Paul, and we followed the style you used to the letter, along with the guidance and secrets provided by the Japanese company, - Tony said.


    -That''s fantastic, but what happened... I thought you didn''t have enough budget, - Billy said.


    -Well, it was all thanks to Betty Cohen. She estimated that the channel would gain a huge rating with the new Batman series and Casper''s Scare School. She convinced the board to invest a significant amount of money, which would be immediately recovered with a cult series lasting the 20 years of broadcasting stipulated in the contract, - Tony said.


    -It''s so good! - Billy questioned, quite impressed from his chair.


    -It is. When she sees something particularly good, she doesn''t rest until she gets it. Although I don''t think you understand, your drawings are impressive... That''s why she agreed to such a high price for the comic''s development, - Tony said. - Even some people at Warner have inquired about your work. That''s why we could accept the deal for Johnny Bravo. They''re happy with Casper''s Scare School series, and the critics are raving. It has impressed all the industry critics with its innovative approach. Don''t be surprised if there are new negotiations in the coming months.


    -I never expected this, but with such goodwill, we can continue working together. I have many ideas that can still be produced. There''s Pinky and the Brain, and I have a brilliant idea that could help create another series in collaboration, - Billy said.


    -That''s great, but we''ll have to wait for the channel''s decision. I don''t think they''ll invest more money in our small company, - Tony said.


    -Deal. Let''s see what time decides. -


    ....


    ..


    .

 46. struggle of wills.

    Steve Jobs sat in his office, nearly 15 days after the conversation with the young boy who stubbornly wanted to buy Pixar Studios. It was a company he had built from scratch, and without him, Pixar might have gone bankrupt in its early years. But the boy was right about something. Maybe he already knew it, or perhaps he wouldn''t have invested $10 million in creating his new computer company. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the words he had heard, Steve felt like he was wasting his time every time he tried to do business at Pixar. Their advertising campaigns consumed almost all the money paid or given by companies. Even now, he only saw the possibility of making serious staff cuts and making do with what they had.


    But the great minds at Pixar wanted to use their skills to make movies, and they weren''t willing to participate with a minimum investment of $25 million. Steve knew he would always come out on top, which is why he contacted major Hollywood companies directly. Viacom outright rejected his offer, but Disney extended an olive branch for him to hold onto.


    What''s different about this story? Disney is even more convinced that digital 3D technology cannot compete with Pixar. However, due to Roy Disney''s insistence, the fateful meeting took place. Steve Jobs was the most eager of all because it was his way out, and everything depended on the forum.


    What were the differences that were affected by the butterfly effect? Firstly, Disney''s CEO is not Roy Disney, and secondly, Steve Jobs is only part of a board of directors that holds a strong stigma against Pixar''s works, which hasn''t diminished. In a year, many of those old-timers would retire, making room for fresh blood that would be more open to negotiations with Pixar in different ways.


    John Lasseter and Ed Catmull were feeling a bit discouraged for two reasons. In this era, they had a second option: Billy Carson, who proposed initiating two investments of $15 million and $10 million over four years to create a film��the first-ever digital 3D animated movie. He even promised bonuses if the film reached breakeven and recovered all the money, as an investment to make more movies if the film was successful. The young man was undoubtedly a better prospect than Steve Jobs'' proposal. He understood creative design, and they had been exchanging some design ideas for the potential film.


    Roy Disney entered the room, with the ambiguous character that all the Disneys seemed to possess, a complex of inferiority due to their inability to follow in the footsteps of the founder. Jeffrey Katzenberg followed him, with some issues regarding his relationship with John, after being unjustly dismissed a long time ago. It was a hard blow, but not everything comes with losses. He founded Pixar and, with the help of capital, managed to pursue what he had once been interested in and generated a passion for.


    -Gentlemen, it''s an excellent time to negotiate, - Roy Disney said with a smile.


    He saw Jeffrey Katzenberg smiling, his glasses frames accentuating his expressions. He''s a genius at Disney, one of the people rumored to be the next director of the company. This surpasses his attitude, which aims to be strong among his employees and related connections.


    -Of course, there''s no better time to negotiate, - Steve Jobs said.


    -We have a proposed contract that can be beneficial for both parties, - Roy Disney said. - This contract is already 100% approved, and if you sign it, it will be easy for us to proceed with the budget outlined here. -


    -Well, let''s read the terms you propose. If they are acceptable, we are willing to accept, -Steve Jobs said, receiving a portion of the contract in his hands.


    -Well, I will read the document aloud," Roy Disney said from his chair.


    The heavy atmosphere in the room was evident.


    >>It says...as the Disney business group, we are offering a total of $17 million as an initial budget to Pixar for the creation of three digital 3D films. As a starting point, Disney must have oversight to ensure that a good movie is being made. Therefore, Jeffrey Katzenberg is responsible for supervising the progress of the film and giving his approval... if Pixar is unable to deliver a good movie, Disney has the right to take over the complete production of the film. -


    >>The values stated here, under the agreement for Disney to finance the film, will be met with 84% of the commercial box office profits, as well as all the merchandising rights for toys. Pixar will be obligated to meet all the specified requirements within an estimated timeframe of 10 years. Failure to comply with this contract will result in a penalty of $30 million, - Roy Disney read aloud with a hint of hesitation.


    It was quite a harsh, rigid, and inconceivable contract. They were being blatantly robbed. Well, they were being limited in a way that it would be impossible for them to recover.


    -Gentlemen, I believe this contract is highly one-sided. The investment is insufficient. With $17 million, you cannot make one movie, let alone three. You made a movie last year, and your investment was greater than what is stated in this contract, -  Steve Jobs said.


    -What''s wrong? The contract is perfect! - Roy Disney exclaimed. - Don''t you think it''s excessive, Jeffrey? -


    -Not at all, it''s completely fair. The investment is a gift to our former Disney employees. It''s a gamble. No one would bet on digital 3D animation. Only a fool would bet on an untested method, - Jeffrey Katzenberg said.


    -Only a fool would bet on this business, - Steve Jobs murmured. - Explain yourself. -


    Once someone told him that only a fool would dedicate themselves to selling computer modems. The reason is that people fail to see what''s right in front of their eyes, even if you show it to them. Young Billy may be right. He has a feeling that the company can succeed, but he doesn''t know how to make it happen.


    -Well, it''s a new and disruptive technology. The investment of time and resources to make a film is challenging. Films are unpredictable, and this can lead to a high probability of failure. For example, if there''s a single factor that makes the audience uncomfortable, box office sales could drop by 20%, and the budget won''t be met. Now, a film that uses a new model with high costs is a loss, - Jeffrey Katzenberg said.


    -Sir, I believe you''re completely mistaken. The medium has been proven in our numerous commercials and shorts. In 1983, I was fired without a second thought, and now you''re investing in Pixar. The mistake is yours, and it''s clear that you know how wonderful it is, - John Lasseter said, feeling a bit disappointed. "We just want to make movies!"


    He shifted uncomfortably in his seat after his outburst, feeling the silent support from everyone at the table. It was obvious that Steve Jobs was not just part of Pixar. He was merely the businessman who provided the money. Everything that Billy Carson had mentioned about the lack of investment in the company, the lack of faith, and the questionable agreements with other companies��it all resonated.


    As Steve became aware of the tense atmosphere, he decided to bring the conversation to a close.


    -It''s been a pleasure. We''ll take the list of agreements with us, - Jobs said. -I need to discuss these points with my colleagues. -


    -Very well, we''ll await your call, Mr. Jobs,-  Roy Disney said.


    -You can stay if you like. I don''t think we''ll be much longer, - Jobs replied.


    -Don''t bother. We have other appointments. Have a good day, - they left like a whirlwind, leaving behind a lingering sense of doubt among those present.


    For Jobs, it was almost a missed opportunity, but if they wanted to negotiate, he could wait. For now, he believed that the best course of action for the company was to accept the money and move forward as they always had.


    -I intend to sign this agreement, - Steve said after a few moments of silence.


    -We don''t agree. How will we make money for the upcoming films? How will we even have enough money to finish producing a single film? - Alvy Ray Smith said.


    -I''m considering making staff cuts. If we tighten our belts, we can continue working on some commercials and fund the rest of the production. It will take time, but hard work will yield results, - Jobs said.


    -We''re not willing to accept this work, - John Lasseter said. -I don''t see sincerity from Disney, and I''m familiar with the suffocation tactic. When a contract is breached, they usually tear the company apart with a team of giant lawyers and leave it bankrupt. They buy it up piece by piece and keep only what they need. -


    The criticism from Lasseter was more palpable than that from Ray Smith.


    -So, you don''t want to accept this contract? It''s the lifeline we desperately need, - Steve said.


    -Sir, with all honesty, we still have a more attractive proposal, - Ed Catmull said.


    -I agree, I have better feelings about Billy, - John Lasseter said.


    Steve thought about the moment he was ousted from Apple. It felt the same now��they wanted to oust him from Pixar because they felt he was no longer useful. But he didn''t do it for the money; he had never done anything for money.


    -Pixar is mine, and it will be done my way. If you don''t want to row the boat, then don''t row. I can make this company grow. I will sign, and it''s my final decision, - Jobs said, filled with anger.


    -And you, with all your good vibes, are fired, - Jobs said, pointing his finger at John Lasseter.


    The exclamation was like a groan. The entire room, now in complete silence, understood that the boss''s ego had been bruised.


    -Steve, you better regain your composure, - Ed Catmull said. "Pixar may be yours, but you should know when you''re being deceived right to your face. Year after year, we have lowered our salaries to do what we love. If you believe Pixar is yours, then go ahead, fire us all, and make three 3D animated films with a team of rookies. Face Disney''s lawyers on your own. I don''t have the energy to work another ten years with the salary you pay me.


    -The majority of this company''s team works out of love for our work. If you want to build a similar group, you better tighten your belt and stop playing with your computer company. Because if John goes, I go, and my team goes... I won''t tolerate such abuse, - Ed Catmull said, breaking his usual calmness. They had never seen him speak so many words in such a short time.


    -I think it''s best if we all take some time to think about this conversation. I need to take a walk, - Steve said.


    He slammed the door shut. He knew that if he continued this conversation, things could happen that he would later regret.


    -Now all we can do is wait for a deal. Even if Steve doesn''t decide to go with Billy, we now know that there are people who can trust us. If we keep working hard, we could make money on our own, - Ray Smith said.


    -I agree. Even if we must make commercials for every company in North America, we''ll make the movie without Disney''s intervention, - Ed said.


    The only clause that bothered Pixar was the fact that Jeffrey Katzenberg would be directing the project, and eventually taking control of the company with his employees.


    ...


    ..


    .

 47. capcom.

    The production ideas from young Billy opened a world of possibilities that, for this time, are a complete novelty��the concept of an open world. It''s a revealing concept about the use of games. How difficult is it to implement an open world? Not very. Doing it well is a completely different matter. Among the first steps in establishing the overall framework of the game. Although the story is already fully detailed, it''s not possible to contain such a long story in a single cassette, so continuity is just around the corner. S��ar?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The game program devised by Billy is to fit a game with a total of six levels, but it will only be divided into two large maps. Many of these levels contain hidden dungeons within the same map with varying difficulties.


    The gameplay ranges from numerous villains to floor bosses and sections, with the need to revisit previous areas to solve problems left behind��it''s a game of advancing from the same point... which is a brilliant idea, but very challenging to materialize.


    -Is it possible to make the game exactly as described? - asked Takashi Nishiyama.


    -It''s not possible, but we can follow a very similar course. Some things are difficult to implement, and we''re still working on the code. For example, expandable doors��we''re trying to replicate the scene changes, but we think there might be an error that causes the game to reset,- said Suo Nagamoto.


    -Let''s keep working. I''ll review the code myself and give my feedback when I''m done, - Takashi said with a hint of complexity. It''s time to get to work. He has seven months of dedication ahead. The Street Fighter project has already been approved by Capcom''s board, and the investment is substantial. This project can''t take longer than expected. Akira Nishitani is ready to design the game''s aesthetics and has started with the initial models of the fighters who will be featured in the new installment of the major franchise. Akiman wants to use this game as a practice to ensure compatibility across all consoles.


    This decade is shaping up perfectly. Commendable businesses have arrived, and the new releases will give Capcom a recognition that will not fade even over the years. From the new perspective of Mega Man to the new Samurai Jack series and Knights of the Round.


    -Boss, you have a call from Japan,- said the secretary in the distance.


    -I''ll take it immediately, - said Takashi Nishiyama.


    On the other line awaits Kenzo Tsujimoto, the Japanese businessman and founder of Capcom, who is an enthusiastic figure in the gaming industry, known for his energy, creativity, and vision for game development.


    -It''s an honor to speak with you, Mr. Kenzo, - said Takashi.


    -Takashi, I heard everything has been going wonderfully in America, - Kenzo said with enthusiasm.


    -Everything is going smoothly. We have a stable position and we''re developing new releases that are satisfying for our company. I believe Akira Yasuda is in charge of providing all the updates. I''ve sent additional reports, - Takashi responded hesitantly.


    -Oh, don''t worry. I heard that the Americans have an idea of incorporating comic book stories into the company''s games, and I became curious about the term ''open world'' as well as adding short videos to the game,- Kenzo asked.


    -Yes, sir. They want to create a story showcased through animation and developed throughout the game, with short one-minute clips at the beginning of the story and important moments during gameplay. The reasons behind it are to deliver visual quality and immerse players in the world they''re playing as protagonists,- Takashi replied.


    As for the open world concept, I struggle to fully understand it, but we have developed the game''s aesthetics based on our vision and the scripts provided by the comic book company," Takashi replied.


    Mr. Kenzo, upon hearing these words, straightened his back and became intrigued by the idea. Why hadn''t he thought of it before? It has been done, but not on such a large scale.


    -It''s quite intriguing. Do you propose a method to develop it? - Kenzo asked, leaning closer to the phone as if he wanted to travel to the United States and hear the answer for himself.


    -Yes, indeed. We propose three methods, and each one has its own merits. The first is an animated video as we know it, the second is a manga-style story presented in panels, with voice acting for the characters, and the third is a lengthy story with a voice-over narration that audibly describes the events. The open world is treated as a massive map with many obstacles, and the map contains everything that the story needs. It doesn''t deviate much from traditional games, - Takashi explained.


    -Send a copy of all these ideas to Japan. I want to firsthand experience the use of these innovative methods, - Kenzo said.


    -Of course, we will send you the game development guide that the other company provided to Capcom. If we cautiously utilize these ideas, we won''t have to worry about innovation in our games for the next five years, - Takashi said confidently.


    Feeling secure about the ideas, they were truly innovative.


    -Oh, I''m surprised, - Kenzo exclaimed.  - Can you arrange a meeting with the guide from this company? -


    -Oh, I see. However, there is an inconvenience. The guide from this company is a young boy of about 15 years old, and it would be difficult for him to attend the meetings, - Takashi explained.


    -Indeed, this conversation surprises me more and more. Well, if it''s not possible, I will schedule a meeting in America during the next few months, - Kenzo said.


    - Certainly, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please inform me in advance, and I will make all the arrangements for your stay, - Takashi Nishiyama replied.


    -I will take care of everything. Thank you for your consideration. Let''s continue working towards our goals, - Kenzo said.


    -I will do so, Director,- Takashi replied.


    Takashi then proceeded to review the code in broad strokes. It was a wonderful idea to embrace the ideas of young Billy, and it was likely to result in a well-deserved promotion for him.


    ...


    ..


    .


    we are almost at chapter 50, what an achievement.


    I know many are waiting for the conclusion of Pixar, but it will come.

 48. The dance

    April 1990


    Today was the day of the dance, and everyone was eager to participate in the teenage ritual of attending the dance with a partner. It was a part of the school festivities that caused anxiety among the students, as they worried about impressing others and having a good time. Many relevant issues surrounded the dance, such as the prevalent feeling of being judged by others. Recurring thoughts like "Will I do well enough to not trip over my own feet?" or "I feel embarrassed for not having a date to the dance" filled their minds.


    But undoubtedly, these dances contained unique moments that were cherished in the hearts of young teenagers. Mr. Carson''s car turned the corner, and as he drove, he tapped the steering wheel to the rhythm of the song playing.


    Thomas Carson thought to himself - with his heart - as he picked up Claudia, who always wore a big smile on her face. She expressed her emotions with a strong sense of impudence and charisma, often adding unconventional attitudes that remained etched in the memories of her friends and acquaintances.


    Mr. Carson swallowed nervously.


    -Well, it''s time for you to find your date, - Mr. Carson said, adjusting the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of his son, who was lost in his contemplations, possibly thinking about Pixar or some incredible idea that was difficult to conceive.


    -Ah, I don''t think she''s ready yet. We can wait for her in the living room, - Billy replied.


    -Are you sure? - Thomas Carson questioned.


    -Absolutely. Claudia and her mom are not known for being punctual. The more important the gathering, the longer you have to wait, - Billy explained.


    -Alright, I''ll park the car, - Thomas said.


    -That''s right, let''s wait a bit, - Billy said.


    They knocked on the door three times, but there was no response. They continued knocking, but still no answer.


    -They must have gone somewhere, - Thomas said.


    -There''s nowhere else they could be. Maybe they''re just busy, - Billy replied. - Come, let''s sit on the stairs. They''ll open the door soon. -


    -Ah, son, this is a strange place to wait for a date,- Thomas remarked. "By the way, you''ve surprised me. Anne mentioned how well you''ve excelled in your negotiations; thanks to the training you''ve received on negotiation strategies. I didn''t get a chance to tell you."


    -Yes, it''s been going well. Although I still can''t understand how people can ask for less money and still act oblivious, - Billy said.


    -Well, that''s part of any negotiation. It''s not about what you think something is worth, but what you believe it''s worth to others, - Thomas explained.


    -I understand that, but it''s just surprising to me how introspective it all is, - Billy replied.


    Billy walked to the door and rang the bell again. This time, Mrs. Branovich wasted no time and opened the door abruptly.


    -Always in a hurry! Wait a second! We have important matters to discuss. Come in, sit in the living room. The fridge is open, and there are chips in the pantry... I don''t want any disturbances for the next 30 minutes. -


    -She''s making us wait another half an hour, - Thomas asked, surprised by the swift dismissal.


    -Yes, Father, let''s watch some TV while we wait for her to finish getting ready, - Billy said.


    -Are you sure? I think it''s better if we just sit and wait, - Thomas said.


    -Dad, don''t get nervous. In this place, the dynamics are different. The first rule is to be open to whatever may happen. The second is that if they tell you something, they expect you to do it because their kindness is based on what they want you to do, and that''s why they give you freedom. The third rule is to never contradict them. The more comfortable you get, the less strange everything will be,- Billy explained.


    -Son, I can''t do that. I don''t believe in any of these rules. We''ll sit as gentlemen and wait, and we''ll behave... without any of these strange games you''re proposing,- Thomas said firmly.


    -Well, Father, but if you incur the wrath of Mrs. Branovich, I hope you won''t blame me later," Billy replied.


    -Son... believe me, I know Claudia can be difficult, but it''s just her way of expressing her feelings. So, if we behave, everything will go well. I''ll take you to the dance and pick you up at 11:00 PM, - Thomas said.


    -Well, Father, I think if we behave, everything will go as expected, - Billy said.


    An awkward silence filled the room. Both men dressed similarly, their suits in beautiful colors, sitting in the same manner, with the same tailored fit and gestures.


    -Oh, so you''re here. I can see you didn''t eat the chips. I bought them specifically for you, - Mrs. Branovich said.


    -I''m sorry, Mrs. Branovich, I''m so nervous that I feel like if I eat something, I''ll vomit, - Billy said.


    -Oh, you look so cute! Talking nonsense. Take them away, I don''t want that junk in my house. Too many carbs, - Livy Branovich said.


    She doesn''t like her name much, so now you can only call her Livy because that''s what she decided to be called. Or well, Mrs. Branovich.


    -Oh, gladly, we''ll take them home, - Thomas said, surprised. - Well, I''ll take the kids to the dance and bring them back at 11:00 PM. We won''t be late. I''ll be at the restaurant near the school, having a drink, so don''t worry."


    -You''re just like your son. I''ll accompany you. I don''t have much to do, and it''s good to know a bit about the father of my daughter''s date, - the blonde woman said with a smile, nibbling on Thomas''s cheek in an affectionate gesture.


    Claudia emerged in a long blue dress, her slow steps revealing her lack of formality for such occasions. The blue fabric extended with white embroidery beyond her knees. Her hair was styled in a princess-like updo, adorned with sparkles, and her golden-blonde locks were crowned with a flower tiara that circled her hair. A blush adorned her cheeks. She wore blue slippers, looking beautiful and incredibly happy, as evidenced by the shyness lingering in her eyes.


    -You look beautiful, - Billy said, rushing to assist her and extending his arm in a hook-like manner.


    -This is the first time I feel so pretty,- Claudia said softly, radiating a freshness that was rarely seen. -Come on, we''re running late. You took so long to come, and I have a feeling the dance will be over if we wait any longer. -


    -I''m sorry, my father kept fixing my suit repeatedly. I didn''t realize the time, - Billy explained.


    The girl smiled with fascination.


    -Well, let''s go... we have a dance to attend. I didn''t usually go to dances, I would just take photos or chat with my friends. But this is my first dance, and everything will be wonderful, - Claudia said.


    -Don''t worry, Dad will drive us in a moment, and then we''ll do everything on your mental checklist, - Billy assured her.


    -Oh, it''s not nice to talk about your father right in front of him, - Thomas interjected.


    -Come on, Dad, you heard the lady. We have lots of things to do, - Billy said.


    -Well, it''s just an interesting way of ignoring your elders. Come on, kids, I''ll take you to the dance. Today, old Carson will be the chaperone, - Thomas said, extending his hand to Mrs. Branovich.


    -That''s exactly what we''re going to do. Nowadays, people have no love and respect for others, - Livy said. "Let''s go, Mr. Carson."


    Billy exited through the door, followed by his father.


    -Is something wrong with your mother? - Billy asked.


    -The cat got her tongue, - Claudia joked. - You can''t know everything, little Billy. You''re quite nosy, - she said, laughing.


    -Everyone calls me Little Billy, but now Claudia knows my name! - Billy thought.


    -You nosy little thing! -


    For some reason, he thought about Steve Jobs and his behavior. Although he may seem authoritarian to some people, according to rumors, there''s something about him that''s hard to resist. It''s his way of conveying his ideas that manage to convince others.


    His next plan is to create some interesting activities with Hanna-Barbera. He can''t wait to publish some great stories. He felt Claudia''s handshake and the sideways smile she gave him.


    -Well, kids, that''s it. Take care and have fun. We''ll pick you up at 10:30, - Livy said cheerfully from the passenger seat.


    -Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mrs. Branovich, - Billy said, nodding his head in his father''s customary gesture.


    He saw the physical education teacher at the entrance organizing pizza boxes and some drinks to enjoy. A beverage table was talking to the lunch server, a friendly, dark-skinned man who always had a smile on his face when serving.


    -Well, it''s time to go in, - Claudia said, feeling completely nervous.


    He saw Alice and Peter calling her, both wearing dresses with a neatness that could only be expected at a prom.


    -Claudia, you look beautiful, - Alice said. - I can''t believe you''re wearing a dress, - she whispered in her ear while hugging her.


    -Well, there''s a first time for everything, - Claudia replied. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the distance, Billy was talking to Peter about something, but she couldn''t hear what they were saying.


    -I''m still amazed that you''re going out with Billy Carson, the handsome Texan who gets straight A''s in every subject, - Alice said.


    Billy, imitating his father, repeated a few words with a strong accent that revealed his heritage.


    -I can''t believe it either. It feels like a dream to me. I used to think boys were smelly and immature, but at some point, Billy chose me, - Claudia blushed. - And what about you, Peter? -


    -Oh, no. We came as friends. He''s my shield against jerks. I''ve been asked out more times than I can handle in a week. But Jessica came with Jack Boor. I think they''re dating, but they''re keeping it secret. It''s all so weird to see how they behave, - Alice said.


    -I can''t believe it... Jessica with Jack Boor. -


    -Well, it''s almost the same as you and your Texan beau. Hanna, Clara, and I are all surprised. You know he''s a tough guy, unbothered by anything. It''s a pleasure just to have him acknowledge us. Even the football team respects him, - Alice said.


    -Oh, no, he''s shy. He tends to be quiet because he doesn''t like starting conversations, but I''m good at that, so we get along well. That''s why I liked him the first time I met him, - Claudia said.


    -Well, don''t keep him waiting for too long. He''s been looking over here with puppy eyes for a few minutes, - Alice laughed.


    -Hahaha, he looks like a little puppy when he does that, - Claudia said, joining in the laughter with her friend.


    She ran over to Billy''s side.


    -Come on, my sweet knight, let''s dance. I hope you''re not nervous and can keep up with me on the dance floor, - Claudia said to Billy.


    -Please, I''m going to be an actor. Fear can''t be in my heart, - Billy replied.


    -Well, Mr. Actor, take me to dance. I''ve always wanted to go to a dance! But I''ve never attended one as a participant. It sounds funny, but it''s damn embarrassing. I used to come to take pictures and help with the decorations. But this is my first time, - the blonde said happily.


    -I''ve never been to a spring dance before. My father always forced me to go to these dances, and I would just wear a hoodie and hang out outside with a friend of mine, Clark. I don''t think I''ve introduced you to him, - Billy said.


    -Well, then you should enjoy it! Now you have your amazing girlfriend, so you have nothing to fear, - Claudia said with a smile.


    -I will. I have a gift for you that we could enjoy together. I made up an excuse, and I think you have every right to be surprised. But I''ll give it to you at the end of the night, - Billy said.


    -So, you know I love gifts, and now I''ll be thinking about it for almost the entire dance, - the girl replied, leading Billy to the not-so-crowded dance floor. The decorations had blue and yellow colors, showing the dedication and financial investment of the whole party. Billy donated $8 to buy materials for the dance. Next time, he''ll give a little more money.


    -You dance well, - Claudia said.


    -Well, I''m Spanish, and there was a time when I danced non-stop, -  Billy said.


    -Haha, you''re boring... Where did you learn? - Claudia asked.


    -In my previous life, I told you I''m Spanish, it''s in our blood, - Billy replied.


    -Well, don''t tell me, or your tongue might fall out from lying, - Claudia said.


    -You''re mistaken, liars only grow longer noses, - Billy said.


    -No, no, their tongues fall out too, - Claudia insisted.


    -Hahaha, - Billy laughed at Claudia''s sweet words.


    -It''s a trip to Italy, I want us to meet during the holidays. It cost a fortune, so I hope you''ll come. The hotel is already paid for. It''s the World Cup of football, and I have tickets for the group stage in Rome. I hope we can be together one last time, - Billy said.


    -Awww... you know we''ll always be together. We just have to strengthen our relationship. We''ll find a way to meet. I''ll take care of that, - Claudia said.


    -I also have a gift for you, but it''s already at your house, - Claudia said. - You ruined my surprise by being so damn sweet, Billy. Now you have to tell me in detail about the trip I''m part of and wasn''t informed about after this song, which I like. -


    Claudia hugged him tightly during the slow dance, with affection. She didn''t want him to see her tears. This is what people feel when they fall completely in love with someone. Why does he have to leave now? When everything is perfect. She wants to be happy here in California.


    But he will come back, that''s for sure. When he can escape, he will come back to live in California with Billy, no matter the cost. She will study at CalArts. Her determination was even stronger now. If saving money was a problem before, it was now a solemn promise.


    -I''ll miss you so much, - Claudia said.


    -I''ll miss you too, every single day. I won''t be able to see you for long periods, but things will get better, - Billy said. -Things tend to get better when you least expect it. -


    -Stop talking nonsense, Billy. Life never gets better. Now say something nice, - Claudia said.


    -But... you''re impossible, - Billy said, unable to do anything but keep dancing with Claudia in a bittersweet state of happiness. It was becoming a farewell, something that couldn''t be reversed.


    -You know, now I feel like getting a cat and sleeping curled up with it, - Claudia said.


    -A cat...-


    -Yes, they say cats can take away sadness, - Claudia mentioned.


    -I didn''t know that. Maybe I''ll get a cat. It''s good to have some extra company at home. Do you want to go for some pizza? -  Billy suggested.


    -I thought you''d never ask! I''m so hungry. I want a vegetable pizza, although I think they only brought pepperoni pizza, - Claudia said.


    A special vegetable pizza, Billy could only think of Papa John''s, one of the best pizzas out there. He could even buy the entire franchise, but he didn''t know how much money he needed to establish a franchise. For now, only hamburgers will be on his menu.


    -There are so many pizzas to choose from. People who don''t eat this delicious pizza must be crazy, - Claudia said.


    -I wonder the same thing, Miss Branovich. They just taste a bit of pizza and leave... - the chef replied.


    -Ah, give me two for myself, I''m particularly hungry. I was getting ready all afternoon and forgot to eat, - Claudia said.


    -Oh, Miss, don''t worry, there''s plenty of food," the cheerful chef said, pleased to see the young woman''s appetite.


    -Oh, Walter, I want some pizza too, - Billy chimed in.


    -Of course, Mr. Carson, gladly... - Walter replied.


    -Thank you for giving my cousin a job. He''s been desperately looking for work. He''s a good guy, just a bit troublesome, - Walter said.


    -Well, it''s my pleasure. I''ll always be there to help whenever I can, - Billy said.


    -Wait, you gave his cousin a job, - Claudia questioned.


    -Yes, he works at the burger joint. I just recommended him to Jack. Sales have been good, and he shares shifts with a student, part-time, - Billy explained.


    -And we''re grateful for the part-time job. It helps us pay the bills and send some money back home, - Walter added.


    -How thoughtful! Give me another slice for the good friendship, - Claudia said, having finished her slices with sauce smeared on her cheeks.


    -Of course, I''m glad these pizzas won''t go to waste, - Walter said. - Is there anything else you''d like, Mr. Carson? -


    -No, that''s alright, Walter. I''m good with the two pizzas, - Billy replied.


    -Well then, tell me about the trip to Italy to see the World Cup, - Claudia said.


    You''ll be surprised.


    ...


    ..


    .

 49. The world of animation.

    May 27, 1990.


    Recently, Microsoft 3.0''s new operating system was released, which caused panic in Steve Jobs, like an arrow piercing his thoughts. You''re wasting your time here at Pixar; you should focus on the technology industry. That idea was etched in his mind. With seven million dollars, we can open the NeXT Research Center and discover something that can withstand the market''s new changes.


    You might wonder, how important are updates? Well, they are market drivers. They are the fresh ingredients that the technology service offers to its consumers. From 1950 until now, the qualitative leaps in the technology industry have created pressure, and since the 80s, the scope for improvement has only grown. What used to last more than ten years as technological innovation may now be just a step for the following year.


    -Yes, that''s true. Steve Jobs sent us an offer via fax: 9 million dollars, and the deal is closed regarding the copyright. - Anne said.


    -What do you say, Dad? Should we accept the deal? - Billy asked.


    -Well, initially, you wanted to pay 15 million to acquire Pixar, so 9 million isn''t an alarming figure, as long as you know what you''re doing. Buying a company for such an exorbitant price must bring some benefits. - Thomas said.


    -And what about our savings in the bank? - Billy asked.


    -We can pay eight million dollars, and all our savings would be wiped out. - Anne said.


    -Well, make a counteroffer, Anne��lower that price. We can''t pay all that money and also get in touch with the bank. We''ll need the 16-million-dollar loan. It''s better to pay for Pixar gradually than make such a huge cash outlay. - Billy said.


    -So much money! - his father whispered.


    -We need to invest money to make the movie. - Billy said.


    Anne intervened.


    -Debt helps lower the taxes, Mr. Thomas. - Anne said.


    -It''s not logical. Investing such a high cost in a movie could lead us to bankruptcy. Are you sure about investing so much money in making a film? - The Lux Comics administrator is somewhat bewildered by the certainty of investing such a large sum.


    His father thoroughly reviewed the loan he requested for 25 million dollars, which was granted for 16 million dollars.


    -I have confidence in this company. There are very talented animators behind it. Plus, I''ll be overseeing the script and the movie''s drawings. - Billy said.


    -It''s still a high-risk investment. You''re betting on a period that will take at least three years. I''m just your administrator, and even your father supports you in this risky venture. - Anne replied.


    -That''s true. I support you with what I earn from the firm. It''s enough to sustain any crisis. But Pixar doesn''t fit into my financial solvency. - Thomas said.


    -Well, I think that''s because of you. You taught me to bet on my ideas, and you''ve supported me in my decisions since we negotiated our first contract. So, just like in our early days, we''ll have to tighten our belts a bit, but I believe our luck can change. Pixar is something that will change the world. - Billy said.


    -Luck, not many people rely on luck, but I hope the luck you''re counting on doesn''t disappoint you. On the other hand, I see your business idea, although there are many points I can''t quite grasp. We''ll prepare ourselves. - Anne said.


    -I appreciate it. I''ll do everything I can too. - Billy said.


    -On June 10, 1990, the NBA championship final is played. If the Detroit Pistons become the tournament champions, the 49-to-1 bet and the subsequent 19-to-1 bet will be the money that has been eagerly anticipated. The bank installment payments over six years can begin to be paid off as soon as the bets are won.


    Not far away in 1990 is the World Cup in Italy, and if you place the right bets, you can win enough money to cover half of the loan, and the remaining payments can be covered with comic book sales and negotiations with Nike. Although not everything can be calculated, you can say that you have a grace period of three years until the comic book bubble bursts. The impact of Marvel series actions by Ronald Perelman hasn''t been felt yet.


    But they will come. Everything is being prepared for the 1993 bubble, the industry''s final one. Everything after 1993 is uncertain.


    -You already have the story to make the Pixar movie, that''s why you''re so sure. - Anne said.


    -It''s true, I have many stories. For the summer season, we''re looking to publish a new series and, along with Pinky and the Brain, shake up the content to expand. But we have to wait for The Phantom Report to be published on Warner TV.


    Pinky and the Brain will be used as a starting point to publish the animatics. From there, the entire publishing field will be focused on "Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers," and then leap into a much grittier, visceral franchise like Doom. With these nine Martian series, we want to delve into a dystopia and the civil wars between Earth and Mars. Show a hyperrealistic dystopia about the conquest of Mars, and at the root of a new cult found on Mars spanning millions of years, they summon demons born from hell.


    The eerie atmosphere and luxurious visuals are what bring the story of Doom to life when a corporal is entrusted with a secret mission to conduct an in-depth investigation into the causes of the recent disappearances that have occurred on Mars, which is used as a mining colony for precious minerals.


    On the other hand, Rugrats is a series primarily for children. From there, the magic of these little ones engaging in activities beyond the scale of babies creates a lasting and entertaining impression for kids. S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The following fax from Steve Jobs didn''t take long to arrive. He accepts the deal and hopes to arrange the signing in a location in the San Francisco Bay area, where Next, their headquarters, is located. That''s why the parent animation company, Lux Animation, was created, with Pixar 3D as its subsidiary. The only thing in common with the comic book company is its name, which is based on the acronym of comics, Bill C.Y., along with their legal representative, Anne, who has been promoted once again and now enjoys a weekly salary of $1,600.


    ..


    .

 50. farewells.

    The end of the school year, along with Claudia''s sudden departure a few days before the school cycle ended, knowing that she had passed the year, was enough for her mother to start a new life in Austria, to reconnect with her roots that have been lost since 1956, when her mother arrived in American soil with her father, escaping from Yugoslavia during one of the most critical periods in its history. Not only had the Russian climate invaded the country, but the numerous divisions among different races and religions were unpleasant. Luckily, Claudia''s grandfather was able to escape with his daughter on a friend''s smuggler boat, in a wicked adventure full of countless coincidences that allowed their escape.


    Amidst the struggle, they managed to reach the beaches of Alaska and continue their journey further west, ending up in California. Her father, with a construction job opportunity, worked tirelessly day and night to give his little daughter everything she wanted, from her first camera that cost him long hours of overtime, to paying for her university education and some courses. The beginnings were tough, but for the girl, adapting to the language and hiding her roots, avoiding any trace of accent in her words, didn''t help much after the death of her father due to respiratory problems. He never quit smoking, even during his illness. When little Claudia was born, he cried with happiness, only to pass away a year later.


    So, she wants to go to that land that her father loved so much. She knows well that she has a large family there, all working-class folks, but it''s something she desires with all her heart.


    She has made many mistakes and hopes not to repeat them and pass those mistakes on to her daughter, who has insisted that her life has been wonderful in California. With time, she hopes her daughter will understand the risks she faces as well, returning to a land that is still very dangerous and fraught with social problems.


    -Everything will be fine, my dear. Little Billy will see us in Italy in a few weeks. - Livy said.


    -It hurts that you''re so sweet and yet we''re so far apart. Why do we have to go to a strange place? -Claudia said.


    -Come on, we''re going to a place that you''ll surely like. We''ll have to live in a smaller place, but we''ll be fine. You''ll be placed in a new class, and as time goes by, you''ll see that everything can turn out well,-  Livy said.


    -That''s what Billy left behind, but it''s just foolishness. You''re determined to search for Grandpa''s family, but he didn''t even give you his last name. He warned you about how dangerous that place is, - Claudia said.


    -He did, over and over again! He died longing for his home, as much as he hated it, - Livy said, losing her composure.


    -I don''t have the energy to think about what will happen. I don''t even know the language! And now you''re taking me on an imaginary treasure hunt, - the girl said.


    Her mother''s eyebrows furrowed. She took a deep breath and fell silent. Slowly, but with a stern voice, she responded, - You''ll learn as time goes by. You''re not the only one who has to make this new adaptation. Others also struggle with these changes. Perhaps you can make some friends who are going through a similar situation, - Livy said.


    -It doesn''t help at all. You only agree with me when it suits you. You always mess everything up, -Claudia said.


    -Well, as long as you''re my responsibility, you''ll do as I say, - Livy said.


    -Screw you! You hypocritical liar. You only take responsibility when it''s convenient for you, - Claudia said, slamming the door as she left.


    Tears escaped the unyielding Mrs. Branovich. How could she make her understand that she felt hurt in this country? She wasn''t American, never was. She gained her citizenship by sleeping with a drunkard and running away from him when she got pregnant. She never looked for him, and he never looked for her. She just wanted a place to call home because everything was so difficult.


    The plane took off on a nostalgic night. The Branovich women didn''t speak to each other; that was certain. In her records, she was listed as both American and Yugoslavian. Europe was open, but not all of it.


    On the other side, Billy was sad. He just wanted to keep drawing because of his companion''s departure. Farewells touched his heart. He would have a two-day break because the following days would be busy with his trip to Italy, consuming his most precious treasure now: time.


    But he wouldn''t rest from drawing. Day after day, now with even more determination, he would tirelessly complete everything he could.


    With the acquisition of Pixar and the new restructuring, on one hand, he sought to have the Toy Story movie released a year earlier, and on the other hand, he wanted Pixar''s work to be delivered in numerous installments in the 90s. Now the problem to address is who will distribute Pixar''s films.


    Only time will tell.


    -Miss Anne, we''re here to inform you that the animation for Johnny Bravo has begun. Thanks to Billy''s influence, it''s possible that this series will be released alongside The Phantom Report. Our animators are grateful for how easy it is to draw the series with Billy''s storyboard, - Paula said.


    -Oh, that''s great. I''ll share the good news with Billy, - Anne said.


    -On another note, you can always come to our company if you want to bring your ideas to television. We''ve seen Billy''s work, and we''re amazed by his talent. If he has any ideas that can be realized, we''ll be delighted to continue negotiating, - Paula said.


    -He will love that! Although we hope the series will air, we''re not in a rush to bring more series to the screen for now, but Billy is working on a new project, - Anne said. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That sounds perfect. I''ll keep you informed about the course of events in the coming months, - Paula Sullen said.


    In their office, the presence of their mentor Betty Cohen was joined by the brothers Benedict and Joseph Barbara.


    -Well, that was refreshing, - said Betty Cohen.


    -It''s nothing. They bought Pixar Studios just over a week ago. The news didn''t cause a stir, but I''m friends with one of the bosses at Pixar, Ed Camult. He told me about this business deal and Pixar''s revitalization. The guy wants to create his animation studio, - Joseph Barbara said.


    -But you already understand that they want to make movies, not television series," Betty said.


    -Just give it some time before he starts broadcasting his series. In the next contract, you can''t allow the buyback clause, - Joseph said.


    -It''s not that simple, and you know it. The contract is good, and his ideas are good. In ten years, we''ll earn enough money to double that amount, triple it, and even exponentially increase the income by ten times. You were one of the ones who advocated for hiring the kid. You see the talent, everyone sees his work, and now you want to hinder the relationship, -  Betty Cohen said, unstoppable when she felt she was right.


    -Fine, handle it your way. But soon the kid will create his 2D animation studio, with the machinery and software that''s available at Pixar. He just needs time, -  Joseph said.


    -Well, then we must do everything possible to get him to join Warner. Creating a television channel is not easy; it requires millions of dollars invested. It''s not something you can do overnight, - Betty said.


    -That doesn''t worry me! It''s Fox who has been ruling in recent years, and with Billy on their side, it''s just a step to crush us, - Joseph said.


    "You''re wrong, Joseph. Billy is like us. He enjoys chasing ideas and cares about his interests. But if we are friendly, our relationship can be long-lasting, - Tony Benedict said.


    -What makes you say that? - Joseph asked.


    -Well, I often talk to him. I know his goals, and they''re not much different from ours back in our university days. He wants to create animation non-stop, just like us. He even has an interest in voice acting. Just give the kid more opportunities and treat him the way you treat the animators, - Tony said.


    -Freedom... - Joseph mused.


    -Yes, the business will thrive as long as there is respect for his drawings and creative freedom, - Tony said.


    Another evening at Hanna-Barbera, Joseph Barbara transitioned from a dreamer to a seasoned businessman.


    ..


    .

 51. las vegas.

    On June 2nd, the awaited game arrived, a day eagerly anticipated by the American population, and Axel had the idea to continue betting on the Detroit Pistons. They had won the conference, and his $45,000 bet yielded $759,000, which he immediately wagered on the victory of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference, which once again resulted in a win, multiplying his money to $1.2 million. He immediately placed a bet for the next conference championship game with the Detroit Pistons, with a payout of 2 to 1, but this time the sum of money was substantial.


    With over a million dollars, the same betting house from the grand casinos led him to a betting parlor filled with wealthy-looking individuals who exuded wealth in their behavior, attire, and demeanor.


    Everything in this place screamed affluence in a way that was hard to describe, from the tapestries to the thick carpets, and the elegant suits. The staff escorted him to a glass-backed booth where all the bets were being called. He had no idea such a place existed within the casinos. The rich lived differently.


    -This is the high-stakes lounge. If there are bets available, you can wager as much as you want, as long as you can pay, - said the tuxedoed gentleman.


    -So, this place is... - Billy started.


    -It''s where all the wealthy bet. We''re one of the largest casinos around, and we''re aware of your bet on the Detroit Pistons, - the employee said.


    -Are there any bets available? - Billy asked.


    -Hmm, let''s see. The bets are closed for now, but you can place an open bet that catches the attention of the room. You can start your bets with your conditions��how much money you''re willing to lose or win..."


    -Well, how about $500,000 that the Pistons beat the Lakers, payout 4 to 1, - Billy said.


    -Ohhhhh, are you sure? - the employee asked.


    -Yes, sure, - Billy replied.


    -Well, then I''ll announce the bet, but if many people play against you, you''ll have to pay them all. If more than five people join to bet against you, you''ll lose $10 million, - the employee said.


    Upon further consideration, Billy decided to go for a lower bet.


    -Make it 3 to 1. How do you close a bet? - Billy asked, feeling the nerves of the bet. Even though he knew he would win, his heart was racing.


    -We''ll raise the bet, and it will be closed in two hours. In the meantime, you can walk around the place. There''s a 5% commission on bets that the casino takes as intervention fees, - the gentleman said.


    Anne, who had been closely following everything, was at a loss for words to describe such a risky bet. When she heard Billy''s 3-to-1-bet in favor of the Pistons, her heart almost leaped out of her throat.


    -Anne, you''re my legal representative. Sign and let''s go grab something to eat at the bar, - Billy said calmly.


    She tried to object, but with the contract in her hand and the insistent stares of those at the betting reception table, she felt a certain discomfort. She read the contract word by word and found some things that seemed strange, but she didn''t find anything dangerous and proceeded to sign the contents of the bet.


    She saw Billy sitting at the bar, enjoying a plate of shrimp with a glass of Coca-Cola.


    -What are you doing, young man? Are you crazy? You bet $1.5 million, who knows against how many people, - Anne said, indignant and scared by all the goons she could see scattered around.


    -Relax, Anne. I''m confident we''ll make a lot of money. This bet is just extra money we need for all our plans, - Billy said.


    -I can''t relax when this place reeks of danger. Who allows such high-stake bets with such strict conditions? - Anne responded sharply at the bar.


    -Come on, Anne, have something to eat. The food is complimentary! - Billy said.  -When the bet is closed, we''ll finalize the contract and head to our room. We''ll enjoy a vacation, and I''ll catch up on the work I need to do. We''ll collect our money when the Detroit Pistons become champions. -


    Billy''s 3 to 1 bet resonated throughout the place, and in Anne''s nervousness, seven bettors signed up against Billy. No one wants to lose money so resolutely.


    -That''s $17 million if you happen to lose, - Anne said.


    -But it will be $9 million if I win, -  Billy said.  - And there are the other two bets we have. It''s almost $12 million that we can use to pay off the company''s debts. -


    -If you lose, your company will be ruined, - Anne said.


    -We won''t lose, mark my words. All our problems in the coming months have been solved with the bet I just made, - Billy told her.


    -That''s the luck you''re talking about. Well, it''s not very good luck. I hope you know that your father is coming next week and will find out about all the money you''ve bet at the casino, - Anne said.


    She was furious.


    -Come on, Anne. With the prize money, we can refinance our credit and invest in our companies. T-Box Burger would benefit from another franchise in San Jose, - Billy said.


    -We can, but it''s not something I''m expecting a lot from. These gambling games always result in losses, - Anne said as they headed towards the casino exit, entering the tourist area and making their way up to the hotel.


    -Nothing will happen, - Billy said to himself and Anne. After all, he knows the future very well.


    That same night, the Detroit Pistons won the game while Billy was drawing the next chapter of Slam Dunk, watching as the powerful defense once again crushed the Portland team.


    Ahhhhhh, what a sweet sound to his ears. With a victory in the first game, he can feel more at ease. Although he wonders if there might be a chance to alter the game''s outcome. Perhaps his actions can influence the result due to the pressure from the Las Vegas casinos. Or maybe it''s too insignificant to consider a change.


    Can his compulsive bets have an impact on the sport? If that were to happen, such changes could cause a series of inconveniences for his plans. Meanwhile, he believes that changes can manifest in the future... in some way, unpredictable changes that may become unsustainable.


    So he awaits the next game with anticipation. But the game was fiercely contested. Was it as exciting in its time? He held his breath with every point scored by the Blazers and every missed shot by the Pistons. In the end, physical prowess prevailed over the technical skills of the Blazers.


    The final result: Detroit Pistons 105 - Portland Trail Blazers 99. The upcoming games could be just as challenging as this one. The Portland players had some unfortunate moments... The second game is just around the corner, and he hopes everything goes as it should.


    The next game is on June 5th, and his father will arrive in six days, counting down.


    Among the major problems faced by a gambling enthusiast is the thrill of easy money. Even knowing the results, there''s an indescribable sense of panic when placing a bet.


    On June 5th, a new game unfolded. It was agonizing, slow, and suffocating. Nearly the entire game was filled with vibrant electricity befitting a suspenseful, competitive final. Detroit Pistons 106 - Portland Trail Blazers 105. The game ended with an intriguing finish.


    On June 8th, the result was even more nerve-wracking. There was a moment that caused panic, as the Detroit Pistons seemed finished. But then, a comeback! The newspapers reported: Portland Trail Blazers 106 - Detroit Pistons 105.


    -What a great game, - Anne said.


    -You don''t even watch basketball, - Billy replied, a bit annoyed by the loss of his bet. He would have to wait longer to determine the outcome.


    -Well, now I understand why fans of the teams end up getting drunk after a game. I can still feel the adrenaline coursing through my body, - Anne said while reviewing Billy''s new drawings as he began developing the first plans for the Dexter show. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I like this fun drawing. Are you thinking of publishing it or starting negotiations with Hanna-Barbera? - Anne asked.


    -No... I''ll just publish a book of this series. I''ll wait for Hanna-Barbera to come to me for the show. With every deal we make, they earn more and more money from our drawings. But as the series becomes more popular, we''ll earn more and more money, whether from competition or our partners. -


    -But they don''t give you much budget... - Anne said.


    -True, but I can earn higher percentages from marketing and even more commercial rights. It''s easy money. Plus, Warner will pay attention when the money starts pouring in, - Billy said.


    The next game on June 10, 1990, Game 5, was a tough one. It was a fiercely contested match that ultimately resulted in a victory for the Detroit Pistons, with a score of 112 to 109 against the Portland Trail Blazers.


    With just one game left and his father about to arrive, Billy wasn''t sure how strongly he would react to the bets. So, he convinced Anne to tell him about the new bet at the end of the game.


    However, his father didn''t arrive. Billy received a call saying they would meet in San Jose in two days. His father wished him luck, but the weight and pressure of a revealing bet weighed heavily on Billy.


    The fifth game was slow, with intense moments and evident fatigue among the players who were maintaining the game with professionalism. The physical burden of a whole season was taking its toll, but they pushed through.


    It ended with a victory for the Detroit Pistons, with a score of 92 to 90 against the Portland Trail Blazers. The victory felt like a splash of cold water on a sunny day, where the stifling air couldn''t stabilize one''s breath. A refreshing splash of water to cool things down. Now, the next steps were to use that money wisely.


    Billy saw Anne enter through the door.


    -Well, Anne, you can say that we''re now rich. Let''s claim the money and get out of here. We''re racing against time as our flight to Italy is in three days. I think we won a little over 11 million dollars from the bets. So, let''s pay off half of the debt and refinance the rest, - said Billy.


    -Refinance the debt? - Anne asked.


    -Yes, we''ll pay off the debt, - said Billy. - We have the resources. You told me it''s possible to negotiate lower interest rates. Well, we just need to negotiate enough to get a good interest rate from the bank. -


    -Agreed, but we won''t tell your father about this risky bet, - said Anne. - You made a good bet, and that''s the money we earned. I won''t cover your escapades in Vegas anymore. I hope my Christmas bonus will help me cover the house payments. -


    -No problem, I''ll pay you this week as overtime. Go ahead and make a receipt for how much I owe you, - said Billy.


    -Oh, you little rascal. Either way, your father will find out that you bet more money than he allowed, - said Anne, with a sense of satisfaction.


    With that money, there''s no need to worry about financing Pixar. With hard work and good income in the coming months, we can fund the film and the equipment.


    ...

 52. someday.

    -Pack your things, it''s time to go, - said Thomas, with anger beyond the usual demeanor. Indifference was laden in his words.


    -Father, staying angry won''t solve anything, - said Billy.


    -It''s not about that, but there are moments when I can only feel disappointed. Someone as intelligent as you, how can you act so illogically? - said Thomas, adjusting his tie as anger dominated his mannerisms.


    -Father, we paid off half of the loan and even had some left to expand our growing burger chain, - said Billy.


    -Well, I hope one day you understand the meaning of consequences. Everything is happiness when you win. People tend to consume themselves in that fleeting joy and drift away from what''s truly important: hard work, effort, and knowledge. Those are the only things that can be certain. There''s no such thing as chance in what you cultivate with your own hands, - said Thomas, just as his father would have told him, over and over again, with anger.


    -You''ve emphasized those words throughout my life. Since I was seven, you''ve repeated lesson after lesson. I live frugally, I keep studying, I work as much as I can, and I uphold the principles you always wanted, - said Billy.


    -Well, your gambling activities can only prove the opposite, - said Thomas.


    -I will win again and again. You''re angry for another reason. Stanford is no longer in sight when I win the bet. It''s not about the money... You know I can earn it. You''re furious because now I can study just as I wanted to in the first place, - said Billy.


    -I''m not. -


    -Yes, you are. I can see it. I know you, Father. You always act this way when something doesn''t please you, - said Billy.


    -I''m not petty, let alone resentful. Every time I feel I can trust you, you do something that I utterly despise. Betting four million dollars is no game. Whether you go to college or not, I don''t care. With all the accolades I''ve received for my son''s talent, and his incredible ability to draw, I saw the episode you created for Johnny Bravo, it was fantastic. Many never achieve what you''ve done with so little education, - Thomas responded from the doorway of Billy''s art studio.


    >>It infuriates me that you lie to me, that you break my trust and act foolish, - said Thomas.


    The boy was perplexed by his father''s words.


    -I understand,-  he whispered. - It''s my fault. However, I was certain I would win. It''s not illogical; there are probabilities, nearly 97%! I can even predict who will win the next NBA championship. It may sound unreasonable, but there is a basis I can see. -


    -Quite an arrogant statement,- said Thomas.


    -The 1990 FIFA World Cup, I can tell you who will win. The results indicate West Germany, Argentina, and Italy. I have $15,000 from my salary that I will use to bet on these teams. I know I will win. Let me prove it to you once more, -  said Billy.


    Thomas''s face mixed with multiple emotions, including his son''s disregard for opportunities.


    -Fine, but I want the same deal. If you lose those $15,000 in bets, you''ll have to go to Stanford to study, - said Thomas.


    -Only if you stop questioning my decisions. I know my limits, - said Billy.


    Now, football matches are not his only bets. Stocks, his programs, and many of his behaviors that can be called intuitions simply cannot be explained logically.


    -I will do it, - said Thomas. - We have a plane to catch. Get ready; I''ll call a taxi to take us to the airport.


    -Everything is ready,- Billy told him.


    The trip to Italy is a way to immerse himself in the football atmosphere of one of the most-watched events in the world, the World Cup. Which one is the first?


    The Tour de France.


    He also has the opportunity to spend some time with Claudia. He arrives in time to watch the final group stage matches of the World Cup. He has enough time to place some bets, as many of the teams he knows will advance to the knockout stage are still pending their last matches. But he only cares about the changes that will give him a high profit.


    The premiere of his new series, Doom, along with impressive episodes of Pinky and the Brain that will include animatics as part of the program, will overshadow the adventures of the characters. The nod to the Warner network was allowed by Betty Cohen as an extended commitment in their crucial relationship with Hanna-Barbera and their future negotiations.


    The issue is merely an extended arrangement for his series to air under the Warner network. Betty emphasized that she could provide him with the necessary freedom as long as he also guaranteed that he would continue publishing with Hanna-Barbera.


    That''s why he didn''t want to publish anything similar to Animaniacs due to the numerous references to the Warner network. However, among the many challenges, it is preferable to gain more intellectual property rights for animated characters. At the moment, he has Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Report, Slam Dunk, Hellboy, Samurai Jack, Johnny Bravo, The Lion King, Doom, Pinky and the Brain, and Animaniacs.


    The story of Doom is a mixture of what happened in the video games and the entire representative universe that Doom encompasses. It involves creating and improvising in many areas that were overlooked in the game series. The Doom games are the most exciting games, with a perspective that remains faithful to their design as a mind-boggling first-person shooter. His information tells him about a company created on February 1, 1991, called ID Software.


    The game Doom revolutionized the gaming system as the first 3D environment. It''s simply marvelous and unquestionable. It offered a new dynamic of cooperative gameplay for more than two players and can even be called the precursor to the level editors created by players after the release of the game.


    However finding the right people at ID Software is a significant challenge that has been entrusted to Anne and her new assistant, Lucas, another young intern from the University of San Jose. They are joined by two more individuals, one of whom is Lucas''s direct supervisor, a chief analyst, and another who acts as a manager.


    Billy invested nearly $20,000 in creating information channels to keep track of market trends. The chief information analyst is Mr. Cloud, a 35-year-old with an excellent track record. He has been working as a data analyst since ''83 when he started at a small company analyzing competitor behavior in the soap industry.


    He is now a full-time employee at Lux Comics, which has 25 employees, and also oversees the 150 people at Pixar.


    Billy hopes to avoid laying off any workers from both companies. He understands that finding work as an animator can be a terrible and painful process. Ensuring job stability for employees should be a priority. Over the next four or five years, he plans to focus on securing a distribution contract for Pixar''s films. He will inquire if Warner Bros. can assist in distributing the movies in theaters worldwide. Regardless of the company, he needs a good contract for at least two films.


    He heard his father coming downstairs with a black-wheeled suitcase that almost reached his waist. He had a fanny pack resting on his abdomen and wore an unbuttoned blue Hawaiian shirt, revealing the white shirt underneath.


    -The taxi will be here in a few moments, - said Thomas Carson. - Get your drawing folder ready. I exchanged some euros recently, but I suppose the card you have is more than enough to buy whatever you want. -


    -Yep, it''s loaded with a limit of $30,000. I can get one for you next time we go to the bank, - said Billy.


    -Forget it, that''s company money. You''ve earned it. The name of your company alone has opened numerous contracts for me, and buying a house is enough for me, - said Thomas as he checked outside the window to see if the taxi had arrived at the house entrance.


    -In that case, I''ll give you some things I think you should have, Father, - said Billy.


    -We''ll talk about it later. Right now, I''m making a lot of money working and I''ve connected with people who have provided opportunities that I could only reach through your comic book company. Look, the taxi has arrived! It''s time to go. Your little girlfriend must be waiting for us, - said Thomas from the window, peeking through the curtains.


    We have to wait and see glorious Italy.


    ....


    ..


    .


    I''m going to try to improve the continuity between chapters, as has been recommended to me recently. I''m almost done with the first arc of this series, which I would call the beginning of Billy.


    I will try to improve the continuity with more dates on the days that the events happen and spinning events as much as I can, It is a complex thing, but I will do my best.


    I hope you have a happy week


    sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 53. the great Italy.

    At Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, the main airport of magnificent Italy, as well as its grand capital, the Carsons arrived at 9:30 in the morning after a long eight-hour flight and wait times. A city that bears the weight of years and bitter stories that shaped the wonderful city, emphasizing the traditions lived by the Italian population. Among the greatest curiosities of Italy are the dialects that can be heard in different places.


    The preferred language is Italian, as well-known, followed by some regional languages such as Sicilian, Venetian, Milanese, Sardinian, and surprisingly German, French, and Slovenian in the border areas occupied by these countries. All due to the territorial changes that European societies have undergone over different periods, the most recent being World War I. A tradition that shapes a culture rich in diverse and non-repetitive customs of its citizens, forming the incredible Italian heritage.


    The representative song of the 1990 World Cup is "Un''estate italiana" by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini, a ballad with rock influences. Despite the dominance of Grunge, Alternative Rock, and Pop-Rock in the 80s, the 90s marked the last great era of rock and the birth of genres that would explode and establish themselves for the next 30 years, such as Rap-Hip Hop, Pop, and electronic music.


    Argentina did not perform well in the early matches of the World Cup, suffering an unprecedented loss in their first game, which was seen as the curse of the previous winner. However, they managed to qualify extraordinarily in their last match, and Colombia''s surprising draw against Germany are moment that Billy would surely take advantage of to place some bets.


    He saw the Branovich women at the airport, who had arrived a day earlier due to the impossible ticket purchase made in March. The airport terminal reflects the well-known phenomenon of the World Cup, with multiple shirts of different colors - the electric blue of the Italian shirt with a white collar and some red lines, the petrol green of the Germans, the white of the English and Germans, the characteristic yellow of the Brazilians, and the striped albiceleste of the Argentinians.


    In his first life, it was the first World Cup he saw, and he has a long memory of the events of that tournament, which would later be exploited in the upcoming World Cup held in the United States.


    -Finally, we reach the city, and the traffic jams keep happening all the time. Your idea of reserving a hotel in the city center is good, but getting here is a nightmare, - said Claudia, hugging Billy.


    -Well, we just need to take a taxi ride. I''m exhausted. I''ll be more than happy to hear everything you have to tell me. These have been days of a lot of stress, - said Billy, as he has been constantly drawing and participating in sports betting, not resting properly.


    -I visited my new school, my new place of accommodation,- said Claudia.


    -How''s the summer, as unbearable as California? - said, Billy.


    Claudia, totally sweaty from the European summer, could only fan herself and comb her sweaty hair sticking to her forehead. -Silly. It''s been interesting. The heat isn''t as strong as in California. They say the real problem is the winter, - said Claudia.


    -Ohhh, I''m sorry I''m taking you away from the wonderful warm climate of Austria. Italy has a suffocating heat that makes it hard to breathe, - said Billy, chatting with Claudia as their parents walked ahead, looking for a taxi to take them to the hotel.


    -How much did they pay for the hotel? - Claudia asked out loud, thinking about the luxurious four-star hotel.


    -I have no idea; Dad took care of everything. About $15,000 for all 20 days, but my calculations could be wrong, - said Billy.


    The prices for the World Cup are insane. We made the reservation in March, and most of the hotels near the Olympic Stadium were fully booked. That $12,000 is just for the hotel rooms and the dinner buffet provided by the hotel. Everything else comes out of the guests'' pockets.


    He received a punch from the blonde woman next to him.


    -Ouch, that hurts, she''s crazy! - Billy reacted to the punch from Claudia.


    -Well, it''s a fortune. You, rich people, don''t understand how valuable money is, but with $15,000, I can go to college without worrying for a whole year. Next time you give me a gift, worry about my mental and emotional well-being. Now, let''s just enjoy every day without rest, or I''ll feel guilty about all the money you spent, - said Claudia.


    -That sounds great, although I''ll have to take care of a few things. We can go to the Pantheon, and we could even catch a World Cup match, - said Billy.


    -Bah, I don''t like football, but for your sake, we can go watch some games, - said Claudia.


    -That sounds awesome. We just need to buy some shirts, and our days in Italy will be fantastic; you can''t doubt that, - said Billy, grabbing the girl''s hand and twirling her around, as if they were dancing, a habit he acquired during his dance practices at Notre Dame school.


    -Look, Dad already got a taxi! Let''s go. It''s still early; we can do something in the afternoon, - said Billy.


    The small taxi turned out to have an impressive three-dimensional space for its size. Today, exactly at 3:00 PM, Argentina was playing their qualifying match, and later, Germany would play against Colombia. Billy was already eager to know about the bets.


    In Italy, betting houses have been around since 1948, initially created as a means for the reconstruction of the Olympic Stadium. Shortly after, betting houses would become pioneers in betting applications, which are famous in the sports world through web applications.


    For the European market, the maximum bet is 3,000 euros due to the issues that have arisen with betting houses, similar problems that led most states in the USA to end and prohibit betting in almost all states, leaving them restricted only to Las Vegas. The Italian betting houses are dominated by the Italian Society of Betting, known as (SISAL), and they hope these values will change to attract bettors from other countries.


    You need to be 18 years old to place bets in Italy, so Billy''s father will oversee making the sports bets while Billy spends his evenings watching football, enjoying delicious meals with Claudia, and visiting marvelous museums, and places he probably won''t be able to see shortly.


    -These traffic jams are a mess, - Claudia said aloud.


    -Calm down, Clo, we''ll be there soon, -  Livy replied.


    "Clo" is Claudia''s mother''s nickname for her, like the "Blah blah" used by the Branovich women''s father and grandfather.


    - Ich bin verzweifelt, Mutter, -  Claudia said. It was the first word she learned in German. In Vienna, luckily, English is spoken, but German is the predominant language, along with others like Hungarian, Czech, and Slovak.


    -You''ve learned German too. How long have you been practicing? - Billy asked.


    -It''s the only word she knows. She''s repeated it numerous times these days, - Livy replied, looking back at Billy in the back seat. She signaled to the taxi driver to stop somewhere between the traffic light and the street.


    -Right here is fine, - Livy said.


    -Thirty euros, - the taxi driver said in broken English. A smile highlighted his angular face.


    Livy was about to pay the taxi fare but was interrupted by Thomas, who paid with a 50-euro bill without giving her time to protest.


    -Ah, the Carson charm, - Livy teased her father.


    -Excuse me! But you came for us. Allow me to win a few rounds, - Thomas said, giving a long smile, the kind he gave to his clients.


    -I felt sick in that damn car, - Claudia said.


    -I''m confused about the exact location of the hotel. Where did we get off? - Billy asked, looking around.


    -We got off ten minutes away from the hotel. Mom talked to the employees, and it''s better to get off at the main streets and walk a bit or take a small cart to go through the secondary streets. They charged us a fortune the day before yesterday at night, - Claudia explained.


    -At your service, my dear guide, - Billy said, adjusting the luggage. - Which way? -


    Her gaze followed her mother, who was talking to Thomas Carson.


    -Mom, which way? - Claudia shouted.


    -Up the steep one, - Livy replied.


    Claudia looked up and nodded her head.


    -Let''s go, I''ve figured it out. We have a lot to do, so let''s hurry to the hotel, - said Claudia.


    She tried to lift Billy''s luggage but ended up standing still and almost falling immediately to the ground.


    -What do you have in here, rocks? - Claudia said, attempting to lift the suitcase with little success.


    -Just the essentials for a man, - replied Billy.


    -Hah! You packed all your school books, - the girl responded.


    -Just a few necessary ones. I couldn''t resist, and I brought you a special gift so that you won''t forget me and can keep yourself entertained during your evenings in Vienna when the winter keeps you indoors. Though they say it''s a historic capital with numerous museums, my gifts are here to lift your spirits, - said Billy, a bit anxious as he had to pay an extra fee to carry these books in his luggage.


    -Another gift! I won''t accept it. It''s not fair that you won''t let me prepare something for you. The trip itself is enough, Billy, - Claudia said.


    The frustration was palpable; Billy''s gifts always threw her off balance. It was obvious he would come prepared with new gifts. During their stay in Vienna, she barely had time to eat.


    -Come on, it''s just a few things! - Billy insisted.


    -I hope it''s either a cheap gift or something impressive that leaves me in awe. My friends'' boyfriends give them heartfelt letters and poems written from books borrowed from the library. You could learn from them, -  Claudia remarked.


    -Well, they''re not poems, but they are similar. It''s something you''ll surely like, - Billy said.


    After all, the comics are his creations, made by him. There''s nothing to worry about.


    -I''ll think about it, - the girl replied.


    -Do you have the itinerary for our vacation? - Billy asked.


    -Oh, well, Mr. Carson, I did a study on all the places I can take you to, so I have a tour prepared for us to eat deliciously. The best places my interviews could offer, - said Claudia.


    -I can''t wait to visit the places you have in mind, I hope there are at least five places that serve amazing pizza, - said Billy.


    -Hmmm, we''ll adjust the schedule to go to two more pizzerias, - the girl replied, deepening her voice and pretending to have a mustache with her index finger.


    -Ahhh, that makes me happy. I hope everything will be documented in the report. My pizzas are all I have left, - Billy tried to be funny.


    The stern look Claudia gave him reminded him of behavior seen in Disney movies.


    The wonderful Hotel Eden appeared in the distance, and Billy could see the charm represented by the luxurious villa amidst houses and buildings, representing the establishment. - It''s quite beautiful, - he thought.


    Now they just needed to grab something to eat since breakfast had been a ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce. On the other hand, the room had its charm, with the luxurious bed with red wooden profiles and metal decorations.


    -Looks like we''ll all be sleeping in the same place, - Billy remarked.


    The main living room had a small fridge and two long pieces of antique furniture with some more modern aspects. The table, on the other hand, had a simple design for a more minimalist look. Everything fits perfectly together.


    -Don''t worry, there are three bedrooms, each with a large bed. I sleep in one, and who knows, maybe we''ll take advantage of the moment and sleep together," Claudia teased flirtatiously.


    -Don''t even think about it, young lady, - Livy said from the balcony.


    -Mom, stop eavesdropping. I''m flirting! - Claudia exclaimed.


    -Come with me to the pool. We have some things to discuss while the men get comfortable and organize their luggage, - Livy said.


    -Fantastic, - Billy said sarcastically.


    -I''ll see you later today. We''ll go to a nearby restaurant, - Claudia said.


    She entered the room on the right with her mother, and later, they came out cheerfully to bid farewell to Billy, similarly waving their hands to the farewells given ninety years ago.


    -Well, we have some time to catch our breath. Your girlfriend is quite bold,- Thomas said.


    -Father, she''s just joking around. She tends to joke like that when she''s nervous, - Billy explained.


    -I understand, son. Just be careful. You''re a fifteen-year-old boy, and mistakes can happen at any moment. It''s better not to do anything foolish; unintended pregnancies at this age are very common, - Thomas said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.


    Being a father can be uncomfortable, but it''s something they never did with him. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Father, no... I would never. She''s still a child, - Billy reassured.


    -She''s older than you, and I''m telling you this because it''s one of the reasons I don''t talk to my parents. In my first year of college, I got your mother pregnant. It''s something I don''t regret, but I hope you don''t fall into the same mistakes. I faced many difficulties, - Thomas explained.


    -Mistakes? - Billy asked.


    -Don''t joke around, Billy. You know what I mean, - Thomas replied, losing his patience.


    -I''m sorry, Father. I promise to keep a level head, - Billy said.


    Thomas nodded and ended the conversation as he went to his room and closed the door as a sign of needing space. For now, he had to organize his suitcases. The gift he has prepared for Claudia is the complete collection of Hellboy, eight books with 300 pages each, along with the new volumes released in December of last year and June of this year.


    Among them are "The Lion King" and "Hercules"!


    "Hercules" is a Disney movie from 1997, which is part of the list of films he wishes to release with Pixar before the 2000s. He hopes that the numerous companies he''s investing in will allow him to produce all the movies he has planned for these years.


    His exhaustion was evident, and he could almost feel his eyes blinking in total exhaustion. They arrived at the San Jose airport around 3:00 PM and reached Italy at 8:50 in the morning. He managed to sleep a few hours on the plane, but he was still exhausted.


    ...

 54. agent

    Jim Waitt witnessed the evolution of the Lux Comics company. He had confirmed three negotiations with Warner regarding the drawings of young Billy Carson. He saw the company expanding to multiple locations, and though nothing was confirmed yet, there seemed to be an interesting connection with Pixar, one of the more complex fronts for the company''s development.


    What stood out the most were the relationships with the video game company Capcom and their collaboration with Nike. The NBA''s team collectible cards had caused a sensation with their artistic designs and unique approach. It was no wonder that the NBA recently hired some designers to release their cards next year.


    -James, I''ve done everything possible to deal with the compensation conflict with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He''s demanding a salary of $10 million, seeing the potential to make money from your enthusiasm for making movies. The production of the film has already started, and they insist on a high salary, - said Jim Waitt.


    -How strong is the negotiation? What exactly is International Creative Management (ICM) proposing for Arnold''s participation in the movie? - asked James.


    The battle between CAA and ICM has been quite intense. Both agencies want to get a share of the market, and the recruitment and poaching of big stars is nothing new in talent representation companies.


    -Yes, apparently, they are still finalizing the new movie, K��nder Corp. They are aiming to release it in early 1991 or late 1990. The exact date hasn''t been agreed upon, but I believe it will be part of the Christmas box office, - Jim Waitt replied.


    -So, it''s a busy schedule. I can''t wait any longer. Contact Dolph Lundgren. The tall European has the right features for the T-800 model. It will be beneficial to have him, and his salary should be relatively low. $2 million should be enough for his involvement, provided he performs his stunts. He can use a double, but you know I prefer when they do their takes, - said James.


    -I''ve already contacted him, negotiated for a price of one and a half million dollars,- said Jim Waitt. -Although I''ll ask him about the stunt scenes.-


    -Ah, Jim, I wasn''t aware you had moved ahead with that. Well, I need him by the end of next month. Let''s abandon the negotiations; we already have most of the cast chosen, and Dolph Lundgren can fill Arnold''s role,- said James Cameron.


    Inside, he lamented losing the cast he had in mind. Arnold is a good friend and a fantastic action star, but the movie comes first. Regarding the interests at stake in Hollywood, ICM, and CAA have a certain rivalry, fighting for every bit of money. With Arnold committed to the film until winter, only money could tempt him to do the movie.


    -Very well, any news about the screenwriter? - James asked.


    -You mean young Billy Carson, - Jim said, tapping his fingers.


    -Yes, the kid,- replied James.


    -Now, he''s part of CAA''s roster, as one of our company members. I''m representing him myself. Due to his age, I haven''t actively pursued some roles for him, but in two or three years, he should be ready to enter the field,- said Jim.


    -You signed him,- exclaimed James Cameron, raising his voice over the phone. The intern poked his head out of his office. The building was located at the Fox studio, due to James Cameron''s connections with the company.


    -That''s right. He''s a magnificent young talent with a lot of potential. Believe it or not, he''s quite an actor. I spoke with his father about his acting abilities, and he said that Billy''s skills are impressive and improving every day. At first, I didn''t believe him, but Mr. Carson and his son are not people who joke around,- said Jim Waitt, feeling somewhat nostalgic about the conversations he has had with the Carsons.


    -If you have a cameo for Terminator, that would be nice, - Jim Waitt said jokingly.


    -Unfortunately, I don''t have one, but I can get him some with my good friends at Fox. I have a longstanding relationship with the company, - James Cameron replied with laughter in his voice.


    -I''d have to discuss it with Billy. Right now, he''s focused on finishing high school and working on publications with his company Lux Comics, so I can''t interfere with his decisions. But it would be good for him to participate in some cameos to hone his on-camera skills, - said Jim, speaking on behalf of both James Cameron and Billy Carson.


    -Ah, Jim, I''m still surprised by your decision to sign the boy. Now I''m even more curious about his acting abilities, - said James. - Take him to film some commercials where they need extras. Let him immerse himself in the world of production images. -


    -All good ideas. He''s currently taking acting and accent classes. I hope that when he''s done, he''ll come to Los Angeles and attend a proper acting academy, - said Jim.


    -That''s probably the best course of action. I don''t see many promising young actors. There are some good ones, but none seem to have the potential to become great actors,- said James.


    -Give them time, James. Acting is not easy, and I believe there are hidden talents out there; it just takes a few years to discover them,- replied Jim.


    -You could ask Michael Orvitz to help. He has a great relationship with Universal, even better than my relationship with Fox. Getting some auditions wouldn''t be a big problem for him,- suggested James, thinking about one of the most powerful agents in all of Hollywood, with numerous influential friends in the industry. He has strong connections in the Golden Circle.


    -I thought about that. He recently asked me about your movie. Spending $90 million is no joke for anyone. It''s breaking all records with the hefty sum of money they''ve invested in this film. Caralco Films is taking a big risk, - said Jim.


    -Don''t be surprised, Jim. After all, it''s my movie that will take center stage, and I''ll break the box office when it''s released, - said James Cameron, with pride in his voice. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -With the value of that box office, you''ll need at least $200 million for it not to be a total loss, - said Jim.


    -Oh, I''ll surpass that. I already have everything perfectly detailed in my head. The storyline of the movie will be sensational. Although I''ll need some help later on with advertising, I feel rejuvenated. If you''ve got everything sorted with Dolph, send it to me next week. He has to prepare properly for the film, - said James.


    -I''ll close the deal later; I might arrive early to say hello, - said Jim. - There have been rumors about your encounter with Linda Hamilton. Is there anything I should be concerned about? - Jim asked.


    -Darn... the press is detestable. We had a fling, but nothing extravagant. I''m not twenty anymore; I''m not up for rebellious romances, - said James.


    -Alright, I''ll arrange some things to cover any rumors. A reporter from Variety owes me a few favors, - said Jim.


    -For now, it''s not necessary. I don''t mind some rumors circulating. The press needs something to make a living, save those favors for when they have some real trouble, - James replied, covering the microphone.


    -Kid, connect me with the producers when you''re done. Tell them I have a perfect replacement for Arnold''s role, - said James Cameron.


    -Yes, sir. I''ll start right away, - murmured James Cameron''s young secretary.


    -Let it be so, - said Jim. - I''ve got some things to take care of. I''ll let you know as soon as Dolph''s agent responds. -


    -Sure, have a good day, Jim, - said James.


    ...


    .

 55. rome.

    Bets are born as a solemn proposal between two individuals who attribute chance to a probability of victory. "Will it rain tomorrow? Will the best fighter win the match?" All bets move the hearts of men, even entangling them in sinful addictions. The first betting records date back to 3000 BC with Mesopotamian society, indicating the use of bone-made dice.


    Throughout this history, betting has evolved, but its essence remains the same. The primary forms of betting have changed, and the monopoly of betting has been altered and adapted to different civilizations. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy just woke up after being exhausted the previous day.


    -Father, bet on the match between Colombia and Germany for a 1-1 draw, - said Billy.


    With a feeling in his gut about the day''s winnings.


    -Very well, my boy. Yesterday you missed the qualifying bet between Yugoslavia and Argentina,-  Thomas said seriously, all for the sake of seeing Billy go to university.


    -It was an unfortunate encounter, Father, - replied Billy. - You can bet on England, Italy, and Cameroon; I have confidence in those teams. If the betting house allows it, on the following days, the knockout stages start, and that''s when we''ll make money. -


    -I''ll give it a try, son, but the betting houses impose a limit on bets, a maximum of three wagers,- Thomas mentioned. - I''ll bet on those that pay out more money. -


    -Great, you can tell Livy to place the bets on the winner of the final, -  said Billy.


    -What do you mean? - asked Thomas.


    -Yes, open 3000 euros bet for the World Cup championship. The winner will be Germany; I''m sure of it. The betting houses will have an exponential value. The result will be 1-0 against Argentina. I understand that the harder the bet, the more money we''ll make, - said Billy.


    -I''ll do it, as long as you remember your promises. Besides, the imposed limit is 5000 euros, - said Thomas.


    -Even better. We''ll use the $30,000 on the card for the bets, - said Billy.


    -I''ll talk to Livy, although... she''s... - Thomas said, a bit uneasy about the woman''s behavior.


    -Don''t worry, if you don''t want to do it, just bet on Colombia and the World Cup final, - said Billy.


    -I''m still a bit undecided, - mentioned Thomas, flipping through the betting brochure. - For the upcoming matches, the draw pays out 5.5 times the price. As for the final, I''ll have to think about it, but it should be a considerable amount."


    -Father, make the bet. We''ve already had this discussion. If, after the trip, I have less than $15,000, I''m willing to go to Stamford University and study business administration, - said Billy.


    -Hahaha, I''m glad. I''ll talk to Livy. I hope you have fun. I''ll rest at the hotel with your little sister Claudia. The massage parlor sounds good for your old man, -  said Thomas.  - Luck can be treacherous; I know many people who gamble in casinos and lose a lot of money. -


    -We''ll go to the patio with Claudia. Let''s leave before they finish breakfast, - said Billy, hugging his father goodbye. He heard a word of caution; all bets would be documented in his father''s notebook, along with the winnings and losses.


    -Be very careful. Here''s the hotel number in case you have any issues during your comings and goings. Take only what''s necessary, - said Thomas.


    -That''s what I''ll do, Father, - said Billy.


    The Branovich women were sitting on the rooftop of the restaurant, both wearing long white dresses that reached just above their knees. Mrs. Branovich displayed her figure with a neckline more pronounced than what was usually worn during these times.


    -Finally, the men decide to come out. They wasted my time, - Livy said. - Now, the kids will go to the cemetery, and you''ll take me to the coveted massage parlor you showed so much interest in yesterday."


    With her legs crossed and a playful smile, Livy Branovich exuded an air of self-assurance.


    -Of course, I booked the appointment yesterday! - Thomas replied, taking a seat and perusing the menu.


    -Billy, you don''t have to look at the menu; I already ordered your breakfast. Grape juice, some Neapolitan sandwiches, and a bit of fruit, - Claudia said, her cheeks blushing from the Carson family''s gazes.


    -Thank you. That''s very kind of you, - Billy replied, also glancing at the menu.


    -I didn''t do it for you; I''m just worried we''ll arrive late at the cemetery, and it''ll be closed, show-off, - Claudia said with a pout that she often displayed in moments of nervousness.


    Thomas Carson smiled and ordered coffee with toast; the time change had interrupted his sleep.


    -Will you tell me the schedule? - Billy asked.


    -No... It''s a surprise. Don''t say anything and eat; we''re running a bit late, - Claudia said.


    The beautiful summer weather was perfect for going out and enjoying the city. People gathered in bars, huddling near televisions to watch the World Cup matches. Tourists crowded near large screens close to the Stadio Olimpico and another one in the main square.


    Mr. Thomas conversed with Claudia''s mother about some things in hushed tones, and there seemed to be an air of intrigue from their positions.


    Billy approached the little blonde girl, adjusting her drawing and photo notebooks. - Hey, do you have any new photos? -  he asked.


    -Well, I have a few, but nothing special... just some shots I took when I arrived in Vienna. But I''ve been too tired to go out and take photos. Today, I''ll focus on capturing landscapes like never before, - Claudia said.


    -I hope I''ll be part of some of those landscapes, - Billy said, smiling with a slight blush on his cheeks.


    -If you behave, I might consider taking some of those photos you like so much, - Claudia said. - My photography is unique, and very few can appreciate it properly. Clean up the blush on your cheeks a bit. -


    It was true; since she was four years old, little Claudia had been a photographer. Numerous attempts to imitate her mother''s work had led to significant progress, thanks to the experimental teachings from her mother and her mother''s circle, who adored the little girl''s passion for taking photos of everything she liked.


    -Come on, we need to buy the Italian national team shirts. It''s good to prepare for the matches,-  Billy said.


    -The Italian national team shirt? Why do we need it if we''re not Italians? - Claudia asked.


    -Don''t worry; it''s just another souvenir, - Billy replied, as he planned to attend some of the matches.


    -No more souvenirs. Yesterday, I checked the books, and I had seen them in the stores. Hanna has some, and I''ve read them, but I didn''t expect you to bring almost all of them. That''s enough of a souvenir for me,-  Claudia said.


    -It''s to blend in, you know. Nobody will bother two young people holding hands, hiding behind an Italian shirt, - Billy said. - Although, your skin is so fair; I still don''t understand how the California sun doesn''t affect you! -


    -I don''t know. Let''s go to the cemetery, - Claudia said.


    The Pantheon of Agrippa is an ancient Roman temple dating back to the first century AD. What remains today is only an opulent facade of what was once a grand temple. These sites were typically created to worship the Roman gods, who bear a striking resemblance to the Greek gods, representing the planets of the solar system. The most well-known ones are Mars, Venus, and Jupiter.


    The temple is a sight to behold, with its fabulous dome surrounding it, showcasing marvelous architecture.


    -There''s a very delicious pizzeria nearby, - Claudia said. - Come, let''s take some photos from that corner over there. -


    Claudia looked beautiful with her loose hair, and the blue Italian shirt looked lovely on her. She couldn''t stop smiling with her eyes, and her cute freckles stood out with the shadow from her illuminated eyes.


    You''re very beautiful," Billy said. Suddenly, Claudia''s cheeks blushed, and shivers ran through her body. Her entire face seemed to radiate with emotions coming from her stomach.


    -You''re an idiot. Come on, let''s go take some photos. We have a whole day; we can visit a bookstore nearby, - Claudia said.


    -Have you checked the comics I brought you? - Billy asked.


    -A little, but I''ve been thinking about other things, - Claudia replied.


    Taking some photos, Billy tried to get closer and hold Claudia''s hand. Her slender fingers fit perfectly in his hand, delicate and soft, slightly sweaty. He noticed the gentle, white, and pretty neck.


    He wanted to kiss her.


    -Stop looking at me weirdly; you''re creepy. You need to learn how to hide your feelings, - Claudia said.


    -I don''t want to. You look radiant, - Billy said, taking a step forward and giving Claudia a quick kiss.


    -Ahh, I think it''s better to go for pizza. You''re starting to hallucinate, - the girl said, rushing out of the Pantheon. Love is an uncharted territory for the girl who has played with cameras most of her life.


    Billy saw Claudia coming down the stairs with her camera in hand, looking down while her fingers quickly played in circular patterns like gears.


    -The pizzeria is about eight blocks away; we can walk and get there in half an hour if we hurry, - Claudia said, with some stammering between lines.


    -Sure! I''m eager to try the pizza, - Billy said, taking his companion''s hand and squeezing it in support.


    Claudia''s mood changed, and she regained her confident and lively appearance.


    -You''ll enjoy the wonders of pizza, - the girl said.


    -Ahhhh, pizza is a delicacy. She likes greasy pizza with lots of sauce and cheese. I hope to find some surprising places, - Billy thought.


    Pizza is one of the world''s universal foods, alongside burgers. The global dominance of these foods is irreverent. One could say they are among the most iconic dishes worldwide, with many places creating pizzas that offer traditional flavors. Exaggerating a bit, there''s no place where pizza isn''t present on the menu.


    Suddenly, a notification caught Billy''s attention and pulled him out of the trance he was in.


    [The host has lost the copyright for the show Rugrats. The animation company in Los Angeles, Klasky Csupo Inc., has recorded a $100,000 pilot and presented it to the Nickelodeon board. Host regains 25 points.]


    -I guess they''ve been outplayed by the Rugrats, - Billy thought.


    ...


    .

 57. a different kind of goodbye.

    At the end of the day, it all unraveled with their arrival at the grand hotel. Billy paced back and forth while Claudia had the wonderful idea of discovering the hidden places of Rome, the ones that can only be known when one tries to immerse themselves in Roman culture.


    The extra income from betting on matches marked another day when his father couldn''t force him to attend Stanford University.


    "I''m exhausted," Claudia said as she entered Billy''s room, who was sitting at the desk, jotting down some notes about the possible steps to unravel the Rugrats case. The new information from Klasky Csupo Inc., the studio that developed Rugrats and later "The Wild Thornberrys," both excellent series. It would be a pleasure to get them, but they''ll have to inquire about the available budget after the summer premieres.


    The new dramas of Animaniacs, along with some extra episodes of Pinky and the Brain, the new original Doom story - which can be considered one of their best works - and, as usual, the long-running series Hercules, along with episodes of Samurai Jack, as Hellboy is almost finished. The first series consists of "Seed of Destruction," and the second series includes "Wake the Devil," "The Chained Coffin and Others," and "Wild Hunt."


    Their next plan is to open up the IP for multiple writers to collaborate and expand the Hellboy universe. The requirements are linear stories as much as possible, with the second plan being a similar design for the characters.


    -Well, your idea of walking fifty streets wasn''t the smartest thing you''ve come up with for this trip,- Billy said from the desk, noticing Claudia''s bunny pajamas.


    -Our parents aren''t here; Mom left me a note. She said they might take a long time in one of her work meetings, so don''t wait up for them. She usually arrives the next day and sleeps in late the day after, - Claudia explained.


    -We can grab something to eat at the restaurant. The buffet closes in two hours, and I''m a bit hungry. Do you want me to bring you something? - Billy offered.


    -I don''t feel like moving; I''ll wait for you here. My body isn''t responding; I need to rest for a while. You know I''m exhausted. I won''t follow you on your adventures around Rome anymore. Tomorrow, I''ll sunbathe by the pool and relax. I feel like having some ice cream, bring me some, - Claudia requested.


    -I''ll be back in a little while. I don''t think they have ice cream at this hour, but I can get you some sweets from the dessert section of the buffet, - Billy said.


    -That would be nice, - the girl replied, lying down and hugging a pillow like a little koala.


    Billy couldn''t resist kissing her on the forehead, which brought a small smile to her lips.


    -Loads and loads of delicious ice cream, - Claudia said sleepily.


    -I''ll bring you some; I just hope you''re awake when I come back,- Billy said, leaving the room to go to the restaurant on the second floor.


    Their vacation in Italy.


    Billy pondered all the outcomes, with the World Cup final being the most important. The prediction of the future overshadowed the magic of Italy. What''s the point of a world where you already know how its historical course will unfold? It has been not very pleasant. Every day he questions whether it''s okay to make money and engage in those innocuous things he needs in his life.


    He searched for new hobbies and longed for the suppressed desires of his old life, improving his existing drawing skills. His love for his favorite sport, soccer, had lost some interest. He found excitement in the challenges of a soccer match during the 90 minutes, but the joy of exploring the unknown, something he still couldn''t grasp, had delighted him. American football and baseball, sports he had only known by name, now sparked considerable interest. And, of course, what would happen in the future with the current changes in his actions?


    Upon his return, he found Claudia fast asleep in her room. He ended up going to his father''s room to sleep due to exhaustion from the long walk of the day.


    He could only think about the remaining plans. He would have to continue working on his acting skills, as he had already lost the IP rights to the Rugrats due to negligence. He would be more careful not to have such losses again.


    -System, -he whispered.


    Sometimes the status screen shows surprising things. How can one quantify their drawing skills? It''s still amazing how he can use a shop that teaches him everything about a specific program, series, manga, comic, game, and everything else... It''s something astonishing that anyone would only dream of.


    [Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 28.12


    Literature: 25.03


    Interpretation: 22.48


    Points: 00


    [Drawing Shop


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack: 15 points.Hellboy: 22 points. 1993Slam Dunk: 30 points. 1990Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points. 1992... ....]


    Now he can just calm down a bit; it''s not good to worry about the future with so much stress... everything in due time.


    Thoughts haunted him.


    Lying on his father''s bed, he could only think about Claudia''s lips, just a few meters away. He looked at the clock on the wall after turning on the light, It was almost 10:00, and there were still no signs of his father. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now sleep has completely gone... What to do, what to do.


    Damn it, he can''t think of anything else but the room next door!


    He spent some time searching, pondering in indecision, and ended up getting out of the room, pacing back and forth, walking on tiptoes without thinking about possible mistakes that could occur.


    He saw a small mound on the double bed; Claudia was curled up in a little ball. He approached her and felt the soft rise and fall of her breathing.


    -Hey, wake up, - Billy said softly, gently nudging her shoulder.


    She was fast asleep. He caressed her cheek; he was completely in love with the girl breathing softly. It''s amazing to be by her side. Initially, he was annoyed by her constant illogical complaints, aggressive behavior, and uncontrollable jealousy. But over time, everything adapted to the point where the affection he feels for Claudia is different. Being with her is so refreshing; it transports him to a different world.


    -Come on, my little angel, wake up, - Billy said, gently stroking her forehead.


    -I don''t want to; I want to rest, - Claudia replied, sounding like a little girl.


    -I know, but I feel like hugging you, I feel like giving you a little kiss, - Billy said.


    -Moo, find it tomorrow. The kiss shop is closed for the day, sir, - Claudia teased.


    Billy leaned in and stole a kiss, followed by another. His hands rested on her cheeks as he gave her another kiss, and he could feel her lips curling up into a smile.


    He moved closer, almost lying on top of Claudia, and gave her another kiss.


    -You, sir, can''t give me any more kisses. Mama said men who get more than they want to end up being more audacious and leave you, - Claudia said, playfully.


    -I''ve also heard about love. There are different ways to express love, - the boy told her.


    He leaned in to smell her, that sweet vanilla scent and kissed her on the neck. He rested his forehead against her neck and hugged her tightly, needing the affection that Claudia usually gives him.


    -I''m going to miss you so much, - Billy said.


    -You''re acting like a baby, - Claudia laughed, now fully awake. - Come here, You can stay for a while, but you have to leave; Mama will kill me if she finds out we''re doing this, - she whispered.


    An unforgettable night.


    Later, Germany won the World Cup, and they visited some new restaurants and kissed herried wine (Billy''s father served him a little with the condition of only having one glass). Two days later, Billy had to leave Italy with a farewell. Claudia gave him a small photo album of all the moments they had together in the country. Some were on the streets of Rome, some at monuments, at the soccer match wearing the Italian shirt, some at restaurants, hand in hand, and others had a deeper meaning. The trip ended with a beautiful yet sad farewell.


    ...


    .


    hello, I am currently surveying Billy''s artistic name. I have two options chosen, so far The survey is going as follows.


    Billiam Darwin: Six points.


    Billiam Darwim: is a profound explanation about the origin of everything. creation, together with Billiam representing billions of things.


    Bill C. Nimenios: two points.


    Bill C. Nimenos: comes from the Greek, reborn "anagennimenos", explains in one short word, Billy the reincarnated.


    publish your comment.


    on Patreon, we are currently on chapter 86.

 58. A new company

    -Leave that long face behind, boss. I''d be thrilled to spend time with my sweetheart in Italy, with so much love. And a luxurious hotel as a starting point for a European vacation, how romantic, - Anne said from her seat in the meeting room.


    -She''s the most beautiful woman I''ve ever met in my entire life, - Billy said.


    -You''re fifteen; in a few years, you''ll be going to college and you''ll come across women who are going there to find a husband. There will probably be supermodel-like women with their gorgeous curves. You''ll have plenty of time for love, - Anne said.


    -That doesn''t matter, Anne. She''s the love of my life. What fool would think of other women when you have the love of your life? - Billy replied.


    -Awww, quite the romantic, Billy. Everything has its course, - Anne said. - And your father hasn''t been seen around the company, relieving some of the stress he carries in his heart. He always looks so serious. -


    -I don''t know; he took several massages, relaxed by the pool, slept in late, and didn''t worry about anything. I even felt abandoned, - the boy joked.


    As he worked on the new series, completing Hellboy, Pinky and the Brain, and Samurai Jack, the new comic series Neon Genesis Evangelion, revolutionizing the cyberpunk-mecha art, was coming. It still needed some finishing touches, especially regarding the complexity of the plot, but it would be ready for release by early October.


    -Starting a new comic line is quite complex; it''s not a decision to be rushed. You were talking about reducing production due to possible financial problems,-  Anne commented, observing Billy''s effort in his new comic series.


    -We have many workers; we''d lose money if we don''t expand our production line. To avoid losing money, we need to produce more while we can. I hope that when the crisis comes, we can face it with some savings earned during our good times, - Billy said.


    -Well, you''ve learned an economic principle. Sometimes the simple things turn out to be difficult, - Anne remarked.


    -Yeah, it''s amazing that we''re having this conversation. Although this series is shorter compared to the others, it has a different tone, much more raw, emphasizing the feelings, thoughts, and emotions of the protagonists, similar to Samurai Jack but with more nuances between characters, - Billy said.


    Due to the influence of the manga and anime of Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Report and Slam Dunk, the sequences and publication numbers have increased by almost thirty percent.


    -Oh, I can''t wait to see it published. I hope it''s worth it. No one has had the chance to read something you''ve drawn, - said Anne.


    -This one is quite different, and it''s better to show it when it''s finished. It''s designed for a smaller audience, and I hope everything goes well without causing financial gaps, - said Billy.


    -I don''t think we have financial needs right now, besides, we''ll be receiving money from the deals with the companies you have on the table. Many contracts have been closed; we just need to wait for the expected returns. The advertising campaigns, the partnership with Nike, the game company Capcom, negotiations with Warner, and well, Pixar, - Anne replied, surprised at the company''s excellent financial climate. What is this boy expecting, the third world war?


    -I want to believe that''s enough, - said Billy, who continued redesigning the Evangelion chapters.


    The glass door opened, and there stood Mike Richardson, along with a bald man with glasses and a gentle demeanor that belied his appearance.


    -Billy, great to see you. You''ve grown a lot in these two years, - said Mike.  - This is Mike Mignola, my namesake. -


    The man entered with a smile, just like the first time they met.


    -It''s also a pleasure for me, Mr. Mike and Mr. Mignola. You know Anne, the administrator of Lux Comics, - Billy mentioned.


    Mike Mignola is the previous creator of Hellboy! It''s fate! The wheel that always spins to a good place. He''ll find a way to make amends with this creator.


    -Yes, it''s a pleasure to meet you all, - said Mike Mignola, nervous to meet the author of the Hellboy series.


    -I recently heard a rumor that Terminator filming started without Arnold Schwarzenegger''s involvement. It''s said that the schedule clashed with his newest movie, so they decided to cut negotiations since filming had already begun two weeks ago. They hired some Russian for the filming,- said Mike Richardson.


    -I had no idea about something like that! - Billy whispered.


    Terminator without Arnold, well, now we can only hope for the series'' lifespan.


    "Where did you get a rumor like that?" Billy asked. "I need a source of information like that!"


    "From the New York Times. Arnold himself gave an interview about not participating in the project. But I have some connections in the industry as a writer of some famous series. Recently, with some industry colleagues, we decided to bring a new project to light. It''s still in the early stages, but I''ll be a producer for the movie," Mike said.


    "Wow! I had no idea," Billy exclaimed. "Although it doesn''t surprise me; after all, you''re the person who created The Mask. One of Dark Horse Comics'' gems."


    "Not at all, it''s years of being here and there. You end up meeting people in the industry, creating works, getting invited to participate, or recommendations come from the work you already have," Mike Richardson explained.


    "That''s enlightening. I believe the idea we were talking about stems from here, sir," Billy said.


    "Exactly. I want to explore some stories of the Hellboy series here. Mike himself has some interesting ideas he has presented to me about the creation of the comic; all very good works, of course," Mike Richardson said.


    "Of which I have no problem, but..." Billy started.


    "Well, don''t jump ahead. The same issue arises in the Star Wars franchise. George doesn''t worry about copyright because there''s a franchise contract in place, much like Terminator. Lux Comics has all the rights to Hellboy," Mike Richardson explained.


    >>From your ownership, you give a license to a few people to create original works under the authors'' names, respecting the earnings and moral rights, which are the recognition of the work. As a franchise company with a pre-existing story, the derived rights belong to you, as long as you respect the economic exploitation and the author''s morality. - S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    >>You see, drawings are something precious, and creations are sought as a way to love art. That''s why it depends on the flexibility of the contract," Mike said.


    -It''s a bit complicated, Mike, but we''ll do it as you say. We''ll allow the creation of Hellboy works, and the profits as a company are not important to us. A symbolic 5% is enough for me, as long as there are no legal issues later on. If I decide to create an animated series or something similar, for example, if it''s similar to the work you created, I can invite you both as scriptwriters or producers, - said Billy.


    -There won''t be any issues. The copyright belongs to you, and you''re granting permission for the comic''s exploitation, - Mike replied.


    -Alright, let''s do that. I hope we can all work together later on in a Hellboy series, - said Billy.


    -Delighted! Creating an animated series should be a must on my to-do list, - said Mike M.


    -Haha, you''ll be surprised at all the work we have ahead of us. I''ll send the comic copies to the company, the comic-boon you called them. How about we call them series omnibuses? - suggested Mike Richardson.


    -Omnibus... sounds fantastic, - said Billy.


    -Where does the idea come from? - asked Mike.


    -It''s an old saying, used to collect collections. The first ideas date back to the last century, more commonly used for literature and television series, - explained Mike.


    -Sounds perfect. I''ll arrange the editions for the name; it sounds more fitting than the previous one, - said Billy.


    -That sounds perfect. For now, Mike M. and I will draw some story arcs I have in mind. Your idea of combining mythology with strong Lovecraftian stories to bring these dark tales to life is fantastic. Don''t be so quiet, Mike. Billy, you''ve heard the boy, - responded Mike Richardson, looking at his companion with a shrewd smile.


    -Ah, there''s nothing to say; let my drawings speak for me. I''m a devoted fan of the Hellboy series, and now I can design some interesting things, - said Mignola.


    -Bwahaha, - laughed M. Richardson. - He''s a bit nervous, but he''s been excited since the comic con. He''s a man with great ideas; you''ll be surprised. He''s a fan of mythical stories and conspiracies among the great groups. I believe that if we expand the supernatural world of Hellboy, we can create a more beautiful story. -


    ...


    .


    hello, I am currently surveying Billy''s artistic name. I have two options chosen, so far The survey is going as follows.


    Billiam Darwin: ten points.


    Billiam Darwim: is a profound explanation about the origin of everything. creation, together with Billiam representing billions of things.


    Bill C. Nimenios: two points.


    Bill C. Nimenos: comes from the Greek, reborn "anagennimenos", explains in one short word, Billy the reincarnated.


    publish your comment.

 59. art academy

    What is art? Because I have an art system. As I add points, something imperceptible changes the way I perceive art. For now, it''s only related to drawing ability. But what will happen with interpretation and literature? It''s a subtle change that transforms my way of seeing things. It''s an abstraction that lives in my mind, illuminating my artistic attitudes in different ways. It''s almost like getting drunk and suddenly waking up with a clearer world."


    Billy presented himself at the Performing Arts building of San Jose University for Drama. His agent, Jim, had arranged some ideas about his path as a future actor. Since the age of eight, Billy has been practicing various aspects of acting representation on his own.


    This school focuses on drama, placing a major emphasis on the representation of emotions, as well as technical work activities from body postures to voice tone.


    In the morning, he was at the Children''s Musical Theater San Jose (CMT San Jose), participating in numerous improvisation activities and taking on different roles for a continuous four-hour theater session. They will be presenting an original play by the director about World War I in December.


    Now he will participate in an acting course at San Jose University that focuses on more professional qualities. From written classes to method classes on how to develop his roles, it''s tailored to different themes.


    Billy entered the search for the classroom and saw a man in a suit sitting at the teacher''s desk, with a few older people sitting around. He felt somewhat nervous under the gaze of everyone in the room and checked his wristwatch; he arrived ten minutes earlier than expected. This is a special extracurricular course for people studying theater as a profession. After all, it''s California, the place where the impossible is born.


    -Good afternoon, everyone. I''m Spencer, part of the team from San Jose University, a profound theorist and passionate about theater. I''ve been involved in numerous productions throughout my career, and now I make a living educating future artists, -  said Spencer.


    He glanced at the room and nodded. An open door interrupted Mr. Spencer, and a smiling young man with a fisherman''s hat greeted the class with a gesture. The wrinkles on Mr. Spencer''s forehead twitched a little.


    -I apologize; I didn''t expect to cause such a commotion, - the young man said in a loud voice. He was very slim.


    Mr. Spencer nodded and adjusted his square glasses with his index finger.


    -You can come in as long as it doesn''t become a recurring interruption. But before you do, please introduce yourself to the class and talk about something you''d like to share about yourself, - Spencer said.


    -Sure, -- said the young man, clutching his hat tightly. -- I''m Cameron; I study psychology, and I''m working on a thesis about human behavior and social masks. That''s why I enrolled in the university''s acting program, to gain a deeper understanding of the emotions of those who pretend to be someone they''re not. I see acting as a social principle that helps us reflect on certain things - why do we suppress them? -


    -There''s also the study of good behavior and the use of social masks, which is related to a person''s ego... although there''s already an established debate about people''s egos, their applications are fundamentally powerful for individuals. I work on the realms of pretense, - Cameron continued, stopping to look around the classroom.


    -Can I stay here? - he asked, now nervous.


    -Of course! Art calls to us in many ways. I hope you can refresh your knowledge with what you learn in this course. Although in my class, I''ll regret to disappoint you; I''ll focus on expressing the theory behind all acting. In the first part, we''ll touch on the history, in the second, we''ll delve deeper into the theater, and in the end, we''ll discuss cinema and review some great successes, - said Professor Spencer, now more composed than a moment ago.


    That sounds great, maestro. If you excuse me, I''ll take a seat," Cameron said, setting down his fisherman''s hat and revealing his long, curly hair that reached almost to his shoulders.


    "Hi there, man. I''m Cameron," he greeted Billy, who responded with a gentle gesture.


    Cameron extended his hand. "Ah, Billy, nice to meet you," the young boy said, surprised.


    The young man with the long curls raised his backpack and pulled out two pencil cases with numerous colors and pens, along with a long, neat notebook. Judging by his appearance, the notebook contradicted his demeanor and presence as it was meticulously written.


    "You''re a little young to be here. Are you one of those geniuses who skip school at 12 and work for multinationals to become rich by 25?" Cameron asked.


    "Not at all. I''m pursuing an acting career, and I''m here on a recommendation to improve my acting skills," Billy replied.


    "Wow, you''re the first child actor I''ve met," Cameron said. "If you ever meet Winona Ryder, I''ll envy you for the rest of my life. She''s the most beautiful angel in all of California," he added.


    "Winona Ryder?" Billy asked.


    "Come on, buddy, we''re talking about the most beautiful angel God has ever created in the heavens," Cameron emphasized.


    "Alright, I guess if I do, I''ll wait for you to punch me," Billy jokingly said.


    "I wouldn''t punch you, I''d just secretly envy you. Maybe I''ll punch you a little if you''re over 21," Cameron replied.


    "Deal," Billy agreed, refocusing his attention on the teacher.


    Mr. Spencer set up a projector with images, showing the classic 3, 2, 1 slides.


    -In ancient times, the earliest forms of acting were known for representing rituals, religions, and ancient myths and legends, shaping natural social beings. The Greeks were always one step ahead, and it''s no wonder that Athens, the Greek city, was the first to showcase the beauty of art in various ways, - Spencer said.


    -Yes, Mr. Cameron, any questions? - Spencer inquired.


    -Yes, sir. Could you recommend some readings to delve deeper into the topic? - Cameron asked.


    -Of course, in the next class, I''ll bring some good readings to complement the discussion on Greek cinema and the origins of theater and acting, - Spencer replied.


    -Continuing with the class, these Greek roots left us with multiple poetic representations written in tragedies, comedies, and dramas, - Spencer continued, launching into a rather long monologue covering all the definitions, historical moments, and concepts from ancient Greece to Rome.


    He displayed paintings depicting ancient theaters, some ancient masks, and sculptures of Greek writers.


    -Well, I''m glad to see you all on this course. Your next class will be with Professor Ryans. I hope you enjoy your stay; she''ll provide some excellent lessons on theater,- Mr. Spencer concluded.


    Professor Ryans was much younger, quite beautiful, and almost hypnotizing with her charming character and gestures. She wore a long dress embroidered with roses and a pair of Converse shoes.


    -It''s lovely to gather here today. We will witness the first step of theater. Come, my little angels, let''s arrange the place. I want a round table for the activity; we''ll have a practical class. I know you covered some theoretical aspects with Spencer, so we''ll do the opposite today. Don''t worry about your skills; just focus on acting naturally, - said Abba Ryans, theater teacher, and actress in some stage plays.


    The students began to rearrange the chairs into a round table, following the teacher''s instructions to create a spacious stage area.


    Billy stood in front of the teacher, who had her back to him. As she turned around, she observed the students.


    -Alright, today''s exercise is about letting yourself go, and shedding the fear of being in the spotlight. One by one, you''ll come to the front and perform an exercise chosen by your peers, - Abba explained. "Take a seat; I''ll call someone at random, and they''ll continue until we''re done. -


    -Alright, Billy Carson, come to the front, - the teacher called with a melodic voice.


    Billy confidently stepped forward in front of his peers.


    -Alright, Mr. Carson, you have one minute. In that time, portray an old man who has stolen a treasure and is now fleeing from the police, - Clara instructed.


    Billy thought about what signals an old thief might show. For some reason, he recalled Charles Dickens; his characters always had interesting mannerisms that brought out the essence of the character. He hunched his shoulders slightly, creating a slouching posture, pretended to have a limp, and used an imaginary cane or something similar as a prop.


    With a furrowed brow and moving his lips as if swallowing, he pretended to hold something tightly to his chest, something he didn''t want to let go of. He looked around, as if checking for pursuers, and dragged his steps slowly through the room. He stopped and leaned against an object, still holding onto the imaginary item tightly. The teacher stopped him as the minute was up. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "An incredible performance, Billy! You followed a great recipe for physical acting, with a distinct pattern of movement, posture, and gestures that made you truly embody the character of an old man. Your improvisation was fantastic. Please take a seat. Next, it''s the turn of the person to your left," said Abba Ryans.


    The class continued with various activities, and for the second exercise, the teacher started giving some feedback. She wondered why no one spoke during the previous exercise, as there was no prohibition against speaking.


    As the class progressed, the students engaged in more improvisations and acting exercises, exploring different emotions, characters, and scenarios. The energy in the room was palpable, and Billy felt a sense of excitement and fulfillment as he pushed his boundaries as an actor.


    By the end of the class, Billy had gained valuable insights into the art of acting and the power of natural, uninhibited expression. He knew that this experience would enrich his journey as an actor and would help him in his creative endeavors in the future.


    ...

 60. preparations.

    The great television series of Cartoon Network, along with Nickelodeon and Disney, created unforgettable moments that will last for generations. Everything produced during the ''90s and early 2000s is enough to sustain children''s television channels. They managed to hold their ground amidst the rise of streaming platforms and the new wave of series remakes tailored to a younger audience.


    The contracts are already in place for the creation of the television channel Cartoon Network Studios, alongside CNN, TNT, and TruTV. They will be part of Turner Broadcasting. How necessary is it for a company to have television channels? It''s one of the most critical media channels for advertising, movie releases, and business activities developed by Hollywood groups. The channels are the domain of these companies, shaping family programming, news, movies, documentaries, and series based on what they deem permissible.


    Billy once again made the trip to Los Angeles for another full-fledged meeting, his obligatory presence requested. Billy had no choice but to pack his bags and go to Los Angeles in person.


    -I do like these vacations. A hotel near the beach, a grand buffet, and all the drinks you can order at the bar, - said Anne, sitting next to Billy, dressed in a rather unique secretary outfit.


    -It''s only three days, and you''ll accompany me on the first day to the big meeting that the bosses have been insisting on, - said Billy, somewhat dejected from his seat on the plane.


    He hated traveling on these small planes with little to no legroom, the musty smell, and constant turbulent movements.


    -Come on, you''ll be skipping your first day of school. In my student days, that would be magnificent, - said Anne.


    -It''s not as great as it sounds. If I''m not going to school, I have to work at the company, review accounts, performance reports for Pixar or Lux Comics, and deal with other unexpected tasks, - replied Billy.


    -That doesn''t sound so good, -- said Anne, with a complicated expression.


    -School ends up being somewhat similar to a job, and even the teachers tend to be lenient with the students. Work is tough, stressful, and paradoxical. After all, I''m the boss, but it still causes some annoyance, whereas school gives a lot of freedom to relax, - said Billy, surprising Anne, who was nostalgically thinking about her school years when her family was still around.


    -Well, we''ll have the meeting first, and then we''ll head to Pixar in San Francisco, just as you want. It''s better to get things done now than to wait later, - said Anne.


    Ah, Pixar.


    -I almost forgot, - replied Billy.


    He has to talk about the production of Toy Story. The management of Pixar now falls under the three big players of Pixar and Billy, with the ten million dollars invested, and the production of the movie has begun. Billy did what he had to do, presenting a nearly three-hundred-page storyboard with the story''s development. There were some changes to the script, but the characters were fully fleshed out. Even the main storyline continues to enchant the members of Pixar, and John Lasseter has been in high spirits.


    He added some small scenes to weave the series into possibly five Toy Story movies and two spin-offs. After all, the Lightyear series is popular; they just have to work on it well. The 2D animated films and the last 3D animation, which was a failure in theaters, can play a part in the whole storyline of the successful franchises.


    The sound of fastening seat belts chimed.


    -We''re almost there, - said Billy.


    -Cheer up! We''ve arrived. We''ll rest at the hotel until tomorrow. How about an afternoon of movies with room service? - suggested Anne.


    -Sounds fantastic, - said Billy.


    -That sounds good; I''m craving a double burger with fries and some Coca-Cola. Just for today, I''ll indulge in fast food. It''ll be my second fast-food meal this year, - mentioned Anne.


    -What was the first one? - asked the young man.


    -T-Box Burgers. I had two burgers; your father took me there. Now, I take my sister every month to try some of the food they sell at your burger joint. They have a nice place, and my sister is a fan of the bacon chopped with pink sauce burger, - said Anne. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s gaining popularity among the youth and some workers, but we still need a better advertising campaign, - said Billy.


    -Billy, you''re crazy; the place can barely keep up. They sell non-stop every day, - said Anne.


    -Well, we''re about to open another location, and I''m talking about being recognized in California as the best burger joint, opening places in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Texas, and Miami. A restaurant known all over North America, - responded Billy.


    -Quite ambitious for a young man, - said Anne.


    -It''s not just ambition, Anne; it''s about market share. It''s good business, and with some effort, it will grow on its own, - said Billy.


    -Ah, the capital moves you just like your father. It''s true, but there will be breaking points in your restaurants. Sustaining a franchise is demanding at the beginning, and if you run it on your own, the risk is higher, -said Anne.


    The plane''s touch with the ground and the deceleration made her grip her hands tightly. It was a rough landing.


    -I hate these planes, - said Billy.


    When would airline service improve back to what it was in 2010? Now, the flights were uncomfortable, and the airplane''s instability was unsettling and a little scary.


    -All right, let''s get to work. We need to get to the hotel before the bosses come for the meeting with Warner, - said Anne, tying up her hair.


    -Hurry up, - said Billy.


    The climate in Los Angeles is hot, at most. Summer has already ended, but it''s still uncomfortable for people. Climate change is a problem that will affect people in the future. By 2025, the climate peak will cause wildfires in numerous places, the water resources of many countries will dry up, and social enterprises advocating for change will dominate the economy.


    The causes of climate change are greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction. The first step is to promote the use of renewable materials as soon as possible, water conservation, and renewable energy.


    -I have some notes on the company''s sales statistics, and the two contracts we signed with Warner Media are explained with some notes from me and your father on the most relevant topics, - said Anne, handing over a small 10-page report on the things Billy needed to know.


    -Our numbers dropped in June and July, - said Billy.


    -It was expected; the series you published isn''t very catchy, but you''ve managed to hook a good number of followers who are willing to buy your books. The Doom series was the best-selling of all the series you published in these months, reaching 400,000 sales, - said Anne.


    -Perfect, I''ll create some interesting things for Doom in the next volume, - said Billy.


    -It would be nice if the next series followed a more stable model like your first two series: long stories with volumes that entertain. We need a new volume to be released every ten days, and that''s what we need, - said Anne.


    -That''s what the new Evangelion series is for; a new series that will find a place among the best sellers. According to this data, it''s better to stop all sales of Pinky and the Brain and Animaniacs, - said Billy.


    Both entered the hotel in West Hollywood, each heading to their respective rooms. The immaculate hotel hallway was captivating.


    -Along with the short releases of The Lion King and Hercules, those films only gave us trouble. The initial sales point is good, but it drops after the marketing campaigns end. Although using posters and ads in the volumes helps sustain some series, we could use them to improve the performance of good series that haven''t sold as well as expected, like Samurai Jack and Doom, - responded Anne.


    -That''s correct, but we''ll postpone the short series to once a year, - said Billy.


    Anne nodded in agreement with her boss''s decision to continue with the low-performing short series. Billy thought that the best series should be saved for a special moment.


    -Let''s go, we have a meeting to attend, - said Anne from her room''s door as she closed it. She had taken a good shower, put on a more formal dress, and prepared herself for a long meeting.


    On the other side, Billy entered his room and carefully reviewed the data. He wondered what would happen with the new release of Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Report in an animation program.


    Billy''s vision of creating a renowned entertainment empire was slowly becoming a reality. With each success, he remained humble and focused on pushing the boundaries of creativity. His passion for art, storytelling, and business drove him to explore new opportunities and leave a lasting mark on the world of entertainment.


    ...


    this is already the 60th chapter of this series, I''m quite advanced.


    what names would you use for a TV channel?

 61. premier.

    Hollywood studios always have a magical allure for new minds watching from the outside, the hustle and bustle of people coming and going with various projects, and the movie stars appearing in different places. And the charm of the studios, the productions, and the filming crews.


    He entered a small room and saw Paula Sullen, Betty Cohen, and another unknown man, whom Anne whispered in his ear was Scott Sassa, the vice president of Turner Broadcasting.


    -Billy, good day. It''s great that you''ve come today, we have the filming of the series "Ghost Report." - said Betty Cohen.


    Interrupted by a cough.


    -My manners, you already know Paula, but Mr. Scott is still unknown to you. He''s what you call one of the big bosses. - said, Betty. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Come on, Betty, I''m just a firefighter who appears from time to time. Scott Sassa, man. - said the man with Oriental features.


    -A pleasure, sir. I hope you like my work. - said, Billy.


    -Oh, I''ve had the chance to glance at some reports, but today I''ll enjoy what we''ve invested with Hanna-Barbera. The goals we''ve set are sky-high. - said Scott Sassa.


    -Oh, dear Scott, don''t scare the boy. He has worked with us in creating two series wholeheartedly, and I must say they are really good series. - said Betty Cohen, winking at Billy.


    -Not at all, just stating a fact. Some friends are coming too. Unfortunately, our dear president sent invitations to Fox, Viacom, and Disney. They showed up. The new surprise of a children''s television channel is something they can''t overlook. Expect some fierce competition. - said Scott Sassa.


    -Incredible! But that doesn''t mean you should burden others with expectations only bosses believe are possible. Everything requires meticulous work, and sometimes asking for more than 100% is just crazy. - said Betty, throwing jabs at Warner.


    -I have to apologize; the boss expects to meet with me before the channel''s transmission begins. - said, Scott.


    A man with white hair, and hardly any noticeable eyebrows. The most impressive thing about him was his tie with unique designs. He was chatting with a group, all dressed in suits, although one of them curiously wasn''t as formal as his colleagues, slim, much shorter, and with a bewildered attitude.


    -Those over there are Ted Turner, Terry Semel, and Rich Cronin. The last one is an executive from Fox Network, all big shots. Don''t be fooled by their appearances; in this show business life, looks only help actors get roles. Behind the scenes, they are very dangerous individuals. Try not to make enemies with them. - said Betty Cohen, in her unique grandmotherly voice.


    -Why do you say that? - asked Billy.


    -Just things you should know. - Betty replied casually.


    -I like you, you''re a hardworking and polite kid. Sometimes we make many mistakes without thinking about the consequences when we are young. You see, everyone is interested in your drawings. With the premieres of your series, they will come one after another in waves. - said, Betty.


    The message was clear, don''t make enemies. The circle is smaller than you might imagine, and any mistake can have consequences.


    -Thank you for your advice. - Billy sincerely thanked her.


    He felt Anne''s invisible support behind him; she was nervous about Betty Cohen''s words, which she said at a very low volume, but Anne managed to catch some things due to her proximity to Billy.


    -Don''t worry, kid, it''s just a warning. Talented people like you are often well-supported. Our negotiations are based on your inherent talent. After all, talented individuals are the lifeblood of Hollywood. What would this show business be without talented people? - said, Betty.


    Billy could only nod his head.


    -Paula, stay with Billy. - Betty said, her gruff voice becoming evident.


    Both Billy and Anne looked for Paula, who was hiding behind a notebook.


    -Ahh, I think it''s better if we head to the screening room. - said Paula Sullen.


    The screening room was a cinema hall with at least 90 seats, some even located on the second floor. It was used to view unreleased projections of major works or to present some films before their premiere, allowing executives to evaluate them and critics to analyze them.


    -We are located in section C, which is for creators and participants. Usually, this distribution is only done when there are many guests. - Paula Sullen said, leading the way to the grand theater, with elegant red seats and reclining chairs; it was undoubtedly one of the best theaters in the country. Everything screamed wealth.


    -Okay, I''ll wait in the seats. - Billy said, taking a seat in section C, which was off to the side of the theater on the lower level.


    -Perfect, I''ll be back in about ten minutes. Don''t move from here. - Paula said, hurrying away.


    -There''s a board meeting later. - Anne mentioned.


    -Well, let''s just go with the flow. I think after the ceremony, some people will want to talk to the company. - Billy said, taking a seat at the end that was against the wall.


    -I hope it doesn''t take too long; I want that hamburger. - Anne lamented.


    -It won''t be much longer, my dear Anne. I don''t want to be here either, but it''s something necessary to fulfill public relations. It''s good to build relationships with these bosses. - Billy replied.


    As time passed, the theater filled up, the lights dimmed, and there was still no sign of Paula Sullen. The show began with a poor trailer about the new Cartoon Network logo; Cartoon Network Studios presented Warner''s new project.


    A short 5-minute clip went over the Warner Bros. logo, along with the classic Hanna-Barbera and MGM cartoons. The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, and a subtle nod to original series that were making a comeback for the channel''s relaunch, such as Batman, co-produced with Warner and Fox, Johnny Bravo, and Ghost Report towards the end of the commercial.


    All interwoven with a beautiful design, the animators put in the effort to create this new Cartoon Network logo and letters. The screen changed to a bright white and then turned off to play the introduction of the new Batman series. It was splendid; even though it lacked the fluid animation typical of anime, the beautiful design with simple frames and planes evoked a sense of nostalgia for an era that has yet to be revitalized since Walt Disney''s time.


    -Our direct competition. - Anne whispered.


    -Our competition is Disney. - Billy replied. - and Nickelodeon. If the Batman series is appealing, kids will watch the channel more, and consequently, they''ll watch our cartoons too.


    -Ohhhhh... but it''s still indirect competition. - Anne whispered back.


    Billy pondered the challenges of programming on television channels.


    -It could be a problem, but I have faith in the cartoons produced by Hanna-Barbera and Lux Comics. - Billy said.


    -Well... - Anne whispered, this time slightly louder than a normal whisper.


    The first episode of Batman was a rather short prologue about the new Batman. It had an implicit mystery embedded in the series'' representation, which was very famous, having been one of the biggest hits on Fox Kids; now, that success was being devalued for the Warner network in the coming years.


    In the future, it would be regarded as one of the greatest animated series with excellent reviews, from its gothic style, dark tones, and hand-drawn animation, it was sensational. If only all series could be made with such skill, but the budget for animated series limited the conceptual creations of such animated series.


    -A perfect episode, Anne. One of the best series I''ve seen. Everything was meticulously detailed, and the producers didn''t hold back. - Billy said, surprised by his lack of knowledge about this series.


    -We can''t wait to see your programs. Two of your series are part of the lineup. - Anne replied.


    -Thanks, I hope there will be some extra surprises. They have put a lot of effort into the new channel; there might be another series among the chosen ones. - Billy said.


    He was surprised by the animated short of Taz-mania and his family. A new series has come out, expanding the Looney Toons family and the animated universe. New animated series have been introduced, and Billy was perplexed by the timeline of this series. Will there be some new series that will premiere earlier than planned, or will they stick to the content they have for now?


    -You were right; Taz-mania is endearing. - Anne commented.


    Lastly, the introductory arc of Yuyu Hakusho/Ghost Report began. The American ''90s style gave it a Blade Runner vibe, with buildings against a dark background illuminated by neon blue and green sparks. The soundtrack had a powerful piano and descending drumbeats in some rock ballads. Billy and Paul Higgs''s drawings were well-highlighted, and the characters of Ghost Report stirred Billy''s heart. The series starts with Yusuke''s early death and his re-entry into the fantastic society, closely following Akira''s design concept.


    -Incredible. - Billy said to himself.


    How many ideas are scattered and wasted in the corners of the world due to a lack of economic support, exposure, and opportunities? A world where animation is present for different animators.


    The fast credits rolled, signaling the end of the first episode of Ghost Report. The translated black background with white credits was captivating. The lights were fully turned on after nearly two hours of animated shows - way more than the executives of the major franchises could handle.


    Paula Sullen approached Billy with a huge smile.


    -Your animated cartoon is undoubtedly of great quality. - Paula Sullen said, pleased with the success of the animated premieres, the satisfied smile of Betty Cohen, and Marcus''s thumbs-up. It says more than any words could.


    -Thank you, Paula. Although you and your team also deserve credit, you have more than satisfied me with the production of the series. - Billy said.


    -The big bosses are pleased with the work you provide. - Paula said. -Let''s continue with the informative meeting; there are some topics to discuss.


    What a long day - Billy thought.


    ...


    .

 62. heads of industry.

    Among the big bosses, there are many names, but some words are undeniably powerful minds that stand above the ordinary workers.


    Now, some important figures are sitting at the negotiation table. Terry Semel, the vice president of Warner Bros., is one of the top administrators of the company. He works behind the scenes, managing all the company''s projects and handling various issues. He negotiates with producers, handles legal matters, and is highly skilled in diplomatic relations, combined with an eagle eye for talent that is only matched by great producers, like the one sitting next to him.


    Tim Burton, the master of a unique style, was invited to watch the Batman series. He asked for a place to find inspiration for his upcoming movie "Batman Returns," set to be released in the coming months.


    Along with them is Ted Turner, the head of TNT, TBS, MGM, and New Line Cinema. These are important members, sitting in the meeting to discuss the new television channel. The conference room is being used as a dining area today, as privacy is much more important than elegance for these big bosses.


    -I liked the new programs you made. The latest one has a novel idea. Who is the creator of this animated show? - Tim Burton asked.


    -He''s not from Hanna-Barbera, - said Ted Turner.


    -That''s not the case. A young kid started publishing a new kind of comic. Our representative and project director at Cartoon Network, Betty Cohen, reviewed numerous animated drawings, and among them, she was most impressed with this emerging company called Lux Comics. They have released a total of 9 series, all interesting and well-designed, - said Terry Semel.


    -Oh, you know everything, - joked Ted Turner.


    -Not at all. I''ve been working hard on creating the channel. These past months have been busy for me. You didn''t make it easy, Ted. The acquisition of your company was costly, winding, and lengthy, - Terry said with a symbolic smile.


    -Come on, I gave it to you cheap! - Ted laughed.


    -I want to meet this Betty, - said Bob Daley.


    Bob Daley is the Director of Entertainment for all of Warner. He oversees new TV productions, short films, feature films, and commercials. His relentless activity at Warner has earned him recognition among his bosses.


    -Stop by Hanna-Barbera; it''s our animation den. The budget for creating a new studio hasn''t been set yet. We''re waiting to see how these new series impact the market before creating our studio, -- Terry Semel murmured, not entirely convinced. They have spent a lot of money this year��millions of dollars on the acquisition of Hanna-Barbera, the production of the series, the creation of the new television channel, and payments for equipment, personnel, content acquisition, advertising, and initial distribution fees.


    -Everything in due time, - said Ted Turner.


    -When does your new movie premiere, Tim? - Ted Turner asked Tim Burton.


    -Edward Scissorhands will premiere on December 14th. It stars Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder and is undoubtedly a cult classic, just like the movies Tim Burton is known for. It will have that unmistakable Tim Burton style, - Tim Burton replied, sipping his third glass of wine.


    -December 14th, impressive. It''s been a good few years for you, Tim, - said Bob Daley, who has been following Tim''s career since the release of Batman in 1989.


    -Well, gentlemen, I have another meeting to attend, - Terry Semel said, nodding to Bob Daley.


    -I have a party to attend, - Tim Burton joked.


    The simple meeting concluded, with some back-and-forth in the boardroom. The oak-paneled wood was stained in some spots, giving the room a touch of character.


    Terry Semel joined Bob Daley on a journey to their next meeting. The trip was filled with a silence typical of these two individuals, who only spoke about important details or when their presence was necessary. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other hand, Billy had been waiting in a conference room for half an hour and could only manage to eat some snacks to fill his stomach.


    -Look, young man, I ordered some food, and it seems it has arrived, - said Betty, as she saw the assistant bringing in some sandwiches.


    -Thank you, Ms. Cohen. It was our mistake, but the day hasn''t allowed us to enjoy a proper meal, - Anne replied.


    -No problem, it''s my fault for planning such a rushed meeting. You''ve missed your lunch hour, - said Betty Cohen.


    Oh, important people, always making others wait. Billy currently just wants to leave all these meetings behind and relax. These bureaucratic procedures are not something he can deal with calmly.


    Mr. Terry Semel proceeded to open the door, followed by his colleague. Everything was ready, but there was one thing Betty hadn''t addressed��she had received offers to start a chain of toys and other minor details to generate more income to support the cost of the new channel, but the discussion ended up dissuading her, and Terry took charge of the negotiation.


    -Good afternoon, everyone, - Terry Semel said, looking renewed with a complete 180-degree change. Negotiations are his workspace, and this is his court. He feels almost like Superman after taking off his glasses.


    -Terry, what a pleasure, - Betty said effusively.


    -Ah, Betty, it''s great to see you so radiant, - Terry replied.


    Bob Daley greeted Betty Cohen cordially and stopped to discuss some work-related matters while Terry Semel went to a desk and asked for four white sheets of paper and a pen. He sat in front of Billy and waited for everyone to take their seats.


    -Alright, now we can begin our meeting, - Terry Semel said, rolling up his sleeves.


    Betty Cohen cleared her throat, her posture now different from her confident demeanor during their numerous comings and goings. After all, Terry Semel is not an easy person to deal with.


    -Billy, our vice president wants to inquire about the future of our partnership, as well as the marketing of "Informe Fantasma," - said Betty Cohen.


    -Very true, you hit the nail on the head, Betty. First, I''d like to conduct a small interview. Everyone has been talking about your drawing skills, but seeing is believing. Can you show me your talent live? I''m eager to see your abilities, - said Terry Semel, handing Billy a few sheets of paper.


    -But... a new drawing? I don''t quite understand how to showcase my abilities, - said Billy.


    -Whatever you like. Just show me some of your talents, - replied Terry Semel.


    Billy thought and quickly drew a rendition of Batman, showcasing an improved design reminiscent of the DC films from the 2010s. The awkward silence was broken by Terry Semel humming to himself.


    He considered drawing something new. The animated Batman is one of the distinctive characters of the network, and redrawing an unseen version could truly test his skills.


    --Ready, -- said Billy, presenting a Batman drawing in pen, with a mix of realism and animation. It was a skill he had honed while drawing series like "Hellboy" and "Doom."


    Terry Semel''s eyes lit up, and a smile spread across the faces of both Betty and Bob Daily. The latter was surprised by the quality of the drawing in such a short period.


    -Magnificent! You indeed possess what Betty mentioned,- said Terry Semel.


    -What did Betty mention? - some in the room wondered.


    -Oh, without a doubt, you have it, Terry, - Betty said.


    -Your biggest advocate is Betty Cohen; you can always trust her, - Terry Semel added.


    Billy could only nod, feeling grateful for the praise Terry Semel had for Betty and her support.


    -Well, I''m glad not to disappoint,- Billy replied.


    -Now, we have a problem. The merchandising of animated shows is a common practice for our company. Unfortunately, we only have a contract for ''Johnny Bravo,'' but both of your other two comics lack those rights. As a company, we need to address this before the animated channel launches, - said Terry Semel.


    -5 years sounds excellent, - said Billy.


    He thought about all that he could achieve in the next five years at Lux Animation and Lux Comics, including his acting career, which was currently in the midst of all these negotiations.


    The following moments were filled with back and forth on various small details, from the number of toys to be developed to specific activities related to the channel.


    Anne began to draft the contract, but suddenly, three lawyers arrived, all in their fancy suits and expensive attire. They took notes on the entire negotiation and even requested a copy of the draft presented by Anne.


    -We''ll have it ready by tomorrow morning, - muttered the opposing lawyer.


    -Send a copy to my office,- said Terry Semel.


    -We''ll also send a copy to your legal team in San Jose,- added Betty Cohen, nodding to both Anne and Billy.


    While Terry Semel chatted with the lawyers about some matters, he sensed Billy''s desire to leave and gave him a reassuring gesture that it was almost over. Billy felt a bit out of place.


    -Putting business aside, -- Terry Semel began, --I have deduced that you have the idea of creating your television channel. However, I''m curious about how you plan to achieve that and why you want to make certain transactions with our company, even if they may be detrimental. The issue is how you''ll manage it. -


    Anne was taken aback by Terry Semel''s words. Create his television channel? How come she wasn''t aware of this information?


    -What makes you assume I want to create my television channel? - replied Billy.


    -Hahaha, - -Bob Daily laughed, --If Terry dares to say something out loud, it''s because he has studied something and is 90% sure about his hunch. -


    -Terry Semel continued, -Your contracts, I read them all, and I also researched diligently. The purchase of Pixar Studios from Steve Jobs is something we cannot ignore. Now you have your animation studio, and with your talent, I can tell you''re going to do something big that we overlooked in the old ways.-


    Pixar was the black sheep of animation, rejected by all studios. Even emerging companies dared not go against the Disney trend. 3D animation was entirely dismissed due to the lack of understanding of new technologies, the challenges of special effects, and the quality of animation that could be achieved using this method.


    -A 3D film, a movie entirely created by computers, would break all the current animation standards,- said Billy.


    -Very well, but you still haven''t answered my question. What are your prospects for creating an animation channel?- asked Terry Semel.


    -I don''t know, sir. I have no idea how much it costs to create a channel or what steps I need to take. All I can say is that I want to create one to showcase the best animations out there,- replied Billy.


    -I can see it! - exclaimed Terry Semel, studying the young man''s face.


    -It''s great to be young, - Terry Semel said to himself.


    -Thank you, sir. I''ll make my way in the world of animation,- said Billy.


    -When you have $150 million, get in touch with Warner. I''m willing to advise you a bit on all the intricacies of creating your animation channel, - Terry Semel said, adjusting his suit.


    And with that, the meeting was officially over.


    Billy sighed, feeling the exhaustion that Terry Semel''s intensity could bring upon anyone. These powerful executives exuded confidence, intelligence, knowledge, and strong negotiation skills. They seemed to know every thought in Billy''s mind. He had considered extending the negotiable rights to 10% but decided against it, feeling trapped.


    -Come, Billy, I''ll take you to the exit. We''ll deal with all the remaining issues tomorrow, - said Betty Cohen, entrusting the responsibility to Paula Sullen.


    Meanwhile, Terry Semel was discussing the meeting with Bob Daily. Several things that a young boy like Billy overlooked were red flags to Bob Daily, who had many years of experience in the field. The whole negotiation was based on merchandise, but Terry Semel cleverly directed the conversation toward toys. This meant that as long as something wasn''t categorized as a toy, they could do whatever they wanted with it.


    Furthermore, the 7% was negotiated based on profits, but it was never specified which profits. This meant that the difference could be millions of dollars that Billy could have earned. Terry Semel left gaps where they favored the company, while Billy ended up with just marshmallows. But...


    -Why did you let the kid off the hook regarding taxes? I''ve seen you crush more promising entrepreneurs before, - Bob Daily asked.


    -They''re not more promising than the kid, and liquidating him would only lead to another company taking him under their wing. The kid joined Warner, but what if he were under Disney? -Terry Semel asked suggestively. He knew his colleague would quickly connect the dots.


    -I see now. I despise you even more, - said Bob Daily.


    -Hahaha! Come on, we have a lot of work to do. He started young, but practice will give him the experience he needs for his own company if he survives long enough, - said Terry Semel.


    Indeed, the best practice comes from experience, from going out there and facing the challenges of the real world. Venturing into a risky endeavor like starting a company is only a part of the many mistakes one makes. The lack of education or insufficient knowledge often plays a crucial role in these mistakes, which may not be evident to some but become veiled by ignorance.


    Billy, despite having a life behind him and a second life filled with legal and administrative education imparted by his father, still makes errors that he doesn''t fully understand. Education is essential in minimizing mistakes and making informed decisions. Even with his talent and potential, there is always room for growth and learning from experiences.


    As Billy navigates the complexities of the entertainment industry, the knowledge he gains and the lessons he learns will be instrumental in shaping his future success. The support of mentors like Betty Cohen and Anne will also play a vital role in guiding him through the challenging world of animation and television.


    In the end, every misstep, every obstacle, and every success will contribute to Billy''s journey toward creating his channel and leaving his mark on the world of animation.


    ...

 63. Back to school.

    What activities can Billy do to improve all the nuances of his acting courses, like accent training and speech practice to enhance his delivery and script interpretation? Here are the introductory acting courses he has taken. He hasn''t explored the world of music due to the difficulty of mastering acceptable skills in that field.


    Lastly, there''s a particularly challenging aspect: physical fitness. Having a camera-ready physique and physical appeal is essential for acting roles. A good body is a necessary asset for any actor.


    Here he is, starting his tenth year of study, having missed the first three days of school. He noticed Claudia''s friends gathered in front of the school. The lovely Alice was with her cheerleading squad, mingling with Hanna''s group. Jack Boor graduated last school year, and his absence was evident. Some popular members were accompanied by a new batch of students.


    He went to claim his schedule at the office near the administrative desk, where uniforms were distributed, and administrative fines for property damage were processed.


    -Good morning, I''m here to get my school schedule. My guardian sent a note about my delay in the first days of school, - said Billy.


    -Name, - the man at the desk responded.


    -Billy Carson, sir, - Billy said.


    -Mr. Carson, I''m looking for it here. You''re part of the advanced degree program. Your schedule is particularly long and complicated; you''ll have a year of intense study, - Arman said, as he searched in his drawer.


    -Thank you, sir. I''ll do my best, - replied Billy.


    -Alright, young man, give me a second; I''ll print your schedule. You have extra courses after school with the dance club, and you''ll cover electives during that time,- said Arman, giving an impression of efficiency in his work.


    He handed Billy a yellow sheet, packed with different activities. Today, he would have advanced English, math, physics, history, political science, and philosophy. What a heavy workload.


    He entered the designated classroom for advanced English students in their final year, and his presence sparked interest among those who knew Billy Carson. It wasn''t common for a student to advance a grade in a school that sought excellence in the San Jose area. Few young people took on the challenge of an advanced degree; typically, some precocious students took university courses.


    Billy sat in the front, eager to pay attention and avoid thoughts about the next designs for the "Evangelion" series. He had drafted almost 90 episodes and revised about 20, making minor adjustments to the plot. In the initial stages, the characters'' thoughts and growth throughout the series were crucial.


    -We have the missing student, Mr. Carson. You can introduce yourself to your classmates about the last grade you completed, as they are on the verge of graduating and finishing their school courses, - said English teacher Susan.


    Billy stood to present himself.


    -I''m Billy Carson, and it''s a pleasure to meet all of you. My favorite subjects are Spanish, history, and philosophy. This year, I hope to excel in all my courses, and I prefer cold climates over hot ones. I''m looking forward to learning everything the school can offer me culturally, academically, and artistically. -


    -Nice to meet you, Mr. Carson. Please take a seat, and let''s start the class, --- Susan said, giving Billy a long look as she continued, --- For today, we''ll gather in the same groups as last time. Remember, our first task is a group presentation on a famous writer. You''ll do a scientific essay and an exposition on the author and their representative works. - Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The class began, and Billy couldn''t help but feel excited about the academic challenges and the opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills.


    -You can join any group you want; there''s an incomplete group with Steve and Rachel. But nothing forces you to join them, - said Teacher Susan.


    Billy was about to join Steve and Rachel''s group when a blonde girl grabbed his arm, lightly squeezing his forearm.


    -Come with us, Billy. We need a genius,- said Alicia, batting her eyelashes.


    -Thanks, but Steve and Rachel are incomplete, - said Billy.


    He didn''t like doing all the work for a group, falling into the clich�� of helping cheerleaders who relied on charm alone.


    -Well, if you don''t know, Rachel and Steve are a duo because they''re the most problematic people when it comes to group work. They''re a couple who constantly break up and get back together, ever since the beginning of high school. They''ll likely interfere in a way that you won''t like, and you''ll end up frustrated. If they break up just before the presentation, you''ll probably be close to failing the assignment, - Alice explained.


    -How do I know this isn''t a setup? - asked Billy.


    -Well, the fact that they''re kissing right now is a little evidence to support my theory, - Alice replied with a laugh.


    -Just because they''re a couple doesn''t prove anything beyond that, - argued Billy.


    -Ha! Come on, sit here, -  laughed Alice, and Billy could only nod, joining the group with Alice. They had a playful back-and-forth dynamic, and Alice never accepted a ''no'' as an answer. Claudia''s spoiled little girl would always throw terrible tantrums, and Billy would eventually give in to her requests.


    -Well, since I''m on your team, I want to know the progress you''ve made so far, - said Billy.


    -Progress? You sound like my dad when someone calls him on the phone,- said Abby, another blonde, slightly less attractive than Alice.


    -We started yesterday and brought some bibliographical material to work on the essay. Abby wants to create slides with basic images, and we are working on the essay, criticizing the insensitivity of black communities in their language towards others, - explained Alice.


    -Which author are we dealing with? - asked Billy.


    -Mark Twain. -


    -Alright, I''ll proceed as per your instructions, - replied Billy.


    -Perfect, Abby and Julie will take care of the slides. I would handle the essay, but now it seems you''ll have to help me with it. It''s due on Monday, and today is the last advanced English class we have. We''ll do some work now, and the rest during the free period after lunch, - said Alice.


    -I don''t have a free period; I have two hours of philosophy. After that, I have dance class, - replied Billy.


    Alice made a strained face, her soft blonde eyebrows knitting together, giving her a somewhat unappealing but still charming look.


    -I see, so you want something more private. Oh, Billy, you''re such a bad boy! How about tomorrow? What''s your schedule like? - said Alice.


    -Just as busy. I have some time on Sunday morning. We can meet here at school or the public library, - said Billy.


    -Dreaming! I''d never go to the public library in the morning. You can do your part and come to my house to drop it off. That''s the most I can concede on this matter, - said Alice.


    -Perfect, I''ll work on my draft and deliver it on Sunday. Could you write down the address for me? - said Billy.


    -Of course, it''s xxxx �C xxxxx �C xxx, the big house with the red garage, number 23. It''s the prettiest one in the area, - replied Alice.


    -Alright, I''ll be there around 10 in the morning on Sunday, - said Billy, taking some books and preparing to read about the work he had for the day.


    Billy thought to himself that with three hours of work, he could finish the essay as quickly as possible. He missed the internet dearly. The endless pages of scientific information on almost every topic were unimaginable for this time when technology wasn''t as advanced.


    ...

 64. the future of the market

    In an unforeseen chain of events, individuals from the world of animation have closed various deals within 3 months, budgeting multiple businesses between animation companies and potential releases of live-action comedy youth programs.


    Nickelodeon has been preparing various productions that will be unveiled either next year or towards the end of this year on its television channel. Geraldine Laybourne, Vice President and General Manager of Nickelodeon, aims for exceptional children''s programs through her initiatives. As a result, one of the reasons the animation studio Kalky Csupo advanced the Rugrats series a few months before its premiere was because of this. Simultaneously, they embarked on the start of several potential productions with the creation of Nickelodeon Studios. They made progress but never envisioned their competition taking the lead so swiftly.


    On the other hand, the children''s network Fox Kids, which missed out on the Batman Animated Series, a recently established channel, strives to position itself as a fresh animation hub with innovative concepts. They lost a few series but managed to share the debut of "The Taz-Mania Family" and "Tiny Toon Adventures" with Warner. The upcoming animated series "X-Men Series Animated," based on Marvel comics, is anticipated to bring the boost they''re hoping for. However, they never anticipated the original programs that Cartoon Network, now a player, had up its sleeve; Hanna-Barbera outshined itself.


    Shuki Levy, one of the co-founders of Saban Entertainment, wasn''t bothered by this. He believed in his work project and had remarkable ideas. Regrettably, the Batman series didn''t premiere as he envisioned, but he would still profit and gain permission to air Looney Tunes cartoons during the family-friendly time slot on Saturdays and Sundays �C a win-win situation.


    On another note, Disney''s persistence is both curious and anxious. They got to know Billy Carson through a conversation facilitated by Steve Jobs. Intriguingly, when Jobs mentioned that he was no longer the owner of Pixar, the business magnate responded, ''Who is the owner? The same one as Lux Comics.'' This information was known only to Roy Disney, the current CEO of Disney. He vehemently dismissed the trivial concern of the emerging Pixar company and a minor-scale Comics enterprise.


    The disparity lies in Disney''s greater reliance on its live-action and live comedy programs, along with the variety show ''Club Mickey Mouse,'' launched last semester. The legacy left behind by Walt Disney will endure for a long time.


    The advantage of each company pales in comparison to that of the great magical mouse. Even though Mr. Walt Disney may not be the most talented animator, he is a skilled entrepreneur who saw the future many years ahead.


    This isn''t a cutthroat competition like the summer movie releases where they employ every means to actively undermine other films on the billboard. It''s more about a struggle to capture the attention of children. So, why this intense rivalry without boundaries? Children rarely pay heed to the news, and these television channels are solely concerned with making sure the viewer''s current favorite show remains their favorite next year.


    The TV frenzy that kids curate for their programming revolves around a single question: ''Is it worth watching?'' If it is, then they''ll watch. That''s why the competition focuses on producing series that captivate their audience using all sorts of attention-grabbing techniques. It''s not just about their channel''s ratings; it''s about toy sales, songs, costumes, and all the things parents buy for their kids. This pursuit generates a substantial amount of money.


    This brings us to an unusual pause: How much will such aggressive competition impact the landscape? Americans are patriotic, and that same nationalism can propel certain series into the depths of stardom. Series like Power Rangers, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dexter''s Laboratory, and Ben 10 are distinctly American, lacking the same narrative traits as the marvelous Japanese creations, yet they are beloved by many.


    Consequently, it leads us to the second question: How to compete against these television networks? By strategically carving out a niche in the established market that guarantees a foothold.


    In his attempt to evade taxes and increase earnings, Billy has birthed another subsidiary of Lux Animation �C the new comics and toy store called Lux Comics. It''s dedicated to selling toys for ages 2 to 18. S~ea??h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the moment, the parent company is Lux Animation, which has three proposed branches. The first is Lux Comics, the second is Pixar (3D animation), and the third is Toys and Comics.


    There''s a small toy store located in San Jose near the cinema street. The new store is in the process of being established, seeking exclusivity over products �C from Slam Dunk trading cards to all the series available at Lux Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and an array of toy lines including Star Wars, Alien, Predator, Terminator, The Mask, and select special Slam Dunk merchandise.


    -We''re all set, the first exclusive Lux Comics store, thanks to the merchandise orders from Kenner, Hasbro, and Mattel, - stated Mr. Cloud, in charge of financial reports assessing the viability of the new toys and comics sales company. He had been hired as an analyst at Lux Animation, the parent company of Lux Comics.


    -We''ll need to do a bit of remodeling, I want special shelves for the books. My son will be here in fifteen days, and I''ll be drawing on the walls, - said Mr. Carson, overseeing the regulations of the toy company.


    Toys are just a part of the store''s focus, aiming to specialize in selling toys from renowned franchises, to establish a store certified to deal with collectibles. They''ve avoided delving into the Marvel and DC toy market but might consider striking deals with Warner (DC Comics) to display franchise products.


    -What''s the plan for the store launch? - Mr. Carson inquired.


    -We''ll be introducing coupons with redeemable discounts next month. The store''s appeal lies in its limited competition in the vicinity. Buying the location was quite costly, but it''s a boon for our Toys and Comics store, - Mr. Cloud explained.


    -We''ll need to plan some events! - Mr. Carson exclaimed.


    -We intend to wait until the series are aired on the Cartoon Network channel, - Mr. Cloud mentioned.


    October will mark a significant step for the toy store. The advertising they''ll feature in comics will be complemented by the efforts of the media giant, pulling strings as much as they can. Even the unexpected partnership with Capcom seems favorable, as the release of the Samurai Jack game next year is of paramount importance to the comic company''s profits.


    -Who''s been overseeing the local development? - Thomas Carson asked.


    Mr. Cloud is quite meticulous, and as usual, he had all the details this endeavor could involve. Their decision-making ability, work flexibility, and eager pursuit of new markets made his days at work satisfying.


    -For now, Lucas has finalized some additional details. We''re aiming to hire a general manager who will handle the accounts and store development. We''ll also need two employees to manage the store, - Cloud explained.


    Mr. Carson exited the luxurious store, taking in the grand glass window showcasing the entire shop, the futuristic lavish door, the wall adorned with Lux Comics characters, the white-painted lounge area, and the intriguing store reliefs.


    Everyone is awaiting the television channel boom. Now, with a toy store focused on Billy''s programs, it feels like all the eggs are in one basket.


    1. Company acquisitions can be somewhat confusing due to the significant divisions between parent companies, groups, and foundations.  In this case, MTV Networks was purchased as a private company by Viacom,  which has operated alongside Paramount, CBS (channels), and Viacom in various capacities, both large and small. Following the purchase of MTV, of which Nickelodeon was a part, it was acquired by the current owner, National Amusements, an operator of cinemas.


    2.  On the other hand, Saban Entertainment is the entity behind FOX  Kids, later purchased by Worldwide and subsequently closed in 2002. It was then acquired by Disney, which would establish the Jetix brand.


    ...

 65. kimba.

    Billy arrived home after school, feeling exhausted after physical education class. He resumed his comic drawing work, now making it a habit to sketch near the window in the waiting room, facing Claudia. For minor details and comic production, he would sit in his office and meticulously flesh out the content.


    Anne gestured as she organized papers, worked on the computer, and delved into some files.


    "They''ve arrived, the letter you sent to Japan!" Dave, the general inspector of Lux Comics, announced. He was responsible for overseeing the printing process and inspecting the work of the personnel in charge.


    "How wonderful that they''ve responded," Billy remarked.


    For some time, Billy had been contemplating what to do and what not to do. He had sent a letter of support to the creators of "Kimba the White Lion." The letter acknowledged that the original creation of "The Lion King" drew inspiration from their story, considering it a gentle push rooted in his admiration for their fantastic animated series. The letter was addressed to its original creator, Osamu Tezuka, or instead to his son Makoto Tezuka, and the company. "Kimba the White Lion" was a manga created in 1950 and later adapted into an animated series in 1960.


    For those who might wonder, "The Lion King" is indeed an original work by Disney, but there is a noticeable resemblance to "Kimba the White Lion," with strikingly similar shots that are pivotal to the plot. Why didn''t they sue Disney? Disney is a high-profile company with one of the world''s most formidable legal teams, For a small Japanese comic company, filing a lawsuit would be like stabbing themselves with a knife��it would likely lead to their financial downfall within the first year.


    Mr. Osamu Tezuka was a remarkably friendly person who devoted his entire life to creating art and was even a close friend of Walt Disney. Billy interacted with the system, which highlighted scenes that could be considered copyright infringement. He then slightly modified those scenes from different angles, retaining the essence of "The Lion King" while avoiding any direct parallels between Kimba and the comic


    Like the scene where Mufasa appears in the clouds to deliver a message, guiding Simba on his path, now it''s portrayed as a dream where Mufasa manifests and engages in a more philosophical conversation about leadership. This manifestation occurs on a black screen in Simba''s dream.


    In the initial version of Billy''s letter, he expressed gratitude for the artwork and dedicated his appreciation, emphasizing that "The Lion King" was an inspiration in memory of Osamu Tezuka. The letter included a small check of $50,000 to sponsor the company founded by Osamu Tezuka, supporting the future of his series and the Lux Comics adaptation of "The Lion King," with a heartfelt dedication on its pages.


    Relationships must always be nurtured; creating them is just one way to interact with people. In the future, the "Astro Boy" series might be re-edited and started anew. The Japanese market will exponentially grow with the astonishing series coming in this decade and the next. It''s always wise to enter business ventures before the market''s boom extends to the Western regions.


    Makoto Tezuka''s letter conveyed sincere gratitude along with minor insights into the story. He also offered praise for Billy''s clever content and expressed pleasant surprise about the Lux Comics tribute. He thanked Billy for the donation, extending an invitation to visit his home with heartfelt appreciation for his concern during these challenging times.


    The question now is, what will Disney do with this new turn of events? Will they remain oblivious to the comic and continue with their previous version, or will they approach Lux Comics for an attractive negotiation regarding "The Lion King" movie?


    -Well, that''s a very sweet response and a thoughtful gesture on your part, - Anne remarked. She read the entire letter aloud with genuine fondness, as her heart was moved by Billy''s gesture.


    -Now, we''ll focus on reviewing your accounting exercise, - Anne continued.


    -I''m so lucky! -  Billy exclaimed, observing the papers containing all his hand-written accounting work. Thousands of invoices, receipts, and expenses are meticulously listed one by one.


    Reviewing the expense accounting for August, Billy was armed with his thick yellow highlighter.


    -Pay close attention to the deductions. The business activities you conducted at the establishment are repeated, they belong to the same group, and you''re deducting them twice, - Anne pointed out.


    -I hate this exercise! - Billy exclaimed happily, appreciating his teacher''s guidance.


    -I''m teaching you to read it for your future as a boss. Behave well, and I''ll give it my approval with your instructor, - Anne assured. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I could always have you by my side to read my accounts, - Billy joked.


    -Forget it. I''ll do my best to delegate this task when it becomes feasible. So, you better have your accounting skills ready by the time we get a proper accountant, - Anne replied.


    -I understand, but you''re fantastic with accounting, - Billy complimented.


    -Don''t believe in my abilities. They''re mediocre and functional for now. Specialists have better skills. As you make more money, you can afford a better one, that will be more effective. Even big companies hire specialized accounting firms to handle these tasks for thousands, - Anne explained.


    -Is it that important? - Billy asked.


    -Believe me, it''s very important for your financial credibility and IRS validation. In a broad sense, they''re your business life insurance against any mistakes you might make, - Anne emphasized.


    In the United States, a good accountant is someone who handles all the work related to tax accounting. They also serve as your certification with future partners, and shareholders. They''re even investment experts and can handle everything necessary for Securities and Exchange Commission compliance.


    -Let''s continue later; I have a headache now. I''ll tackle the necessary exercise tomorrow, - Billy stated.


    Getting up to continue his comic endeavors, "Evangelion" was on his to-do list. Among the most important tasks was figuring out how to further develop the series. The entire series'' original content was a manga, expanding into five movies, OVAs (original video animations), and light novels.


    -Next week, you''ll need to submit your accounting records, - Anne reminded him.


    -I''ll do what I can, Anne. I have many classes at school, I need to draw comics for the three releases and prepare for the winter season. I need to handle all the paperwork for Toys and Comics, attend two acting academies, and take those damn accent classes I''ve paid for before summer, - Billy exhaustedly listed all his responsibilities.


    He feels like he''s about to explode. He falls into a deep sleep as soon as he touches the bed and wakes up feeling tired. The ride to school with his father gives him some rest. But he''s damn tired of all the things he has to do during the week. He hasn''t called Claudia in 20 days. Right now, all he wants is to take the day off and not think about anything.


    -Alright, let''s leave this report as it is. I''ll explain a few more things, and we''ll study during winter break, - Anne said. - But I want to see those comics on my desk as soon as possible, no excuses."


    -I''ll get them to you. I''m still weaving the entire series together. I''ll finish this work with a single brushstroke, - Billy reassured.


    This series holds complexity due to the teenage age of the character. The mood shifts need to be detailed in such a way that they generalize the protagonist Shinji Ikari/Myth Khan''s situation. This manga is special for having a "seinen" touch, addressing more profound and more complex themes such as drama, romance, fantasy, history, politics, and philosophy.


    Billy has also outlined a new scheme for Doom. The new series needs to astonish just as Hellboy did. He hopes that Doom can continue its course and become the game it was destined to be.


    ...


    ..


    .


    this is the next chapter. I hope you like it. it''s already 100,000 words.


    have a nice weekend.

 66. All for art

    August 1990.


    Billy''s time: the path of a normal life, always closely intertwined with the artist''s life.


    The basic accent and gesture classes are progressive, ranging from memorizing different words not commonly used by Americans, to pinpointing the most relevant aspects of speech. It''s about recognizing accents and distinguishing speech patterns from other regions or countries.


    That''s why his school week starts on Saturday morning. He has to extend his days as much as possible, and the outcomes depend on how well his activities progress.


    "Have a good day at school," Thomas Carson said from the car. It was a sleek 1989 BMW Coupe Series 3, a rich blue color with nice contours. He recently acquired it, leaving behind his previous car model.


    The young people passing by certainly cast envious glances at Mr. Carson''s car.


    The small comics business he had initially set up in his remodeled garage was left behind when they acquired the large plot of land in North San Jose. Now, they had three cars: a classic 1970s model, a blue and gray Ford Mustang, and an everyday van used for transporting materials and supplies.


    Today''s schedule included advanced math in the morning, advanced Spanish, geography, political science, and physical education. It was a schedule any student would envy. Among the first details to communicate were the minor ones.


    -Father, I''ll be out a bit later today due to extra basketball practice, - Billy said.


    -How much later? - Thomas asked.


    -Until 4:00 in the afternoon, - Billy replied.


    Thomas checked his wallet and took out three ten-dollar bills.


    -Take this for lunch. Have a good meal and catch a taxi home when you''re done, - Mr. Carson casually suggested.


    Since the business started flourishing, those 50 dollars turned into pocket money for the Carsons. Billy had $20 in his pockets, set aside to buy lunch that cost $4.99. Now, it seems he has $30 more.


    -That''s what I''ll do, Dad. Although I''ll be at the company. I need to finish detailing the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' comics, - Billy said.


    -I''ll tell Anne to give you a ride home, son, - Mr. Carson said.


    -Thanks, Dad! See you in the evening, - Billy exclaimed.


    He rushed to his first period of school, the 0th hour, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, and then from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.


    -As usual, he found the entire senior class. There were almost two groups of 20 people, all mixed. Senior-year trigonometry, nothing I like more, - Billy thought.


    Classes can be somewhat refreshing when you focus and shed the weight off your shoulders. It was a chance to refresh his knowledge. Among the subjects he struggled with were math, history, and natural sciences. The day breezed by, and lunchtime arrived quickly.


    He bought the generic lunch from the cafeteria and a Coca-Cola from the vending machine. Nowadays, the Coca-Cola Company is a massive business that sells all kinds of beverages, but in 15 years, it''s likely the company will have doubled its current size. He sipped to quench his thirst. California doesn''t experience chilly winters, but the heat tends to be relentless.


    -You should pay more attention to your surroundings, Billy. I reviewed your essay, and it''s fine. We''ll present it on Thursday, - Alice said, proudly wearing her cheerleader uniform today.


    -Great, see you on Thursday, - Billy replied.


    Taking a sip of his Coca-Cola.


    -Here''s the cold guy again, forgetting my presence, denying me the pleasure of a good conversation. I saw your dad''s car today. It''s nice. My brother asked for one for Christmas, but our parents denied him, - Alice said.


    -I don''t know the price of the car. I hope he got one that suits him. I''m going to buy something from the cafeteria. Do you want something to eat? - Billy asked.


    -I''m full, lunch was good. But... let''s go, - Alice replied.


    -Let��s go. �C said Billy.


    -Let''s get something to eat,- Alice charmed her way into standing up, her almost poetic charm now making sense as to why half of the school was obsessed with this blonde.


    -What''s up, boss? - Walter, the cook with connections to his cousins at T-box Burger, greeted them.


    -Alright, Walter, I''ll take two chicken sandwiches and two chocolate bars, - Billy said.


    -Ah, and a bottled water, - he added.


    -Sure thing, sir. It''s all set, but sir, do order the beef ones. They''re fresh, I made them myself this morning, - Walter whispered secretly, only heard by Billy and Alice.


    -Make it two beef ones then,- Billy amended.


    -Alright, sir, that''ll be $8.35, - Walter said with a smile, his clean, white teeth gleaming.


    -Keep the change, Walter, - Billy said, handing over a $10 bill.


    -I''m not allowed to take tips, young sir, but thank you, - Walter replied.


    -Fair enough,- Billy said, taking his change and handing a chocolate bar to Alice, who silently examined the exchange.


    -Thanks for the chocolate, although I doubt I can handle such a big bar, - Alice said.


    -Whatever, -Billy replied, digging into his food. He knew he''d have to hit the gym soon, although that would consume a lot of time he didn''t have right now. For the moment, school was enough.


    -You''re a jerk. See you in class, and try to say hi at least. It wouldn''t hurt to be more friendly with others, - Alice scolded, walking off briskly to someplace in the school.


    Walter was right; the sandwich was indeed fresh, the meat still juicy. The interactions between cousins and siblings were pretty much the same. The next classes of the day were geography and political science, long educational sessions about everything one should know about the United States, and global political concepts.


    On the other hand, physical education with the basketball team was a lengthy and exhausting session of physical exercises, followed by gym time. Should he use the school facilities more often?


    A 15-minute jog, some cardio activities, and ball handling were on the agenda. He didn''t participate actively in the scrimmage. Covering his physical education requirements by assisting with the volleyball, basketball, and dance clubs was the smartest way to graduate.


    "Our next friendly match is in a week. Make sure to bring a change of clothes. It''ll be at Central San Jose High School. You can all head home to rest," the basketball coach announced.


    Billy stayed behind to have his physical education completion form signed.


    "Give me a moment, young man. I don''t have anything to write with," the teacher replied to Billy''s request.


    "Don''t worry, teacher. I''ve got one right here," Billy said.


    "Ah, you spare me the trouble," the teacher responded. "See you next week."


    A long day, but the exercise cleared his mind. He felt renewed, with more energy. He now understood the small pleasures of life. He felt he had enough energy to finish the first five volumes of Neon Genesis Evangelion.


    Now he could create some intriguing subplots for Neon Genesis Evangelion. Spin-offs were a smart way to expand an IP.


    To sum up, Billy''s day at the art academy, explain some system details and showcase the new series that might hit the screens in winter.


    ...


    this is another chapter of this series, I have other stories in development that I write when this story doesn''t flow so much, I don''t know when I will publish them, but, they are being written.


    I hope everyone is well, happy beginning of the week. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 67. An administrator

    The second weekend in less than a month Billy had to make a spontaneous trip across California for some business matters. Fortunately, Richmond San Francisco was just an hour''s drive away. San Francisco is a beautiful city.


    Billy arrived at the Pixar offices, hoping to address the evident operational issues of the company. The need for a meeting, set up by the furious trio of Pixar, was a fact. All three of them were talented men. Billy, who was still 14 years old, was symbolically part of the board.


    There had been a constant back-and-forth with intense calls about how to refine the Toy Story storyline. In other words, they had outlined the general concepts for the Toy Story series. However, they had planned enough to expand the story a bit through spin-offs, all reworked for the "Lightyear" saga. John Lasseter''s talent is exceptional; he has a keen eye for details. The Buddy''s arc ended up exposing the plan to make at least three movies.


    This not only impressed John with the faith Billy had in Pixar, but it also touched the majority of the inner circle. It''s always a good thing when people hold you in such high esteem.


    The three most powerful men at Pixar, not counting Billy, traveled side by side as faithful companions. Each of them had exceptional skills that set them apart from others. Edwin Catmull was responsible for the company''s technological advancements; his computing abilities and technical team were among the best.


    Alvy Ray Smith was the glue that held them together. His animation work stemmed from a passion that very few in the company possessed. But it was his intuition for computing that helped Catmull with many things to integrate software with his work teams. John Lasseter was the artistic soul and one of the standout individuals. He had a sharp eye for talent and often took the lead in interacting with people due to his excellent public speaking skills.


    -Good morning, everyone. I arrived a bit late; traffic was chasing me all the way. The applicants have arrived,- Billy said.


    He appeared youthful in his three-piece suit and a white shirt with black lines along the collar and sleeves. The blonde look with brown eyes resembled his father, with a slightly tanned skin tone inherited from his mother.


    -The applicants have been waiting for half an hour, but of course, not every day can you earn a salary of $200,000 per year. Some good-looking young men in suits showed up, a few with interesting resumes, - John Lasseter mentioned.


    -That''s good to hear. Anne took care of everything she could, - Billy replied.


    -She did. She reached out to two agencies and posted a call all around San Jose and its surroundings, - Ed Catmull mentioned in his usual pragmatic manner of speaking.


    -I thought your father was coming too? - John asked.


    -He has a meeting nearby; he''ll come later, -Billy explained. He felt a bit tired; his father had only been able to drop him off at the entrance.


    Entering Pixar Studios, he saw a line of twelve people in their neat suits. Curiously, they all seemed to be in a meditative state, some pacing back and forth due to the lack of chairs. But they all shared one thing in common��an anxious expression.


    -The filter Anne started was quite effective. She requested five years of experience, a master''s in business, and an administrative focus with enough points, - Ed Catmull said again.


    -Enough to manage our company. Your agent is willing to help us secure some commercial contracts, - John added.


    -Yes, but we still need to resolve the administration issue, - Billy noted.


    Among all the participants, three stood out with resumes that exceeded Anne''s minimum requirements. There was also a last candidate who barely met the minimum criteria, but his friendly demeanor and satisfactory reasons for wanting to work at Pixar were appealing. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All of these candidates left a remarkable impression, whether it was due to the quality of their resumes, skills cultivated through their experience, or their industry relationships.


    -Putting aside all the candidates, the one that benefits us the most is this one. Randal McArthur, a business administrator from Stanford University. He has served as a marketing director for a restaurant chain for six years, managed an electronics store for five years, and worked as an executive assistant for an investment fund for 11 years. He holds two master''s degrees in economics and business administration, - Ed Catmull said.


    -I agree. In terms of work, he''s beyond qualified. His resume is acceptable and could alleviate our burden, - Ray Smith added.


    -What do you think, John? - Billy asked.


    -He''s fine. As long as he understands our interests. We want to make 3D movies. With Steve, we were a bit nervous about making mistakes. We know we need to make money through certain activities, but our primary goal is to make movies, - John replied.


    -Alright, forming a board of directors with five members is enough for us to carry out all the activities. Additionally, we can draft a document outlining the path we want to take for the company. We need a source of income until the movie is completed, and at the same time, we should refine job positions. There''s confusion about the roles of each worker and our future directions, -Billy suggested.


    -Alright, we''ve talked about the employees; we have a plan in place. We''ll present it to you later, along with our chosen administrator, - Ray Smith said.


    -Agreed. I''ll leave these decisions in your hands. For now, I have an idea that could generate some income for us in case of any financial problems, - Billy added.


    -Oh, what could help us generate income? - Ed Catmull asked with evident interest.


    -Well, the 3D software system is incredible. From there, I could use it to create a 3D computer game. Imagine, if a 3D movie is an innovative concept, what if we could recreate that three-dimensionality in video games? If it''s successful, it could sustain us until we release the movie, - Billy explained.


    -How much is the investment cost? I understand that games aren''t cheap, and creating one can be quite expensive, - Ed asked.


    -With our software system, it''s possible to create it with an investment of around $150,000. Returns would start after selling around 9,000 copies. However, with the comic company''s support and some marketing efforts, the game may be a success. I have connections in similar industries. If we work hard enough, attracting attention in the market won''t be a problem, -  Billy explained.


    -You''ll need a team of professionals! Game development involves a challenging blend of skills, - Ed said.


    -I already have a team selected. This game will revolutionize the industry. I just need some help with the game''s graphic design, - Billy replied.


    -Ah, I wish I had your enthusiasm for juggling so many projects. Beyond Pixar, my energy level hits rock bottom, - John Lasseter chimed in, displaying his inherent joviality.


    -Well, my enthusiasm grows as I dive into different fields. Besides, it''s my father who deals with the administrative aspects of the companies. I mainly contribute the creative content and ideas, - Billy said.


    -I can help you guys in my free time to create some game scenes. If it''s not too complex, I can provide you with a 3D blueprint along with its composition and music, - Ed Camult offered.


    -Are you serious? - Billy asked.


    -Absolutely. If it''s for the good of Pixar, I''m in. You''ve invested $20 million, between the purchase of Pixar and capital injection. I hope a bit of my help can provide us the financial security and fulfill our dream since 1983,-  Ed Camult said, his tone taking on a dreamy quality, a departure from his usual chief engineer demeanor. Not only did creative opportunities open up, but they also had gaming machines, a ping pong table, and improved working conditions.


    -Ah, yes, we''ve been working tirelessly on our movie creation, and we''re not letting this intriguing opportunity slip away. I''ll help with any characters you need, - John Lasseter chimed in.


    -With Pixar''s software and some minor assistance, the game will be ready by next year, - Billy confidently stated.


    -If that''s the case, let''s hope everything goes as planned, and you make a lot of money to invest in the company, - John replied.


    -Well, we''ll talk to Thomas about hiring our new CEO. Now we need the assistance of your agent, - Ray Smith said, breaking the uneasy silence in the room.


    A mysterious aura filled the boardroom, the very room where negotiations took place with Steve Jobs, who then negotiated with Roy Disney under certain conditions. This boardroom held the guiding points for Pixar''s future. There had been numerous negotiations in recent years, and now they were setting the course for Pixar''s future.


    -Did I hear correctly that several companies have approached us for television commercials? - Billy asked.


    -That''s right, a mouthwash company and a fast-food chain. But the offers are not acceptable, - Ed Camult explained.


    -How are the contract offers from these companies? - Billy inquired.


    -They''re reasonable offers. Your father is reviewing the contracts. Hopefully, nothing more than money-related disagreements will arise, - Ed said.


    -Is it not enough money? - Billy asked.


    -800,000 dollars for a 30-second Listerine commercial and 750,000 dollars for a 32-second fast-food commercial, - Ed explained.


    -What''s the problem? That seems like a lot of money, - Billy said.


    -We need another investment of at least 3 million dollars. We''ve managed to stabilize the situation, but we believe we need more research into creating motion in our 3D animations. We''ve been operating at a loss since the company''s inception, - Ed Camult revealed.


    John Lasseter shifted uncomfortably; money was always a problem.


    -I see. Can you wait until next year? - Billy felt one of the significant issues that Jobs faced: stabilizing a company that was burning through money during software development.


    -If we wait, we can continue our research on our own, but we don''t know how long that''ll last. Doing it on our own might take time, - Ed explained.


    -The combined payments add up to 1.5 million dollars. Isn''t that enough? - Billy asked.


    -Most of it gets absorbed in maintaining the company and continuing our efforts on the Toys movie. Jobs'' computer division was a great help, but that door is closed now, - Ed said.


    -Well, I''ll do my best. I have a few deals to close, The premiere of the ''Ghost Report'' series is coming up, and we''re expecting an uptick in comic sales. In two months, I can give you an answer regarding the potential injection of funds, once the humorous enthusiasm materializes, - Billy stated.


    Now he was facing some financial deficiencies, but everything was on track. Debt wasn''t a big concern at this time, but he still owed 7 million dollars. He also needed to invest some money in expanding his distribution presence in Canada with Dark Horse Comics. For now, he''d continue selling a lot of comics with the current business model, and he''d increase the number of series to four. However, he planned to gradually decrease the series before the comic bubble burst.


    ...


    ..


    .


    happy week, follow me on Patreon we are going for chapter 95

 68. The centenary ID software.

    Id Software is a company with a dream. They aim to create a 3D game in one year of work. With a bit of luck, they may find a group of young artists to design Wolfenstein and subsequently Doom. Both series could mark the dawn of 3D gaming in the 1990s. With the tacit support of Pixar and the dedicated creative minds, ID Software''s conceptual art can go beyond expectations. The plan is clear.


    Doom is a series created by passionate metal rock enthusiasts. It''s a combination of aliens, satanic cults, and guns. John Carmack, Adrian Carmack, and John Romero are the geniuses behind this creation, which focuses on achieving legendary gameplay.


    -Invest in Texas! Billy, I''m sure you''re not doing this for your grandfather''s sake. �C said, Thomas Carson.


    -Not at all, Dad. I want to invest some money in a video game company. You mentioned Texas properties recently. They are twice as cheap as here in San Jose. It''s good to broaden our horizons to a city you know well. �C said Billy.


    Moreover, there are talented computer experts there who''ve created a franchise that''s been thriving for over 30 years. All driven by their love for video games.


    The uncertain look his father gave still makes Billy somewhat uncomfortable.


    -Dad, I''ve got everything planned out. I''ve refined my business proposal a bit. We only need an investment of $300,000. Initially, we''ll acquire a property with good land, and form a group of four or three people. The Pixar geniuses have confirmed their support of the company''s software to create background compositions. �C said Billy.


    -Does Pixar''s computer team also want to assist you? �C questioned Thomas.


    -Yes, they do. They won''t help me extensively, but they have a desire to see the 3D film released. Creating a 3D game aligns with their parameters. With some luck, we can release a game created by our company in a year. The 3D creation is in line with our interests. �C murmured Billy.


    He''s doubtful about the potential replication, but with Pixar''s assistance in creating scenarios for their games, they''ll likely surpass or outpace ID Software years ahead and produce top-notch games.


    -To do that, we''ll need to invest much more money in software production by Pixar. �C said Thomas.


    -Well, the company is already undergoing some restructuring. Besides, Jobs wanted to let go of some employees in the scientific area due to a lack of progress. On the other hand, we can nurture them and provide opportunities in different fields. Video games are one of those fields. �C said Billy.


    -Billy, I''m glad you''re enthusiastic, but our numbers are nearly in the red. We''ve spent a lot. Pixar is asking for money, and we''ve just obtained it in a purchase that depleted all our savings. You took some risky bets and made money, but I would advise focusing on our franchises. Trying to cover everything isn''t necessarily good. �C said Thomas.


    -Dad, I only need three people to start the gaming company. The money will come, and if not, I can approach other animation companies to sell my talent. I talked to Jim Waitt about a potential collaboration for a "live-action with Saban Entertainment." He''ll handle the contacts, and manage the deals. I just have to keep drawing. �C said Billy.


    -The same commitment you made to paint a mural in the art store. Billy, we specifically bought the corner location so you could paint a mural. You missed your promise. They were waiting for you last Thursday. �C said Thomas.


    Billy could feel his cheeks flush. He completely forgot about painting the mural.


    -Tomorrow, Dad... For now, think about it. We invest in a gaming company. I''ve heard there''s a Softdisk and Game-Game company nearby. They have great programmers. We could poach some good programmers from them. �C said Billy.


    -How feasible is that? Very few people would leave their jobs for a fledgling company. �C said Thomas.


    -Dad, I have an idea. But, of course, it requires some help. You do have connections at the Texas Federal newspaper. �C said Billy.


    Thomas sighed again at his son''s persistence. But he''s encouraged. The numbers are in the red, but he''s proud that Billy is acting like a true businessman. He hopes this endeavor will diminish his son''s love for acting and guide him toward business.


    -I have a friend, many friends in San Antonio. You, more than anyone, know that''s where I grew up, where your grandparents live. But you''re proposing we invest in Dallas. �C said Thomas.


    -It''s because of the Softdisk company, they have the talents we need. �C said Billy, slightly frustrated that his father doesn''t understand. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Very well, let''s do it in Dallas. What kind of companies are you planning to establish? �C said Thomas.


    -Perfect. It''s a computer first-person shooter game company with 3D graphics. But we can expand and sell it on different platforms. �C said Billy. �C Initially, the most important thing is a talented team. So, I want to put out a talent call. Father, I want the best programmers who can achieve what my expectations require. �C


    -Why in Dallas? �C asked his father.


    -Because of your connections, Dad. You went to a very good school. You have acquaintances in the Senate, in the press, and even friends in the police force. �C said Billy.


    -I see, but that doesn''t help much. �C said Thomas.


    -Father, not now, but later on it will. Also, California has never been to your liking since Mom left. �C said Billy.


    -Billy, my home is in San Jose. Texas has some places I miss, but my life is different. Everyone lives as they need to. �C said Thomas, somewhat moved by his son''s idea.


    -I know that, but it''s also my desire. �C said Billy.


    -Very well, I have several friends who can help us. Let''s establish the next company. What do you plan to call it? -


    -ID Software. - said Billy.


    Now, he can only let destiny take its course. What are the good chances of encountering these geniuses? Will they join his newly created company, or will they start their own? Talent search, that''s something not easy.


    -I''ll talk to my friends and even more with your grandfather. I left Texas at eighteen, but your grandfather has some good friends who can help him. He''s usually more sociable than my brother and I were. - said Thomas.


    ...

 69. It all begins.

    The month of August passed almost as quickly as September, with multiple events driven by business dealings. The Yuyu Hakusho trailer, along with Johnny Bravo, has piqued curiosity in American culture. Several other readers familiar with Phantom Report are ecstatic to see the comic they''ve been following for almost two years come to television.


    Even though proportional sales have increased by 30%, Mr. Cloud has been explicit that sales for all companies have risen significantly, and the sales of giant companies have started to expand.


    Cartoon Network officially premiered on October 10, 1990, a Friday when the channel began broadcasting. It was a historic event for some, who view its future trajectory with warm memories of these children''s channels.


    Today, Sunday at 6:00 PM, the first episode of Phantom Report was premiering. Unfortunately, at this time, the ways of measuring viewership are different in future eras, like tallying up the number of viewers during peak television hours. But it can''t be measured in detail.


    The channel had everything already seen in the premiere, with Johnny Bravo airing every day in regular programming. The Hanna-Barbera studio only managed to produce 15 episodes in collaboration, they would go on to produce another 15, and another 15 episodes after that. Until the 79 episodes proposed by Billy are completed.


    Now, there''s only a waiting period left. It''s disappointing that all the anticipation still has to be postponed for a while. The months of major purchases like November and December are the acid test. That will decide if Warner is willing to keep buying Billy''s drawings. The close relationship is composed of success and the benefit that can be gained.


    -The release date for Terminator was set for December 2, 1990, - Jim Waitt said over the phone.


    -Surprising, I was expecting a release for next year, - Billy replied.


    -James is sending an invitation for you to attend the movie premiere. He hopes you can be part of the premiere event; this might give you some visibility. There are a few movies you can participate in; they''re looking for actors to make small cameos, - Jim said.


    The relationship between Billy and Jim intensified after Jim learned about Billy''s ownership of Pixar and his assistance in securing some additional commercials, including three more at a good price for various brands. They even managed to produce a short commercial with LEGO. Jim''s connections were no joke; the order of one and a half million dollars was quite beneficial for the company.


    -It would be great to participate, though I don''t have much knowledge about premiere participation. I''m not quite sure about walking the red carpet or talking to those famous directors, - Billy said. Everything usually turns out different from his abstract imagination of how events and things are.


    -Don''t worry, that''s just for the stars. You can sneak in from behind. Exhibitionism is for some people; many producers are uncomfortable being in the camera spotlight and skip that part," Jim Waitt assured.


    -I''ll go. It would be interesting to see some of the behind-the-scenes activities at these famous movies, - Billy said.


    -Very well. On another note, I hope you continue attending your classes. Next year, you''ll be finishing school, and it would be good for you to start making some small cameos in a few films, - Jim suggested.


    Starting early in Hollywood is good as long as the opportunities that arise are promising. The market for kids and teenagers is much more competitive due to the challenge of finding young actors with strong acting skills.


    -Agree, once I finish school, I''ll have some time for various activities. It wouldn''t hurt to take on some roles that can help improve my acting skills, - Billy said.


    He doesn''t know many movies in which he can participate over the next three years, but there must be some hidden gems. During this era, it''s not essential to be a full-fledged star. Having a few good roles and representations as a budding actor is equally important.


    -No rush, I''ve had a great year. I''ve progressed as an agent, and all my clients have gained recognition. Once you enter the industry as an agent, I''ll give you a good deal. If you have the talent, participating as a supporting actor is straightforward, - Jim Waitt said.


    He was proud, somewhat arrogant due to the achievements he attained this year. His relationship with James Cameron has improved. He signed Dolph Lundgren as the new Terminator for James Cameron''s series, secured Michael Orvitz, and handed over David Fincher after his outstanding work this year. Then there''s Billy Carson and the stunning British actress Juliette Binoche, who fate somehow led into his hands.


    Currently, James Cameron and Juliette Binoche are his top clients, while David Fincher and Billy Carson are his diamonds in the rough. sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    David Fincher has an unusual relationship with George Lucas, and they don''t know each other very well. Whether he''s part of the Jewish clique is uncertain, but he does have some connections as he''s worked on multiple projects with these famous figures since 1983. Not just anyone has so much support to advocate for multiple films, even those with special effects.


    -Well, we''ll keep progressing together. Pixar is going to need your support to secure some deals for a while longer, - Billy said.


    -Understood. Once they unleash their 3D animated movies, they''ll jump into the commercial arena, - Jim said.


    -Of course. Later on, I''ll ask for your help in hiring good actors to participate in the movie. We need strong voices, - Billy said.


    -Wonderful! CAA is thrilled to be a part of this project. I''ll have to let you go now. Call me if you need anything. I''ll be negotiating with James about the Terminator premiere on December 2. I''ll reach out in a few weeks about your participation here in Los Angeles for the premiere, - Jim Waitt said.


    Very well, sir. In a few weeks, I''ll call if I need your assistance," Billy said, hanging up the phone.


    A sense of anticipation welled up. David Fincher, James Cameron? Acknowledged by Michael Ovitz. What could have caused Jim Waitt to be lost in his old life?


    Neon Genesis premiered last week, and the glowing reviews from Mike Richardson overwhelmed the writing of the grand debut. For now, he hoped that the series would maintain the expected sales range. This epic series of angels and demons, as well as mechas, contains a dramatic and dark backdrop.


    It proposes an almost dystopian future, where the salvation of humanity is linked to a young person who serves as a pilot for a multimillion-dollar project. The title of the Earth''s sole savior is displayed on a white background, resting on a young individual who becomes entangled in this adventure.


    -Status-


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 28.12


    Literature: 25.03


    Acting: 24.48


    Points: 00


    [Art Supplies Store


    Purchased:


    - Samurai Jack: 15 points.


    - Hellboy: 22 points. 1993


    - Slam Dunk: 30 points. 1990


    - Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points. 1992


    - Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points. 1994


    - Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers: 25 points.


    - Pinky and the Brain: 15 points. 1992


    - Animatics: 1992. 15 points.


    - Johnny Bravo: 15 points. 1994


    - Rurouni Kenshin: 25 points. 1994


    - Evangelion: 20 points. 1994


    - Doom: 15 points. 1993


    - The Lion King: 30 points. 1991


    - Hercules: 15 points. 1997


    - Shaman King: 1997. 20 points.


    - The Iron Giant: 15 points.


    - Power Rangers: 1992. 20 points.


    He has nearly fully published the series of Hellboy, Pinky and the Brain (Animatics), Samurai Jack, The Lion King, Hercules, and Doom.


    Unlike its movie counterpart, Hercules has a much longer cycle. If possible, he wants to create a trilogy based on the myth of Hercules, bringing Disney''s modern update of the original tale. Greek mythology offers a wealth of material to explore, not just limited to the Twelve Labors, but also numerous other adventures found within the Greek myths.


    Evangelion, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Slam Dunk are his longer series, each having around 100 to 300 publications due to their expansive worlds and chapters.


    __________________________________________________________________________________


    Cartoon Network was launched on October 1, 1992. The original series wasn''t produced until much later, and most of the early shows were created in collaboration with Saban Entertainment, which had a stronger creative influence than Cartoon Network. As a result, the first major original cartoon, Dexter''s Laboratory, premiered in 1996.

 70. that which Doom wants to represent.

    Now things are at a vital point as we await the month of December. The pace of both comic companies and burger joints shows steady sales during these months, but December reveals a lot about Billy. Currently, the only inconveniences for Billy are school, acting courses, and dance academy.


    Well, one of those problems.


    Billy picked up his phone, adjusting his posture on the couch amid some drawings in his house. The new comic of Doom started with a futuristic structure, but now it''s shifting towards a much bloodier and primitive storyline. The first comic introduces the general outline of a soldier fighting on Mars.


    The second story takes different approaches. The first part serves as a lengthy prologue, depicting what Doom represents.


    The overarching story of Doom is as follows:


    --


    Billy dialed the phone again... he''s been facing certain issues with Claudia. Their conversations are getting shorter, and she keeps ignoring him. There are times when she doesn''t even answer his calls. What could be happening? He hasn''t done anything wrong. He has taken a few days but he''s always there to call her. �C Billy thought. �C The solitude caused by Claudia''s attitude has started to raise doubts in Billy.


    The phone''s dialer started ringing once more.


    -Lichi, - the voice answered.


    -Mrs. Branovich, it''s a pleasure, - Billy said.


    -Ah, Billy, Claudia isn''t here. She went out with some friends to take photos. I don''t know when she''ll be back,-  Livy said.


    -Ah, I apologize for bothering you. I''m not very familiar with Claudia''s schedule, but you can call anytime you want - Mrs. Branovich said.


    -Mrs. Branovich, could you please tell her that I need to talk to her? She''s been really busy, and we haven''t talked much these past few weeks -  Billy said.


    -I''ll give her the message - she responded.


    Billy went silent, and a small, awkward pause settled in the call.


    -Thank you - he whispered.


    Billy hung up the call, and Mrs. Branovich continued with her day. The cold winter seasons were beginning, and Claudia insisted on carrying on with her long day of travel across Switzerland.


    She maintained her work pace, and the Doom story for December continued.


    ---------


    These images are embedded by sketching large, detailed blueprints from various angles. Drawing serves as a way to concretely capture the imagination. All the plans used for Doom follow a recipe of strong realism, drawing as close to reality as possible. The drawing process is lengthy, intricate, exhausting, and somewhat unbearable.


    The pleasure of crafting spectacular blueprints is hindered by the complex nature of errors in the drawings. The technology of this era differs, and the tangible impression of a picture differs from capturing a photo and printing digitally. Among the distinctive details is fine-tuning minor elements using various pigments and shades. The printing process itself is more expensive than many other comics.


    Billy continued drawing the vast spaceship and its different sections. He merged some watercolor designs for the demons, adding dark accents.


    He kept drawing well into the night until his father arrived, exhaustion evident on his face. He carried some Chinese takeout on his back, embodying the situation of two workers dedicating nearly 12 hours a day to work, consuming home-cooked and non-existent meals. Chinese food, pizza, lunches, dinners, and sandwiches had become the common denominator of their father-son relationship.


    -At least the new food joint offers menus with more meat, - Thomas said.


    -I liked the sauce from the previous restaurant better, - Billy commented, attacking the chicken with peppers.


    -Do you want more lemonade? - Thomas asked.


    -Please, a bit more lemonade. Dad, do you know what the issue is with the Branovich women? - Billy asked.


    Thomas seemed slightly surprised by the question.


    "Did something important happen?" he inquired.


    -Nothing significant, it''s just that Claudia has been ignoring my calls and acting evasive. I can''t figure her out, - Billy explained.


    Mr. Carson adjusted his clothes and loosened his tie a bit.


    -I don''t understand women, son. Perhaps she''s sad about the distance. She''s in a new country with a new language, a new school, and even new friends, - Thomas said.


    -I get that, but it''s so frustrating, - Billy replied.


    -I know! Just do your best. I''ll call her mother and maybe she''ll tell me what''s going on with Claudia. Hang in there, son, -Thomas encouraged.


    -Thanks, Dad. I think I''ll watch a movie before bed, - Billy said, finishing his plate of Chinese rice.


    -Don''t stay up too late; you have school tomorrow, - Thomas reminded him.


    Billy turned around and gave a nod. Spirits were quite low.


    ...


    Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 71. Metroidvaina.

    The scoop on the Samurai Jack video game as a "Metroidvania" �C a term coined by Billy that resonates with gamer culture �C landed in Capcom''s hands through the notes he provided. This project bears similarities to Megaman, headed by these very creators. Billy has been immersed in his numerous designs, crafting everything from the new double jump mechanics to powerful combos reminiscent of Street Fighter, all integrated into a game that slots right into the Metroidvania genre.


    The various developmental avenues for the game manifest as visible and sentient forms within the gaming industry. Many of these pathways adhere to a distinctive design of a man who clings to what he knows, what he creates, and what he experiences. The challenge with imagination is that sometimes, an exceptional creation can become a fixed target that''s tough to detach from. It''s a rigid, enclosed state that sometimes obstructs new avenues. Only a dose of brilliance, study, assistance, or learning can alter the course.


    Faced with this novel idea, it merely suited the American division''s interests to undertake the project, considering the potential failure from headquarters. The austerity for this game is nearly as profound as the American investment in Japan; between Asia and the West, there isn''t much love at play, and it''s only business that can motivate them to act appropriately.


    Takashi Nishiyama, the creator of Street Fighter, took the time to try out the Samurai Jack game. With a passion for video games, they''ve crafted a brief script outlining the odds of the game''s success.


    The classic design focused on a basic 2D screen. Samurai Jack''s profile isn''t overly complex to bring to life. A straightforward shot was taken, focusing on the background landscape created through different frames and photographs painted by Billy himself. With someone designing the superior structure, there''s no need to program a background field.


    -All this organization, Mr. Takashi, - said Brian Banks, a young full-time programmer at the company. Currently, he''s aligning the game controls for a Nintendo, a Sega, and another console.


    -Any news from Suo? - Takashi inquired, getting ready to test the game controls.


    -For now, Mr. Nagatomo is in the second stage of the game, and this is expected to be the most challenging part of the entire program, - Clara, the administrative assistant, said. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -A man I can trust. Has the programming team requested anything else? - Takashi asked, pleased with the company''s good work.


    There are three checkpoints in game development: the first when starting the game, the second when the test cut is made if the game gets the company''s approval to proceed, and the last when the finished game is delivered.


    -They haven''t directly requested anything that requires your approval. We''re working closely with Billy Carson; he''s constantly sending designs for everything we need, -  Clara replied.


    Brian Banks continued programming the computer with great enthusiasm; he has learned a lot about programming and has gradually become a gamer himself.


    -Indeed, indeed, - Takashi said.


    The game featured an unforgettable early ''90s retro style driven by a fierce samurai story. The previous images of Samurai Jack, the characteristic red and black locations, formulated stunning details under the light. Akuu was visible alongside Jack, with glimpses of various civilizations.


    The map resembled a massive forest, with three layers: the subterranean filled with roots, the cave near the waterfall, and the treetop area. It takes nearly two hours to complete the first stage of the game. An intricate maze was designed for players, with different decisions needed to navigate it. However, creating such a large map isn''t feasible at these times.


    -There are some quick-loading errors, among them I see that there are noninterlaced frames in some shots. Let''s fine-tune these frames with better skill, - Takashi advised.


    -Yes, sir, - said Brian, noting down every detail in the sequence for the team. He tested the games on different screens, various consoles, and static machines.


    -We need a few more villains, more movement patterns, perhaps some airborne ones, or different trajectory options, -Takashi said aloud, narrating the ideas he was considering.


    -According to the plan, we have an established difficulty method, and this first maze is simpler to adapt to the controls. The ultimate goal is to unify all mazes into one. As bosses are defeated, they''ll release Akkuu''s power, doubling the strength of villains in the area, - Brian Banks explained, referencing the report provided by Suo that followed Billy''s game guide transparently.


    -Take note of that. We''ll test it after the first boss, - Takashi suggested.


    The game has clear and visible strokes. The attempt was made to create an organized map, featuring different loading points and open zones with dungeons containing smaller major bosses. Jack''s sword can also be upgraded with different metals mined throughout the game, adhering to the collectivist aspect that metroidvanias should have.


    -Let''s wrap it up here. I''ve seen all I needed to, - Takashi said.


    -It''s a good game, though I don''t find it exciting just yet. We''ll see that later, - Takashi remarked.


    He proceeded to send a few messages; business never sleeps. He should inquire about the difficulty of implementing the game in a coin-operated machine for arcades. However, the difficulty level would have to differ. The game spans hours, and very few can master its gameplay.


    A password method was proposed, but it''s still under consideration. After all, the players are 10-year-olds, and remembering a password can be quite cumbersome even for adults.


    __________________________________________________________________________________


    1. Initially, the grand Atari was launched, but it eventually faced bankruptcy due to various market and financial issues. The significant competition came from the NES, Nintendo Entertainment System. On the other side was the Sega Mega Drive, the NEC Turbografx-16 console, the Sega Game Gear, a second-generation console, and the Neo Geo.


    All of these consoles ultimately lost out to the technological advancements of the Nintendo 64 and the first-generation PlayStation, both released within a year, between 1994 and 1996.


    2.  "Metroidvania" is a fusion of two iconic video game      franchise names: "Metroid" and "Castlevania." This genre term is used to describe games that follow a path of distinctive design and common gameplay mechanics.


    ..


    ..

 72. Comics and toys.

    Saturday morning began for Billy by waking up early, as he had acting classes scheduled after lunch. Before that, he had a theater company workshop on classical improvisation and a painting to finish.


    Billy took a refreshing cold shower and prepared to head home to work on a mural for the toy store. His creative ideas tended to lean towards the extravagantly unique. Saturdays were one of the busiest days at the mall, with families, young people, couples, and children heading out to watch a movie, enjoy a delicious meal at a recommended restaurant, or visit the mall.


    The early morning was illuminated by a clear blue sky, and the cold was palpable, an unusual occurrence in California. He hopped on the bus to the cinema. After all, the toy store was right across from the cinema. Buying the storefront had been costly, and the repair expenses added up to a substantial sum. However, for now, property taxes are more economical than paying regular rent.


    He spotted the large store in the distance. A second floor might be a possibility in the future, but for now, one floor is more than enough. The large canvas mural was destined to become one of his artworks. What better way to give it a unique look? He bought spray paint cans, various tempera, brushes, and paintbrushes.


    He arrived almost at the same time as Mr. Murphy. In a surprise encounter, they greeted each other.


    -How''s everything going, Mr. Murphy? - Billy asked hesitantly, not knowing the man''s full name.


    -You''re the boss''s son, the little sir, - the man said amiably, sporting round glasses that only an older person would wear.


    -You can call me Billy, - he replied.


    -A pleasure, Billy. You can call me Rallan Murphy, or just Murphy. My little daughter calls me Mary, but that''s just for her, - Mr. Murphy explained calmly and slowly, leaving an impression that very few people had managed to create.


    -Well, I''m going to start working on the mural, - Billy said.


    -All the materials are in the storage room. Come, I''ll help you bring them to the back, - Mr. Murphy offered.


    For the artwork, Billy began with some sketches on the blank, untouched wall. He marked off long lines with short ones, and an image stuck in his mind: Sakuragi slamming the ball into the hoop. It''s one of his favorite drawings. He planned to create a different kind of sharpness, exposing an abstract type with scattered designs.


    He drew a basketball player against a hazy backdrop, a fierce mix of tempera and graffiti that resulted in an impressive outcome. The player executed a powerful slam dunk, a ball in his hand, all blurred in a black circle. This image worked well. In the remaining space on the wall, he decided to add an image of Yuyu Hakusho.


    However, in the end, he opted to extend the Slam Dunk logo, placing the Nike brand beside it. Other characters were slightly faded in black and white, offering a good contrast with the image he intended to create. Unfortunately, he ran out of wall space for further improvisation. He finished by filling the remaining areas with orange, red, and black. In the lower corner, he added the name "NBA" in small, clear, geometric, and symmetric details.


    The entire image looked like an impressionist canvas of Slam Dunk, with comic images in black and white and a few detailed touches. It was almost like a dynamic page cut at the corners. He began sealing the wall with a special transparent resin to prevent damage, applying two well-placed layers.


    -It''s fantastic, -Murphy said with amazement.


    -Well, I worked all morning to achieve something resembling a large painting, - Billy responded.


    -Well, this has gone much further than I imagined. It''s truly a great painting. I had no idea things could be done this way. I thought it would be simpler. I''m speechless, young Carson, - Rallan continued.


    Rallan Murphy''s story is one of many struggles. He has navigated a challenging path as an African-American man, born fifty years ago. Everything he''s achieved has been through hard work, as he had little money for education. His determination to provide a better life for his four children has led him through many difficulties. By chance, working as an assistant in a supermarket, he met a fellow countryman who taught him crucial lessons about store management and achieving promotions. He pursued a math course in college, and his hands-on experience as a store manager has led to significant advancements.


    He never asked for vacations, he never rested in the battle between giving up and persisting. But...


    A great opportunity arrived, a high position in a toy store. The job from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM is long, but the pay is very good. With that pay, his eldest son can go to college. He has been working happily, even his direct boss recommended some books to perform better. He can only thank God for giving him this opportunity, even though the job is nearly a 2-hour bus ride away or 1.5 hours by car. It''s everything he could ask for. He wants to be with good people.


    -Thank you, Mr. Murphy. But I have to go, I have a theater class to attend. Let Anne know that the corporate gift for employees'' children is our company''s comics, the main franchise omnibus. If your son likes them, he can ask for more. You''re entitled to a copy, - Billy said.


    -Of course, son. I''ll call Miss Anne and I''ll also mention that the mural is almost finished. Is there anything else? - Mr. Murphy asked.


    -No, Mr. Murphy, that''s all. Maybe I''ll come to visit the store someday, - Billy replied, nodding. His white shirt had a bit of paint, but luckily his pants were in perfect condition.


    -Oh, and before I go, would you like something for lunch? I''m going to Burger King, - Billy asked.


    -I have a bit of work, son, but next time I''ll ask my wife to prepare something for the both of us. Oh, you should know she''s one of the best cooks around. You''ll love it, - Mr. Murphy said.


    -That sounds great. Goodbye, Mr. Murphy, - Billy said.


    Leaving the store with renewed energy, painting is something he finds astonishing.


    He crossed the street to grab a bite at the Burger King across the way, and there he found the cheerleading squad from his school. More coincidences, one after another. Alice, Abby, Selene, and Jessica. For a group of teenagers, it''s difficult to hold onto things. Even for him, with years of experience, it''s unsustainable to go on for more than a few days. Alice raised her hand, signaling for him to come over.


    -We saw you painting the mural across the street. We walked past you, but you ignored us. You were focused. I even stopped for a bit just to watch you,- Alice said.


    For the past two months, Billy had been interacting with the cheerleading squad, spending a lot of his time with the group of girls. Almost all of his classes were intertwined with some of the girls from the circle. It could be said that the queens of the group were Alice and Jessica.


    -Sorry, I was concentrating, - Billy replied.


    -Sit down here. Jessica and Abby just arrived. We''re going to grab a bite and then check out the clothing stores around the corner, - Selene said.


    -Sure, let me order something. What would you like? - Billy asked.


    -Get four smoothies. We didn''t have enough money for them. I''ll have the traditional one, - Alice said.


    "The blueberry one for me wouldn''t be bad, - Abby chimed in as she munched on her fries.


    -Traditional for me, - Jessica replied.


    -Lemon for me, Billy, - Selene added, causing all four girls to laugh.


    Teenagers and their craziness.


    Billy ordered two Whopper burgers, upsized fries, onion rings, two cheeseburgers with bacon, and four smoothies.


    -Alright, ladies, here you go, four smoothies just as you ordered, - Billy said as he sat down.


    -My knight! - Selene exclaimed.


    -It''s the Carson charm that Claudia fell for, - Alice added.


    The girls burst into laughter once again.


    -This is the first time we''ve seen you here. We usually hang out, watch a movie, go shopping, or chill in the food court across the street. Claudia used to join us too, - Selene said, moving a bit closer to Billy.


    -Ah, I was working on the mural. My dad''s opening a toy store in a few days. And well, I suggested to my dad that I paint the toy store. Who better than you when you need things done right, - Billy explained.


    -I see. Your dad bought a toy store, - Alice commented.


    -How did you know? - Billy exclaimed, surprised.


    -Well, it''s not a secret that your dad is into business, - Alice replied.


    -I wouldn''t put it in those terms, - Billy retorted.


    -Oh, but you are! Don''t try to deny it. I''ve got some information on you, mister, - Alice teased.


    -Someone''s been keeping an eye on me. Alice, stop stalking me. I don''t want trouble with the school crowd, - Billy said.


    -We know about it because Claudia promoted her boyfriend''s new burger joint. We tried them over the summer, they''re delicious, - Alice said.


    -Guilty, miss, - Billy replied, realizing he had forgotten that little detail.


    -That''s better, - Alice said with a smile.


    -So, they say you''re on the basketball team, - Selene asked, changing the subject.


    -Not at all, I''m just doing the practice sessions to fulfill my physical education credits, - Billy explained.


    -I think you''re done, - Alice added.


    -True, I''ve got to go, girls, - Billy said.


    The girls had ordered some fries and a small burger for themselves. Nothing too big compared to the supersized combos that Billy was chowing down on.


    -Have you done the chemistry homework? - Selene asked Alice.


    -Not at all, I hope Francis can help me. I''ll call him tomorrow, I''m sure he''ll end up doing the whole assignment himself, - Alice said, laughing as she sipped her milkshake.


    -Can I come tomorrow? - Jessica chimed in.


    -Sure, everyone''s welcome. Francis is a total sweetheart, - Alice said.


    Billy felt a bit out of place. Francis was indeed a great guy, always willing to help everyone.


    -Do you want us to share the assignment with you too? - Selene asked Billy. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Ah, I already did it, but thanks anyway, - Billy replied.


    -I''m telling you, Selene, Mr. Carson here is a busy man. He''s only having lunch with us by chance, - Abby said, revealing that she was one of Claudia''s closest friends and knew about Billy''s schedules on the surface.


    Billy chuckled at Abby''s comment. It seemed like his connection to Claudia was more widespread than he initially thought.


    ...


    ..


    .


    here is the next chapter, in my Patreon I have the story up to chapter 101, I hope you enjoy it and have a happy week.

 73. Between eyes.

    October 21, 1990.


    In the dimly lit hallways of Disney''s headquarters, Michael Eisner can be seen walking hurriedly. While the company known for its iconic mouse emblem might appear to be a realm of innocent childlike wonder to the public, its lively ambiance can deceive many. This board meeting carries strong political undertones and serves as a stage for strategic public relations maneuvers among executive figures, prominent company members, and the shareholder board.


    The company is under the guidance of Frank Wells, one of the most seasoned individuals in the industry since the early 1990s. One of his notable strengths is his adeptness at acquiring and merging companies without burdening the company with excessive liabilities. Constructing a corporate empire requires adept individuals capable of navigating through a complex bureaucracy.


    In the realm of impending decisions, a CEO''s signature is all that''s required to purchase anything valued up to $50 million. However, all purchases exceeding this amount equate to 1% of Disney''s total value as a studio.


    The beloved Roy Disney, who is on the verge of succumbing to the pressures of the business world that he''s unfamiliar with, and his overconfidence in established norms, may have committed one of the gravest mistakes an entrepreneur can make: resting on his laurels. When one finds themselves in a small pool of sharks, such as the corporate world, Mr. Frank Wells emerges as a patient and generous man who has skillfully tamed the ambitions of the governing board. His business acumen has gradually enabled him to build his empire, reinvigorating Disney''s animation sector, expanding its theme parks, and diversifying its entertainment portfolio through movies and television channels.


    On the other hand, Michael Eisner is the cold blade that gleams in the darkness. Contrary to the rumors surrounding him, he is not an irrational or irate man. He tends to communicate in a very direct, cordial, and friendly manner. However, it''s in his retaliations that people lose sight of his humanity. Surprisingly, for those on the receiving end of his ire, it''s best to liken him to a machine. If one is seeking someone capable of strategically conquering the selective market through the acquisition of various companies, then Eisner is the suitable candidate.


    In this era, such vengeful behavior is not recognized, and now he is seen as a decent guy, someone who can bring miracles. He arrived during a dark period and in that time, he untangled deep pitfalls and initiated the era of company acquisitions. One of his first major moves was the merger with the Jim Henson Company, the very creator of "The Muppet Show." Unfortunately, this merger was quashed due to the founder Jim Henson''s passing, but that was a circumstance beyond his control. His next acquisition was Miramax Films, a distribution company, which fell into the hands of Michael Eisner.


    Encouraged by Roy E. Disney, he reached out to Ray Watson, a friend of his, and convinced him of the impact Pixar could have on Disney. Similarly, he consulted Jeffrey Katzenberg, who was in charge of the animation studios. Katzenberg was an optimistic animator who saw potential in 3D animation with its imaginative designs. However, the topic was met with skepticism by the executives, and they viewed the future with caution. Nevertheless, Katzenberg had some connection with John Lasseter before he was fired, which still stings to think about.


    The board''s resentment cannot deny the valid ideas that Disney can generate. Proposals to acquire new companies are discussed daily, but actual purchases only materialize when the top executives give the go-ahead. Last year''s financial gains were more than enough to invest in several companies.


    Pixar has triggered resentment, especially after being rejected by Steve Jobs and acquired by Lux Animation. The name alone sends a clear message: they want to challenge Disney in the realm of animated designs. This small company can now be considered a thorn in Disney''s side.


    Ideas to counter this are being mulled over. They''re contemplating a forceful acquisition attempt. The "friend of a friend" could become the enemy. They held discussions with Warner, one of the major contributors to the comic book industry''s excessive growth. They''re considering a joint future purchase of a comic book company. Disney would start with a gradual, short offer. If any missteps occur, they would quickly manipulate the press to tarnish its reputation. Later on, Warner would enter the fray and attack its share of the pie.


    Warner desires Lux Comics, while Disney wants Lux Animation, which includes Pixar. The negotiation presents two challenges. Firstly, this is a privately held corporation driven solely by private capital. Secondly, they''re in the dark about certain financial balances. Multiple interactions with the IRS and some accounting maneuvers are underway due to the company''s excessive growth, raising some doubts. There''s also a desire to exert significant tax-related pressure.


    -We''ve got almost everything in place, Frank. We''re just waiting for any missteps. Warner doesn''t give much credit to the company led by a youngster. They''ll support us as long as we don''t bid for the comic book company, - said Phil Lader, Disney''s Executive Vice President and General Counsel.


    -What''s your take, Michael? How should we proceed? -  asked Frank.


    -As a family-owned company, the father and son are the sole bosses. Only immense pressure can change the father''s mind to allow the purchase. If we play our cards right, according to economic analysis, the company will face a financial downturn in about four years. The disproportionate growth of the business is unsustainable. It will need investment sooner or later, - stated Michael Eisner.


    -We could target their business. What''s our significance in San Jose? We can attack their comic book sales businesses, - suggested Ray Watson.


    -They have a four-year contract that expires in 1992, - Phil chimed in. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Dark Horse Comics won''t budge easily, but we can stir up Mike Richardson. He''s an enthusiast. If we close the doors for Lux Comics'' distribution, it''ll be a big blow, - Eisner proposed.


    -Let''s do it, -- Frank Wells agreed.  -- Phil, what do you think? You know the company''s details. -


    -I can try to sway Mike Richardson, but it will come at a cost. He''ll want something of similar value. His collaboration with Lux Comics is beneficial. Only something of equivalent worth could make him dissolve the contract. However, we might have to give up a sizable portion, - shared Phil Lader, Executive Vice President and General Counsel.


    -Do whatever it takes. I want the comic company to be without a distributor within a year, as far as our concerns go, - stated Michael Eisner.


    -The luxury of Hollywood can indeed be dangerous. We have some other ideas, - added Frank Wells.


    -Well, Warner wants to maintain a good relationship with us. They''ve informed us that they''ll suffocate payments, nullify the contract with legal loopholes, and so on until the relationship becomes unsustainable. If they don''t make much money, sooner or later comic book sales will decline or they''ll make a mistake. We''re not in the ''50s anymore; that business is already lost, - shared Ray Watson.


    Phil Lader and Ray Watson are like grass snakes often utilized by the big Hollywood gorillas for their benefits. These men are a research, management, and advisory team. They keep an eye on new news, businesses, or the coming tomorrow.


    They identify potential threats that could cause disruptions or future gains. Emerging companies are treated with harassment, rejection, and lack of benefits. Attacking these firms that could fragment the company''s interests is something that occasionally happens in Hollywood. As advisors, they possess extensive knowledge and influential contacts both within and outside the industry.


    -Alright, let''s move on to the next point of this meeting. Disneyland Paris has experienced some protests from the French, - said Michael Eisner.


    The meeting continued for quite some time. Billy had no idea that his upcoming years in business would start to dwindle, as he was unknowingly competing against the active sabotage of two giants that were waiting to acquire his company piece by piece.


    ...


    .


    I''m already finishing the first arc of the novel, which is more or less up to 112. I have some interesting sketches. the next phase is the actor''s life.

 74. marvel

    Ronald Owen Perelman is an investor, entrepreneur, owner, philanthropist, and engaged in multiple activities. As the son of an already successful businessman, his father Raymond Perelman serves as the most prominent example he can follow.


    Through his company MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, he acquired Marvel or Marvel Entertainment Group. With this purchase, he gained control over all the characters that Marvel has developed over countless years. These characters will now be utilized by Ronald Perelman to generate revenue most effectively.


    Since the company changed hands to a steadfast capitalist who understands the sales arena and personal interest, comic book sales have doubled their previous margin in the 1980s. When a company can sell a lot, it can start working just enough to achieve a point of equilibrium where supply and sales meet. Marvel has been printing comics non-stop since the capital infusion.


    The atmosphere of joy and the sense of security has caught on with all the members of the company, just like many other companies that have been swept up by the Perelman effect.


    The second aspect is to create unique editions for avid collectors. On another front, there''s the expansion of the toy sector, alliances with other brands, and the company''s overall expansion. In less than a year, they''ve sold 9.2 million copies. Toy sales are soaring, and the business environment is favorable for investment.


    The approach of licensing for movies is a wildcard credited by the buyers. It''s one of the strategies devised to expand the company into different channels, and offering some valuable licenses is a means to an end. The claims that these licenses are meant to reach new audiences, including children, teenagers, and adults who recall past times, are not entirely wrong.


    Signs of potential failure are visible. What can Billy do? He can create cult series, ones that enchant people to such an extent that the urge to buy the comic is driven by the affection it has managed to garner. The fans he has now and in the future will be the ones to sustain comic book sales.


    -Are you sure about this, Billy? - Anne questioned, with evident concern.


    Billy had just dropped a bombshell after a heated argument about why they shouldn''t print more issues of their best-selling series and should instead focus on print-on-demand or printing according to actual sales.


    -Absolutely. Doesn''t it strike you as odd? Our sales are skyrocketing. Look at the financial statements �C almost a 150% increase. We''re selling excessively. I can understand running the company at full throttle, but I can''t accept the growth prospects you''re suggesting. We''d be digging our own grave, - Billy replied.


    -I still don''t understand. We have a fantastic product that has captured the hearts of many readers, - Anne said.


    -We''d go overboard. When people stop buying in excessive quantities, we''ll run into trouble. I''m proposing that there''s a comic book bubble forming, much like in the late 60s. There haven''t been clear signs yet. According to Comicon statistics, the number of participants has increased by 30%, - Anne said.


    -It is. A clear example is that in 1980, collectors began speculating on limited editions, like variant covers of the same comic with different artwork. Many companies started printing subpar comics without compelling stories, leading to nothing but a bubble, which still has its repercussions today. Thanks to that bubble, we have Captain Atom at an absurdly low price. Charlton Comics couldn''t sustain itself after the bubble burst, - Billy explained.


    -So, you''re suggesting that the excess sales are partly due to collectors buying comics with the expectation of future resale? - Anne inquired.


    -In short, it''s all part of Marvel Comics'' strategy, - Billy said. S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was heading to the study room''s library where the lower shelves held stacks of newspapers from various companies.


    -Here. I''ve highlighted the articles with everything I''ve been able to gather over the years about the developments that the comic book industry has been expanding since 1988, - Billy said.


    The newspapers included The Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. They all had something in common: small notes, opinion pieces, interviews, chronicles, and stories about the future of comics. Some expressed the creation of unprecedented series, and positive reviews, and emphasized the San Diego Comic-Con. Everything seemed to point in one direction.


    -Viewed in this way, it makes it seem like everything is planned. Someone has been publishing these articles gradually to get people to start buying comics. But who would do something like this? - Anne wondered.


    -Here you go, - Billy said, handing her a New York Times magazine that mentioned that MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, an investment company, had acquired Marvel Entertainment Group.


    -Who is that company? I''ve never heard of them, - Anne said.


    Going through the newspapers one by one, Anne was impressed by the well-connected narrative Billy had put together. Now everything was starting to make more sense.


    -Who else but Wall Street, Anne? Who else would have the power to orchestrate so many connections? - Billy said.


    He showed her the recent financial newspapers reporting on the increase in Marvel''s stock prices. It all fit together perfectly, and the idea of such a deep strategy surprised her. She reevaluated all her feelings about pulling the strings.


    Anne felt like her nearly eight years of study were a waste. A child had more financial insight than she, an almost-doctor in the academic field. She cleared away her insecurities and focused on the conversation, realizing she could learn with more attention and care. After all, the boy''s business acumen wasn''t as distant from ordinary people as his storytelling abilities were


    -So, we need to focus on strengthening our capabilities. We won''t hire more people. I''ll dedicate myself to optimizing operations, reducing inefficiencies, and establishing basic savings, - Anne said, outlining her steps forward in a hasty manner.


    -You could research better investment channels, maybe open up a new market through some intermediaries, --  Anne said with a smile. She was determined to follow her father''s advice and read the newspaper every day.  --- Consider this a free lesson from your older sister. Crises are overcome in two ways: with financial health and diversification of investments. I''ll detail a plan to prepare ourselves. It seems the bubble has just started, and we have time to avoid mistakes."


    The young adult repeated those words to herself as if reminding herself to follow her advice.


    -Two years. We have two years; beyond that, it''s a risk. We can gradually expand into different sectors that won''t be affected by the potential crisis, - Billy said, raising his fingers to emphasize the number two.


    -The hamburgers! We''ll take it slowly, just as we''ve done. I''ll talk to Mr. Cloud and Jack Comman about possible ways to invest in the burger chain, - Anne said.


    -Alright, now I have an hour to finish the next volumes, - the boy said.


    The upcoming volumes to be released were "The Iron Giant," "Power Rangers," and the ongoing story of "Doom."


    ...

 75. miss.

    November 23rd.


    -Look, we had an adventure and we had fun, but I''m someone who likes to live in the moment. It was nice, but now I''m in a different country. I understand that it might not seem true to you, but I want you to respect my opinion, -  Claudia said over the phone. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That''s a lie, it''s quite the opposite. You overthink everything you do at least twice, you don''t like surprises much because they give you anxiety, and you''re a terrible liar, - Billy exclaimed on the other end of the phone, his voice sounding a bit agitated and distant.


    -Of course! Mr. Know-it-all has a lot to say about everything now. Go have fun with the cheerleading team. Do you think I wouldn''t notice? You started jumping all over Alice the moment I left. She might be prettier than me, but at least you could pretend not to be so eager to deceive me with one of my best friends! - Claudia yelled into the phone.


    -Those are baseless lies. Alice only shares classes with me, - Billy said.


    -Well, now you''re being cynical too. Screw you, Billy! I don''t have to put up with your tantrums. Go be with whoever you want, just leave me alone, - Claudia shouted.


    The phone line disconnected, and the repetitive beep sound echoed for almost ten minutes. He officially had a broken heart. The dark room settled into silence. He never does anything right; all his relationships end in bitter breakups...


    -I think it''s better to be completely alone, - Billy thought. Women only disappoint him.


    He''s tried calling whenever he gets a chance. What else can a guy do when he has to focus on working at a company, receiving reports from two other companies, doing his job as an artist, editor, writer, printer, and all the other nonsense it takes to make a comic? On top of that, dealing with school and the multiple assignments he''s buried under.


    Then there are the acting, dance, and theater classes. He''s about to explode. He just wants someone who can understand him. He thought Claudia did, but now he''s misunderstood everything. Love is so volatile at this age. Now he''ll just focus on his work... Oh, work is such a nuisance.


    Billy went downstairs to grab something to eat. His father hadn''t arrived yet. He''s also suffering the consequences of having a packed schedule with no breaks. Even ordering food is causing him discomfort in this situation.


    He saw some precooked pasta, with five minutes of hot water he could have a good meal. He chopped up some peppers and fried two eggs; he needed to nourish himself properly. His mind was a bit jumbled.


    Billy dedicated himself to drawing tirelessly, burying his concerns in a long night of sketches. He would only complete Evangelion for now. He infused a bit more sadness into the recreation of the characters, capturing the emptiness of Shinji Ikari/Khan Mito.


    What are the characters'' fears, especially the protagonists? It''s a fear stemming from the void left by an absent father and a deceased mother. He''s felt misunderstood since childhood. The despair of living in oblivion, loneliness, and sadness��these feelings highlighted the seven hours of hopelessness he felt after his disappointment. He endowed the character with ambivalence, framing the concept of suffering in silence as best he could, for Shinji is more resilient than in the original version; the unfounded fear is now developed in other ways.


    He continued like this all night, detailing the characters on multiple occasions, and making lists of behavioral patterns.


    He saw the morning light through the window. He had to go to school, but he didn''t feel like it. He would just sleep today. So, he decided to sleep like a child, sprawled across the bed, without worrying about companies, studies, or anything he had to present. Let the warm rays of the sun wake him up in the afternoon, almost around noon. He woke up tired, took a shower, and saw it was 3:00 p.m. on the clock.


    He headed to catch transportation to the company, grabbing his backpack with all his sheets. He would need to prepare everything for printing the four volumes he drew yesterday.


    As he left his apartment, he remembered the essay he had to submit to his philosophy teacher. He would figure out what to do about that tomorrow.


    Lux Comics had undergone a progressive renovation that left him satisfied with the results. The building had an impressive fa?ade spanning an entire street, a four-story construction. The former two-story factory located in the front had been adapted to house the entire comic industry. The second floor housed numerous offices in an open space, enclosed by some glass-walled offices. Initially, there were many vacant rooms, but with the renovations, gradually all these rooms began to be used.


    The supervisory sector is composed of two individuals: Dave, the inspector general, and Raimon, a machinery expert who oversees machine stability. They conduct quality control of the machines, ensure proper usage and printing quality, and maintain factory orders according to safety protocols.


    The second group consists of the information analysts: Mr. Cloud, an information analyst; Lucas, formerly an assistant and intern at the company, now a full-time worker; and Austin, the new intern. They are responsible for reviewing all company information and assisting Anne in optimizing processes, reviewing expenses, and promoting projects.


    Sarah Robles is the publicist who handles the company''s advertising. She creates posters, flyers, and brochures, and collaborates with anyone willing to work with the company. She works in conjunction with the chief administrators: Jack Coman, Mr. Murphy, and Anne.


    The company premises include rest areas, the main boardroom, the corporate boardroom, and Billy''s drawing room. There is also a game room on the second floor equipped with arcade machines that were either purchased or donated.


    On the first floor, there''s a small caf��, a dining area, and an initiative to start a garden as a relaxation zone. Billy entered through the main door and climbed the stairs, visibly tired.


    His drawing room is undoubtedly a reflection of the young man''s mind��a large library filled with comics and manga. Papers are stuck to the walls, and a big table is occupied with scattered sheets. Every month, Anne forces him to clean it up. Numerous pencils, markers, inks, paints, highlighters, and everything an artist needs and more clutter the space.


    The company''s success lies in catering to the whims of the young man


    Billy is an all-in-one artist��writer and scriptwriter, draftsman, illustrator, inker, colorist, letterer, and editor. No one has completed drawings as quickly as this young man has.


    Anne appeared flustered.


    -Your father is in the office, - Anne said.


    Billy could only catch his breath and enter the room.


    -Good afternoon, Father, - Billy said.


    Thomas Carson was reading Billy''s drawings, his coat spread out on the table.


    -I wasn''t expecting to see you so early. The new comic is undoubtedly interesting, - Thomas Carson said.


    -Is something wrong? - Billy asked.


    -That''s right, Billy. Mike Richardson called on the phone not long ago and said he won''t be renewing our distribution contract for the coming years. We had agreed on a four-year term, which means until 1992. Our company will be left without a distributor, - Thomas explained.


    -Rejected us? There''s no reason, we have a good relationship!- Billy exclaimed, somewhat surprised.


    -That''s what he said, young man. He mentioned it''s due to business reasons. He fears our company might take over Dark Horse Comics and believes our series could conflict with his interests, - Thomas said.


    -That''s ridiculous. Did you manage to negotiate in any way? - Billy inquired.


    -I did, but it wasn''t very satisfactory. Mike demanded 55% of the profits, -- Thomas Carson said, his tone serious. -- Caught between a rock and a hard place, we can start selling, but after deducting 25% of the comic''s costs, it''s not enough to sustain us. -


    The shadow under Dark Horse Comics is over. There are some good distribution companies that we initially didn''t consider due to our limited recognition. But now, there are a few labels that might be interested in publishing our company, - Mr. Carson continued, sounding somewhat burdened.


    -What will happen to the proposal of expanding alongside Dark Horse Comics in Canada and the UK? - Billy asked.


    -Completely canceled, - Thomas replied.


    -What could we do? - Billy wondered.


    -Well, for now, let''s assume that we''ll have to do it all on our own. We can send periodic shipments to Ireland and distribute from there. Additionally, there''s Luxembourg, Malta, and Belgium. We can test in each country to see the advantages and which one is more beneficial for us, - Thomas said.


    -Do we have to do this, Father? I think it''s better to focus our efforts in other areas, - Billy suggested.


    -Why? - Thomas asked.


    -Father, let another company handle the distribution. It''s a risky and costly endeavor to start. However, we can open a branch in Ireland for Lux Animation, - Billy explained.


    Thomas Carson hesitated. He sensed that something was missing, something his son wasn''t telling him.


    -What''s going on, son? There''s something you''re not telling me, - Thomas said.


    -Father, it''s the internet. In the future, we''ll dedicate ourselves to uploading our comics digitally. Investing in factories will only lead to losses. We can open a branch for Lux Animation just to gain some visibility, - Billy said, somewhat naively.


    -The internet? -- Thomas questioned, clearly confused. -- What the hell are you talking about, son? -


    -Ah, Father, it''s that thing that would allow people to read comics digitally. Have you heard of Microsoft 3.0? It''s got some useful features. Computers will take off in about two years, and web pages will become more popular. That''s why I''m betting on those companies so much, -  Billy explained.


    -It''s not logical, Billy. Let''s create the factories, distribute as best we can, and make money. Waiting for these machines to develop doesn''t seem like a good idea, son, - Mr. Carson said.


    -Don''t worry, Father. We just need a distributor. Finding a distributor in Europe is the key, - Billy said, sounding quite disappointed. Mike''s rejection perplexes him; they''ve been selling in large quantities, the company is doing well, and he''s even managed to publish his drawings. He doesn''t understand this behavior.


    -Mike closed the door on us, so we''d better find another one that would help. We''ll have to continue looking for opportunities, - Billy said. - What do you say, Father? Want to make another bet? -


    -Make a bet? I have reservations about your plans again, - Thomas questioned.


    -Turns out, I have a direct line to the casino that bets on sports games. We''ll bet on the Red Bulls championship. I''m certain they''ll win this year, just like Michael Jordan was the best player in the tournament, - Billy explained.


    -We''ll do it, but you should know that if you lose, your commitment to completing your business degree will be entirely on your shoulders, - Thomas stated.


    -We''ll do it. A $100,000 bet on the Red Bulls'' victory is something that''s going to happen, - Billy said.


    -I''ll make the arrangements and place the bet in Las Vegas, - Thomas replied.


    -As for distribution, Father, we just need to continue with our work, - Billy assured.


    -That doesn''t justify the risk. I''ll try to secure the contract for 1992 as soon as possible. It''s better to be prepared, --Thomas said.  -- Oh, by the way, Billy, I received a call from your school. You missed classes. -


    -Yes, Father, I''m sorry. I wasn''t feeling well this morning, and the day got away from me, - Billy explained with evident remorse.


    -Don''t break my trust, son. I hope this won''t happen again, - Thomas warned.


    -It won''t, Father. Tomorrow will go on like any other day, - Billy promised.


    The secret war between Disney and Warner has officially begun, with them cutting off development lines of Dark Horse Comics, along with Lux Comics.


    ...


    .

 76. go to the movies

    November 2, 1990.


    Meet the investment genius, Raimon.


    On Thursday afternoon, Billy was supposed to run from San Jose to Los Angeles. He left as soon as he could after finishing his school schedule, heading to the airport. Raimon, the new intern at the company, brought him a suit, which interestingly turned out to be his guide on this Premier trip. The movie premiered on Thursday night, and from there, he would wait to depart the following morning at 5:00 a.m. back to San Jose, in a race against time.


    He saw Raimon, the new intern; he was pretty big, the same height as his father, with a big belly, and long blond hair slicked to one side. He was wearing a short-sleeved camp-style shirt and blue jeans. His cheerful attitude stood out almost as much as his appearance.


    He greeted him quickly.


    -We''ll have a lot on the schedule. The premiere starts at 7:00 p.m., so you need to be there almost forty minutes early. People usually arrive beforehand to have some conversations and build relationships. There will be some individuals we need to identify, but you can skip those steps if time permits, - said Raimon, reciting the words he had memorized so well.


    -Well, we better not be late. Let''s stay on time, - said Billy.


    -Sure thing, I have the outfit you''ll wear for your meeting in the car. Your dad picked it out, - said Raimon.


    -Let''s go, - said Billy, stepping into the truck that his dad had arranged for today.


    -Come on, kid. We''ve got some time before the flight takes off. Take it easy, - said Raimon.


    -Kid! You''re 24 and haven''t finished college yet, - said Billy.


    -Haha, that''s ten years older than you, little Billy, - said Raimon, energetically. He tends to be the loudmouth of the company. But he undoubtedly passed the approval of his father, Mr. Cloud, and Anne. He must have some skills that he''s still unaware of.


    -Hey! Anne crossed the line,---said Billy.  ---I think we''ll double the overtime hours next month. Christmas won''t have a break; we''ll be working non-stop.-


    Billy put on a sly smile and gave him a side glance. The main road had almost no traffic.


    -How is it possible? It''s Christmas, the most beautiful time of the year. They should throw a company party, and have Dungeons and Dragons competitions. It would improve the atmosphere, you know, having fun is necessary once in a while, - said Raimon.


    -Well, Raimon, what a surprise. You can drop a suggestion in the mailbox, write an article about why we need a year-end party, -  said Billy sarcastically.


    -Sure thing. I might write a ten-page essay, all for the good of the company, - Raimon happily replied.


    Billy could only laugh at Raimon''s cheerful gestures. The guy was funny in his own way, with his unique speech patterns. His overall upbeat demeanor was quite evident in most situations.


    -What did you say that got you hired at the company? - Billy asked curiously.


    -Well, it was my passion for comics. I always wanted to be part of the comic industry. I''m a happy man, a terrible artist though. That was one of the most frustrating moments of my life. So, I listened to my father. I thought, why not study business administration and economics to make them happy and be part of the American capital? While studying at Stanford, I aimed to be part of Wall Street or a recognized banker. Numbers are easy, but everything changed when I got an offer to join the Lux Comics group. It was much better than being a Wall Street vampire or a depressed banker, - Raimon explained.


    -How do you expect to contribute to the industry if you can''t draw? - Billy questioned.


    -By amassing wealth and running my own comic company, - Raimon replied.


    -But now it''s different. You can start from scratch here at Lux Comics. The company has potential. You create great work. I can become your business advisor. And there''s something about ''#$28329eQ'') - Raimon rushed his words, and Billy couldn''t make out anything.


    -So, how will you provide that support? - Billy asked.


    -Well, statistically, I''m really good. Anne has me analyzing the market. I''ve seen your investments and noticed your confidence in the tech industry and newly established companies. I''ll take care of your portfolio and scout good investments for now. I''ll help you grow your money, and in return, you''ll reward me with nice bonuses, opportunities, and promotions, - Raimon explained.


    >>On the other hand, you''ll allow me to read your comics before they''re published. I''ll also have the power to share my opinions a bit, you know. It wouldn''t hurt to be a comic advisor, helping you solve your creative blocks. I even have several ideas within the company. And then, I''ll be your right-hand man when you become famous. People will say, ''He can''t do it without Raimon. Oh, Raimon is awesome! He''s the best guy in the world, and I''m going to marry Madonna, - Raimon laughed.


    -That''s why you came with me to watch Terminator, huh? Anne took pity on you and decided you should see the premiere of Terminator 2. They''re even paying you. I don''t think we should spend your extra hours, - Billy said.


    -Suffer, kid. Do what you love; it''s the job of my life, - Raimon said.


    -I can see that, - Billy replied, surprised.


    -Because it''s the job of my life. I''ve memorized all the important things I need to know. You know, I''m dying to see it. Even though Anne mentioned you were the scriptwriter and James Cameron stuck to the comic, I still want to be surprised. As a loyal company employee, I''ve bought all the volumes released so far. Believe me, I have ideas for the next chapters. To see a comic on the big screen or television with your skills is possible. After all, that''s your ultimate plan. Just let old Raimon handle it, - the portly man said cheerfully to Billy.


    -Well, I''ll do my best to meet your expectations, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, I made you nervous, didn''t I? Anne mentioned not talking too much, but I couldn''t hold back. Two months in the company is my limit, - Raimon said.


    -I''m not nervous. I didn''t expect you to have such a detailed plan on how to become part of the company. What''s this about being an advisor? - Billy asked.


    -Well, I didn''t know anything until they hired me. You guys have a strict confidentiality policy. I''ve seen the policies, and most of your financial moves are gray or dark. Like that confidentiality contract. You guys are paranoid, - Raimon said.


    >>But I think, with all my ideas focused on my nerd abilities, I have a skill. I can remember all the details of a series I read. Even in my second year of high school, I memorized all the rules of the Dungeons and Dragons club. The Lugaanica setting was quite simple. Now, I''m everything my father wants, and I''m working in what I want, - Raimon concluded.


    -Well, my father has always been very serious about what he does, - Billy said.


    -He''s similar to my father, all grumpy. He hired me when he found out I was from Stanford. He wants you to study there and all that jazz. At one point, I thought, ''Alright, everyone wants their kid to go to a good university.'' But damn, you''re the creator of Lux Comics. Go to CalArts, do whatever you want. You''re a legend among readers. You have the money to retire, - Raimon said.


    -Tell that to my father, - Billy said.


    -I understand, buddy. Mine''s a jerk too. He doesn''t like anything that doesn''t align with his way of thinking. In the end, I declined, but with your talent, he''ll understand sooner or later my friend, - Raimon said.


    -You''re one with your dreams, - Billy commented.  - What was your plan? - he asked.


    -Are you talking about after Wall Street? - Raimon countered.


    -Yeah, after you''ve made enough money, - Billy said.


    -I didn''t think about it. Sometimes investing becomes a way of life. My father has been in the banking system his whole life. He has enough money to retire, but the old man still religiously goes to work every day. I hated him for that for many years. My mother enjoyed the good life, and I immersed myself in reading comics. Maybe invest, buy a number 1 of Superman, - Raimon said, more thoughtfully, reflecting.


    -But now you can fulfill your dream, - Billy said.


    -Ahhh, yes, of course. Now, let''s talk about the important stuff. Can you get me Linda Hamilton''s autograph? I''d forget my episodes of sadness, - Raimon burst into laughter, gripping the steering wheel, stretching his neck. His plump arms adorned with a fine silver watch were characteristic of his cheerful and luxurious demeanor.


    -I''ll do my best, - Billy assured.


    Raimon looked at him with undeniable seriousness.


    -It''s a good idea. It would be great to get James Cameron''s and Dolph Lundgren''s autographs too,- Raimon said.


    -Three?- Billy questioned.


    -Yeah, you know, one from James Cameron and one from John Connor, - Raimon said, who knew the details of the new Terminator 2: Judgment Day movie inside out.


    -You added more characters, - Billy noted.


    -Come on, don''t be boring, - Raimon said. - I''ve never asked you for anything. -


    -I''ll do what I can, - Billy replied.


    -Oh, I''m lucky. I''ll call Rupert; he''ll be dying to hear about my new gains. I''ll add it to my secret collection. You know, Billy, in my 24 years, I''ve collected luxury items, but this is a favor that very few can truly understand, - Raimon said, joyfully groaning.


    -Well, just focus on doing a good job, and we''ll be even, - Billy said.


    -Haha, I''ll do such a good job that you''ll get me a date with Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker, - Raimon joked.


    -Wouldn''t it be easier with George Lucas? - Billy suggested.


    -Well, that would be fantastic, - Raimon said.


    Humming the Star Wars melody to himself.


    -Look, we''ve arrived at the airport. I''ll call your father. We''ll park the truck in the exclusive travelers'' parking area. We''ll pick it up tomorrow. I''ll run errands while you find a place to change. See you at the food court. Grab something to eat if I''m taking too long, - Raimon explained.


    -Food court got it, -Billy confirmed.


    -That sounds great, - Raimon replied, looking sweaty and rushed. He had exactly 40 minutes to finish all the paperwork.


    Billy hurried through the airport, finding a small room to change into the two-piece blue suit with a red tie and brown leather shoes. The room was suddenly invaded by a cleaning lady who shooed him out as soon as she saw him.


    Billy dashed away as the woman started shouting about the private room. He adjusted his tie. The airport was bustling, even though it was a Thursday. Many men were rushing around, some running, others speaking furiously on their cell phones. It was chaos. He spotted Raimon sitting at a table, holding a paper in his hands. Billy greeted him with a wave. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Billy, over here, - Raimon said. - Damn, man, you look good. If I could look half as good, Lisa wouldn''t have kicked me to the curb. -


    -Who''s Lisa? - the boy questioned.


    -Ahhhh, the woman I had a crush on all through high school. When I finally mustered the courage to ask her to the dance, she politely rejected me. You know, it''s even worse that she didn''t laugh at me. She was so scared when I asked her. I think she hyperventilated, - Raimon recalled.


    The awkward silence couldn''t be avoided. Billy had no idea.


    -What did you order to eat? - Billy asked.


    -Burgers, yours without onions. Your dad could''ve mentioned you don''t like onions, - Raimon said, rushing off to collect the burgers. Clearly, he ordered way more food than expected. It was quite a feast.


    -Well, we have twenty-five minutes to finish eating, - Raimon announced, pulling a small pocket watch from his pocket and setting a timer for 25 minutes.


    -If you don''t mind, I prefer not to talk while eating, - Raimon added, digging into the meal voraciously. Burgers, sauces, fries, nuggets, and soda, he attacked them all.


    Billy lost his appetite just watching him eat.


    -Are you going to eat your nuggets? - Raimon asked, a bit shyly.


    -Go ahead, my friend, - Billy replied, surprised.


    -Thanks, - Raimon replied briefly, savoring the dishes.


    Ten minutes passed, and Raimon had already finished his meal.


    -What a great meal! Fatburger''s burgers are the best you can have, - Raimon said, a gleeful expression on his face.


    -It''s my first time trying them. Are they good? - Billy inquired.


    -Goodness gracious! Do you live under a rock? You should''ve said so earlier. I would''ve ordered the ''for the heavyweights'' special. No problem, I''ll fix your food issues. I''ll take you to a food fair you''ll never forget, - Raimon said, thumping his chest.


    -My days are pretty busy, - Billy mentioned.


    -I know, but don''t worry, I''ll take care of everything, - Raimon assured. His eyebrows furrowed comically, his face was remarkably expressive.


    -Well, we''ll do everything we can. Let''s go before we miss the flight! - Billy urged.


    -Sure, just let me finish your fries. It''s a crime not to finish such good food, - Raimon said.


    The arrival in Los Angeles was much smoother than previous times; there were no delays this time. The airline operated like a metronome, functioning with precision. They headed to the Cineplex Odeon Century Plaza in Los Angeles. They entered using the pass provided by Jim Waitt, bypassing the red carpet event. James Cameron was seen closely accompanied by Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong (John Connor). Billy was in the lobby, waiting for permission to enter the screening.


    ...


    /vin_modeus12 follow me on Patreon, this series is currently in its 101st chapter. - but I will post up to 105 today or tomorrow, have a good week everyone. thanks for your comments to develop the series are welcome, and I have learned many things from it.

 77. go to the movies (2)

    They began to allow people to enter the theater. Billy entered with Raimon, who was nervously trying to keep everything in order. He maintained his composure as best as he could as if he were someone else. Since they met in San Jose, he was dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt, quite different from the many hoodies he used to wear.


    The movie started with a bang, and immediately, he noticed the first change: a machine connected to a computer displayed a green face, and a human face took over, with a robotic voice commanding the execution of file 37b-2 to eradicate the human race.


    There was a paradoxical and different scene, yet it gave Billy an impressive feeling. It contained intriguing details that kept him intrigued. Dolph Lundgren''s entrance was epic, almost as much as in the first film. How did Cameron cover for the absence of superstar Arnold? With the meticulousness of someone who could do everything that Arnold did. Lundgren''s rugged appearance was impressive. The Swede had his signature and combined with Cameron''s touch, it provided certain details of a smoother approach compared to Schwarzenegger.


    The following scenes continued Cameron''s charm �C how to create a film that holds the audience''s attention for two hours without losing them. Linda Hamilton''s story is presented in a much stronger way, from a women''s prison to a center for help with violent and crazy behavior.


    It''s undoubtedly a plot with a different character, but essentially the same. Even the famous line "Hasta la vista, baby" makes an appearance, eliciting a surprised groan from the audience. The development of the cyberpunk element that Billy introduced into the script, given to Cameron, is marked by a series of surprising details, causing multiple dissonances for Billy.


    Dr. Miles Dyson, who was responsible for the revolutionary project for humanity''s future, is turned into a robot by the machines after numerous experiments. He becomes one of the major brains behind the operation. This time, the T-1000 follows commands issued by Miles Dyson. However, the T-800 possesses this valuable information and lures the T-1000 into a trap, explaining the future to Miles Dyson. Initially, he denies it, but later accepts it and helps to avert Judgment Day, creating suspense that the original movie lacked.


    Everything culminates in a chilling ending, where John Connor alludes to his role as a leader, embracing his responsibilities as the future head of the revolution against the machines. This leads to T-1000 gravely injuring him, but he is saved by the T-800, Dolph Lundgren, in a final sacrifice.


    At the end of the movie, John Connor wakes up in the hospital and doesn''t find his mother. The police arrive with Miles Dyson, the scientist behind the Skynet project, who seems changed, different. His testimony leads to his conviction to a juvenile correctional facility, where his determination is strengthened to lead the life he desires. He is set to fight against the machine, Miles Dyson, who was operated on by the T-1000 before the events as a backup plan in case something went wrong �C a detail not so evident in the film.


    The movie ends with a surprise twist by Billy, appreciating Cameron''s innovation. Could a third movie be in the works? Everything is left to the imagination, but the audience doesn''t hold back.


    Applause begins to echo through the theater.


    Notifications start coming in for Billy one after another.


    -Emotion point acquired: +37


    -Appreciation point: +13


    -Admiration point: +6


    -Emotion point: +31


    ...


    These notifications start repeating almost simultaneously for about a minute, and Billy is surprised. He''s never had such a flood of notifications before. What''s the reason? He doesn''t know yet, but the disproportionately increasing points are telling.


    [395] Available points.


    To raise his drawing skill from 24.00 to 25.00 points, he needs 100 points. However, considering his interpretation skill is at 20.00, he needs 200 points to get to 25.00. Thus, it''s expected that he''ll have enough to reach 26.00 points.


    [Interpretation: 24.48 - 25.00]


    152 points were spent.


    [Interpretation: 25.00 - 26.43]  S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    243 points were spent.


    Although the skill improvement might not be tangible, the system integrates naturally linked abilities within the individual, almost like an extra talent.


    -What''s happening, Billy? The credits have finished rolling, - Raimon said to his right.


    -Yes, let''s go! We need to head to the hotel and get some rest, - Billy responded, still lost in thought.


    They exited the theater with satisfaction. The movie was particularly well-received by general audiences, who watched it as spectators. Critics, on the other hand, still delivered sharp critiques of the film. However, this time, they emphasized the plot, which veered away from the clich��s of the previous life. One of the most detested points in the previous version, which critics strongly criticized, now led to a range of opinions. Some critics outright rejected the movie, while others advocated for neutrality, and some praised the new concepts introduced by Cameron.


    The opinions were more diverse and segmented compared to a previous life.


    -Billy Carson, great to see you, -Jim Waitt said, approaching Billy. Jim had arrived a bit late and wasn''t able to guide Billy through the intricate paths of his first significant event.


    -A pleasure to meet you in person, Raimon. We''ve only spoken on the phone, -Jim said, extending his hand to greet Raimon.


    -Yes, you look a bit different from what I imagined, - Raimon remarked.


    -Different? - Jim inquired.


    -Yeah, younger. You sound more mature, - Raimon explained.


    -Doesn''t matter. Let''s go; I''ll introduce you to someone who wants to meet you in person, - Jim suggested.


    In a relaxed conversation group stood James Cameron''s first wife, Ed Harris, who still hadn''t lost all his hair, David Fincher, and Dolph Lundgren.


    Cameron separated from the group and greeted Jim Waitt with a smile. After all, Billy''s scriptwriting abilities were one of the factors that contributed to the success of his film


    -Billy Carson. You''re undoubtedly younger than I imagined. My assistant mentioned your youth, but it still surprises me, - Cameron said.


    -A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cameron. Thank you for the invitation; the movie was fantastic, - Billy replied sincerely, considering this movie to be better than the first.


    -It is. I predict it''ll make 300 million dollars, - Cameron confidently stated, considering it the best film he has made so far.


    -I believe it will surpass 400 million, Mr. Cameron, - Billy Carson said.


    James paused to look at him, his expression sharp. However, he didn''t say anything; he doubted that statement.


    The distribution for Terminator was handled by Tri-Star Pictures, a company acquired by Sony Corporation a year ago in the purchase from Columbia Pictures owned by Coca-Cola. Among the movies that Tri-Star has been involved in distributing are examples such as Rambo, Iron Eagle, Short Circuit, Mountains of the Moon, Air America, and Terminator.


    Laurie MacDonald, currently working as an executive at Sony Pictures, who is about to leave the company, greeted James Cameron, whom she recognized as a Tri-Star executive.


    -Excuse me for a moment, Billy. I need to talk to Ms. Laurie. But, Jim, introduce him to Dolph and David, - Cameron said, addressing the woman at a nearby table.


    -Well, it''s his night. Many executives want to talk to him. Come on, meet Dolph; he''s similar to you, and this time he''s just starting his career. Last year, he was in The Punisher with Marvel. Don''t be fooled by his muscles; he''s a very intelligent guy, - Jim explained.


    He''s not wrong; Lundgren speaks six languages �C Swedish, English, German, French, and Spanish. He holds a master''s degree in chemical engineering, as well as a mathematics degree under the Fullbright program. He has one of the most impressive resumes among Hollywood stars.


    -Dolph, David, and Ms. Bigelow, this is Billy, one of my clients and the screenwriter for Terminator, -Jim introduced.


    -Jim had mentioned a few things about you, - the six-foot giant responded, towering over Billy.


    -A pleasure, sir, - Billy said, feeling quite small next to the man.


    -Call me Hans, - the man said.


    David Fincher stepped aside; he''s not a very talkative person. Even though he''s close in age to Dolph, he looks much younger than his actual age. However, he extended his hand to Billy.


    -A pleasure, sir, - Billy replied to him.


    -The pleasure is mine. I had the opportunity to discuss the complexity of the film, but I gave much credit to your rule of suspending the closed ending for one open to interpretation, - David said.


    -Wow! Ahhh... I tried to build a web of lies. The protagonist hopes to end the world''s end; it''s just an illusion, - Billy said.


    "I considered the same, although I would focus on the allegorical message of the mind and immaterial properties," David said.


    Surprising Billy with his acute insight, there''s a lot in that sentence, and he could only grasp it on a superficial level. Is this the power of directors? There''s certainly a touch of Ghost in the Shell involved.


    -You give me too much credit. I don''t think I can come up with such acute scenarios, - Billy responded.


    -Well, it''s something interesting. I read the comic, and your philosophical nuances run deep. Maybe you just need a bit more reading to better evaluate your content, - David said.


    -I''ll take that into account, sir, - Billy said.


    -No problem. -


    Billy felt Raimon''s penetrating gaze and knew he would have to start asking for autographs, putting aside their deep film discussion. He almost felt like they were calibrating him.


    He would start with Linda Hamilton, who was alone at the bar, giving unpleasant looks to James Cameron''s current wife, who returned them with equal intensity, engaged in a stare-down.


    -Excuse me, Mrs. Hamilton, would you be willing to sign my comic? - Billy said.


    Linda Hamilton didn''t pay much attention and signed the book effortlessly on the back cover.


    -Thank you, -Billy said, leaving the place feeling a bit embarrassed.


    -You''re welcome, kid, - Linda murmured.


    The next one was John Connor himself. There''s no one better than someone of a similar age. At his side was an adult, perhaps his father or guardian, Billy speculated, or maybe his agent.


    -What''s up, man? - Edward Furlong said as he saw Billy approaching.


    -Could you give me an autograph? -Billy asked, showing him the comic.


    Edward seemed surprised, and his chest puffed up.


    -Sure, man. This is the first time I''m doing this,- he happily said.


    Copying his name in fine, circular-touched cursive that crossed the middle.


    -Thanks, buddy, - Billy said.


    -No problem, - the guy who was just a year younger than Billy replied.


    -That''s enough, - Billy thought, bidding farewell to the guy, handing the comic to Raimon, who clutched it to his chest like a schoolgirl. But he didn''t say much more than a "thank you."


    -Let''s say goodbye to Jim and the others. I have to get up early for school tomorrow, - Billy said.


    -Sure, I''ll get the car ready, - Raimon said.


    Billy bid farewell to Jim, David, and Dolph.


    -You can tell Cameron I''m heading to bed. He''s in a meeting with the executives; I don''t think he''ll be leaving early. Take care, Billy, I''ll be in touch with your company, - Jim said.


    "Thanks," Billy said.


    He left with Raimon in the rental car near the airport.


    ...

 78. Id Software.

    Everywhere in the city of Kansas, you can spot posters for the new advertising campaign that Lux Comics wants to create in collaboration with the incredible "Future" programmers from ID Software. From billboards, posters, and flyers, to radio advertisements.


    Concentrating advertising in a city is much easier than in a country. Agreements have been reached with all three newspapers in Kansas regarding the Lux Comics flyers. Gaining popularity in newspapers with smaller economic quotas is not an issue.


    Many cheerful young people who are familiar with Lux Comics are eager to learn the programming requirements for creating a video game, but very few meet those requirements, as they need programming talent that''s above the ordinary. They aim to develop specialized 3D video games based on the Doom series and a new specialized series for games.


    The poster is undoubtedly unique, featuring Colonel Cofellete on the cover in his marine suit, portrayed as an allegorical warrior against the devil''s cult. There has been much applause from the computer communities. Even Mr. Carson, upon seeing the minimal investment required compared to other franchises, decided to listen to his son and established Id Software, which is the third company created by Billy and his father.


    In the state of Texas, in the city of Dallas, there is an exceptionally skilled game creator. Among them is a married couple, both graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They are the Rilley couple, Alexa and Brian. Known in the engineering faculty, they took a computer science course. They have been dedicated to software development, but computers were not as popular as they had hoped during this era. As a result, they work part-time, working hard to earn their daily bread. However, the fantastic opportunity to win $10,000 is something they cannot pass up.


    The poster of Colonel Cofellete lay on the cluttered table amidst the chaos of the entire room, with two desks laden with computer equipment.


    -Sweetheart, we have everything we need to win. We''ve been in the market for eight years. With our skills, we can secure a job and a $10,000 bonus. - Brian said, noticing the evident stress in his wife Alexa''s eyes.


    -I understand, but our focus is directed towards software as a computing model. We make sure computers run properly. Creating a game is something I find challenging. Brian, I get your enthusiasm but don''t expect too much from me. - Alexa replied.


    -All I want is to make it through the month without worrying about sales. I want to buy a house, I want us to have space, improve the car we have. - Brian said, his tone serious.


    -Well, let''s get to work. I''m figuring out how they made the game. I''ve already mastered the Mario Bros. commands, but I want to look at other shooting games. - Alexa said.


    -I''m working on how to make the characters function, dear. You focus on solving the shooting mechanism. We''ll make the whole game work the best we can. - Brian replied.


    -I''ll call Biggins to help us with the game creation software. He owes us a favor. We''ll duplicate it and build from there for the presentation. - Alexia suggested.


    -You''re a genius! We''ll duplicate it and create an improved model with different technical designs. - Brian exclaimed. In his moment of excitement, he paused to look around the apartment. It was a total mess. They hadn''t eaten since 9 in the morning, and it was almost dusk.


    -I think we need to tidy up and have something delicious to eat. - Brian suggested, embracing his wife. It had been a tough moment for both of them.


    In a different location, two unhappy young people from their company, SowfDisk, after a long day of work, are seated in a pizza place near their workplace. They''re both disheartened by the cold corporate environment.


    -Come on, Romero. The company is a disaster. Those damn games they assign us to make by order are worse than "Atari Duss" games. - John Carmack said.


    -Friend, getting a job in this field isn''t easy. My mom is a housewife, and she needs me to help pay the bills. If I lose my job, I''ll have to work in construction with my cousins. These arms can''t lift anything. - John Romero replied.


    -We don''t have problems. It''s just a bit of assembling. The competition is on a Saturday. If we lose, we lose a few hours. If we win, it''s 10,000 bucks, and they guarantee a job for $800 a week, Monday to Friday. We''ll make our games that aren''t junk. There''s creativity, my friend. You and I will create great games. - Carmack said.


    -But... - Romero started.


    -No "buts." We lose, we go back to the company on Monday morning. - Carmack declared.


    -Alright, we''ll participate in that competition. Let''s practice the specifications. You buy the pizza. I''m broke. - Romero said.


    -Yes! - Carmack said happily.


    Thomas Carsen was crunching the numbers with Anne. The $10,000 first prize, the $1,300 rent for the small space, $20,000 for posters and distribution in newspapers and various platforms, another $20,000 for radio ads, and $20,000 for the billboard in the city center.


    Among the many issues was the allocation of potential salaries. They planned to hire a group of five people for a monthly salary of $3,600, which was quite high. However, the programming team was necessary. The graphic designer was Billy, and some members of Pixar were happy to help in any way they could.


    -It''s quite an expense. This has been the most costly to create so far. The advertising campaigns are something we should have implemented for the hamburgers. - Anne commented.


    -Billy is excited about this company. Business is going well, and we might have a contract sorted out in the next few weeks. But I agree, the advertising campaigns aren''t so bad. - Thomas replied.


    -An ambitious gamble, one of the most ambitious that Billy has taken on in recent years. - Anne said.


    -I agree, but the kid has so much passion when he talks about the 3D video game project. He''s completely confident in the company''s success. I''m even surprised by his unwavering confidence. - Thomas Carson said, adjusting his reading glasses with a spark in his eyes.


    -What will you do about the tournament? Someone has to attend. Billy has acting classes until May this year. - Anne asked.


    -No problem, I''ll be in New York around those dates. It''s just an hour''s flight from Dallas to New York at most. Besides, my father will help me with the arrangements. He''ll manage the place with the help of some of his retired friends, all to escape from my mother''s clutches. - Thomas said, smiling at his father''s antics.


    -Billy''s grandfather, then... Everything is planned. - Anne commented.


    -Richard Carson, loves Billy, he''s the favorite in the family. - Thomas said. - Even my mother, who''s usually unpleasant with everyone, has a fondness for him. Everyone sees his passion, intelligence, talent... He''s a genius that leaves people in awe. He called me a while ago to praise Billy''s drawings. Mother isn''t a shallow person. -


    Anne''s intense gaze got lost in the echoes of the conversation. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I hope he succeeds as much as this company. - Anne said.


    -I hope the same. - Billy said, entering the room.


    He was dressed in a gray suit, and his demeanor suggested he was in a very good mood.


    -The game will succeed almost as much as my comic company. The first designs for the winter season of Lux Comics are already printed. - Billy said.


    He showed them three designs for the November and December releases.


    -Wow, they''re amazing. - Anne exclaimed.


    -Well, Raimon has been engrossed in the room reading comics. He suggested they''re somewhat childish, but he did enjoy Doom. - Billy said.


    -Why are you dressed in a suit, son? - Mr. Carson asked.


    -Ah, well, I''m adopting the style of wearing suits. As you say, an elegant man is someone who knows how to dress properly. - Billy said.


    -I''m glad to hear that. The suit fits you perfectly. You took less time than I expected at the acting course. - Thomas said.


    -Well, today was mostly theoretical work, a workshop, and some short activities. I came as soon as I could. - Billy explained.


    -Come here, son, read the financial accounts of your new company. I''ve certified everything I could, I have the records, and bank statements here and here. - Thomas said.


    In the records, the total spent so far was marked at $88,345.


    -We''ve gone all out with this company. - Billy remarked.


    -Well, I hope we''ll recoup the money. - Thomas said.


    Billy could only nod. He needs more ways to earn money automatically. Is the lottery partially impossible? He has to keep working as much as he can.


    [1] A company that sold packaged games as suscripti��n. This is where the geniuses who created Doom worked. Honestly, these guys perfected the first-person shooter model to unparalleled levels for the time. They are geniuses, creating the first shooter in the video game industry.


    I have an attached file, about the poster they created to promote the new video game company.


    ...

 79. Companies.

    Raimon delivered on his promise about the work. After the premiere, he was able to proudly show off his prized collection of autographs from the newly released movie Terminator to all his friends. He was very proud of it. Right beside that, there was a Spider-Man comic, signed by Steve Ditko, the artist of Spider-Man.


    In his spare hours of sleep-deprived time, he reviewed all the financial analyses regarding the T-box burger stand from its establishment in February of that year, to its rapid growth in San Jose. He looked at the burger cart project, and on that occasion, the sales margin exceeded all the months since opening.


    The issues noted by Jack Comman about the cart were safety risks, the limited storage space for materials, and the zero times, which are periods when the cart doesn''t make any sales.


    Next, he examined the delivery system, and he found an emerging system with just two deliveries per day. As he looked into this, he consulted the university''s database to understand how food deliveries worked in different establishments. He stumbled upon a student thesis about the market, which surveyed 2000 people and revealed that people often choose food delivery based on three factors: franchise popularity, delivery time, and ease of contact. The timing for deliveries tends to vary, but the period between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM is when people typically order food.


    He reviewed all the locations in San Jose to determine the most advantageous ones. Only San Francisco seems to meet the market''s needs, but there are very few available spaces, or the entry cost is so high that it''s not worth it.


    Late into the night, he delved into all the new data about the toy store. With limited samples, he briefly skimmed through the Yellow Pages to find out how many toy stores were in the San Jose area. To his surprise, there were more than he had expected. The strong sector seemed to be within shopping malls. He called a friend who worked at a video game store, almost at midnight and asked for some important details about the delivery pace and the sales of certain toys. He made it clear to his friend about the challenges of running a toy store, mentioning that theft is somewhat common among kids and some tend to vandalize things. He concluded that only the regular customers end up spending something in the store.


    Amidst numbers and analyses, he dozed off at his desk.


    Raimon dashed out of his apartment when he realized it was 8:30 in the morning. He was running late for work again; it''s already his third time this month. As he took a quick shower, his printer was busy spitting out all the analyses he had worked on during the night. After a refreshing shower, he organized his papers, put on his hoodie, applied some lotion, and rushed out of his bachelor apartment to head to work.


    His parents are from Montana, but he came to California specifically to study, and by chance ended up working at Lux Comics. He doesn''t miss Montana too much, maybe just his mother''s home-cooked meals or the Sunday barbecues while talking to his father about politics and business.


    -Sorry, I''m late,- Raimon panted as he entered the office, looking sweaty and flustered.


    -Come in, Mr. Raimon. Miss Anne arrived half an hour ago, - Mario, the security guard of the parking lot and the company, informed him. He was accompanied by two other security personnel hired from a security company.


    -Damn, it''s so unbearable, - Raimon muttered as he entered the office. He was already exhausted, and the day was just beginning.


    -Raimon, great to see you. You''re later than I expected, - Anne said.


    -I''m sorry for being late. I have some reports that I worked on last night. If you could read them, I''d appreciate it. I put in a lot of effort, - Raimon explained.


    I handed over two blue folders, one for the T-Box Burgers franchise and the other for Toys and Comics. Each franchise had growth limits, and the analyses were extensive enough to leave his entrepreneurship project professor speechless.


    -I''ll read these. However, I''ll leave you with some work too. Organize the accounts with Dotmar Company. They''re Canadian and supply us with 100% of the paper we use. Look into placing a large order. We need a ton of paper, and prices decrease based on the quantity. We have a two-year loyalty agreement, so make use of it. I''ll send you all the documents in a moment, - Anne instructed.


    -Sure, it''s not like I have to deal with Billy''s investment accounts, - Raimon mumbled.


    -Well, I thought Linda Hamilton''s autograph was enough to keep you motivated,- Anne responded.


    Raimon could only shrug his shoulders. Billy was a tattletale.


    -Alright, I''ll focus on placing the order with suppliers. Can you send me the manual for commercial procurement from suppliers? - Raimon asked.


    -Of course, check the filing cabinet. Ask Mr. Gorman to provide you with the formats, - Anne replied.


    -Great, I''ll request the files. -


    In the depths of the filing cabinet, shelves were brimming with comics, black folders, and files documenting the company''s history along with its various branches.


    Raimon walked in and checked the forms, clearly displaying signs of fatigue in his gestures. Fortunately, the files were a few months old, but the procurement from suppliers is handled according to regulations set by a specialized organization in business creation. They handle all the necessary procedures to structure newly formed companies.


    Raimon began processing the supplier procedures, aiming to gain some points. He glanced at the warehouses, which were filled with offset paper. They were completely stocked with paper; he even hesitated to place the order. However, Anne was the one in charge, and ordering a ton of paper in cubic proportions would fill the warehouse to the ceiling. After calculating the numbers, considering the amount of comics sold, it seemed likely that they would indeed need to make the order.


    -Anne, the forms are ready. We got a 20% discount for placing regular orders. I found that signing an annual supply contract would be better, but the 20% discount should suffice. My proposal is a supply order of 300 kilograms per year, which is the minimum viable for the company. Here are the documents for the potential contract and the forms, - Raimon explained.


    -Perfect, I''ll make the arrangements. Now, go and review those investments. Billy will be purchasing shares, bringing in some extra funds, and we''ll free up the accounts, - Anne said.


    -I''ll review the accounts as thoroughly as possible. If the stock purchases are made,- Raimon responded.


    He reviewed the relevant accounts and was surprised at the wealth these guys held. They had a total of 37,700 shares in Coca-Cola Company, 271,067 shares in the technology and communications company WorldCom, 368,653 shares in Microsoft, 156,326 shares in Apple, 168,258 shares in Walmart, 24,000 shares in McDonald''s, and finally, 80,000 shares in Home Depot.


    The financial returns amounted to $445,342 for March.


    -What a massive investment,- Raimon thought.


    Billy''s recommendations included increasing WorldCom to 400,000 shares. Apple, despite its year-over-year decline, had various business challenges. They aimed to keep buying shares until they reached 300,000. Additionally, Billy wanted shares in Home Depot and Walmart. He planned to acquire new shares from IBM, General Electric, and Intel.


    Raimon would also add a bit more to Coca-Cola Company and Capcom. Having some extra credits in a company doing business with them was considered healthy. Capcom didn''t have an overly high price. All these investments were risky, though. While some companies seemed questionable, that''s just how stocks work. You have to wait and see if the company thrives, fluctuates, or goes under.


    In the distance, Anne''s shouts could be heard as she spoke with a state employee. Raimon approached Mr. Cloud to listen in behind the doors. Anne wasn''t the type of person to display that kind of temper.


    -What happened? - Raimon asked through the door.


    -It seems we were fined at T-box Burger. The fine form says it''s for having dirty pans,-  Mr. Cloud explained.


    -What does that mean? - Raimon questioned.


    -It means we were fined quite harshly. Thomas will handle appealing the fine, but Anne is quite upset about it. They scheduled an inspection for the factory in 15 days. This is the first one we''ve had in 2 years. Our taxes are paid, and we comply with all the rules. Thomas even intervened to fulfill some additional quality requirements in other states, - Mr. Cloud responded.


    -So, Anne''s fury is directed at...? - Raimon inquired.


    -At the state, - Cloud said. - Thomas will challenge the fine. -


    -It seems Mr. Carson is dangerous, - Raimon joked. S��arch* The ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mr. Cloud remained completely serious, his demeanor unchanged. Raimon could only swallow his jest.


    -He was recently promoted to partner at a significant city law firm. He''s brought unexpected profits to the firm, so he has the backing of a law firm. That could be a good thing, - Cloud explained.


    -Lawyers tend to be cunning, - Raimon remarked.


    -Where does that leave us then? - Raimon asked again.


    -Well, we''ll have to continue with our work, - Cloud replied.


    -I''ve already finished my tasks, - Raimon said. -I even helped with some paperwork. I''m going to talk to Anne about a few matters, but she''s very furious. I think the machinery is in order. I''m going to beat Billy''s paintball record. -


    -I assume all the files are on my desk, - Mr. Cloud said.


    -Of course, on your desk. If you''ll excuse me, I have a record to beat, - Raimon said.


    -I''ll have new documents for you in two hours, - Mr. Cloud said.


    Raimon headed to the arcade area. There were four machines: one for Paintball, Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Pac-Man. It was enough to unwind during the company''s free moments, all placed at Billy''s request, along with a Coca-Cola fridge for the employees.


    ...

 80. Stay with Nike.

    November 16.


    Phillip Knight was in his office reviewing financial statements, and the new Slam Dunk-designed sneakers have generated significant sales. Michael Jordan himself surprisingly declared the series fantastic and agreed to use the comic''s sneakers as part of the advertising campaign. The Slam Drunk manga has a solid base of sports enthusiasts and is the top-selling comic in most states. However, the ghost report is particularly overwhelming in large cities, causing a disparity in sales that has been gradually narrowing.


    The use of some superstars has led to substantial profits for the company. Even the distribution of cards has caused a certain sensation within the company. Players are surprisingly eager to appear in Billy''s designs. Moreover, some teams have approached for a collaboration with Nike. Behind the scenes, the NBA wants to create its cards for sale.


    This is a total success!


    Peter Ruppert hit the negotiations for that small comic company perfectly. He''s even surprised by the quality of the artwork, from the intricate details to the captivating story. Why hadn''t anyone focused on bringing a good basketball story to the basketball country? He has no idea, but joining forces has been satisfying for the company.


    -Amanda, a pleasure. Have Ruppert contact me. - said Philip Knight, speaking on the phone in his office. He''s very pleased with the company''s growth for this year.


    -Sir, he''s currently in negotiations. Yesterday''s meeting was canceled due to some issues. He left a note that he''ll call as soon as the contract is finalized. - said Amanda.


    -In that case, please apologize for the inconvenience and let no one call me until after lunch. - said Philip.


    The commercial agreement between Nike and Lux Comics officially closes today, in the same location as before: The Saint Claire, the historic hotel located in downtown San Jose, near the San Jose Diridon Station. Billy doesn''t come to such elegant places very often, but he can say that the social relationship between the parties is better positioned now than it was two years ago.


    -Thomas, great to see you. - said Peter Rupp. He was accompanied by an unfamiliar young man. Previously, he was accompanied by Thomas Clarke, who joined him in the last meeting. Life''s twists and turns happen quickly, and now Thomas Clarke is handling different matters in the company.


    -Pleasure to see you again, Peter, and sir... -


    -Liam Wight. - the young man said.


    -Pleasure. - S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Pleasure, Mr. Rupp, Mr. Wight. - said Billy.


    -Ah, Billy, what a pleasure to see you again. I am happily surprised by your work on the trading cards. All your efforts have brought tremendous success to the company. I want to thank you for your outstanding work. - Peter Rupp said, his white teeth almost lighting up the room.


    -Not at all, Mr. Rupp. I''m delighted with the relationship with Nike. The ways we''ve worked together have allowed us to grow as a company. I should thank you as well. - Billy said.


    Although they only earned 12% from the company-produced cards, it was enough to achieve success. One million dollars for the company from the first months of sales was well received. Moreover, the calculations for the past two months were still pending, and these are the best sales months. The commercial license was a remarkable benefit, providing salvation for the company''s rapid growth at the time. Now, it''s an active income stream that supports Billy''s occasional investments.


    Initially, Nike presented the business to counter Adidas in the basketball market. This market, dominated by Nike, has always been its strong point compared to its sibling company. Adidas has been competing with them in soccer (football) in Europe, as well as athletics, tennis, and running. Among these, they have a close fight, but it''s in basketball where the market favors Nike.


    Any move by Adidas into this market raises alarms, and even if it means losing money, in the long term, it''s more beneficial not to let them enter. Lux Comics, a progressive company that has innovated in the field of illustration, is drawing a lot of attention. Now, its sales aren''t just good; it has become a social cornerstone for attracting more teams, players, and consumers.


    -Perfect. Management will cover the manufacturing costs. Anne has sent the lists, and the funds have already been approved for another batch of two million cards. She wants to sell them in some European stores. - said Peter Ruppe.


    -That''s fantastic, but sir, I think we should go for three million. - said Billy.


    -Isn''t that another way to make money? - Peter Rupp playfully questioned.


    -Not at all, I predict that there will be higher sales in the United States, and we can sell the cards. Lux Comics will keep the surplus if sales aren''t satisfactory. - said Billy.


    -I agree. For now, there''s approval for two million units, but based on how sales progress in the coming months, we can place another order. - said Peter Rupp.


    -Don''t worry, I''ll expand the cards a bit, to 300 designs. This can only be done once. If we go beyond 300 designs, I can''t guarantee profit. - said Billy.


    -Expand? -


    -Yes, I want to feature future stars from the past, include some characters from Slam Dunk, and create some imaginary street teams using available players. To add some fun to the cards, after all, kids are a part of the market. - said Billy.


    -How would you achieve this fun? - Peter Rupp questioned.


    -Different themes. Street basketball is one, along with some others like NBA competitions, top scorers, and best three-point shooters, adding a bit of science to the cards. - Billy said.


    -Yes, I believe that''s a wise decision. - said Peter Rupp.


    -So, the new contract between our companies is based on collaboration. How will it be done this time... - said Billy.


    -This time, we''ll run a better joint campaign. I hope our collaboration will improve. Before we proceed, I want to know certain necessary conditions for our work. - said Peter Rupp.


    He extended his hand to signal a waiter. Five minutes later, a bottle of wine with three glasses arrived. Billy ordered a cheeseburger and a Coca-Cola, sticking to the tradition.


    -Well, since we''re on the subject. - Thomas said. - Tell us what conditions you''ve set this time.


    -We want to create a clothing line so that our basketball stars can promote the brand, along with other sponsored athletes we have now. How strong are your clothing design skills? We''re unsure, which is why we''ll bring in specialists to help integrate your comic into our clothing. One of our top players even requested a unique and special design from you. - Peter Rupp said.


    -I have very limited knowledge of clothing design, sir, but I''m skilled at drawing. With some assistance, it''s possible to create an original clothing line. - Billy said confidently, his drawing abilities on the rise.


    -That''s why we''re asking for your collaboration. Your comic is particularly popular among young people aspiring to be basketball players. Our sales have increased from 3% to 7% in all our stores. With your comic, we''ll generate demand for our clothing brand among teenagers, children, youths, and professionals �C those who want to be part of Nike, buy Nike, and live in Nike. - Peter said.


    -It''s possible to do. I have a few ideas. As long as I can work with the people in charge of clothing design, I can make it happen. - Billy said.


    -I like the sound of that. - Peter said, taking small sips from his glass of wine.


    -What''s next, sir? I''ve already agreed to participate in the clothing lines. - Billy said.


    -The terms are the same as in the previous contract, except we desire more exclusivity across the clothing line, footwear, sports consultations, and keychain products. Your ventures into animated programming caught our attention. We didn''t expect your company to have such a rapid boom. So, that would be all for us, a bit of security to prevent direct competition. - Peter said.


    -We can fulfill those conditions as well, as long as the advertising lines for Lux Comics are improved, we continue publishing our Slam Dunk comics in your stores, and we maintain a close relationship with Nike. I also need to add that we haven''t negotiated with any companies for a toy line yet. - Billy said.


    -The toy chain isn''t part of our demand line. However, we''d be happy to run some advertising campaigns with your company, as long as you''re able to assist. - Peter said.


    -I don''t have any more demands. Our comics alone are sufficient. - Billy said.


    -As for the agreement, based on our data, the licensing fee can be set at three million dollars and a 6.5% share of the product profits. Philip mentioned that this is an incentive for your company. For four years. - Peter said.


    -Four million dollars. - Billy said.


    It was the minimum limit they had negotiated with Anne and her father. One million per year. The trading cards alone brought in a bit more money, according to sales estimates. Nike''s profits have certainly surged, at least in the basketball field.


    -We can take it, but the payments will be staggered, two at the beginning of the activity and two at the end. - Peter said.


    -That''s possible if the payments are in reasonable intervals. - Billy said, calculating. He needed five million dollars to invest in Pixar. But that process could wait; for now, the profits were good. It''s already beyond the five million they''re expecting for the coming year.


    The moves of the wealthy are peculiar. Paying immediately is never in their playbook. Constant payment delays now serve to assert their dominant position. With Nike, such issues aren''t excessive, but they''re still present.


    -Of course, one million per year. We would deliver the first payment next month, and the following payments in December of each respective year. - Peter Rupp said.


    -That''s fair. I''m available to create the clothing line at any time, as long as you''re willing to come to San Jose. Traveling is different. In the first week of January, I can make a provisional trip, or during spring break in March. - Billy said.


    I see. I''ll take care of coordinating the schedules with the design team. -- Peter said, noting down the contract details in his black notebook, which was about two palms long. He wrote with a deliberate calmness. -- We''ll hire specialists to handle these designs. We''ll set up the meetings as soon as possible. -


    -Well, I have a busy schedule too, sir. Managing my comic company is quite complicated when you also must attend school. - Billy said.


    -A very good young man. My son only plays American football relentlessly and thinks about women and parties. Ah, the joys of youth! - Peter said. - Liam here is a recent honor graduate from the University of New York. -


    Billy paused to look at him.


    -What does Mr. Liam do? - Billy asked.


    -In my department, heachievehe company''s general sales advisor. His desk is his current occupation. He oversees the state affairs when he deems it ready. - Peter Rupp said.


    -Sounds laborious. I just focus on drawing the best I can. - Billy said.


    -Your biggest asset is your hard work, son. Drawing is earning you four million dollars. It''s not something just anyone can do. - Peter said.


    -Yes, sir. - Billy said.


    -Well, young man, we''ll conclude this meeting for now. It''s extended far beyond the available time. Have a good day. - Peter said.


    He was about to leave the hotel restaurant. After taking a deep sip from his wine glass.


    -It''s good money. With our popularity, I can''t wait to see the value that companies will put on the table for your drawings. - Thomas Carson said, pouring himself a glass of wine.


    And so, the second meeting with Nike ended. A four-year agreement, four million dollars with a 6.5% interest on Nike''s merchandise sales, based on the advertising designs in the comics and the work of creating the clothing line.


    Billy took another bite of his cheeseburger, thinking about the future of the negotiations.


    ...


    ..


    .


    I have a question, what is your ranking of Pixar movies? -


    What is the ranking of animated movies that you would do, with those movies?

 81. Saban Enterteiment.

    In his quest to earn money for the near future, enough to survive in the market, Billy sought a way to address the current problems he faced due to his lack of connections. Therefore, he focused on strengthening his industry through Jim Waitt, who had a reputable status and managed to secure contacts with Saban Entertainment, a television production company responsible for creating content for various entities, mostly in collaboration with Fox.


    The Power Rangers hold a special place in the memories of many children. They ignited a certain warmth in people''s hearts, a franchise that generated a successful series year after year, leaving a lasting impression.


    The structures that make up the Power Rangers are fantastic due to their practical approach to creating the series. However, this practicality could sometimes lead to issues in terms of visual aesthetics, storytelling, and brand coherence. Billy aimed to somewhat limit the number of seasons while still aspiring to bring them back to television.


    Television channels were dominated by numerous significant shows in another era. Undoubtedly, the Power Rangers stood as one of the champions among Americans during the ''90s. As Billy''s goal was to bring the Power Rangers to a deeper channel, breaking away from being confined to repetitive, loosely connected stories year after year, it''s undeniable that there were great series throughout the years, but all of them could benefit from some refinement.


    The process was good, but it could have been better.


    -Thanks, Jim, for joining me in this endeavor, - Billy said.


    -Well, you''re about to negotiate with Saban Entertainment. It''s only fair that your agent offers you some support. If I''m going to be involved in this negotiation, I can leverage my agent activities to gain some influence, - Jim Waitt replied. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, having a backup is always good for me, - Billy acknowledged.


    Hollywood companies had a flashy way of making themselves noticed, Billy thought as he gazed at the entrance of Saban. A prominent logo adorned the front, accompanied by beautiful designs and the glass fa?ade of the Saban building.


    While it might be assumed that these production companies operate with large teams comprising thousands of people, the reality often involves small, focused teams. Cost savings are achieved by having a core team that can accomplish as much as possible, utilizing prefabricated sets and green screens to achieve cohesiveness.


    With animation studios already established, the collaborative working environment was fantastic.


    -This way, gentlemen, - a rather attractive blonde guide said.


    Billy had grown accustomed to navigating different negotiations and found himself lost in observing his surroundings.


    Saban Haim. A successful producer who had been in the business for a long time. He was an Israeli-American, renowned for his role as a music producer. His first venture was a music studio named Saban Records.


    In 1988, he co-founded Saban Entertainment, specializing in dubbing and importing anime and programs for a young audience. He was also the creator of the Power Rangers franchise, which generated substantial revenue for everyone involved, estimated at around 6 billion dollars. Over 20 years, they created 20 Power Rangers series. Simultaneously, he secured agreements to produce and distribute series such as X-Men and Spider-Man in partnership with News Corporation. In 1996, they joined forces to create Fox Family Worldwide, and the rest is history.


    What''s intriguing about Saban is his passionate nature, intertwined with his capitalist mindset. He champions causes he likes, turning what he enjoys into entertainment. This perhaps is one of his standout abilities �C a kind of x-ray vision when it comes to discerning what to do or not do to achieve success.


    The man, likely in his early 40s, with thick black hair combed back to highlight his broad forehead, greeted Billy and Jim Waitt with a firm handshake as they entered his office.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Billy Carson. Jim Wait, we''ve already crossed paths over the phone. Let me say, you''re quite persistent something I admire in people, - Saban Haim said, chuckling.


    -It''s also a pleasure to meet someone with your attributes, - Jim replied.


    -Please, have a seat. I''ve got the lunch hour, gentlemen, so let''s get straight to the point, - Saban Haim said, adjusting his well-fitted suit.


    -Of course, sir! We just need you to look at this, -Billy said, handing over the comic that would be published with Lux Comics. Despite the different storyline from the original, it included designs from the first "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" series. The comic reading experience comprised a total of 19 series, each with 35 to 50 volumes. It began in 2016 when Boom Studios acquired the rights for comic releases and continued until Hasbro and Bandai bought the Power Rangers in 2019. The comic publication ran until 2036 when Paramount acquired the franchise and concluded the comic releases.


    Saban Haim quickly read through the book and raised an eyebrow at Billy. It was a good story, but it didn''t quite capture his full attention. When it came to animated productions, he preferred to focus on well-established brands like DC or Warner.


    -It''s interesting, but it doesn''t quite grab me, - Saban Haim said.


    Billy, anticipating such responses, handed him a script related to the Power Rangers franchise along with another document containing an outline for the first season of the most remembered Power Rangers series.


    The first season''s outline narrated the story of two beings from another planet: Zordon from the planet Eltar, trapped in the space-time continuum, and the five young warriors he chose to defend Earth against Rita. The Red Ranger and the legendary Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver, played pivotal roles. Spanning three legendary seasons, these early seasons were considered iconic.


    The script detailed ways to reimagine the Power Rangers series as a live-action edition. It explained various aspects, from the relatively uncomplicated costume designs to the catchy music, battle choreography, and formal storytelling. It proposed transforming the Power Rangers to give them darker forms, featuring captivating explosions and intense zord battles against villains.


    Billy aims to extrapolate all the seasons and create an extensive lore of ideas to support an expanding franchise. He envisions building a strong foundation over about 15 years, with the support of talented fans and his efforts. He plans to capitalize on the freshness of the franchise and the growing strength of its fan base, gradually transitioning to more elaborately worked seasons with high-quality animation.


    Billy explains the various ways to generate revenue from the franchise, including action figures, costumes, accessories, and all sorts of merchandise.


    -I must say, this is the most innovative way someone has pitched an idea to me in years. I see that you adhere to the belief that actions speak louder than words, - Saban Haim commented.


    -I believe that if we focus on making this franchise successful, everything will fall into place for us down the line, - Billy stated.


    -I''ll need to discuss this with my partner, Shuky Levi. He has a knack for developing creative ideas like this. You''ve got a fantastic idea here, young man. I don''t quite understand why you came to Saban with it, but I appreciate it, - Saban Haim said.


    -Well, you and your team have shown great enthusiasm for this industry. I have some insight into your endeavors to bring various franchises to television. I''m a strong advocate for producing stories in all the diverse ways that you''re striving for, - Billy replied.


    -I''ll have your agent follow up on the proposal. Well, I have to rush off to a lunch appointment. I made it just in time. Thank you for bringing me this news. I hope to see you again. When you''re around Los Angeles, feel free to give me a call, and we''ll set up a lunch meeting, - Saban said, handing over his phone number.


    -I believe I would enjoy a lunch meeting with you, Mr. Saban, - Billy replied.


    The proposal for creating the Power Rangers series was still a work in progress, but the seed had been planted. Live-action series were well-liked in the industry due to their relatively straightforward production process. However, the sustained success of such series hinged on their gradual development, which is why they are so highly sought after. A well-executed live-action series can often generate higher ratings than animated ones, without sacrificing engagement.


    Only the most competitive animated series can truly rival well-executed live-action shows.


    1. The purchase of Power Rangers in late 2018 by Hasbro came with a price tag of $522 million. Before that, the franchise had been owned by the Walt Disney Company since 2010, but Disney struggled to effectively branch out the series during their nearly 8-year ownership.


    2. The Power Rangers comics are indeed intriguing. I''ve read some of them, although they can be hard to come by. They are divided into three main franchises: "Go Go Power Rangers," "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," and "Pink Ranger," which is a spin-off series focused on specific characters from the franchise. Other comics mix various timelines and events, but these are considered among the best.


    3. Billy''s system allows him to catch a glimpse of a series he was familiar with before his passing, but it doesn''t extend to series created after his death.


    ...

 82. dance of millions

    Yuyu hakushu/ghost report.


    November 22.


    The movements in the toy industry and the comic book purchases have reinforced the sentiment behind the creation of the new store, "Toys and Comics." Mr. Murphy has redoubled his efforts, waking up every day at 4:00 in the morning. He takes one of the first buses departing in the early morning hours and greets the bus driver, as they have become familiar with each other''s schedules.


    He prepares the accounts, organizes the cash register, takes inventory notes, sorts out missing and lost toys, inspects machines, and calibrates anything that seems damaged. He has his breakfast while observing the arrival of his two employees.


    Anne has sent over a worker from the factory to help share the workload, as their work is highly valued during this season at the toy store.


    -It''s a pleasure, Mr. Murphy. Here are the orders you placed, - said a delivery person, carrying a pallet of boxes containing various types of candies.


    -Thank you, young man. Come over and help this old man organize these boxes, - Murphy said, calling one of the store employees.


    Customers began to arrive around noon in large numbers. Despite the store''s size, it was bustling, but thanks to the organized work at the cash register set up early on, they managed to avoid any problems.


    -Could it be that their children would also like these new dolls, especially with the models from the company that worked with Lux Comics on the new series ''Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Report'',- Mr. Murphy thought.


    According to the inventories, Billy had placed orders for nearly 110,000 units of each toy. It was a bold move for a small toy store. Interestingly, the strategy seemed to work as the store gathered buyers who found that their preferred collectibles were unavailable in other shops. With some social connections of Anne''s, word spread that the toy store had items that were sold out in many other places.


    November 29th


    Thanksgiving


    Today a small meeting was being held at Lux Comics. Sales up until November 29th are remarkable. In a moment of contemplation, Billy decided to arrange with a cold-cuts company to send turkeys to all of his employees. The turkeys were delivered yesterday and this morning; he wants his employees to be happy.


    -You''ve learned a thing or two, Billy. But it wouldn''t hurt to have a music group for next time, - Raimon said, pleased to have a young boss who listens to his pleas.


    -Well, for now, we''re a young company. We still don''t have all the resources, but we''ll do what we can, - Billy replied. S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Stop corrupting the boy''s mind, Raimon. Nice to see you, Billy! - Anne chimed in.


    -Anne, - Raimon said as he quickly fled to talk to Rayan, the company''s technician.


    -How do you manage to scare him off so easily? - Billy asked.


    -It''s a woman''s secret. I just finished going over the accounts, and it''s been a success. The toy store is in high demand, Lux Comics products have sold well, but the kids are clamoring for the Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Files toys. They''re our favorites, - Anne said.


    -Do you think we''ll get good credits for the commercial licenses we arranged with Warner for the toy store? - Billy inquired.


    -It''s to be expected, although companies tend to deliver invoices late. As soon as the season is over, I''ll request our payment, - Anne replied.


    -That''s fantastic, - Billy said, leaving the meeting room.


    Heading to his studio, he has to keep drawing. He can''t let these free days go to waste. The reduced deliveries of Slam Dunk and Yu Yu Hakusho have caused some discontent. From three monthly releases, they''ve now been reduced to two, with the addition of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which took some time, and the upcoming release of Rurouni Kenshin for the spring deliveries. Only sufficient effort can provide Billy the space to keep releasing so many works simultaneously.


    In another part of California.


    In the geographical location of Los Angeles, California, at Warner Consumer Products, a more reliable statistic has caught their attention. The sales generated by the Cartoon Network lineup are surprisingly significant.


    -Are you sure? - the director of Consumer Products asked.


    -More than sure. The data reveals a preference for the Batman and Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Files series,- the financial advisor said.


    -Well, let''s prepare a report for the months leading up to the end of the year. Everything should reach the management, - the man concluded.


    December 14.


    Toy sales continue to soar, but this time it''s not the toys causing a sensation of disbelief among executives, journalists, and the masses. The holiday season is in full swing. The release of "Home Alone" on November 16th is an unequivocal success. The new movie "Edward Scissorhands" has made a positive impact on cinema fans. Tim Burton, a growing sensation, has formed a pleasant relationship with Warner, reaping the rewards. The upcoming release of "The Godfather Part III" on December 25th is undoubtedly a delight for all viewers and devoted fans of the series.


    However, it''s a science fiction movie that has shaken everyone in the entertainment world. "Terminator" is dominating the global box office, with over a month on the big screen. The $247 million in the North American sector is a wake-up call for many companies, followed by an international box office of $299 million. The pockets of Carlaco Films and Tristan Stars are surely among the entries on their lists of anticipated successes that the companies hope to achieve.


    -Hahaha, Linda, I told you this movie would triumph above the others, - James Cameron said.


    -Well, James, I''m glad to be the star of such a huge success. Arnold must be pulling his hair out. After all, you offered him not just a good salary, but an opportunity for success, - Linda Hamilton said, showing her dedication to James Cameron.


    -Come on, Linda, join me in Hawaii. We''ll have fantastic times, - Cameron suggested.


    -I''ve told you before! I won''t tarnish my reputation. If you want an affair, you need to get divorced, - Linda Hamilton replied.


    -I''ll consider it after we go to Hawaii, - Cameron said as he leaned in to kiss Linda Hamilton.


    December 23.


    Betty Cohen still remembers everything her top executives mentioned to her:  - Go and hire another successful series before Saban beats us to it. If the boy asks about merchandise profits, give him some excuse about the end of the period and unfamiliarity with business procedures. -She knows this is a dominant behavior of companies. Do they want to buy Lux Comics? She can''t deny that the boy''s drawings are fantastic. Perhaps, they''re just pressuring.


    -Tell the owner that Betty Cohen from Warner Media is here to negotiate some contracts, - Betty Cohen said.


    She was in a bad mood. It''s December 23rd, just a day before Christmas. Her children only come on special occasions, and for most of the year, she sees them on rare occasions.


    -Mrs. Cohen, Billy, and Anne are waiting for you in the negotiation room, - the gentleman said.


    -Ah, that''s good. My trip didn''t waste my time, - Betty Cohen remarked. - Well, please follow me this way, - the Lux Comics employee guided her.


    -Without a doubt, the company has improved greatly. Everything looks especially renewed. Even the entrance is not what it was a year ago, - Betty commented.


    -Thank you very much. The management has invested in a business development plan. Downstairs, there''s the comic industry, the cafeteria, and some warehouses. The second floor has corporate offices, a drawing studio, and a game room. The third and fourth floors are still empty, but renovations are underway for appropriate use. We''ve even installed earthquake-resistant equipment for added safety, - the employee explained, clearly proud of working there.


    -I see, - Betty Cohen nodded.


    Arriving at the glass-walled negotiation room, even the room has been tastefully and beautifully arranged.


    -Billy, what a pleasure to see you. You''ve grown so much, such a handsome young man. Miss Anne, - Betty greeted.


    -Betty, you''ve caught the company by surprise. A day later, you''d find everything closed. We give our employees the holidays of December 24-25 and 31-January 1 to spend time with their families, - Anne explained.


    -Well, I''m glad I came a day early, then! - Betty Cohen exclaimed.  - I tried to call, but the trip was scheduled this morning. -


    -No problem. It must be something important, - Billy said.


    -It is. The company is eager to start collaborating. We want you to have free rein to design a new original series, - Betty said.


    -Of course, I''m delighted to work with you and Hanna-Barbera, - Billy responded.


    -It won''t be with Hanna-Barbera; we''re creating Cartoon Network Studios next year, scheduled for July 1991. If we could sign a rights agreement for the series you mentioned earlier, it could be beneficial for us, - Betty Cohen explained.


    -We can approach that in June and see, - Billy replied.


    Betty knows that the studios are sensitive. Billy sought out Saban Haim to discuss a new series, and Warner jumped at the announcement. They want to protect their golden goose before someone else starts reaping its benefits.


    -The Pinky and the Brain series, - Billy said. - That''s the one you want to start negotiating. -


    -Yes! It''s that one. We believe it''s a Warner product, - Betty Cohen confirmed.


    -Well, we could work on it. Production would begin next year in July, and it would premiere by the end of 1991 or the beginning of 1992, - Billy proposed.


    -That''s the idea from the board, - Betty Cohen confirmed.


    -Alright, let''s do it, same terms as the previous contract,- Billy agreed.


    -Reversion in ten years, - Betty mentioned.


    -Yes, a reversion in ten years, along with a 7% marketing fee. The price will be set by you, knowing that it''s a purchase at half the acquisition cost, - Billy specified.


    -$30,000 for a 10-year licensing agreement for both cinematic and broadcast rights, starting from the moment the contract is signed,- Betty stated.


    -Of course, - Billy said, handing over a massive folder with storyboards for the first 40 episodes, complete with scripts, character expressions, samples, and even a basic intro sequence.


    Betty left in her car, engaging in discussions with the executives on her phone. The atmosphere between Lux Comics and Warner had been tense. The licensing agreement was almost finalized with similar terms: $30,000 for a 10-year license, with a reversion clause.


    -Why did you offer such an affordable price? - Anne asked.


    -This is our final series, and they should hold onto it. There might be some complications if I produce it independently or with another company. Warner will capitalize on the series and buy it all in 10 years, - Billy explained, getting back to drawing. Fortunately, he had a product nearly ready, having been in the works for almost half a year.


    January 4


    -Do we have them? - asked Bob Daily, the director of entertainment.


    -Yes, sir. The toy sales have been a resounding success, with $243 million in reported Warner brand profits for the winter season, - said Randy.


    -Marvelous. Accounting for expenses, what''s the value of our total earnings? - inquired Bob Daily.


    -$174 million, sir, distributed throughout the season. After taxes, various expenses, and deductions, it amounts to $128 million. That figure is then reduced to 45%, which is $57.6 million, the base price for calculating the licensing fee with Lux Comics, - explained Randy.


    -So much? I thought Terry had limited it as much as possible, - remarked Bob Daily.


    -He did, sir. We subtracted taxes, intermediaries, labor costs, and even deducted the same licensing fee payment of $500,000, - Randy clarified.


    Out of $243 million, the contract negotiated by Warner left them with $5,760,000 plus an additional $350,000.


    At Warner, the tremendous success of the "Informe Fantasma" series led to a shift in programming focus. The schedule was adjusted to run from 6:00 PM to 1:00 PM as the prime programming hours. Orders were given to go full steam ahead with the next 30 episodes of the series and attempt a broader international release.


    At Hasbro, they are laughing with joy, calling it the $200 million series due to the sales they registered in just two months.

 83. New Year’s Eve.

    January 3, 1991.


    After the substantial sales in December, Billy could finally breathe a sigh of relief. While the comic book season sold slightly less than projected, the money was enough to provide some relief. The process of securing a $6 million loan had been initiated, aligning with the company''s interest. The $7 million debt could be settled in conjunction with all potential business ventures for the year.


    With a bit more financial leeway, if these ventures succeeded, Lux Comics could reap the benefits and the much-needed freedom. Of course, there was a contingency plan in place, recognizing that investments don''t always go as smoothly as hoped. Enter the bets.


    Among them were the famous commercial bets with Las Vegas casinos for the 1991 championship in favor of the "Red Bulls," with a stake of $250,000 against 9 major bettors, and the bet on Michael Jordan as the tournament''s best player, wagering $100,000 against 12 high rollers. These bets were sufficient to provide extra financial gains that could offset expenses in case the investments didn''t pan out as perfectly as expected.


    The casino involves bets among individuals with large sums of money, and all of them can participate until the bet is closed. Thomas initially gave a three-hour timeframe, which turned out to be a mistake. Within three hours, the odds had increased to 9 to 1 and 12 to 1 respectively. Now, he hopes that his son won''t make the same mistake.


    Raimon was reviewing statements from various companies for stock purchases. Billy, or Lux Animation, had invested a total of one million dollars in shares, representing the earnings accrued over these three months that could be allocated for investment. He was to make a direct purchase of a certain number of shares, prioritizing the more affordable options among all the available stocks.


    -We''ll see you in the afternoon, Raimon. Billy will arrive after school, and you can deliver a direct report, - Anne said, handing him the purchase authorizations.


    -Very well, I''ll do everything I can, - Raimon said, feeling somewhat dejected. The stock purchase process was quite bothersome, involving reviewing numbers repeatedly.


    After about six hours of work...


    Among the noteworthy purchases, he acquired shares in Home Depot, spending a total of $200,000. He invested $200,000 in Microsoft and bought $400,000 worth of General Electric shares at $14.94 each. Investments in electricity have proven to be a sound choice.


    These companies have room for growth and are franchises that are still testing the waters. According to agreements with General Electric and France, there''s potential for electricity systems to be upgraded. His subsequent purchases were in Cisco Systems and Oracle. These stocks were priced in cents, requiring only a few dollars to accumulate a good number of them. However, spending a million dollars in a day is a luxury only the wealthy can afford. Even the $70,000 he spent on both companies is a year''s salary.


    The direct purchase has been completed; now it''s a matter of waiting for the necessary procedures. The open-market investment group allows for autonomous portfolio management without the need to respond directly to the companies. For an annual fee of $14.00, the advantages include lower commission costs to third parties. The intermediation chain involves the investment company directly, without agents in between. This service is commonly used by major buyers.


    Raimon entered the Lux Animation factory as the evening approached.


    -I''ve done everything you asked for. Here are the receipts for the stock purchases and the permissions you handed me this morning. Billy, you''ll be pleased �C I bought everything you requested. I hope they give me a raise. They''re selling new Marvel stock figures �C the limited-edition Thanos power gauntlet from the Avengers fight. I spent last month''s salary on it, - Raimon said.


    -What? -exclaimed Billy.


    -That I spent last month''s salary, - Raimon clarified.


    -You mentioned something about the new Marvel releases and the Thanos gauntlet, - Billy said.


    -Yeah, the new Avengers crossover. You won''t believe it �C supposedly, there are power stones scattered throughout the universe, and these stones could alter the fundamental aspects of the universe, - Raimon explained.


    -That''s not it. These are the special editions they''re selling, - Billy clarified. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Ah, I see. It''s a new series with incredible production �C they''re offering new special items with seven intriguing designs. They come with different movement features, and there''s a special gauntlet for personal use with the infinity gems, - Raimon explained.


    -Since when did these special editions start? - Billy inquired.


    -Well, they began releasing collector''s editions in July, - Raimon said.


    Raimon playfully imitated the cover photo of Thanos raising the gauntlet, resembling the purple Martian.


    -It has begun, Anne. The sales of various Marvel franchises have started, - Billy announced.


    -What are you talking about? - Raimon asked, puzzled by the tacit agreement between Billy and Anne.


    -Our dear Billy here has the idea that Marvel is creating a comic bubble that will start rising until late 1992 and into mid-1993, - Anne explained.


    -A bubble... I don''t see anything unusual in the comic market, - Raimon said, giving Billy a strange look.


    -Well, I share the same opinion, - Anne said, wearing a know-it-all expression. Despite surprising Billy, there''s no doubt that she found no flaws in the research about a possible comic crisis. She even dug a little deeper, but no one gave her a definite confirmation about the so-called bubble.


    -What''s your basis? There are usually rules to detect bubbles, though the problem often lies in the invisibility of these factors, - Raimon said. -Of course, we don''t have official Marvel data, but it''s possible to start investigating whether such a bubble might burst. Even if there''s a bubble, Marvel''s leadership won''t want to expose a crisis. They''ll keep it hidden as long as they can, making it sustainable to prevent a meltdown. -


    -So, it''s impossible to know if there''s a crisis from a theoretical standpoint, - Billy noted.


    -Exactly, at least years in advance. Maybe with some thorough study, you could catch wind of the problem a few months before it becomes evident. Are there any indicators in your explanation of the bubble? - Raimon asked.


    Billy got up from his seat, somewhat puzzled. The theoretical explanations of economics make sense, but he can''t claim to know the future.


    -Intuition. The alerts become a bit clearer. I noticed it when our sales began to double since November of the previous year, - Billy said.


    -That doesn''t sound very reasonable, - Raimon responded.


    -Raimon, what if Marvel''s boss doesn''t care if a real estate bubble bursts? What if this person wants to wait long enough for the bubble to burst? - Billy questioned.


    -Then it would be detrimental for everyone," Raimon replied. "In that case, the company would go bankrupt, and it would affect the entire market unless there''s something distinctive about it, - Raimon continued.


    -Something distinctive? - Billy inquired.


    -We''re talking about comics; people buy them for the pleasure of reading, for entertainment. We would be affected by consequences like a national crisis, but in the world of comics, our product can still hold its ground, - Raimon explained.


    -So even if the crisis lasts three years, it wouldn''t impact us as much as a company, - Billy concluded.


    -It doesn''t matter. Nobody knows how the market interacts. But you did see some signs from last year that indicated the creation of this bubble, - Raimon said.


    -You mean, from November two years ago, - Anne chimed in.


    -Yes, exactly! Two years ago, the economic increase started rapidly. And since we''re a new, unconsolidated player in the market, it''s strange for the statistics to rise so quickly. I''ve also gathered some significant details from newspapers, and some of my thoughts are connected to it, - Billy added.


    -Well, it sounds like paranoia to me. But go ahead, success is often what people lack the courage to see with common sense, - Raimon said, wrapping up the conversation as he was eager to make the most of his time. - If that''s all, I need to head out. -


    -Wait a moment, - Anne said.


    -Miss Anne, do you need something else? - Raimon asked.


    -Well, I saw your proposal on how to expand our franchises. I want you to give Billy a summary of your growth perspectives, - Anne explained.


    -Ah, sure, that''s simple, - Raimon replied, thinking they might be assigning him more work. - What we need to do with Toys and Comics is diversify our services. We could implement a small candy store that attracts kids, as well as advertise in children''s entertainment centers. We could distribute our products in parks, cinemas, video stores, and schools while respecting the organizations involved. We''ve already introduced some candies, but the idea is to establish a proper candy store within the toy and comics shop. -


    >>As for T-Box Burgers, the burger chain needs to capture market share from competitors. The burger market is more complex. There are places with good market flows that lack good burger joints, like the food court in San Francisco. However entering these markets is costly in the initial months. The product must build a customer base. I''ve tried the burgers, and they''re delicious��much better than many franchises in San Francisco''s food court. So, it takes time and space for people to get to know T-Box Burgers.


    >>Therefore, strengthening the delivery services of both restaurants is a good idea that doesn''t require too much money. It''s something that can be initiated right now. With the financials from T-Box, we''re in the green to improve the delivery system. Lastly, the burger cart, which is my last option, is still in the refining stages. In terms of location, I''m looking for a better food truck company. Los Angeles and San Francisco aren''t as updated as New York, Chicago, and Houston, - Raimon explained.


    -That''s a good explanation. I accept it, - Billy said.


    -Start the inquiries and arrangements for candy distributors tomorrow. I want the best candies in the store. And we''ll talk to Jack Common about improving the delivery system, - Anne directed.


    -Wait, Anne. Inquiries! There''s Lucas and Mr. Cloud, - Raimon exclaimed.


    Anne looked up with a serious and cold gaze.


    -Well, talk to both. I want the best-selling candies in California to be available at the toy store next week. Get to work, Raimon, - Anne said.


    Raimon hurriedly left the room, gesturing words as he ran back to his workspace.


    -I see why he''s afraid of you, - Billy commented.


    -Hahaha, you know, - Anne replied, a wide smile on her face.


    -As for you, you need to keep working on your comics. The Iron Giant, Doom, and Power Rangers series had decent sales, but they didn''t reach the target of your main series. Neon Genesis Evangelion had low sales among the public; it hasn''t covered the market''s sales yet, - Anne informed.


    -I understand. Keep them for now. I believe sales will pick up eventually, - Billy said.


    -State-


    Billy Carson:


    [Drawing: 28.72


    Literature: 26.12


    Performance: 24.98


    Points: 123]


    [Art Supplies Store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack 15 pointsHellboy 22 points. 1993Slam Dunk. 30 points 1990Yu Yu Hakusho. 40 points. 1992Dexter''s Laboratory. 21 points 1994.Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers 25 points.Pinky and the Brain 15 points 1992.Animatics 1992. 15 pointsJohnny Bravo 15 points 1994Rurouni Kenshin 25 points 1994.Evangelion 20 points 1994.Doom 15 points. 1993.The Lion King has 30 points. 1991Hercules. 15 points 1997Shaman King. 20 points 1997.The Iron Giant. 15 points.Power Rangers. 20 points 1993.Trigun 15 points 1995.The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 15 points 1996.]


    There have been a good number of points accumulated from the various comics and the Terminator movie. The wish fulfillment has improved significantly. All these points are being used to buy series; the regular point costs are quite high, and only the points from


    [8. Turn a comic into a TV show. 180 points. To discover your next repressed wish, you must fulfill the first one.


    9. Have your comics known throughout the United States. To discover your next repressed wish, you must fulfill the first one.


    ...]


    His next wish includes something he never considered as a repressed desire: donating money, becoming a subject of donation, and creating a foundation might not be a bad idea for his future comic industry.


    [12. Donate $1,000,000 to a charitable organization. 210 points.


    To discover your next repressed wish, you must fulfill this one.]


    ...

 84. performance exercises.

    There are distinct rules in acting, but all of them revolve around the idea that actors have recipes to achieve the desired outcome. Many of these methods are determined by teachers, retired actors, scholars, and academics. All the teaching methods have been structured and converged into acting manuals. Given the short duration of the course, only three special methods recommended by Professor Susan can be taught.


    At the University of San Jose, in a special acting course offered at certain intervals, Professor Susan is part of the program to impart her acting skills to the world, even though she didn''t achieve as much success as she had hoped in her career.


    -Among the initial teachings is the classic approach used in the industry, the method of acting. This is one of the most classic and successful acting forms that stand out. This method involves immersing our emotions into an experimental idea, experiencing the role as if it were a real person, and connecting the actor''s own emotions with those of the character. It can lead to a disorientation of one''s perception of reality. - said Susan.


    Usually, only a skilled actor can blend method acting with vocal and physical techniques. Method acting would typically lead to success in any performance, but if you combine it with not just strong physical and vocal techniques, you could easily rank in the top 5% of actors in the world.


    We''ve been practicing vocal and physical techniques throughout the course, so I believe these techniques form the foundation for any actor. Even if you solely focus on vocal and physical techniques, you could still achieve considerable success. - Susan continued.


    The entire auditorium was engrossed in the dialogue of the teacher. This was one of the best classes of the semester due to the significance of these methods.


    -Well, the second acting approach is the Chekhov Method, based on emotional, physical, and psychological connection. It could be termed as working on your role, delving into imagination, physical technique, and the artist''s inner self. This method seeks naturalness through deep reflection and internalizing the role of an actor. It''s one of the most used methods, created by Michael Chekhov, an actor who reached the pinnacle of success through his skills. -


    This method requires an exceptionally refined physical technique to execute, akin to a profound study of the role. It involves understanding the character''s emotions, representing them in the performance, and knowing the role inside out. - Susan explained. S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cameron, who was sitting at the bottom, eagerly raised his hand.


    -Yes, Mr. Cameron. -


    -I have a question, why aren''t physical and vocal performances sufficient? - Cameron asked.


    -Well, naturalness, Mr. Cameron. In this century, basic techniques only serve for professional acting, but truly immersing oneself in a role requires something more important capturing the audience''s approval and engagement. Connecting with the audience is our most crucial task. - Susan responded.


    -Therefore, the last technique is parallel to the Chekhov Method, the Stanislavski Technique. It''s the pursuit of the character''s emotional truth, exploring the character in specific scenes. The goal is to understand the character to the best of your ability, and from there, delving into the techniques that refine the results becomes straightforward. - Susan continued. - This method is common and relies on academically studying the script through deep reading. It usually requires significant effort to conscientiously comprehend the role and its representation.


    Cameron raised his hand again.


    -Yes, Mr. Cameron. -


    -It seems very similar to the previous method. What''s the difference between the Chekhov Method and Stanislavski? - Cameron asked.


    -The Chekhov Method focuses more on imagination and the character, while Stanislavski seeks to work on oneself and the role. - Susan clarified.


    -Thank you, I think I understand everything perfectly. - Cameron said.


    -Well, that''s why I''m giving you all five-minute monologues. Each of you must adapt to a specific acting method. You''ll have thirty minutes to practice, and we''ll fine-tune the method in the upcoming classes. - Susan announced.


    She handed out the papers to each student, a stack of about twelve pages for each monologue. The length alone necessitated thorough study, let alone memorizing it perfectly.


    His monologue is about a medieval knight heading to war against the Goths to defend his home, even though they outnumber him 4 to 1 and there''s a high chance they''ll all die. He appears strong in front of his soldiers, but his fear eats at him in solitude.


    -At the end of the course, you will present your monologue to the class. If I believe you''re good enough, I''ll give you a role in a university theater play for August 4th. �C said Susan for the class of performance.


    (The stage is illuminated by a soft light in a corner, representing the light of dusk. A soldier, played by an actor, stands there, looking forward into the distance. There''s a small table with a letter and a framed photograph. Soft, melancholic background music plays, perhaps piano, violin, or cello.)


    Soldier: Here I stand, before the horizon that calls me to a duty I cannot ignore. War calls us all, but leaving behind what I love most is a burden upon my heart. Who if not me to protect our home?


    (The soldier walks slowly towards the table, picks up the framed photograph, and holds it in their hands, looking at it with a mixture of sadness and affection.)


    Soldier: My beloved wife, every time I gaze upon this photograph, I can feel your presence as if you were here with me��a fleeting memory that flickers in my thoughts. It''s the love we share that gives me strength.


    (The soldier gently places the photograph back on the table and takes the letter, holding it between their fingers as their gaze becomes cloudy.)


    Soldier: (Voice quivering) This letter is my way of being with you when I cannot be. Each word written here is a sign of love that transcends distance and time. I promise to return, even though the path is rugged and perilous. Every battle I face, every obstacle I overcome, I do it with the image of your face etched in my mind.


    (The soldier falls silent for a moment, their gaze lost on the horizon.)


    Soldier: As I venture into the unknown, I carry you with me in every step. Though uncertainty may loom, and fear may attempt to tear at my courage, I know I have a reason to come back. You are my beacon in the darkness, my shelter in the storm.


    (The soldier approaches the table, carefully places the letter, and closes their eyes for a moment.)


    Soldier: (Determined) My love, no matter how much time passes, my commitment to you will never waver. This war is not just mine; it belongs to all those we love and who fight for a better tomorrow. I promise to return to your embrace, with the sun on my shoulders and peace in my heart.


    (The soldier straightens up, gazes once more toward the horizon, and lifts their gaze with determination.)


    Soldier: (With resolve) Now, I must go. Every step I take brings me closer to the distance that separates us. Though the path will be rough, and the days may turn dark, I will keep the light of our love burning bright within my heart.


    ...

 85. software ID creation.

    January 22nd


    Thomas Carsen gathered the legal documents for the exchange. He would swap 10% ownership rights of Lux Comics for a 10% stake in T-Box Burgers. Thomas'' profits exceeded his business ventures, ranging from real estate investments to funding a law firm.


    He established his specialized corporate law firm, which grew rapidly. His second role as a partner at an associated firm in San Jose allowed him to live a less austere life. His son, with a keen legal mind, saw the synergy between their law firms as a fruitful resource for both.


    -I don''t understand why you want to exchange benefits from Lux Comics with T-Box Burgers, - Billy remarked.


    -It''s better for you to have full authority over your flagship company. Your strength lies in the artwork, let me handle T-Box Burgers, - Thomas replied.


    -I''ll do it, but I hope you''re not plotting something strange, - Billy cautioned.


    -Please, son, just sign quickly. I have no intention of waiting any longer; it''s seven o''clock, and I have a meeting waiting for me. I''m flying tonight, so I can''t delay. I hope you behave and take care of the house. Don''t skip school and stay out of trouble, - Thomas instructed.


    -Father, you helped me with driving lessons, - Billy inquired.


    -I did. They''re scheduled for the summer when you have more time, once your acting courses are finished, - Thomas replied.


    -Alright, good luck with your trip. I''ll try not to wreck the house, Dad, - Billy reassured.


    -See you in a week, son. I''ll be participating in the programmer''s conference in Kansas. Hopefully, there won''t be too many participants. We''ll begin interviews on Saturday and Sunday, and if necessary, we might extend them to that day, - Thomas concluded.


    -Father, remember, recruiting talent, those who meet the criteria are essential for the new company, and if there''s any special talent for game development, try to hire them, - Billy advised.


    -I''ll do my best to identify the top prospects, son, but I''m not an expert, - Thomas replied.


    -I have to go to school. If you need to reach me... - S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thomas watched his son head off to school, then stored the documents and rearranged the papers for his presentation. As per Billy''s plan, the 10% stake would gradually diminish through Billy''s injection practices. Thomas didn''t fully grasp the concept of constant investment and saw it as a risk. It seemed like something the wealthy constantly did��gradually diluting their percentage until it amounted to much less. However, 1% of $100 million was still a substantial amount of money for a franchise that started with $27,000.


    Thomas Carsen organized his folder and had a cup of coffee with toast. In a moment of carelessness, he spilled coffee on his shirt and had to change it.


    His day as a lawyer was filled with paperwork, meetings, and signings, leaving him drained from the constant work. His upcoming trip to New York would involve some work, but he could use those days to relax and catch up with friends he hadn''t seen in a long time. On a trip with a specific layover in Kansas, Texas, Billy''s project included a clear recommendation: creating a basic 3D shooting game. Thomas doubted that people could complete such a complicated project in just a few weeks.


    Billy was confident that no one truly understood the gaming market in this era, and only Nintendo might have some interesting insights on which direction to take. But the market was simpler than people realized, in his opinion��creating fun, memorable games that would be cherished by players. Children would nostalgically remember the games they played and seek to preserve those memories in their minds.


    Thomas met his father, Richard, at an iconic Kansas restaurant, known to locals as one of the best in the county. Its generous portions and distinctive seasoning made it famous among Texans.


    -Father, it''s great to see you, - Thomas said, shaking his father''s hand.


    Richard Carson greeted his son with a warm smile. - Tommy, my boy, take a seat. You already know Francis and Marshall, my good friends, -  he said, dressed in a new tailored suit.


    -Time sure flies, my friend. I remember when Thomas here was afraid of horses and used to hide under Helen''s skirts, - Marshall chuckled.


    -Hahaha, -Richard''s hearty laugh echoed, leaving Thomas blushing, reminiscing about memories over thirty years old. --He was his mama''s baby, that''s why he didn''t become a cattle rancher like his old man, - Thomas'' father remarked.


    -What do you do for a living, young man? - Marshall inquired.


    -He''s a lawyer, and it seems he''s doing well, - Francis Patt commented.


    -Oh, there''s nothing like earning your bread with your own hands, getting up early, and working for what it''s worth. My precious grandson, why didn''t he come? - Richard asked.


    -He''s in school, trying to skip a grade, so he''s been busier than usual, - Thomas Carson replied.


    -Ah, Francis, he''s a very dedicated young man, with an impressive character, --- Richard said, running his hand over his bald head. --- It''s a shame Helen wants to see him. She''s been thinking about the boy since his middle school graduation; she hasn''t seen him. -


    -I''ll bring him over for the summer. He''ll be taking driving lessons in Austin. I hope you can help him polish his skills during your free time, Dad. It''s good for him to come, and you can assist in honing his abilities, -Thomas said.


    "That''s the best news I''ve heard today. I''m thrilled to hear that my precious grandson is old enough to drive. Does he have a girlfriend? He mentioned something about a blonde girl from his school," Richard inquired.


    -Sort of, I don''t quite understand young people. The Little Claudia who used to be with Billy all the time moved to Switzerland, - Thomas explained.


    -Oh, what bad luck! She didn''t have anywhere to keep her, - Richard quipped.


    -Hahaha, - the old men burst into laughter.


    -Dad! - Richard exclaimed, thoroughly embarrassed.


    -All right, don''t be a crybaby, -- Richard said, taking a deep breath, feeling a tickle in his lungs. --We''ll stay at Marshall''s house. All his kids are gone, the ungrateful bunch moved away, so there''s plenty of space. We''ll have a few drinks and get an early start to visit the company tomorrow, --Richard suggested.


    -Sounds good, Dad. I need to check out some condos for sale. Billy wants to start a video game company, and it''s better to start early, - Thomas replied.


    -Of course, I''ll join you, but have something to eat first, son, - Richard advised.


    -What did you order? - Thomas asked.


    -We were waiting for you, - Francis said.  - Marshall ordered four specials and three servings of cookies in the sauce. -


    -Eh, give me a moment, - Marshall said as he headed to the bar to place the food order.


    -You miss the barbecues, son. There''s nothing better than enjoying a good steak. Here, they serve them medium-rare, and they''re exquisite. None of that tasteless raw meat you find in California, - Richard remarked.


    -He''s right about that, - Thomas thought.


    ...


    The commercial establishment for Id Software was a small, rented space, but spacious enough to accommodate eight computers with all their equipment. The best part was that the rental came with management services.


    There was a total of 13 computer setups registered to compete for the $10,000 prize. Among the participants, five teams fully complied with all the rules mentioned in the brochure.


    Two teams exceeded expectations. Team 3, consisting of a married couple, Alexa Riley and Brian Riley, created a 3D room-by-room shooting format for target practice. The only issue was the subpar design, but they had Pixar, who were geniuses in 3D technology, to help them with that. And then there was Team 11, with John Carmack and John Romero, who had a solid 2D shooting system with good gameplay��or so Thomas believed.


    -We have a dilemma, - Thomas said to his father, Richard. - Both Team 3 and Team 11 did an excellent job, so I''m not quite sure which way to lean. -


    -Oh well, it looks like we lost to the couple, - John Romero whispered to Carmack. He looked disheveled, and it was clear that lack of sleep was taking its toll. He had requested Friday off to finish the project, but they had slept so little that clear thinking seemed impossible.


    -Come on, nothing''s decided yet, - Carmack replied, taking a nap next to Romero.


    Both watched as Thomas Carson left the establishment.


    Thomas called Billy to decide, realizing that the smaller teams had done better in meeting the extra requirements outlined in the brochure. Hiring just one team would suffice, but the final decision was up to Billy, who might be interested in hiring additional groups to fulfill his vision.


    -So, two teams exceeded expectations, - Billy said.


    -Yes, Team 3, a married couple, created a usable 3D format that allows movement in a specified circle and shooting. Team 11 created an enjoyable 2D jumping and shooting game, - Thomas explained.


    -Their names, who are they? - Billy asked.


    -Well, Team 3 consists of Alexa Riley and Brian Riley. And Team 11, I believe, are... let me check here... John Romero and John Carmack, - Thomas replied.


    -Who would you hire? - Billy inquired.


    -I''d go with the married couple; they followed the brief more closely. But I''ll leave the hiring of Team 11 to you, - Thomas replied.


    -Hire both! A $10,000 prize for each of them if they''re willing to join the company. Have them sign labor contracts for twenty-four months. You know, performance-based ones, - Billy suggested.


    -Perfect, that I can do. It''s my specialty, son. I''ll have a meeting with the winners. I hope it''s worth hiring both parties, - Thomas said.


    -Well, Dad, say hi to Grandpa for me, - Billy said hurriedly as he had just stepped out of a math class to take the call.


    I will do. Take care and call if you need anything, - Thomas replied before hanging up the phone.


    ...

 86. sports fashion.

    January 24 sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After renewing its contract with Lux Comics for a four-year duration, the NBA itself wanted to get in on the action and made some calls to Nike to be part of the project��or more accurately, to earn some dollars by lending their association name. At Nike''s suggestion, basketball stadiums on game days now feature a small section of trading cards under the glass displays, thanks to the new trading card distributor. This partnership also includes a licensing deal that costs the NBA $6 million.


    Is it fair? Yes, it is. The NBA, as a group, has a massive market that not only allows Nike to dominate the North American market but also build strong relations with the NBA. Let''s not forget that there''s a significant event coming up around 1992.


    In the wake of the unfortunate loss of the U.S. basketball team in the Olympics, the United States is eager to turn those defeats around with a new story. It begins with improving the current selection team, with the premise that NBA players cannot be part of the team. So far, the only confirmed name is Larry Bird, but there are rumors that some other veterans who feel their time is running out need visibility, and there''s nothing better than the 1992 Olympics.


    The famous Dream Team is coming together, and more and more sports stars are interested in being part of these basketball teams. The selection process has relaxed, and they aim to create a team of stars that can dominate the basketball tournament as much as possible. History is being written, and there are many sports fans around the world, some closely following the NBA in some of its most important games. They will know the caliber of players we are talking about. Among the names in this glorious team are Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and...


    It''s a dream lineup that contains the best of the best from the golden era of basketball associations, ranking far above the U.S. teams from different eras.


    The NBA was under the leadership of David Stern, the league''s commissioner, who had a lot on his plate in the coming years. At the request of the selection committee, efforts were made to bring in a team of veteran players to provide the young ones with better ways to excel. Stern never anticipated the avalanche of requests and meetings he would have with the many players who wanted to be part of this project.


    One of those who made proposals for the basketball team was Rod Thorn. He was interested in the negotiations to invite professionals from the American basketball league. The goal was to secure dominance in the Olympic games, the event that pitted the best against the best, in this case, the best country against the best country.


    Therefore, there was no time to waste. Nike had been accommodating to the NBA as a whole, allowing them to get their way in some negotiations. Money kept flowing in, and spending a little more or a little less was of little concern to them because their annual revenues were through the roof.


    Philip Knight himself had announced that they would provide all the equipment the U.S. basketball team needed, along with calls to friendly brands that would bring in sponsorship funds for the association. They estimated that they would even make the team''s uniforms, a special outfit for a special occasion, as Philip Knight put it.


    The head of Nike had been making strategic moves to establish themselves in the market, much like a chess player moving pieces delicately and conducting business here and there with all the expertise needed to excel in the world of commerce.


    Now was the time for them to make a lot of money in the upcoming years.


    Therefore, the arrival of Suzanne Becker, a sports fashion designer for both men and women, at Lux Comics was just another move of capital, extending its long tentacles. Suzanne was one of the most practical and amiable designers at Nike, making her the best fit to work with Billy, an artist who knew little about fashion. She would teach him the boundaries of fashion, emphasizing that good design should go hand in hand with good aesthetic construction. Even a poorly designed but well-executed piece is better than a well-designed one executed poorly. The most crucial factor is the final product, where designers not only create the clothing but also evaluate the perfect possibility of bringing it to life.


    -I agree, Billy. I''ll send Carl Blakeslee to work on the men''s clothing line. He''s eager to create this new line of clothing, and with my guidance, you should have no issues working together. But enough talk; you''ll be working with me on the women''s and unisex jackets in the upcoming days, - Suzanne Becker mentioned.


    -These are the designs I currently have, - Billy said, recalling the many differences he had noticed in fashion. He had somewhat gotten used to the ''80s style.


    During some free time, Billy made adjustments to the clothing designs he believed would work best. Coincidentally, the clothing in this era was not as tight-fitting as in future generations, except for the famous yoga pants. He modified the designs using his fuzzy fashion memories, adapting them to the characteristic colors of the new Slam Dunk fashion.


    In total, there were about fourteen models of pants, shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, and shoes for women. However, the designs were a bit outdated in terms of the way clothing designs were created, as understood by Suzanne Becker, the fashion designer. There were quite a few mistakes in deciphering silhouettes and cuts.


    The clothing was created to be used by people of different sizes, from larger to smaller, with wide or narrow shoulders, long or short arms, and long or short legs. It aimed to adapt to the human body through 2D drawings, using cuts, patterns, and perspective. The same garment was drawn in different ways. The existing technology for sports clothing hadn''t evolved much.


    -I don''t quite understand what you mean by pants with zippers, - Suzanne said.


    -Well, it''s about making the boot fit the leg more closely with layers. Using zippers is for accessibility, but the zippers should be thin and made of plastic, you know, to avoid issues with ankles. Metal zippers can be quite painful, - Billy explained, remembering the metal zippers from his previous life.


    -Zippers have been used before, but their implementation can be challenging. Changing the material could indeed be beneficial, but we don''t have that technology yet. However, pants with layers sound interesting; let''s think about making them practical, - Suzanne said.


    -Adapting sounds somewhat complex, - Billy remarked.


    -Well, I like this design; the jacket has a certain freshness to it. Let''s work towards the best while you get the hang of what can be made to manufacturing standards, - Suzanne replied.


    She took out a notebook with small fabric swatches, each about half a sheet long.


    -Take a look and choose which one you think suits the clothing style better, - Suzanne said.


    The entire drawing process took nearly five hours, resulting in three specific clothing sets. Billy watched Suzanne leave in a taxi. She was undoubtedly refined, with her slow walk and an aura of beauty that radiated from her being. Her confident and charismatic demeanor, along with her subtle smiles, were quite impressive.


    That''s how designers are; how would models behave, Billy pondered.


    -Anne, can you drive me home tonight? -  Billy asked.


    -Of course, you''re my boss! I can''t refuse your requests, - Anne replied graciously.  - By the way, Jim Waitt called while you were in your design class. It seems you''re getting some money for the Terminator script. There''s a royalty agreement, 0.5% of the North American box office gross, - she said.


    -0.5%? That''s fantastic! - Billy exclaimed.


    -Yes, it''s good to receive more money, even if it''s a small percentage. Money talks, - Anne replied.


    -Anne, do you know how much the North American market has grossed? - Billy asked.


    -I haven''t been keeping track of those things. I have a lot of work. My boss decided to handle a lot of business lately, starting a new company, expanding food and toy franchises, searching for a new comic distributor, buying stocks, filing taxes, negotiating the agreement for the presumed purchase of the neighboring land and some vacant lots in Los Angeles, - Anne explained.


    -Well, I feel the same way. You need a secretary, and I need someone to help me with the process of my comics. Put it on the list for the secretary to handle all our mess, - Billy said.


    -That would be fantastic, but it''s not necessary. I''m the one handling those tasks for you. What I need is an accounting specialist and a negotiator to assist us with real estate purchases and various company dealings, - Anne replied.


    -Let''s hire an accountant and a negotiator then - Billy agreed.


    -Just the accountant will do, - Anne said.


    -Well, the last time I checked, the box office was at $249 million, which would be a million in percentage, - Billy replied.


    -My God! That''s a lot of money! How can a movie make so much money? - Anne exclaimed.


    -Well, attendance rates are through the roof, - Billy said.


    -Perfect, let''s pay the bills for the year in advance, - Anne suggested.


    -No, let''s buy stocks and the neighboring land, - Billy said, getting up from his chair.  - Let''s invest in General Electric and Cisco Systems. -


    -All the money? - Anne asked.


    -No, just one million. The rest will go toward paying the bills. With that in mind, let''s stop investing for now. We have three loans totaling 14 million dollars. It''s better to reach the bubble without liabilities in the bank, - Billy explained.


    -That sounds reasonable. Let''s aim to pay off the oldest loans of 6.5 million and three million as much as we can, -Anne suggested.


    -Have you called Warner? - the young man exclaimed. - They owe us money. I''ve heard that royalties for Yu Yu Hakusho are sky-high. -


    -I''ve tried three times, sent two letters, and in all of them, I''ve received silence. They have 30 days to respond once they deliver the financial statements in March. I think they''re avoiding us, - Anne said bitterly. Warner had closed their participation in Hanna-Barbera for the continuation of Ghost in the Shell/Yu Yu Yakusho and were now denying royalty payments.


    ...

 87. In operation.

    January 26.


    The year 1991 is a year of new opportunities. You''ve built relationships, and in particular, your comic company continues to grow in your activities as an entrepreneur and artist. The niches of Lux Comics continue to expand.


    Among all the companies under your name, ID Software is particularly one of the companies about which you know even less about its management because of the difficulties in localization, as it is based in Kansas, Texas.


    John Romero arrived at his workstation, a second-hand wooden desk like all the others in the company, this time furnished to his liking. He even got permission to play video games at work. The pay was good and even better, he received a $5,000 signing bonus. He arrived humming, with his hard rock cassette playing.


    -So, what do we have for today, Mr. Carson? - Romero asked, addressing Richard, the grandfather of Billy. In simple matters, he is the boss of ID Software. He''s not a businessman, but being old and having had employees in the past, he knows a good employee when he sees one.


    -Ah, Romero, I''ve been missing you. Carmack, your friend, is missing. That punk is quite disorganized. Can you call him? - Richard Carson replied.


    The rented space consists of two rooms, with a front room composed of a large window. The main room is divided into six large desks, and they''re already thinking about expanding the company before even starting. Each desk has its state-of-the-art computers, with some personalized requests from the employees.


    -He doesn''t have a cellphone, but he should be arriving soon. Yesterday, we worked on the 3D game processors using existing gaming software. In the best-case scenario, we''ll end up creating a new one. It''s more complicated than we initially envisioned, Mr. Carson, - Romero explained.


    -Well, it doesn''t matter. I''ll be at the caf�� across the street having a coffee, - said Richard as he walked through the desks toward the exit. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The married couple continued to program tirelessly, working on inking the 3D character designs with the shooting device providing movement in the plane.


    John Romero focused on developing the 3D game processor, to create a gaming application based on Pixar''s designs. They needed their specialized game modulator to design the games. Fortunately, Pixar had an advanced programming system for creating 3D models. The challenge was to create an application that could run these 3D creations, and it was likely that they could only initially design it for computers.


    After half an hour, Carmack arrived with wet, disheveled blonde hair and his large-framed glasses.


    -Good morning, everyone, - Carmack greeted with a smile. He had been working on creating a 3D game production model based on Pixar''s designs, and the game''s animation was looking excellent.


    -Carmack, Mr. Carson arrived early this morning. Later, I''ll show you my ideas about the design. I''m using Animo as a template to standardize our processors for our future game, - Romero explained from his desk, with his metallic shirt and spiked wristbands standing out.


    -Great. I got a bit distracted. Yesterday, I formalized the first game maze��a German training ground. With the format from Pixar, we have a shot at having one of the best games of the year if everything goes well, - Carmack said.


    -That sounds fantastic. We still need ten more scenarios, - Romero replied.


    - For now, it''s ten. I have some inspiring ideas for what we can do next, - Carmack added.


    -You''re crazy, - Romero teased.  - Come on, let''s see what Mr. Carson wants from us. -


    Pointing to the store across the street, Romero led the way, and Carmack followed suit, tousling his hair into place and leaving his backpack at his desk.


    The caf�� across the street was a small family-run shop that had been serving coffee for a decade. Richard Carson, in particular, despised waiting and was only there because he wanted to meet his beloved grandson, who had spent a lot of money to secure the best programmers.


    -Finally, I thought they were going to bury me first, young man, -  said Richard Carson as he sipped his coffee.


    -Boss, - said Carmack.


    -Yes, yes, whatever it is, I have a lot to do, so let''s expedite this meeting as much as possible, - said Richard Carson.


    -Of course, - said Romero.


    The first ID Software meeting was officially beginning. Mr. Carson adjusted his vest as he connected his cell phone to the phone line and took out a thick package wrapped in a yellow manila envelope.


    -Here, each of you has one. Read it after the meeting, -  he said to the four ID Software employees.


    He dialed a number and put the phone on speaker. The clear voice of a woman, which sounded particularly beautiful to both Carmack and Romero, spoke from the other end.


    -Good afternoon, Lux Comics'' general management, - Anne said from the background.


    -Anne, my dear, please connect me to Billy, - Richard Carson said.


    -Ah, I''ll find Billy, -- Anne said. -- Give me a moment. -


    During the hold music


    -Hello, Grandpa, is that you? - Billy asked.


    -Billy, it''s great to hear from you, son. Your grandpa has all the ID Software employees on hold. They''re here to receive your introduction letter, and you''re currently on speakerphone, - Richard Carson said.


    -Thank you, Grandpa, - Billy said.


    -Well, I''m the creator of the Doom series and a new series called Wolfenstein 3D, which I hope my father has told you about. I want these two games to be the company''s main focus. I''ve budgeted that over the next seven years, there will be three releases of each game. Each game aims to innovate the gaming market in its way, - Billy said.


    >>In the books that have been provided to you, you will find all the information you need to know about the game you''re beginning to develop. My father gave you the basic outline containing the general ideas, along with Pixar''s 3D creation software. Now, among the specific ideas, you will work in collaboration with Pixar. The first step is to create a functional game using the provided software. Once it functions, a black-and-white design will suffice, - Billy explained.


    -Any questions? -


    -How will our work with Pixar be conducted? - Romero asked.


    -They will handle it as long as you send them the files. You can start sending them from tomorrow, and the shipping address is in the book my grandfather gave you. Try to send them nearly completed blueprints; it will make the process easier for everyone, - Billy replied.


    -Sure, the goal is to create six games in six years. If we finish a game before the estimated time, what will the company do next? - Carmack inquired.


    -Well, that would surprise me. Each expected version of each game comes with more complicated requirements. For example, I hope that for the second game, which is about Doom, you can create an online mode that connects people from all over the world, playing on different computers. I would even be quite pleased if you applied your game design to existing gaming consoles, like the NES. So, the work is indeed demanding, -- Billy said.


    >>However, if you meet these requirements, you can create more games on your own. I''ll provide you with a joint or individual 4% share of each game developed, - Billy continued.


    -A 4% share would be fantastic, - Carmack exclaimed.


    -As long as the game meets the expectations I have in mind. ID Software is based on creating outstanding games, and a poor game would only tarnish the company''s reputation, - Billy emphasized.


    -That''s reasonable. However, I may deviate from the 3D framework if I decide to create my own game, - Carmack added.


    -Yes, you can do as you please with the independent games created outside of our main projects. For that, it will depend on the game''s quality. I can offer an 8% royalty on sales to the team that produces it, - Billy explained.


    -Great, did you hear that, Romero? - Carmack asked.


    Romero could only smile. They had always dreamed of creating a game together, and now they were even getting paid to create games. With a bit of performance, they could work on the game gradually and release it when they had the time to fully develop it. Creating a gaming operating system was a complex endeavor.


    -We can add metal songs to the video games, - Romero suggested.


    -Of course, if the game is approved, you can purchase licenses for songs! - Billy agreed.


    -I''d like to ask about vacation days, - Alexa said.


    -When you finish the game, you can request vacations. You''ll get 20 days off, and depending on the time in the calendar, you might be able to take 30 days. However, the company will only pay for the first 20 days, - Billy explained.


    -That sounds good, - Alexa replied.


    -Will we receive our full salary during those 20 days? - Alexa inquired.


    -Yes, but the salary will be slightly reduced. After all, transportation allowances are not necessary during vacations. Speaking of benefits, you have half a day off on your birthday, on holidays, and year-end bonuses if the company''s performance is good, - Billy added.


    This surprised the room. Such benefits were like gold, and only the best companies offered them to their employees.


    -Any more questions? Thank you, - Alexa said, clearly pleased with the company''s benefits.


    -Well, each of you has a key to enter the company. In a week, we''ll hire a security monitoring company. The last one to leave should make sure to lock up securely. Now and then, Marshal, a friend of my grandfather''s, will come to check on the company or my grandfather himself, - Billy concluded.


    -Any more questions? - Billy asked.


    Seeing that no one had any further questions, Richard Carson turned off the speakerphone.


    -I believe you''ve got it, my boy, - Richard said.


    -Grandpa! - Billy exclaimed.


    -Goodbye, Billy. We''ll see each other soon. It''s your grandpa''s birthday, and there''s going to be a party. I hope you can come visit, - Richard said.


    -Grandpa, please remember to tell them to thoroughly review the manuals. Everything is in the manuals, and I''m very lucky Grandpa, - Billy said.


    -Of course, I will, - Richard replied.


    -Perfect. Goodbye, Grandpa, - Billy said.


    -Goodbye, Billy. -


    Richard hung up the phone and checked his pocket watch.


    -Billy says to make sure they thoroughly review the manual. Everything is in the manual regarding the game, - Richard said.


    The employees nodded, and each of them went to their stations to read. The manual contained 120 pages with everything about Wolfenstein, including backstories, graphical character images, detailed templates for numerous scenarios, shooting weapons, enemies, backgrounds, traps, maps, and puzzles.


    Id Software was up and running. They had an amazing team of talented programmers. During this time, games didn''t require such extensive teams to create, but they already had excellent designers and programmers in San Francisco who were ready to do their best to make the game a success.


    ...

 88. last semester of classes.

    At Notre Dame School, they were guided to a vocational assistance talk for the senior students. Billy walked through the halls on his way to his student support class, adjusting his thoughts about fashion design. He also reorganized his thoughts about how his work would unfold in the coming months, just four months away from graduation.


    -Billy, please have a seat, -said Mrs. Muffy, the vocational psychology teacher at Notre Dame School, responsible for counseling young students about their future.


    -Mrs. Muffy, - replied Billy.


    -I didn''t have the pleasure of meeting you in my home economics class, - Muffy remarked.


    -That''s correct, we didn''t have the chance to cross paths, - Billy replied.


    -Well, for someone who applied for accelerated graduation, you took some challenging courses��philosophy, political science, and economics. There aren''t any records of college applications and visits. Do you plan on attending college? - the teacher inquired.


    -Of course, I''d like to attend the Stanford Business School. I''m thinking of enrolling in the mathematics course first as a stepping stone to business school, - Billy stated.


    -That''s a very assertive response. I see you have an average score of 1240 on your SAT practice exams. You need an extra 100 points. In my years of work, students usually average 50 to 100 points lower on the exams, - Muffy observed.


    -Well, I believe I can improve my exam score, - Billy replied. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Very well, sir. You want to enroll in Stanford University''s mathematics program, you have an acceptable score, and your grades are excellent. The applications close in March, so I would suggest having a plan B, - Muffy advised.


    -Thank you, Mrs. Muffy, I''ll consider that, - Billy said.


    -Without further ado, I hope we can meet again before the university application deadline. I''ll be keeping a close eye on your profile; student dropout is not something I''d like to see from one of the bright young minds like yours, - Muffy concluded.


    -I''ll have to consider Raimon''s recommendation to pass through some not-so-important filters, - Billy thought.


    "Report on my selection process at Stanford University," said Billy.


    -Very well, -Mrs. Muffy replied, taking note of all the details. She highlighted the word "stubborn" in bold.


    -Excuse me, teacher. I''ll go back to my free period, - Billy said.


    -Let the next student in. Have a nice day, and work on your SAT scores, - the teacher bid farewell.


    Six other students were waiting in line behind the door.


    -Next, please, - Billy said lazily, adjusting his jacket. He would have to continue working on the math exercises due tomorrow.


    The cafeteria was always a good place to get work done. It had been open since 10:00 in the morning, and the smell of freshly baked pizza aroused his appetite.


    They offered hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, and pastries.


    -Walter, I''d like a slice of pizza, a can of Coca-Cola, a chicken and ham sandwich, and a chocolate bar, - Billy ordered.


    -Of course, sir, - Walter replied.


    -That''ll be $6.33, - said Walter.


    Billy took a bite of his pizza; the edges were slightly burnt but acceptable enough to satisfy his hunger. He would have to wait for the lunch service at noon.


    Free periods had their advantages, Billy thought with a touch of despondency. It was his second free period of the academic year.


    Now he just had to tackle his homework.


    -I always see you eating, - Connor remarked. Connor had shoulder-length blonde hair and stood nearly six feet tall, making him a giant compared to Billy.


    Connor was part of the basketball team and had joined Billy as a means to get to know the beautiful girls who often shared their lunch table��Alice, Abby, Selene, and Jessica. These girls were known as the "Unattainables" of Notre Dame and the objects of affection for many.


    -It''s good to see you, Connor, - Billy replied.


    -Everything''s fine. What do you have there? -- Connor asked, looking over the papers.  --Mathematics, nothing interesting. I''d love to skip all the math practices. -


    -What about you? - Billy asked.


    -An English essay on the monthly reading, - Connor replied.


    -Good luck with that, - Billy said.


    -How did it go with Mrs. Muffy? She can be quite a thorn in the side, - Connor remarked.


    -Well, we agreed that I''ll apply to Stanford University, add another university as my plan B, and improve my SAT score, - Billy said.


    -What''s your score? - Connor asked.


    -I have 1200 points, - Billy replied.


    -Friend, that''s a lot. Now I feel bad with my 1000 points, -Connor said.


    -Well, it seems like it''s not enough, - Billy replied.


    -Just relax, buddy, - Connor said, downplaying it.


    -I like your calmness. We graduate in 4 months, - Billy said.


    -Man, I have a lot of homework. Worrying about the future, my dad said I can attend the University of Michigan. My mom graduated from there and knows some people. I can join the basketball team as much as I want, - Connor said.


    -What major will you apply for? - Billy asked.


    -Engineering... I guess. I don''t care, - Connor said.


    -Engineering involves a lot of math, - Billy said, surprised by Connor''s nonchalance.


    -Sure, I''ll learn when I''m part of the university, - Connor said, downplaying it again.


    -I have to go to class, - Billy said, hearing the bell ring.


    -Same here, buddy. See you at lunchtime, - Connor said.


    -Sure, lunchtime it is, - Billy replied.


    Billy''s next class was an art class, one of his favorite courses.


    The dance and culture teacher, not long ago, didn''t allow him to be part of the theater production, and Claudia''s anger over something that happened caused him to drop the theater class.


    -The drawings are very good, - Raquel said.


    -Thank you, teacher, - Billy replied. - I have the idea that, with some work, I can recreate the sequence I have in mind. -


    -Without a doubt, I look forward to seeing the finished project, - Raquel said, moving to examine the various works in the class.


    -She''s such a hypocrite, - Alice said next to him while painting a still life of fruits.


    -Why do you say that? - Billy asked.


    -Well, Claudia told me that she gave in to Jack Boor''s pleas to remove you from the play. Teacher Raquel had decided to cast you in the play''s role, but in the end, she chose Jack''s friend because he said some emotional things to her. I don''t know how you can be so calm, -Alice said.


    -Wait! What! - Billy exclaimed.


    -Just as I said, Claudia was furious with the teacher because she gave in to that jerk''s whims, -- Alice explained. --I thought you knew the story; I didn''t expect them to keep it from you. -


    An awkward silence hung in the air. Alice couldn''t quite grasp Billy''s feelings.


    -You know, it''s not a big deal to lose a theater role. There are more important things, and besides, you got acting courses afterward. It''s not as important as other things, - Alice tried to reassure him.


    -How long have you been talking to Claudia? - Billy asked.


    -Uh, I don''t understand the question, - Alice said.


    -Alice, how long have you been talking to Claudia? - Billy pressed.


    -I think we should pay attention to the class, - Alice deflected, focusing on her painting. She had said more than she intended, and her flushed cheeks gave away her slip-up.


    -I won''t pry any further, Alice, -- Billy said. --How about going out for lunch on Saturday and telling me about this issue? - he asked.


    -Uhh... Billy, I have a boyfriend, - Alice replied.


    -I don''t want to be your boyfriend, just go out with you and understand some things I couldn''t grasp about Claudia, - Billy clarified.


    -I don''t think I have the right to tell you what Claudia doesn''t want to share, - Alice said.


    -I just need some explanations, - Billy insisted.


    -You can ask Claudia yourself, - Alice said, completely ignoring Billy.


    She continued to work on her drawings for the final art project.


    ...

 89. the game begins.

    Billy, as usual, spent Sunday afternoon visiting the Pixar company. He had been going back and forth for quite some time, working on the Toy Story animation film. This was officially one of the last meetings as the 3D movie project was about to begin in full swing.


    Editing a movie that''s already incredible can''t be as straightforward as it initially seems. Pixar''s projects are lengthy and have plenty of time for reevaluating the film from various perspectives.


    Billy knew he had to maintain the character composition of Toy Story, even if he added some secondary characters. He couldn''t disrupt the chemistry among the main characters. Perhaps adding an old toy character who acted as the wise one among the toys without breaking the dynamics of the main characters.


    The current challenge was polishing the script, which had been a long process. Even with Billy''s knowledge of the outcome, he had let the minds at Pixar work on the script, but their ideas were diverging significantly from the original film. He understood why Toy Story had encountered so many challenges during its production, after all, it was the company''s first film.


    His job was to steer the script toward a product that satisfied all parties.


    -It''s a great idea, why didn''t we think of it before? - John Lasseter exclaimed.


    -Well, I believe above all, we should deliver a great story. Buddy has to learn a valuable lesson, just like Buzz Lightyear, - Billy said.


    -We''ll keep refining the script as best we can, - John Lasseter noted, jotting everything down in a notebook.


    -It''s true that your character design is much better than all the ones we planned. Maybe I''ll hire you to review my idea, - Peter Docter said.


    -I''m your boss, if the opportunity arises, we''ll make the movie you have in mind, - Billy replied.


    -That sounds interesting, - Peter Docter said.


    -In the script revision, I want to understand the personalities of the main characters. Why are we introducing so many characters without giving them substance? After all, with just three characters, we can shape the entire film perfectly, -- John Lasseter explained.


    -To entertain the audience and as a means of balancing people''s personalities. Understand that a 9-year-old''s room should have many toys; after all, kids love buying toys. Let''s represent a bit of American society in a child''s room, - Billy said.


    -But toys are afraid of being replaced by newer toys, - John Lasseter pointed out.


    -That''s true; it''s just about imagining it from the toy''s perspective. That''s why the birthday party terrifies the toys, and how a new toy can be a big change in a child''s room, - Billy explained.


    -How innovative, - John Lasseter said. - We''ll start making the movie soon in 3D. We''ll use the storyboards you brought; I don''t think we need to do much more with the script, - John added.


    Billy had to spend 30 points to buy Toy Story. From the system''s perspective, his previous memories were unsustainable, and his memory wasn''t as good. Now he could clearly say that he knew every inch of all five sequential Toy Story movies.


    -I''ll take this script and make some interesting corrections, - Billy said.


    -Impressive, you''ve been very helpful. I almost feel like you have the entire story perfectly in your head. Without you, we''d still be making commercials. I''m truly grateful, Billy, - John Lasseter said.


    -It''s nothing, John, but I''m worried that despite a great movie, we won''t be able to release it as we''d like, - Billy said. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Are you referring to distribution? - John Lasseter asked.


    -Yes, I had a strange relationship with Warner that I thought was perfect, but they''ve been ignoring me and putting obstacles in our entire business relationship, - Billy explained.


    --I understand, kid. About nine years ago, I was an employee at Disney, and I happily believed that my job as an animator was secure. I thought I''d work as an animator for a whole decade. What could go wrong? I got fired for trying to upgrade the computer system. In these entertainment companies, everything is full of uncertainties, -- John Lasseter said.


    --I''m not quite sure who to approach for film distribution, -- Billy said, expressing his doubts. Each company has its pros and cons. Some can cause some hiccups, for example, Paramount has Nickelodeon and might offer a good deal, but the opposite could also happen. Destinations like Fox or Sony (Columbia Pictures) are better options.


    -I can help you negotiate, -- John Lasseter said. -- These companies just need to see the perfect business, and they''ll surely take it. If we make enough money, I''d recommend creating a distribution company for ourselves. I have a friend who can assist us in North America. -


    -It costs a lot of money, John, - Billy said.  - It was the first thing I tried to find out. It''s almost $35 million to create a distribution company for North America, not to mention the scheduling issues. The big companies monopolize the best time slots for film distribution. -


    -How can we make money? -- John asked Randal McArthur, a business administrator at Stanford University, his future university.


    -For now, we''re just sustaining operations, with the group''s reluctance to cut staff. We''re using our staff for multiple tasks that help cut costs, but we''re not making money, - Randal replied.


    -Let''s bet everything on the movies. It all depends on the licensing, toy, and distribution contracts we negotiate. The more successful the movie, the more opportunities we must recoup the money. The distribution commission is worth 30 to 50% of the earnings if they decide to distribute us. These companies prefer to buy the movie, - Billy explained.


    -Let''s inflate the expenses a bit, -- Randal McArthur suggested. -- In my estimation, the movie only needs $18 million, but we can add the costs of the software we use to enhance the animation designs. Inflating the costs to $23 million shouldn''t be a problem. -


    -I have some friends at Universal who can help us distribute the film as long as we''re willing to give up some money, - John said.


    -I have some ideas in mind. After all, if we keep losing money, we can''t keep investing in the company. I''m still refining the details, - Randal added.


    "What''s our asking price for Toy Story? - Billy asked.


    "Up to now, it''s $3 million. But if we add up all the expenses, including software development, employees, equipment, and salaries, our production cost so far is $8 million, -  the administrator explained.


    "That''s true; it''ll help us. Usually, companies don''t buy movies with high production costs, and expenses are distributed in commissions, - John Lasseter said.


    -I don''t think we need a lot of advertising expenses. With the novelty factor alone, the movie can sell itself, but it wouldn''t hurt to add some advertising expenses to the film, - the administrator suggested.


    -That could be fair, but I don''t think we need to go much beyond the key point, - John Lasseter said.


    -That''s true, - Billy agreed.


    -It''s best if we knock on doors. Can you handle the connections with the companies? -  Billy asked.


    -I can, I have friends at Paramount and Universal, - John Lasseter replied.


    -Perfect, I think that would be good. Who among you is the best at negotiating these kinds of deals? - Billy asked.


    -I think Alvy Ray and I will do a good job. A 40% commission on the box office could be enough; we just need some advertising expenses, but we can handle that, right, Billy? - John Lasseter said.


    -We can plan some interesting things. But let''s set the limit at 38%, and 40% only if there are no better offers on the table, - Billy suggested.


    -Agreed, with the understanding that an extra 15% is added to that 38%, - John Lasseter added.


    -I understand, - Billy said.


    -Perfect, now come and let me show you the sets that the company has been preparing for the movie. We currently have the sets you detailed last time, but we''ve encountered some challenges with drawing humans. However, with a bit of work, everything will improve, - John Lasseter said.


    ...


    That''s all for today, I hope you have a happy week, and start this one on the right foot. follow me on Patreon, we are on chapter 121.

 90. publish me

    -What fantastic news! We need to make all the advertising adjustments. From what I understand, we have contracts with Warner and Nike to use various advertising channels, - Billy said.


    Anne gave a half-smile, her freckles standing out between her furrowed brows and body posture.


    Mr. Cloud, in the distance, reviewed his notes while paying full attention to the conversation.


    -We have some ideas, but Warner has blocked us entirely. I think it''s best to end this amicable relationship we thought we had with Warner. Let''s explore other available avenues. We can call Mike Richardson regarding advertising in various Dark Horse Comics releases, - Anne suggested.


    -Of course! - Billy exclaimed happily. -- I''ll make the call myself, -- he said, heading to his office but quickly turning back.


    -You didn''t find the number because you don''t have it. I always make the calls for you, - Anne reminded him.


    -I had forgotten that. Please dial, - Billy said.


    -Give me a second, - Anne replied, checking an agenda that was organized by companies. Lux Comics had relationships with twelve companies, each covering various aspects.


    -Here it is, - she said, and began dialing Mike Richardson.


    -Now it''s on hold, - Anne informed.


    -Hello, - Mike Richardson''s voice came through the phone, sounding hesitant.


    -Hello, Mike, it''s nice to talk to you, - Anne said. She glanced at Billy, who was gesturing that he didn''t want to take the call.


    -Anne, it''s a pleasure to hear from you, - Mike Richardson replied.


    -The pleasure is mine, Mike. I have something to discuss with you. Recently, we received news from Capcom that our Samurai Jack game will be released in June. We''ll be in charge of the advertising, and we want to launch a campaign with Dark Horse Comics. We''ve had an advertising agreement for months, - Anne explained.


    -Ah, I might be able to do something to help, but I don''t think I can provide my support, - Mike Richardson said.


    -What do you mean, Mike? We have a promotion contract for our products, a 5% commission on our comic sales for any related deals, - Anne insisted.


    -I understand, dear Anne, and that''s why I''m going to explain things to you. You have time to run the campaign, but there are some things I want to discuss with Billy. In May, there will be a meeting with some industry friends. All the major creators from the world of comics will be there. We don''t accept businessmen or anyone outside the industry, - Mike explained.


    -Of course, I''ll schedule Billy''s availability. However, do we have a cross-promotion contract between companies? - Anne persisted.


    -I think I may have to break it, but I can give you the contact information for a few companies. Among them, there''s one you might know, they''re in the gaming industry, and they reach out to all the video game companies. It''s a specialized culture magazine, and it costs a few thousand to advertise, but it has a good audience. The company is in New York, and it''s called CamePro, - Mike said.


    -Okay, please provide the information, - Anne said. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Right away, Dora will send a fax with all the details, - Mike replied.


    -The Comic Journal. It''s a comic company. You can advertise with them. Gary Groth and J. Michael Catron own the company. They have limited income and rely on sponsorships. When you negotiate with them, close the deal immediately. Don''t wait for them to think it over. If you can give them the money right away, that''s even better. They''ve been distributing magazines across the United States for a few years. I recommend trying to get the cover; it''ll grab more attention, - Mike Richardson explained.


    -As for the suggestions you''ve given me, I''ll take them into account. Thanks, Mike, - Anne said, partially frustrated.


    -Don''t go just yet; I have another option for you. It''s called Electro Gaming Monthly. It''s a Los Angeles-based video game magazine. It''s recently been established, but it''s dominant on the West Coast. The owner''s name is Steve Harris, and he''s worked with Capcom on the Megaman series. They might be interested in working with you. We''re friends, and I''ll call them. They''ll be willing to listen, - Mike added.


    -Any other companies? - Anne asked.


    -One last one, it''s a radio station called The Colorados. They operate in Oregon, but they have a culture group. They can help you spread the news, but you should know they''re enthusiasts. They often talk a lot about your drawings. I think they could assist if you explain the situation to them and give them a phone interview, - Mike said.


    -Well, what are their names? - Anne inquired.


    -They go by BlackKnight33 and LordOfFire,- Mike replied.


    -Their names, - Anne pressed.


    -I don''t know them well; they operate behind the scenes. But you can give them a call; they''ll be happy to help as long as it aligns with their interests. I''ll let them know that you''re Lux Comics members, - Mike Richardson assured.


    -Okay, I''ll reach out to these guys, - Anne said.


    -Don''t worry, they have my recommendation. These communities know each other from comic cons and are very close-knit groups. If the game is good, they''ll recommend it to all their friends. They will be the first to buy it, that''s all for now.  Attend the May meeting; it will be in New York. If you could go, it would be a great help to your company. Many people who can help you will be there, - Mike suggested.


    -Say hi to Billy for me, - Anne said.


    Then, she hung up the phone.


    -You heard it; he doesn''t expect us to terminate the contract. He doesn''t care about a breach. The ways he''s closed negotiations have told us a lot, - Anne told Billy.


    -What do you think might happen? Any foul play? - Billy asked.


    -It''s possible. There''s nothing conclusive, but many doors have been closed in recent months. Even the government has visited us, citing various reasons��quality, safety, taxes, and random inspections��that have only been hindering our work, -- Anne explained.


    -My father... has done something, - Billy said.


    -Of course, we just haven''t told you. Your father has filed numerous complaints and claims against the fines. He''s building a case of business harassment. We''ve gathered 13 complaints directed at the same person in three months. That person is you, and the lawsuit is quite impressive, - Anne explained.


    -Who could be targeting us? Do you think it''s Warner? - Billy asked.


    -That''s the most likely scenario, - Anne replied.


    Billy pondered on how relationships take their course. Why would Warner cause so much harm to his company? What are the reasons for a company to put so many obstacles in its path? Initially, he had planned to continue with Warner and collaborate for twenty years, dominating the animation scene under Warner''s sponsorship.


    -The only other company that could help us is Nickelodeon, - Billy thought.


    -My day was going so well until the talk with Mike," Billy said.


    He sighed heavily and slumped into the black leather chair in the waiting area in front of Anne''s desk. His long blonde hair covered his eyes, and he realized he needed a quick haircut.


    -Come on, things will get better. You must attend the May meeting; we might find a good distributor there. After that, the best artists will be present. I believe in the company, and I receive letters from fans who highly value your work, - Anne reassured him.


    -Oh, I forgot! I need to respond to some letters, - Billy said.


    -Don''t worry; I''ve already taken care of responding to the letters that deserve a reply. Some even sent us discount coupons to visit their stores, - Anne said.


    ...

 91. practice monologue.

    Billy was in the middle of the room, delivering his monologue, reaching the ideal performance sensation that can only be achieved by understanding the feelings of the rusty-armored knight he portrays. He''s entering a war he''s likely to lose, his sorrow is in the fear of death and what his family might endure after his demise. A war against a mightier foe than the empire''s small army he managed to gather. His wife, who is likely pregnant, must wait for him at home. He may never see her again.


    Billy huddled closer with each noticeable change.


    The one who woke from the dream, in which they were immersed, closed their eyes at the end to evoke that feeling of sadness that hadn''t yet reached their performance.


    -A very fine representation, Billy. I like how your body conveys emotions, and your voice tone is also quite strong, enough to reach everyone in the audience. I hope you work more on the nuances of your voice; sometimes, soft words can resonate with the audience even better. - Susan said.


    -The next person, please, for their monologue. Thank you, Billy. - Susan exclaimed loudly.


    None of the following monologues stood out. Among all the participants, no one was worth mentioning to Billy. Above all, their acting style failed to capture Billy''s attention.


    Only two individuals demonstrated the skills to act convincingly. However, one of the acts that caught his attention for the opposite reason was Cameron''s, who, amid his performance, caused much amusement. His clumsy portrayal of a sailor drew significant attention due to exaggerated expressions and his poor attempt at impersonating a stereotypical pirate with a peg leg, a parrot, and an eye patch, the complete opposite of a sailor. It had a certain charm if you overlooked his awkward movements and the fact that he forgot his eye patch. He even made the charming teacher Susan laugh.


    That''s how the monologue concluded.


    -Thank you very much for your curious interpretation. At first, I thought I had given you the monologue of a sailor. But your pirate idea shed some light on it, Mr. Cameron and you improvised quite well. - Susan said.


    -Thanks, teacher. Although from my perspective, he''s a sailor who''s unlucky enough to look like a pirate. - Cameron said from the front of the classroom, always ready with answers to any questions people asked him.


    Cameron took a seat next to Billy, wearing a smug smile. In his mind, his performance was a perfect 10.


    -So, handsome boy, what did you think of my performance? - Cameron asked Billy.


    -Quite entertaining, better than I expected. You could extend your monologue a bit; your exaggeration is refreshing, a monologue guided by comedy. - Billy said.


    -Comedy, huh? I had never thought of it that way, but it''s in my nature to do things brilliantly. - Cameron replied.


    -I''m sure you could earn some merit in the performance. - Billy said.


    -Please, I know my talent doesn''t reach that far. Save those merits for future stars like you. But what do you say, will you keep a spot in your busy schedule for a drink? - Cameron asked.


    -I''m underage. - Billy said.


    -Of course, of course. We''ll drink something mixed with cola, enough so that no one notices. - Cameron suggested.


    -I don''t think I can. - Billy said.


    As they paid attention to the last set of monologues, a 21-year-old woman with remarkable talent took the stage. Her monologue was about Mother Earth and how she wept in the forest due to the wear and tear caused by human hands.


    -Come on buddy, we can have a bit of fun, I promised to take care of you. - Cameron said. - Don''t drink, but come have some fun, You have a scowl on your face all the time, so come on meet some good music, I''ll introduce you to some amazing ladies, they''ll play with you for sure.


    -I''m fourteen. - Billy said in a whisper.


    But Cameron''s insistence, he was reflecting.


    -Oh well, we can work on that, You''re sixteen now, it''s more acceptable, to open up to some women that only takes you two years. - Cameron said.


    -If I''m 16 they''ll take me two years. �C


    -Haha, don''t worry old man, it''ll be a few kisses and some pool time. With your elegance, they''ll drool on the ground you walk on. - said Cameron.


    I''m not really in the mood for a party. -said Billy.


    -I''ve never mentioned a party. It''s just hanging out. It''s fun to go to the restaurant, people are always lively. - said Cameron.


    -I''ll go, I just hope I don''t get too bored. - Billy said.


    - Great! - said Cameron. -Let''s invite the pretty girls. The blonde is Clove, and her friend is Sarah for sure, they''d love to hang out with us. - said Cameron.


    -See. - Billy said.


    -What do you say? Help me invite them. - said Cameron.


    -You''re the one with the idea, I think you should be the one to take the first step. - Billy replied smiling, it''s enough that I''m participating in the meeting.


    -Give me a moment. -He came back with a cheerful smile on his face, his long, sprawling hair was fluttering the more he moved.


    - Well? -


    -They will come later, They have a paper due in the afternoon, so they probably won''t attend, but I''m positive they probably will. - he said.


    They left the university the beautiful lawns and some students were coming and going from here and there, this is the main lawn, from there you get to the library, crossing the whole park, there are the faculties of arts, it is curious that we see these classes in the main halls, they are dedicated to giving classes of the faculties of administration.


    ...


    S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 92. Have fun?

    -Well, you already know a bit about the inner workings of San Jose University, - Cameron said.


    -Nearby, there''s T-box Burger. Do you know the place? - Billy asked.


    -Oh, of course, it''s the new burger joint. No, I like to stay away from red meat; I gave up hamburgers a long time ago. I haven''t had one in three years, but I still miss the taste. Some friends like to go there; it''s affordable, and the food is good. Do you want to go? We can go next week, - Cameron said.


    -No, your answer is enough for me. Just curious, I saw students talking about the restaurant, - Billy said.


    -The bar-restaurant is undoubtedly the best around. Just never order a salad, - Cameron said.


    The small bar was undoubtedly a student hangout. There were many young faces all over the bar, as Cameron promised, a powerful jukebox playing music at full volume, two billiard tables, and a large bar for ordering all kinds of drinks.


    -Isn''t it illegal to enter here? - Billy asked his tour guide.


    -Oh no, it''s not. They don''t sell many drinks here; essentially, it''s a restaurant. But there have been some changes. The music and billiards are just tools to attract more customers. Bob is in charge, and, well, they sell a small cocktail, a bit of vodka with soda and lime. I can order two, - Cameron said.


    -I don''t want the darn cocktail; just something regular is fine, - Billy said.


    -Okay. Give me a second; there are some friends nearby. I''ll invite them to join us, - Cameron said.


    He returned in five minutes with a group of four women who appeared to be first-year psychology students. Cameron, as a teaching assistant, had taught them some classes.


    -Ladies, let me introduce you to Billy, a high school senior who''s getting ready to join university life. I hope you give him a warm welcome, - Cameron said.


    -Oh, nice to meet you, Billy,- said a young-looking girl. Her appearance didn''t quite fit that of a university student; she had a youthful face that the years hadn''t taken away.


    -Billy Carson, a pleasure to meet all of you, ladies, - Billy said.


    A brunette in the back smiled upon seeing Billy''s charming smile.


    -I''m Clarissa,- said the youthful-looking girl.


    -I''m Amanda, and this is Rachel, - said a girl with black hair, pointing to herself as Amanda. She was by far the most enchanting of the four girls.


    The brunette remained silent, only winking at Billy.


    -Let''s sit down, - Cameron said.


    The brunette sat next to Billy against the back wall, while Cameron sat between Rachel and Clarissa.


    -How have you been, ladies? Is Professor Brown''s class going well? - Cameron asked, pouring a pitcher of soda he had ordered upon entering.


    -Everything''s been fine, Cameron, although I wish I had more time to work on a project," Rachel replied, with Clarissa nodding in agreement.


    -It depends on the assignment; some don''t have flexible deadlines with Mr. Brown, - Cameron said.


    Billy stopped paying attention to the conversation, which had turned to discussions about assignments and university preparations.


    -What school are you from? - the brunette asked.


    -Notre Dame High School, - Billy replied.


    -Oh, I know that school; I have a friend in my major from there, - she said.


    -I see, it''s a good school, - Billy said.


    -I can''t say that; it''s a school for rich kids, - the brunette said.


    -Not at all, it''s an ordinary school. It just excels in arts, humanities, and music, - Billy replied.


    "I see, Rick didn''t pursue any of those," she remarked.


    "Maybe his friends were from Notre Dame; that often happens," Billy said.


    "Do you plan to study here at San Jose?" she asked.


    "Not at all, I only know Cameron from a course offered by the university. I still have doubts about studying or getting involved in the family business," Billy said.


    "Family business?" she inquired.


    "We have a modest book manufacturing factory," Billy replied.


    "It''s good to have opportunities. The business administration faculty isn''t my dream, but I have to continue; after all, I have responsibilities at home," the brunette said.


    "What did you want to do?" Billy asked.


    "Nothing special, but I''d like the freedom to focus on something, to take my time and find the right direction," she said.


    Two drinks arrived in front of them. Billy tasted the sweet flavor of the drink but couldn''t detect the unmistakable taste of vodka mixed in with the soda.


    "You still haven''t told me your name," Billy said.


    The brunette smiled.


    -I''m Karina; I was hoping you''d ask, - she said. She turned her gaze to see Cameron kissing the petite and sweet Clarissa, while Rachel was talking to Amanda.


    -I think we should play pool,-- Karina said. -- The tables are empty, and it''s an opportunity we shouldn''t miss. -


    -I don''t know how to play, - Billy admitted.


    -I''ll teach you. But be careful; Amanda tends to let you win a few rounds and then take all your money, - Karina said.


    -I don''t think I can take advantage of the high school kid, - Amanda said.


    -I''ll do my best to defend you, Billy, - Karina said.


    Pool, a rather challenging game for any beginner; even the easy shots proved tricky. Delicacy was lost after multiple missed attempts.


    -You''re getting better, - Amanda said. Her blue eyes were quite beautiful, a deep blue that made her quite attractive.


    -It''s just an excuse to hustle me, - Billy retorted.


    -I''d be incapable of that, but if you want to bet your allowance, I wouldn''t mind, - Amanda said.


    Billy took another sip of his drink.


    The small "restaurant" began to fill up. The smell of cigarettes filled the air, and despite the open windows; the atmosphere grew heavier.


    -Do you want to keep going? Some friends are having a party at the apartment five blocks from here, - Cameron suggested.


    -Sure! - Billy agreed.


    -Whoa, slow down, Cameron. I have work in the morning, - Karina said. - But we can get together next Tuesday; I have the afternoon free. -


    -I hope to see you next Tuesday, Karina. Come on, let''s head to the next party, - Cameron said.


    -You''re leaving? - Billy asked.


    Walking Karina to the exit, she said, - I have work tomorrow, and I can''t afford to be late. But good luck, honey. -


    -I hope you''ll be careful going home; it''s getting late. Do you want me to order a taxi to your place? - Billy offered.


    -Oh, the bus stops two blocks away; don''t bother. Goodbye. -


    Billy watched as Cameron laughed with a group of perhaps nine people.


    -Ah, here comes Billy; we were waiting for you, my friend. These guys are itching to leave; the women went ahead. We have a matter to attend to,- Cameron said, walking with Billy.


    -Where are we going? - Billy asked.


    -To the store. We''re in charge of stocking the party with alcohol. We have a credit card from Romney, but it''s our last resort, - Cameron explained.


    -Now, let''s gather some money. I''ve got seven dollars, Lucas contributed nine dollars, so... - Steve, Cameron''s friend, started.


    -I have three dollars, - Cameron said.


    -Well, that gives us a total of 19 dollars, - Steve said.


    -Billy, can you chip in? We don''t have a change, - Cameron asked.


    -Sure, I have some money, - Billy said, pulling out some bills.  -Twenty is fine. -


    -Friend, this is pure gold, - Steve exclaimed.


    Buying alcohol for broke college students is like a bargain hunt.


    -Well, Billy, you need to be a bit more direct. You''re quite discreet, and besides, that pitcher had some alcohol in it, so I suggest you slow down a bit, - Cameron advised.


    -What do you mean? - Billy asked.


    -You know, you''re waiting for too many signals. These women just want to have a good time. And about the alcohol, you look a bit too cheerful, - Cameron said.


    Billy nodded attentively. The party house was a small apartment with tinted windows that curiously didn''t stop people from talking again and again. The loud music, the makeshift dance floor, and most of the time, Cameron was off mixing drinks with this guy named Steve.


    -Well, I didn''t expect to see you at the party, - Amanda said, along with a guy.


    -I''m just going with the flow, - Billy replied.


    -Billy Carson, a pleasure, - he introduced himself. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Adam, - the guy said.


    Billy headed to the bathroom to wash his hands.


    -Hey, buddy, want a sip of this? - Two guys asked, waiting by the bathroom door.


    -Thanks, but I just want to wash my hands, - Billy said.


    -I don''t think it''s going to work; a couple is fooling around in the bathroom. If you go to the kitchen, you can wash your hands, - a guy suggested.


    -Thanks, buddy, - Billy said.


    The first party after a long time usually results in discomfort. After a while, he ended up drinking with Cameron, Steve, and Lucas. While they were having soft drinks, Billy ended up drinking alcohol, a mixture of orange juice with gin. He got home in the early hours of the morning, unaware that his father was on the porch reading a newspaper.


    Billy stumbled in, the drinks of orange juice mixed with alcohol causing more havoc than he had anticipated. In a rather archaic fashion, he crawled up the stairs on all fours, trying to find his room. He made it to the bathroom, brushed his teeth, and in his dizziness and unconsciousness, managed to reach his bedroom and fell asleep. The next day, the sunlight streamed through his blinds, and he felt brand new. There was no hangover, and it was refreshing to be young.


    ...

 93. purchase a piece of land

    -Come on, Dad, don''t be in such a mood. It was just a little farewell party with a good friend, - Billy said to Thomas Carson from his bedroom, his white shirt and trousers in disarray. It was elegant attire, but not so elegant anymore.


    -Just get up already; needless to say, you''re grounded, - Thomas Carson replied.


    -Well, it''s not like I have a lot of time for leisure activities. My life revolves around work, school, and extracurricular classes, - Billy retorted, weariness evident in his eyes.


    -Just wake up; we have a meeting. This is your last warning, son. If you have a hangover, deal with it, - Thomas said before heading downstairs.


    There was no hangover; behind the curtains, he saw the elegant morning sun.


    Billy went down to the living room and saw his father sipping coffee.


    -You''re awake, - Thomas remarked.


    -Yes, Father, - Billy replied, a bit nervous now that he was fully awake and had shaken off the morning drowsiness.


    -Get a shower. We have a meeting to attend, the real estate property we''ve been negotiating for a while. Six hectares, 6,000 square meters of land purchased. Not that it matters, $300,000 for adult Billy Carson, who now does as he pleases, - Thomas said sharply as he read his newspaper.


    -Give me a second, - Billy said, remembering the commitment.


    -You have ten minutes. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM, and we have half an hour to get there. The blue suit is on your desk; I''ve already prepared it for you. With that hoodie, I won''t allow you to attend the meeting, - his father shouted from the living room.


    Upon hearing the sound of the shower, Thomas left his newspaper on the table and dialed Mr. Ridden''s number.


    -Mr. Ridden, it''s a pleasure. We''ll see you in half an hour at the notary near the boulevard, - Thomas said.


    -Yes, I''m leaving home now. Thank you for your understanding. You know how these young ones are; they don''t think through the consequences of their actions. We, the older generation, have to clean up the mess they make, - Thomas added.


    Thomas adjusted his suit, headed to the garage, started his SUV, and parked it at the front of the house. He greeted the neighbors who were heading out for their shopping.


    Billy hurried out of the house and took a seat in his father''s car.


    -Don''t take so long next time, - Billy said.


    Thomas didn''t respond, he just started the car. His father''s calm demeanor made Billy somewhat uneasy.


    Music played in the background; his father was a staunch fan of U2''s album "The Joshua Tree."


    ��


    Su padre dio un giro a la izquierda. Deteni��ndose en la luz roja.


    S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [1]


    ��


    They arrived at the notary near the boulevard. Notaries serve various purposes, including authenticating legal documents and paying relevant taxes for the legalization of transactions.


    -Look, Mr. Ridden must be inside, - Thomas said.


    And he was right; Mr. Ridden was sitting in a corner, sipping coffee. His forty years in the real estate industry had helped him accumulate significant profits, money he would use as a college fund for his three grandchildren and his youngest son.


    -Thomas, good to see you, - Mr. Ridden greeted.


    -Mr. Ridden, I must apologize for my lateness today, - Billy Carson said.


    -Don''t worry, son, it was just a few minutes. I can wait a few minutes for a major sale worth thousands of dollars, - Mr. Ridden replied.


    -Let''s continue with this, - Thomas said.


    -I have the papers; I took care of everything, - Thomas told Ridden.


    -Elegant, Mr. Carson. The notarization is scheduled for next week, - Ridden said, displaying ease born from his 33 sales over his professional career.


    -We''ll see you next week; I''ll notify you for the final signatures, - Ridden said.


    After bidding farewell to the Carsons, the documents, explained by his father, were the cornerstone of real estate sales. Billy should at least know the identifiable elements of these negotiations, as his father had emphasized.


    -Have you finished reading the documents? - his father asked.


    -I have. I have some trouble with the terminology, but Anne''s classes have helped, - Billy replied.


    -Give them to me; we''ll file them, - Thomas said.


    The two hours of filing were at most a short wait. Sometimes negotiations took much longer than expected.


    They drove along Route 55 and turned at the second exit of a secondary avenue, arriving at a location with a burger joint. They had lunch at T-Box Burger, the second outlet, which was larger and better located.


    - The place is impressive, - Billy remarked.


    -You should always visit your businesses, son. I do it for you, but I can''t always manage it. This one is exceptionally famous. There are three major offices nearby, the museum is just a few steps away, and there''s a park where families often come. There are some issues on certain days, but the customer traffic is good. There are certain inconveniences with the one near the university, - Thomas explained.


    -I see, Father, - Billy said.


    He didn''t know the manager of this establishment.


    -Who manages it? - he asked.


    -Jack Comman but we have a supervisor,- Thomas replied.


    -The burgers are still good; I''ll order another one. I want to see if the one with pink sauce and bacon is as good as in the other public establishment, - Billy said.


    There are several delicious burgers on the T-Box Burgers menu, including the special tomato jam burger, the second one being bacon chopped burger with pink sauce, the third roast beef burger, and the company''s generic chicken, Mexican, and vegetarian burgers for more demanding palates.


    -Of course, we need to go to the mall and then to the factory. Anne mentioned that you bought two machines for animation during my trip, - Thomas Carson said.


    -I''m going to invest, but this time, I''ll hire some interesting animators. I''m putting together a complete animation team; I want to dive headfirst into the television industry, Father. Warner disappointed my aspirations to participate as a company, so now we''ll try it on our terms, - Billy said.


    -I don''t see it as easy to hire animators to create television series, - Thomas said.


    -I understand, which is why I''ll recruit from the university itself. We only need a team of three people. We''ll invest slowly, for now, I just need two people with good skills, - Billy replied.


    -Dad, this venture is well-funded. Pixar is a money-making machine. Don''t you think everything is moving too quickly? - Billy asked.


    -A bit, son, but it will be on my terms. If I have to make the series myself, I will, - Thomas said.


    -Well, you certainly have the skills to create the series on your own. I hope everything goes well. Finish your meal, and we''ll go to the mall, - Thomas said.


    -To the mall? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, to get you a cell phone. You can''t go on being out of touch for much longer, - Thomas said.


    The latest cell phone model was a Nokia from 1984, a rather heavy cell phone that only worked for making calls. The extravagant expense of $1,100 was excessive for the limited functionality of the phone.


    [1] U2 is an alternative rock band. A good band.


    ...


    hello again, happy week to all, I was quite busy with some things, but, here is everything.

 94. Titled titles.

    What would be the most suitable TV series for a television channel? The programming must have enough content for this channel to run 24 hours a day. Achieving this is possible with some milestone series that grab people''s attention. At times, a great series can even have double programming in the morning and in the evenings, the kind that can create a widespread fan following wherever they are aired. "Dexter''s Laboratory" is one of those great series any company would wish to have. Therefore, his project in his free time is the "Dexter" series. However, he understands that the company''s focus should not be on series production, and it''s much better to concentrate on deliverable films.


    The work on a movie can be quite laborious and challenging due to the quality required frame by frame. In a way, if you work independently, making a movie can yield better returns on your time investment.


    Among the selection of movies, "Hercules" may be the one with the best opportunity. Some design challenges may arise, but there''s no doubt that everything can be solved with Pixar''s Caps program.


    The Carson family''s van entered the luxury comics factory compound.


    -Are you happy with your new phone, son? - Thomas asked.


    Seeing his son playing with the phone, the programming was poor and meager, but it was surely the latest in technology at that time.


    -It''s an unnecessary expense, Father. - Billy said, holding a large phone with limited functionality.


    -I hope you''ll use it during those curious adventures I never thought you''d enjoy. - Thomas said, smiling. He found it good to scold his son for his misbehavior.


    -Are you calling me a party pooper? - Billy said, playing along with his father''s banter.


    -You misinterpret my thoughts. I''d call it mature. - Thomas said, adjusting his suit and stepping out of the car alongside Billy. The factory was deserted, even more so than expected for a Sunday. Near the entrance, there was Raimon''s old junker.


    -Thank you, Father. - Billy said.


    The chill on the first floor of the Lux Comics factory is almost natural. Billy has grown accustomed to the smell of paper and the sight of workers scurrying about, moving from one place to another. This time, the production was in a state of passivity, with only a few workers printing comics.


    The series from Lux Comics ranges from issue 66 of Slam Dunk, issue 67 of Ghost Report/Yu Yu Hakusho, and issue 14 of Neon Genesis Evangelion. In the United States, the continuity of these franchises has given them a certain popularity, coupled with the unique charm of the artwork. It''s important to highlight the application of innovative techniques that even now comic artists secretly praise.


    -Billy, how''s everything going? - Raimon asked, dressed in a Spider-Man hoodie and slippers. In his right hand, he held a bowl of gummies, chocolates, and other candies.


    -I didn''t think you worked on Sundays. - Billy said, raising an eyebrow at Raimon''s curious appearance.


    -I don''t work on Sundays. I come because I have nothing better to do, and I make the most of the day here. - Raimon said.


    -Like what? - Billy asked.


    -Well, beating the high score on the arcade games. I''ve gained some skills that I''ve been practicing for the past two weekends, and of course, making money for the company. - Raimon said.


    The company had a total of six video game machines, including the most popular one among the company''s employees, Pac-Man. The game that even Anne dares to play sometimes when she''s waiting for Billy, who often draws late into the night.


    -I assume all this comes after checking the accounts. - Thomas said.


    -Of course, Mr. Carson, I even handle the tasks that Miss Anne doesn''t like to do. - Raimon said nervously.


    The Carson bosses were quite strict. Raimon thought.


    -It''s good to hear that. You''re the one in charge of the little investment fund we have in hand. - Thomas said.


    -I wouldn''t call it little, but yes, I handle that, Mr. Carson, and I review the accounts with Jack, Mr. Murphy, and Miss Anne as well. I also assist in the financial analysis of the franchises and negotiate with the banks. - Raimon said, proudly thumping his chest.


    -You never cease to amaze me. - Thomas said.


    -Thanks, boss. I think I''ll head to the game room. Ahhh, do you guys want some gummies? - Raimon said.


    -Thanks, Raimon, but we just had lunch. - Billy said.


    -Excuse me. - Raimon said, fleeing in a hurry. Deep down, he felt they would give him more work.


    -He''s quite the character. But nobody in the company denies his talent. One of the top graduates from Stanford University, with an average above 9.0, and recommendation letters from his professors. It''s just his eccentricity that gives everyone the creeps. - Thomas said.


    -I like his eccentricity. - Billy said.


    -Come, you have something to show me. Both Anne and me. - Thomas said.


    -Of course, I''ll show you, I''ve only been able to work on some general tasks, but I already have something. - Billy said.


    -Your new animation series? - Thomas asked.


    -Well, it''s just a concept for a 2D film I want to make. Remember the Hercules comic? They''re good, but I think a movie could be a game-changer for the company. - Billy said. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I thought you were going to make a series. - Thomas said.


    -I tried for a while, but a series is a long and tortuous process. A movie might be more suitable for me. But I do plan on a series, an interesting one, eventually. - Billy said.


    -I haven''t read the Hercules comic, son. - Thomas said.


    -I''ve made some sketches so far. I''ve been working on the backgrounds on acetate to improve the image quality, using some tricks I learned from Hanna-Barbera. And, well, I''m still exploring Pixar''s Caps system. They sold a rather interesting version to Disney, but with the new expenses, the program has made a qualitative leap in quality. John Lasseter teaches me a bit, and his students also share some insights. - Billy said.


    The room was filled with several acetate sheets painted with tempera, some tracings on a light table.


    -Look at this scene. - Billy said.


    It was the introductory scene of Hercules, featuring Greek mythology from the time when the Titans ruled the world, imprisoned in the depths of Tartarus by the women from the jar. The shots were custom-made, and the 20-second reproduction design was quite satisfying.


    -It''s interesting to venture into the world of animation, as long as you don''t neglect your other responsibilities. - Thomas said.


    -Father, what matters is what we create now. Did you like it? - Billy asked.


    -Of course, it''s an impressive drawing. - Thomas said.


    -Good, this is what I want to create. For now, we only have two floors in use at the company. We can use the third and fourth floors to create our animation studio. Initially, my idea is to work alone until later on when hiring a few artists allows us to produce a larger series. - Billy said.


    -What do you think, Anne? - Billy asked.


    -As long as the investment isn''t too significant, creating a series isn''t that complicated. Obtaining the programs from Pixar and buying the necessary equipment is a straightforward task. Now we need to consider many other issues like dubbing, music, direction, and editing rooms, which can be more costly. As long as production can be kept at a minimum viable level, it''s doable. - Anne said.


    -Let''s start preparing the upper floors. The fourth floor is the smallest. A large production studio and a small one could eventually be created, but building one right now can''t be determined by a quick calculation. - Thomas said.


    -We''ll inquire with Pixar. - Anne said.


    -Yes, that might be the smartest move. - Thomas agreed.


    -Since you''ve decided, here''s another project I''m working on: Dexter''s Laboratory. I''m adding a cartoonish preference to the aesthetics. - Billy said, showing a short clip of a young boy with orange hair in a white suit and a girl in something resembling a ballet outfit behind him.


    Dexter''s shorts are each 7 minutes long, making it easy to work on the series. But even if I were to create 30 episodes on my own, I can''t pitch the series to Cartoon Network; they''ve left a lot to be desired. It''s much easier to try with a movie. - Billy explained.


    ....

 95. different postures.

    Disney''s latest project was nearing completion, led by two individuals, Ron Clements and John Musker, a dynamic animation duo that Disney had enjoyed working with for a long time, delivering fantastic work like "The Little Mermaid" in 1989 and the upcoming "Aladdin" in 1992.


    -Hehehehehe. - John Musker chuckled.


    -What''s so funny, John? - Ron Clements asked, adjusting his glasses. John had been laughing all morning.


    -It''s this new comic series, Slam Dunk. It''s quite entertaining and funny. What do you think? Maybe for our next film, we should do a basketball-themed one. - John Musker suggested.


    -These are interesting drawings. Let me read it a bit more. - Ron Clements said, curiously examining the quality of the artwork.


    -There''s no use reading that one; it''s a long story, 66 volumes in total. The next one comes out on April 2nd, as it says in the programming calendar. So, you have until April 2nd to catch up. - John Musker replied.


    -66 volumes? That must be quite the task! Is it by Ronney this time or maybe the brothers? - Ron Clements inquired.


    -Not at all. It''s not from any well-known publisher; it''s from a new one, Dark Horse Comics. This particular one was created by Bill C. Y., and he hasn''t shown his face, but he''s produced some excellent works. Just look at these details. - John Musker said.


    He flipped through the pages, stopping at one that displayed the school backdrop in a sequence with Sakuragi/Wilt and his friends, different shots, meticulously covering every part of the story.


    -Magnificent work. I doubt anyone could produce something like this without putting in a lot of effort. - Ron Clements remarked.


    -Oh, you could do it; it''s just that you''d have to work hard. I recently talked to Jim Lee[1], and he told me about a technical drawing workshop he''s taking. Many artists are realizing that if they don''t learn from these comics, they''ll fall behind in the market. It''s a small company without much publicity, but they''ve entered the market to compete and have established their position in just three years, thanks to the quality of their artwork and fantastic stories. They''re refreshing the comic landscape of this decade, and their fan base keeps growing day by day. - John Musker explained.


    -He''s quite serious! -


    -Of course, even the best Marvel series are trying to give their animations a more realistic approach nowadays. "Sin City," the masterpiece, was expected to premiere in April, but its release date has been set for August. It turns out that children prefer copies from this company with better technical qualities. Frank Miller himself has mentioned that the studio uses comics to enhance their technical drawing skills for their new series. - John Musker said.


    John couldn''t help but be impressed by the quality of the artwork and the stunning storytelling. Renowned figures in the art world have found inspiration in this kid''s drawings.


    -We should ask management to allow us to make a movie based on this comic. - John Musker thought to himself.


    -I''ll buy some; I''m curious about the book that has you recommending it. You can see the author''s effort, and for someone as strict as you, it must have its charm. - Ron said aloud.


    -Well, you''re in for a surprise. - John replied.


    -Why''s that? -


    -There are more series, I''d say five others. I like the Samurai one, although "Samurai X" is set to premiere in April. Another samurai story, but there''s no doubt the kid has talent. - John said.


    -Six series, we''ll have to see the quality of each one. - Ron commented.


    -Oh, you''ll be surprised. They''re all fantastic, with many incredible elements, covering entirely different themes. There''s no repetition, and the most incredible thing is this. - John Musker said.


    He flipped the comic and turned the page, revealing the last images of the book, as well as the front cover.


    -I still don''t understand what''s so important about it. - Ron said.


    -Neither did I at first, but now that I realize it, it''s hard to discover on my own. But my conversation with Jim Lee, made me realize that there are no credits to different individuals. You know, by law, artists must be credited, even if they don''t receive a penny for their work. It''s important to give credit. So, if there are no credits to anyone, it''s because this person works alone or two people who work alone and share credits as one. - John Musker explained.


    -That means it''s likely that the creator of this entire series is a single person. - Ron Clements said, quite impressed.


    -It is! That only leaves me even more intrigued by the creator of this comic series. - John Musker replied.


    -Hasn''t he participated in the San Diego Comic-Con? - Ron asked.


    -Not at all, my friend. It''s all been under the radar. The last time they sent the administrator to attend Comic-Con, but they didn''t win anything. Although it''s quite unusual for a company like this; awards should be as plentiful as Halloween candies. - John Musker said.


    -Well, I think our next film could be about sports. - Ron Clements said, now imagining the connection between a girl who joins a boys'' basketball team and ends up making many friends.


    -That''s fantastic. - Ron exclaimed.


    -I know, although I doubt we''ll have a chance with management regarding anything related to this company. I''ve sent two requests, and they''ve both been rejected. - John said.


    -Why didn''t you tell me? - Ron questioned, abruptly standing up from his seat. - We could both go. -


    -We were busy with the creation of Aladdin; we''re still in the process, but our workload is mostly done. I forgot about it amid all the work. - John explained. S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Come on, we can go and ask Jeffrey. He''s in his office right now. If we''re lucky, we might have a chat with him. It''s better than sending a letter to the requests department. - Ron suggested.


    -Wait a second, I need to finish sending some emails. We can go at lunchtime before Jeffrey''s lunch with an executive probably begins. - John said.


    -Agreed. But let''s not waste this opportunity. Have you reviewed the latest changes in the production? - Ron asked.


    -Of course, I have. - John said, drafting some letters to be sent by mail.


    Jeffrey Katzenberg is none other than the CEO of The Walt Disney Company. His films have been acclaimed by the press. He is in charge of the company''s film divisions, particularly for animated movies.


    -Mr. Jeffrey, it''s a pleasure to see you. - John Musker and Ron Clements said at the office door.


    -John, Ron, what brings you here? It''s good to see you. - Jeffrey replied.


    -We want to talk to you about a project that has been on our minds for some time. - John Musker said, showing the Slam Dunk comic.


    -Oh, I know this company. Tell me, what questions do you have? - Jeffrey Katzenberg asked, more intrigued than usual.


    -Look at this; it''s simply one of the best comics in the market. I''ve talked to some friends at Marvel, and they expressed a positive opinion that the artwork is top-notch. - John Musker said.


    Jeffrey looked at the images and reviewed the entire script of the book.


    -It''s volume 66 of the series, and I have almost all the volumes. The quality never drops, and the artist can compete with the best. - John Musker added.


    -I see! - Jeffrey Katzenberg said, realizing the trick they and Warner as a company are pulling. The problem was that they never thoroughly reviewed the artwork from Lux Comics; they were solely focused on Pixar. Now he understands why Warner is capable of playing dirty with their partners. This is pure gold.


    -Sir, if we could request a license, we could create a television series or, even better, a movie based on one of these series. The artwork is fantastic. - John said.


    -Thank you; I''ll make time to discuss it at the next meeting. - Jeffrey said.


    The stakes have changed, and it''s likely that now they''ll have to reevaluate their strategies. This level of artwork, even with the various problems that have come to light, would be too valuable to ignore.


    Jeffrey Katzenberg bought all the books he could find from Lux Comics and started reading the stories with dedication. Even the store clerk mentioned that some volumes were sold out. Later, his children asked him why he bought all the Informe Fantasma comics, which surprised him even more because of the fondness his kids had for the series. He would have to reevaluate his conversation with the research geniuses.


    ...


    [1] A comic book artist who has worked on various comics, from DC series to creating characters in the Marvel universe.


    ...

 96. starting from zero.

    March 26.


    The sporadic beginnings that the comic company has had are, among many things, gratifying for all the parties involved. From a regular perspective, in just over three years, they have achieved many tasks that were considered unlikely for a comic company. However, comic sales are massive, and the company''s profits consistently remain in the black month after month, allowing them to earn enough money to sustain the company and invest in a few other things.


    That''s why seeking potential investment opportunities is the job that Billy wants to undertake while this financial streak lasts. Unlike his partner, he has a talent for working at his own leisurely pace, excels at doing things he enjoys, and is indecisive when it comes to business. He prefers to immerse himself in other pursuits that he''s better at.


    -What do you think, Lev? Do you see a future in this kid''s story? - Saban asked. Over the course of five months, he has reviewed the script countless times, and a few friends have also assessed the script, yielding satisfactory results. The story is already good, but the document that outlines how to bring it to life is crucial.


    -It''s interesting; I can think of some great songs for this type of program, - Shuki Levy said. He has been involved in a music project, and his experience has provided him with some insights into creating works.


    -I have some doubts about this company, - Saban admitted.


    -If they''re not trustworthy, it''s better to leave it here, - Shuki Levy responded decisively.


    -That''s not it. I''m just curious about why they chose us to create a series like this. We''re still novices; we''ve done few projects, and there may be unknown reasons for working with us, - Saban explained.


    -Perhaps you''re overthinking it. They''re a small comic company with a good job for us. We were once in a similar position, -  Shuki Levy said.


    To get to where he was, he had to take on many jobs during his career as a composer. In Paris, not everything was as pleasant as he thought, but luckily, he met Saban, and they embarked on creating content in the entertainment mecca.


    -We''ll accept the offer; Fox will pay us money if our series is accepted by the audience. This kid might have some savings, and with you as the producer, making the series is just one step, - Shuki Levy concluded.


    -You''re right, although the production rights for the series alone seem too low, -- Saban said, pausing by some sheets pinned to the wall. -- I''ll call Jim Waitt; he''s the kid''s agent. -


    -If you don''t need me, I have some things to check, - Lev said, adjusting his jacket.


    -Of course, thanks for your time, - Saban replied.


    Saban specifically read the terms of the offer. The deal with Saban involved a license for three seasons of the Power Rangers series. Profits from advertising revenue, international licensing sales, and distribution income belong to the one who holds the license for six years. Lux Comics has the right to a repurchase clause for the film programs if Saban decides to cancel the Power Rangers project. The repurchase clause for this program is half the production cost.


    -What a strange clause, - Saban thought as he walked around his office in a contemplative state. It was almost noon when he heard the phone ringing.


    -Good morning, - he answered.


    -Haim, I can''t pick up the girls from the daycare; I have some errands that have taken longer. Would you mind picking them up? - Saban''s wife asked.


    -Of course, dear! - Haim replied.


    -Oh, God, it''s good to hear you say that. I thought I''d have to ask the teacher to watch them for an extra hour, - Cheryl said.


    -Don''t worry; I''ll be there ten minutes before the bell rings, - Saban reassured her.


    -I have to hang up. Good luck with your day, - Cheryl said.


    -Same to you, - Saban replied.


    Saban reviewed the document and his notes once more. He decided to sign it. He was growing fonder of this project as he continued to consider many important aspects of the series. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jim Waitt, you''re the man who''s been on my mind this past week," Haim said, his voice cheerful and businesslike, quite different from the tone he used with close friends, which was more measured and calm.


    -Pleasure to meet you, sir. How can I assist you? - Jim replied.


    -Speak with Saban, Haim. A few months ago, we had a meeting to discuss the production of an independent project, - Haim explained.


    -I remember it well. Tell me, has Mr. Saban decided to contract with Billy? - Jim asked.


    -He has indeed. I''ve already signed the licensing contract. However, there''s a question that has been bothering me, - Saban said.


    -Please, go on, sir, - Jim replied.


    -The terms of the contract seem very favorable to us. I don''t quite understand why the licensing fee is set at zero, along with the share of other profits that could benefit the company, - Saban explained.


    -I don''t have a clear idea either, though Billy mentioned that success is guaranteed. He''s putting everything into production, and I have a hunch that Billy will make money with the series, - Jim said.


    -Send the documents to my office at CAA. I''ll get in touch with Billy and provide him with the details, - Jim suggested.


    -I''ll schedule auditions for June if everything goes well. Billy is invited to participate, - Haim said.


    -I agree; he has a busy schedule with classes at his high school and some other commitments at his comics company, - Jim noted.


    -We''ll plan a meeting later. We want to start work around July, with a pilot episode, to gauge the series'' impact, - Haim said.


    -Prepare Billy for it. It''s more likely that we''ll schedule the meeting for the end of the year for the pilot review, - Haim added. He hung up the phone and headed for the exit, planning to treat the kids to some ice cream. After all, he had to be a cool dad.


    -I''m leaving for the day, but I have some tasks to attend to at home, - Haim told his secretary, who jotted it down in her agenda.


    -The 4:00 PM appointment is canceled sir, - the young woman said.


    -Please let Shuki Levy know, he''s in the studio. Tell him I have something very urgent to attend to, -Haim replied, as he left the company.


    ....

 97. pixar

    -John, I understand that you all are thrilled to be producing the movie, but I think you need some self-control. It''s not healthy for you to work day and night without rest, - said Anne.


    -I agree, but these folks don''t stop. I even warned them that it''s unsustainable for us to pay overtime to make the movie, - said Randall McArthur.


    The commitment of Pixar animators is quite obsessive, working 12-hour days, with some only getting six hours of sleep on improvised mattresses in the hallway. They wake up in the early morning to continue working. Nobody ever said that the capitalist system was the best.


    John Lasseter had dark, heavy bags under his eyes, like two office paperclips hanging from the underside of his eyelashes.


    -I think everything is fine; only those who want to do it stay. We spend so much time commuting from work to home and back. It''s just frustrating; sometimes I want to see that scene finished, and if I don''t finish it, I can''t even sleep, - said John Lasseter.


    -I just hope they don''t do this every day, --  Anne said. -- I''m a bit concerned about the employees'' health at Pixar. -


    -Just make sure to pay the employees on time. We''re all happy and excited about the movie. Everyone working here has had a dream for several years. I''m enthusiastic; my wife knows it''s my dream and understands. I have no other impediment stopping me from working 20-hour shifts, - John Lasseter said.


    -We all agree, - said Ed Camult, happily.


    -I disagree! - Anne exclaimed.


    -Dear Anne, I''ll manage the folks as much as I can, but I''m happy, even though I can''t sleep on a comfortable mattress. At my age, my back starts to ache, but I like what we''re creating, - Alvy Ravy Smith said.


    Anne was on the verge of shouting. In her thoughts, not only was there the potential issue with the government agencies overseeing all of Billy Carson''s companies but there were also possible legal disputes if an employee were to regret their decision and file a lawsuit, among many other possibilities.


    Billy interrupted.


    -Let''s make the company better. We can set up the cafeteria like the comic company, with two large drink fridges, some dinners to reheat, coffee, sweets, pizzas��let''s buy everything necessary to make sure our employees are well-fed. No one should come to work on Sundays, - Billy said.


    -That''s perfect; pizza takes a long time to deliver! - John Lasseter chimed in.


    -Billy, I don''t think it''s right to do these things for us, - Anne said.


    -Come on, Anne, I don''t think it''s a bad idea to buy some things for people to eat. This company has nearly 40 employees; it''s enough for us to stock up at the beginning of the week with what''s in demand, - Billy said.


    -I''m not arguing about the fridges; it''s the consequences that concern me, - Anne said.


    -There won''t be any consequences, Anne. I can vouch for it from my word that we''re a committed team, and we''re all doing it for our interests, - Ed Camult said.


    -Come on, Anne, it''s something you love, something inevitable. We''ll take responsibility for everything that happens afterward, - Billy said. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The work done by Pixar employees is fabulous. The animators'' restlessness is undoubtedly a key to making movies. The obsession of these individuals can only be reflected in the future success of these same workers.


    -With that said, I have to get to work, - John Lasseter said.


    -Today is Sunday. I''ve already given the order; we''ll rest on Sundays, - Randall said.


    -It''s a pleasure to establish Pixar''s new company policies. Since today is my day off, I''ll rest a bit and have a meal at a restaurant, -  John Lasseter said decisively.


    -Now, onto an even more important topic, - Ed Camult said.


    -True, - John Lasseter said, shifting in his chair.


    -Is this about?- Anne asked.


    -We need some extra funds. The team needs to subcontract a company to help us develop a program with better features, - Ed Camult said.


    -How much money do you need? - Billy asked.


    -Two million dollars, - Ed Camult replied.


    -We don''t have that money, but there''s an outstanding account payable from a company. We can invest that amount in five months or when it enters our funds. Is that fair to all of you? - Anne suggested.


    -Subcontracting is possible with an advance of perhaps $500,000 and a promise of payment, - Ed Camult said.


    -It''s impossible, Mr. Camult. We have many investments, and we can barely pay off the debts we currently have. In five months, we can cover the subcontracting and invest some more. Give us some time; I assure you we''ll invest more money, - Anne said.


    Lux Comics generates $900,000 in monthly revenue, the toy company makes around $800 to $1,200 in profits, which we prefer to keep for the toy company. T-Box Burgers earns between $3,500 to $5,000 per month, which has been used for marketing campaigns.


    The contracts with Nike bring in $34,000 every three months, and on special occasions, they receive over $40,000. A small contract with Hasbro yields $200,000 per year. Billy typically reinvests most of it in stocks or improvements in the companies under his control.


    With the interest in paying off all the loans, investments have been reduced. At this rate, they might be able to settle two of the three loans by October.


    -It''s unfortunate for all of us, - Ed Camult said.


    -It''s impossible to inject capital, but please understand that you are a priority for us, - Anne assured.


    -Thank you, Anne, - Ed Camult said. The trust among the partners is evident; when they promise something, they deliver, even beyond what''s requested.


    So, the meeting ended earlier than expected. It''s not just the company''s general issues but also all the points about the company''s operations, given their short attendance. The glass-walled room never loses its significance in Pixar''s life.


    -Your 2D animation studio is going to face some obstacles, - Anne said to Billy.


    -I don''t think it will face many obstacles. My studio doesn''t need as much money as these people. I''d be content with two employees. I just need some help from a small group of talents, - Billy replied.


    -Hire talent first before assembling a massive team, - Billy said.


    Retired artists from the industry, interesting promoters with talent, or people he knows through his network who know certain artists. For now, he''ll focus on making the Hercules movie as much as he can advance. Considering the diversity of ideas at Pixar, asking for collaboration might not be a wise idea.


    ...

 98. End of the course of action.

    May 2.


    The acting course came to an end, and Billy had learned several lessons that would aid his future career as an actor. His performance of the monologue of the nostalgic knight going to an unwanted war had been presented to a relatively large audience. It had been loaded with hours of practice on Billy''s part, and he had trained enough to recognize his imperfections.


    The elegant blue chairs of the San Jose University theater slowly emptied as the acting event concluded. Only a handful of groups remained, chatting and waiting for something. The red curtain was once again drawn up with two thick black ropes, just as the attendants did after each performance.


    The wooden floor would be swept, waxed, and cleaned the following morning.


    Billy had worked as hard as he could. With the guidance of his teachers in improvisational acting and dramatic acting courses, he had gathered some tools that would help him in his budding acting career.


    He felt nervous as he had just completed the acting course. There was still a void in his heart because he wasn''t entirely satisfied with his acting abilities. The work he had done had left a mark deep in his soul, for acting was what he needed to fulfill some of his future projects.


    Leaving the studio, the medieval knight costume had been touched up by a costume shop and a seamstress who charged him $100 for making some minor adjustments to the outfit. Billy opened the door to the men''s restroom, headed towards the main stage where he had recently performed his role and spotted his thin-waisted teacher, Susan. Her tight-fitting shirt only accentuated her waistline, reaching just above her navel.


    She smiled as soon as she saw him and approached with a dancer''s graceful stride, her back perfectly straight and a firm step.


    -Billy, your performance was truly outstanding. I think you could take on a role in the play we''re working on, with a small company, - the teacher said.


    -That sounds fantastic, but I''m afraid I can''t commit to any engagements, - Billy said, rubbing his neck. Unfortunately, the next few months were crucial for his acting career, with plans like learning to drive, the summer comic season, and the castings he had promised to participate in.


    He saw a frown crease on Teacher Susan''s face as she glanced towards the wings where the stagehands were still cleaning up the mess left by the acting course and the music club.


    -Are you sure, Billy? You could work on the play we''re presenting in June, July, and August. It''s an interesting opportunity for prospects, and you''ll meet people who might offer you other roles. With your skills and appearance, it''s almost certain, - Susan said.


    -I''m sorry, teacher, but I have a busy few months ahead. I don''t think I can commit to three months of theater. However, I can make time to come watch your performances when the time comes, count on that, - Billy replied.


    -We''ll be performing in three theaters, and all the dates are on the brochures. I regret that you won''t be part of the group, - Susan said, walking a short distance with Billy to hand him a flyer for "The Sailor from Maine," a small booklet with some dates and names on the cover.


    -It''s a shame, - Susan said aloud.


    Billy knew he had many tasks to complete this year, and time was running out. The comic book publication was going to be a highlight, along with the release of video games for the year. Most importantly, his work on animation for the movie would be the culmination once he had enough money to hire people for the soundtrack, songs, and dubbing. The editor, could probably find a good one among the folks at Pixar.


    -I regret it too. Thank you for the invitation; I won''t hesitate to come. Perhaps I''ll bring you a gift, teacher. Don''t doubt my words. I''m glad you consider me part of the theater production, - Billy said with warmth.


    -Good luck, Billy, - Susan said, returning to her usual cheerfulness.


    -Goodbye, teacher, - Billy said, bidding farewell to the teacher who had been teaching him important things about how to act.


    Billy exited the theater through the main stairs, passing by the audience seats. The large door led him out to the front of the building, where he could see the parking lot. The afternoon shone brightly with the scorching sun above, and the feeling of closeness prompted Billy to shield his eyes from the sun''s reflection on his face.


    He walked to the parking lot and found Raimon''s old Ford, a worn-out vintage model. In the front seat, Raimon was enjoying some hamburgers, with french fries on the passenger seat and a soda between his legs. Fortunately, they had chosen to eat at T-Box Burgers, and Raimon looked quite happy as he ate hamburgers while sharing some papers. He had three hamburgers and two baskets of fries.


    -Biliph, - Raimon said with his mouth full of food, gesturing with his free hand for Billy to get in.


    -How did your final presentation go? - Raimon asked.


    -Everything went well, - Billy replied.


    -Anne sends her greetings and hopes you''ll behave yourself in the next three days, -  Raimon said.


    -Dad said something?" Billy inquired.


    -Absolutely nothing, but Anne ordered me to come here as soon as possible. They don''t need me in the game room, - Raimon chuckled. - Have some; I got you two bacon and pink sauce burgers. -


    -Thanks, - Billy said, unwrapping the burger. His stomach had been rumbling for some time, but the evening performance had stolen his attention.


    -Did you talk to your professors? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, I did. You have an appointment next Thursday with the university''s director. It''s a somewhat unusual procedure, but we''re talking about Billy Carson, - Raimon said.


    -What can you tell me about Stanford? Were the years good? - Billy asked.


    -I had fabulous years; it was fun. I met like-minded people, made friends I never thought I''d get, had a great time, and was recognized for my intellect. You know, I thought school was boring, and being smart was a ticket to being rejected all my life. But in college, that changed. They started recognizing me as a functional and brilliant person. Even many girls were interested in me. It''s just that you have so much talent for creating your comics that I don''t think you need to supplement it with a business degree. It''s enough that you get good advice, - Raimon said.


    -Tell that to my father, - Billy replied, taking a bite of his burger, with the pink sauce dripping down his chin. The juiciness of the burger was delicious.


    -Well, I understand what it''s like to have a strict father, - Raimon said, making a satisfied sound as he finished a bite of his burger.


    The car started with some effort, and the roaring engine of the car made intermittent bursts of noise.


    -I understand, but I have to make the necessary moves to get them off my back. Don''t you think that after a rejection letter, my father would forget about the university for a while, enough to enroll me next year? - Billy said.


    -Yes, that sounds logical. I''ve already made the necessary calls. My director took it somewhat as a joke that my boss would apply to the university next semester. He''s a pretty grumpy man, but he has a weakness for outstanding students. I told him to just take a look at your resume, and he didn''t hesitate to call. If there''s anything they love more than an intelligent person, it''s a successful one, - Raimon said.


    Starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot, the afternoon had faded, and the night was more evident in the surroundings. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That''s interesting. I hope to meet the director, just as you told him, - Billy said, pausing.


    -Are you all set to go? This time, we''re heading to New York, - Billy said.


    -Of course, I''ve got everything ready. The luggage is in the trunk. The flight departs in four hours, and, unfortunately for us, there were only tickets for midnight,- Raimon said.


    -Bad luck for us,- Billy remarked.


    -It is, although I''d say it''s a positive point. Last time, I nearly had a heart attack, and we almost missed the plane,- Raimon said.


    -Hahahaha, - Billy laughed.


    He reached for the second burger brought by Raimon. The event Mike Richardson had mentioned had given him a feeling of both excitement and anxiety. Meeting all the great comic book writers and some corresponding figures in the industry was a big deal.


    -It''s not funny, - Raimon said.


    -It is. Don''t worry too much. We have plenty of time, and the meeting is tomorrow at noon, - Billy said.


    -I know that. I have all the notes in my head. I know who will attend the event and who won''t. I even brought some comics to get some special signatures for my comic collection, - Raimon said.


    -I hope you won''t make them sign your collectible Spider-Man slippers, - Billy joked.


    -Well, it''s not necessary. I have some good comics and posters that are more than enough to get signed, - Raimon replied.


    He adjusted the gear lever and drove off.


    ...

 99. the big meeting

    Billy adjusted his tuxedo in front of the hotel room''s mirror. It seemed that more than an official meeting, this was a gathering of friends who sat down to share anecdotes about daily life. They had been doing this for nearly 30 years, starting when all these folks began meeting once a year. Now, it looked more like a special event where many people participated to discuss their work and get to know each other. It appeared that the comic book community was small, and only a few stuck around long enough to exist in this community for over a decade, which brought more headaches than anything else.


    Among the most important people he wanted to meet were those involved in the operations of Marvel. The discontent among artists regarding Marvel''s activities had created discomfort among the top artists. Marvel had caused havoc for over 10 years, and even the fantastic DC had recently entered into discussions with its top artists. It was all due to the disastrous handling of the comic book companies toward these artists, whose incomes had dwindled due to the small percentages the comic book companies were willing to share.


    Billy checked his suit one last time before leaving the hotel room. Room 803 was right next to his room.


    He knocked on the door with enough force for it to be heard over the loud music. Raimon appeared, dressed in a slightly tight-fitting Batman shirt. Water droplets ran down his hair, forming small curls.


    --Hey, I''m ready. Just give me a second, --  Raimon said, rushing to grab a long jacket that reached almost to his knees. -- All set. -


    The hotel was one of those elegant ones that his father had reserved well in advance, close to the venue where the meeting was taking place. The meeting was a few streets down in a press room of a New York newspaper, borrowed for this special gathering. These individuals had a special relationship with New York newspapers, and it could only suggest some new ideas for sales. The Sunday newspaper along with a Slam Dunk issue or Ghost Reports.


    Billy and Raimon arrived on foot after getting some directions. The newspaper''s headquarters was a large, old building with gray bricks and angular edges.


    -This is your big debut, - Raimon said, opening the wooden entrance door. The building exuded architectural elegance that Billy decided he''d recreate at some point.


    -That''s what I hope for, - Billy replied.


    They climbed up the rather narrow stairs, much worse than taking the elevator. The stairs were very cramped and enclosed. On the third floor, they found a sign that marked the welcome meeting.


    -Comic Creators'' Meeting! -


    Billy entered through the main door and was somewhat disappointed to find it fairly quiet, with only a few people sitting at a corner table. They were older gentlemen, quite elderly, drinking some liquor, as evidenced by the glasses and the bubbling liquid.


    They were speaking in hushed tones, and Billy felt a momentary insecurity inside. However, drawing on his upbringing, he approached the men at the table. When he got close enough to hear their conversation, they stopped talking and turned their gazes to their new arrivals. Almost everyone thought about a young man in a very handsome suit straight out of a Variety magazine and a fan in his tight Batman shirt.


    -Pleasure to meet you all. I''m Billy Carson, and I was invited by Mike Richardson to the annual creators'' party, - Billy said, extending his hand to shake hands with Steve Gerber, and everyone else at the table.


    His words woke up the adults at the table.


    -Nice to meet you too, young man. Steve Gerber, - said the man in a black leather blazer and a checkered shirt, wearing jeans. His most characteristic feature was his thick glasses.


    -A pleasure to meet you, sir, - Billy replied.


    -David Corckrum, - said another man, a bit bulkier, with a thick beard that resembled a biker''s beard often seen on highways. He got up from his seat and gave Billy and Raimon a hearty greeting.


    -This is the legendary Joe Kubert, Dwayne McDuffie, and Stan Lee, -  David Corckrum said.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet all of you, - Billy said.


    Raimon, who was behind him, was in a catatonic state. His heart was pounding. He was at a table with phenomenal creators, and they hadn''t even had the first toast yet. He had to take a breath. Fortunately, he had his backpack with some of his best specimens ready to be collected. Working with Billy was the best decision of his life.


    -I''m Raimon, - he said, almost shouting. Everyone''s attention turned to the young man who looked like a die-hard fan, from his nervous posture to the colorful redness in his cheeks.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Raimon, - Steve Gerber said, appreciating the young man''s energy.


    He was interrupted by Joe Kubert, who fixed his gaze on Billy. His hawk-like, squinted eyes, and characteristic face gave him an air of wisdom.


    -Are you the young man who''s been causing a stir in the world of comics, Bill C. Y., the creator of Lux Comics? - Joe Kubert said.


    Billy was surprised by the depth of the speaker''s voice. He had been recently called a legend by some comic creators, and that meant tremendous respect among people who shared the same profession.


    -That''s right, sir. I''m the creator of Lux Comics, - Billy said.


    -You heard the lad, give him a seat. We''re looking at the future of comics," Joe Kubert said, pointing to Raimon, who was still trying to process the greeting. "Son, find two chairs; we have some questions for this young man, - the deep-voiced gentleman continued. S��arch* The ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raimon could only nod. It was Joe Kubert who was talking to him.


    -You start, Joe. You must be quite eager, - Stan Lee said.


    -Let the young ones wait, Stan. We old folks have to seize the moment, - Joe Kubert said.


    Raimon arrived with two chairs, one for Billy and one for himself. He sat between Billy Carson and Stan Lee, making a calculated move to ask for Stan Lee''s autograph.


    -I''ve heard that you''re the sole producer of Lux Comics at the moment. How do you do it, young man? You''ve created 96 different publications in just two and a half years. That''s almost a lifetime''s worth of work, - Joe Kubert said.


    -, Mr. Kubert, I''ve been drawing for seven years, and I''ve spent another three designing comics. Some of the more caricatured characters are ones I created in my childhood. But I have a strict schedule, - Billy replied.


    -Hahaha, that makes more sense, don''t you think so, Joe? -  Stan Lee said. - You''ve been drawing since you were five? -


    -Yes, sir, even before that. I''ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, - Billy replied, which was both a lie and the truth. He had been drawing his whole life. But now, in front of these stars, he never thought he''d meet, he could only loosen his tongue a bit about his status as a comic book author.


    -A whim that has brought you great benefits. Mike himself calls you the genius of comics. The kid who competes with Marvel and DC in series surpasses them in quality, and amazes with his ingenuity, - Joe Kubert said, almost as if he were reciting a slogan.


    -I do what I can, sir, - Billy said.


    -Well, you''ve slapped those young artists who were content with their half-baked stories. I like your work, son, - Joe Kubert said.


    -I do too. I''m happy that, most importantly, your company is yours. All your work is free from idiotic pressures and bosses who have no clue about comics, - Stan Lee said.


    The other members of the table watched the conversation like a tennis match. These two weren''t very talkative and tended to be more like judges who remained silent and only spoke when necessary.


    -I owe that to my father, who is a very serious businessman. He had hoped to invest in me just because I was his son, - Billy said.


    -Don''t belittle yourself, young man, - Joe Kubert said, pounding the table.


    -I say the same. Your father could see what anyone with two fingers in front of their face would see: a star, - Stan Lee said.


    Steve Gerber was sipping a drink and whispering to the others.


    -Thank you, sir. It''s greatly appreciated, - Billy said with embarrassment. He had only received compliments so far. He had thought that their competitive nature might make them act like wolves among sheep, but they had turned out to be lovely people.


    - Oh, my boy, I can only rejoice for all the drawings you''ve done. I''ve deeply enjoyed your stories. Young folks these days lack a bit of sagacity, but you''ve shown me that not everyone does, - Stan Lee said, taking a sip from his glass and toasting with Joe.


    -You''re right, Stan, - Joe said.


    Both industry giants exchanged words without leaving room to understand the true meaning of the words they were now speaking to each other.


    -Are you going to create a superhero series? - Steve Gerber asked.


    -I intend to create a series in the future, - Billy said.


    [1] Steve Gerber: Mostly worked for Marvel Comics and was part of the creative team. He contributed to several interesting titles in the Marvel Universe. In 1970, he started working for DC Comics. Later, he worked independently for both comic companies.


    [2] Dave Cockrum: The creator of multiple X-Men characters and had a significant influence on X-Men history with his contributions.


    [3] Joe Kubert: One of the earliest comic book artists, highly recognized for his long and influential career.


    [4] Dwayne McDuffie: A comic book editor, best known for his work on "Justice League." Notably, he focused on representing minorities in comics. He wasn''t very old and could be considered one of the younger members at the table along with Steve Gerber.


    good morning everyone, I hope you have a happy week.

 100. Business?

    People were gradually arriving, and the meeting began to take shape. An intense conversation was visible at Billy''s table. One thing led to another, and he ended up engaging in a discussion about how he started drawing, how he developed the fighting styles in comics, and the various techniques shared by the other artists at the table, some of which were new to him.


    -Still, I''m impressed, kid. You make it seem like the fight is taking place right on the pages of your book. The transition from one attack to another, with the various ways you draw your characters, gives me a sense of euphoria that made me create two new volumes of Daredevil along with Stan Lee and Bill Everett, - Joe Kubert said, with Stan Lee''s acceptance.


    -They''re set to be published next year. We want to create a long series connected with other ongoing stories, - Stan Lee added.


    The motivation to create more comics had opened the floodgates. They were a competitive bunch eager to bring the best stories to light, leaving nothing behind.


    -Now, I worry less about dialogues and even press Frank to work on those captivating battle poses, - Stan Lee said, adjusting his glasses. - Oh yes, we heard you on the radio. You sounded a bit older, but it was an excellent meeting that made me look forward to this day with more enthusiasm. -


    -Thank you, sir, - Billy said, blushing. The constant compliments from people he considered great artists had thrown him off a bit.


    -Come on, son, drop the formalities, - Stan Lee said.


    -I''ll try, - Billy sighed.


    At that moment, Mike Richardson entered with Mike Mignola. They were both engaged in a hushed conversation about something important.


    -Here comes Mr. Richardson, - Mike Wieringo said.


    -Glad to see you, Mike, Joe, and Steve, - Mike greeted them warmly.


    -Billy, what a pleasure to see you. For a moment, I thought you wouldn''t make it. I''ve recently been reading your new series, Evangelion, and it''s a true work of art, - Mike Mignola said, giving Billy a tight hug.


    -An absolute pleasure for me, Mike. I''ve seen the new Hellboy series, ''Secrets of Dark New York,'' and it''s fantastic too, - Billy said.


    -I''m still working on it; my designs have to adjust. You''ve given me a tough job to follow your gothic and realistic style, - Mike Mignola said, looking pleased. There was no doubt that Billy''s artwork had posed challenges due to the hyper-realistic and dark artistic approach he had taken throughout the story.


    -I mentioned that to Mike too; sometimes I feel like the comic is talking to me. The movement spaces are fantastic, - Steve Gerber added.


    -Steve, it''s great to see you again, - Mike said.


    -How''s the work going? Do you have any issues? You can still come and work with me a bit; the Rocket Raccoon series can be extended for a few extra chapters. I miss working with you, - Steve Gerber said.


    -We can dedicate some time to that after I finish the second installment of the Hellboy series: ''Secrets of New York, -  Mike Mignola replied.


    -I''m looking forward to seeing your work then. I''ve had some interesting ideas since we expanded the Marvel universe once more, and the multiple races we''re working with have led us to organize special sections for space opera, - Steve Gerber explained.


    -Has Jack Kirby had any ideas?- Mike Mignola asked, curious about what he considered a rival.


    -He''s had a few ideas, but he''s busy expanding the Avengers, and creating some concepts. But his illness has prevented him from working as he used to,- Steve Gerber answered.


    Billy listened attentively, losing track when Mike Richardson tapped him on the shoulder and gestured for him to follow. The conversation they had been waiting for was about to begin.


    -How''s your work going? I''ve read your new publications; I always keep a close eye on your work, - Mike Richardson said.


    -Everything is going as planned, - Billy replied.


    The room, unlike when they had arrived, had tables scattered around with various people. Billy couldn''t recognize many of them. Mike stopped by a drinks table and poured himself a drink.


    Billy took the fruit punch, relieved to find that it didn''t contain any alcohol. He discreetly glanced around, then examined the desserts on the table.


    -I want our conversation to be as private as possible between you and me. Can you do that? - Mike Richardson asked.


    -Yes, sir, - Billy replied.


    -I hope that''s true. Even in 15 years, I want you to keep what''s unfortunately happening a secret, - Mike Richardson said.


    -In about five months, I''ll unilaterally cancel the distribution contract expiring in February 1994. Consider this a warning. I''ll cover the damages for breaking the contract, which amounts to $3,000,000 for the next two years. This is prompted and promoted by Warner, who haven''t set their sights on you yet but are fraudulently interfering with your operations. This happens when they want to make an aggressive purchase of another company. If this continues, they might start taking actions in other industries you''re involved in, like your suppliers and small-scale workers, but that''s less likely, - Mike Richardson explained.


    -Warner? What would be their motive? - Billy asked.


    -They might want to buy your comic company, and they''re not happy with the series you''re handling. The real issue, however, is another shadow looming over you. Disney has been closely watching Pixar''s moves, and they don''t like the 3D technology you''re implementing in your movies. Be prepared; they will strike where you least expect it, - Mike said.


    -Disney? - Billy was shocked.


    Billy couldn''t believe the audacity of these companies, and their irrelevant actions. Why would they do such a thing? It''s a small comic company with a 3D animation studio, and there''s no threat whatsoever.


    -That''s all I know about these two companies. They haven''t revealed all their cards to me, and I''m caught in the middle. I recommend that you watch your back. In a few months, they might have lost interest in working with you. But my advice is to either align yourself with a larger company or form relationships with other companies that can cover your back if something happens, - Mike Richardson said.


    -Which company? How can I be sure that they won''t go after me? I''ve accepted many favors from Warner, and they turned their back on me for some price. What should I do? - Billy asked.


    -Just keep doing what you do best, - Mike Richardson said firmly, his gray eyebrows furrowing with a hint of guilt.


    Billy felt lost in the vastness of corporations, playing with businesses is scarier than an impending real estate bubble. He grabbed a dessert from the table; sweets often help calm anxiety.


    -Do you have any experience with this? - Billy asked.


    -Of course, that''s why I invited you here. Everyone is supportive of you. Only people with more than ten years in the industry can attend, but they made an exception for you. They''ll help you. Don''t be afraid to ask for help. I''ve spoken to some who are willing to assist you. Joe Kubert has an excellent relationship with The New York Times. See that guy over there? He''s one of the artists/writers for the Spider-Man series, Todd McFarlane. Alongside him, you have Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, and Whilce Portacio. They''re all fans of yours and want to leave the shadow of Marvel Comics and DC Comics. If you can convince them to join your company, it''s just one step for Sunrise Distribution to distribute all your comics. Erik Larsen is close friends with the owner of Diamond Distribution, - Mike Richardson explained.


    -So they''ll connect me with a distributor? - Billy asked.


    -They might even help you create one. They''ve been in the comic industry for a long time, and they''re die-hard fans. Just be straightforward. Jim Lee tends to beat around the bush until you say things directly but be cautious. They''ll surprise you, for sure, - Mike Richardson said.


    -Thank you, - Billy replied.


    -Come, I''ll take you to their table, and then you can go back to your table with the old school. Get to know the modern school of comics, - Mike Richardson said.


    Billy glanced over at Raimon, who was engaged in an animated conversation at the table, with comics spread across it while some comic authors signed them.


    The table with the new school, just as Mike Richardson had described, was different. The age range varied compared to the others. Perhaps it was the air they breathed, something more cheerful and humorous than the in-depth conversations at the previous table.


    -Cheer up, Billy. I know you''ll do great, - Mike Richardson said.


    Billy could only nod. They were all dressed casually, quite a contrast to his suit. He was the only one in a suit. Not even the legends were wearing suits.


    -Gentlemen, this is Billy Carson. I hope you can give him a warm welcome, - Mike Richardson said.


    -A pleasure to meet all of you, - Billy said.


    As Mike passed by his back and walked to a distant table, he lightly tapped Billy''s back, almost whispering for him to have the strength to break the standards that these men had imposed on him, the young comic genius.


    -Mike has told us the situation, - Todd McFarlane said. He was dressed in an open white shirt with three necklaces hanging over his chest. His tone exuded confidence and happiness, but his smile disappeared slightly as he spoke.


    -I''m not entirely sure what he''s told you about my situation! - Billy replied.


    -Everything has been clear; they''re targeting your comic company. Mike says that Dark Horse Comics managed to survive its first-year thanks to your unbeatable sales and that you have a proposal for all of us, - Todd McFarlane explained.


    -That''s true, - Billy said, looking at the faces around the table, waiting for a response.


    -But it''s not true that I''ve planned a proposal. I''m looking for a new distributor for my comics, - Billy clarified.


    -What percentage are you offering? - Erik Larsen asked.


    -Percentage? - Billy questioned.


    -Yes, how do you distribute the profit sharing? - Erik Larsen inquired.


    -Well, for original works, my company has a comic and poster production factory. So it''s 30% for the distributor, 30% for the rights owner and licensing fee, and 40% for me as profit, taking into account that I do all the work and printing of the issues, - Billy explained.


    Erik Larsen massaged his head, with unspoken thoughts. -- You handle the printing of all the comics and packing them, -- Erik Larsen asked.


    -That''s correct, - Billy confirmed.


    -I can work with that. The premise is that your comics sell, and there''s no doubt about that. Mike mentioned that you''ve sold millions in the past three years, - Erik Larsen said.


    -That''s correct, - Billy replied.


    Comic sales reached 9.3 million in the past year, considering all his work, including omnibuses and compilation books.


    Billy now had some ideas. Mike had mentioned that these individuals were dissatisfied with Marvel and DC.


    -Also, reflecting on the good news, I have an empty factory. You see, I''m the only one making comics in my company. It would be beneficial for me if any of you want to come work at Lux Comics, - Billy suggested.


    -We want to establish our label and manage our sales. We''re not happy with our current employers, but I''m interested, - Jim Lee said.


    -Yes, that''s correct. But as an artist, I can understand the discomfort of giving away the copyright of our works. Let''s do it this way: Mike mentioned the dissatisfaction you have with comic companies. Come to San Jose and work with me. Sometimes, I have so many ideas that I can''t materialize them all on my own. With multiple workers, like writers, artists, editors, and fans, we can create many more series, - Billy explained.


    -You want to collaborate? - Todd McFarlane asked.


    -Yes, I want collaboration, - Billy replied.


    -Do you already have an ending in mind for Evangelion? - Wilce Portacio inquired.


    -I do, from the first chapter. The story is roughly 90 to 100 chapters long, - Billy said.


    Jim Lee let out a whistle.  -- You must have some otherworldly planning, -- he remarked.


    -It''s not exact; it could be more or fewer chapters. It all depends on how inspired I feel. It''s just that I haven''t had a group to share my ideas with, and when the story doesn''t go where I want it to, it slows down my creation process, - Billy explained.


    -Alright, what would be the terms? - Jim Lee asked.


    -I don''t want money. The comic distributor is all I want. With it, I don''t need anything else but a pencil and paper to make money. You can create your work as you like. I''ll only charge you for the cost of printing and distribution. The copyright can be yours, - Billy proposed.


    -So, that''s 30-35% for distribution, and the rest goes to the author, - Erik Larsson summarized.


    -Of course. Even if you don''t have many ideas, I can pay you to be my editor. It would save me some time, and I could produce more work, - Billy explained.


    -How much do you pay for an editor''s work? - Erik Larsson asked.


    -Mmmm... per issue, I''d pay $3,000, - Billy replied.


    -That''s very little, - Erik Larsson remarked.


    -Well, it''s because you haven''t seen my work. It''s perfect; I just need to fix some minor things and correct the lettering. I release four publications a month, which is more than enough to make a great salary, --  Billy said, adjusting the sleeves of his suit.  -- With an editor, I''d save hours of work on detail checking and could double my working time, maybe even publish six works a month. -


    -You wouldn''t be making money; what''s the point? - Erik Larsson questioned.


    -Mmmm... I want to create a television channel, and I''m producing a TV series on my own. With three people in my support group, I can have scriptwriters and creators who can provide me with ideas for future series. Besides, with editing work sorted out, you can also bring in a colorist. I don''t know many good colorists; comics are going out of style in the United States, and I don''t trust a newcomer, - Billy explained.


    -Go to Calrats; the artists there are excellent, - Erik Larsson suggested as if it were common knowledge.


    -I would, but I need someone with experience, someone who can teach them to be my editor, - Billy replied.


    -I''m in, as long as I can bring my two friends along. There are three of us: Brandon Choi and Terry. Terry is a good script editor, and we can share him. Oh, and that you respect copyright, - Jim Lee said.


    -Yes, agreed. The contract will be 30% for distribution in case we hire one, plus the cost of the comic, which will be deducted from the sales. If I can reach an agreement with the next distribution company, the copyright will be yours. My idea is to hire someone else to help with editing, - Billy explained.


    -Don''t worry, I''ll help you with the distribution company. I''m friends with Steve Geppi, who has a distribution company in the United States. He''ll be happy to become the next distributor for Lux Comics. I''ll negotiate a 25 to 30% deal. Do you have some data on comic sales? - Erik Larsen asked.


    -I have it up to last year, - Billy replied.


    -That should be enough. With your sales, they might accept the contract without hesitation, -- Erik Larsson said, flashing a mischievous smile. -- Oh, I can help you buy a distribution company. I don''t have the money for these purchases, but I''d like to. This can save up to 15% on sales. Sunrise Comics, based in California, is going bankrupt and is about to be sold, as well as Titan Distributor. We want to create a comic company. If you buy these companies, you can help us distribute the new ''Image Comics.'' If we start producing our comics, newbie companies might charge us 40% for distribution. -


    -How much would it cost to buy these two companies? - Billy asked.


    -Sunrise Comics is in bad shape, losing titles. You can buy it for $2 million, but I can probably buy it for a lower price, maybe $1.6 to $1.8 million, - Erik Larsson explained.


    -You all want to create your own comic company, - Billy remarked. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That''s right, - Todd McFarlane confirmed.


    -What will you call it? - Billy asked.


    - Imagine Comics. We have some good ideas, but we''d like to have backing. If we can get someone to distribute at 30%, it''s a win-win for us, - Erik Larsson said.


    -I can buy it, but not until the end of July, -  Billy stated, thinking in the back of his mind that he already distributed comics under the store "Toys and Comics" and they were planning to open a branch in San Mateo.


    -That''s perfect. Sunrise Comics is known for its mail-order comic business, contracts with newspaper companies, and strong contractual agreements with comic retail stores. They have 24 stores in total, 6 of which are under lease, and they have an agreement with a video game and comic retail company, - Erik Larsson explained.


    -I understand, but I''m not very experienced in the distribution field. I don''t think I can do a good job, - Billy said.


    -I''ll take care of that, - Erik Larsson reassured. - We want to distribute our label under Sunrise Comics, so I have some ideas. But we can all ensure that the company runs smoothly. You have the support of everyone in this room. -


    -And if we later merge with Diamond Comics, we can leave it to the experts and negotiate from a stronger position, - Billy suggested.


    -That could be true, but only after we''ve fulfilled our interests, - Erik Larsson agreed.


    -Very well, I think everything has been discussed. Let''s move on to the individual comic awards, - Jim Lee suggested.


    [1] Mike Wieringo: He is recognized for his work on comics such as Flash, Spider-Man, and Fantastic Four, and he created his series called Tellos.


    [2] Todd McFarlane: He is a writer known for his Spider-Man series, which included several appearances by Venom.


    [3] Erik Larsen: He is a comic book artist, editor, and writer who has worked for both DC and Marvel Comics. He has collaborated with Todd McFarlane on Spider-Man projects.


    ...

 101. ceremonies.

    Joe Kubert stood up as the curtains in the hall were drawn to shield the room from the glaring sunlight pouring in through the windows. The hall lights, along with a large lamp, illuminated the space. A woman in a red dress, possibly hired by the main organizers of the small event, adjusted the microphone on the small podium.


    -We warmly welcome all the participants to the bi-annual gathering. This meeting has been taking place since 1949, aimed at socializing the creations of the finest local artists. Let''s begin with the agenda: 1. Awards ceremony: I will establish the comic awards venue, 2. Official remarks by Joe Kubert, 3. Special meal, 4. Closing announcements, 5. Words from the creators, - the young woman in the red dress announced.


    She stood behind a small podium and reached into a small wooden box with cuttings from a newspaper on one side. She rummaged her hands and produced a folded slip of paper, which she placed on the podium. She then bent down again and retrieved another little basket, and although it was hard to discern the basket, she pulled out a piece of yellow paper.


    -The first award of the evening goes to the new character created for an existing series: Gambit, by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee. They''ve won a collaboration with the New York City kindergarten, and the winner will have to dress up as Batman, - the presenter announced.


    Laughter erupted throughout the room. Even Jim Lee was seen hugging a colleague nearby, a sense of pride that struck Billy as unusual due to the nature of the award.


    Jim Lee and Chris Claremont ascended the stage and collected a metal plaque with the signatures of the official creators of the grand comic gathering, of which now only five of the original eight were still alive.


    -It''s a pleasure to receive the award for Best Character. I can''t help but remember that this award has been somewhat challenging to win. The Oscars know nothing of difficulty. I hope to secure another one soon, - Chris Claremont said, his robust figure and lively gestures igniting the audience. His speech was different and informal.


    -My colleague is right. I hope the spotlight continues to shine on us as there are still many awards to be won. Chris, let''s create another great series for the upcoming season, - Jim Lee said, laughing heartily, a sentiment that was echoed by the joy of the audience.


    -We are, thanks to all of you for nominating us, - said Chris Claremont.


    They both stepped down from the stage, radiating happiness.


    -Individual Awards. What do they mean by that awards room? - Billy wondered.


    -The awards are nominations based on each person''s favorite comic articles in the room. The winner is the one with the most votes. If someone gets more than fifteen votes, they receive an award instead of an activity. So, Jim Lee won narrowly. Unfortunately, we didn''t know you were coming until a month ago, and the voting is only done with the present forum members, which now includes you. I''m sorry, - Steve Gerber explained on the side.


    -It seems like a very significant award, - Billy remarked.


    -It is, for those who understand its significance. Having an award and winning it is an honor. Winning five awards allows you to inscribe your name on the plaque and be remembered as one of the great creators. Not only will you have the respect of the entire audience present, but it''s also recognition. But only those who win by more than ten votes receive the award. So far, only three have achieved that, - Steve Gerber replied.


    -Why did they start doing it? Is it because it''s so challenging to win a perfect score? - Billy inquired.


    -It''s tough to win because you can only vote five times in five categories, and you can''t repeat a person in your vote, - Steve Gerber explained.


    -As for your first question, I''m not entirely sure, but it''s a way to make connections. Everyone comes here, does business, and discusses industry grievances. Despite appearances, we''re a guild with many disadvantages, sitting below the entire industry. Only 5% of all writers manage to survive. Nothing stays hidden here. We shed light on discontent with organizations or support each other, - Steve Gerber added.


    -I see, - Billy nodded.


    The next award winners were Neil Gaiman, for his comic "Sandman," which won for original work. People say it''s magnificent for its unique way of shedding light on a god-like character, and what''s impressive about Neil Gaiman is his pure storytelling style. His messy hair and impact, along with co-creator Sam Kieth and a few other special illustrators.


    The next award went to a Marvel series, "The Infinity Gauntlet," by Jim Starlin and George Perez, which had been widely discussed in the past year. Its special aspect is space opera, though it didn''t quite reach the 10-vote mark. Jim Starlin is a co-creator of characters like Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Nebula, and Shang-Chi.


    - The low-level award for Jim Starlin and George Perez is seven points, so... -- the presenter said, taking out a strongly painted blue box. She rustled the slips of paper and pulled out a light blue one. - - The winner of the first blue award at this gathering is one of the early draft copies of Spider-Man #50," she announced.


    -Wow. That''s simply amazing, - Billy heard Raimon say.


    -Your friend knows his comics. That draft, for collectors, is pure gold. Due to the acclaim of that issue, it''s one of the best-sellers and a favorite among many fans, collectors, and even people not involved in the industry know it''s a great script, - Steve Gerber explained.


    The next awards were called one after the other, and the award ceremony ended with the victory for Best Editing, awarded to "The Infinity Gauntlet," accompanied by a polite round of applause. This is why it''s very challenging for people to win an award - the same comic can''t be rated twice by the same person.


    -Thank you all for your participation in the awards. Without further ado, we will now move on to the next guest, Mr. Joe Kubert, and his honorary speech, - the presenter announced.


    Joe Kubert, with his dignified demeanor, made his way to the center of the room. He''s known as "The Professor" and is one of the comic industry''s key figures due to his dedication and diverse body of work. He''s a recipient of the Alley Award, the National Cartoonists Society Award, the Eisner Award, and the Harvey Award.


    -It''s a pleasure to see all of you gathering at another bi-annual meeting. As many of you know, when we started this conference, we simply aimed to come together as friends and share the beauty of this industry that has enchanted us for so long. My early years taught me to be grateful for what I have. The stories we create are something that has defined us from our youth, childhood, or adulthood. All the work we''ve done has changed the lives of countless people, and our drawings continue to amaze audiences of all ages,- Joe Kubert addressed the audience. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    >>>I was born in the southeast of Poland, and I never thought the world would change the way it has. It surprises me how what was once considered impossible is now becoming part of our daily lives. When I was eleven years old, I got my first paid job as a comic book artist. Five dollars per page in 1938 was a lot of money. This animated world not only put bread on my family''s table at an early age but also opened doors to a life of possibilities that I could only fully understand much later. By the age of thirteen, I was officially working as an employee, and that set the course for my life from the beginning. -


    >>>I always tell my students that the best way to understand an industry is by being passionate about it. It''s that passion that leads to success, and that passion can be fueled by necessity, love, effort, study, and for me, the pure obsession of people. I can call everyone in this room obsessive, and all that''s left is for you to enjoy the meal. We''ve chosen a gourmet variety that you''ll love. Stan Lee couldn''t resist asking Jack Kirby to choose the menu this year. Thanks to everyone, - Joe Kubert said.


    Stepping down from the podium, the presenter brought in several white carts covered with white tablecloths. The meal was selected by one person in charge of the entire menu, and each menu included five chosen dishes. They served the appetizer, which consisted of minced meat with a sauce �C trays filled with pieces of grilled meat with both sweet and spicy sauces.


    -Try the spicy sauce, kid. If it''s too much, you can use the sweet sauce. Jack often prepares this dish, and it''s a real treat, - Stan Lee advised.


    Raimon nodded and poured the spicy sauce over his meat. To his surprise, he made a gesture of appreciation. Stan Lee was right; the combination of each sauce was delightful and delicious, a perfect blend. The drinks were cherry juice, wine, and water, with no in-between options.


    The second dish in the grand meal was roast beef with potato wedges, which was incredibly delicious for Billy. The following dishes were optional, and each person decided whether they wanted to try them. There was a serving of special Polish soup called zurek, white bread soaked in olive oil with a bit of sliced minced meat, and surprisingly, slices of pizza from their favorite local pizzeria, which had been a staple for cartoonists for years.


    -Try the pizza; it''s a bond we have for those of us who lack culinary skills and spend a lot of time in the office working. It''s delicious, - Steve Gerber encouraged.


    -I don''t think I can eat anything, - Billy said, feeling full.


    -Next time you come to New York, give me a call, and I''ll take you to enjoy that delicious pizza myself, - Steve Gerber offered.


    -That would be amazing, and I''ll also take you to try some of the city''s favorite dishes when you visit San Jose, - Billy replied.


    -Well, it''s a pleasure. I''ll visit your comic shop when I''m in the area, - Steve Gerber said.


    A satisfying meal for a gathering of art enthusiasts.


    ...

 102. end of the meeting

    Billy saw Raimon ordering some pizzas and knew it was the perfect moment to convey all the information to his father. The room still had some people chatting quietly. Billy went to the food table in the center of the room. Raimon was humming to himself as he served small portions here and there, carefully deciding which dishes to choose.


    -Raimon, how''s everything going? Did you get what you were looking for? - Billy asked.


    -You startled me, -- Raimon said, nearly spilling his food on the floor. - - Yeah, everything went well, -- he replied with a suspicious look.  -- They might ask me to do more work. -


    -I''m glad to have brought you along, --  Billy said.  -- You''ve indirectly helped me. -


    Raimon blushed and felt touched inside. What more could he ask for?


    -Yeah, thanks for inviting me. I know you could have brought Anne or Lucas, but you chose me. I''ll never forget this. We''re blood brothers, - Raimon said, clasping his hands in a strange Star Trek-style salute. His round cheeks formed an unusual smile, one only seen by Raimon''s close friends when they played Dungeons and Dragons in the garage.


    -Well, everything went better than expected. I managed to find a company that could distribute us, and I even got an offer to buy a distribution company on the market for 1.8 million dollars. Do you think it''s possible to buy it? - Billy asked.


    -Of course. Last month, the financial returns from the stocks came in, and we received a decent sum, $1,277,933 after taxes. With the growing sales, we can buy it tomorrow if you want. Although Anne earmarked that money to pay off the refinanced loans, periodic investments, and the debts on the land you bought, - Raimon explained.


    -Do you think it''s possible to buy it in June? - Billy inquired. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, it''s possible, but it''s unpredictable. The company has a lot of expenses that arise from the projects you''re starting. I recently spoke with Jim Waitt and the Sentai Ranger license was negotiated for $230,000 for the use of derivative work for 45 years and 3% of total profits. He wants you to audition! If we combine the advertising expenses that have already been settled and Disney''s promised investment in August, we could stretch a bit in the summer. With good sales, we could buy it or claim royalties from Warner. We might be able to purchase the distributor and invest in Pixar, and perhaps some stocks, - Raimon explained.


    -Could you call my father and tell him about the distributor? He wasn''t aware of Jim Waitt and the auditions, along with the Sentai Rangers license, -  Billy asked.


    -Oh, sure. After the party, I''ll fill you in on everything. I can only say that Saban Haim is a business genius. Jim Waitt''s price was around $800,000, but Saban Haim charmed Toei Company Ltd. I can''t imagine what he did, but he managed to negotiate a favorable price. He even asked Jim for permission to negotiate on your behalf, implying that he wants to have a good relationship with you and discuss the benefits you''re offering, - Raimon explained.


    -Thanks, - Billy said, curious about this ticking time bomb that Raimon had just handed him.


    -Do you want some pizza? It''s delicious, - Raimon said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled over Billy.


    -No, I''m not hungry, - Billy replied, his mind filled with thoughts of the possible changes the future would bring �C buying a distributor, potentially creating Power Rangers, and building relationships with key figures in the Marvel and DC worlds, which would be beneficial for future character acquisitions, series development, or event participation. - Do you think you could tell my father later about the distributor? -


    -Well, you should eat something. Jack Kirby isn''t just good with comics; he has the best taste in food in the world. And yes, I''ll talk to your father, no problem. I''ll request the analysis department to thoroughly investigate the purchase, - Raimon said, on his third slice of pizza for the day.


    -Thanks, Raimon, but I''m satisfied with all the food I have, - Billy said, sighing slightly. He walked back to the table with Raimon, who cheerfully greeted Steve Gerber, who was eating alongside him.


    -You''re missing out! - Raimon exclaimed.


    At the table, he saw Stan Lee sitting alone and decided to greet this enigmatic figure.


    -Mr. Stan Lee, a pleasure, - Billy said.


    -Oh, young man, - Stan Lee replied.


    The awkward silence lingered.


    -Do you have something to tell me, Billy? - Stan Lee asked. Normally, it''s the kids who never stop talking when they''re around him. He looked curious, still not wearing his iconic black sunglasses but sporting large-framed glasses instead.


    -Nothing, I just wanted to greet you. Although I''m curious why you never created a company separate from Marvel, - Billy said.


    -Ahhhhh, I don''t even know myself. We just do what we must, and that''s how everything happens with time. Creating stories was thrilling, but it still is. I''m so pleased to see my stories come to life in the eyes of kids. At the time, the pay was good, and the money was enough for me. Among the characters, which one is your favorite? - Stan Lee asked.


    -I have a soft spot for anti-heroes. I like the Punisher, - Billy replied.


    -Don''t let Joe hear that; he''ll get all puffed up about what he''s worth, - Stan Lee joked, with a playful ''bah'' at the end.


    -I like most of your works, Mr. Stan Lee, but I also really like the Punisher. They''re exciting, - Billy said. - I came up with an idea. Would you like to be my writer for my next project? I''ll draw, you do the writing, and we split the profits from the book, - Billy proposed.


    -Are you trying to recruit me for your comic company? - Stan Lee asked, playfully.


    -Not at all. I just want a mutual collaboration, to create something interesting together. A hero created from scratch, for both of us. I can publish it under Marvel or Lux Comics, depending on your preference, -  Billy explained.


    -You''ve piqued my interest, young man. Let''s make a deal. I''ll write a script for you, and you draw a script for me. Isn''t that fair? - Stan Lee suggested, raising his hands in a gesture of agreement.


    -I couldn''t agree more, - Billy said, shaking his hand firmly.


    -It''s going to be an interesting project. When I have a script ready, I''ll send it to you. Don''t expect it too soon, but it might not take too long, - Stan Lee said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.


    -You''re very proactive, son, -  Joe Kubert chimed in, having overheard the conversation along with a few others at the table.


    -Oh, Joe, let me tell you, he is. You''re curious to see him work too, - Stan Lee remarked.


    -I am, in a way, I''m also curious to work with Billy, - Joe Kubert said, adjusting his posture to a more relaxed one, leaning back with a drink in his hand.


    -Let''s collaborate on a project together, - Billy suggested.


    -Oh, not content with the old raggedy one, you also want to work with me. You''re a very ambitious young man, - Joe Kubert said.


    -He''s ambitious, and lacks a bit of tact, but being so young, we''ll let it slide, right, old grump? -  Stan Lee teased Joe Kubert with a mischievous grin.


    "Not at all, Mr. Kubert, Mr. Lee, these aren''t business matters. It''s a pleasure that comes from the heart. Working with you is something I always considered a bit distant, and now I have the opportunity to do it. It''s just a whim of a child," Billy explained, smiling toward Joe Kubert.


    -A rather peculiar child, - Jack Kirby chimed in, having also observed the situation at the table.


    -You heard him, Jack. So, Punisher, huh? - Joe Kubert said.


    -Just one story among many, - Stan Lee replied.


    -Well, you''re the editor of Punisher. Without Joe and me, that story wouldn''t exist, - Jack Kirby said, now reveling in seeing Joe''s work. He had been somewhat sidelined from the comic world since the late ''80s and missed his drawings.


    -Don''t you want to collaborate with me, kid? - Joe Kubert asked, speaking more loudly than usual.


    -Of course! Same principle. Or do you want both of us to create a comic together? - Billy suggested.


    -I wouldn''t mind borrowing some of your drawing skills. How about during the summer vacation? I have to teach classes, and my schedule is quite busy. The only responsible thing I''ve been doing lately is taking care of my students, - Joe Kubert explained.


    -Well, I have some plans for the summer, but we can work out the time. New York is just a stone''s throw away, and I''d love to visit you, - Billy said.


    -You can stay at my house, - Joe Kubert offered, secretly planning his final story �C one he had been contemplating for a while. He was sure it would be amazing. - Not too far from reality, the story I wanted to tell recounted his youth, suitable for a fantasy world. -


    -That would be amazing, sir. I''ll come. The best comic we can create together, - Billy said.


    -Ahhh, young man, comics are muses of art, little glimpses of our lives captured on blank canvases. We''ll create something we love so much that others will love it too. I''ll do the rough sketches, you and I, - Joe Kubert said.


    -Wow, I think I still have a lot to learn for such a profound vision. I hope we create a work that touches people''s hearts, - Billy replied.


    -BAHAjajajjjaa. You''re a surprising young man. I heard you have circulation issues. Jack Kirby has a close relationship with Golden Apple Comics, a newly established company for comic exhibitions. You can get into the distribution game. These people are going big in the distribution business, so it''s good to make a deal. If you can, extend a contract for seven years, - Joe Kubert suggested.


    Jack Kirby nodded. -I can help you with that tomorrow, young man, - he said. Jack was also a fan of Billy and knew how challenging it was to create a comic company. He tried to assist younger individuals with enough energy to start a company.


    -That would be a great help, - Billy said. - Erik Larssen mentioned buying Sunrise Distribution and helping me manage it on the condition that I give preference to the company they want to create. However I don''t have much insight into which companies could showcase my books if I want to publish them. -


    Joe Kubert listened patiently. -It''s simple. Some stores even want to get to know you. My advice is not to rush it. You''ll gradually establish your position. Usually, the directors of these stores are fans, or their employees are, so it''s easy for them to accept you. -


    -I''ll talk to Golden Apple; they''ll be happy to have you. They''re a new store and need a broad market. Although you may not know it, they already distribute your comics under the Dark Horse Comics label by Mike Richardson. They can also help you with Mile High Comics, a comic company in Colorado. We''re good friends, and they''d do a favor for this old man, - Stan Lee added.


    -That would be amazing. It would greatly help with the company''s growth, - Billy said.


    -Of course, son. How many copies of comics do you sell in a month? - Jack Kirby asked.


    -I''m not sure, sir, -- Billy replied, making a face. -- Raimon, do you know? -  he asked Raimon.


    -Well, counting the distribution price and the seller''s share, plus the prints we produce daily, weekly, and monthly, I''d say we sell around 500,000 to 600,000 copies a month, - Raimon answered.


    -You see, son, you sell enough even if Dark Horse Comics'' distribution line isn''t as strong as Marvel''s. You make enough money for everyone. Being blocked is a blessing for you. If you can expand your sales numbers in the United States to a million copies or more per month, you''re very close, - Jack Kirby explained, giving Billy the confidence he needed. The silent approval of his growth was confirmed by everyone''s belief that the boy''s drawings would gradually increase. With a new game in the race, the TV series launching in October, and the periodic sale of comics, Lux Comics can only increase its sales.


    -Do any of you know how much Marvel Comics sells? - Billy asked.


    -Well, kid, we sell millions of copies. The biannual statistics exceed ten million copies sold, which is to be expected, given the large population of the United States. There''s room for a lot of sales. Some fans buy 20 to 50 comics a month, - Stan Lee explained.


    -Plus, your stories are ongoing, with 66 linear publications. That''s something we only work on for a maximum of 10 issues, - Jack Kirby added.


    The mentoring of these three industry veterans, who promised to help this young future, is rooted in the reflection they saw on the boy''s face. Joe Kubert himself, at the age of eleven, was looking for work on the lonely streets. How could they not help him? He had his chance and succeeded, and now he had to pass the torch to younger generations. These people helping Billy were also helping Erik Larsson, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino.


    Mike Richardson, who was sitting at a table with Frank Miller and Mike Mignola, was the only one paying attention to Billy''s conversations. He had a smile on his face, like a puppeteer behind the scenes, watching with satisfaction as things developed. If Billy succeeds, could he come later to help him?


    After the negotiations, the party continued with jazz and rock music, celebrating the successful discussions.


    ...

 103. Id software: outlets

    On the other hand, the small company ID Software, formed by the geniuses recruited by Billy for programming, is in a trance. The pair of spouses, surpassing their skills, took it a step further.


    Meanwhile, the "Crazy Johns," as Billy''s grandfather used to call them, dedicated themselves to adding gameplay to the Wolfenstein game as much as they could.


    The Wolfenstein 3D game, initially the first 3D technology game, is an intriguing shooter for new players. The married couple works tirelessly, seven days a week without taking noticeable breaks, all in exchange for a paid one-month vacation after completing a game. Six games in six years, each game containing better requirements, although they remain unaware of this fact, their work continues to be excellent.


    They created an application that adapted to the Pixar animated creation process and fine-tuned the frequency to bring the game to life. And voila, they have the first video game engine in the history of humanity. It''s quite astonishing that they managed to craft the entire game''s storyline in less than five months. They are currently working on adding a two-player mode and a 1 vs. 1 system, player versus machine.


    On May 9, 1991, they tested the game, which turned out to be a success. The only thing left was to polish and correct the two-player matches. They started doing that and sent it to Pixar on May 18, 1991, meeting the first deadline. The request reached Pixar on May 19, and without notifying Billy, Alvy Ray Smith began the main elaboration process.


    Alvy Ray Smith is a veteran of the computer industry and one of the founders of Pixar. Although he may not seem like it, he is a successful man, almost a mentor to many people at Pixar. While his dream is not necessarily to create movies, he has been inspired by constant discussions and his involvement in some feature films has motivated him to give his all for the Pixar company.


    -We need to finish the game as soon as possible. The success in sales might become our next investment for the company. According to the calculations from the small analysis department, if we sold 300,000 copies on one console, the profits would be a little over $1,000,000. So, call Ed Camult and the development team. The folks at id Software mentioned modifying the program to a more practical version, sacrificing image quality for better movement, camera rotation, and condensed space, - Alvy Ray Smith said.


    In the small room designated for programming and software development, a room just big enough for four workstations, each workstation is equipped with a powerful computer. The navy blue paint and the small window are the only things that attempt to counteract the room''s austere appearance.


    The team is astonished because Alvy himself will study the code and organize the game''s source, utilizing all his available skills.


    -Spencer, start testing the game. We''ll make digital adjustments that will shape the work. Try to focus on the landscapes. I''ll handle the meticulous details like lamps, frames, lights, characters, and furniture, - Marcus Light said.


    -Of course, - Spencer replied, reviewing the materials Billy had sent about the Wolfenstein 3D game.


    This game is set in a world where the Nazis won World War II and conquered all of America. The first installment of the game features an SSS operations base and a concentration camp. Two spies infiltrate the base to rescue an important character from the North American spies, one of the few unconquered territories.


    Spencer began adding backgrounds and colors to the transparent matrix and geometric shapes of the program. He took his time, even though he was told to work quickly because gameplay is the most important aspect. For a Pixar animator, cutting corners was not an option.


    He started with the backgrounds, using colors and meticulously developing the grand castle that served as the SSS military base. He detailed the bricks with simple techniques and colored each part with different shades. The map creators were rock enthusiasts John Romero and John Carmack, who designed a perfect labyrinth with three upper floors and three giant underground levels.


    Ed Camult arrived at the studio and found Alvy Ray Smith deeply engrossed in studying the new software design. Without disturbing the other workers, he approached Ray Smith.


    -Alvy, - Ed said.


    -Ed, come take a look at this. There are some things they overlooked. They patched the program for some commands but added interesting ideas. Like this use of movement. If we can incorporate it into our program, the way we make our movies will improve significantly, - Alvy Ray Smith said.


    id Software followed Pixar''s theory but adjusted the movement to predetermined patterns for running, shooting, and jumping. Meanwhile, the movement of other NPCs is based on quick motion copied from stop-motion, following patterns integrated into the game that the player repeats over and over. The idea is innovative and straightforward, and it might be used at some point. Similarly, the quick construction improvements, like making it easier to build things, also aid in the animation process. There are many added tools for embedding images into 3D processes and applying Zoom more practically.


    -It has a few things that we didn''t plan to include at the start. Let''s get to work. I think it gave me some ideas; this could be a good way to move forward," Ed Camult said, excited. A computer game had shed new light on his company. Collaboration?


    -I agree, but let''s focus on the game first. There are some things that ID Software recommended we review, - Alvy Ray replied.


    -Alright, I''ll check the game, and you review the program modifications. Shall we begin? - Ed Camult asked.


    -I couldn''t agree more, - Alvy said, knowing Ed Camult''s computer skills, which were nearly photographic in memory.


    The work involved reviewing, identifying, and fixing errors that could potentially harm the game''s mechanics. Running a game is different from making a movie; the game needs players to continuously test it and identify any issues they encounter. Adding the designs and different colors, which were excellently used.


    -Marcus, I think it''s time for us to stop the game design here, - Ed Camult said, checking his wristwatch. It was getting late, and he needed to get back home.


    -Of course, Mr. Camult. I''ll continue working on the film for a while, - Marcus Light replied. He had a lot of work to do in the coming days, which involved developing the various settings where the story took place.


    -Remember not to stay up too late; it''s more important to finish the game quickly and deliver it, - Alvy said as he left with Ed Camult.


    -I''ll go talk to Randall. See you on Monday, Ed, - Alvy added.


    -Good luck with that, - Ed Camult replied, his eyes tired. He had been working tirelessly for these six days.


    Alvy Ray headed to Randall McArthur''s office, where Randall was organizing documents and meticulously adjusting all the activities the Pixar employees were engaged in. Alvy Ray knocked on the door of the company administrator''s office and waited for permission to enter.


    -Pleasure, Alvy. Tell me how I can assist you, - Randall said, addressing one of his four direct bosses.


    -Nothing out of the ordinary, Randal. The ID Software game arrived not too long ago, and I''d like you to speak with Anne about it," Alvy said.


    Randal''s long black mustache twitched as he pursed his lips, a gesture he made whenever he was deep in thought. The office was simple, adorned with minimalist paintings of great works, which were part of Pixar''s decoration. The most prominent feature was a family photo of Randal, his wife, and three grown children.


    Although Mr. Randal McArthur had to move to San Francisco, his salary allowed him to secure a small house to settle in the city. The city was beautiful, the job was good, and he felt comfortable.


    -Thank you, Alvy. I''ll call Anne before I leave, - Randal said. He would be working until 5:00 p.m. today, even though it was a Saturday. The new onboarding policies had given him some headaches.


    He adjusted his documents into a large black folder, an organized filing system by topic. His height inevitably required him to stoop to see the phone, but he remembered to call Anne.


    -Good afternoon, Randal. I assume you''re still at the office, - Anne''s voice came through on the other end of the line.


    -Yes, dear, I''m just about to leave. I wanted to call and let you know that the work from ID Software arrived here this morning, much earlier than expected, - Randal explained.


    He heard Anne calling for young Lucas with a shout.


    -Alright, I''ll talk to Billy; he''ll be coming next week. Adjust the budget and state that Pixar will charge $1,500,000 for the license, graphic adjustments, and programming services. We''ll balance the liabilities with the assets from here, - Anne instructed.


    The financial records would show that Lux Comics paid $1,500,000 under the name of ID Software for the game development, an inflated amount. However, this was done as a way to account for transactions between companies. The actual value of this operation was estimated at $400,000, according to both Randal and Anne. But that money was part of an investment being made for Pixar, particularly for the computer group. It would be recorded as debt in ID Software''s records, and Billy was confident they would make a significant profit with the Wolfstein game if it met the specifications he recommended.


    ... sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 104. interview.

    Raimon parked his car in front of Stanford University, his old car, which now boasted new repairs he had been able to afford with the salary he received from Lux Comics. The red car, while it would have been more sensible to buy a new one, had been the result of a whimsical decision influenced by his two companions with whom he had spent the past four years. As his father had told him over the phone when he heard the news, he parked in the university''s parking lot. Raimon was wearing a Batman jacket.


    -Well, we''ve just arrived. When you''re done with the interview, I want to introduce you to some friends. We''re part of the Blue Cavalry, - Raimon said amiably.


    -The Blue Cavalry? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, a group of ''freaks,'' as some people say. We participate in magic conventions. We have Raphael Wilson, who is one of the greatest fantasy enthusiasts I''ve ever met. You can ask him about any book; he probably knows it. He''s studying electronic engineering. Then there''s Matthew Mitchell, the luckiest guy in this part of the galaxy. If you want someone on your Dungeons & Dragons team, it has to be him. And the misfit Rapi Miller, a math prodigy studying physics. It would be incredible if you hired him. Sometimes I think our company needs a physicist, - Raimon explained.


    -You want me to hire your friends? - Billy asked.


    The goofy expression on Raimon''s face almost made Billy burst into laughter, causing him to turn his head away.


    -Of course not. I want you to meet my friends, who are geniuses, - Raimon clarified.


    -We''ll visit them after the interview, - Billy agreed.


    -Awesome. I talked highly with the program director. You''ll need to bring your resume, - Raimon said, taking a folder with some documents and three different comics he had published the previous year from his trunk.


    Both of them got out of the car. Raimon, dressed in a gray suit with a light blue shirt and a dark tie, stood out against his yellow bell-bottom jeans and Batman-logoed jacket. They walked across the side of the campus, the elegant green meadow that stretched in front of the university, and under a horizontal arch adorned with beautiful reliefs, they entered a yellow stone building, where the sun''s rays played on the walls.


    Billy began to feel the familiar insecurity creeping in as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the university, but it quickly dissipated as they approached their destination. They found themselves in a room filled with older individuals, perhaps future professors. The director''s office was adjacent to a library, and the room had the air of someone dedicated to academia.


    Raimon had momentarily lost his composure when the secretary ushered them to the interview room. He found himself sitting in a chair, staring intently at a painting that had probably been there for more than twenty years. Only when he opened the door did he realize he had entered without knocking. He cursed himself inwardly.


    -Excuse me, sir, for my audacity in entering without asking for permission, - Billy Carson said, standing just inside the door.


    -Come in. You''re right on time for the meeting, five minutes earlier than requested, - said J.J. Simmons, the director of the management program.


    -Thank you, sir. I''ll take a seat if you don''t mind, - Billy replied. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Please do, - Simmons said, gesturing for him to sit.


    -In which high school are you currently enrolled, Mr. Carson? - Simmons asked.


    -Notre Dame High School, - Billy replied.


    Director Simmons had some notes in front of him.


    -Mr. Raimon, who is an honor student, personally came to speak with me. Knowing your indecision and lack of affection for formalities, I was pleasantly surprised when he requested permission to submit not only your records but also those of many other Stanford students, including Alvy Ray Smith, whose advancements in computer science I''m familiar with. Tell me about yourself and address my doubts, -  JJ Simmons inquired.


    -I''m Billy, sir, an artist. Although it may seem uncertain, I''m a part of creating a comic book company. I started it with my father''s loan as capital. Our sales have been quite successful, and I expanded my business as I earned more money. Not only as a means to increase my income but also as an investment that I considered, and still consider, necessary, - Billy explained.


    -I see. What do you expect to gain from attending this university? - Simmons asked.


    -Well, sir, I''m here for business. Universities offer numerous pathways for learning, and many promising ideas are cultivated within these institution''s walls. There are bright young minds and promising ideas, and of course, it will broaden my knowledge as well,-  Billy replied.


    -It says here that your GPA is 7.9, and your SAT score is 1100. How do you expect to get into a university with such high standards? - Simmons inquired.


    -Well, sir, being a student while running a company is not easy. I do my best with what I have. I''ve studied a lot, but I also have different comics to create, and that''s how I make a living, - Billy explained.


    -I understand, - Mr. Simmons said.


    -What about student dropout rates? -  the professor asked.


    -Well, I''ll do my best to complete the course, - Billy replied.


    -You''re aware that the MBA program lasts for two years, but you''ll have to complement it with an additional degree from our liberal arts section for now, and it says here it''s in social sciences. That''s almost four years of study, - the professor pointed out.


    -I''m aware of that, but I don''t plan on abandoning my studies once I start. It wouldn''t make sense. Besides, if I have too many tasks, I''ll reduce my academic workload, - Billy stated.


    -I understand. Do you have any hobbies aside from your studies and collaborative work? - Mr. Simmons asked.


    -Acting, sir, and cinema. Sometimes I take acting courses, participate in theater, or watch movies during my free time, although that doesn''t happen as often anymore, - Billy replied.


    Mr. Simmons noted down the information in a box designated for assessing students during interviews. From there, he looked at a list of common questions he considered relevant for this type of student, one who generated publicity for the university but might not meet its academic standards.


    -What are your thoughts on the conflict between the USSR and the United States? Do you believe there will be a cessation of hostilities in the future? - Mr. Simmons inquired.


    -Oh, yes, I believe there will be. I think the USSR will come to understand that its regime is riddled with flaws, from the state organization to the corruption of the powerful. While we still have our fair share of issues as a nation, our system manages to function. However, the Russians are known for their stubbornness, and I wouldn''t be surprised if, in twenty or thirty years, discontent leads them to change their ways, - Billy said.


    -You foresee a downfall, - the professor remarked.


    -I''m confident, sir, that the USSR will fall sooner or later. The problem lies with its people. Resentment can simmer for a long time, and Europe tends to pounce on fallen nations with claws and fangs, which can lead to the worst outcomes, - Billy said.


    -An interesting perspective, though it somewhat disregards modern political principles that have been established. Mr. Carson, as a university graduate, we seek future leaders who take social improvement for granted here in society. What would be your focus? - Simmons asked.


    -Well, I''d focus on the environment. From the use of biodegradable materials to the search for new renewable sources that consume less energy than the common ones, such as batteries, propane, natural gas, coal, and hydrocarbons. I believe that other natural energy sources can provide us with a better way to power our electrical system, including nuclear energy, as long as we find more environmentally friendly processes. You know, the Montreal Protocol was recently adopted, - Billy explained.


    -Has your company conducted any research? - Mr. Simmons inquired.


    -That''s correct, sir. We want to find solutions from various sources. However, research costs are quite expensive, and my company has many investments that hinder such development. For now, we''re only in the process of reducing the company''s gas emissions, but we want to establish a good alternative energy source, - Billy stated.


    -A very profound idea, Mr. Carson. How do you expect to see your company grow in the next 10 years? - Simmons asked.


    -I wouldn''t have a precise idea, but I want to create my television channel that showcases various animations from my comic brand. I''d like to venture into emerging businesses like climate, and if possible, expand my burger chain, sir, - Billy said.


    -Would you consider working closely with the university? - Simmons asked.


    -Of course, recently Raimon asked me about hiring some physicists from this university. He didn''t see any problem with me using its facilities to develop a way to solve energy-related issues with the physicists and engineers from Stanford, - Billy replied.


    -Young man, you speak with a lot of confidence. Given your GPA and unique circumstances, we''ll accept you into Stanford University''s business program. I hope you''ll achieve great things at our university. I have high expectations for you, - Mr. Simmons said.


    Billy was surprised, - Wait, sir, there''s no need for any additional filters or processes for my admission? -


    --Not at all. Although you applied a bit late, you had several letters of recommendation, and I can see that you''re Stanford material. We''ll handle the paperwork. You''ll need to pay the tuition before June 1st. I hope to see you studying, Mr. Carson, although I won''t be teaching any of your courses. I''ll be attending the orientation meeting, -- Mr. Simmons said, getting up from his seat and shaking Billy''s hand. -- With this letter, Mr. Raimon will take you to the secretary''s office to print a payment receipt. You can deposit it at any bank."


    Billy left the office, a bit surprised, his expression still reflecting the astonishment. Raimon saw him and lowered his head with sadness.


    -Billy, don''t worry. You didn''t even want to rush into studying. You can try again next year, my friend, - Raimon said, placing his palm on Billy''s shoulder with empathy.


    -Do you know where I can make the university tuition payment? My dad gave me an $80,000 check, - Billy asked.


    -Ah, come on, I''ll take you to pay. You''re impossible, - Raimon said, throwing his hands up in defeat. Four years ago, young Raimon had fought tooth and nail for a spot at the university. He had gone through three interviews and selection processes, but the rich and handsome always seemed to have the upper hand.


    Billy''s comment about showing him his friends surprised Raimon.


    -Weren''t you wanting to introduce me to your friends, the Blue Cavalry? - Billy asked, smiling at Raimon.


    Raimon''s grumbling stopped. - Well, I guess you won''t regret your decision, but I''m still offended by your demeanor, -  he said.


    ...


    to write these points of view is, to be dramatic. it seems curious to me, but otherwise, it would be strange to conduct the conversation.

 105. Friendship.

    May 22.


    Mr. Constantino, the math teacher, walked back and forth, giving orders to students here and there, while Professor Julie, on the other hand, spoke to the students more calmly. Both had taken on the responsibility of leading the high school seniors from Notre Dame High School on a three-day camping trip. To his misfortune, Billy was forced to attend this school event for some reason. Even in his bad luck, his only friend, Connor from the basketball team, would be playing in the regional finals with the basketball team, a last-minute stroke of luck that qualified them for the regional finals.


    -Billy, my boy, you''ll be late for school, - said Thomas Carson, who was very happy. His son had just been admitted to the business program at Stanford University, and he had an excellent national exam score. According to his grades, he could graduate with the class in June.


    -I''ve got everything ready in my backpack, - said Billy, holding a large backpack in his hand, which contained all the necessary changes of clothes.


    -Well, take some money, spend it wisely. There are some special stores near the campsite; you can buy whatever you like. If you need anything, just call me. That''s why I got you the phone, - said Thomas.


    -Of course, Dad, I''ll bring back souvenirs, - Billy replied playfully. He even had about $80 in his pocket for any unexpected expenses. - By the way, it''s $400, - he added.


    -Invite a girl or something, buy some souvenirs, or spend it on arcade games, - said Thomas.


    At forty-five years old, gray hairs had started to appear in his blond hair.


    -Come on, I don''t want to be late. The buses leave at 9 in the morning, - said Thomas.


    -Just give me a second, Dad. I need to grab my wallet, - said Billy, running down the stairs, making a ruckus on the wooden and tiled steps. Billy''s room was the last one on the left, with a home movie theater bought two years ago, featuring a variety of films.


    The rooms were so minimalist that they gave off a sense of masculine simplicity. Billy entered the room, wearing a green T-shirt and a black Nike hoodie, giving him a youthful appearance that he lost when wearing suits most of the time.


    -I''ll be in the car, - Thomas called out as he left the house through the secondary door leading from the kitchen to the garage to warm up the car. It needed some time to warm up properly.


    He watched Billy leave with the backpack slung over his shoulder. He got into the car, pushing the backpack onto the back seat with force. The traffic on this late morning wasn''t as bad as they initially expected, and the trip didn''t last more than twenty minutes.


    They turned onto the streets, and after about twenty blocks, they could see Notre Dame School and the yellow school bus that would be used to take them to the annual camping trip for schools in the San Jose area. Out of the 49 senior students, six members of the basketball team were absent, and three others claimed medical incapacities. Forty students from Notre Dame High School would embark on the adventure in two buses.


    -Remember to listen to your teachers, and I hope you behave well and have fun, - Thomas said.


    -Of course, Dad. Remember to talk to Jim Lee. He promised to join the company once he finished some pending work. But his editor, Terry, will be the first to arrive. Leave some comics for me to start working on. The new Samurai X series will start publishing this summer season, and if there''s still time, you can edit the comics for The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Power Rangers, -  Billy replied.


    -I will, son. Don''t worry; Anne has everything ready. We''ve set up a workspace for Jim Lee and his team, and your old man even took advantage of the purchase of the building on 43rd Street to rent apartments to the three of them, - Thomas said.


    -The new apartments certainly surprised me, - Billy said.


    -How much did you invest, Dad, for the whole building? - Billy asked. He never expected the purchase of a building, let alone that it was such an affordable price.


    -Well, $160,000 from your end, and $70,000 from my end, so 65% and 35%, - Thomas replied.


    -Say hi to Jim Lee''s team for me, - Billy said.


    -Take care, son! - Thomas said.


    Exiting the car to head to the yellow school buses for a three-hour journey to their next destination, Billy saw Mr. Constantine with a clipboard, taking attendance as students boarded the buses.


    -Good morning, Mr. Carson, -- Constantine said as he checked off names. -- Young man, you can board that bus over there, -- he pointed to a bus parked facing the street.


    Billy boarded the bus, which was empty, and he was curious as to why he was assigned to this particular bus. He checked his wristwatch; it was 8:55 in the morning. He pulled out a book on modern art and started reading while making circles with his hand, a habit he developed from doodling at the factory.


    -You''re crazy! That damn teacher is a pervert! - a voice exclaimed.


    -Shut up, - said another voice that Billy recognized��it was Selene. One of the most unpredictable women he knew; one day she was flirtatious, the next she was mean, and on another, she was quiet, with a mood as unpredictable as the weather.


    -Mr. Constantine is as old as my grandfather, - said another voice that Billy recognized but found somehow annoying��Jessica.


    -What nonsense. This is probably the stupidest thing that has happened today, - said a voice that Billy couldn''t identify.


    -Oh, of course. I bought them over the weekend. Do you like them? -  Selene replied.


    -Red doesn''t suit you, - Alice commented.


    -Ha! Jealous, aren''t you, my friend? - Selene retorted.


    -Jealous of your superior intelligence? - Alice replied sarcastically.


    -Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Don''t worry, Austin is an idiot. Luckily, the basketball team kept him away from this activity. I swear, I wouldn''t have come if that jerk was here, - Selene said.


    -I know, he''s such a jerk... Look who''s here, our favorite guy, - Jessica said.


    -What are you doing here? -  Selene asked.  - I thought you wouldn''t show up. You usually keep to yourself, never participating in anything that resembles a classroom. -


    -I just enjoy these activities. I hope you all do too, - Billy replied, returning to his book. The girls walked to the back seats to gossip from a distance.


    The bus filled up with different students, and it became increasingly difficult to concentrate on the words in the book. So, Billy focused on sketching a bit here and there. He had been trying to expand the Slam Dunk comic, which had become popular among people. But it needed some filling in certain parts, from the training segments to the challenges faced by the secondary characters in the plot.


    -Wow, buddy, you draw well. I''m a Slam Dunk fan too, -  a young man sitting next to him said.


    -Thanks, - Billy responded.  - Who are you? -


    -Haha, it''s obvious. How could Billy Carson pay attention to anything other than his world? - the guy chuckled. - I''m Brando, a substitute for the basketball team. I didn''t go because I got kicked off the team for bad behavior. -


    -I''m sorry to hear that, - Billy said.


    -Don''t be sorry. I earned that expulsion. I honestly couldn''t stand being on that dysfunctional team. I prefer to practice on my own. I''ll try out for a second-division team in the summer. So, there''s no point in regretting being on a team like that, - Brando replied.


    -Which team are you trying out for? - Billy asked.


    -The South Larkers. The tryouts are in the summer, and I''m already enrolled at San Jose University. My dad allowed me to defer a semester if I made it to the second-division team. The other option is to join the San Jose University team, but they''re not very good, - Brando explained.


    -You''re going to college? - Billy asked, surprised.


    - That''s right, electronic engineering, and if I''m lucky, automotive engineering. My old man has an auto repair shop, so if you ever need any repairs, you can come by, we won''t turn you away. We''re in the Yellow Pages under "Mechanics" around here, -  Brando said.


    -I see. I''ll come by someday, but for now, I don''t think we need a mechanic, - Billy replied.


    -No worries, man, - Brando said. He was dark-skinned and had very white teeth. Although he seemed happy, his appearance left much to be desired��worn-out shoes, and second-hand clothes. Billy knew he was one of those struggling souls in California.


    -Who''s your favorite Slam Dunk character? - Billy asked.


    Brando smiled, showing all his teeth. - I like Sakuragi/Wilt. You know, it''s funny how he got into the sport just to impress a girl, but he puts so much effort into it that it''s infectious. My old man built a court behind the shop. I''ve got all the volumes. What about you? Who do you like?" Brando said.


    -I like Hisashi/Benz. His redemption arc is how he follows his passions without regret, and if he wants to apologize, he just does it. He''s great, - Billy replied.


    -You like the delinquent! Bravo! I never expected you to like the delinquent. You know, I thought you''d go for Rukawa/Luc��an, - Brando said.


    -Not at all. He''s not as cool as other characters. He''s just your typical superstar, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, - Brando laughed.


    He leaned a bit closer to Billy. - Hey, I know I shouldn''t pry, but what''s the deal with the school beauties? You know, I always see you talking to them at lunch, and there''s even a rumor going around that you''ve dated each of them, - Brando said.


    -They say that? - Billy asked, a bit surprised. Rumors?


    -Yeah, you know, they say you''ve dated Selene, Claudia, and Alice, - Brando said.


    -I can''t deny that I''ve gone out with Claudia, but not with any of the others, - Billy said.


    -I see. I won''t press, buddy. You know, in the basketball team, there''s Austin, and that guy couldn''t stop talking about how much he hates you. And Alice talks about you a lot, or at least that''s what Austin says, - Brando said.


    -I didn''t know she talked about me that much, but there''s nothing between her and me, -Billy said.


    -No worries, buddy. I''m just laying out the facts, - Brando said.


    The conversation continued until they parked halfway at a small shopping center with some toy stores.


    -Will you come with me to grab something to eat? - Billy asked.


    Brando looked like he wanted to say something but just nodded instead. In a small breakfast and lunch joint, Billy saw a menu for hamburgers.


    -I think I''ll use the bathroom. Give me a second, - Brando said.


    -Can I have the double cheeseburger with fries, - Billy ordered, leaning closer to a person picking up their onion rings. - Oh, and I''ll take some onion rings, a bottle of water, and a chocolate milkshake too. -


    -That''ll be $19.72, - the cashier said robotically.


    Billy paid and waited for his order. The girls came in, laughing and giggling about something. Brando''s words echoed in his head,  ��Alice talks about you a lot." He noticed Alice''s jean shorts that showed off her long, white legs.


    -Oh, sweet Billy, what are you staring at me so intently for? - Selene said as she approached Billy''s table. The laughter continued behind her after her loud comment.


    -Sorry, I got lost in thought, Selene, - Billy said.


    -Hmph, see you later, -  Selene said, returning to her friends. Billy''s cold response had always bothered her.


    Brando returned with a washed face and his usual friendly smile. In his hand, he held a peanut butter bagel. The aroma hit Billy''s nose along with a thermos that appeared to contain hot chocolate.


    -So, what are you eating? - Brando said with his mouth full.


    -Well, I ordered something light, - Billy said.


    The genetic makeup of this body loves to eat. Living with constant hunger was something he''d gotten used to over time.


    -Order number 713, - they announced loudly.


    -Ah, that''s mine," Billy said, walking over to the pickup counter. The scent filled his nostrils. "I promise I''ll start ordering salads next week, - Billy thought.


    -Look, this one''s for you. I didn''t know you liked it, but it''s a double cheeseburger with fries, just like what I got, - Billy said.


    Brando''s raised eyebrows revealed his surprise at the gift, sometimes things just are the way they are. And individualism tends to be an unwritten rule among people.


    -Don''t look at me like that. I don''t like eating alone in front of someone, - Billy said. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Oh, okay, - Brando replied. For the first time in three hours of talking to Billy, he was quiet while eating his burger. His big eyes contrasted with his long arms and even longer legs. Brando''s height, as determined in medical records from last August, was 6''1". His hunger was voracious, and in less than 10 minutes, his burger was gone.


    -You can have half of the onion rings if you want, -- Billy said, calmly eating his burger. He thought to himself, "You''re doing me a favor; it''s too much grease for me." He offered Brando the box of 8 onion rings.


    Brando took half as Billy had suggested, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.


    -Thank you for the food. God bless you, Billy, - Brando said, making the sign of the cross that his mother had taught him, a practice she instilled in her three children.


    The shopping center also had a sports store and a pet store. The trip continued without any further incidents until they reached the annual activity camp organized by private schools in the San Jose and Pasadena areas.


    Mr. Constantine had his shirt soaked in sweat. He came down with a large megaphone and began giving orders to all the students.


    The camp exceeded his expectations. The cabins were larger than he had expected, and the freshly painted wood shone along their edges. The rooms were spacious, with at least five people or more in each. The first activity was a long hike of about three to four miles. They were divided into two groups. The first group would engage in arts and crafts activities in the art cabin. A path through the forest led to a beautiful spring, home to some colorful and beautiful fish that swam throughout the small pond. Upon their arrival, a rustic-looking van brought some provisions: tuna sandwiches, bottled water, and a bag of chips. Pine trees provided shade in some areas, and a gentle breeze added to the peaceful atmosphere.


    Billy began to draw the place with great care in his sketchbook. He tried to artificially recreate the movement of nature in his drawings, capturing the viscosity of the water and the flow of air currents among the leaves and underbrush.


    -That''s a nice drawing. Brando said you were good at it, but this is fantastic, -- Will --commented. Will was one of the members who shared a room with him. One cabin had up to five spacious rooms, accommodating 23 boys. -


    -Thank you, I was just trying to capture this scenery forever, - Billy said, taking a bite of the tuna sandwich that was in a plastic bag next to him.


    "Stella, look. Someone''s got talent," Will said, calling over a petite girl with short hair. She was very small in stature; her entire body had small proportions. He had seen some of her works in the art room, and she had skills with a paintbrush.


    "Billy Carson, I saw your final art piece, it was amazing," Stella said.


    "I''ve also seen some of your work, and it''s pretty impressive," Billy replied.


    Stella didn''t say more, but she did stop to look at his painting carefully. Her thin eyebrows furrowed, and she almost creased her forehead, creating lines of concern, before moving to the other side of the spring. Will simply made an apologetic gesture and followed her. Billy, on the other hand, stopped in various places, greeting and exchanging words with the other people in almost random discussions with all the students on the excursion. Billy adjusted his things and continued drawing for almost another hour, repeating the landscape for a second time with firmer strokes and more detailed finishes. This time, he felt more satisfied with the drawing. However, he decided to draw other things to pass the time. They were called back after an hour and a half.


    Billy returned to his room to drop off his things as the evening''s music activity began. To his surprise, it was a dance dedication. It had been a long time since he had modestly danced, but the activity turned out to be fun thanks to John, the camp''s entertainer, who had a knack for words.


    He sat down next to Alice, who, for some reason, seemed sad. The reason was her ex-boyfriend, Austin.


    -Is everything okay, Alice? - Billy asked, looking at the fire in the center of the camp.


    Alice only glanced at him from the corner of her eye, but he didn''t turn to look at her. - I''m fine, just tired, -  she said.


    -You never told me about Claudia, -- Billy said, his green eyes watching Alice. Despite her reserved state, there were no obvious signs of distress. -- I don''t want to know for now. I''ll wait for her to tell me. I heard you''re going to Berkeley. -


    -That''s right. You''re heading to Stanford, - Alice said.


    -Indeed, I''m going to Stanford. The business school awaits me, - Billy said.


    -I thought you were going to Los Angeles, - Alice said, her words carrying hidden meaning.


    -I''ll go later. The business course is two years; it''s not much considering the time I have, -- Billy replied.


    -You know, Claudia has wanted to call you for a while now, but she''s been afraid to hear what you''ll say, - Alice said.


    -I have no intention of losing my temper. If she wants to call, she can call. I didn''t realize you talked to her so much, - Billy replied.


    -Well, Jessica, Claudia, and I all went to the same school. She''s always been a very funny person. Come on, let''s grab something to eat. I haven''t eaten since lunch, - Alice said, squeezing his shoulder.


    -No problem, - Billy said, hoping no one would misinterpret this. Brando''s words from this morning about him still lingered in his mind. The restaurant was the typical cafeteria with large tables and a buffet served by a kitchen assistant.


    -You know, I never thought school would end so quickly, -- Alice said, picking up her pasta with salad from the kitchen assistant. -- You didn''t even go to the prom; it''s your senior year. I''m just surprised. Selene wanted you to ask her to the dance. -


    -I was busy, - Billy said.


    -Again with that attitude, the mysterious guy. You know, people have feelings. Sometimes we want to be acknowledged. We want to be liked, and when you ignore someone like that, it''s hurtful, - Alice said.


    -When you do it, I''ve seen how you make fun of some guys, - Billy replied.


    Alice''s mouth twisted into an uncomfortable expression. She wasn''t used to anyone responding to her so directly.


    -They''re not the same thing. I don''t beat around the bush. Tell me, Alice, do I seem indecisive to you? - Billy said.


    Although he spoke softly in his voice, Alice felt the weight of his words, and she felt her tears welling up in her eyes.


    -You''re such a jerk, - Alice said angrily.


    Billy could only follow her to the table she chose.


    -Come on, Alice, my words aren''t meant to hurt, - Billy said, sitting across from her.


    Alice was furious, and it showed in her eyes. The conversation fell into an awkward silence as two uncomfortable people ate at the same table. Billy decided to finish eating without paying further attention to the angry Alice; he would apologize to her after he finished his meal.


    Alice got up to leave without finishing her meal. - Don''t go, Alice, - Billy said.


    Alice paused but only to look at him and flip her hair with a practiced gesture. Billy managed to grab her hand, and although the room wasn''t full, there were about five people, so this was likely to spread like wildfire.


    -Finish your meal, then we can talk more calmly, - Billy said.


    Alice did as he asked, but anger was still evident on her face. Billy could only smile; Alice''s tantrum reminded him a lot of his grandmother, who, despite her anger, only puts on a sour face for the whole day. His grandfather is an expert at mending that face, but he prefers to let her cool down after a while.


    Alice finished her meal and rested her cheek on her hand, looking away.


    -I''d like to travel to Los Angeles and start my acting career, but my family is pretty strict in many ways. I respect them, and I know I''m not old enough to rebel against them yet. So for now, I''m just going with the flow. I know the day will come when my actions can''t be dictated by anyone, but for now, I''m just waiting for the right moments, - Billy said.


    Alice didn''t respond.


    --That''s why I can be rude sometimes. I just focus on my things without paying attention to others. You should understand me too. After all, you''re part of the cheerleading team. They say you''re very competent, a captain to be feared. Sometimes I see you working hard in my extracurricular basketball classes, -- Billy said.


    --It''s tough to have to follow others'' words. I thought you were a bit more rebellious, and well, I do everything with the best of intentions, which is why I''m going to Berkeley. We''ll see how things go after that, -- Alice said.


    -Everything will be fine, Alice. Time puts things in their place, -- Billy said.


    -Hahaha, you sound like an old man for sure, - Alice laughed.


    Billy blushed but could only join in Alice''s laughter. -- Do you want to go to the mall tomorrow? -- Billy asked.


    -Let''s go! But let me bring Selene and Abby, - Alice said.


    -You can bring them, just don''t cause any problems for me, - Billy replied.


    The school camp was just beginning, but Billy understood that he couldn''t distance himself from the people around him. That would only be detrimental to him at first. He played basketball with Brando and got to know Selene and Alice better during the camp.


    ....

 106. Premiere of the game, Samurai jack.

    May 22.


    For Thomas Carson, things were going quite differently than for Billy Carson. The early arrival of the artists Billy had invited to join Lux Comics had been causing him headaches due to the conditions they imposed. He considered these conditions unnecessary, given the flexibility his son had offered these people. Billy wasn''t charging a cent for printing the comics, and everything was being covered at cost, with a 35% distribution fee and an office space provided in the comic factory, which could easily be used for more critical administrative workers in the sector.


    -It''s already begun to distribute the Samurai Jack games. Capcom sent us some special copies to test since yesterday, - said Dave, the factory''s inspector general, while Thomas was in conversation with Anne, discussing the arrival of the company''s artists.


    -I think there''s only one person who can adequately test this game, -Anne remarked, taking the console and heading to the game room, where she connected it to the television. - Raimon, come over here, don''t run away. I''ve seen you play arcade games since I arrived. -


    -Oh, Anne, I got up early to finish my work. I don''t have much left to do, - Raimon replied.


    -Well, start checking this is the new game from the company, and Billy wants to know in great detail whether Capcom followed the instructions or encountered any issues along the way, -- Anne said, glancing at the wall clock. -- It''s 9:00 in the morning. You have until after lunch. I''ll leave you in your office during those hours. You also have today, Friday, Saturday, and Monday to review it. If you finish early, you can complete the game. -


    -They pay you to play video games. It''s pure gold, - Raimon thought.


    -Oh, sweet Anne, don''t worry. I''m an administrative droid who gets all the tasks done, - Raimon said.


    with a chuckle as he turned on the Samurai Jack console. He opened a 1.5-liter Coca-Cola bottle and mixed it with some coffee, and the heavy bags under his eyes spoke of a night of revelry. The meeting with his old group had brought consequences, a movie marathon from the Far East, and it had never been so much fun.


    Anne simply ignored his behavior and continued with the morning meeting with Mr. Carson. The June season was set to begin on June 15th, and so far, only three comics out of the five promised by Billy had been delivered: the stories of the Iron Giant, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Power Rangers. Billy had promised to publish a fourth series online, but there were only sketches��Shaman King, the Spirit King, another idea from young Billy, which surprised Anne.


    The Samurai Jack game began with an enticing intro created by Billy, featuring Jack cutting a red background into three pieces. The screen rotated, and the start game and load game options appeared on the menu. Only the aesthetic designs were top-notch.


    Raimon pressed the start game button, and the voiceover narration resonated from the square-shaped television of that era. The one-minute short film created by Billy played, and Jack''s sword seemed to leap out of the screen. This prompted an outburst of excitement from Raimon, who began laughing, raising his hands in the air while taking long sips from the Coca-Cola he had downed in one go. He reached for his backpack and pulled out a long tube of sour gummy candies that turned his mouth blue. They shared the carbonated drink.


    -You have to prove yourself, player. Only someone destined to defeat Aku can finish this game, - said Aku with a hearty "HAHAHAHA," filling the game room. Raimon held his breath. The first thing he''d do was recommend it to his friends, call the Stanford computer group, and the Blue Cavalry��everyone had to play it with him.


    The game controls were impressive and practical, from double jumps to using the sword in various combos, such as double tap and down, or double tap and up. It was simply astonishing. The game explained how to navigate the different obstacles, and the open world that he and Billy had once discussed came to life.


    After completing the first mission and receiving a radar from space dogs to map locations, Raimon realized he could now map all the places he visited. From the trade center where he could upgrade his sword in the blacksmith''s shop to his small inventory and the skills he was learning, he played non-stop for four hours, and the completion percentage still stood at 18%.


    -Raimon, it''s time to go to work, - Anne said in that authoritative tone that reminded him so much of his mother.


    -Sure, sure, just give me a moment to save the game, - Raimon said like a child speaking to a mother.


    -How''s the game? - Anne asked.


    -It''s insane, Anne. I think Billy is going to make a lot of money for Capcom. It''s simply revolutionary. 10 out of 10. I''ll call all my friends and recommend the game. It''s almost like playing Street Fighter for the first time, something I can''t easily forget, - Raimon said. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That reassures me. Write a review and leave it on Billy''s desk when you finish the game, - Anne said.


    -Wait, what? Billy won''t play it? -  Raimon asked.


    "I don''t think they''ll have time to enjoy video games. There''s a lot to do in the company, like the semi-annual reports from the companies. I''ve given you some extra tasks��review the accounting, and if you can find any errors, highlight them in red, - Anne said.


    -Piece of cake. I was a monitor in accounting at the university, - Raimon said, thumping his chest. In the four hours of work, he had entered autopilot mode. The sooner he finished, the sooner he could continue playing the Samurai Jack game.


    Accounting accounts are like a fashion runway collection; you have to show them to everyone in the right way. Each account must be redirected on a specific occasion. Each account follows a correct pattern, and if you can choose another path, that path has fewer obstacles. Some paths are longer, while others are for newcomers.


    -Raimon, it''s very late, young man. You should go home, - Gorman, the company archivist, said.


    -Oh, I got caught up serializing the accounts to hand them over to Anne. Darn it, I''ll have to come in early tomorrow, - Raimon said. It was already 8:00 PM.


    -I think it''s time for both of us to go, - Raimon told Gorman.


    -Come, I''m about to leave. I''ll wait for you, - Gorman said.


    Raimon shut down the computer and organized things as best he could.


    -Let''s go. I''ll finish with the accounts tomorrow, - Raimon said.


    -Anne had to leave early. Before 5:00 PM, her little brother had to stay without a babysitter, so she''ll be going home early. She asked me to give you the complete Lux Comics files. She wants you to do the study and report. She''ll review it later, - Gorman said.


    A man in his thirties with a serious demeanor, he only spoke when necessary. Occasionally, he could be seen reading detective novels from the filing cabinet.


    -Too much work for one day, - Raimon said, bidding farewell to Ramon, the night guard, who was locking up and inspecting the company from top to bottom. The small reception area at the entrance was the only well-lit place.


    -Good night to all of you, - the security guard said.


    In the next five minutes, he arrived at his small apartment, thinking about how great the Samurai Jack game was. He fell fast asleep, and the alarm woke him up at 7:00 AM. Still feeling quite sleepy, he rubbed his beard and realized it was time for a bit of shaving. Although he was aware of what he was doing the night before, unfortunately, he had slept in his clothes with his glasses on, and he woke up with a terrible headache. There was only one important thing on his mind: he would shower and play some Samurai Jack at work.


    He managed to dial his friends from the Blue Cavalry, and luckily, they answered. The game room had a phone.


    -Samurai Jack, the best game I''ve ever played. You won''t regret it. Spread the word��it''s a glorious combat challenge, - Raimon exclaimed loudly.


    He repeated these words for his friends in the Star Wars enthusiast group, his friends in San Diego, and even those in New York. He called nearly twenty groups because he had to share the excitement with as many people as possible.


    ...


    on the other hand, sorry for the delay, I''ve had a very busy week. follow me on Patreon I''m 30 chapters ahead, and there are even some images, and extra chapters only for subscribers, have a nice day.

 107. year-end credits.

    May 30


    Billy is on his way to the airport with his father, and fortunately, his grandparents will come to the graduation ceremony on June 17, 1991. However, they will arrive twenty days earlier to spend some time with young Billy. His grandparents can be somewhat challenging to deal with.


    -Remember to tell Grandma that you''ll be studying at Stanford. If she asks about acting, just say it''s a hobby, and now the focus is on graduating, - Thomas said, reviewing the multiple responses they would give to Billy''s grandmother and Thomas''s mother, respectively.


    -Yes, I understand. I won''t say anything that could cause us any trouble, Dad, - Billy replied, knowing his grandmother''s personality. All the Carson men should keep her on the right track. Only the wrath of Richard Carson can intimidate her, which happens once every five years.


    From cleaning the house to the food in the fridge, everything is for grandma''s arrival. Even Billy is dressed in a suit with a tie. It''s a formal uniform suit with a few colors��black suit, white shirt, maroon tie. In contrast, his father is wearing his favorite blue suit. There''s this new suit shop that customizes suits for $3,000, tailoring them to your shape. You can choose the fabric from various options, and the suit''s fit is adjusted to your measurements for an additional $1,000.


    -Behave, just behave as best as you can. Mom can be tough, but once she leaves, we can get back to our routine, - Thomas said, signaling for the tenth time that Billy shouldn''t cause any trouble.


    -Yes, Dad, I understand the grandma''s temperament too, - Billy said.


    -Well, son, -- Thomas said, turning left toward the airport. - I think we can go to that pizza restaurant we used to visit so often before we got busy with our respective businesses, - he suggested.


    -That sounds great, but I''m starting to eat healthier. I want to regulate my diet and eat something more nutritious for myself. It''s essential to stay in good physical shape if you want to be an actor, - Billy replied.


    Thomas raised an eyebrow and didn''t say anything, but he still parked at the pizza restaurant. -We''ll eat healthier next time. We''ll pay one of those nutritionists to create a diet plan for you. Right now, we don''t have time to go somewhere else, - he said.


    Billy sighed but got out of the car. Nevertheless, that pizza was delicious. When he was seven years old, he loved that pizza. They used to go there almost every weekend when his father didn''t have extra work at the office. His favorite pizza had always been pepperoni and chicken with mushroom pizza.


    Is this the sensation he''s seeking, a mouthwatering pizza experience?


    -We''ll bring some to the grandparents, - Thomas said.


    -Do whatever you want, but it''s a sure thing that grandma will scold you tonight, - Billy remarked.


    -Hahaha, she''ll never be pleased, but if you offer, she won''t be able to resist her beloved grandson, - Thomas said, knowing his mother''s weakness for her grandchildren over her children.


    -I don''t think grandma has a preference. Sometimes she prefers my cousins, - Billy replied.


    -My brother has always followed in our parents'' footsteps. He''s followed every step, and he''s strict with his children, just as they were with him. Very strict. They have followed the family''s path since my grandfather''s time. They go to church on Sundays and work as hard as they can on the farm, from sunrise to sunset. They cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock. There are many things I was never willing to do. Even Kevin, your cousin, studied agricultural engineering at his father''s request, - Thomas explained.


    -So, you''re the rebel of the family, - Billy teased.


    -Let''s not talk about that, - Thomas replied.


    As luck would have it, their grandparents arrived just in time. Billy couldn''t help but smile at his grandfather''s checkered white shirt, a nod to his grandfather''s sporty appearance. His grandmother wore a long green and black dress that reached her ankles.


    -My dear little chick, - Richard Carson said, embracing Billy tightly. The strong cologne of his grandfather was distinctive, and he had been wearing it since ''58 when the store had just started selling it. It was one of those things that always stuck in his mind��the smell of his grandfather. The story behind the purchase was a stroke of luck. He had befriended the store''s salesman, who turned out to be the owner. They had a long-lasting relationship until the salesman''s untimely death some time ago.


    -Ah, my old man, good to see you, - Billy said, embracing his grandfather. He was the most affectionate of the Carsons.


    -You''ve grown so much, ignoring your grandfather while I''m doing my best to run your video game company. We''re in the final stages of the game, - Richard said, his cheekiness always refreshing. He noticed his grandmother rolling her eyes at her husband''s lack of decorum.


    Thank you, Grandpa. I''m excited about everything we''re doing. I think I''ll spend a few weeks with you in Massachusetts, although I have to go to New York for some work. I hope you''ll be with me too," Billy said.


    Grandpa''s wrinkled smile could only be compared to the occasional glances Grandma gave. What''s curious about their attitudes are the peculiar ways of offering greetings��polite greetings, separated from their expressive love. With their dry manner, Grandma only resorted to small, solitary moments to express her affection.


    -Grandma, - Billy said, separating from his grandpa and hugging his grandma, who was gently patting his back.


    -Dear, - Grandma said.


    -How have you been? - Grandma asked.


    -I''ve been very well, Grandma. Everything''s fine with work and school, - Billy said, adjusting Grandma''s suitcase on his shoulder. His father and grandpa were ahead, a dirty but necessary tactic, carefully planned before arriving at the airport.


    -University, - Grandma said, demanding answers from Billy.


    -Stanford, Grandma. I''ll start after the summer, the university''s business course (MBA), along with the supplementary social sciences program, - Billy said.


    -It''s great to see my little one making progress. And what about those nonsense dreams of being an actor? What are you going to do? - Grandpa asked, with an oddly serious expression. This was a delicate topic because actors were considered somewhat like jesters.


    -First, I''ll pursue a business career and manage the companies. Acting is a hobby, - Billy said.


    -Of course, a pastime. Ahh, how you''ve grown. Your grandma has been alone for a long time, and you haven''t visited her. You''ve matured in these years I haven''t kept an eye on you, - Helen Carson said, relaxing her posture. For now, her beloved grandson has come to his senses and dedicated himself to being a godly citizen, working hard.


    -I''ll visit this summer, Grandma, even though I''ll be leaving. I have a work meeting in New York the second week of July with someone important in the comic book industry. He''ll teach me some tricks. The company is expanding, and I need technical assistance, Grandma, - Billy said.


    -Your grandpa mentioned it to me, the nincompoop will accompany you, there''s no doubt about that. If he could roam the entire country, he would. I hope not to cause any inconvenience, but he''s a very stubborn man, - Helen Carson said.


    -Grandpa is always welcome by my side, Grandma. I''ll try to finish everything ahead of time as best as I can to stay a few more days, - Billy said.


    -Thank you, my child. You have to meet your cousins; they''re all hardworking men. A bit of fieldwork wouldn''t hurt you. You''re looking scrawny; I don''t think those little arms of yours can lift a sack of potatoes, - Helen said.


    Inconveniencing Billy greatly, the loudspeaker announced, - Flight 3B of New Angels Airlines to Michigan would be delayed by one hour. Please proceed to the boarding gate. -


    -Yes, Grandma, I''ll take your advice into account. Come on, the car will be ready at the entrance in a moment, - Billy said.


    -California, how annoying. Your father told me there''s no church nearby, - Helen said.


    -That''s true, Grandma, but we have a fifteen-minute prayer session on Sundays. We read the Bible for a bit with care. Then Dad and I head to work, Grandma. If we don''t have too many chores, we go out for a meal, - Billy said. S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -What wisdom, my dear children. Richard mentioned that your father has been reading the Bible a bit, but I feel comfortable. He never liked the Orthodox Catholic Church, but the years are straightening the tree with great care, - Helen said, particularly content.


    Exiting the airport bathed them in California''s sun. Taxis were lined up in an orderly fashion, for better or worse for the taxi drivers. Travelers knew the appropriate fares for the journey to Silicon Valley and the business sector that wound its way through San Jose. They gave generous tips if the drivers didn''t talk much and focused on getting them to their destination as quickly as possible. Time is money.


    Mr. Carson''s family van appeared around the corner, gleaming in the sunlight, a departure from his usual choice of the latest sports car model.


    -Come on, Grandma, get in the car, - Billy said, opening the back door for his grandmother.


    -Son, you''ll have to carry your grandmother''s luggage. I won''t stop until we get home, - Thomas said from the driver''s seat.


    -No problem, - Billy replied.


    -My father told me that John Romero brought in some game distribution companies at good prices. They''re willing to distribute the games. They''re still editing the game to adapt it to different consoles. You can finish the guidebook for the upcoming Doom game and bring it when you visit your grandfather. Anne will handle printing the images for the CDs. Sega, Nintendo, Neo Geo, and Turbografx-16 will take care of the entire process. They''ll give us a 20% cut of the sales, - Thomas explained.


    -It''s almost finished. We just need to touch up a few minor things. But I think for this game, we''ll have to hire two new programmers to formulate the game''s requirements. This time, I''m quite ambitious in creating the game. The standards are a bit higher, - Billy said, adjusting his position. Grandma was looking out the window but listening attentively.


    -That new game you released with the Chinese, how''s it doing? - Richard Carson asked.


    -Japanese, Grandpa. I haven''t seen the statistics. Dad, do you know anything? - Billy asked.


    -The cutoff is in a month. Sales are announced weekly, but it''s not good until everything comes together coherently, - Thomas said.


    The arrival of the Carson grandparents in San Jose, along with a bit of pizza and the irritability of Grandma, which becomes comforting once you get used to it, led to a thorough cleaning of all corners of their home. They bought new curtains, some plastic plants, beautiful pictures, and homemade food by the third day of their arrival, with Grandpa carrying bags behind her and accompanying her to the markets.


    ...

 108. graduation

    For the graduates of the year 1991, the 72nd class to graduate since the school''s inception, they all knew they would always have a place to return to at Notre Dame High School.


    They wore blue robes, characteristic of student graduations at the time. The auditorium, commonly used for rehearsals, events, and theater productions, was adapted for the 48 students participating in the senior year graduation, along with a few family members per student, a maximum of two per person, due to the limited public space available. Thomas Carson had the misfortune of not participating, waiting at the back entrance.


    The colored glass windows high above diffused with reverberating white lights illuminating the entire room. The usual photos were the staging for most parents. They took photos while receiving diplomas and posed in the official photo area with robes and mortarboards. Billy received his diploma and took the appropriate poses, from the entrance photos to receiving the diplomas, and later took more photos.


    The ceremony lasted a total of three hours from the morning, nearly reaching noon. In the distance, he saw Brandon''s father and Connor with a tall, strong-looking woman. They exchanged warm hugs.


    -How are you? - Alice said beside him, her dark blue robe covering her entire body.


    -I''m doing the best I can. Congratulations on graduating, - Billy replied.


    -Congratulations to you too. I''m throwing a farewell party for some friends who will be heading to other universities in the country, - Alice said.


    -Of course, I''ll be there. I hope Alice''s famous house parties are as good as you''ve described them at the table, - Billy said.


    Many times, they''ve talked about the various activities they''ve had at her parties��loud music, plenty of drinks to keep the fun going all night, and of course, beautiful women. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, the basketball team won''t be coming. They''re banned from my house, and the girls know that well. Austin is a damn idiot. The damn guy is going 300 kilometers away, which is the only thing that makes me happy, - Alice said.


    -I still don''t understand your justified hatred for your ex-boyfriend, - Billy said.


    -Don''t even mention him. All I can say is that he''s not to my liking. The party starts at 6 p.m. tomorrow. Be there early; I don''t like tardy people. Claudia will call you today. We talked late last night, and she said she''d call you. Please, I think you should answer her. She tends to retract whatever she told you the week before. You haven''t responded to her calls in months. She needs you! - Alice exclaimed.


    Billy couldn''t help but make a face.


    -I''ll do my best, - he said.


    -Do more than your best, take care of yourself, - Alice said, hugging him before walking over to her parents, who were talking to other parents, relatives of some of Alice''s friends.


    His grandparents didn''t fail to congratulate him and kiss him. His father gave him a small, brand-new car with the best available systems at the time. He intended to use it once he completed his driving course near his grandparents'' house in Austin, Texas, so he could commute to university on his own. Later, they would go to Massachusetts to visit his grandfather''s siblings while Billy worked with Joe Kubert on their new collaborative comic.


    -It''s one of the best for beginner drivers. Always remember to wear your seatbelt, - Richard Carson said.


    -Of course, Grandpa, I''ll do that and more. I''ll be careful, - Billy said, inspecting the car. It was nice, even though it was somewhat outdated. Americans always had the latest technology in these industries.


    -Thank you, Grandpa, - Billy said.


    -Your father paid for the whole car, son. I only paid for the custom upholstery. See the backrest? Your back will never hurt if you use it. I also bought the dice hanging from the rearview mirror. Your grandma bought an emergency kit and an extra battery for those occasions that are beyond our reasoning, - Richard Carson explained, opening the trunk and pointing out the emergency kit and extra batteries in a small folder. The car was beautiful, and the smell of barbecue lingered around the house. His father had already started grilling the meat. He saw his grandma in the kitchen, chopping onions and tomatoes, and preparing a delicious guacamole, potatoes, and meat. Billy''s graduation celebration was about to begin.


    -Tomorrow, I''ll take you for a spin. Your father tells me he''s taught you some things. Tomorrow, we''ll go for a spin around the block. Your grandpa wants to see what you know, - Richard said.


    His father came to the front with a beer in hand and a square wooden table to place in the front yard. - Come on, let''s help your father with the table, - Richard said.


    The feast of food included everything from Grandma''s special guacamole to tomato salad, mashed potatoes, grilled meat, sausages, chicken, and fried eggs. It was a delicious meal, and nobody could deny the grandma''s seasoning, which left them captivated by the delicious dishes.


    After a family meal, Thomas and Richard engaged in casual conversation while Grandma cleared the plates, washed them, and tidied up the kitchen.


    During this summer season, Billy took some time to assess his situation. There was only one pending release, Shaman King, and many ideas had been swirling in Billy''s mind since he learned that Disney and Warner had begun to interfere with his decisions, not allowing the growth he had hoped for.


    [Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 29.02


    Literature:27.03


    Acting: 26.48


    Points: 00


    [Drawing Store


    Purchased:


    - Samurai Jack: 15 points


    - Hellboy: 22 points (1993)


    - Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)


    - Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)


    - Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points (1994)


    - Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers: 25 points


    - Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)


    - Animatics: 15 points (1992)


    - Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)


    - Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X): 25 points (1994)


    - Neon Genesis Evangelion: 20 points (1994)


    - Doom: 15 points (1993)


    - The Lion King: 30 points (1991)


    - Hercules: 15 points (1997)


    - Shaman King: 20 points (1997)


    - The Iron Giant: 15 points


    - Power Rangers: 20 points


    - Trigun: 15 points (1995)


    - The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 15 points


    - Wolfenstein 3D: 15 points (1993)


    - Toy Story: 25 points (1995)


    - Recess: 10 points (1995)


    - The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: 15 points (1996)


    - Game of Thrones: 1995


    - Ice Age: 1997


    - Serial Experiments Lain: 1998


    - The Walking Dead: 1995]


    The plan to acquire certain TV series to shape his future animation program was taking shape, to find talented animators to help bring these series to the airwaves. Billy''s plan involved creating animated series for "Recess," "Dexter''s Laboratory," "Billy and Mandy," and "Samurai Jack" as the first shows for his future television channel, Luxtoons, a nod to Cartoon Network. From there, he hoped to fill his television catalog with two more shows, such as "Trigun," "Shaman King," and "Rurouni Kenshin" (Samurai X).


    Billy aimed to secure licenses for some TV series like "Dragon Ball," "Sailor Moon," and "Captain Tsubasa," along with the animated movies that Pixar would release that year. Additionally, he planned to establish a 2D animation production company, which would be sufficient for his initial program lineup.


    -Hey, Billy, there''s a call for you, - his grandmother called from the kitchen window, as Billy lay in the backyard soaking up the afternoon sun.


    -I''ll be right there, Grandma,- Billy replied, getting up from his warm rest on the grass. He entered the back door of the house, where his grandmother was washing dishes. She pointed to the living room.


    -Hello, - Billy greeted, a bit apprehensive. He hadn''t spoken to Claudia since late February.


    -Hi, Billy, - Claudia''s voice came through the phone. - It''s been a while since we talked, - she continued, following the conversation thread.


    -Yes, it has been a while, - Billy replied, sitting down on the couch. He fixed his gaze on a point, his eyebrows furrowed.


    Claudia waited for him to speak, but he remained silent.


    -I''d like you to forgive me; I''m a fool, okay? I only saw a part of the problem, and I ended up suffering a lot. I didn''t want to push you away; it''s just that I was scared. You, more than anyone, know how much I hated moving to Europe to live. School has been awful; I barely understand the language, well, languages. It''s normal for them to speak German in one class, Italian in another, English in another, and it simply drives me crazy, --  Claudia confessed, taking a deep breath. She was crying again. -- Forgive me; things here are strange. I don''t think there''s a chance for us to meet again, but I hope we can talk more. -


    Billy finally responded, - Claudia, I understand how difficult it must be for you, and I''m sorry if I didn''t fully grasp your situation before �C


    -but-


    -I still don''t understand your reasoning, Claudia. You pushed me away for an immature reason. I realized that our relationship wasn''t the same as before, and now I accept it. I just hope you''ll be considerate of me. I didn''t feel like talking to you much. I missed you for months. It''s too late now, - Billy replied.


    -Claudia, please understand, I was just upset. I vented on you. Can you forgive me? By the way, congratulations on graduating, - Claudia said.


    -Thanks, now I just have university left, - Billy said.


    -Can you forgive me? - Claudia asked again.


    Billy didn''t respond; he didn''t know what to say.


    -Just take care of yourself. Don''t worry about me. We''ll see each other later. I may travel to California next year, - Claudia said.


    "Thanks, call me if you need anything," Billy replied, feeling like an idiot inside. But it was necessary to cut this off.


    He sat there, looking at the darkened room. For the winter season, he would publish "Game of Thrones." All he had to do was sit down and write, and from there, his path to success would continue to soar to the sky.


    ...

 109. working day.

    The following morning continued with a detailed study of the first title of Shaman King. After all, focusing on work is always one of the best options to consider. He wants to edit some small scenes to reinforce the story with more logical continuity from the beginning to the end of the series. Stories are typically not fully detailed and sometimes tend to fill in the story gaps with some follow-ups that may make sense as the story progresses, but it''s not entirely harmonious, and plot holes emerge.


    The company''s main series are Slam Dunk, Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Files, Evangelion, Rurouni Kenshin, and now Shaman King. The latest story will be published once a month, and there are already 23 volumes for the next fourteen months, in which several ongoing storylines will conclude.


    He hears the loud sound of the meeting next door. Jim Lee and his team are starting on the WildCats story, and it will be finished by the end of this year or the next. The life of comic book artists is almost a life of semi-annual or annual payments that team members receive once the project is completed. Comic companies typically pay their employees, but they keep the copyright and give people a share of the profits.


    However, some freelancers work without a fixed salary, but they have better copyright agreements and percentages. Only the big authors and some lucky ones can work under this model. For example, Dark Horse Comics usually operates under this model, but they distribute the profits fairly, or as much as possible, and benefit from commissioning series to freelancers.


    Billy just has to edit this title while Terry finishes his work in the coming months. This small detail has saved almost four hours of his time per title, enough to draw an entire sketch. He will be in charge of editing this new series, Shaman King, along with Ghost Files. Billy left his office to play some video games but found Raimon playing Samurai Jack in the game room and remembered the conversation with his father. He was so engrossed that he didn''t even notice Billy''s presence. He saw that he was in part 3 of the game, Aku''s Eternal Hell, with only two more parts to go: the city of the year 4000 and the ancient era.


    -Raimon, - Billy said, startling him, but Raimon kept his eyes fixed on the console; the game was gloriously crafted.


    -Ahh, Billy, what a surprise to see you, - Raimon said, still not looking away from the screen.


    -I see you''ve been playing up to the third part. Why don''t you go to the blacksmith to improve the sharpness of your sword so you can break the steel at the boss''s entrance? - Billy suggested.


    -How do you know that? - Raimon said, surprised. He left the screen and looked accusingly at Billy.


    -I created the game, I have all the knowledge in my head, - Billy said, pointing at his head.


    -That explains everything. Only you would create such a devilishly complicated game. I''ve been working on it for a month, but it''s difficult, it has complexities that I still don''t understand. It''s made me think too much, and I''m not as good as my friends at video games,-- Raimon said, approaching Billy''s legs and hugging them. -- No one wanted to tell me how to pass the levels, and my friends had already finished the game and made fun of me. Help me finish it, Billy," he pleaded.


    -I''ll help you, but there aren''t many difficult things after you upgrade your sword. In part four, you have to look for the Technological Master''s guide. I''ll help you get into the central building, but you can also search for the secondary mission in part 3, where you travel through Tartarus to Gray Island, paying five copper coins. There, you''ll find the swordmaster from eras who died fighting Aku; he''ll teach you the charged laid strike, - Billy explained.


    -Wait, I only have three copper coins. Where can I get the other copper coins? - Raimon asked.


    -You''ll have to defeat the final boss first; the copper coins will be scattered in the arena, just like in parts 1 and 2. Stay on the third floor and complete the side missions, - Billy replied.


    -Great, I''ll do my best,-  Raimon said with renewed energy. "By the way, all my friends have given you applause for your game. They say it''s the game of the year. For me, it''s been amazing too. I hope you take it to the August Comic-Con in Chicago. I''m sure many people would love to buy some special toys.


    -It''s good to know. Changing the subject, I have to go to a meeting with some friends. Can you give me a ride? - Billy asked.


    -Of course! I''ll take you. Now that you''ve given me the key hints to solve the game, I can only repay my debt by taking you to that special meeting. It''s a nice way to cover up the fact that you''re going to a party without your dad''s knowledge. Raimon always gets into trouble because of others, - Raimon said.


    -He''s aware of it. I just hope you get ready in an hour; I have to arrive early, after all, - Billy said.


    -I''m ready already; I finished working about two hours ago. I stayed here because I wanted to play some Samurai Jack, - Raimon said, getting up and grabbing a bag of gummy bear candies from his backpack. He started eating them while looking at Billy.


    -Do you want some gummy bears? - Raimon asked.


    -No, - Billy replied.


    -Raimon, do you have any smart friends who are good at programming? - Billy inquired.


    -Sure, I know two or three guys, but they all have jobs. It won''t be easy for them to quit their current jobs. However, you can go to Stanford and hang around the hallways. If you have some cash and a few beers, anyone will work the night shift, - Raimon suggested, munching on gummies.


    -I see. See you in an hour. I hope you''ve sharpened your sword for when I arrive. The final boss of this level is quite challenging to defeat, - Billy said.


    -Everything''s ready; I''ll do my best, - Raimon replied, exaggerating his gestures and performing a dance that even the ''80s had forgotten.


    Billy walked over to his workstation. Anne was busy and didn''t pay him much attention. He continued polishing and fine-tuning the Shaman King comic. Unlike the original, he changed certain aspects. For example, the protagonist of the series is Irish, and his family lives in Ireland. Instead of being thirteen years old, he''s sixteen, three years older than shown in the original work. He modified some dialogues that needed better development, and voil��, the next installment was ready.


    The meeting next door seemed to have ended. Billy colored some scenes, completing about 80% of the coloring work. The remaining 20% involved mixing with black and white or blurring to work faster and avoid complications in the printing process, which sometimes struggled with colors like gray, brown, and skin tones due to their varying shades.


    Billy finished the last page of the first volume, and it took much less time than expected. He got up from his seat, wearing a bright red shirt, a recent purchase recommended by his grandfather to keep up with the modern style of the time.


    -Anne, I''m going to a meeting, - Billy said.


    -Sure, before you go, can you talk to your fellow artists about the company''s rules? They''ve been here for almost a month, and they haven''t followed any of the rules I mentioned from the beginning. Indeed, they come here at your request, but above all, you''re doing them a favor. They don''t pay rent, produce comics at no cost, and we still owe them a favor, - Anne said angrily.


    The clash between Anne and the new artists had been dangerous. Jim Lee, a hardworking but undoubtedly disorderly and stubborn person, sometimes used the industrial printer to print volumes that had nothing to do with his drawings or the company''s work. His team was noisy, and the use of loud music sometimes got on Anne''s nerves. They slept in the office, ate in the office, and didn''t make sure to clean up properly.


    Anne was reaching her limit, knowing that this could only lead to problems. Billy went straight to the artists'' room. It''s better to do this now. S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Jim, Brandon, Terry. Good morning, - Billy greeted the artists, who were completely focused on their work. The room was cluttered with papers, and there was a timeline taped to the wall for reference. There were two timelines, one for Spider-Man and another for WildCats.


    -Billy Carson, are you leaving already? - Brandon Choi asked cheerfully from a long, tilted table.


    -That''s right, I''ve finished the comics for the summer season. The next few days will be for updating the deliveries of the new seasons of our main series, - Billy said.


    -Amazing. None of us can work as quickly and efficiently as you, - Brandon Choi remarked, casting accusing glances at his team, who seemed to have significant issues meeting deadlines.


    -Well, everyone at their own pace. I wanted to let you know that Anne has set aside a machine for you to use, especially if you want to print comics. As long as you do it on demand. There are some special machines, and if they''re not handled carefully, they can result in damage,- Billy explained.


    -I don''t understand the reason, - Jim Lee said.


    Despite the damage, Billy thought.


    -Well, it''s in the past now. You damaged a machine ten days ago. The repair cost $20,000, and it halted production for two days. If we consider the costs that had to be borne, it was $23,000, including employee wages, lost workdays, and machine repairs, - Billy said.


    Jim Lee''s look of astonishment was evident. - I apologize; I''ll cover the expenses, - Jim Lee said.


    -It''s not necessary. Just follow the protocol. You can print anything you want, but if you want to print, you must talk to the Inspector General, Dave. He''ll print everything you desire, but if you only want to print something once, it''s much cheaper to buy the comic in the store. It''s $40 cheaper. But you can do it knowing these details. Anne says that room cleaning services are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so in the meantime, you can use a trash bag. Lastly, I''ll decide to have the room soundproofed so you can turn up your music at a higher volume. Just try not to disturb the administrative departments in the meantime, - Billy explained, going over the list of tasks that Anne had provided for discussing with the new residents of Lux Comics.


    -We''ll follow your suggestions with the utmost care. We''re used to working at Terry''s house, which might cause some issues in this work environment, - Brandon Choi said, fully aware of the implications of everything that had happened.


    -Yes, don''t worry, - Terry chimed in, holding Jim Lee''s head. "We''ll do our best to curb Jim''s annoying behaviors. I''ll be staying until next Thursday, so tomorrow I''ll focus on fine-tuning your comics. I''ve already reviewed the work for ten comics that are waiting for me."


    Terry lived in Los Angeles with his wife. For now, he would travel between San Jose and California for two weeks every two months. He only came to review the new workspace and see what kind of editing Billy needed.


    -I hope it won''t be a problem, - Billy said.


    -Not at all. It''s just a matter of fixing some lettering, adjusting the colors a bit, and refining the drawings, -- Terry explained. -- I''ll be done in a week. -


    -I''ll leave you to it. I hope you have a productive day, - Billy said.


    Billy left the room and gave Anne a nod from the doorway. She responded with an angry gesture. She was entirely right to be upset with the new residents, but they were necessary for his plans. His connections with Jim Lee were valuable, even though he knew he was being used. Once Jim Lee had more money, he would seek to create his own company and likely fail miserably. Billy would buy the WildCats series without remorse. The comic industry had become more competitive since he entered it, and for all comic creators, their work had become more challenging. This could be seen in the displeasure of some fans, such as with Mike Mignola''s Hellboy series, which didn''t meet aesthetic standards but had an incredible storyline.


    This was a demand from the American audience for higher visual quality, stronger storytelling, and consistency in delivery. Additionally, there was a large production of series. Billy had published a total of 14 series and nearly 250 volumes independently. This had caused saturation among small comic companies, as only established groups or excellent stories had managed to thrive in a more fiercely competitive landscape since Billy''s arrival.


    ...


    hello, I have written a lot, I have learned many things, and I started to read, creative writing books, follow me on Patreon mmmm we are currently on chapter 143, but we are on chapter 150, for the in-betweens I did, keep commenting they have given me many ideas. on Patreon there are images, here it is a mess to upload them, and I could in comments but, it is still a tedious process.

 110. special meeting.

    -Raimon, it''s time to go, - Billy said, checking his wristwatch. It was 7:00 pm, an hour later than expected.


    -Just a moment, I''m in the final boss battle, - Raimon replied, battling the early version of Aku, who would eventually escape after taking damage, transforming into a wheel and finally into a spider. The five-second animation excited Raimon. This version had two forms, the human form and the spider form. Billy decided to play some arcade games, with the challenge of Pac-Man still on his mind.


    Aku''s scream sounded, and Billy quit the game to watch Samurai Jack on the screen.


    -I think I''m done now. Let me save the game. I''ll take you to your meeting, - Raimon said.


    -Great, it only took you 40 minutes! - Billy said sarcastically, and Raimon slouched in his seat, making a gesture of apology.


    -I''m sorry! Let''s go, my dear padawan. You must have fun now, - Raimon said, rushing to his workstation and grabbing his car keys.


    It was surprising how he had so much energy to run around like that, maybe that''s why he wasn''t overweight.


    The old car of Raimon, with a lingering scent of junk food, filled Billy''s nostrils. Luckily, he had cleaned it up a bit, although it still left much to be desired. There was a new AC/DC sticker on the top of the windshield.


    -You know, Billy, for important parties, you have to bring a lot of alcohol. Since you''re cool, I''ll take you to a place that sells the best alcohol in the world. You know, after a day of work, it''s always good to have some exquisite drinks and have fun. Besides, they''ll think you''re tough, - Raimon said.


    -Is it far? - Billy asked.


    -Not at all, maybe about 20 minutes from here, - Raimon replied, leaving Lux Comics factory and bidding farewell to the security guard. The entrance gate for vehicles closed completely at 8:00 p.m.


    -Well, that sounds good. What do you recommend buying? - Billy inquired.


    -Oh, for this kind of party, beer works well. Maybe two kegs should be enough. This baby can carry up to five stacked kegs, - Raimon said, patting his car.


    -I have $80 on me, - Billy mentioned.


    -Don''t worry, I have a discount, and the owner knows me, so we can owe him for a while. Each keg costs $105 with the discount. We can also grab some wine in boxes, maybe a six-pack should do,-  Raimon calculated in his head.


    -Alright, everything comes to $270, - Raimon said, turning to look at Billy. - I''ll lend it to you, but you have to pay me back by the day after tomorrow. -


    -Sure, no problem, - Billy replied, going along with it. If about thirty people were going, it wouldn''t be too much.


    Billy wondered if he had lost his spark. He used to love dancing and going out, but over time, he lost his enthusiasm due to family, financial, and social problems. He stopped caring about those things.


    -Haha, it''s going to be the best party ever. I''m sure your dad will hang me if he finds out I''m leading you down the path of evil, but you''re a grown man now, -- Raimon said, patting him on the shoulder in a maneuver that made his hair stand on end as they were on the open road. -- Don''t tell him, please, Billy. Mr. Carson scares me. -


    -Don''t worry, even though it''s usually you who lets these things slip, - Billy said, looking at him conspiratorially.


    -Don''t mention it, let''s make a pact of silence. By the colors of magic, I will never confess to this escapade. Repeat after me! - Raimon said solemnly.


    -By the colors of magic, I will never confess to this escapade," Billy repeated.


    -Haha, perfect. If you don''t keep it, you''ll lose your most precious possession, - Raimon said, laughing for some unknown reason. Billy decided to calm the car down a bit and turned on some music on the radio. It was 9:10 p.m., and Alice would surely be a bit angry.


    The road trip was longer than Billy had thought. - Raimon, are we almost there? - he asked.


    -Oh, yes, of course, we turn here, and we''ll arrive. Look, it''s right there, -- Raimon said, pointing to a large store that seemed to sell only these kinds of things. -- Alright, I know you''re in a hurry. Stay in the car; I''ll take care of everything, - Raimon said.


    Billy listened to some music, and during these times, the music of the band Queen still captivated people with its great songs. The night was settling in the sky, and he decided to call his father. The phone was heavy; it was well stored in his backpack. It was quite large.


    -Hello, - Thomas said on the other end of the phone.


    -Father, how are you? I''m going to Alice''s gathering. I was delayed a bit at work, - Billy said.


    -If you need anything, don''t hesitate to call me. Do you have money for a taxi?  - Thomas asked.


    -I have a little, but Alice lives five blocks from our house, in the houses near the garden, the ones on a closed street of houses, - Billy explained.


    -Ah, well, Son, be careful and don''t hesitate to call me if anything happens. I''ll take a nap, but I''ll keep an eye on the phone, -Thomas Carson said. Billy could hear his grandmother yelling, and his grandfather responding with something he didn''t catch.


    -Of course, Father, I''ll see you later, - Billy said. He still had eighty dollars in his wallet, so he decided to call a pizza place and ordered three extra-large pizzas. They must be hungry, he thought.


    Raimon arrived with a big guy carrying two barrels on a pallet. On top of each barrel, there was a box. -- Raimon, you''re crazy, -- Billy said.


    -Calm down, Billy. I got this box for half the price; it''s a steal. Someone paid for them and never came to pick them up. In cases like these, they sell them at half price if the customer doesn''t show up within a month, - Raimon explained to Billy from the car window.


    -All right, put the barrels in the trunk, and we''ll take the drink boxes in the back seat,- Raimon said to the store guy who was carrying everything.


    The journey took another half an hour, and Billy arrived at 9:45 p.m. He could see Alice''s house in the distance, but it appeared to be quiet. Raimon and Billy exchanged puzzled looks, expecting a party with music, not a silent house.


    -Are you sure this is the right place? - Raimon asked.


    -I think so, - Billy replied, still not entirely sure what was going on.


    -I''ll ring the bell, - Billy said, getting out of the car and walking up to the front door. He heard some voices but nothing unusual. He rang the doorbell, and no one answered, so he rang it again, and he heard footsteps. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was Alice, dressed in black��a black, low-cut shirt with a stone necklace and white jeans.


    -You took so long. I thought you weren''t coming. Your pizza arrived, and you''re crazy��nobody orders three extra-large pizzas. You owe all of us 60 dollars, - Alice said.


    -Don''t worry; I''ll pay you, - Billy said, signaling to Raimon. -- Bring the boxes. -


    -Who is this? - Alice asked.


    -A friend. He took me to buy some alcohol. How about your parents? - Billy inquired.


    Alice could only ignore it for a moment, but she composed herself when she saw how calm Billy was.


    -They''re away, they''ll be back tomorrow. For now, it''s just my sister, - Alice explained.


    Billy went to help Raimon with the bright red beer barrel. It was heavier than he had initially thought. - How do I open these barrels? - he asked.


    -It''s simple, just turn the handle here, remove the lock, and you''re good to go. Don''t throw them away; if you return them, they''ll give me 10 dollars back for each one, - Raimon explained, tired and out of breath. They both carried it to the front porch. Alice''s house was two stories tall, white with red accents and some wooden touches that added an elegance characteristic of the neighborhood. It had a backyard pool and was massive, slightly larger than Billy''s house, considering the garden and the two garages.


    Raimon collapsed on the stairs, exhausted.


    Billy went inside to find everyone in the living room, eating pizza, watching TV, or chatting. He spotted Brando and was surprised to see him there. They were friends of Alice, perhaps about fifteen people in total. Not too many.


    "I see everyone''s in good spirits," Billy said, brushing back the hair that had fallen over his eyes.


    -Well, Austin threw a party on the same day and split the class. Unfortunately, no girls are going with that jerk, - Jessica said, expressing solidarity with Alice. The entire cheerleading squad was here along with a few younger girls who were friends.


    -What are you doing here? - Billy asked Brando, who had been quiet in the corner. He felt nervous about how Billy pointed him out.


    -Well, I invited him because he''s your friend, and he punched Austin in the face during the last basketball game, - Alice said, sounding a bit annoyed with the whole situation.


    -It seems I owe you all 60 dollars. To whom exactly do I owe the money? - Billy asked.


    -Well, Jessica paid for half of the pizza, so you owe her, Carmen, and me. Don''t bother with me anyway; my mom gave me 20 dollars to buy something to eat for the party, - Alice said. Billy looked at Jessica and Carmen.


    -Well, I owe you ladies some money. Jessica, do you have a change for 50 dollars? - Billy asked.


    -I don''t, Billy, but my house is just around the corner. We can go there later,-  Jessica said, downplaying the issue.


    -I have 10 dollars for you, Carmen, and 20 for Jessica. I owe you 10 dollars, and I''ll pay you back later - - Billy said, handing the 10-dollar bill to Carmen. -- Come on, Brando, help me bring in the wine boxes, -- he continued, ignoring the surprised reactions in the room. Boxes of wine!


    Raimon was carrying a beer barrel, his face completely red. Both Brando and Billy helped him with the barrel. - Brando, can you help me with the other barrel? I don''t think Raimon can lift another one by himself, - Billy said, seeing Raimon sitting on the steps of the house, breathing heavily.


    -You brought too much; not even Austin would buy this much, - Brando remarked, struggling with the barrel, which weighed at least 60 kilograms.


    -Well, I thought the party would be livelier, - Billy said.


    -The good thing is we have girls for each one of us, and I even think we can each take two girls, - Brando said, feeling more enthusiastic seeing Billy. He usually only talked to Megan and Cole but wasn''t particularly close with them.


    -Just give it a moment; the party will pick up. We''ll play some good music, serve drinks, turn off the TV, and encourage the girls, - Billy said, who had brought a good mix of music in his backpack��some rock and even some Spanish rock.


    They both began carrying the barrels from Raimon''s car to Alice''s front door. Billy noticed that Brando had great strength, his face remained calm as a summer drizzle.


    -I think we can leave these here; Alice will tell us where to put the barrels, - Brando suggested, carrying the wine boxes into the living room.


    Raimon was still catching his breath.


    -Thanks, buddy. See you tomorrow at work, and I''ll pay you back in the afternoon, - Billy said.


    -No problem. I''ll get some sleep. Tomorrow, I''ll head to the company early to play Samurai Jack, - Raimon replied, getting up from the steps with an exhausted expression.


    -I can''t invite you to this one; we''re too young for you. But when I go to college, I''ll call you when there''s a party I want to attend, - Billy said, bidding farewell to Raimon with a hug.


    -I know. Take care, Billy, - Raimon said as he drove off. Billy watched him leave before turning his attention to Brando and Alice, who still seemed a bit upset.


    -We should leave these barrels in the kitchen; it''s impossible that we''ll scratch my mom''s floor. She''d kill me. Come this way, - Alice instructed, leading them to the kitchen, where there were pizza boxes and large bottles of Coca-Cola. They placed the barrels on chairs, just as Alice had advised. She took out a pack of red cups and started pouring some beer.


    Billy grabbed a wine box and poured himself a glass, then mixed it with Coca-Cola. He was preparing a Kalimotxo, wine with Coca-Cola. Although this particular wine was quite sweet, he didn''t mind the taste.


    -What are you making? - Alice asked.


    -It''s a Spanish mix. Want to try it? - Billy asked, handing her a glass.


    Alice took the glass and took a sip, expressing her satisfaction. -- It''s tasty, -- she said.


    -Let''s pour more, one glass for each person, - Billy suggested, pouring glasses while Alice placed them on a tray. Abby and Megan arrived to carry the trays, and the music''s sound made the house feel livelier.


    Billy grabbed two slices of pizza; he hadn''t eaten anything since lunch, and his hunger was starting to kick in. He drank some wine, treating it as if it were water, and began to feel the effects of the alcohol. This body wasn''t used to such matters. The house became more animated; the lights were dimmed, and the atmosphere felt more like a party.


    Selene appeared in front of him and invited him to dance. - Come on, Billy, have fun. It''s your fault that you''ve livened up the party, - she said.


    -Alright, but I don''t know how to dance to this kind of music, - Billy admitted.


    -You don''t need to. Just have fun, - Selene replied, taking a sip from her wine glass and offering some to Billy, who accepted.


    The music and alcohol lifted the mood beyond Billy''s expectations. He danced with Selene for a while, feeling her occasionally pressing against him, brushing her body against his.


    -You don''t move too badly, - Selene commented.


    -Well, I do what I can, -- Billy replied. The song ended. -- I''m going to grab a drink, - he said.


    -I''ll get it for you. Do you want some of that Kalimotxo you made? - Selene asked, heading to prepare some drinks. In the distance, he could see Brando passionately kissing a cheerleader he didn''t know. Meanwhile, Alice, Jessica, and Abby were dancing together and laughing. Selene returned to the group with drinks in hand, and they chatted for a bit.


    Hanna, with a sweaty body from dancing, sat down next to him. -What''s up, Carson? - she asked.


    -I''m good, just enjoying the moment, - Billy replied.


    -You know, the initial plan was to watch movies and eat ice cream, but Alice decided to invite you. So, we invited a few more friends. But with the group being so divided, it''s normal that some people are missing, - Hanna explained.


    -I see, it will all work out in time, - Billy said.


    -I doubt it, - Hanna replied. Selene returned with some glasses of Kalimotxo.


    -Let''s drink up, - Selene said, sitting next to Billy and offering him a drink.


    -Hanna, Alice seems more lively now. I think we could do a Queen''s Line of Glasses. Do you want to compete against her? After all, you''re the one with more experience in this game, - Selene suggested.


    -Get the glasses ready then. The loser has to jump into the pool. Oh, Selene, are you daring enough to bet? - Hanna challenged.


    -I''d bet with Billy if he''s brave enough to go against me in a match, - Selene said, wrapping her arm around Billy, starting from his chest and slowly moving up to comb through his sweaty, disheveled hair.


    -Well, I don''t see why I should back down. Let''s do it, - Billy agreed. The girls'' eyes lit up as they hurried to get some shot glasses. They were small glasses arranged in rows of ten, and the wine mixed with Coca-Cola was poured into each one.


    -Ready, set, go! - Hanna exclaimed.


    Billy picked up the first glass and downed it quickly, not giving Selene a chance to think. She followed suit, grabbing the next glass with her right hand and the one after that with her left. In a swift motion, she was on the sixth glass, followed by the seventh and eighth, which she drank in a blink. She finished the ninth glass with more composure and the tenth glass, which she managed to finish. Wine spilled from his mouth and dribbled down his chin onto his shirt and pants.


    -You lost, Selene, -- Hanna declared. -- I think someone will have to jump into the pool, - she added with a mischievous grin.


    -We agreed with Billy that the winner gets to choose the decisive challenge, - Selene said, finishing the eighth glass and leaving the others on the table. Abby brought Alice and Jessica over to join the competition. As they filled the glasses, Billy felt dizzy and was sure he''d crash to the floor if he drank another glass.


    -If Alice loses, she has to go to the kissing room, - Hanna proposed.


    -That sounds like the best option! - Abby exclaimed. She needed to forget about Austin as soon as possible, and what better way than with some kisses?


    -Not a chance, - Alice protested.


    Tying her hair into a ponytail, Alice prepared to start the drinking competition. She narrowly won against Jessica, and as a result, Alice started singing. The girls'' cheers echoed throughout the house, and the volume was turned up a notch. Jessica approached Selene and planted a kiss on her lips, which Selene gladly accepted. Billy watched as the girls'' tongues danced in front of him, and for the first time in two years, he saw Jessica''s sensuality. From her slender figure to her inviting, full lips, her delicate and prominent collarbone, and her sweet neck��she was truly beautiful. Her curves were smooth and in contrast with her straight platinum blonde hair. Jessica was different from Selene, who had a more pronounced body, wider hips, thicker legs, and a waist that tapered elegantly like a bottleneck. They were two beautiful women, each with her unique charm.


    The drinking competition continued, and each person took their turn. Some even went for more than one round.


    Selene approached Billy and whispered that she hadn''t given him his penance yet. Billy felt a shiver run down his spine, and the image of Selene and Jessica kissing was still vivid in his mind.


    -Give Jessica another kiss, - Billy said almost instinctively.


    -Oh, what a naughty boy, - Selene teased as she grabbed Jessica by the arm while she was talking to Abby and Alice. Selene pulled Jessica closer by the neck and pounced on her like a cat, initiating another kiss. Alice and Abby were surprised at first, but Selene was a very open and daring girl when she wanted to be.


    -Selene, you''re crazy, - Jessica exclaimed as she broke the kiss.


    -Oh, come on, don''t say you didn''t like it. Besides, it''s the challenge that Billy proposed, - Selene said. Billy felt the stares of all four girls on him.


    -Quiet ones are often the fiercest, - Abby remarked.


    -He asked me for a challenge, and it was the only thing that came to mind, - Billy said, apologizing. The girls exchanged incredulous looks, and Selene moved closer, perching herself on Billy''s lap.


    -No problem at all. Besides, Jessica''s a fantastic kisser, - Selene whispered in Billy''s ear.


    -You''re crazy, - Abby said with a laugh.  -- Come on, Jessica, let''s get some drinks. -


    Alice settled in beside Billy and Selene. - What are you two up to? You''ve been together all night, - she observed, watching as Selene encroached on Billy''s personal space.


    -Nothing much, just dancing and having some fun, - Billy replied. He flirted with Alice, prompting a playful smack from Selene. Alice chuckled at her friend''s antics.


    -Let''s go dance for a bit, - Alice suggested, getting up from the couch. Brando, Megan, a brunette from the basketball team, a guy named Jeff, and a girl named Heather were already on the dance floor.


    Alice danced alongside Selene and Billy. Cole arrived, distributing more wine, which they all gladly accepted. They began to twirl and move around joyfully, almost like a roulette wheel. In a spontaneous moment, Billy hugged Selene, resting her head on his chest for just a second. After a moment, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips and continued dancing.


    After pulling away, a look of challenge gleaming in her eyes, they continued dancing for a while until Billy decided to go for more pizza. p.m.


    ...

 111.party for two.

    It was nearly midnight, and the party was in full swing. The young people were dancing in a frenzy. A car pulled up to Alice''s house; it was her sister. She heard the music but didn''t pay much attention. After all, her sister was throwing a farewell party. She came in through the garage, into the kitchen, and found a young man, munching on pizza.


    -Who are you? - Alice''s sister asked the young man, who smiled. She realized this guy was Billy Carson, according to the tales her sister and her friends told �C ''a smile that could make your knees weak.''


    -Billy Carson, nice to meet you, Miss. Are you Alice''s sister? - the guy said, a little tipsy.


    -Oh, yeah, I''m Melissa Davis. You can call me Mel or Melissa, - the girl said, surveying the kitchen, with glasses scattered all over the counter, two beer kegs, wine boxes everywhere. Her sister was in trouble. -Give me a second; I''ll call Alice. I need to talk to her, - Melissa said.


    Billy could only nod.


    Two minutes later, he heard Alice''s sister scolding Alice for throwing such a wild party when she insisted it was just a small gathering of friends. He heard her sister going upstairs, and Alice entered the kitchen. Billy could only smile.


    -You heard everything, right? Don''t worry, she''s overreacting, she''s had worse parties. - said Alice. Leaning on the bar next to Billy.


    Billy didn''t know what happened, but he ended up grabbing Alice around the waist and kissing her. She tasted like grapes, like wine. Her lips were cold, but her cheeks were hot, he heard a small moan escape from Alice''s lungs, and and he adjusted her grip on the back of Billy''s neck by grabbing his hair, and pulling it away as her other hand was used to melt into Billy.


    Billy tangled his tongue, while resting his hands on Alice''s hips, the slender hips invited Billy to squeeze hard. He lifted his thumbs and rubbed her ribs gently, peeled his lips away, found an image he found arousing Alice''s eyes dilated, and lips red and swollen from the kissing section. Alice sighed, and Billy gave her another kiss, a deeper one, the candor that ran through her body was effervescent, he lowered his lips from Alice''s lips and breathed in her scent of perfume and sweat, he gave a soft kiss on the teenager''s neck, who trembled before Billy''s kiss.


    She hid her head in Billy''s neck, waiting for what the boy had prepared for her, Billy brought Alice''s arms up to accommodate them on her neck, running his hands along her ribs, the shiver that ran through Alice, feeling Billy''s hands going up, almost took her breath away. He only reached up to brush the underside of her breasts, a quick caress of her lobes was like electricity throughout her body.


    Alice sealed her lips with a finger and gestured him to be silent, they climbed the stairs to the second floor, almost like infatuated lovers, laughing in silence, while they kissed, they reached Alice''s room, and he closed the door behind him and she began to kiss Billy, in a moment, the passionate kisses ended up being sweet and affectionate, soft and romantic. Alice ended up losing the effects of the alcohol, but she rejoiced with every kiss Billy gave her, he tried to love her as much as he could and pampered her hair, her scalp, her ears, and her cheeks with great care, almost like threading a needle. He stopped at special places, like her lips, her neck, her collarbone. He kneaded her breasts as carefully as he could, saw how both were hard from the constant rubbing and Alice repaid with little escapes of some exciting sounds for Billy.


    They ended up embracing each other, with Alice resting her head on Billy''s shoulder. They talked about various things, and eventually, Billy fell asleep, followed by Alice after a while.


    Alice descended the stairs after waking up in Billy''s arms. She noticed that the party had died down, with most people gone. Only her friends, Jessica, Hanna, and Selene, remained in the living room, discussing something she couldn''t hear.


    -Look who decided to make an appearance. Did you enjoy your kissing session with Billy? - Hanna teased.


    -What are you talking about? - Alice pretended not to understand, but her tousled hair, swollen lips, and fresh smile didn''t support her denial.


    -Well, believe it or not, we saw you two locking lips in the kitchen. You weren''t exactly discreet with Billy Carson. By the way, your sister came down and kicked everyone out, - Jessica informed her.


    -So, how''s Billy? We haven''t heard much about him. Claudia never wanted to say too much, - Selene inquired.


    -I don''t want to say too much; he''s just fantastic, - Alice replied, her voice filled with infatuation.


    The three girls exchanged surprised glances. That look in Alice''s eyes had only appeared when Austin had thrown her a birthday celebration that took everyone by surprise. Now, with just a few kisses, a young man had managed to melt her like chocolate in the sun.


    -I think I''ll head home, -- Jessica said, attempting to break the awkward silence. -- It''s late, and Mom must be a bit upset. Are you staying at my place, Selene? - Jessica asked.


    -Of course, --  Selene replied. -- But Alice owes us a chat. We''ll come by tomorrow, and you can tell us all about Billy, the charming guy. -


    -That seems fair; we all need to know. See you later, girls, - Hanna said, bidding farewell to Jessica and Selene as they adjusted their coats and left the house.


    -Can I still stay? - Hanna asked.


    -Sure, we have a guest room. I''ll get your things from the bedroom, and you can sleep there, - Alice offered. Just one more thing, though �C what happened between you and Billy? - Hanna inquired once more, a bit unsatisfied.


    -Nothing, it''s just that... I don''t know what to say yet. I''m still a bit in shock, - Alice replied, feeling a bit uneasy as she sat down in the living room.


    -You''ll tell us tomorrow, and Billy will be waiting for you in your room, - Hanna remarked, adding a hint of teasing to her words. Alice could only comply and chose to ignore her words. They arrived at her room, and Alice handed Hanna her things. She noticed Billy sleeping on her bed with his shirt partially unbuttoned, which earned him a disapproving glance from Hanna.


    -Tomorrow, - Alice whispered as she closed the door and changed into her pajamas. She removed Billy''s shoes and noticed they were Stacy Florsheim shoes, a special edition with unique designs worth $300 a pair. She was an ordinary girl who knew a lot about brands.


    -Get under the covers, Billy, - Alice said, gently running her fingers through his hair. He, half asleep, could only oblige and moved closer to Alice, giving her a brief kiss on the neck before hugging her tightly, almost lying on top of her.


    The girl returned his embrace and began to kiss him, again, this time with more desire, tomorrow she would know what to say, for now, she would just enjoy it, now she just wanted someone to make her feel good.


    Billy approached Alice, and lined her thin blond eyebrows with a little saliva, resting his forehead against her forehead, he started with small kisses, like those of a hummingbird, quick and short, which drove her crazy. He felt Alice''s stomach behind her pajamas, felt her shiver, and smiled. Alice smiled back.


    Billy took off his shirt and hugged Alice, she felt the warmth of his body against her chest, she lay on top of him, he kept kissing her until they were tired of the many rounds, and they ended up hugging whispering secrets in each other''s ears. Billy kept caressing her, gently with his knuckles, she wanted to melt with him, she felt Billy''s erection hot against her stomach, in such a way that a liquid went up from her feet to her ears, like a static current traveling at the speed of light, Alice''s deep breathing made Billy love more that way of breathing, he lowered his hands and squeezed her buttocks hard and then softly this allowed all that, eager for more. She began to feel and feel Billy''s member and loved hearing Billy''s sounds escaping her lips. They kissed harder.


    The next morning Billy, awoke shirtless, with Alice cuddled to his chest, who slept pouting, on his lips that he found endearing. Billy adjusted himself, but she woke up instantly.


    -Good morning, - Alice greeted Billy as he checked the time. It was 9:15 in the morning, and he knew his father would be upset.


    -Good morning, Alice. I slept great, but I have to go. I don''t think my dad will be very happy. Do you know where my backpack, and my shirt are I think I lost my shoes. - Billy said, patting his pockets to make sure he had his wallet, which he saw on the bedside table.


    -Your shirt is on the chair along with your shoes and blazer, - Alice pointed out.  -Your backpack is downstairs, on the couch. Don''t worry; I made sure no one took it yesterday. -


    -Thanks, Alice, - Billy said, adjusting his suit. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Come on, there''s still some pizza left. You can have pizza for breakfast while you head home. Shall I make you some coffee and grab some fruit? Do you want anything else? - Alice suggested as she headed down the stairs with Billy.


    -Sure, let me call my dad first, - Billy said, grabbing his backpack. The living room was a mess, but his backpack was where Alice had mentioned. In these situations, the best option was to call his grandfather, who would lighten the mood.


    He dialed the number, which rang three times, creating suspense at home.


    -Billy, - his grandfather answered.


    -Yes, Grandpa, nice to hear from you. -


    -These are not hours to call and chat like daisies. Where are you? Your grandmother is on the ceiling, and your father hasn''t slept at all, - his grandfather scolded.


    -Grandpa, I fell asleep. I just woke up. Tell my dad I''ll help clean the house; it''s a mess, - Billy explained.


    -Where are you? I''m coming over, - Richard Carson asked.


    -I''m at Alice''s house; my dad knows. I''m going to hang up, - Billy replied.


    In the kitchen, he found Melissa, Hanna, and Alice, in an awkward silence. "Ladies," Billy greeted, taking a seat in the empty chair that had two slices of pizza on a plate, a coffee, and a bowl of fruit, just as Alice had mentioned.


    -Yesterday, you said you were Billy Carson. How long have you been seeing my sister? - Melissa asked, causing Alice to choke on the fruit she was eating.


    -We''re not dating, - Billy replied, a bit confused and fearful of hurting Alice''s feelings.


    The girl nodded.


    -Let''s leave it at that. I heard you''re going to help clean up this mess. The most important thing is those two unopened beer barrels and the multiple wine boxes. Honestly, how much did my mom give you for the party? I always have to dip into my savings or work to pay for my stuff, - Melissa accused Alice.


    -It''s mine; I bought everything��the pizzas, the alcohol, it''s all mine, - Billy replied.


    -Well, you''ll have to take all of that with you, - Melissa stated.


    -I will. My grandpa will bring the truck, and we''ll load it up, - Billy said, eating calmly, oblivious to the multiple signals the three women were exchanging at the table. Melissa shook her head and headed to the garage, dressed in formal attire, probably for a meeting.


    -My sister goes to Stanford. You might see her; she''s studying law, so she might greet you when you''re there. She''s been a bit serious since she started studying, but don''t doubt that she throws bigger parties than mine, - Alice said.


    -Alright, let''s clean up as quickly as possible, - Billy said, smiling at Alice.


    She could only smile back. The cleaning wasn''t as bad as Billy had anticipated. With Hanna and Alice''s help, the house was clean in less than half an hour. They picked up the pizza boxes, dirty glasses, and wine boxes, and Alice even swept the living room a bit while Hanna wiped away dust. They organized the chairs and tidied up the kitchen in no time.


    -Well, I think it looks much better now. The cleaning lady is coming the day after tomorrow, so don''t worry; she''ll take care of the rest, - Alice said, gently taking Billy''s hand. They locked eyes, and just as they were about to share a moment, the doorbell rang, followed by impatient knocking.


    It was Billy''s grandfather, who probably had some apparent reason to complain.


    -Ah, but you must be little Alice. Billy surely has good reasons to stay out so late, - Richard Carson chuckled.


    -Come on, Billy; your grandpa will take you home, - Richard Carson said, returning to the car to make room for his grandson.


    Billy glanced at Hanna in the living room and at Alice, who was gripping the door as if it were about to fall off.


    -See you later, Alice. Good luck at Berkeley, and have a safe trip, - Billy said, holding the wine boxes in his hands.


    -I''m leaving in two weeks; we can do something in two weeks, - Alice hurriedly replied.


    -That sounds good in two weeks, - Billy said, approaching Alice to kiss her. She didn''t resist and gladly received Billy''s kiss. Hanna opened her mouth in an ''o'' shape; her friend had a lot to tell her.


    -I''ll pick up the barrels later. Take care of them for me until tonight, - Billy said.


    Billy saw his grandfather laughing and chuckling from the car. Billy got in, and his grandfather gave him a raised eyebrow, a comically smiling look. It was a cartoonish expression that he used to make Billy laugh when he was little, but he kept doing it with Billy whenever he did something Mr. Richard found amusing.


    -Come on, your grandma is furious, - he said. Alice stood at the door, watching Billy leave.


    ....

 112. start taking advantage of it.

    June 30, 1991.


    Things at the company were proceeding at their usual pace, except for the scheduled release of Shaman King, the company''s fifth major series, which was beginning to take shape in the Luc Comics theaters. There was Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Files, Slam Dunk, Evangelion, Samurai X, and Shaman King. This provided enough comics for years of sales because as sales increased, people recommended these series to others, who in turn recommended them, and so on.


    Although the sales of Evangelion comics were not very high, it had a group of devoted followers who purchased the volumes, but this only made the comic''s sales acceptable. However, it was clear in the company that it was an important series; only the whining of Raimon, who read Evangelion comics, could give you an idea of how good the story was.


    Terry Brooks was organizing and reviewing Billy''s polished drawings, still inspired by the top-notch work the young man had delivered. His drawings were masterpieces that Terry collected and edited for publication. He felt like Da Vinci''s assistant, gently cleaning the specks of dirt that fell onto his master''s great works.


    At the same time, Billy was hastily writing on sheets of paper, adjusting the many pages of his upcoming series to submit.


    Meanwhile, Anne received good news from the company. The Samurai Jack game had sold a total of 634,239 copies in the first month in the United States. Sales calculations in other countries varied depending on the region but selling 600,000 copies since it was released a month ago was a resounding success. The profits were around five million dollars, which was a satisfying total gain for Capcom. Each game cost $49.99, and this round percentage translated to 5% for the console, 17% for Billy Carson, who was the project leader, 40% for retailers, and the rest for the game''s producers.


    This news could only reassure Anne. An additional income was cause for celebration and could be used for investments, such as in Pixar and the animation team that Billy wanted for the coming years. Investing in an animation team was not a simple task, but with Pixar''s help and some periodic acquisitions, Anne didn''t see it as impossible for Billy to make the movie he desired for 1993.


    -Billy, we have good news. So far, Samurai Jack game sales are a complete success. By the end of the year, it''s expected that two million copies will have been sold in the United States alone, - Anne said, ecstatic. Both Thomas and Anne highly valued Billy''s artistic vision to the point where any work done by the young man was considered a masterpiece. S~ea??h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Great, that can only be good for us, - Billy said, pleased.


    -Of course, it is. I''ve already inquired about the sales figures for all our series. The advertising we did for Capcom was a total success. People are associating Samurai Jack with the company. I''ve received several orders for the Samurai Jack series, but we don''t have the exact information, - Anne said, noticing that Billy wasn''t raising his head despite hearing her words.


    -What are you doing? - Anne asked.-- I''m writing a book. I have some ideas in my head. For now, I''ll write the book without drawings. A thousand-page odyssey, - Billy said.


    -I''ll hire a scribe to transcribe it next month, - Anne replied, making a note of the obligations arising from the multiple projects the owner was undertaking left and right.


    -By the way, we''ve already reached out to the animator you specifically requested. He''s just a newcomer in the industry, and I still don''t understand why you want to hire him, - Anne said.


    Billy had called six animators, and among them was one with a six-year career in the industry without many notable achievements, essentially a novice in every way.


    -Because he has worked with major TV networks and is currently unemployed. Joe Murray will be an integral part of our animation team; he has ambitions we can harness. We just need to convince him to join our company under a work contract and create his animated series. He can also help with the Hercules movie. We need a team of five animators, all with some experience or enough talent to support him. I''ll take care of the rest, - Billy explained.


    -We''ve already sent out the call to CalArts, and Joe Murray will be here at the company on July 3rd. Some young talents are working on animation shorts or independently. With John Lasseter''s contacts, everything went smoothly, - Anne added.


    Talent recruitment was actively underway for anyone interested in joining Lux Comics. The goal was to create a 2D digital movie, but more importantly, to lay the foundation for the many television series that would be part of their future animation channel.


    The first step was to secure John Murray, who would be creating "The Modern Life of Rocko" and, if possible, participating in many other animation shorts. The next recruitment was even more challenging. Although he had briefly met the man at Hanna-Barbera Studios, Genndy Tartakovsky was one of the sought-after talents. However, he had not yet responded to Lux Comics'' call.


    -When will they release the money? - Billy asked.


    -I still have no idea. These companies can be quite demanding when it comes to releasing funds. Warner keeps ignoring us. We send them a letter every month about the payment, as per the contract, they''ll default on January 1, 1992. So, it all depends on the coming months. I''ve requested sales reports from Hasbro and Warner, and we''ve calculated the likelihood of Warner''s payout. Your father reviewed the contract, and there are some loopholes. Now we just have to see how honest they are with us. For now, the payout value is $19.4 million and counting. Everything earned this year will be paid out in 1993, - Anne explained.


    -Wow, that would be like a gift from heaven. With that, we wouldn''t have to gamble even a bit more, - Billy said.


    -I''ve told you before, gambling isn''t good, - Anne said.


    On June 12th, the Red Bulls secured their fifth victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 1991 tournament ended just as Billy had arranged. The bet of $250,000 against nine bettors for the championship title and $100,000 against twelve bettors for Michael Jordan''s MVP title was just a way to earn extra money. $2,950,000 was enough to provide the company with funds to invest in more stocks and to finish the third floor to make way for the animation studio.


    -Well, I''ve won enough money to invest in the animation studio, buy some more stocks, and run the advertising campaign for ID Software, - Billy said, pleased with his achievements.


    With the new accounting achievements of Raimon, it became easier and more beneficial for the company to address the issue of taxes on donations. So, with a few considered investments, the margin was significantly reduced.


    -Well, now that you know the statistics, I''ll leave you to your writing. Tomorrow is your last accounting class, Raimon promised to help you with the new forms, - Anne said.


    -Of course, the last class, although I don''t think it''s necessary. After all, I''m going to business school now, - Billy replied.


    After all, he would be starting university in a month.


    -It''s the last one, and you''re going, no excuses. Raimon was a tutor at the university; his knowledge will be useful to you, - Anne said, leaving the office to attend to some errands.


    Billy simply nodded and got back to finishing the chapter about Bran Stark climbing the walls of Winterfell with his dire wolf Summer howling in the night. Then he is pushed out of a tower by Jaime Lannister to conceal the dark secret he shares with his sister, the queen.


    The office was adorned with posters and various images. The comic book library contained all the volumes the company had released up to that point, along with a few volumes from other companies Billy had collected over time. Of course, it also held all the comics he had managed to acquire about Captain Atom, a comic he had purchased from Charlton Comics, which was currently in the works for a remake, reimagining the story.


    The next chapter was about the iconic character Tyrion Lannister and his hungover awakening in the barn after a party celebrating the arrival of the king. With a kick from his nephew, who held a particular grudge against him, as per the words of his mother and his petulant nature. Tyrion was one of the few who treated him harshly and set boundaries.


    As soon as he finished the chapter and was about to start the next one, Raimon entered cheerfully, holding a one-liter bottle of Coca-Cola.


    -Billy, it''s time for your last accounting class. Don''t worry; my classes are fun, - Raimon said as he came in and picked up some comics, checking if there were any he could borrow. After all, Billy wouldn''t mind if he took one.


    "You can''t take my comics," Billy said, aware of Raimon''s habit of borrowing his comics, watching as Raimon checked each bookshelf, pausing at some in particular.


    -Me? Incapable? - Raimon feigned ignorance, sitting in the chair next to Billy and pulling out a blue book with the Stanford University logo on it, titled "General Accounting."


    -- Come on, let''s put your accusations aside for now. I''ll give you your final accounting class. I''ll focus on teaching you the general principles and their applications in the field. The most important thing is that you understand nine basic principles and three exceptional principles that are the cornerstone of accounting. Of course, this class will be taught in detail in your accounting classes, but I was lucky enough to be a tutor. Let''s start by noting the first principle, ''going concern,''-Raimon said, jotting everything down on a sheet of paper. He had very fine computer-like handwriting with meticulous lettering.


    -Each principle is a form of business concentration, and the forms are evaluated as the company needs to reorganize. They are basic, and the following are about the amount realized, consistency, conservatism, prudence, inconsistency, historical cost, stocks, and inventory. -


    -Well, that sounds easy, - Billy said.


    -It is and it isn''t. It''s easy if you can see all the principles behind accounting. Once you understand the procedures, you can grasp everything better. Moreover, after examining all the accounting criteria, such as regulations, and if you manage to understand the system, the rest is straightforward, - Raimon explained.


    -Is that how you handle my investments? - Billy asked.


    -Of course, we follow some principles. But it''s not entirely the same, - Raimon replied.


    -How do you handle donations? - Billy inquired.


    -Well, we adjust our investments as much as we can. In this world, you can bet on anything, but it''s only easy if you know how to invest. Sometimes we adjust investments based on non-payment or payment, project growth for a company��the sky''s the limit. We''re in the most powerful position; we own the market, - Raimon said.


    -How would you bet against the mortgage system? - Billy asked.


    -Well, for now, I don''t have many ideas, but one way would be to short-sell the assets. The idea is to buy mortgage assets in such a way that if mortgage prices drop, you make money from the fall. In other words, you sell assets you don''t own, like a loan for something you don''t have, hoping to buy them cheaper in the future. If the value of the assets falls, you make a profit by buying them at a lower price and returning them to the lenders, - Raimon explained.


    -Wow, and could you bet against a country? - Billy asked.


    -Do you want to bet against a country? - Raimon asked, a bit more serious than usual.


    -Well, it''s just an idea. How would you bet against a country? - Billy asked, becoming a bit more serious himself.


    -Put options, buying a futures contract that gives you the right but not the obligation to sell the shares. But if you have a specific price set in the future from your call option, even if the market price drops. If the stocks fall significantly, the value of the put options increases, resulting in more profits for you, - Raimon explained, scratching his head. - Or you can short-sell it and leverage it with debt. If you lose, you lose double the money you used to buy, but if you win, you double your winnings without investing money, - Raimon continued, contemplating the many things one could do with short selling.


    -Raimon, let''s bet against the Soviet Union. I believe the Soviet Union won''t make it past this year, 1991. What do you think about making a short sale for 1992? -  Billy suggested.


    -What are you talking about? Betting against a country? I think I need to sit down! - Raimon exclaimed, taking a sip of his Coca-Cola.


    -What do you think, Raimon? What''s the maximum short-selling timeframe we can do? - Billy inquired.


    -Well, I think it''s complicated because of the interest rates; you have to pay them. I''d recommend at least three weeks, extending the payment deadline to the next month,-  Raimon replied.


    -Okay, in December, we''ll bet against the Soviet Union, with leverage. What do you think about betting two million dollars? - Billy proposed.


    -You can do it, but let''s say the loss could be around 34 or even more. You''re betting against a country; they''ll ask for collateral, - Raimon warned.


    -How much money do we have in stocks? -  Billy asked.


    -Do you want to bet on stocks? Well, we have 12 million dollars spread across stocks. If we add another 10 million, I think they''d accept the short sale for the interest payment, - Raimon explained.


    -We''ve got it. We''ll bet against the Soviet Union. Two million dollars leveraged, or four million, yes, four million. We''ll bet all my shares, and well, beyond that, I think it would be too risky, -  Billy decided.


    Raimon could only hyperventilate, almost in a state of disbelief. Betting four million with leverage on a short sale of a future asset.


    -You''re insane, - Raimon said.


    -It''s a secret between you and me, - Billy replied.


    He saw Raimon swallowing hard. It''s better not to break Billy''s trust. He''ll need to do something. He needs gummy bears. Lots of gummy bears to calm his anxiety, Raimon thought.


    Billy''s debts were only six million dollars for now, but that was just for the moment.


    ...

 113. corporate reasons: pixar.

    July 1.


    The constant investments that Billy has been making, along with the injected income for the Pixar company, haven''t provided a satisfactory amount of money for the people at Pixar. This is primarily due to all the investments in technology needed to improve the quality of computer animation and 3D designs, which require numerous upgrades.


    Ed Camult has been working on a spatial assembly and modeling team for the first version of the characters. That''s why he''s in such an important meeting. This idea will only expedite modeling and 3D animation, which Pixar is eager to implement.


    -So, I will consider investing 9 million dollars if you are willing to create software that allows for easier use of 3D animation modeling without incurring so many processes. In other words, let''s optimize without sacrificing quality. The key is to automate the animation processes, from character movements to hair and clothing movement and texturing. Improving quality can be achieved through frame subdivision to give round or special shapes, - Billy said.


    He knows a bit about what is currently impossible to achieve. Subdivision is a process of dividing an image into thousands of small squares or parts to create a chosen shape through modeling.


    -The subdivision I''m talking about is dividing the rendered model into small images to achieve better shapes. This can improve character forms. We need to subdivide the model into rendered frames, -Billy explained.


    -Well, we could implement some of that in small proportions for now. Let''s focus on improving our optimization through annotations, - Ed Camult replied.


    -I agree. Don''t worry; I will make several necessary investments. The subsidiary companies have been doing well. For now, let''s allocate all our resources to toys, textures, and character automation. If you want to hire more personnel, I have no problem with that, - Billy said.


    -We can do that, but we''ll need a lot of funds. Nine million won''t be enough, - Alvy pointed out.


    -Well, that''s what I can invest this year, but if my resources improve, I will invest more money, as much as possible. But first, we need to address specific issues. I want us to focus on fixing general problems. If we create software that automates complicated processes, it will be easier for us, and perhaps we can save resources. However, I will invest as much money as possible. This film has to be a milestone in animation. If we have to invest more money, there''s no doubt on my part, -  Billy concluded.


    Anne nearly banged her head against the wall. The discussion about being strong with the animators who had already spent $15 million and were still asking for more was getting tiresome.


    -It''s not that simple, young man. Right now, we have the RenderMan program, which allows us to model characters. And we have the Gepetto program, which helps us create models for situations like gestures and facial expressions. But this still needs a lot of work, - Ed Camult explained. Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I understand, but we can expand at a pace you deem appropriate. I''m just offering a path. If we can recreate motion without having to dwell too much on each step, and the software provides insight on how to do it, we won''t need excessive movement. Plus, I''ll be working with Stanford University in the future to recruit talent, and with a company you''re familiar with to help improve our software. It''s still in negotiations, but I plan to buy 60% of the company: Autodesk, - Billy said.


    -You want to buy Autodesk? - Ed Camult questioned, surprised by the implications. This was a revelation, and Alvy also seemed curious about it.


    -Yes, if we can have multiple workers refreshing our ideas! Just imagine the future solutions for our company. Sometimes, collaboration can give us better designs, - Billy replied.


    The purchase price of Autodesk was nearly $50 million, so he could only bid for 60% of the company, with concessions like software exchange between Pixar and Autodesk for software improvement. The private purchase of 60% of the company cost $25 million. Autodesk''s current annual revenue is $2-3 million, barely surviving in the job market. However, Billy is confident that some ideas, can improve Autodesk''s prospects for the future.


    -So, with the purchase of Autodesk, you want to establish a much smoother software collaboration between the companies. Improve the 3D animation model, and you plan to upgrade our computers with CGI, but the purchase price is too expensive. It''s just a plan, -  Billy explained to the people at Pixar.


    Ed Camult was surprised because he understood all the challenges Billy was trying to tackle day by day. CGI could enhance their hardware, and better hardware provides better performance. This is a problem currently plaguing the company. If Billy is willing to invest this much money, it''s because he truly wants to create a 3D animated movie, as they originally agreed upon in their negotiations.


    -If that''s the case, we''ll wait until next year, - Ed Camult said, giving up the fight. He realized that the $9 million currently on offer was enough for this year and the next, and it was better not to be greedy.


    -The purchase hasn''t been finalized yet; there are a few minor things left to do. But by October, I think we can start the collaboration with Autodesk. I''m entirely optimistic, - Billy said.


    Autodesk, as a company, has not yet expanded its services and only relies on the AutoCAD program. However, their computers haven''t gained much fame in advanced countries, and their software, while excellent, hasn''t gained too much popularity. That''s why an alliance with Pixar, which creates interesting creation software, can help improve not only their 2D animation system but also their 3D animation processing.


    -That''s why we''ll emphasize creating our software. We''ll license the general features, but what will help us make the movies will be for us alone. We''ll delay licensing programs as much as possible. Some products will be delayed as long as possible until we have better ones to license. But the 2D animation system we''ll save for when my 2D movie is released, - Billy explained.


    By seeing the quality of the movie used by Caps, people will become interested in the product, and the licensing fees can be raised to exorbitant prices.


    -All right, let''s wait as long as we can. The coming years will provide answers to our actions. Although we have improved the Caps program, I''ll send a technician to patch your equipment, - Ed Camult said. They had expanded the program and unified some specific functions, such as using the scanner and applying more practical motion footage.


    -Thank you; it would help me a lot with the movie. I''m still working on some scenes myself, - Billy said. He had dedicated himself to creating most of the backgrounds on acetate drawn with tempera, a technique he had learned from Hanna-Barbera, which had helped him with the backgrounds. Together with the Caps program, the first three minutes of the animated movie were already completed. They only needed to do the dubbing and production for those three minutes, but it was better to wait and do it at the end.


    -Let''s hope what we discussed in this meeting is sufficient, - Anne said. She reviewed the meeting agenda, crossing off points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Only point 6 remained, but that would be discussed with Randal.


    The three people from Pixar took a deep breath. Anne was known for being the one who filtered most requests and imposed most of the company''s rules.


    -Well, I think I''ll go pay attention to the guys. We need to continue with the movie, - John Lasseter said. The movie "Toy Story" had been in the animation process for eleven months, and many errors had been corrected. With the scripts provided by Billy, the storyboards for each scene of the movie had been completed, along with character details and some full-color deliverables that portrayed the desired images. The movie had been improving steadily, much faster than expected. It was anticipated that most of the animation process would be completed by the end of 1992.


    -I''ll join you, John. I always like to see your team''s work, - Billy said. He had recently requested a small pitbull and a certified police trainer for Pixar. Pixar''s sweet mascot would be featured in the movie "Toy Story," and the trainer, curiously, was an animator with a special fondness for dogs. He had also been tasked with portraying the dog in the film.


    Billy turned to Anne, who nodded. Two hours after the meeting, they would leave. For now, he wanted to watch these geniuses at work on character creation and learn some tricks from John''s team.


    ...

 114. behind the curtain of ID software.

    -Good afternoon, Mr. Carson,- Alice said, looking particularly beautiful today. She had a hairpin in her hair, pulling it to one side, making her look especially charming. She wore a large pink jacket that reached down to her hips and tight jeans.


    -You''re the girl from the party, -- Richard Carson said, eyeing Alice from head to toe. -- Come in, you''ve arrived just in time for lunch. Billy is helping Helen set the table, - Richard added.


    Alice felt somewhat nervous under the gaze of Mr. Thomas Carson. She entered and sat in the living room as discreetly as she could. Billy had mentioned that his family was quite traditional in many ways, so she decided to remain silently prudent, observing the minimalist decor of the house, with only a potted plant adorning one corner.


    Thomas Carson continued reading the newspaper, going through the economic section, the legal section, and the national news of the week, this Sunday. He read quietly, occasionally taking a sip of his beer, while his father in the kitchen secretly swiped a few fries from Helen''s pot.


    Billy appeared at the door and smiled at Alice. -Hello, - he said, looking at the young woman and hugging her.


    -Dad, you haven''t met Alice yet, - Billy said, taking her by the waist.


    -I haven''t had the pleasure of meeting this young lady, - Thomas Carson said, shaking hands with the meek Alice, who was facing Billy''s imposing father.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Carson. I''m Alice Davis, sir, - Alice responded.


    -Well, come on, I''ll take you upstairs; lunch is almost ready, - Billy said, leading Alice up the stairs to his room. Alice got a glimpse of the room and found Billy''s Batman bed sheets quite cute.


    -Here, - Billy said, handing her a silver bracelet, bought at a store in San Francisco shortly after the trip to Pixar to keep track of budget balances.


    -Thank you, Billy, - Alice said, somewhat enchanted and moved by the thoughtful gesture. She put the bracelet on almost instinctively.


    -Well, that''s not all. I bought you some comics to read during your free afternoons in Berkeley��The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Iron Giant, - Billy said, holding up the books on his desk, which secretly contained a few dedications on some pages. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Thank you, - Alice said, feeling even more overwhelmed this time. She hadn''t brought anything, and now she felt terrible about it.


    -Let''s go; my grandpa should be complaining right about now about how his grandson has decided to ignore him, - Billy said.


    -Yeah, - Alice replied, following him from a distance, still thinking about the details of Billy''s gestures.


    Only Billy could think of such rewards for the poor girl who insisted on coming to his house. Although Alice wouldn''t be too far from San Jose, Berkeley was only two and a half hours away, very close to Pixar Studios. But it wasn''t a short trip, so her parents had encouraged her to stay in the university dormitory.


    -Come this way, - Billy said.


    The table was set, and his grandmother was still doing the dishes. His father was already at the table, while his grandfather remained in total silence, ignoring Billy and Alice; each one was lost in their world.


    -Finally, you''re here, my dear. We were waiting for you, -  Helen said, eyeing Alice up and down with a furrowed brow. She didn''t say anything, though.


    The meal was comfortably quiet for all the Carsons except Alice, who came from a livelier household. She tried her best to follow all the manners she had been taught, but the sauce-covered meat ended up smearing her right cheek. In contrast, Richard, who was eating with fervent hunger, hadn''t gotten a speck of sauce on his face.


    Billy could only wipe her face, leaving Alice with rosy cheeks from embarrassment at the intimate gesture in front of his family. -- You have some sauce on your cheek, --  Billy said before returning to his meal. Alice''s blood was boiling, but she simply nodded in response to Billy''s unusual attention.


    At one point, during the meal, his father received a phone call. He quickly picked up the phone, and upon hearing some words, he stood up urgently from the table, pushing his chair back with a forceful shove, leaving everyone at the table.


    From his office, Thomas Carson received news about the game progress sent for distribution by the ID Software team. Together with Pixar, they managed to complete the game in record time.


    -I''m glad to hear that, - Thomas said over the phone.


    -We''ve sent different test versions to the companies. They will do the final testing before releasing the product. For now, only Sega has confirmed, and of course, we''ll handle the distribution of the game for computers, - said Brian Rilley, one of the four programmers on the team.


    -What pleasant news! Regarding the PC distribution, will it proceed? - Thomas asked.


    -Oh, John Romero explained that computer games have a limited niche, so we''ll be selling through a small PC game distributor. The deal is already in place, and we trust that they will fulfill their promise to distribute it far and wide across the country. While we don''t expect high PC sales, we believe that the major console companies will perform better, - Brian Rilley said.


    -Have you spoken with Anne? - Thomas inquired.


    -Yes, I have. She instructed me to deliver the news to you, and with Sega''s approval, the other console companies will likely follow suit. The next step is to establish ourselves as a brand, - Brian Rilley replied.


    -Well, Mr. Rilley, in five days, my son will be traveling to Texas to hand over the next project. You can start your vacations for now, but I recommend improving the game engine in the meantime. My son mentioned that the next game will be more complex, and we''ll be hiring two or three people. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share them, - Thomas stated.


    -Of course, Mr. Carson, I won''t hesitate. I''ll send a message to Romero and Carmack; they started their own game prematurely, - Brian Rilley said.


    -Have a great day, Mr. Rilley, - Thomas concluded, returning to his meal. He didn''t receive any calls from Mr. Davis; it seemed that Joe Murrey couldn''t attend the meeting.


    Meanwhile


    -Likewise, Mr. Carson, - Brian Rilley said from his chair. His wife, Alexa Rilley, had overheard the entire conversation and flashed him a smile.


    -You heard it, dear. Start buying the tickets for next Sunday. We''re heading to the coast of Greece in a few days, - Brian said.


    -Yes! - his wife exclaimed with joy. Since they started working for this company, all their problems have been resolved, from their weekly salary to their vacation time. The companies they used to work for were strict and competed for short delivery deadlines that left them exhausted.


    -I''ll be focusing on improving the game engine. There were a couple of things that we could implement for the characters. Billy Carson mentioned something about automating movements and optimizing code and resources, - Brian mentioned.


    Alexa leaned in to give him a farewell kiss.


    -Darling, I''ll make sure to arrive and assist you. I''ll do the shopping and buy the tickets for Greece, - Alexa said, bidding goodbye to Brian.


    Brian was a true methodist; his talent lay in executing tasks rather than inventing things. He found inventing to be quite challenging, but his methodical approach made him a genuine programmer. He could accomplish anything given time and study. He was twice as dedicated as his wife, and, most importantly, he could identify errors in minutes.


    With his work clear and explicit, he refined the code for the products he wanted. Billy, with his various systems and ideas, such as the straightforward concept of online connectivity, presented revolutionary ideas. However, expressing these ideas was one thing; realizing them was not simple. Brian''s talent lay in methodically following each step to address all the errors, like a binary machine. He provided answers, although they weren''t always correct. But by fixing the issues through sequence adjustments, only by correcting them, could you reach the desired end goal.


    ...

 115. contracting creators

    july 4.


    ales at Lux Comics are gradually increasing, thanks to the planned use of printers that work tirelessly. The company''s statistics show the most significant potential sales number to be around 475,000 comics per month, a quite rounded figure considering the comic prices.


    This is good news for the comic company. Since late June, various individuals have been coming and going due to the extensive animator recruitment campaign conducted by the company. Since June 17th, multiple figures have visited in the past two days to learn about the terms and conditions of employment. It''s understood that there might be some infiltrators trying to gain insight into the company''s terms and conditions to potentially use against Lux Comics. In the cutthroat world of business, it''s not uncommon for competition to use any advantage they can get.


    Moreover, Terry Semel has already spread the word about Billy''s intention to start his animated channel. This competition is something they cannot ignore, and there will be friction along the path Billy Carson has chosen for the company.


    Today is a day of anticipation, with the unexpected arrival of Craig McCracken. He started his career as an animator but has faced many hardships. After being unemployed for a year, it was thanks to his friend Genndy Tartakovsky that he managed to survive pursuing his seemingly unreal dream, which his parents criticized. However, it appears that things aren''t as straightforward as he initially thought.


    Craig McCracken adjusted his tie, which felt a bit constricting around his neck, as he climbed the stairs. He couldn''t help but feel ridiculous when he saw an overweight man in Spider-Man slippers, matching his shirt, munching on a jar of cookies. Craig loosened his tie; the stress was getting to him.


    The line of animators waiting for a job interview wasn''t reassuring for anyone in the room. He recognized a few faces from previous encounters. All he could do was wait for his interview, just like everyone else in the room. The relentless clock on the wall was fraying everyone''s nerves as they waited.


    The waiting time felt excruciatingly long as if time itself had slowed down in sync with Craig''s growing impatience. Each member who went in for their interview came out with a cold and emotionless expression, further adding to Craig''s anxiety.


    Curiously, as he entered, Craig saw Joe Murray sitting in a chair next to a young man who was talking and laughing with Joe.


    -Craig, it''s good to see you, - Joe said.


    -Nice to see you too, Joe. I didn''t expect you to be my interviewer today, - Craig replied, feeling his nerves at ease. If Joe was so relaxed, it must mean that the people here were friendly.


    -Oh no, I''m not. They just hired me, Craig. But let''s get started with the interview, - Joe said, looking at Billy, who simply gave him the go-ahead. - You have three minutes to draw a story on this blank sheet, whatever you want. Just make it impactful -


    -Draw? - Craig exclaimed.


    Well, he could replicate some of his recent work. He had been thinking about an image of a boy with superpowers. A boy who was short and very smart but had many social problems. He had the superpower to create things with his thoughts, which he typically used to combat threats to the peaceful coexistence of his life. He had a sister who was usually at the center of his problems because she was a magnet for bad luck.


    It was better to use more sheets. One sheet was divided into two panels. The first panel showed the boy thinking, and in a quick sequence, you could see the creation of a battle robot. The second panel showed the boy flying with the battle robot. The next one depicted a water monster emerging from a river near a bridge.


    Craig did his best to breathe life into the drawings in the best way possible.


    -Time''s up, - Joe announced.


    Craig handed over the drawings as instructed, and the young Billy reviewed them, smiling. The drawings were good and had that animated ''90s vibe that Billy found so intriguing. He exchanged a few words with Joe Murray in a low voice, which Craig couldn''t quite make out.


    -You''re hired, Mr. Craig, -- Billy declared. -- Now, exit through the door with an angry face, and head to the third floor at the end of the corridor. Before anything else, you''ll find some contracts on the third-floor table. Once all the interviews are done, I''ll come up to provide instructions. In the meantime, feel free to read the contract terms and ask any questions you have about its content. -


    Craig couldn''t help but release the breath he had been holding for the past two weeks. Debts had been suffocating him. He even considered sleeping in his car, but his pride wouldn''t allow him to sleep on the street. Now, all that was left was to move to San Jose.


    He left the studio with the serious expression Billy had instructed him to wear. He understood why he had to do it; the nervous glances from everyone present were palpable. What had Joe Murray done to become part of this team without needing to go through the interview process, or perhaps he had gone through it and passed with flying colors?


    He climbed the stairs and saw various figures here and there. He felt relieved to have secured a job. The hours might be long, but the pay was good��very good for a novice like him. $1000 per week was something he urgently needed.


    -Good afternoon, I''m Craig. What a pleasant day, -  he said aloud, attempting to break the ice with his potential future colleagues. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Paul Rudish, nice to meet you, - the square glasses-wearing man replied.


    Another man approached, gave his name quickly, and returned to his seat. - Jeff Lomz. -


    A few minutes passed, and a young man with the last name Savino, an English-speaking Spaniard named Jose Iturbe, who mentioned he had come to take a chance at being an animator, and later, two more animators, Paul German, and Roy Graham, joined the group.


    With the addition of Joe Murray, there were eight animators in total. Then, two more animators, Bob Schooley and Anna Szyma��ska, arrived.


    Craig thought, as he looked around at the clean and new surroundings, from the equipment to the chairs.


    Everyone was getting to know each other. Anna was a cheerful person, and despite her somewhat unusual name, she spoke English fluently.


    Craig watched the young man climb the stairs alongside Joe Murray. The third floor of Lux Comics had been transformed and now resembled an animation studio, with fifteen stations equipped for hand-drawn and 2D computer animation.


    The young man who walked confidently to the front was the typical handsome guy you''d see in high school, the type who could steal anyone''s girlfriend with a smile.


    -Good morning. Before we begin this meeting, you all need to sign the employment contract. From this point on, you will be a part of my animation company, ''Lux Animation,'' and you must adhere to the confidentiality clause regarding the work we are doing here. Is everyone in agreement with the terms of the contract? - he said, holding up a copy of the contract, emphasizing the bottom of the second page.


    There were no objections from the animators; the terms were astonishingly favorable, and some who had worked in the industry had received less for their work. Again, Craig decided to wait for an explanation before asking any questions.


    -Very well, I will collect your contracts. From now on, as an employee of Lux Comics, I have some ideas in mind that we can start working on. This company will consist of two divisions: animated series and film production. I have many series in mind that we can produce over the coming years, - he continued, revealing several large poster boards.


    The poster boards displayed cartoon characters from "Dexter''s Laboratory" with the title prominently displayed, followed by "Recess," and finally, a rather rudimentary design of Billy and Mandy.


    -These are the main series for this studio. However, I admire proactivity, and if any of you want to create your series, you can. But first, you''ll need to present a storyboard, a script, and a short animated clip. For those who have an approved series idea, you can assemble your team as the company progresses. My goal is to launch my animated channel by June 1994 - mid-1995, - said Billy.


    -Any questions? -


    -I have a few. What criteria will be used for evaluating series ideas? - asked Paul Rudish.


    -Well, genius, a good script, original or unique artwork, and most importantly, that quality of being entertaining. If there''s disagreement with my idea, we can create a pilot and conduct surveys with kids or experts to rate the series. And if there''s still disagreement, we can produce a 10-episode series and launch it to the public to gauge the response from children, - Billy explained.


    Paul Rudish nodded in agreement; it seemed more than fair.


    -On another note, I believe you all know that with these three series, we''ll have a lot on our plate. Furthermore, our second project is the second division, ''Lux-Nation 2D,'' which will be responsible for producing movies. We will all work together as a consolidated group. Some will focus on series production, while others will work on creating the films with me, - Billy said.


    He then pulled out a thick cardboard and a small television. The three-minute Hercules movie began to play. On the screen, you could see the various backgrounds used by the young man for the 3-minute short film. The combination of Caps technology was quite powerful, and creating characters through an animation system gave it a fresh touch that few animated features had achieved by this date.


    Craig was amazed to see such work.


    -For this technique, we will use a hybrid of 2D animation and traditional animation. Fortunately, we have the latest technology at our disposal. Even Disney started using this technique for its films not too long ago, - Billy explained.


    -I have no idea how to use computer technology, - Anna Szyma��ska admitted.


    -Does anyone else not know how to use computer technology? - Billy asked.


    Almost everyone in the room raised their hands, except for Paul German, Craig McCracken, and Joe Murray.


    -No worries; we will provide training. I''ll ask them to create a small manual on how to use the Caps program, covering all the aspects of computer animation. Additionally, I have a manual on the creation of each of the showcased series, containing everything you need to know about each series and how I expect them to be portrayed. You''ll need to be proficient in both these techniques, - Billy said.


    -Does anyone want to be part of the movie? - he asked.


    Jose Iturbe raised his hand, as did Paul German, Roy Graham, Bob Schooley, Anna Szyma��ska, and Greff Lomz.


    -Great, with all of you, the movie may progress as much as I hope it will, - Billy replied.


    -The first approved series we have is Joe Murray''s. His interview was a book with the requirements mentioned earlier. He needs two volunteers for his animated series. Although the requirement is to use this hybrid for your animated programs, the idea is to produce good products, even if we have to hire other animators. I hope that in two years, we''ll have four series and the Hercules movie finished, - Billy said.


    -Will you be hiring more staff? -- Paul German asked.  -- I think we need a larger team if we want to distribute all the work in the coming months. -


    -Of course, I''ve hired three more people, and there are two who haven''t responded to my call yet, - Billy replied.


    -I''m in! When do we start? - Anna Szyma��ska chimed in.


    -Well, I wanted to give you all a period of two days to a week to settle in and start working formally from there, - Billy said.


    Anna nodded, and Craig could see the enthusiasm in everyone. They were part of significant animation projects��movies, series, and channel creation. It''s the dream of every budding animator to be involved in such substantial endeavors.


    ...

 116. go to Hollywood.

    Two parts.


    Billy was in Los Angeles for a last-minute event. His agent had unexpectedly arranged for his participation in a television program, a particular episode that needed some extras��youths aged 15 to 18��for a commercial, paying $400 for a full day of work from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, including some lines.


    That''s why Billy found himself traveling on the last flight of the day, intending to wake up early the next morning. His grandfather accompanied him, and his grandmother grumbled about his involvement in something seemingly senseless. The traffic was light, but the snoring of his grandfather in the waiting area indicated the late hour.


    His grandfather was dozing in a deep sleep.


    -Grandpa, come on, we need to board immediately, - Billy said to Richard Carson, who was waking up with a gentle shake on his shoulder.


    -Come, son, stop sleeping. It''s not fair to your sweet grandpa to have to deal with all this, - Richard Carson said, grabbing their bags.


    -Your grandpa doesn''t even know where the boarding gate is. These gadgets are getting more complicated, - Richard Carson grumbled.


    -This way, - Billy said, leading the way to Gate 12, with his grandfather following, still trying to wake up from his nap.


    Second-hand tickets in economy class made passengers uncomfortable, and Billy could feel the clich�� of a crying child throughout the journey. Two men bickering over the window seat added to the commotion. His grandfather was in a bad mood until he remembered the small bottle of alcohol in his pocket, which he gulped down with great pleasure, laughing as if he were a child.


    -Ah, there''s nothing better than a drink to soothe the throat, son. When you reach my age, having one of these to endure pain is the best option. Those pills are garbage, - Richard Carson said.


    Billy could only look at him; his grandfather was quite the character. He now partially understood his grandmother''s frustration with his grandfather''s constant inappropriate behavior.


    -Grandpa, please stop drinking. - Billy said. -We still have to get to the hotel. -


    -Oh, come on, I''ll stop drinking when you stop acting like Helen. Cut me some slack, Billy. Your old grandpa has a bad back, and this plane is shaking like a horse-drawn carriage, - Richard said, asking for a small bottle of alcohol.


    Billy ignored his grandfather''s behavior. After a while, he knew that nothing would make him change his mind about alcohol, even after being prohibited by the doctor during his last five visits.


    Billy was feeling anxious, even though it was just a small role in a television commercial. He knew that beginnings were always like this��small jobs, climbing up, gaining some practice, and then eventually getting better opportunities in the market. With more visibility, he could secure better roles. All that experience was valuable for landing better movie roles.


    Los Angeles was just as he expected it to be. These trips from San Jose to Los Angeles and back had become somewhat of a tradition.


    -Son, that pretty girl who showed up for lunch didn''t come back. Even your grandma has asked about her, - Richard Carson said.


    Billy thought about the meetings he had with Alice. He couldn''t help but compare her to Claudia. Alice was different from Claudia��lighter in her approach to things and more proactive in spending time with Billy. The last time they went out, they watched a movie, had an ice cream trip, and talked about various things. She even accompanied him to San Francisco to deal with some issues at Pixar, waiting for him for four hours in the clothing section and greeting him with a kiss. She was so easygoing that being with her felt like confiding in a close friend.


    -She''s a very dear friend, and we''re still getting to know each other, -- Billy said. -- She''ll start studying medicine at the beginning of August, so I don''t think she''ll have much time for me.-


    -Ah, son, you''re missing out on the romance of the good old days. This generation disappoints me more every day. You could show up unexpectedly one day and bring her some beautiful flowers, the kind that women love. Buy some chocolates, maybe a nice perfume, one of those that women adore. You can afford it, son. With a smooth voice, invite her to dinner at an elegant place, keep complimenting her until her smile can''t leave her face. She''ll melt like the chocolates you bought. If you follow these steps, son, that young lady will make time for you, even if she has to schedule the date at a library, - Richard advised, his breath carrying the scent of alcohol.


    -Was it like this with Grandma? - Billy asked.


    Richard just furrowed his brow, reminiscing about the passage of time. - Not at all. Your grandma is different from all the others. She can be very tough, but she''s sweet. After a while, I learned to give her the pleasure she so desired, - he said, with a hint of sadness.


    The conversation settled down like a still pond after a few hours, undisturbed except for the occasional sip of water. A sip to cool off; the scorching summer heat can be oppressive for those accustomed to colder climates, and hot weather can be deadly.


    They hailed a taxi, and Billy couldn''t sleep very well due to the curious anticipation of how his first appearance in a production would go. Even though it was just a cameo on the beach, he was excited about the small role. He would say a few lines, and that would be it.


    When they arrived at the recording studio��a small beach with various equipment scattered about��Billy was handed a swimsuit. He lined up with the others and was met by a director, coordinator, or perhaps an assistant who inspected him from head to toe. She looked at his face and body and, to his surprise, disapproved of his muscular build, so she instructed him to keep his clothes on. She asked the same three questions to everyone:


    -Can you act?-


    -Do you have any experience?-


    -Do you have an agent?-


    She reviewed the roster, and to Billy''s fortune, he caught the attention of Jim Waitt, an agent from CAA. This connection proved to be quite helpful, and his approval based on looks landed him another role in less than thirty minutes.


    Two guys were participating in the audition, one was quite muscular, much more so than Billy, while the other was thin, tan, and had very white teeth, possibly thanks to some dental work.


    The same coordinator who had been asking the questions approached them and handed Billy a small two-part script. It seemed that the main character was getting into a fight with a beach bully, and as a secondary character, Billy would have to try to break up the fight. The script provided detailed instructions on what actions and lines he needed to perform while the main character was getting beaten up.


    -Alright, go ahead and recite the script, young man, - said the person who was presumably the director.


    Billy composed himself and tried to embody the role of the young peacemaker who was attempting to calm down the main characters after a scuffle. The script indicated that he should be somewhat out of breath since he had run to separate them. The main characters nodded as they saw the commotion they had caused.


    After finishing his audition, Billy sat down, awaiting a response. Jim Waitt had arrived.


    -Billy, it''s great to see you here, - Jim said.


    -Sir, it''s great to see you too, - Billy replied.


    -I just watched your audition. The other guys didn''t do as well. Your acting skills are quite impressive for such a young guy. It''s tough to find teenagers with acting abilities these days, - Jim commented.


    -Thank you, sir. I do my best, - Billy said.


    -Well, your best got you the small role. Don''t be nervous, don''t look at the camera, and act natural. TV series directors don''t care much about acting as long as it''s passable. So, don''t put too much pressure on yourself. They won''t demand star-level performances like in a movie, - Jim advised.


    Jim Waitt observed Billy''s composure and didn''t detect the nervousness often seen in newcomers. he thought with optimism. If Billy could excel in business as well as he did in acting, Jim was confident that he would go far in the industry. Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Thank you, sir, - Billy said.


    -Get ready, I have a meeting to attend in 15 minutes. Stop by for support if you need anything. You can call me anytime, - Jim Waitt said.


    ...


    Hello everyone, sorry for the delay, I had a lot of work yesterday and I arrived home very late, I could not write, but today I have time, I hope you had an excellent day and a good week.

 117. time to act.

    It was nearly midday, and they began filming the final scenes of the day. Billy had been mentally preparing himself for his acting role long before.


    -Okay, everyone, please get into position, - said Martha, who was the program coordinator. She moved back and forth, addressing issues and solving problems. She was an assistant director, a recent graduate from the University of Los Angeles, California, in film direction, part of the new generation.


    -You are the supporting role. Remember, when James enters the scene to hit Christopher, and you see the situation escalating, rush in to separate them, - Martha said quickly.


    -Yes,- Billy replied.


    -Understood? -


    -Yes.


    Martha went to speak with other supporting characters and extras who were part of the television crew. For just one beach scene, they needed at least 45 extras, which illustrates how television series can burn through funds disproportionately. An episode requiring a minimum of 50 people for a single scene can drive costs to unimaginable heights.


    -Action! - they announced loudly. Billy took a seat in the beach chair and pulled out the book as described in the script. To his surprise, it contained no information, just blank pages.


    He immersed himself in the acting scene, trying to embody the character as best he could. He heard the sounds of the fight but was interrupted by an abrupt stop.


    -James, you glanced at the camera three times during the scene; you need to be more careful next time, -- the director said, pointing to a spot. -- Make sure the microphones are set up properly; the last take had a microphone accidentally in the frame. -


    Everyone returned to their positions, but the scene was disrupted again when a beach ball hit the recording camera.


    -Scene 12, take 3. Action! - they yelled.


    Billy got back into position for the third time, fully immersing himself in his character. As he heard the sounds of the fight, he lifted his gaze to watch the scene unfold. Concentrating on his role, he noticed some extras whispering.


    Billy rushed forward and shouted, - Stop, that''s enough! - as the unnamed supporting character he was playing.


    By some twist of fate, James swung his arm in the wrong direction, and his fist connected with Billy''s eye, just above the cheekbone. Billy felt a surge of anger but quickly recalled his improvisation training: acting impulses are best resolved with more impulses.


    -Both of you, calm down, - Billy said again, but he was ignored as they continued their fight. It seemed like the situation was escalating into a real brawl, which was unacceptable. However, the director didn''t intervene; the lens was capturing a genuine fight, evident from their gestures and movements. Christopher''s sweaty face excited the director, who didn''t call a halt.


    Billy grabbed James by the shoulders and pulled him slightly, just enough to make him stop. -Enough, both of you. You''ve made your point. -


    Christopher didn''t know what to say because this wasn''t in the script. Similarly, James, who had only started acting three years ago, had never attended acting academies or studied on his own at the library. They were experiential learners, not theorists.


    -Don''t look at me like that; you''re making a scene on the beach. Let''s take a breather, - Billy said.


    -This isn''t over, Christopher. You won''t be so lucky next time, - James replied, now more aware of the situation, remembering what his agent had told him: -


    James''s response woke up the actor playing Christopher. -- Good luck with that, -- he said, attempting to leave but still seething.


    Billy sighed, and shook his head while looking at both young men, and the scene immediately ended. He put on the charming smile that had always charmed the girls at his school, a skill he learned from Alice, who had told him he should smile more and frown less.


    -Cut, - the director said.


    Billy could only go backstage to rest. He had a few shots left at the beginning of the beach scene, and that would be it for the day''s work on the eight-episode miniseries. Surprisingly, the coordinator, Martha, approached him and thanked him. Even though the director hadn''t fully appreciated Billy''s performance due to exhaustion and limited visibility, someone with a keener eye would have recognized his talent.


    -Thank you for everything, Mrs. Martha,- Billy said.


    -Don''t mention it, young man. I''m just doing my job the best I can,- Martha replied before heading off to handle some matters.


    Billy gazed at the beach, taking in the beautiful Los Angeles scenery. The sky was on the verge of turning dark in a landscape that exuded tranquility. People were packing up all the recording equipment. What had once been a bustling beach with its ecosystem now looked like a desolate stretch of sand with no one to claim it, all hidden behind the passage of time. Billy called his grandfather to pick him up, knowing that the old man would be at the pool hall, wasting time with some forgetful worker.


    The disappointing feeling of witnessing the passage of time and the artificial nature of life that disappeared with the tide left him somewhat bewildered. His future performances might follow a similar pattern, causing a sense of curiosity about how they would vanish.


    -Come on, my little Billy, we must go. The flight leaves at 10:00 PM, - Richard Carson called from the rented car. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''ll be right there, Grandpa, - Billy replied. He thought about all the possibilities his acting career held, feeling confident after seeing how well he had performed. There was still room for improvement, but experience would help him refine his skills.


    [A point of excitement]


    The sound of his phone''s notification woke them up like an alarm clock. Another advantage of films was their direct impact through visual storytelling, compared to the slow and gradual accrual of points from comics, which only generated a few notifications a day. Movies made a high-impact statement in a short amount of time, and the points rolled in generously.


    Billy heard his grandfather honking impatiently. - I''m coming! -


    He took one last look at the view; it was such a beautiful sunset.


    The journey back was exhausting. After a long day of work, acting had drained his energy. The weight of the work he had been doing since he was young was on his shoulders. There were only two more years of hard effort left at the company and in his studies. After that, he would figure out how to navigate the coming years of his life.


    ...

 118. sunrise distributión.

    July 11.


    The $30 million credit approved by the San Jose bank is a significant financial asset that will be quickly put to use by Lux Comics. The initial purchase, among many to come, is the ongoing $25 million acquisition of AutoDesk. Even though it''s just a 60% stake in the company, it''s a strategic move to gain control of the latest 3D animation technology. From there, Pixar is poised to reach greater heights.


    -Well, Dad, this is another negotiation since we founded the company, - Billy said. Life had changed since he first took part in a negotiation. As usual, on Sundays, his father woke up early to prepare breakfast.


    -Even though you argued that buying a distribution company was a bad idea, look at us now, planning to acquire one and negotiate multiple deals throughout the state with various comic book stores, - Thomas remarked.


    With some fatigue, they hired three people for the company: a sales director and two assistants, to shape the entire sales management that the company was currently facing.


    -I never thought Mike would collude with an entertainment giant like Warner. He was a pleasant guy who was always willing to help us. But as we grow as a company, we encounter more shadows and enemies at every turn, - Thomas stated.


    Billy didn''t lie; he shared the information that Mike Richardson had given him at the ceremony about the sabotage acts against Billy''s company by Disney and Warner.


    -Well, there are many mistakes we made. Every time I think about the potential screen that Warner could have offered us and the fantastic collaboration we could have had, creating a lasting channel., - Billy said.


    -How could you have known? - Thomas asked.


    -I should have expected a trap like that, a big one. Something in my gut told me it might end up this way, - Billy replied.


    -No one can predict the future, son. Let''s just learn from this setback. Now we know that Warner, and quite possibly other companies, may also engage in similar actions if they consider us a low-rank company, - Thomas concluded.


    -It''s true, Father. Let''s go meet Erik Larsson. He said he''d handle the distribution company for the first year, as long as we assist in creating his startup, - Billy said.


    Thomas Carson simply nodded as he adjusted his suit cuffs and tie.


    -How beneficial it is to guide these artists in the right direction. The editor, Terry, now used by my son, is a very capable worker. Billy has managed to complete many comics in just two weeks. It''s almost like a time leap that has allowed him to write a book during his free time, - Thomas Carson thought.


    Erik Larsson greeted them with joy. All their plans had gone as they had schemed with their partners: Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Jim Lee, who was still willing to invest. Now the sale of Sunrise Distribution was on the verge of being finalized, and the last negotiation talk was underway. After the legal formalities, he could rest for a while to oversee distribution.


    -Welcome, this is the Sunrise Distribution headquarters, -- Erik Larsson said.  -- My partner here is none other than Scott Rosenberg, who speaks on behalf of the board, and Mr. Campiti, who unfortunately couldn''t make it. -


    Without waiting for responses, Erik Larsson was ecstatic and continued.


    -Here is the contract for your review. You can check and examine it. It''s the back-and-forth negotiations I''ve discussed with you throughout the negotiation process. Our final terms have arrived as follows: Sunrise Distribution will be sold for a value of $1.7 million, and the ''Men in Black'' comic from Malibu Comics is valued at $350,000. In points two, three, and twelve, the new Sunrise Distribution agrees to distribute the four publishing imprints currently distributed by Mr. Rosenberg, with a distribution fee of 30%. These clauses are subject to renewal under equivalent conditions when distribution takes place, - Erik Larsson said.


    Billy could nod while his father carefully read through the contract, every word with great care. Rosenberg didn''t seem very pleased, but his penetrating blue eyes indicated that he had no other choice. It was much better than succumbing to DC Comics. He was confident that over time, people would come to appreciate the quality of his comics.


    -I agree. But let''s wait for my father to finish reading the contract, - Billy said, giving his father the green light.


    -Of course, - Erik Larsson replied.


    -I''d like to know when you''ll start with the investment and improvement of the distribution company. I''ve tried building the company in different ways, but in the end, I realized that if I had invested, I wouldn''t have so many problems, - Scott Rosenberg said, pointing to the contract clauses. The company currently had a debt of $600,000, which the Carsons had already paid off, and surprisingly, this was one of the reasons for selling the company.


    Thomas nodded after a long, detailed reading. Mr. Rosenberg closed the deal and waited to speak privately with Erik Larsson.


    -Now we have a distribution company in our hands. I''ll take care of the legal matters next week when we sign. The investment will take place before October of this year, for an amount of at least two million dollars, - Thomas said. sea??h th�� n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This comics company not only helped distribute comics but also video games, movies, and TV series, which was very beneficial for the company''s growth. The ground floor had been completely opened up for the printing of more comics. Currently, there was no need for operation, but the future outlook was promising. Along with a poster printing machine for promotional posters and collectible cards.


    -That''s true, Father. We just need to see how things wrap up for our future projects. I have a lot in mind that hasn''t been finalized yet, - Billy said.


    -You''re talking about the animation and 3D studios, aren''t you? - Thomas Carson asked.


    -Yes, I''m talking about the uncertainty we have about not being able to meet all the expectations we''re generating. We have a lot of work to do in these two days. Some publishers have decided to feature us, - Billy said.


    -Of course, we sent out the proposal that the creator of Lux Comics had decided to venture into the creation of fantasy literature, and the doors are open for us. We have a total of 14 offers in the United States, 3 in Canada, and 5 in the United Kingdom. Only four of them offer international publication, but their percentage is lower than expected, - Thomas said.


    -How much is the offered price? - Billy asked.


    -It ranges from 15% to a maximum of 23% on book profits. We negotiated for a ten-year publication period, during which they will have distribution rights. This clause rarely changes, and the conditions tend to be very similar across all of them, - Thomas explained.


    -Well, I''ll review the publishers. You know we can use that as a guide to secure some film licenses for our TV series, - Billy said.


    -I don''t quite understand that topic, son, but Anne knows more about it, - Thomas replied.


    Erik Larsson emerged from the private meeting with Rosenberg, and his smile remained on his face. Image Comics was getting closer to becoming a dream come true. The contacts of Joe Kubert and Jack Kirby had connected him with so many comic book retailers that, in less than a month, they could start publishing their books.


    -I think we should leave as soon as possible. I have to attend the dinner with Alice, - Billy said.


    -Let''s go, - Thomas agreed.


    ...

 119. dinner with Alice’s family.

    The two-hour flight from San Diego to San Jose left Billy completely exhausted. He had to make some purchases before accepting Alice''s invitation. After all, he would be having dinner with Alice''s parents, which, for Billy, was just another way to continue his relationship with Alice, which, for now, was improving.


    -Come on, I''ll take you to buy a gift for your father. Nothing better than a fine Glenfiddich Reserve from 1970, one of the best drinks I''ve had the opportunity to try, - said Thomas.


    -Thank you, Dad, - said Billy.


    They arrived at a much more elegant liquor store than the one he had visited with Raimon. This one had a formally dressed attendant. The place even had a classic ambiance with soft piano music.


    -Mr. Thomas, I''m delighted you stopped by. We have a new arrival of Texan spirits that you might like, - the man said with a refined tone.


    -Unfortunately, I''m in a bit of a hurry today, but we can meet later with more time. I have a special meeting. Do you have a Glenfiddich special for this occasion? - Thomas inquired.


    -Perhaps you''d like a special reserve. Each one is aged 21 years in Caribbean rum casks. The Windsor''s one is exceptional due to the type of oak used. Anyone will delight in the warm flavor that lingers on the palate. This one is special due to its preparation, - the eloquent employee explained.


    -Sure, do you have any special offers? - asked Thomas.


    -Of course, this one comes with a special drinking glass, featuring a small indicator for the number of milliliters consumed. It has its collectible seal and a beautiful coaster, - the employee said.


    -Perfect, give me two, one as a gift, - Thomas decided.


    The employee''s eyes lit up with joy. Selling these bottles wasn''t easy, and if he could sell two in one day, his sales for the month would start to commission.


    -It would be a total of $6,355, - said the employee as he placed the bottles in a special black bag with shiny designs.


    -Wow, that''s quite expensive for a whiskey bottle! - remarked Billy as he saw the prices of the bottles. His father paid with a check, and the man could only smile.


    -Son, there are even more expensive drinks out there. These are something to enjoy. Besides, if your girlfriend''s father, as you said, enjoys whiskey, he''ll be delighted with the gesture. There''s nothing better than having a good relationship, - Thomas advised.


    -I understand, I''m just amazed at the high prices. What do you think when I make $100 million, I''ll buy a liquor store like this? - Billy said.


    -Well, I don''t know the price, but it''s a massive investment, son. $100 million won''t be enough. These places have a huge market. But we can go for a simpler one. Besides, your business is drawing, it''s better to invest in your line, just as you''ve done, - Thomas explained.


    -Of course, but I''ll buy one later, - Billy replied.


    One billion is the minimum; that''s what it takes to buy a liquor store of that size.


    -Let''s go, we''ll buy the flowers and head out. We''re running out of time, - Thomas said, checking his watch. As expected, it was already 5:30 PM, and they had only half an hour to get to Alice''s house.


    Billy said goodbye to his father, holding a bouquet in his left hand and a bag in his right. He rang the doorbell and waited eagerly. Fortunately, he was only eight minutes late, which was good, considering the journey from San Diego wasn''t as long as one might expect.


    Alice''s older sister, Melissa Davis, opened the door, wearing a long blue dress. They had dressed up for the dinner at their mother''s request.


    -Come in; dinner will be ready in a moment, - Melissa said, inviting him into the living room, where he had been once before.


    -I brought a bouquet of roses; I hope you can give them to your mother or put them in a vase, - Billy said to Melissa. She gave an affirmative nod and went into the kitchen.


    Alice came down immediately, giving him a warm and affectionate hug. She looked exceptionally beautiful in a long black dress. -- I missed you a lot, -- the young woman said.


    -I missed you too. I''ve been quite busy; I apologize, - Billy replied, kissing her on the forehead, a gesture they had grown accustomed to. She continued hugging him, content but somewhat nervous.


    -That doesn''t matter much now, - Alice said.


    -Your father? - Billy inquired.


    -He''s in his study. Come on, I have to introduce you. When you meet him, you''ll understand a lot about him. My sister ratted me out, and he''s been a little upset with you ever since my sister said you''re just another, much more handsome, Austin, - Alice explained.


    -Well, I brought a gift, based on your recommendations, but now I''m not so sure that gifting him a bottle of whiskey is the most appropriate choice, - Billy said.


    -Come on; there won''t be any problems. He''ll be happy. You''re the first one to give him anything, anyway, - Alice assured, leading him to her father''s study. Robert Davis was seated at his desk, reviewing some letters and medical books.


    His day brightened when he saw his dear Alice enter through the door. However, it only lasted a few seconds when he saw the young man that Melissa had described as the Tom Cruise of Notre Dame school.


    The young man was undoubtedly a charmer. -- Father, this is Billy Carson, -- Alice said, delighted that her parents were finally meeting Billy. They would approve of him without any regrets; Billy was different from Austin and even some of her sister''s past boyfriends. Billy stood out among all of them.


    The room was a standard study with a built-in bookshelf. A small crystal vase with two glasses of yellow liquid sat on a small table, catching Billy''s attention.


    Billy walked up to Mr. Davis and extended his hand over the desk. -- I''m Billy Carson, sir, and it''s a pleasure to meet you, --  the young man said.


    -I''m Robert Davis, young man, - he replied. Mr. Davis scrutinized Billy from head to toe, but the sight of the young man dressed in a black suit with a white shirt helped ease some of Mr. Davis''s initial thoughts. It was clear that Billy had dressed up for the dinner.


    -I brought a little gift; I hope you like it, - Billy said, handing him the bag.


    Alice couldn''t help but give him a glance.


    -Thank you, son, - he replied, placing the bag on his desk. -- Let''s go; your mother must have everything ready by now, -- he added while adjusting his jacket, preparing to head to the dining area, having risen from his chair.


    -Sure, Dad, we''ll be right there, - Alice said, smiling at her father. As the youngest of the three siblings, she enjoyed the privileges of being the baby and her father''s favorite. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -As for you, young man, stop bringing gifts to people. Come on, -- he said as they walked towards the dining area. -- I was thinking about something to get you not too long ago, and it was honestly frustrating. So, I decided to get you something you would need. Since you''re an art enthusiast, I got you a special sketchbook. The pages are thicker, and you can use charcoal on them. Plus, if you''re careful, you can even use watercolors, - Alice explained as she handed him a large sketchbook with an orange cover.


    -You''re very sweet, - Billy said, stealing a quick kiss.


    Alice widened her eyes.  -Come on; we need to get to the table. Dad is grumpy, but it''s Mom you have to watch out for. She''ll ask you everything. I''d recommend answering vaguely to prevent her from asking again. Or if you do answer, keep it as short as possible, - Alice advised as she ran her fingers through Billy''s hair to the side, as was her custom.


    -Let''s go down to eat before your dad thinks this young man is assaulting his sweet daughter, - Billy said, approaching Alice and tentatively whispering those words in her ear.


    -Silly, - Alice whispered back.


    Billy descended the long entrance staircase first, and Alice followed closely. However, she couldn''t contain a silly laugh and reached the stairs. As she reached the staircase, Billy opened his arms, and Alice jumped into them.


    -You''re very strong, sir, - Alice said, perched on Billy''s lap.


    -Let''s go, my dear lady, the food is waiting, - Billy said, gallantly raising his arm for Alice.


    The table was set, and the family had gathered around it. Her father was in a foul mood at the head of the table. Melissa, Alice''s sister, couldn''t help but stifle a laugh, covering her mouth with her left hand, as her right was occupied with sipping some wine.


    The mother observed them curiously. In her eyes, she hid a storm that would become more apparent later.


    -Good evening, miss. I haven''t had the pleasure of introducing myself. Billy Carson, at your service, - Billy said, offering a small smile to Alice''s mother, who replied with an even brighter smile than his at first.


    -I''ve heard so much about you that I feel like I know you as well as the students who attend Notre Dame High School. Our Alice hasn''t stopped talking about you to all her friends. She has regained that happiness I remembered so well, - said Alice''s mother, Grace Davis, formerly Wright.


    -I''m glad Alice is happier. May I sit, Mrs. Davis? - Billy asked.


    -My dear, please have a seat. You don''t need to stand on ceremony. I''ve saved a spot to my left. Alice will be sitting next to you at the table, - Mrs. Davis replied, indicating the seat he should take.


    -At first, I wanted to cook your favorite dish, but Alice told me about your Texan roots and how anything with meat might cheer you up. So, I decided to make a roast lamb with a spicy chili sauce. I hope you like it; this dish is especially for you, - Grace explained.


    The metal trays were uncovered in the center of the table, revealing mashed potatoes, roast lamb, tomato salad, eggplant salad, and potato wedges. Grace''s smile helped ease Billy''s tension a little, and Alice gave his hand a slight squeeze; she was there to support him.


    The meal continued in an uncomfortable silence, and Billy understood that it was much more challenging for Alice. Her two inattentive parents and an accusatory grandmother made it even harder, and her grandmother''s gaze was hawk-like.


    Alice ate very little, with a small piece of meat and salad on her plate. She cast a smile his way, but it was one she used when she was about to do something she found amusing.


    -Darling, you have a bit of sauce on your cheek, - Alice said, wiping his cheek with her napkin.


    Billy remembered the moment when she had wiped his cheek, and how she blushed and stammered as if it were the first time. In those moments, she had given him an endearing pout that he would never forget.


    -Thank you, Alice, - Billy replied, trying to remain neutral and keep smiling.


    -You two are so cute. My little girl hasn''t stopped talking, and I''d like to clarify a few things. You see, Alice''s last boyfriend was that boy, Austin, who only gave us headaches. We still believe that he''s the reason our daughter relaxed her academic values, - Grace said.


    -Mama! - Alice protested.


    -I would be pleased to clarify, Mrs. Davis, - Billy said.


    -Well, I have many points to address, but let''s start with last Thursday night when you stayed over at our house, even in Alice''s room. As you know now, I disapprove of such behavior based on my values and traditions. My little girl is not just any woman, and your conduct has caused disappointment for both me and my husband, - Grace stated, rather firmly. Billy nearly choked on the piece of lamb he was still chewing, and Alice''s sister enjoyed the spectacle in silence.


    Alice was now as embarrassed as she could be, not knowing what to say and feeling shocked. Her mother had never been so firm with other people, and she felt her mother was being somewhat unfair.


    Grace''s question left Billy somewhat speechless. He thought her questions would be different, not so blunt.


    -Well, ma''am, although I consider it inappropriate to discuss these matters at the table, I regret my actions. On that day, I had some wine, and I was terrible with alcohol. It''s not my preference to drink it, and I don''t justify my actions. But when I realized it, I had fallen into a deep sleep, - Billy said.


    -A young man who doesn''t drink alcohol but conveniently happened to buy all the alcohol for the party, - Grace said.


    -Well, you see, it''s different. I was coming from work, and a colleague explained that parties should have a healthy amount of alcohol. I thought everyone would be partaking in the graduation celebration, but apparently, there was a divide, and fewer than half attended, much less than half. So, there was more alcohol than we could handle, primarily, - Billy explained.


    -A young man with very charming words, -- she sarcastically intoned. -- You''re on probation, and our little one must be safe from creeps. So, I hope for everyone''s sake that you don''t cause any harm, -- Grace stated firmly, her tone turning more venomous. Robert merely nodded in agreement. He couldn''t have put it better himself.


    -Well, ma''am, with all due respect that you deserve, it''s something you should discuss with Alice and not with me. Besides, this isn''t a job or a job interview, so please save your threats for the sake of everyone, - Billy responded, somewhat colder than usual.


    -What are you talking about, young man? -- Robert Davis shouted. -- This is my table, my rules. -


    -Well, sir, it seems I''m not welcome in this house. Thank you for the invitation. I should go, but everything was much appreciated, - Billy said, rising from his seat, much to the disbelief of Alice and Melissa.


    -Wait, Billy, - Alice said, following him.


    Billy turned to look at Alice, tears streaming down her face. -- Alice, don''t worry. Just talk to your parents. We can continue seeing each other once all of this is over, -- Billy said.


    Without any intention of returning to Alice''s house.


    ...


    this is another new chapter, we are closer to the end of the first arc, and the second arc begins. my Patreon is at chapter 155, so far, good day.

 120. Warner appears

    July 8, 1991.


    After many considerations, Warner realized that Lux Comics'' bold moves were aimed at gaining an upper hand on their new Cartoon Network channel. So, they began to craft a well-thought-out plan, but at the last minute, Disney withdrew from the negotiations, a move that took Warner''s management by surprise. This left only the possibility of a temporary ceasefire for now. Disney''s board of directors operates differently from Warner''s and is composed of prominent entrepreneurs.


    Lux Comics issued a statement citing California law, which stipulates that in case of payment delays exceeding six months, Warner would be required to calculate monthly accrued interest at a rate of 6% per annum for each month of delay. This move incited anger within Warner''s management due to the audacity of the small company.


    The contract mentioned annual payments, but Lux Comics requested a reevaluation of the interest.


    -Are you certain, Terry? - asked Bill Lancroux, Warner Brother''s attorney.


    -We have to do it. The lawsuit will delay payments, and they will have to incur expenses. But we can handle it over the next five years when they least expect it. For now, I''ll call a partner of mine who will have to take action that might cause some friction, - Terry Semel replied.


    -What are you trying to do? I''ve read the contract you drafted, and the young man left some clauses open to interpretation. If you want to go to court, it''s possible, but the father is an attorney with a major law firm, and he also has his law firm that is part of the company, - Lancroux said.


    -Would you recommend suing? - Terry Semel asked.


    -I wouldn''t recommend it. Of course, if we were to sue, it would have to be in San Jose, where the contract was signed, and we''d make a lot of mistakes. It would be like playing on their home turf, especially with the father being an attorney with a significant law firm and having his firm connected to the company, - Lancroux explained.


    -Adjust the numbers, but make it clear that they can''t simply walk all over us so easily, - Terry Semel said.


    -We''ve already thought of all that and more. But our next step is to build better relationships with the National Television Commission and impose certain conditions on the next channel that they might find unfair. In addition to the lawsuit against the buyback clause, we have some details that will bother them, -- Lancroux replied. -- Terry Semel smiled, settled into his chair, and dialed Mike Richardson''s number to expedite the unilateral termination of the distribution contract with the comics company.


    -Mike, this is Terry Semel. The situation with Lux Comics is becoming unbearable. I believe it''s time for you to unilaterally terminate the contract, - Terry Semel said.


    -Look, I don''t care about damages and penalties. Just give them money. Warner will offer $3 million to halt Lux Comics'' operations and leave them stranded. You can invest the rest. We have a deal, and you need to fulfill it, - Terry Semel continued.


    -Yes, - Mike replied.


    -Let''s hope for news soon, and good luck. The money will be deposited into Lux Comics'' account through a bank transfer once the parties reach an agreement, - Terry Semel concluded.


    While it may seem like an ill-conceived move, they had been buying various distribution companies before Lux Comics could distribute its comics. So if they could disrupt operations for at least two months, it would be enough to carry out the blocking actions that Warner was seeking.


    **********


    Betty Cohen sent Paula Sullen to negotiate with Lux Comics regarding the Slam Dunk series and to initiate discussions about other series from Lux Comics. Little did she know that her actions were being closely watched by Billy Carson, who had received early information from Mike Richardson.


    This time, Lux Comics had undergone a total transformation, a complete makeover. I could see many unfamiliar faces working at the company; the growth they had achieved in just a couple of years was astounding.


    -Paula, Billy couldn''t make it. He has an urgent deal to close, and I will lead the meeting. Billy was very clear about the concessions this time, - Anne said.


    -A pleasure to meet you, Anne, - Paula Sullen replied as she entered the glass-walled meeting room.


    There was only one other man in the room, Mr. Cloud, responsible for analyzing and managing the company and multiple companies in the market, serving as an advisor on potential economic risks.


    -Warner is sending a $7.5 million check to me for the profits generated in 1990, - Paula Sullen stated.


    Anne furrowed her brow but didn''t mention anything further. Billy had already made it clear that they would fall into their trap. She didn''t know what trap that was, but for Billy, it would be the last move Warner would make.


    -Paula, I understand that you want to publish the Slam Dunk series for the next year, - Anne inquired.


    -Exactly, we aim to release it next year. However, we''d like to make an offer for the Dexter show, - Paula Sullen said.


    -Unfortunately, Billy has no interest in participating in that deal. Animatics was the last show Lux Comics would share with you, - Anne replied.


    Paula Sullen sensed that something was amiss, but the confusion was evident. She didn''t have much knowledge of the events that had transpired between the board and Lux Comics, but there was an uncomfortable atmosphere around her boss, Betty Cohen.


    -I think we could discuss it in a better way. The company is very interested in the series created by Billy Carson, and if we could reach an agreement, we could all benefit from these negotiations, - Paula Sullen proposed.


    -Paula, I''m sorry, but for now, we''ll decide that the series you currently have is sufficient. In my view, there''s no need to expand. However, Billy extends his gratitude. You''re always welcome at Lux Comics, -- Anne said, handing her a business card.


    -Thank you, and goodbye, - Paula Sullen said, feeling disheartened that the negotiations had gone so quickly, and this time it wasn''t beneficial for the new television channel.


    She left the Lux Comics factory and got into her car, driving to a small store. There, she found the payphone she had been so desperately seeking for this much-needed call. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Good afternoon, Paula Sullen. Can you connect me to Betty? - Paula said into the phone.


    -One moment, - a voice on the other end replied. Paula had to add more coins due to the delay in connecting to Betty.


    -So, what''s the situation at Lux Comics? - Betty asked when she answered.


    -Well, they flatly rejected us, - Paula Sullen reported.


    -It was to be expected. We won''t be returning unless there''s a willingness to negotiate. Recently, Warner decided to withdraw from negotiations with Lux Comics and focus on their own company. Initially, I proposed an alliance with Lux Comics due to their innovative designs and the basketball culture, - Betty Cohen explained.


    -I''ll head to the airport, but those are all the updates, - Paula Sullen said.


    -Good job, - Betty replied before hanging up the phone.


    ...

 121. your grandparents’ house

    July 10.


    -Welcome back, dear Billy. It''s been a while since you visited your family''s home, - Francis Patt said, greeting his friend, wife, and grandson.


    -Francis, it''s great to see you, - Billy said, embracing Francis, who was like a second grandfather to him.


    -You''ve grown so much, young man. He will also comes for his vacation and will be staying at the house. You two can go horseback riding; your uncle Jeffrey Carson has bought a new gentle mare for you to ride. She''s a sweet-natured animal, and I''m sure you''ll enjoy riding her, - Francis mentioned.


    -Francis, help me with the suitcase, - Richard shouted from the back of Francis''s car.


    Francis hurried to assist Richard with the large suitcase that Billy had brought. Billy''s father had sent some gifts, along with some items his grandmother had purchased during her shopping trips.


    Billy rushed to help his grandmother, who smiled at him. Their relationship had improved since she saw how hard Billy worked and how impressive his achievements were in recent years. Helen recognized Billy as a hardworking young man who was willing to make sacrifices for his goals, and her affection for him had grown.


    -Thank you, dear. Come, let''s head to the car. Your grandmother is tired and doesn''t have the same energy as before, - Helen Carson, 69 years old with her white hair cut short, gave her a no-nonsense demeanor. She was the family matriarch, the cornerstone. She insisted on the education of all her grandchildren, encouraged her husband to help their children with their jobs and businesses, and demanded that her children improve their lives for the sake of their grandchildren. Helen Carson was tough, but she was the life of Richard Carson''s family.


    -Helen, we''ll grab a meal at the station first, - Richard said.


    -Do as you please, but make sure you don''t have anything to drink. You''re strictly forbidden from having a drink, - Helen asserted.


    Richard only nodded without responding. He might have a few drinks after he dropped Helen off at home and took Billy to visit Jeffrey.


    -Relax, dear. We''ll have a bite and leave. I need to visit Jeffrey, and it''s been a while since Billy met his uncle, - Richard explained.


    elen simply gazed out at the landscape.


    The beautiful city of Austin, Texas had arrived. The next two weeks were dedicated to learning how to drive, heading to Dallas, and delivering the new console game, Doom, the 1993 version, complete with groundbreaking graphics and details. It aimed to further revolutionize the gaming industry, building upon the success of the previous game, which, according to the details shared in the latest radio interview, was considered one of the most revolutionary games of its time, worthy of the Game of the Year title.


    ID Software''s future outlook was straightforward: push 3D technology to its limits to be considered the pinnacle of gaming. Improve gameplay by adding various difficulty levels, such as easy, medium, hard, and insane. Introduce online play, cooperative campaigns, and various game modes. Continuously enhance the graphics and refine gameplay. The most popular games allowed multiplayer gameplay, with a few exceptions, as gaming was always more enjoyable with others.


    This approach had attracted indirect collaboration requests, even from Capcom, and Nintendo had begun to explore 3D game development. The gaming world was abuzz. In comparison to the previous Wolfenstein, the new game didn''t have Pixar-level design, nor the same resources or advertising budget.


    Sales figures hadn''t been tallied yet, but critics consistently awarded it 4 to 5 stars. Profits were on the verge of recovery, and the earnings were already being reinvested to purchase a medium-sized building in the same area, expand the teams with three more people, establish a solid distribution network, and take the company to new heights.


    -Billy, my boy, order the special, - Francis said, snapping Billy out of his thoughts about future series.


    -Sure. -


    -Tomorrow, we''ll take you to drive on the back roads. Once you learn how to handle those, you''ll be ready to navigate the surrounding areas, - Richard added.


    -Thanks, Grandpa, - Billy replied. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Don''t even mention it, boy. You''ll learn to drive in three days, or you can stop calling me Richard Carson, - said his grandfather.


    -That would be amazing, even though my dad has given me some basic lessons, - Billy replied. Richard Carson continued to look at him for a moment but then let it go. His son was very quiet and rarely spoke unless it was necessary.


    Meanwhile, the second game of Doom from 1993 would feature never-before-seen novelties, such as the introduction of three-dimensionality. This included pressing structures to make them rise and cooling lava pools, as well as playing with models that exceeded the previous game. While the original was groundbreaking, by Billy''s standards, there was still much room for improvement. After reviewing the Wolfenstein game with the help of Raimon, he identified numerous areas he wanted to enhance as he developed the games, aiming to establish a strong foundation for future projects.


    Moreover, with the acquisition of Autodesk, he knew that the coming months would be fascinating for technical development in both companies. Autodesk had already been working on beta versions of their 3D and 2D software, such as AutoCAD, while Disney''s RenderMan allowed for fantastic possibilities.


    Billy arrived at his grandparents'' house and reminisced about joyful moments from his childhood trips to Texas. He remembered skateboarding, playing basketball with other kids, and drawing on the front porch while his grandfather read the newspaper or took a nap.


    -I''ll call Jeffrey to come over. Go with Billy and get some dinner. I''ll be preparing supper, so hurry up, and later you can teach him to drive when we have time, - Helen said from the kitchen.


    -Come on, son, let''s go get dinner, - Richard said from the porch.


    -Everything, we need everything. Buy vegetables, meat, potatoes, eggs, milk, oats, cookies, and butter. Do some good grocery shopping, and I''ll expect you in an hour and a half to serve dinner at 6:00. Jeffrey''s kids will be coming home hungry after working all day, - Helen instructed.


    -Of course, Helen, - said Richard.  -Let''s go, son. We''ll do Grandma''s shopping. -


    -Your grandma is delighted to have you here. It''s been a long time since she prepared a meal, let alone a feast. It''s good to have you with us, son. The house is empty without anyone to share it with. I hope you''ll visit us more regularly. It means a lot to Helen, - Richard added.


    Billy''s heart ached, and he silently made a promise. He took out his sketchbook and began to draw. He wanted to create something like the "Serial Experimental Lain," a blend of crime, terror, and mystery that would bring vitality and depth to an outstanding series.


    -Go down the aisle and get eggs, milk, butter, raisin bread, tortillas, and cereal. Take as much as you think we need. I''ll take care of the meat and vegetables, - Richard said as he separated from Billy.


    Billy walked through the supermarket''s aisles, purchased all the items his grandfather had requested, and added a bit of chocolate. It was always good to work with a little chocolate, peanut butter, and jam.


    -Billy, let me introduce you to Gilbert Morris. He''s one of Austin''s best players, a councilman, and a good friend of mine. Just don''t let him near the grill; he''ll burn everything with pleasure. He burned the meat, the plantains, the chicken, the sausages, and drank all the beer, - Richard explained.


    Gilbert chuckled. - Hahahaha. You''re an old grudge-holder. That happened 50 years ago when I was 15. Patrick is a cantankerous guy. You guys were having fun with the girls while I was left manning the grill and cooking the meat, - he said, with tears in his eyes as he reminisced about those old times.


    Setting aside those past issues, Richard continued, - This is my grandson, Billy. He just started college, majoring in business. -


    -It''s a pleasure. Time flies so fast. We now have grandsons who are grown men making their way in life, - Gilbert said. He embraced Richard, who, unlike his scrawny friend, had a stockier build with a thick double chin that almost merged with his neck. He had gray hair neatly combed to one side, and his striking deep blue eyes were naturally appealing, making people engage with a sense of joy. �C


    -Hahahahaha, we need to gather everyone. Gregory retired last year, and now he spends his days playing bingo and causing trouble at the veterans'' bar. It would be good to reunite the whole gang, - Gilbert suggested.


    -Consider it done, Gilbert. I have to go now, but I''m working part-time at the gas station, helping out a son of Francis, - said Richard.


    -Well, I''m sorry to keep you busy in the next few days, - Gilbert replied.


    -Oh, Gilbert, my boy, for the next few days, I''ll be with my grandson and at the farm. But we''re planning a small get-together for Harry''s birthday. Sorting things out for those days will be beneficial for everyone, - Richard explained.


    -We''ll make it happen, - Gilbert confirmed.


    -Good day, Councilman, - Richard bid farewell, watching Gilbert depart.


    -That man can help you when you have a company established here in Austin and comeSan Antonio. He has some powerful connections. Last time, a wealthy guy opened a processing plant with some friends. As Gilbert tells it, they expedited the paperwork, arranged everything, and even managed to exclude some of those new environmental organizations. Politicians can be intimidating, Billy, so be cautious. This is just one way, but sometimes it''s better to explore different avenues, - Richard advised.


    -Do you think I''ll need that? - Billy asked.


    -Who knows, but it''s always good to be prepared for all possibilities, - Richard replied.


    -For now, I won''t worry about these less important matters. I''m just counting on you to teach me how to drive. Remember, I have an important commitment with some important people in New York in two weeks, - Billy said.


    -Don''t worry, son. We''ll be ready in two weeks, - Richard reassured.


    ...


    End of the first arc.


    This concludes the first arc. I will now focus on two interludes and three interludes for my patrons.


    The time jump is two years ahead.

 121. 1 first interlude.

    Dark roads of motorcyclists.


    Dark, riders.


    The great city of New York, is among the world''s most iconic places, with its sprawling Central Park, and sky-piercing skyscrapers that inspire countless works of art, movies, events, and even cultural conferences. This city is, in many ways, one of the most popular in the world, for all that New York represents.


    Joe Kubert''s current headquarters is in a pizzeria near the city''s bustling center. Both of them are enjoying pizza and discussing enthusiastically since morning.


    The summary of the meeting concluded with the broad strokes of the story.


    -It''s a fantastic idea. The first part is about a group of bikers traveling from city to city. It starts by portraying the apparent lifestyle of these nomadic bikers. Everything kicks off when the police hear that a gang of bikers robbed a bank. The police, suspecting the nomadic bikers as the culprits, attempt to capture them. The battle escalates, getting out of control. The situation spirals into an all-out battle, instigated by the police. Things take a turn for the worse when the police start using firearms and end up killing some people, eventually capturing the bikers. -


    >>In one day, they find out that they arrested the wrong gang. The police try to cover it up, but the bar owner is friends with the bikers, and the situation becomes too big to conceal. The police officers are sentenced and have their licenses revoked for abusive use of force, which is condemned, - Billy explained.


    -Kid, we''ve laid out the groundwork for the first part of the series. Let''s have a quick dialogue while you work on drawing the main characters and the initial scenes with the dark bikers, - Joe Kubert said, anticipating the developments taking shape.


    -Of course, I''ll help fine-tune the characters to get started with the drawings, -- Billy said, eagerly. -- Where will we publish the story? - he asked.


    -Kid, I believe your label is the best option. It''s where we''ll get the most out of what we''re creating. Any other company will take a significant share, which is better invested in your own business, son, - Joe Kubert replied.


    -Well, Joe Kubert, I''ve finished drawing the main blueprints. We just need to fit the dialogues into perfect synchrony, -Billy said, more excited than ever. It could be considered the first entirely original entry created by Billy and Joe Kubert autonomously. Every stroke and every brushstroke is a creation, and although influenced by the numerous series from which he has gained knowledge, they have now influenced his way of drawing and thinking.


    Another improvement is that it has allowed him to develop his memory and analytical ability at an impressive pace due to all the drawings he has in his memory, from the multiple perspectives he gains from reading each series.


    -Come on, let''s go to my office at Stan Lee''s. That old man is an amazing scriptwriter, and with a few tweaks, we can get to work in the best possible way, - Joe Kubert said.


    Stan Lee was in the Marvel Comics building. With his formal work, he''s one of the best figures in the world of comics and is considered a living legend among the people at Marvel Comics due to his significant impact on multiple works. He has a particular gift for creating stories. While his drawing skills aren''t top-tier, he can create from scratch. He''s a true artist. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Marvel, DC, and Lux Comics are the top three money-making comic companies in the United States in that order. Lux Comics barely makes it into that top three, very close to the others. These companies have noticed the numerous sales increases in comics after the sales boost, leading them to invest in growth. Marvel has chosen to oversupply more, invest, incur debt, and project sales. Ronald Perelman has used the growth in sales and statistical predictions to max out Marvel''s debt, investing multiple millions in the growth of new companies.


    They entered the Marvel Comics building, where Joe Kubert was well-known due to his seniority and numerous collaborations with the people. It''s like Joe just entered his own office.


    -Young Billy Carson, how impressive it is to see you again, my boy, - Stan Lee said.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet you again, sir, - Billy said.


    -They are working on the story, so they come to see this old man help them with the script. Hahahahaha, Joe always needs me when he''s creating something big. Let''s see what you''ve got so far, - Stan Lee said.


    -Oh, my old friend, you''ll be amazed by the story we''ve created in less than five hours. This series will become one of my favorite works. The anti-hero genre has always been to my liking, so the story will have that dark twist I''ve always enjoyed, - Joe Kubert said.


    Billy''s drawings were simply breathtaking for comic enthusiasts. The Dark Bikers story is about an anarchy that encompasses every corner of the plot. Some use excuses, others follow their general interests, and some hold absurd ideals. The story''s beginning will walk into darker dystopian endings.


    -It''s an amazing start, one of those that sends chills down your spine, - Stan Lee said.


    -That''s our lean idea. The goal is to unite the entire place in three demonstrations: the passage to the end of the world, the end of the world, and the new life, - Joe Kubert said.


    -Quite interesting. The story will dedicate itself to giving different forms of what would happen on Earth, something worth paying attention to. If you allow me, I think detailing the stories of at least five people can enhance things. It would allow for better reader connection, - Stan Lee said.


    -The stake myth, - Joe Kubert said.


    -I see you understand, - Stan Lee said.


    -What is the stake myth? - Billy asked.


    -You see, this myth is a notion we have that the most read characters are those who can create sympathy with the reader. By showing them as more imperfect, we need to understand what motivations people have, and all those motivations are archived under a series of considerations. For example, Spider-Man is the life of a high school kid, a kid with insecurities who becomes a hero out of responsibility. Meanwhile, we connect with the reader, showing some flaws, and all those flaws can generate annoyance in people. But when those flaws annoy people, that flaw can be the saving grace that ends up enchanting everyone. It''s like a stake that gets driven into people''s hearts because it''s driven into people''s hearts like a stake, - Kubert explained.


    -I see. It''s quite astonishing, - Billy said.


    The Dark Bikers were born after extensive work between these three comic creators, a project that resonates well. Given the dystopian themes that writers would explore shortly, Dark Bikers would lead the way in the 1990s.


    Stan Lee corrected various details as his perspective, shaped by decades of experience as a writer, differed from that of others. His ability to weave stories, spot inconsistencies, raise questions, and introduce new plots and angles was remarkable. On the other hand, Joe Kubert had the gift of conveying emotions and crafting stories that touched the heart. He could organize a story to make it beautiful.


    -Do you have everything in mind, young man? - Stan Lee asked.


    Billy simply lifted the drawings he had been working on. After their discussions, with careful strokes, he brought his mental visions to life. The quality of his drawings was glorious, representing a technological advancement of about twenty years in skills. This left even industry geniuses like Joe and Stan Lee bewildered, as their skills were focused on telling magnificent stories above well-drawn pictures.


    ...

 121.2 second intermission.

    It makes a lot of money, the Wall Street.


    ID Software''s profits have reached a glorious six million dollars. Being the first to venture into 3D design is a remarkable achievement. The generous checks given to the initial four employees 50 thousand dollars each have garnered gratitude. While this might appear counterproductive, it''s necessary as the team grows and money is distributed among them. The contract continues to run, and after six deliveries, it''s unclear how the product developments will turn out.


    Money keeps flowing in and out, which has not stopped impacting the companies under Lux Comics. Lux Comics has not ceased to spend money on multiple investments. The list of investments includes 45,670 shares in Coca-Cola Company, 349,000 shares in WorldCom, 298,324 shares in the declining Apple, 133,450 shares in Walmart, 319,120 shares in Home Depot, 41,000 shares in McDonald''s, 34,930 shares in General Electric, 530,231 shares in Cisco Systems, 468,213 shares in Intel, and 490,000 shares in Oracle. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This long-term investment strategy accumulates benefits gradually. Over time, these benefits will transform into a force beyond belief, sufficient to manage various forms of investment.


    All these shares will be used as collateral for the bet that Billy and Raimon will place. The collateral is valued at 27.5 million dollars and will be used for short sales starting on December 15. They will bet on the downfall of the Soviet Union, targeting a portion of state-related enterprises within the Soviet system. Additionally, they will invest in leveraged debt buyouts, which will be sold when the Soviet Union collapses, based on the unforeseen data both Billy and Raimon possess.


    The wait has been excruciating, causing Raimon to feel a heavy heart every time he hears about shares or similar matters. It''s a chest pain he can hardly endure. Billy made him promise to keep this secret, despite several incidents where Raimon sweated profusely at work. These details cannot escape Anne''s scrutinizing eyes as they constantly turn toward Raimon''s affairs. They heave a sigh in a way that only someone who''s bearing an additional workload can understand. With each new assignment, Anne thinks about the extended vacation that is drawing nearer. But Billy promised that once the Soviet Union fell, they could enjoy a paid vacation.


    Raimon''s desperation is terrible, and he wonders if he''ll work his whole life without ever taking vacations, even on December 24th and 25th. He received a small bonus and used it to buy a lot of food, but he missed his mother deeply. Billy invited him to have hamburgers and gave him a special comic autographed by Joe Kubert. It was a good Christmas. Raimon''s mother missed him, but his father told her that he should keep up the good work, and if he had a job, it was better not to visit.


    Raimon''s thoughts were a mess. Then came the fateful call from the investment fund. They took 3% as a transaction fee and mentioned that it was a wild bet, but the greenback moves mountains in acceptance, especially with the potential for significant profits.


    The investment fund used the money for various financial moves, and all of them converged on a common outcome: placing a bet with the $50 million that Billy Carson provided, with $27.5 million as collateral and $22.5 million as debt. This would result in substantial gains.


    On December 26th, the USSR fell, and "Investment Copys," one of the few certified groups that accepted Billy''s bet, went wild with anticipation over the consequences of what had just happened.


    James Cabelat discovered the collapse at 2:00 PM on December 26th. The company went crazy that very day but in an unhealthy way. It began with the paranoia that James Cabelat started to feel after the USSR''s downfall, like a lighthouse that illuminated the sky.


    He adjusted his short sales and began executing every sale in the best possible way. The gains on each sale were two, three, four, five times the percentage he had bet. The leverage Billy had provided resulted in such remarkable profits that he felt like crying at the ridiculous scenario he was witnessing. Even his partner, Liria, was sweating profusely while watching the transactions. James Cabelat''s hands even trembled.


    The anger began to spread. At one point, the tension in the trading room was palpable. More employees joined the company. The screens flickered with constantly changing numbers as they closely monitored the transactions. James''s risky bet had paid off, but the market''s volatility made for an unsteady companion for these workers.


    Meanwhile, Liria was trying to maintain her composure, but her heart was pounding hard. As an investment analyst, she had seen many strategies, but this operation was bold and perilous.


    The market appeared to fluctuate relentlessly with every specific operation as if caught amid a storm. Economic and political news spread rapidly; the USSR had completely fallen. Wall Street received many notifications ahead of the rest of the world.


    -I''ll call Mr. Raimon to notify him about this bombshell, - James said. Inside, he calculated his gains: three million eight hundred thousand dollars, plus another three million (3,800,000 dollars)... and then another three million (6,600,000 dollars) for a total of twelve million four hundred thousand dollars. The sum began to increase like a roaring storm.


    -The estimated value in this bet far exceeds all the previous investments, which had been doubled or tripled so far. This is beyond our wildest expectations, - Liria told James, in a catatonic state, as if spirits had manifested themselves.


    At that moment, Michael Svenes, the Director of Investments, entered the room, sipping his coffee. Upon seeing James and Liria, who had been in the investment field for four years, he inquired, -Is there something I should know? -


    -Sir, we''ve carried out the short sales we were recently instructed to make, and the profits we''ve received are staggering, - James explained.


    -What do you mean? How much is the profit? - Michael asked, curious.


    -486 million dollars, - James said, surprised by the provisional calculation of gains.


    -Wow! I think we need to speak with the client to see if we can reinvest some of that money in stocks. If we work diligently, we can double our income, - Michael Svenes exclaimed happily. This was what he had hoped for when he opened an investment fund��to become wealthy, earn a lot of money, and be able to swim in a pool of cash.


    -I''m making the call, - James Cabelat said.


    Meanwhile, Raimon was playing video games leisurely in his office. He was completely unaware of what was transpiring in the world of investments. Eventually, he picked up the phone after it had been ringing insistently for five minutes. Frustrated, he answered with a hint of annoyance. However, when James Cabelat informed him of the news, Mr. Cloud was left dumbfounded, gaping in astonishment. He slipped into a whirlwind of emotions, eventually cursing loudly, much like his father did when he was fighting against the taxi drivers'' guild he had been involved with throughout his life.


    The news was whispered like a siren''s song, a remarkable chant that left those in the room astounded. Anne was with Thomas Carson, and with Thomas Carson came the incredulity triggered by Mr. Cloud''s words. Shortly after, as Billy continued to draw in his office, they heard James Cabelat''s story and discussed the next steps.


    -What are you talking about? - Thomas asked, jolting himself from the stupor that had entrapped his being.


    -Apparently, an investment made by young Billy has paid off. The sum seems outlandish, but I believe it''s best to discuss it with the boss, - Mr. Cloud said for the tenth time in fifteen minutes, pausing to pour himself a glass of water as his throat had dried up from incredulity.


    Anne knocked on Billy''s door, who was immersed in his drawing. It had been a month since the release of the book "A Game of Thrones," part of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. So, he decided to extend the story with another novel. He had been in touch with Tor Books to provide illustrations for the deluxe edition of the book.


    -Billy, we need to talk, -- Thomas said, a little impressed by what he was about to ask of his son.


    -Is something wrong? - Billy asked, still drawing.


    -We received a call not long ago about a successful investment of 482 million dollars in your name. Can you confirm if that''s true? - Thomas said.


    -Oh, of course, it''s mine. We conducted some short sales of Russian companies, - Billy replied calmly.


    Thomas Carson sat down in front, somewhat incredulous. 480 million dollars in profit �C what did he bet on? How much money did he put on the line, or what operation did he carry out for the gain to be so enormous?


    -What do you plan to do with all that money? - Thomas Carson asked.


    -Well, I think the first thing is to build a building on the land we have across the street. Next, we should expand our businesses, especially our comic distribution company. And if possible, we should create a film distribution company, - Billy said.


    -You''ve got it all planned out, - Thomas said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by his son''s pace.


    Anne was part of the conversation, contemplating how far the company could grow. She knew that it all began in a garage, then moved to a smaller factory, and now they were operating in a much larger factory, which wasn''t initially decorated or managed as it was now.


    -Anne, make arrangements with Raimon. I want you to hire a good accountant and an assistant accountant by tomorrow morning. Also, find another employee to work with Mr. Cloud. I want to buy a distribution company if possible or create one if necessary. The better equipped our analysis and management department, the better for me. I need another assistant under your command and a supervisor to oversee all the companies we currently have, -- Billy said, thinking about what needed to be done.  -- Let''s pay off any debts we have and invest a bit in Pixar, Autodesk, and ID Software, respectively. -


    From the couch, Thomas watched his son confidently give orders to everyone, making him feel old and worn out from the sidelines.


    ...


    this is called short selling, and it makes a lot of money, try to minimize the blow, but an example of short selling is in 2008 when people with less than a million dollars made fortunes of 90 million or more. some bet more money and the profits were abysmal.


    have a nice day. I will put a picture of Alice in the comments to give you an idea of what she looks like.

 122. One day, special.

    Three years after Pixar started participating in 3D film creation, in June 1993, the animated movie Hercules was released, a 2D film completed in early 1993 but postponed for the holiday season. The result? A box office hit! Profits recovered after national and international releases conducted with the distribution companies "Lux Distribution" and Sony Corporation as distribution partners; they handled all the operations. It was never so fruitful. The box office earnings covered all personnel hiring expenses.


    Now, what Disney executives had long tried to avoid, many negotiations to break up the Pixar company, but the waters calmed after the release of the Hercules movie. They overlooked something else, 2D computer animation �C a painful blow. The new techniques developed between Pixar and Autodesk led to many mistakes that the board of directors still has to address. The licenses provided by Autodesk for 2D and 3D formats, versions before those used by Lux Comics, cost a substantial amount depending on the organization. CalArts, as an educational institution, receives a 50% discount as a favor due to the numerous animators who have been recruited by Light Animation. 42 animators in the last two years, a group of 70 animators, all animation specialists, have been contributing to the creation of numerous series that Billy and some animators have spearheaded.


    As a result, a considerable amount of money was spent on the premiere of Toy Story, advertising, the necessary toys to fill all the shelves in the United States, clothing, and merchandise. It is and will continue to be a significant investment that Lux Animation is taking advantage of for its benefit.


    What is a Toy Story for People? Undoubtedly, it is the first of many films that Pixar will showcase in the future, a foundation that will grow over the years, and those involved will be amazed at how technology has become an essential part of many industries for their sustainability, advancement, and development.


    That''s why this moment in the history of animation is so crucial. On December 2, 1993, a large-scale premiere took place. Thai companies were hired to create toys of all shapes, printing companies, and even an association with the Nike brand for various clothing brands and decoration items such as watches, wardrobes, blankets, and mattresses... after four years, the workforce knows how to squeeze every possible dollar.


    Actions taken by Billy, driven by his unwavering confidence in the Pixar film, which is in stark contrast to Pixar. The investment consumed all the profits from Hercules, a movie that made them earn $85 million.


    Ed Camult, walking with Billy Carson, away from the cameras, prefers to step out of the spotlight and savor the premiere as a third party present. Enjoying this moment.


    -Ed, I''m happy too, - Billy said.


    -It''s an achievement, an achievement we''ve always dreamed of alongside John Lasseter. Now, watching the movie has given me a sense of consideration that the company can go beyond, way beyond. I''m so happy, and we haven''t even taken our joint trip to Hawaii yet, - Ed Camult said excitedly.


    After the major short sale, Billy purchased a four-star hotel in Hawaii for $20 million. He also established a T-box Burgers branch next to the hotel, and acquired a small gas station, a souvenir shop, and Toys and Comics. These were all set up for the company''s joint holidays, fully paid for, and although the value exceeded five million dollars, it was a well-deserved break for Pixar employees and their families.


    People can be seen arriving, including the star hire, Tom Hanks, who attended the movie despite Michael Orvizt''s allegations against Jim Waitt and Pixar. John Lasseter managed to secure Tom Hanks'' participation, as well as Tim Allen and, of course, Billiom Darwin as Rex the dinosaur.


    Tom Hanks''s overwhelming presence on the red carpet is astounding. Although he has just released "Philadelphia," he has promptly fulfilled the condition of three interviews and a visit, as part of a small tour of the main cities in the United States. His $5 million salary has been worth every penny due to the buzz generated by Tom Hanks for the film.


    Of course, Billy''s participation in the dubbing of Toy Story marks his second dubbing role, with the first being Hercules, in which he played Hercules. The experience has to be seen from different angles, including the nickname "Billiom Darwin," which starts to appear in the credits at the end of the movie.


    -Billy Carson, great to see you here. There are so many people here that I honestly don''t know very well, - said Jason Statan, along with Peter Docter, two of the only four screenwriters currently at Pixar.


    -Jason, and Peter, I''m happy to see you here, and yes, you''ve read the media reports. We are considered the cradle of innovation and one of the most revolutionary movies of the century. Warner, Paramount, Fox, MGM, Sony (Columbia), Disney, and Universal have all come together to watch the movie. You see, we have some members of the press. And, well, there are the critics. Luckily, the critics who reviewed the film in advance have given good reviews. Rachel has received multiple emails about our animation system, - Billy said.


    -Look at John Lasseter, showing off with the big shots, - Jason said.


    He embraced Peter Docter tightly, and both laughed about the mature phase of John Lasseter, with multiple political connections here and there.


    -He''s been doing a lot of important things, Jason. It''s good to have someone who can talk to the producers and investors. I don''t think it''s your style to sit and talk for long hours about how boring the movie you''ve been working on for over two years is, - Billy remarked.


    -Well, Peter could do it. He learned to sleep with his eyes open, - Jason quipped.


    -Hahaha. Well, those were fifteen-hour workdays, and in each workday, my brain only functioned at 100% on Mondays. Fortunately, after the first year, I learned to operate at 50% of my capacity, - Peter said, quite content.


    Billy felt remorse.


    "Guys, remember Pixar''s vacation trip, all expenses covered. You can bring your immediate family or your chosen partner. I hope everyone can attend," Billy said. The only condition is to bring them; he intends to make it a tradition after each movie, a week-long vacation. Among the companies he owns, Pixar is one of the most labor-intensive companies, with an astounding number of hours worked, tripling and doubling workdays. Only a few people work as much as it seems.


    Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raimon''s arrival was sensational. He dressed up as Buzz Lightyear for the premiere, fulfilling a lost bet with Billy regarding his ability to create a game that could surpass Capcom''s Samurai Jack game. However, Doom achieved that in 1992, later surpassed by "Pok��mon," which became captivating works for gamers.


    -That''s what we''ll do. With the guys, we''ll go out for drinks for a week. We''ll bring the most beautiful women in the area, and the one who can invite the most beautiful one wins $2,000, - Peter said happily, laughing about all the things that have happened in the last two months since the premiere.


    -Not very advisable, - Billy thought. But he couldn''t do anything to force us to act more responsibly.


    Cameras were flying everywhere, and people were chatting and commenting. At 3:00 pm, it all began a change that would endure. Many companies wouldn''t catch up until well into the 2000s, a time chosen specifically for younger audiences.


    ....

 123. Toy Storie.

    Raimon''s amazing costume undoubtedly brought joy to some children who were present on the set. Raimon''s chubby appearance and his cheerful attitude after getting over his nerves delighted the kids, thanks to the space suit featured on the movie poster.


    Although it was a bet, Billy had to buy him a two-liter soda and a jar of gummies to encourage him during the production of the film. To the surprise of many, Thomas Carson, the project leader for the cameras, didn''t attend, and Billiam Darwin''s entrance went unnoticed. This was another curious aspect for those in the know regarding this Machiavellian scheme planned by Billy, where he does his best to hide his boss-like appearance.


    The movie began, and the three-dimensional scene captivated the audience. The digitally animated children ran and danced about, while the toys remained completely still, the surface details like the wood reflection, the construction of the settings, and the formation of the house were simply glorious.


    Pixar was four years ahead of its time, thanks to the cooperation of three software companies, progress had tripled, and both Ed Camult and Alvy Ray could only express their gratitude to young Billy.


    -What a great job, - Anne whispered to her right.


    -They''re magnificent. Do you think the next movie will be even better from an aesthetic perspective? - Billy asked.


    -Well, it cost a fortune to make, and I''m just complimenting the creators over a movie that looks fantastic, - Anne said, admiring the designs and details she hadn''t seen in any other film.


    -Money is not a problem; we''ll recover every single cent. After all, the country will think of Toy Story for the next few months. The campaign we ran is undoubtedly the largest one so far, - Billy said.


    -Beautiful words, but you''re right. We spent a lot on the advertising campaign. I''m sure there are still commercials on five or four television channels in some countries here and there, - Anne replied.


    -Well, the important thing is that the movie can reach the whole world, - Billy said.


    -It''s a shame your father didn''t come, - Anne remarked.


    Thomas Carson was very busy. Disney recently filed a lawsuit for unfair competition, and Warner sued the repurchase clause just before the movie was released. The silent war between Warner and Disney against Lux Comics continued to hang in the air. Getting a distribution deal with a major company, Sony, was a stroke of luck, a deal negotiated by the game company ID Software and its game engine. It was the result of deep mutual interests. Billy granted a license for $10 million per year for the 3D game engine created by ID Software for game projection.


    This engine could only be created in collaboration with Pixar, Autodesk, and ID Software.


    -I have a lot of issues to resolve in San Jose. I''m still a bit dissatisfied with Disney and Warner''s attitude towards us, but in a way, we need to let everything take its course, - Billy said.


    -Well, if it''s any consolation, Thomas seems to have a positive outlook on the lawsuits. He believes that the companies will back down after consuming our money, which they think we have, - Anne said. It''s healthy for the company to remain completely private, with few people knowing the full extent of the assets beyond what they need to report for taxation purposes.


    -That''s only a relief. If the repurchase clause doesn''t work, we''ll have to create our series from scratch and not rely on what Warner did with Hanna-Barbera, - Billy remarked.


    His father had previously mentioned the problem the repurchase clause could bring.


    -Well, the price of the licenses in the initial contract drafted by Thomas states that it''s for a smaller amount due to the repurchase clause. It''s being used as a precedent, and the idea has caught on. We stand out for the negotiations with Nike, even before we partnered with Cartoon Network Studios. That suggests Warner was just one of many choices, - Anne explained, waking up.


    The sound of the music surprised her, and the story of Toy Story began at its peak. It had been combined with numerous music discussions, which they funded, here and there, so these individuals could help with the soundtracks of all their artworks. The Lux Scholarship has been in numerous art and music schools, providing a scholarship for a year for all young people from low-income backgrounds who wanted to participate, with a 95% scholarship. The maximum average was five points above the failing grade, with a good disciplinary record.


    Different scenes, such as Buzz Lightyear flying through Andy''s room and the children excitedly running into the room, continued to captivate the audience. The previous delivery of a fully finished script had helped refine the dialogues and sequences, making it even more enjoyable for the audience.


    Billy looked back three rows up at Tom Hanks and John Lasseter laughing over the scene, with Michael Orvizt, Tom Hanks'' friend, and Roy Disney by their side. Despite their company''s misconduct towards Pixar, they were delighted to see the film because they valued cinema.


    -I think it will be a huge success, - Billy told Anne, recalling the image of Buzz Lightyear on the spaceship''s cover, just like in the movie. The request he had made to the Thai company for the toys was going to sell like hotcakes. Children wouldn''t be able to resist the novelty of the merchandise. The first order for 5 million toys had turned them into toy bosses in Thailand. Another delivery of 5 million toys was scheduled for six months later, to be delivered in five days, followed by another 5 million. Toy Story would become integrated into pop culture.


    -It''s a success. I can only admire you for creating this. The work and effort you put into every frame go far beyond what is humanly possible, - Anne said.


    The captivating scenes and Woody''s journey from a jealous toy to one with good intentions, who ends up believing in friendship, had a theatrical but touching impact on people, especially the children who were part of the movie.


    -I had forgotten how well you write and the gift you have for storytelling," Anne said, moved by the sweetness of the movie in all its scenes.


    -I didn''t do much. The real geniuses are them. I just pointed where they would point a little later, but they are the ones who deserve all the credit, - Billy said.


    -John doesn''t say the same, nor do Ed, Alvi, Jason, Peter, or Randall! They all claim that you''re an essential part of the process and that without you, the movie wouldn''t be as good, - Anne said passionately.


    -Thank you, Anne, but I''ll take the credit when I deserve it, - Billy replied.


    -Well, you deserve it, and let no one say otherwise, - Anne said. She returned her attention to the screen to watch the scene of Buzz and Woody flying in the sky, a beautiful and admirable sight. Randy Newman''s soundtrack began to play, his pleasant voice was infectious, and Anne couldn''t help but hum along a little, followed by a group of violins, pianists, and a choir that made the delivery wonderful.


    -Wow, what a sweet movie. I''ll take my younger siblings to see it, - Anne said. She was the head of a family of three, including her grandmother, her younger brother (7 years old), and her sister (9 years old).


    -They''ll love it. As an employee, you can have a free toy, - Billy suggested.


    -I''ll pay for it. Those are for the workers, guards, and low-ranking employees. They should enjoy it, - Anne replied.


    -Well, you can donate it to the children''s home, - Billy suggested.


    -That sounds fantastic, - Anne replied.


    The credits began to roll, but the lights were still off. Then, a quaint detail that often became popular years later started to appear: the small trailer for "The Lion King," the next film produced by Lux Animation.


    It captivated the audience present and the many more who were watching the premiere. Only a few well-versed in the business world could see the upcoming release and the blatant advertising by Lux Animation, once again garnering praise for Pixar.


    Some executives sighed, realizing they had never considered opening a children''s film division. However, Universal, Fox, and Paramount (Viacom) saw a profitable business with minimal operating effort and high box office profits. On the other hand, Disney executives were in finite disbelief.


    -Three movies in two years! -


    -What is that? - Anne asked.


    -The next Lux Animation film, ''The Lion King.'' We''re still animating it, and it will be ready for release in June of next year. It will compete with a different Disney story. Still, essentially similar, called ''The King of Stars,'' set in the Victorian era, - Billy explained, having learned about this through people who leaked news of a major Disney movie. S~ea??h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In contrast to "The Lion King," who knows what worthy stories may be hidden behind these new Disney creations? danced But in 1993, a year without the shelter of new animated films, Lux Animation addressed and dominated the situation. The score was 2-0 in favor of Lux Animation.


    -Fantastic idea, I mean, we have the advantage. With this little teaser, the momentum is as great as the success of the movie, - Anne said.


    -Exactly, now we just have to wait for the next few days. There''s a lot of speculation about the film. It has passed the filters of some critics, but it all comes down to what the audience decides, - Billy murmured, as he didn''t have the backing that Disney currently enjoyed.


    ...

 124. obvious threats.

    The New York Times.


    The end of Disney!


    by. James scaleto.


    It''s a systemic event to say that Mr. Potato Head is now the royalty of animated cinema, a star in the sweetest and most delightful movie of the year. The computer-animated film "Toy Story," an intelligible revolution that will mark a before and after in cinemas, will captivate parents with its intelligent storyline. I dare to say it''s the best film of the new Lux Animation production, which recently made its debut with another masterpiece, "Hercules." Meanwhile, children enjoy this innovative take on the inconceivable idea of toys coming to life, with an ingenious script and brilliant anthropomorphism. What no one can deny is the mind-blowing marketing blitz. After all, the connections with toys are something we''ve all enjoyed at some point in our lives.


    It''s a charming jest that the toy characters in the movie are delightfully simple (Etch-a-Sketch, plastic soldiers, a Slinky dog, a non-threatening dinosaur) while the technology behind the scenes, under the inspired direction of John Lasseter, couldn''t be more cutting-edge. What a joy it is to read this work brimming with originality! Another jest is that this film begins with human characters who have the flat and expressionless appearance of toys. We see a boy named Andy playing boisterously with Woody, his favorite cowboy, whose features remain innocently blank. Only after Andy becomes bored and goes elsewhere does Woody magically come to life. It''s something surprising and unimaginable after a fantastic twist of paper.


    With a wonderfully provided voice by Tom Hanks, who leads the stellar voice cast of this film, Woody is instantly endearing. His privileged place in Andy''s goodwill has made him the first among equals in the toy community, a civic leader who organizes events like the "Tuesday Night Plastic Corrosion Awareness Meeting." And all this has made him a cool conceited toy. Using a Tinkertoy can as his podium, Woody enjoys the benefits of his power, including the attraction he holds for a Little Bo Peep doll. "What do you say I get someone else to watch the sheep tonight?" he asks. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Woody gets a surprise with the opening of Andy''s birthday presents, in an extended sequence that is one of the movie''s greatest wonders. The toys organize a reconnaissance mission to the living room, led by soldiers who hide in the leaves of an indoor plant as if it were a jungle. With the help of a walkie-talkie, birthday gift data is transmitted to Woody, who isn''t concerned about Andy''s new lunchbox. However, Buzz Lightyear, the new boastful astronaut who takes Woody''s place on Andy''s bed, turns out to be another matter.


    With this cheerful introduction, "Toy Story" is set in motion, encompassing a remarkable range of moods and backdrops without venturing far from Andy''s room. A Pizza Planet restaurant with a memorably clever vending machine (franchise alert: this is the most ingenious themed restaurant since Jackrabbit Slim''s in "Pulp Fiction"), a gas station, the neighboring house, and a few streets of the neighborhood are enough to keep this film constantly varied. Moreover, "Toy Story" displays an excellent sense of utility as it develops adventures in tune with each toy''s talents. There''s an excellent chase sequence where Slinky stretches, the radio-controlled car drives, the muscle man flexes, and so on.


    Many children''s movies would let the rivalry between Buzz and Woody turn unpleasant, but "Toy Story" is better than that. It does an admirable job of exploring the tensions between these two, especially when both are captured by the diabolical boy next door, whose room is adorned with heavy metal decor. Even the mutant toys in this dark environment ultimately prove to be endearing. And spending time in their presence is enough to drive Buzz to a creatively staged breakdown. Dressed in an apron for a little girl''s tea party and directed as "Mrs. Nesbit," he hysterically babbles with a Kirk Douglas-like voice that suits his prominent cleft chin. A joke like this playfully engages with adults without forgetting to entertain children.


    We can only hope for the next film from this animation company that, at the end of the movie, once again demonstrated the ability to surprise us, with the upcoming film titled "The Lion King." It''s to my liking to say that we are fervently looking forward to seeing this next film. What will happen to Disney? Can it recover from the setback dealt by Lux Comics? Are we witnessing the birth of a great animation company?


    December 9, 1993.


    The Disney board was completely silent as they read the review in favor of Lux Animation by The New York Times. The film "Toy Story" was very good, particularly perfect. Even the anti-Pixar faction reacted to the impact of the movie. Jeffrey Katzenberg himself could only silently praise the film.


    -I think we can only focus on continuing with our own stories, - Fran Wells broke the silence.


    Michael Eisner remained silent, deeply affected by the blows that the comic company had delivered.


    -Let''s continue attacking! If we press hard enough, the company will crumble in less than a year, - Eisner insisted.


    -It''s not advisable, Lux Animation''s fall has been indestructible. We''ve been pressing them, and it''s only made them grow remarkably, - said Ray Watson.


    -Phil, - said Frank.


    -It''s true, gentlemen. The company has expanded all its operations, and its manager or administrator must be particularly talented. They''ve executed expansions with such precision that it''s hard to find weaknesses. I commend such vision, - Phil Lader said, displaying a large cardboard that showed the faces and compositions of Billy''s companies. - The information is private, but our team has detected this organization. Lux Animation is composed of three subsidiary companies that have grown by 200% annually.


    >>The company Lux Comics, led by Bill C. and the never-ending series of comics, among comic artists, is known as a super-genius. Everyone praises him excessively, but it''s because of his obvious talent. He''s generated an artistic revolution, and his designs are simply incredible and continue to improve with time, according to some critics. The second company is Lux Animation Production, which is divided into three sections: Pixar, Lux Nation, and Lux Series. They''ve been creating animated series for two years to launch their television network. It''s said they''ve created numerous animated series, at least six in two years. The third is Lux Distribution, a North American distribution company for their movies.


    >>They have assets in multiple different businesses, including a chain of burger joints, toys, comics, pizza, and a hotel. All of this leads to one conclusion: they have enough money to invest in other industries without neglecting their existing companies. Finally, one of their most profitable ventures is ID Software, a video game company that''s become a sensation in the video game world, with three highly successful releases, and Autodesk, which we suspect they have a stake in or at least a significant collaboration in 3D technology. All of this comes together as a private company that hasn''t gone public; it''s impossible to participate by buying shares. Furthermore, they''re backed by knowledge from three law firms, each with incredibly talented individuals, - Phil Lader explained.


    Billy Carson''s name was highlighted in red in the center.


    -What conclusions have you reached, Phil? - Frank inquired.


    -Well, Billy Carson is immensely talented. His talent is on par with the greats, and his series is genuinely groundbreaking. They surpass the standards of the time. I would say that competing with someone like him is like swimming against the current. I believe it''s better to ally with him and share the profits, - Phil Lader concluded.


    -Thank you for your insights, - Fran Wells said.


    While others continued to discuss, there was someone who understood it. Billy Carson was like someone they idolized, someone with the talent to change history and revolutionize the world. Would Billy Carson be the next Walt Disney, but this time in the 21st century that was drawing near?


    ...

 125. Future.

    December 10


    John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Joe Ranft, and Billy Carson sat in the caf�� near Pixar, sharing ideas in the pleasant, modern, and quiet space that provided them with a warm environment to talk without too much disturbance. They were sketching here and there, and when all the members arrived, the official meeting to produce animated films began.


    The caf��''s wide table and blue umbrella were simply beautiful.


    This meeting had taken place a few months ago for the creation of the next film, developed on paper by Andrew and John Lasseter. The idea of "Bugs: An Adventure," which had already been approved as the company''s second film, was undoubtedly a big production that had slowly started production for some teams. However, there were scattered ideas about numerous films that the animation studio, hungry for more, could still pursue, just as they had originally set out to do.


    -I''m starting this meeting without further ado, and I''d like to highlight the concept of monsters that hide behind the closet to scare children. They enter through the closet. Andrew and I have some interesting drafts, and I''d like you all to review them, - said John Lasseter.


    -It''s a great idea, but we need to work on it in-depth. Once we have the script ready, we can create a fantastic character introduction section to provide a mushroom-themed conclusion on how we develop the entire movie, - added Peter Docter.


    In contrast, the script for "Monsters, Inc." was still in rough drafts, and there were many improvements to be made. However, the concept on paper was astonishingly well articulated, leaving no doubt in anyone''s mind that it was a fantastic idea. During a conversation between Andrew and Billy while working on sketches one evening:


    -Well, I was thinking that the monsters need a reason to scare children, and that reason is energy��the energy that powers their society. Children''s screams provide the monster society with enough energy to survive in a resource-scarce world, - Billy said.


    -What a wonderful idea, - John Lasseter remarked. sea??h th�� NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We could even draw a comparison where the monsters themselves are afraid of the children. For this reason, not just anyone can be part of this profession. It''s a high-risk occupation, regulated by the state, kind of like an intelligence agency, - Billy said.


    -Bravo! - Peter Docter exclaimed.


    -Great! So, we could suggest that a child ends up in our protagonist''s world and they become friends, - Jon Ranft proposed.


    -Going beyond that, we can explain a conspiracy reason as to why the young child is there, -- Andrew Stanton said, receiving incredulous looks from around the table. -- Billy just said it''s a heavily regulated profession. These regulations must be followed strictly. If there''s a human child involved, it must be part of some secret plan, - Andrew explained.


    -Our movie should have a villain. A villain who exhibits unlawful behavior despite existing regulations but has necessary motives. I believe, with screams being what sustains these cities'' growth, it becomes insufficient to rely solely on work. They need another source of sustenance. The villain could be the owner of the scare company, someone who will do anything to save the company, - Billy suggested.


    -Yes! That''s amazing! - John Lasseter exclaimed, jotting down notes as some began sketching and drawing.


    Billy took advantage of the sketches he remembered from his previous life, and these sketches were likely part of the series he would acquire. All these series would be housed under the Pixar umbrella, like Cars, Monster Inc., The Incredibles, Wall-E, Up, Finding Nemo, and more. This wasn''t just about improving the products; it was also about creating sequels that could have been enhanced and painted in better ways.


    -Alright, does anyone have any other ideas? - Billy asked. After a few more minutes of discussion:


    -Well, I think we could create a deep-sea adventure. What do you all think about a journey across the ocean? It''s a long voyage, full of life, with the marvels of marine creatures living in the depths. From their beauty to the most spine-chilling moments that the sea hides in its depths, - Andrew suggested.


    -I understand you''ve already discussed the idea with Billy, considering how the story could go and character designs, - John Lasseter noted.


    -That''s correct. We plan to tell the story of a father who loses his son at sea and has to keep sailing to find where he lost him. Billy says it would be fantastic to animate the city of Australia, the fishing life, and a variety of distinctive fish, like the clownfish, the surgeonfish, the pufferfish, manta rays, sharks, and so much more. We have endless possibilities, - Andrew said, with Billy providing some basic sketches with a pen, placing them on the table.


    -That sounds delightful. Do you have a script that I can take a look at? Toys that talk, bugs that talk, fish that talk - it would be interesting to create sharks that don''t want to eat fish," Peter Docter said.


    -Hahahaha! That idea sounds terrific. I believe focusing on various marine phenomena can be quite helpful," John Lasseter responded.


    -I think the son should be in an aquatic reserve or a fish tank. There, the lost son finds a mentor, and not only that, friends who continue to teach him valuable lessons, like teamwork, - Billy proposed.


    -I got it. We''ve been working with Billy. A few weeks ago, we created some characters, and you can see, the storyline is fantastic, and the characters are too, although bringing this to life through computer animation is quite challenging. I''ll send you the script for your input, - Andrew said.


    -You had an idea too, didn''t you, John? - Billy asked.


    -Well, I''d like to make a movie about cars. However, I don''t have many ideas on how to develop it yet. I think it''s possible my idea isn''t fully formed. I feel that with Toy Story and A Bug''s Life, my creativity has run a bit short," -John Lasseter confessed.


    -Come on, John, you can do better - cars that talk! - Peter Docter exclaimed, chuckling.


    -It sounds fantastic. We can base it on NASCAR races and confront a mechanic of talking cars, but we can deafen their personalities. In a world of cars, race competitors should be very important, almost like celebrities to people, - Billy suggested.


    John Lasseter''s eyes lit up like two headlights.


    -Of course, now I get it. We can put them in a different reality, take a racing star and make them collide with reality, - John Lasseter said.


    -Exactly. I have some thoughts, but let''s start shaping the next script that I have in mind. It could be the next film after ''A Bug''s Adventure,''- Billy said, pulling out the script for "The Ice Age" along with all the drawings from the first film. He had made some significant design changes that he felt were necessary for its development. He was confident that these geniuses would work wonders with "The Ice Age, - in ways he once thought impossible; they just needed a push.


    They all began reviewing the story, and it was very enjoyable. With some interesting tweaks to the Ice Age tale, the journey of the characters, how various animals ended up becoming friends, including a mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, and a sloth.


    -.It''s brilliant. It has some really good humor. I''ll make a few slight corrections, but it''s very good, - said Peter Docter.


    Andrew Statan also came up with several interesting ideas. "The Great Journey" had many possibilities, but there were some things he didn''t like, a bit too crude. With some fine-tuning, it could be gold, he thought.


    -It''s wonderful. Starting with this design after ''A Bug''s Life'' will bring us great qualities. I see you mention the need to improve fur technology and human technology. I suppose you have some plans for Ed Camult to start implementing them in the enhancement department, - John Lasseter said.


    -Now we must get ready. The vacation is the day after tomorrow. See you next time, Billy, - Andrew said.


    -Of course, enjoy the trip. I''ll take care of some things, - Billy replied, thinking about the upcoming journey.


    The percentage increase from the "Toy Story" film has brought significant benefits, although they are lower than expected.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 31,212


    Literature: 29.53


    Performance: 29.98


    Total Points: 80


    He needed twenty more points to buy a low-level series or wait another month for the comic and movie sales to accumulate enough points.


    The crucial point is that each series, whether it''s 10, 20, or 30 points, represents points of admiration, and admiration points are worth 10 each. So, buying a series requires 300 points. Meanwhile, the state points are counted as available points. If he currently had 8 admiration points, 20 appreciation points, and 80 excitement points.


    [15. Take your first lead role in a film - 270 points. To uncover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill this one.]


    While promise points are appreciation points worth 4 points each.


    With a fulfilled wish, Billy can easily buy four to five series or elevate his drawing, performance, and literature levels.


    ...

 -time skip. –

    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 31,002


    Literature: 29.03


    Interpretation: 29,78


    Points: 00]


    [drawing store


    Purchased:


    - Samurai Jack 15 points


    - Hellboy 22 points. 1993: finished.


    - Slam dunk. 30 points 1990


    - Yuyu Hakusho. 40 points. 1992


    - Dexter''s laboratory. 21 points 1994.


    - Pinky brain 15 points 1992


    -animatics 1992. 15 points


    - Johnny Bravo 15 points 1994


    - Samurai x 25 points 1994.


    - Evangelion 20 points 1994.


    - Doom 15 points. 1993


    -Lion King 30 points. 1991


    -Hercules. 15 points. 1997


    -shaman King. 20 points. 1997


    -The Iron Giant. 15 points. 1998


    -Power Ranger. 20 points. 1993


    -Trigun 15 points. 1995.


    -a hunchback of Notre dame. 15 points. 1996.


    -Wolfstein 3d. 15 points. 1992


    -toy story 25 points. 1995.


    -recess: 10 points. 1995


    -game of thrones: 30 points. 1995


    -era of ice: 25 points. 1997


    -serial experimental lans. 15 points. 1998


    -the Walking Dead, 20 points. 1995


    -Billy and Mandi, 20 points,


    -hey Arnold, 20 points. 1996


    -gargoyles, 15 points. 1995


    -robot jones. 10 points. 2002.


    -Amy and Puffy. 10 points. 2003


    -The substitutes. 8 points. 2005


    -Pok��mon. 55 points. 1996


    -tomb raider. 25 points. 1996


    ..


    series published by Lux Comics currently completed are samurai jack, hell boy, Dexter''s Lab, pinky brain, king lion, Hercules, iron giant, power ranger (Drakan series), Trigun, hunchback of notre dame, and the walking dead.


    unfinished: Slam Dunk, yuyu Hakusho/Informe Fantasma, Samurai X, doom, Evangelion, Shaman Kin,  and the Walking Dead.


    series currently licensed by Warner Bross: Pinky Cerbero, Slam Dunk, Yuyu Hakushu/Ghost Report, and Johnny Bravo.


    series made by Lux nati��n: commissioned for luxtoons.


    1991 a 1993.


    1. Dexter''s laboratory.


    2. Recess.


    3. The modern life of Rocko.


    4. Billy and Mandy.


    5. Powerpuff Girls.


    series in production.


    1. gargoyles.


    id software series: video games.


    1. doom: game doom 1993.


    2.wolfstein 3D: first release.


    3. pokemon: first release.


    billy''s series.


    dark bikers. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    purchased series.


    men in black, captain atom, king kong.


    series in different productions.


    xmen series.


    Power Rangers


    licenses to distribute series in America and Europe.


    dragon ball, Ranma 1/2, knights of the Zodiac, super champions(captain tsubasa), and sailor moon.


    Companies.


    Lux animati��n; parent company of Lux Comix, distribution comics, and Lux Productions animati��n.


    1. - lux comics: a company that creates comics, for the most part. Copyrighted comics were registered.


    2. Distribution comics:


    Sunrise Comics, bought Titan Comics, a British comics company in 1992 along with Neptune Distribution, distributing lux comics throughout the British Isles.


    Purchase of Coliseum in Italy.


    FM International Canada and Groelandia, comics distribution.


    3. Lux producti��ns animati��ns:


    a. Pixar


    b. Lux nati��n: 2d movies and series.


    c. Lux distributi��n.


    Comics and toys. (lux toys) 3 branches San Jose, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, in union with Sunrise Comics.


    Id software.


    -software company.


    Rapid food.


    1. t-box burgers: 5 branches: 2 in San Jose, 1 in Chicago, 1 in New York, and Hawaii.


    2. Pizza box: Italian pizza company in San Jose.


    Autodesk.


    60% --- 75% with Billy''s multiple investments.


    Paradise hotel.


    hawainao four-star hotel, cost 25 million.


    REAL ESTATE.


    15.4 acres of land surrounding the comic book warehouse in San Jose.


    -lux channel building, six stories high.


    -Four T-box burger locations.


    -box pizza location.


    -Galisoneria, hawwai.


    -toys and comics store, 3.


    4-story building, Kansas ID Software.


    -Pixar facilities: san Francisco.


    -Sunrise Comics facility.


    -Titan Comics facilities


    -comic coliseum facilities.


    -facilities Fm international


    -18 acres around San Jose.


    -Hawaiian hotel.


    -43 acres in Atlanta Georgia, United States.


    it''s hard to keep track of all the things that are mentioned even me, here is a short summary of the state of everything.

 126. board games.

    England


    December 14.


    Steve Parks carefully adjusted his fine leather gloves, the biting cold chilling his body. This time of year was exceptionally cold. He reviewed the speech he had prepared. His boss had been clear: acquire Workshop Games at all costs, including the copyrights to the Warhammer series. As a negotiation specialist and a member of the sales department, his job was to secure a series of tabletop games that Billy wanted for his upcoming plans.


    Warhammer 40K and Dungeons & Dragons had been in Billy''s sights. The unique charm of these games held an attraction claimed as the company''s top priority. The company had negotiated prices for 1,000,000 million pounds for Workshop Games and 3,000,000 million pounds for Dungeons & Dragons, and they were set to embark on creating various dark fantasy series for their television channel.


    Steve Parks, with his round top hat and a slightly oversized suit, had a youthful chin and black hair with a few curls that fell gently over his forehead. His somewhat sunken eyes were framed by round glasses.


    -Mr. Parks, you may enter, - said Steve Jackson, a renowned fantasy literature writer, the creator of the Warhammer series, and the spiritual guide of Workshop Games. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Would you like a cup of coffee, or would you prefer a cup of tea? - Steve Jackson asked.


    -Tea would be perfect. Believe it or not, my grandmother is delightfully English, and she taught me to drink tea from an early age, - Steve Parks said. This was one of the reasons he was chosen to lead the negotiations.


    -Well, I''ve received your offer. You''ve been quite insistent about buying my company, Games Workshop, which I find rather odd. We haven''t been doing very well in terms of profits and have barely been surviving on our current sales, - Steve Jackson said.


    -It''s surprising; I, too, do not see the purchase of Games Workshop as very beneficial from a sales perspective. However, I''m not the boss. My boss believes that you are a very talented person and wants to acquire Games Workshop to form a mutually beneficial alliance, - Steve Parks said.


    -What kind of alliance would that be? - Steve Jackson inquired.


    -First and foremost, we want to expand the Warhammer 40K series from numerous angles and create an entire dedicated world for your series. These are the plans that Bill C. wants to create, ranging from video games, books, tabletop games, and targeted advertising. As you know, we are Lux Comics, along with ID Software, and our boss is the author of Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire. He can support the creative genius behind your name, - Parks explained.


    Negotiating a crucial contract, the deal promised significant growth from the perspective of a united alliance, with Comics and Toys, the creation of television series, different books and their plots, as well as space warfare video games. The plan was to develop the story to a point where it could become a product akin to Marvel, DC, or Star Wars. Steve Jackson was at the forefront of these negotiations. Lux Comics would buy the copyright for 1 million pounds for the series and an additional 2 million pounds for the company.


    The contract included a 3% royalty payment over nine years, an employment contract as a writer affiliated with Lux Comics, and a creative director position at Games Workshop.


    For Peter Jackson, the conversation and the proposals were moving at an incredibly fast pace, making it challenging to grasp the multitude of ideas he had planned for the coming months.


    -This is impressive, -- said Peter Jackson. -- However, I believe I need some time to think it over. It''s fantastic news, but I can''t rush into a decision. -


    -Very well, sir. I would like to mention that my boss intends to establish a writers'' club. He wishes to sign on science fiction and fantasy writers to not only expand the number of series but also to create scholarships and opportunities for writers of this genre, along with roles in series. All the details are outlined here and here. One of the essential requirements is exclusivity in choosing our company for the series. Of course, all of this is to serve everyone''s best interests, - Steve Parks said.


    -A writers'' club, - pondered Steve Jackson, another addition to his already troubled thoughts. Overwhelmed by everything that had happened.


    *************************


    Simultaneously, Raimon was conducting similar negotiations with the creators of Dungeons & Dragons. As an expert in the field, he was chosen along with Rachel, the company''s assistant, a no-nonsense individual who would keep Raimon in check during the negotiation.


    Dungeons & Dragons had a price range of 3 to 4 million pounds, but Rachel was convinced that 2 million pounds was sufficient. The integrity of the proposal was what made the company and its future growth so appealing. The signing of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman was also on the table, as well as Tad Williams with his powerful Throne of Bones series.


    -Raimon, please be careful with your words. We need to close this deal, and I wouldn''t want to walk away with my head hung low because you couldn''t control your tongue, - Rachel cautioned Raimon, who had a reputation for making impolitic remarks within the company.


    -Of course, I promise, - Raimon replied, although he couldn''t help muttering under his breath, - smarty-pants- concealed by his hand.


    -Did you say something? - Rachel asked, clearly having heard him. She took a deep breath, choosing to ignore his incompetence and checking the time. The small caf�� was empty, but the client had been half an hour late. She took another deep breath.


    The plump cheeks wobbled from side to side in negation.


    -Look, there''s Gary Gygax, I have my special autographed copy of the Dungeons & Dragons Rules Collection 89. - Raimon exclaimed, raising his hand high. - Mr. Gary, Mr. Dave.


    Gary and Dave greeted Raimon, who was ecstatic.


    -You have no idea how much I''ve played Dungeons & Dragons; I''m a total fanatic. I''ve collected all the dice and every map I could get my hands on. The early ones are hard to find, you know. - Raimon said, shaking hands.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet a fan of my work. However, I have a meeting to attend, and I''m running late. Excuse me. - Gary replied.


    -It''s with me; I''m one of the representatives from Lux Comics. Come this way, Mr. - Raimon said. Gary and Dave were surprised by the spontaneous manner of their negotiator, unaware that Rachel was quite furious about the long wait.


    -Gentlemen, this is Rachel; she''ll lead the meeting. - Raimon introduced.


    Gary and Dave nodded, understanding why such an enthusiastic and open person came to a meeting like this, especially noting the inexperience of both. They were young.


    -Nice to meet both of you. I represent Lux Animation, the parent company and the leading enterprise behind Lux Comics and Toys and Comics, its subsidiaries. From the management''s perspective, we''re interested in forging a cooperation agreement, and the creation of a universal hub for various content. The franchise''s potential can be expanded, not as a conventional commercial franchise, but as a symbol of America. We propose that we join forces, and of course, the purchase is conditional on both of you becoming the company''s co-CEOs. Lux Comics is ready to invest in various initiatives. - Rachel explained, as she had planned.


    As Rachel finished, a waiter arrived to interrupt and offer them some refreshments. - Gentlemen, would you like something to drink or eat? - the server inquired.


    -I would like two donuts and a cold coffee. And for my esteemed friends, two more donuts. I''d also like some of those cheese sticks to complement. - Raimon ordered.


    Gary could only smile. - Yes, in fact, we would like a hot coffee and what the gentleman just ordered.


    -Two hot coffees, mine without sugar, please. - Dave Arneson, the second creator of "Tactical Studies Rules," a fantasy lover who discovered it in his adult years, said.


    -An espresso with a bottle of water. - Rachel said.


    -Very well, your orders will be ready in a moment. - the waiter replied.


    Silence settled over the tables once again.


    -Well, continuing with the argument, our development is aimed at unlocking the true potential of Dungeons & Dragons. We want to use renowned authors like Tad Williams and Margaret Weis to continue enhancing the series, as well as other prominent writers. If any of you wish to expand the series, we will do everything in our power to support your plans. - Rachel said, finishing her argument.


    She felt proud of herself; it went so well that she almost let out a soft cheer.


    -Amazingly, we can be a part of this, but big corporations only think about their interests. The growth of our franchise cannot be subject to people who have no interest in the healthy growth of our company. - Dave Arneson said.


    -Mr. Dave, our boss, Billy Carson, is my best friend, we''re like brothers, and above all, he wouldn''t allow something as glorious as Dungeons & Dragons to be harmed. His idea is to hire writers, and propose new gaming ideas that still adhere to the standards: twelve, eighteen, and twenty-two-sided dice, along with the general rules for mages, warriors, archers, hunters, dragons, and creatures. In the dungeons, everything must be in order. It would be unheard of if they didn''t know the differences between the rules of spellcasting. Billy wants to animate it, and create a television series, movies, and books. He also wants to establish a national Dungeons & Dragons team tournament. So don''t worry; I will be in charge of reviewing what management orders. - Raimon explained.


    -Why don''t you buy the film rights? - Gary Gygax asked.


    -Sir, it''s because we want to take Dungeons & Dragons to the next level. You won''t regret it. - Raimon replied. - In ten years, it will rise to new heights, as it always should have. -


    ....


    here goes everything, we are at 164 on patreon, a little ahead, follow me.

 127. comics around the world.

    The impressive series that Billy distributed worldwide began to be read in multiple languages: Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, German, Polish, Greek, and more. This expansion of the distribution company started as a way to support the company''s growth, but it was slow at first. It began in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.


    The number of series expanded to Mexico and some areas of Central America and eventually reached European countries like Portugal, Spain, England, and Italy. Sales of comics grew incredibly. When comic sales started to decline in the mid-1993s, European countries began to buy different types of comics from the company due to the incredible series.


    In the United States, after a never-ending struggle, Slam Dunk was considered the best manga from Lux Comics, and the same happened in Canada, Serbia, and Spain. In France and England, the competition is fierce, but series like Samurai X, Hellboy, and Shaman King generate significant sales.


    In Spain, the original battle between Slam Dunk and YuYu Hakusho is highly contested. But many series have been integrated, such as Evangelion, which has a loyal group of buyers for the comics.


    The series Slam Dunk and YuYu Hakusho reached their 123rd issue. It''s surprising how the series has progressed and gained numerous fans. The idea of create a society in the United States that loves long series, expanding comic consumption, and creating Japanese-style animated series with releases of five to ten series per season��winter, summer, fall, and spring, or 20 series per year. However, not all the series released had the necessary quality to be considered deliverable products, but there were wonderful series and big premieres every year. This contradicts the situation in the United States, where animated series year after year started to become more simplistic and insipid, delivering shallow and straightforward products that only catered to ages 3 to 9. It''s curious how a significant push is necessary to encourage other studios to produce better series.


    Therefore, Erik Larsson continued to work diligently with all his might, taking on the role of an international distribution company. The constant battles between the dream of creating Image Comics and achieving success were a frequent issue. Creating a new series is not an easy task, and even though Spawn is amazing, the decline in sales in October 1993, with Lux Comics nipping at their heels, meant that the profits were not as good.


    -It''s not possible! We always worked under the assumption of payment! First the book, then the profits! - Jim Lee exclaimed loudly, even Billy heard the reverberating sound.


    Rachel entered the office. - Dear boss, Anne says she will resolve Jim Lee''s problems with his team. - Rachel said.


    -Not at all, I just need a friendly chat. - Billy said,      tirelessly drawing the series he had to deliver for the coming months from the animation studio created for Luxtoons. Winter series ceased to be important for the studio.


    -But... - Anne said


    -Come on, deliver this volume for production, Terry will review it later. - Billy said.


    Jim Lee, with his series WildCats, generated more money thanks to Billy''s contracts, but his sales never exceeded 300,000 copies, and the losses from printing against good sales hit Jim Lee hard. He only used his profits to sustain himself. The stock of 180,000 unsold copies caused panic in Jim Lee, who paid the costs, extra advertising, and his editors, or distributed the money.


    -Yes, sir. - Rachel said. She was under Billy''s shadow, unlike Anne, who saw a young, successful man with a lot of power, confidence, and the aura of a leader. Even the early employees had followed this pattern of behavior.


    Anne''s high heels echoed, and Billy couldn''t help but sigh.


    -What are you plotting? I find it ruthless that everyone has to hear the shouting. - Anne said.


    -Well, the main problem is that Jim Lee made a lot of money in the first few months with the sale of comics. According to your provided records, they earned $1,400,000, and the profit kept growing. The company Wildtorn Comics, which is owned by Jim Lee, as well as his investment in Image Comics and the rental of that building, decreased his steady profit. They accumulated success, but with the supposed real estate bubble, sales began to decline, and even our short series stopped selling. But you know what they say, greed breaks the sack. - Billy said.


    -You''re not one to talk. You made a lot of untimely investments that put you in the same position. - Anne said.


    -Well, my drawings are fantastic and better than Jim Lee''s. - He whispered. - I already had a large following, and the comic bubble didn''t affect me as much as an emerging company that only relies on comics and hasn''t had different investments in multiple areas. Also, they haven''t pursued any film licenses. But my point is that this is the reason why I brought you here. I need you. If you fail, I still benefit, but if you succeed, I also benefit. - Billy said.


    -What do you mean? - Anne asked.


    -I mean that Jim Lee will give us film licenses for his series for a good sum of money, at least $500,000 or more, and Image Comics will seek us out in the same way, and we''ll support them, hire them for different jobs. - Billy said.


    -Very pragmatic of you. - Anne said.


    -Now you understand that I can''t interfere. It''s better to see how people fight for their share, so I don''t want to meddle. - Billy said.


    -You''re wise... -


    -I didn''t know it, but I assumed that something would change with our incorporation of elegant drawings and series. - Billy said, considering the demands of American comics and some new developments.


    As it is, a Fox animated film studio has started collaborating with independent studios for new television series. Four years ago, the secrets of Blue Sky and Fox began to become public knowledge. An agreement is expected to be reached by next year.


    -Then you should pay attention to the European branch. - Anne said. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, I have you all. What''s the status of the European branch? - Billy said.


    -Well, Erik Larsson and Nick Landau are in charge of running the comic business in Europe. The annual review of 1993 could be the first time we have green numbers in sales. It''s expected that comic sales will increase by 10% next year. There are series that are starting to catch the attention of different audiences. But you should take notice. I think a series that caters more to European tastes could yield better results. - Anne said.


    -A series about knights? -


    -According to surveys, a soccer series wouldn''t be a bad idea. - Anne said.


    -A soccer series? But it''s impossible for me. I have so many ongoing creations, I don''t think I can keep up with this pace. There won''t be any new series for a long time. However, the conclusion of Evangelion will likely be released next year, and I might be in better spirits to create an animated series by then. - Billy said thoughtfully. Many of the series he worked on remained unfinished, with Evangelion being an exception.


    -That''s logical. - Anne said. It''s not just comic series, but also television shows and movies.


    ....

 128. luxtoons.

    December 27th


    monologue on the future of the Pok��mon franchise.


    The Lux Comics factory was gradually slowing down as many employees had taken vacation time for the special holiday season. The ten paid days off, along with the eight unpaid days, were among the reasons why the workers were so enthusiastic about the company. This is why almost half of the company''s employees were either traveling for the holidays or choosing to spend their time at home.


    The construction of the building, which had started in early 1992, was almost complete. The imposing, thick fa?ade would house all the animators for the animated channel and Luxnation Productions 2D, along with workstations for the new associated jobs. A new computer game studio was also in the works, dedicated to expanding and enhancing the Golden Egg franchise, "Pokemon." There was plenty of potential for improvement, especially with numerous games in the franchise. When it comes to Pok��mon, there are two crucial considerations: gameplay, which is a significant part of the game engine and should not be altered drastically, and improving the product itself.


    Is Pok��mon worth it? This anime, manga, and game franchise is a cultural phenomenon, much like Star Wars.


    The first Pok��mon region is a representation of the Silicon Valley map modified to meet the requirements of the Kanto region, while still maintaining the general design of the previous games.


    For the second game, the Central Coast region was used, with influences from other regions to provide biodiversity to the environment. The Pokedex was expanded, with new creations that felt necessary. For example, in the first generation, Caterpie and Weedle have three evolutions, so Pok��mon like Ledyba only evolve into Ledian. To address this, evolutions were expanded and three evolutions were added to improve some of the statistics.


    An extra evolution was added to Murkrow, and another Bug-type Pok��mon was introduced, a ruby-tailed wasp with its three respective evolutions (Chrysis Ignita). This wasp is a parasitic wasp with Bug/Steel typing. Another addition was a snake, a variant of Ekans and Arbok, with Poison/Steel typing. If this region was meant to be dominated by the Steel type, the next Pok��mon to have an evolution were Delibird, Octillery, Skarmory (which lost its Flying type and gained the Dragon type), Stantler (improving its moose-like form), and Girafarig (with enhancements to its design).


    An additional Steel-type evolution of Eevee was introduced, joining the existing pair of Espeon and Umbreon. There was also another Ghost-type Pok��mon different from Misdreavus, a Ghost/Steel type with three evolutions similar to Gengar. The character''s design was that of a spectral suit of armor. The first evolution resembled a soldier''s helmet surrounded by ghostly energy, the second was a smaller suit of armor, and the third was a small soldier with a shield. This Pok��mon had high physical defense and special defense.


    He created a third evolution for a Pok��mon between Sunkern and Sunflora, giving it improved statistics. He introduced an earlier evolution to Yanma in the form of a larva and a second evolution to Dunsparce, featuring larger, translucent wings similar to those of a butterfly. This Pok��mon had the Bug/Normal type. Lastly, he created a Fire/Steel-type Pok��mon with similarities to Magcargo but more of a crab yeti with six black steel legs covering it. Fire came from its joints. It had three evolutions but its power wasn''t significantly greater, almost reaching the statistics of the starter Pok��mon.


    He added Lileep and Anorith as fossil Pok��mon for the second generation. However, for the Hoenn region, the plan was to introduce three different fossil Pok��mon, two based on Fire and one on Psychic, to create a total of 165 unique species. The aim was to achieve an equitable distribution of different types in each region.


    Kanto was envisioned as the most balanced region with a traditional environment, Johto aimed to have more Steel types and feature a Hollywood landscape and modern but artistic cities, and Hoenn aimed to be a water-based region with large aquariums, aquatic cities, water parks, and beautiful beaches. It was to feature primarily Normal, Water, and Fire-type Pok��mon, focusing on the connection between Kyogre and Groudon. The architectural style drew inspiration from San Diego, with a combination of Santa Monica aesthetics. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fourth game revolved around the Orange Archipelago, consisting of twelve islands, each with its specific climate and limited to only two Pok��mon types out of the seventeen introduced so far. Each island would feature unique ecosystems created for that island, emphasizing Pok��mon variants like Ice-type Onix, Water/Ground Aggron, Ice-type Golem, and Fighting-type Lickitung. Each island combined two types as Fire/Rock on the first island, Water/Ground on the second, and so on. The game was designed to be the most extensive, with islands equivalent in size to 1/4 of the Kanto region, and a final island hosting the Pok��mon League that was half the size, with five large cities, five towns, and two special locations.


    The fourth game would include small mini-games and challenges, requiring players to visit eight islands to compete in the Pok��mon League. With its extensive size, it would offer numerous side missions, secrets, and a variety of interesting challenges, such as searching for significant archaeological monuments, legendary Pok��mon from the first three generations, and more. The Fairy type was introduced in the Sinnoh region, signifying the arrival of Fairy, Grass, and Psychic types, expanding further on the Fairy type.


    To accomplish all of this, a dedicated company specializing in creating these games was needed. The games would focus on enhancing the environments, including mini-games and challenging rivals, along with features like Pok��mon patches, adventure in the dimensional world to capture Giratina, clothing changes, and more, making it the fifth generation of games.


    By then, the creation of an online MMORPG for players from all countries who wish to play all the games in one, allowing them to play the five games as one for the price of one, online with chat and various updates to evolve characters with all functions was something that fans would desire. The Unova or Unova region would be the last in this type of release, followed by a combined MMORPG. This region would bring in some improvements and introduce Fighting-type Pok��mon and the Dragon Sanctuary with multiple dragon types.


    Subsequently, the following releases would shift towards more technologically advanced platforms with more three-dimensional graphics, akin to Pok��mon Let''s Go. It''s a franchise that, with just a few refinements, would improve significantly. The proposed new Pok��mon world is making strides, diving headfirst into the world of Kalos, which is essentially a New York-inspired version but with technological upgrades. The eighth generation would take on a Hawaiian ecosystem, using Hawaiian wildlife to balance out the Pok��mon, along with introducing six or seven new variations.


    Moreover, the plan includes games that venture into the past, such as the Sinnoh and Kanto regions. Of course, remakes of previous games would continue, and the franchise would explore different ecosystems in the ninth generation. This generation would resemble the Industrial Revolution era of London, and there would also be a region focused on Latin America, with many Poison-type and Flying-type Pok��mon as prevalent species. The starters would be Fire/Poison, Water/Poison, and Grass/Flying. Subsequently, as a way to further capitalize on the franchise, an MMORPG encompassing all ten generations in a single game would be developed. It would retain all the gameplay details but could only be played online. This ambitious project, with all ten generations in one game, would drive fans crazy. It would feature the same MMORPG functionalities, along with the addition of minigames, tournaments, events, and leagues separately, much like the Battle Frontier and challenging combat events akin to Mortal Kombat. Following this, the next game would involve a journey to the Pok��mon World Tournament, where the best compete against the best. This ambitious plan should suffice for the next three decades, even though it has begun planning the core of Pok��mon earlier than expected.


    Without further ado, more regions are being considered, such as desert, polar, and those with unique fauna, including Australia, Brazil, and China. However, this future is very distant, at least 40 to 50 years down the road.


    This plan would span three decades, with each region having its dedicated space and its anime series designed to captivate the children of that era, much like special movies.


    Honestly, I believe Pok��mon is a convergence of various factors, and it''s also a franchise with unprecedented sales in its history. If it''s developed with diligence and effort while introducing intriguing elements, it has the potential to attract even more fans than it already has.


    ...

 129. luxtoons

    -Anne, when will the building be completed? - Billy impatiently asked, frustrated by the delays in the construction. While it was notably large, he had invested a substantial sum in its construction. It featured top-of-the-line earthquake-resistant systems, facilities, parking, and a cafeteria, all brand new, fully decorated, and equipped for his future television channels.


    -Well, I think it should be entirely ready by March. However, these builders always tend to take a bit longer. We do have a clause, though, that states it must be completed with all its facilities by June 1, 1994, or it would be a contract breach, - Anne responded while going over the accounts. For the moment, the building designated for Lux Channel was on hold, a channel dedicated to animation, and another one for documentaries similar to National Geographic, History, or Discovery Channel. Additionally, opening a game production studio on the third floor would significantly contribute to the goal of creating the best Pok��mon franchise.


    -I can tell you''re somewhat dissatisfied with your current situation, - Anne remarked.


    -Well, I want to create another video game company. Video games have brought us considerable revenue, and I have an idea worth not thousands, but millions of dollars, - Billy explained, surprising Anne. The first time he mentioned having a winning idea was with Pixar, and the results spoke for themselves. What could this new idea be? While the first-generation Pok��mon game appealed to a small niche of fans, it never achieved the same level of success as his previous releases, like Doom and Wolfenstein.


    -Something like that could be interesting. But remember, we don''t have much money right now. We''re a bit tight due to investments in Toy Story toys, construction, and renovation of all our businesses. This prevents us from spending extra funds that act as cash for salary payments, debt, and other commitments. We have just enough money to cover LuxToons and Documentary Series channels until 1995 to help deal with financial difficulties. So, we need to be mindful of our budget. The distribution company might bring in extra money, but I believe we can request funds from ticket sales in February, and we''ll see profits from toy sales in March, - Anne calculated, factoring in all their recent expenses.


    Long periods for collecting investment is one reason why companies like this often face bankruptcy, as they typically manage debt to cover the costs of a film and the business.


    -I see. My apologies for not considering that. I have a few ideas, but could you send ten copies of this book to Kansas? The next game I want the ID SOFTWARE team to develop is Tomb Raider. Furthermore, talk to the team leads; I want them to establish a contract with a new team to produce a new game I have in mind. This one isn''t particularly challenging, and it only requires a team of three, - Billy explained.


    -We don''t have the money, I just said that - Anne stated.


    -Three programmers are sufficient. This game won''t be in 3D, and I''ll keep the models as simple as possible. I want to focus on something much simpler for now, - Billy explained, thinking about the Crash franchise. This game could be developed separately in a Mario World style, and when I have a better team, they can work on the major franchise games.


    -Oh, that''s doable. Even without doing a company assessment, we could afford to hire ten new programmers. But a team of four is straightforward to assemble, - Anne replied.


    -Very well! If you''ll excuse me, I''ll be on the third floor discussing things with some of the animators. The new series we''re creating is quite interesting. We''re making a Batman-style series, and it has taken up most of our teams, - Billy said.


    So far, the series they have produced is 1. Dexter''s Laboratory, which had 21 episodes in its first season. 2. Recess, with 24 episodes in the first season. 3. Rocko''s Modern Life, consisting of thirteen episodes, all directed, written, and animated by Joe Murray and Stephen Hillenburg. They have even proposed making an additional five-episode special. 4. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, the fourth series with 23 episodes. Each of these series has excellent personnel implementations and has been executed in the best possible way.


    The fifth series, The Powerpuff Girls, created by Craig McCracken, Paul Murray, Billy, and Paul German, is interesting and has a near-identical likeness. However, it''s difficult to compare without purchasing the series, which was created by six animators.


    -Good morning, Billy, - Anna Szyma��ska said. Her European appearance brought pleasure, and she has been dedicated to producing The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy with two other editors. She has done fantastic work. Her main concern has been the movies, with a team of 35 people. They started with 11 for Hercules, but over time, new animators joined, and responsibilities were divided, forming a consolidated group of 15 people who directed the LuxNation movies.


    With the two movies almost completed, the team of 35 began working on the Gargoyles special series, a very ambitious project that aims to be even better. It''s been a challenging endeavor with multiple animators working on the series.


    -How are the Gargoyles developments going? - Billy inquired.


    -Slowly, it''s a very demanding series. We currently have three teams working on completing all the technical designs, but progress has been slow. I don''t think the production will last a year, but at least ten months, - Anna Szyma��ska replied, with a pencil in her lips.


    -I''ll help out a bit. I have plenty of free time since I put the winter series on hold, and my problems have reduced quite a bit, - Billy said.


    Anna felt encouraged; after all, Billy can draw anything, which remains an unheard-of talent for Anna.


    -If we work all day, we might finish the second episode of the series. We have some key points we haven''t tackled yet, some things that are challenging and require a lot of work. With your skills, you can focus on the finer parts, - Anna Szyma��ska said.


    -Let''s go; I''ll help in any way I can, - Billy replied.


    The story of Gargoyles is magnificent, with many imaginative elements and a story that can be called interesting and innovative, very different from the series. If the same quality series scheme is applied in the coming years, all the effort would be worthwhile. However, even with these abilities, the cost of the Lux Animation team is $1.2 million per month, plus additional expenses for equipment, animation, repairs, and contingencies.


    -Where are the others? - Billy asked.


    -Well, they are working on Rocko''s Modern Life and The Powerpuff Girls series, - Anna Szyma��ska replied thoughtfully. - What you see here are the ones who aren''t on vacation. These people are perfecting the backgrounds for episodes 3 and 4. There, we have the storyboards and sketches of what episodes 3 and 4 will look like. Since the series is planned to have 25 episodes, it''s likely to take us half a year to complete the entire series. In the understanding that you still have the plan to start working on The Iron Giant movie, - Anna Szyma��ska said.


    -Yes, that''s the plan, to begin working on The Iron Giant movie, although I plan to wait until May for its release, - Billy said.


    -On my part, I''d like to know if you''re still going to hire Amblin Entertainment to help us with the film, - Anna Szyma��ska inquired.


    -They will, but I''m afraid it won''t be as good as last time. They''ll only help us with animation and a bit with the cast for the dubbing. However, I''ll personally focus on refining some fine details of The Iron Giant movie, - Billy said.


    The Lion King is in its final stages, followed by The Iron Giant. Billy made some changes to the script and assessed ways to improve the movie''s quality. Specific details that were not covered during the comic book''s publication were missing, but the intensive work put in for over two years has been worth it. Even though he had to hire a third-party company to help manage the company''s workload, it''s been a very ambitious endeavor. In just over two years, he has had two animated movies and five series for his channel, Luxtoons.


    -It''s better than nothing. Everyone is excited about the Samurai Jack series, and some are fans of the series from the comics. Well, everyone has proposals for their series, - Anna Szyma��ska said.


    -Do you know something? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, of course. Butch Hartman proposed an idea with Iturbe from "Cow and Chicken," and Bob Schooley has the idea for a series in the style of Robin Hood set in a 20th-century-like environment. It''s quite interesting, and I consider it very good, - Anna Szyma��ska said.


    -Any others? - Billy inquired.


    -Well, I wouldn''t finish listing all the series they have in mind, but there are quite a few. I even have one or two ideas myself, - Anna Szyma��ska replied, checking some papers on her desk.


    She was reading a story about a train journey. The drawings were sketches, unfinished and somewhat blurry, but the design was pleasing.


    -What''s it about? - Billy asked.


    -Well, it''s about the life of a girl who lives on a train. Due to external reasons, she ends up being a Russian counter-spy and passes on information. The important thing is that I''ll express all my discontent about my childhood and adolescence in these pages, - Anna Szyma��ska said.


    -Send it to me when you finish. Don''t forget, the script, design, and continuity, - Billy said. When the channel launches, you''ll recover the money one way or another, and you''ll be able to allow many people to create their series in the best ways.


    The company was bubbling with the creation of a series, with two large teams divided in two. One for making a movie and the second for creating a series. For the simple series, three to four animators were needed, and for the more challenging ones, ten to fifteen.


    ...


    it''s two chapters because the first one is a rant about the Pokemon franchise. honestly, it''s ridiculous this franchise, which has an impressive number of followers (I include myself) pokemon is among the most valuable franchises in the world and is a social phenomenon, its sales numbers are absurd. Just working this franchise alone can already be considered as multimillionaires.


    S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 130. great television series.

    2D Tecnology.


    The Gargoyles series will mark the milestone of being one of the first computer-animated series to use a refined design. After all, more than half of Lux Channel''s human resources will be invested in creating the animated series.


    The headline producers are Anna Szyma��ska and Butch Hartman. The Gargoyles process continues, and Billy keeps drawing the in-between lines of the second animated chapter.


    Craig McCracken, with his Powerpuff Girls series, continues to have some discussions with Billy about the animated characters in his series, the Powerpuff Girls. The main concern is the script. While Craig is an excellent animator, he has an old-school approach ingrained in his memory. He tends to create series with multiple episodes without establishing a proper timeline.


    -Okay, I understand. The first part is when the Professor creates the Powerpuff Girls, the second is them learning to use their powers, the third arc is about the supervillains they encounter, the fourth is creating multiple episodes in various ways with an established quota of villains, and the fifth is adding more villains without disrupting the whole process, - Craig said.


    -Exactly, though it doesn''t have to be so rigid. We''re happy as long as you continue doing spectacular work, - Billy replied.


    -Thank you, - Craig said, with bags under his eyes. Although his series may seem straightforward, he has worked tirelessly to meet all of Billy''s demands, from improving the image quality with 2D animation technology to detailed backgrounds and well-defined characters.


    -No worries, just take a break, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, you''re a bad example, you''ve been in this office for a day and a half, drawing non-stop for the entire Gargoyles series, - Craig laughed.


    -I love this; I''m eager for the television channel, - Billy said.


    Everyone was; the Luxtoons animation team had worked very hard to make everything perfect.


    -I''ve grown fond of this company. It respects my ideas and teaches, encourages, and takes care of me, - Craig thought.


    -We all are. This job is everything I could dream of. I heard that you sent an invitation to Gennady Tartakovsky, but he completely rejected the proposal. I told him he was an idiot, but he works for Hanna-Barbera, so I can''t blame him. Although I may have mentioned that I am now the creator of my series, - Craig said.


    -Unfortunately, he didn''t want to come to the company. Although I plan to expand the team, it all depends on the success we have. For now, we''re just burning a lot of money, and even the profits from Hercules haven''t been very beneficial, - Billy said. One of the main animators who worked very hard to bring Hercules to the big screen, along with The Lion King. The poor progress in his acting career in these two years is the result of his numerous jobs in animating the movies.


    -Wow! I had heard that we earned $243 million worldwide. I heard that the toys, DVDs, everything was going smoothly, - Craig said, surprised.


    Billy finished touching up the scene of the Gargoyles fighting, just as he had remembered it, with some slight improvements that his technical knowledge had gained over the years.


    -Well, in truth, we earned 133 million, and out of that, 21.3 million was distributed. The rest I''ve reinvested in expanding the production team, improving production facilities, and bonuses as well. Plus, Pixar keeps asking for money, like the reinvestment for Toy Story, - Billy explained.


    The profit of 480 million dollars, after short sales, didn''t last long. Debt payments, investments in technology, franchise expansion, tax payments, series acquisitions, licensing fees, and expanding production teams devoured that money as quickly as it arrived. What did it achieve? It stabilized his businesses and provided financial security, with investments in stocks worth 80 million dollars and a Certificate of Deposit (CD) of 16 million and 4 million.


    -I''d hate to be the boss. I can barely keep up with my household expenses, - Craig said with regret.


    -Don''t fret. We have financial health, and the numbers are positive in all our companies. We have money in the bank to last for five years without earning a cent. And, of course, we''ll only make more money once the TV channel premieres. I have complete confidence, - Billy assured.


    -When is this special premiere date? - Anna asked, entering the conversation.


    -At the end of this year, hopefully. I plan to acquire the film rights for Woody Woodpecker, which will give us a good number of series. A television channel needs at least 15 series, - Billy said.


    -We have five completed series, including the Cow and Chicken series that you approved, plus Gargoyles. In total, we need eight more series to deliver, - Anna said.


    -Actually, I''ve invested a significant amount in the X-Men and Power Rangers series. That adds up to nine series in total. With the purchase of some anime series, we would only need two more series. I have full confidence that I can negotiate the Woody Woodpecker series. Also, together with Chris Savino, we''ve created a series. He has worked hard on the script, animation, and art for the series, - Billy explained.


    -What is it, and why wasn''t I informed, Craig? - Anna asked, as Craig and Chris are part of the production team for the Dexter''s Lab show.


    -Well, it''s Hey Arnold! A series that Billy initiated, and it''s been flowing gracefully ever since. Once we finish the twelve more episodes of Dexter''s Lab that are currently in production, we''ll start with the new series, - Craig said.


    -My series also needs to be published, - Anna said, displeased.


    -Talk to Butch Hartman. He''s a great scriptwriter and can help you with some things, - Craig suggested.


    -It''s not fair, - Anna said, dejected. She''s worked so hard, but her series hasn''t been accepted. It''s the series of her life, about a girl who lives on a train, encountering all kinds of magical people and situations.


    -Don''t worry. When we finish Gargoyles, you can come to me, and we''ll make a mini-series of fifteen episodes. I don''t think the story can be extended much further. I even have a friend who owes me a favor and can help you, - Billy reassured.


    -Who is it? - Anna asked anxiously.


    -You know Frank Miller, he writes and draws comics. Well, he owes me many favors. You can ask him to help you write a script with your ideas, then we''ll pass it on to Butch, and then I''ll create the characters and storyboards myself, - Billy explained.


    Anna''s smile reached the sky, and her fangs and vibrant blue hair gave her a rejuvenated look.


    -I don''t want to interrupt, but I''d like a similar treatment too, - said Paul German, a part of Anna''s team, holding his rectangular glasses.


    -What''s your idea? - Craig asked.


    -Well, I''ve always been a fan of the Speed Racer franchise, -- Paul German began. -- I''d like to propose a reboot. -- He spoke slower and softer as he continued, -- It''s just that I''ve always had a soft spot for it. -


    -Sure, that would be great! I''d even be willing to buy the rights. Who has the series rights? - Billy asked.


    "Based on my research, Trans-Lux has the film rights to the series, but recently, Fred Wolf created a series that''s nothing like what it used to be," Paul German explained.


    -Speed Racer isn''t Japanese, right? Are they still adapting the manga? - Billy inquired.


    -They''ve produced some standalone volumes, but in Japan, it''s aired on Fuji TV, - Paul German replied, his excitement mixed with disbelief.


    -Fantastic! Let''s buy the series. I have a great idea. Let''s acquire the complete series from Fuji TV, hire its creator, have Paul work on it, purchase the license from Trans-Lux or Fred Wolf, and create an amazing series, - Billy suggested.


    -Really? - Paul German exclaimed.


    -Of course, I don''t see any problem with it as long as you promise to make the best television series, - Billy replied.


    -I watched it as a kid with my father. I won''t let you down, - Paul German said, rushing to the large glass cabinet filled with numerous files and documents. He grabbed an application form for series acquisition, filling it out quickly.


    -Ready, - Paul German said.


    Billy just had to sign, and Anne would probably kill him, but he''d have time to purchase the series. Paul German took off from the third floor to the second floor to hand the request to Mr. Cloud and Gorman, who would then deliver it to Anne.


    -That was faster than I expected, - Anna said, as surprised as everyone in the studio.


    -Tell me, Billy, do you want to buy The Jetsons for me? -Craig joked, laughing. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I don''t think Warner Bros. would be willing to sell it. We have a bit of a conflict there. But as long as it makes sense for creating a series, I''d gladly do it, - Billy replied.


    -Too bad for us, - Craig said.


    -Don''t worry, I plan to acquire some series for our channel, one way or another, - Billy said conspiratorially.


    Raimon climbed the stairs, sweaty and tired.


    -Billy, your girlfriend is in the parking lot looking for you, - Raimon said.


    -Alice, - Billy said hesitantly.


    -Yes, she''s in the parking lot, looking for someone named Billy Carson, who''s been exploited at the company, - Raimon said, apologetically.


    Billy glanced at the remaining details for the series, and there were still many.


    -I''ll be back tomorrow, guys. I need to get some rest, - Billy said.


    -See you later, boss, - Anna said, along with six other employees. Craig just gave him a smile and a slight nod. Billy went down to the second floor and calmly told the security guard, -- Let Anne know I''m leaving, and I''ll be back tomorrow morning. -


    -Of course, boss, right away, - the guard said.


    Alice was in Billy''s van, sitting in the passenger seat, doing a bit of makeup and fixing her curly hair.


    -Hello, darling, - Billy said.


    -Hello. Your father told me you spent the night working. You don''t look too good. I''ll take you home, but first, you need to freshen up. You kind of stink a bit, - Alice said.


    Billy simply nodded and settled into the passenger seat of his car, half asleep.


    ...

 131. docu-series.

    One of the most important elements to operate a television channel is to have a broadcasting license that enables the transmission of television signals. The regulatory authorities are the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), responsible for bringing Lux Toons television channel to the younger audience. This involves establishing the transmission tower location and other technical criteria.


    Lux Channel utilizes cable and satellite frequencies through stations that provide television services to American households, complying with regulations set by the commission, including TV parental guidelines. Since the creation of new television channels, there has been an ongoing effort to manage educational hours in youth-oriented animated programming. Typically, this rule might be overlooked, but given Lux Channel''s precarious situation, it acknowledges the potential consequences of failing to adhere to all the oversight regulations enforced by the commission, hence the following approach.


    The channel''s classification is TV-Y7-FV, meaning it falls into the category of fictional violence and includes intense, albeit bounded, violent content. This may involve scenes like torture, allegories to warfare, genocide crimes, and adult-themed scenarios. However, it''s worth noting that starting at 9:00 PM, it transitions to TV-PG, suggesting parental guidance, for some of its programs, to broadcast more serious and specific content.


    Anne, along with Steve Parks, the official negotiator for Lux Animation as a corporate group, which is now expanding its reach into the animated world, walk through the extensive corridors of NBC, a company led by General Electric (GE), a technology and industry firm since 1986.


    -Mr. Lumiere, the representatives of Lux Channel are in the boardroom, waiting, - said the secretary of Walder Lumiere, the director of programming for the major NBC television network.


    -Mr. Lumiere has given his consent for the purchase of the television channel, - asked Lumiere.


    -Yes, sir. He has made it clear that this is an old program that is only occasionally broadcast. There is no need to mention that he only seeks some interests, - the secretary replied, handing him a report on the feedback from Willian F. Kobin and Ralph Cloister, directors of KCET, a public television station in Los Angeles.


    -Very well, call Rich Greenberg, - Lumiere stated.


    Anne reviewed her notes while Steve Parks adapted to the atmosphere. Steve once again donned a striking suit, particularly notable for his woolen waistcoat. Although this choice of attire might be unconventional in the California city known for its scorching heat, in New York''s chilly climate, it was entirely appropriate.


    -Good morning, Miss Hall, Mr. Parks, - Walder Lumiere greeted, proudly emphasizing his French heritage.


    -It''s a pleasure, Mr. Lumire, - Steve Parks said quickly.


    -The pleasure is mine. Please, let''s sit down. We have a lot to discuss. We reviewed your offer earlier, and we agree to your terms. However, I have some questions about your involvement in the documentary series, - Lemire said.


    "Exactly. We want to invest in a few documentaries that will be in line with your television network. We are an animated channel preparing for our launch later this new year," Steve Parks explained.


    -Are you starting a documentary channel? -  Lumire asked, a little surprised as he expected it to be an animated channel.


    -No, sir, we are a children''s channel. However, with the new regulations from the commission regarding children''s programming, they are close to implementing measures for educational television. These measures require a minimum of five hours of children''s documentaries, and that''s why we want to invest in three to four documentaries, -- Steve Parks replied, handing over the documentation for the children''s channel.  -- This might be the key to our mutual interests. Please, take a look; we have all the regulations in order."


    Lumire reviewed the documents and pondered the potential benefits of this arrangement.


    -How much investment are you expecting for our documentary division? - Lumire asked, focusing on the small details and advantages of this deal.


    -$500,000, plus the purchase of the program ''Cosmos, - Anne replied.


    Lumire paused, looking at Anne Hall. -- Which type of documentary from the documentary channel do you want to choose? - he asked.


    -We would like ''A History of the United States,'' a documentary that narrates the history of the United States from its foundation to the 20th century. As producers, you can continue with the documentary''s production. However, we need two edited versions: one approximately 45 minutes long and another consisting of two-minute intervals, - Anne explained.


    The idea is to break these documentaries into shorter segments to broadcast as commercials during children''s programming.


    -A two-minute interval might not contain much information, - Lumire remarked.


    -It doesn''t matter. We only need a shortcut for commercials. If we air about 20 short segments during our commercials, we will meet the weekly hour requirements, - Anne replied.


    -Skipping commercial slots during documentaries, are you crazy? - Lumire thought.


    -We''ll do it. The price suits our needs. It''s a pleasure doing business with you, - Lumiere said, letting the money do the talking.


    -Very well, let''s spend the next few weeks coordinating the delivery of ''Carl Salgan'' for our animated channel, - Steve Parks suggested.


    -Well, in ten days, we will send all the information. The registration will be done with the Copyright Office, as is the requirement," Lumiere said.


    The conversation continued with a series of technical details related to the purchase of the documentary. It was noon, and they all bid farewell. Anne and Steve Parks braved the chilly New York weather, with Anne''s rosy cheeks betraying the cold.


    Another meeting was scheduled with the BBC to discuss a 13-episode series on Western art history, and a proposal to work with Sir Attenborough, an executive with a profound understanding of documentary channel creation. This encompassed a wide range of documentary series, including animals, plants, civilizations, art, history, culture, and various other topics.


    Sir Attenborough is one of the most highly awarded naturalists, renowned for his astonishing work.


    Lux Channel has acquired different TV programs and licenses. This includes series like Men in Black in comics, Captain Atom, and King Kong, which they purchased from L''Or��al, who bought the series in 1989. They also produce series like Power Rangers and X-Men.


    They hold licenses for Dragon Ball, Ranma 1/2, Knights of the Zodiac, Super Campeones, and Sailor Moon. All these licenses are granted to TV Tokyo for 18 years for 8 million dollars. Additionally, they allied with Saban to create animated dubs of these series in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese for 12 million dollars. This was a steep price, but Billy deemed it necessary, and he ultimately arranged the payment.


    -I wouldn''t say I like the cold, and I hate these last-minute trips, - Anne complained. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Don''t worry. There''s a good restaurant nearby, and if we''re lucky, we''ll get quick service, - Steve Parks assured her, leading Anne through the bustling streets of New York.


    -Did you live in New York? - Anne asked.


    -For a while. I did my master''s in finance here, so yes, I have some experience. Sir Attenborough won''t be waiting at the National Museum until 3:00 PM. He''s giving a lecture before our meeting, so we have time, - Steve Parks explained.


    -Let''s go before I catch a cold, - Anne said.


    -As you wish, -Steve said.


    Sir Attenborough was not as friendly, but he left the possibility of a favorable solution open. This involved producing a joint series. The new documentary filming techniques were not cheap at all, with the cost of a single episode averaging around 3 million dollars. Even though the series "Cosmos," produced by Carl Sagan, had a cost of 9 million or more, it was unsustainable to produce the series at such high prices.


    ...

 132. Evangelión

    January 6.


    The chapters of Evangelion that played out like a comic series began with the story of a desolate and lost young man who knows little beyond the questions before him. Weakness, humanity, effort, the end, beginning, and rebirth. The series gradually begins to give hints that there is a darker, colder, more desolate reality than initially proposed. Even though there is no classical music and it is not filled with phrases spoken by an elegant voice, it remains deafening for those who delve into the thoughts of the protagonist.


    -This is simply unbelievable, - said Raimon, reading from the game room sofa. Beside him was Jim Lee, silently taking notes on all the details of the manga. Everything was perfect in his eyes. The drawings were, as always, masterful, and the story was heart-wrenching and clean.


    -Darn it, Billy, I can''t believe he created something like this! - said Raimon.


    The small game room was accompanied by a few others, including Todd McFarlane, Paul German, and others. They were all reading the Evangelion series. It all began with an initial idea, a dark and profound concept about the human condition.


    Raimon finished reading, eager to read more, but Billy mentioned that he still had drafts, and his office was the forbidden room. Only two people could enter: Anne and Thomas. Although the service staff could enter at any time when Billy was working in the studio, Raimon referred to it as the "Golden Vault," a prohibited space monitored even with cameras.


    -It''s amazing, - said Todd McFarlane, with a few things on his mind. Inspiration strikes his mind every time he reads the Evangelion series. So much depth in so few words. So many things that can be said but remain unspoken.


    -I think I''ll go back to my work, - Paul German said carelessly, realizing he had missed his lunchtime while reading the great boss''s comic.


    Raimon started reading the comic again and began reformulating his theories in his head, jotting them down in a little notebook. The way it was written, and the way the story unfolded had interesting points. Random conversations in the story featured butterfly shadows, and sometimes the color tones were deeper and more opaque.


    -Raimon, you have work to do! - Rachel scolded.


    Raimon just waved his hand, ignoring Rachel''s reprimands.


    -You''re an impossible person, and you drive me crazy. I''ll leave everything on your desk, but don''t expect Anne to be very pleased, - Rachel said.


    -Yeah, yeah... do whatever you want, - Raimon replied, completely focused on reading the story.


    He noted in his agenda that he needed the opinion of an expert, someone with whom he could share his theories.


    -But first, we have to work, - he thought.


    Accounts upon accounts. With the franchise''s growth, each part plays a crucial role. Raimon is responsible for reviewing reports, assignments, and, of course, monitoring actions. Rachel reviews that all companies are following and complying with guidelines and streamlined processes. Anne organizes everything, reviews, supervises, directs, and enforces what Billy commands.


    Someone who didn''t miss out on a deep conversation about Evangelion is Todd McFarlane. Skipping the formalities, he continued to Billy''s office.


    -Good afternoon, Mr. McFarlane, - Anne greeted.


    -Afternoon. I''ll just stop by for a moment. I think I have some things to discuss with Billy, - Todd said.


    Anne nodded and pointed to Billy''s office.


    Billy Carson was working diligently on the series to be published. Creating a series notebook in two days saves time and allows him to continue his daily animation tasks, such as the Gargoyles series.


    -Todd, I wasn''t expecting to see you, - Billy said.


    -Well, I wasn''t expecting to drop in either. But I have a question. Why create a series inspired by human psychology? Also, where did the idea come from? It''s quite different from all your other works. No timeline connects all your works with a series of such...? - Todd inquired.


    -Pessimistic, - Billy added.


    -That''s what it is. A pessimistic view of society, mixed with religious undertones. There''s no particular reason. It''s just an idea that popped into my head. It''s like Philip K. Dick''s divine invasion, dead thoughts of a radical repair of the world, contrasted with children who don''t know what human warmth is, living in misery and despair, - Billy explained.


    -Wow, that''s quite clever of you. I have an idea. Would you be interested in creating a spin-off of the series? I have a clear idea about the father''s life, - Todd proposed.


    -Well, it would be better if I finished the series first. There are at most 30 chapters left. The upcoming chapters will satisfy the others'' curiosity and conclude the series. If you still see a story there, you''re welcome to work with me, - Billy responded.


    -Although I came here to discuss art, I have an idea in mind. I want to create my toy store, especially featuring action figures from my series and great bands, - Todd McFarlane said.


    -Then, I need your contacts in Thailand. I heard that toy stores there are particularly cost-effective for my future interests, - Todd McFarlane said.


    -Join my label. Currently, I distribute toys all over North America, doing business with some specific companies, but the industry is booming, - Billy explained.


    -Really? - Todd asked.


    -It is. You can start a small company with whatever capital you have available, - Billy suggested.


    -$630,000 to start with, but I have an investor who might be interested in investing in my toys, - Todd shared.


    It wasn''t a lie. With the Spawn series, of which he is a co-creator, he was considering the technical development of a series of action figures of Image Comics creations, of which he''s a part, and some others that haven''t been fully explored yet.


    -An extra $500,000 wouldn''t be a problem. The first exhibitor and distributor is ''Toys and Comics.'' You can start in my store. There''s also ''Sunrise Comics,'' which distributes several comics here, and it''s common for these retail companies to have toy sections, - Billy said. sea??h th�� ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That eases my mind. I have a contact who will help me license images of characters. I believe Todd & Billy Toys is officially founded, - Todd said.


    A toy store specializing in action figures. Billy broke the deal not to spend money on expanding other businesses but investing here and there was almost a calling. Not many people come up with ideas like this, despite having a group of companies under their control.


    -You know how things work. Get the details in order, and when you''re all set, I''ll be there to invest in the series. Anne will approve the whole process; you have my green light, - Billy assured.


    ...

 133. id software

    January 9.


    Tomb Raider, is an explorer who travels in search of adventures in the most uncharted areas of the world, whether it''s remote lost islands near China, grand Egyptian tombs, Moroccan palaces, or Nordic cultures hidden through the centuries. These activities often lead to problems that don''t end well, with some terrorist group, organization, or mafia lurking in the shadows pursuing their interests. The various franchise installments have their ups and downs. In this, she''ll have to use all her skills and knowledge to face the challenges she encounters as a renowned archaeologist.


    What enhances the gameplay in the latest releases from Lux Comics?


    A third-person game with numerous perspectives, featuring the addition of an orbital camera design and omniscient cameras from various angles to capture the game''s wonders. Tomb exploration, vehicle driving, and some peculiar combat scenarios with different types of weapons like bows, guns, knives, explosives, pipes, and spears are part of Lara Croft''s arsenal for enhancing her combat abilities. It blends elements from the first and second game releases into one. Billy introduced many demands to the twelve-person team that has produced incredible video games.


    Mechanics for climbing, jumping, and acrobatics are just some of the aspects he requested. Focus on gameplay, graphical improvements, a more human-like motion sensor, and new game modes, such as large maps with multiple functionalities, hidden treasures, improved NPC character technicalities to increase game difficulty, extensive maps, and open-world functionality for crafting items, gear, cooking, weapons, and stealth.


    -This is quite challenging, very challenging, - Romero said, with something akin to stars in his eyes. The technical challenges he''s presented in the company have given his career a significant boost. Each time he opened his mouth and mentioned that everything had already been invented, they would send him a curveball that led to a variety of different tasks. Now, improving the camera and implementing a dual camera is something that didn''t occur to him at first, but it''s all worth it.


    -Don''t worry; we''ll take care of improving the engine. The results are clear when it comes to giving more depth to the other characters. I can only come up with a few ideas for technical enhancements, - John Carmack said.


    -Well, let''s continue with the movement patterns and anticipation mentioned in the book. This concept of machine intelligence brings up many intriguing details. I think we can refine the games. Jason, you''re in charge of improving NPC gameplay, - Brian Riley said, to which Jason nodded in agreement


    -We''ll take care of putting the game together. With the designs in place, assembling the framework is not a problem. I think I can adapt the game''s functionality to various features, such as stealth, lateral movement, jumps, and different gameplay, - Carmack said.


    -I''ll try to incorporate motorcycle gameplay. I''m also interested in replicating animals in-game mechanics, - Camil, another ID Software employee particularly skilled in in-game mechanics design, said.


    -I can create the framework. I believe I can find a way to streamline the process so that it doesn''t consume too much memory. This new approach will optimize the game with the new computers and equipment we''ve obtained, making game development require fewer resources to run, - Coleman said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Very well, let''s get to work, - Brian Rilley said.


    -I''ll go handle the issue of the new game development team. We''ll hire five new employees, one to strengthen our current team and four to work on a unique game project assigned by the boss, - Brian��s wife, Alexa Rilley, a skilled programmer in her own right, said. - I''ll conduct the interviews and then return to my work on improving the game modeler. -


    The small book, "Crash," a 2D game with not much difficulty, has received applications from multiple game programmers. Parent companies like Colecovision have faced significant layoffs, and companies in the video game industry with their ups and downs have let go of many employees who have been struggling to find work for months. So, the interviews have attracted numerous participants.


    -Francis, I thought Richard would come to oversee the selection process, - Alexa Rilley said.


    Francis Patt smiled.  - He had some complications, so he sent me to help out a bit. Here are the filters provided by the hiring agency. We have twelve participants, all of whom appear to have excellent resumes at first glance, but that doesn''t matter much in this company. -


    -You''re right; in this company, only skill matters. Out of these twelve, we don''t know who is capable of creating, and creating unimaginable things is the essence of ID Software, - Alexa said, particularly proud. The gaming industry has provided a home for her parents, her wife, and herself. It has allowed her to go on great trips and help her younger sister pay for her final college tuition. She still has money to spare. She won''t leave this company for anything in the world.


    -What have you planned, young lady? - Francis asked.


    -Well, I entered a contest, and I want all of you to participate in a competition. Anyone who can develop a 2D game with basic mechanics, including controls for jumping, spinning, diving, and flying, can join. You have one month to deliver something innovative. I''m not expecting you to complete the work of a full team; what I''m looking for is creativity and commitment, - Alexa said.


    -Alright, let''s head to the stage. I''ll be in the back. By the way, the company''s receptionist is particularly beautiful, - Francis said with a smirk.


    Alexa mumbled something but reached her destination.


    The twelve people were gathered in the small conference room, typically used for end-of-year meetings or birthdays.


    -Good afternoon, everyone. As you already know, this company is looking for the best programmers. Being a leading game development company, I want you all to be aware that this interview is a competition. You have one month to create a game with the specifications provided in this small booklet. Those who produce the best work or the most creative design will be hired. Don''t worry; at ID Software, we value talent and ability above all else. All twelve of you can enter if all twelve deliver something outstanding. You can work in pairs at most. Any questions? - Alexa said.


    -Can the partner be someone from outside this room? - a person with thick glasses asked.


    -Yes, as long as they have acceptable programming skills. We already have enough designers, writers, and makers; what we need are game coders, - Alexa replied.


    -Well, my friend is a programmer from another company. I can convince him, - the young man said.


    -I''m sorry, your name slipped my mind, - Alexa said.


    -Dave Taylor, - he replied.


    -Alright, Dave, you can do that, but your friend will have to be on a trial basis later - Alexa said.


    Dave nodded excitedly. This is a piece of cake. It needs some polishing, but between Tim Willits and him, the requirements are minimal.


    -Any other questions? - Alexa asked.


    The silence that followed was the answer. After all, a salary of $96,000 per year, along with numerous commissions and luxurious vacations, is something anyone would dream of. Though few knew it, this was Billy''s first original game, even though he used the characteristic design of Crash. He designed the entire map from scratch.


    The map features a grand laboratory game, which is a 54-level labyrinth with tight time constraints, vertically moving screens, horizontally moving screens, skateboard skate games, and common villains. These are experiments of Professor N. Cortex, the creator of the bandicoot animals, Crash, Coco, and Tawna. These are the first franchise characters that will shape the way to overcome the six laboratory robots.


    Of the 54 playable levels, 14 will be added by the developers themselves as a required practice and development feature. Sometimes these may have different modes that can turn out to be brilliant.


    -Continuing with the explanation, each group will have two weeks to create a stable product. The product will be evaluated based on basic criteria of innovation, - Alexa said.


    The programmers were taken aback by the tight schedule, but this is a job that pays its employees very well. Rumors were circulating that they received $200,000 per year, along with incredible vacations, flexible hours, and, of course, the allure of creating games. Being part of the group that recently launched two animated movies was also a perk.


    **********************


    Tim Willits had a rough time during his ID Software selection process and found himself having a few beers at the bar near his house. He listened to the billiard balls clinking away, but today he wasn''t in the mood for a game of pool.


    On his seventh beer, the bartender, a former gang member who decided to invest his money in the dive bar he now managed, approached him. The atmosphere was good enough that nobody would bother you if you just wanted to drink in peace.


    -You''re Tim Willits, - the bartender said.


    -Yeah? - Tim replied.


    -You have a call on the line. Your phone rang for fifteen minutes straight, - said John Rodriguez.


    Tim Willits nodded and moved his phone away from the beer. He was feeling dizzy and wanted to meet a girl, but he knew he wouldn''t find one in this bar. Maybe in the city center, he could meet up with some friends and find someone interested. "Thanks, boss," he told John Rodriguez, who nodded and rushed back to tend to the bar.


    The phone was hanging on the wall. Who would call him at this hour? Better yet, who would call him at this place?


    -Tim speaking, - he said, obviously drunk. But Dave was so excited that he didn''t notice or perhaps didn''t care, as he was in a motel in Kansas City, sipping cheap vodka with flavored soda.


    -Friend, come to Kansas. They allowed you to come. Teamwork is crucial in this company, and we have to develop a competition... - Dave started speaking hurriedly, without pauses, and with some confusion in his sentences. He was never good at speaking quickly; his eagerness would take over, and he would end up stumbling over small words.


    -Of what are you talking about? - Tim interrupted, equally drunk as moments ago.


    -Damn fool, come to Kansas quickly. We have to get to work, or do you no longer want to work at ID Software and create fantastic games for the company, - Dave said slowly and calmly.


    -Wait, Dave! - Tim said.


    -Who else would call you at the bar where you waste all your free time? - Dave remarked.


    A valid point.


    -My... mother, - Tim replied.


    -Well, buddy, you have until tomorrow to come. We have a competition and a job to win, - Dave said.


    -Are you kidding? - Tim asked.


    -I''m not, I''m speaking the truth. I turned down a few ladies so you could come here, - Dave said suggestively, his mind elsewhere.


    Dave heard the call hang up, and Tim bolted out of the bar, rushing to catch the first flight to Kansas. In his haste, he had forgotten his favorite jacket on the chair.


    ...

 134. freedoms.

    January 21, 1993.


    Jim Waitt''s brilliant work had not fallen short of the demands set by his representatives.


    -This is a fantastic opportunity, - Billy said.


    -Well, young man, you need to be ready for the auditions starting on February 23rd. This information is confidential. I''ll send you the script, don''t hesitate to practice. I''m friends with the scriptwriter, and they owe me a few favors. This is going to be a major production, with a budget of at least 40 million dollars, so they''ll choose the best. Make sure you prepare; this movie is going to be fantastic, - Jim Waitt said over the phone.


    Under the guidance of Ronald Emmerich, they aimed to achieve a science fiction production, following the successes of Terminator. Most of the budget would be allocated to special effects to give the work integrity that couldn''t be achieved by hiring big-name actors.


    -I''ll start right away, - Billy replied.


    -Well, it''s not possible for you to start just yet. I''ll get the script; you can audition with peace of mind. Remember to adjust your schedule; production begins in February and ends in June, so you''d better get ready. Your companies will have to survive without you for quite some time, - Jim Waitt advised.


    Billy could only nod in response.


    Slam Dunk and Ghost Report/Yu Yu Hakusho have 151 installments so far, with an advance up to volume 156 for both series and drafts up to volume 162.


    Samurai X and Shaman King, each have 47 volumes released, with an advance up to volume 51 and drafts up to volume 57.


    Neon Genesis Evangelion has 67 volumes released, with an advance up to volume 69 and drafts up to volume 71. This might not be entirely good news.


    With three monthly releases, it''s impossible to meet the delivery schedule or have the necessary time to work. Stopping the series is disadvantageous; if it''s not very popular, it''ll lose many fans, but if it''s highly popular, the company will lose corresponding revenue.


    -Anne, can you arrange a meeting with Terry and Diana Schutz? I want to create a major comics production, and I''ll need both of them to make everything go perfectly, - Billy said from his office door.


    -Is there something I should know? - Anne asked.


    -Yes, Jim Waitt has an audition for a movie, and production starts at the end of February. I want to get some installments done in advance and have them ready in the months when I won''t have much time for drawing, - Billy explained. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -If he had given a heads-up earlier, everything would be much simpler, - Anne said, furious with Jim Waitt.


    -I want a meeting for tomorrow, Anne. I''ll be working in my office. Order lunch; I want something nutritious with less grease. Thank you, Anne. You can leave early, - Billy said.


    -Ah, I''ll call immediately. - Rachel! - Anne shouted from her desk. Billy lost track of time and set to work on the Evangelion advances. He would do enough to let Terry focus on editing and correcting some details, with Diana Schutz taking on more tasks, he could leave enough comics for the next three months. Perhaps he should extend the deadline by a week.


    Chapter 70 started to reveal some technical complications, such as the hidden personalities of certain characters who had satisfactory and good appearance, as well as the hidden secret of Shinji''s classmates, which eventually led to their misfortune through experimentation.


    Billy had expanded the chapters a bit to provide better shots, showing metallic hallways, labs, and offices from better angles, resulting in each installment having an extra five to seven pages. He even created some points dedicated to characters or parallel stories, unpublished so far, but it was time to publish them. These stories could yield results in two weeks at most.


    He dedicated himself to finishing them.


    Anne entered with Rachel behind her, carrying an entire meal in a wooden tray for Billy, which she placed on one of the chairs.  -- Just as you requested, chicken with vegetables. They added an extra salad and a double serving of soup. I hope you enjoy it, --  Anne said.


    Rachel left a pitcher of juice and a similar one of water on her desk, along with three glasses and two packets of sugar. She then rushed out of the room. Anne ignored her and made some notes in her notebook, leaving a note attached to the wooden tray.


    She left without saying a word, just as she had entered.


    After a few hours and having finished correcting volume 72 of Evangelion, he had lunch with relish and set out to work on volumes 73 and 74. The lights came on at 8:00 PM. With the light dimmed, he continued his work until 11:00 PM when the door opened, and Raimon appeared.


    -You should finish for today. I''ve had enough of playing Pok��mon in the game room, and you''re still working. You need to rest a bit; it''s not healthy, my friend, - Raimon said.


    Trying to discreetly peek at spoilers and previews of the Evangelion series.


    -You''re right; we''ll leave it for now. With a bit more work in the coming weeks, we''ll clear three series, and the next ones will be much simpler, - Billy said.


    -The animation team? - Billy asked.


    -They left at 10:00, - Raimon said, carefully reading the drafts of Evangelion with his heart in his hands, reacting to the revelations made by Billy in the upcoming releases.


    -Stop reading. You can''t leak what you''ve seen; it would hurt our earnings for months, - Billy said, pushing Raimon towards the exit.


    -I swear I''ll keep quiet. I can''t stand the suspense. Tell me! - Raimon said desperately.


    -I won''t tell you. Privacy of information is necessary so that everyone can be surprised by the next volumes. Besides, don''t worry. I''m thinking of doing a weekly release during the holiday season. If you can focus and work hard enough, you''ll see the end of Evangelion and YuYu Hakusho, - Billy said.


    -Wait, they''re ending? - Raimon asked, incredulous.


    -They will. That''s why I''m dedicating myself to these appearances in particular. In their final stretches, there can''t be any cuts or mistakes. But don''t worry, we''ll make a TV series for Evangelion, and I''ll invest a lot of money. I''ll wait a bit until our financial situation with the channel stabilizes. I''ll invest a lot of money in each episode, so it will be a fantastic series, - Billy said.


    -Ahhahapap. -


    -Can I leak this, right? - Raimon asked, squeezing his cheeks hard, catching his breath.


    -You can, although Warner won''t be pleased. I''ve created over 200 volumes, - Billy said.


    Since he had created spin-offs that were specific to a TV series and told secondary stories that only arose from the anime, Billy had organized the story in detail, resulting in the delivery of special volumes marked with letters.


    -To hell with them. They''ve been attacking us from all sides. Remember the money we made from short sales? Well, I did the math yesterday, and we lost a lot of money. Creating the film distribution company, along with the adjustments we had to make, and the expenses of creating the channel, all add up, and Warner has been waging a constant war against us, - Raimon said, with his arms crossed.


    -Hahaha, - Billy laughed. - I''m glad I''m not the only one who thinks that way. -


    -Well, it''s something everyone in the company knows, even some former employees talk about the unfair behavior, and they agree that the behind-the-scenes work is a bit dirty, - Raimon said.


    -It''s partially true, - Billy admitted.


    -Sir, have a good night, - the security guard said as he opened the door for them.


    -Likewise, Joe, - Billy replied.


    Raimon gave him a firm handshake and a farewell. - See you tomorrow, Mr. Shooter. -


    -Well, I think we''ll part ways here, - Raimon said, his eyes quite tired. Lack of sleep was one of his habits, as he was naturally hyperactive.


    -That''s right, - Billy agreed, getting into his car and thinking about finishing chapters 73, 74, and 75 of the Evangelion comic the next day


    ....

 135. Box office.

    February 4.


    -It seems like The New York Times has insider information about our movie. Anne hasn''t sent the data yet, and we''re entering February. It''s questionable that we don''t have an idea about our box office performance, - John Lasseter said.


    On top of his desk, there was a headline in large letters: -The New Digital Era - Toy Story Hits $200 Million in North America! Pixar, is the sensation of the tech industries.


    -I can''t deny the source. Maybe they made a reasonable deduction with some sources. We''re likely over $200 million, - Ed Camult said.


    -So, do you think our movie has surpassed $200 million? It''s crazy, Ed. Billy mentioned something about recouping our money, but he was hoping to do that through toy sales, - John Lasseter said, taking a sip of his coffee as he scrutinized the newspaper once again with keen clarity.


    -This goes beyond our primary intentions. But it''s a relief that the company didn''t fail with our first release. After all, with such a high investment, I thought we''d surely lose some money, - Ed Camult said.


    With suspicion due to the high levels of investment made by Billy, starting from the movie''s release, they had disbursed $45 million in R&D alone, not including personnel expenses, taxes, the soundtrack, production, and dubbing. But Anne had classified the movie for $70 million, the fixed goal. Any profit below $150 million was considered a failure.


    -I feel relieved by this news more than you think. It reaffirms that our losses are minimal, - Ed said.


    John, knowing some of Ed''s thoughts, nodded in agreement. It was a relief for all employees, and now they could see the big bet of renovating some facilities for better comfort. A three-story building with underground parking was not a small expense.


    -I understand, but the boss is more than satisfied. He mentioned something about bonuses. You can buy that nice new truck we saw if the bonus is juicy enough, - John said cheerfully, although he still had dark circles under his eyes. The Hawaiian vacation was a soul-refreshing experience, with seven days of rest. Everything paid for, room service, delicious food, spa facilities, generous weather, beach, sea, and relaxation.


    -It''s just one part of it all, John, - Ed Camult said, attending to his colleague''s reluctance to see the future.


    -One part of what? Everything has been going well; there''s nothing to fear, - John Lasseter said.


    -At first, I didn''t consider it, until Randall made it clear. Our movie costs are very high, and the risk is significant for the next movie, ''Bugs, an Adventure.'' We need at least another big box office hit. And more than anyone, you know that hitting it big in Hollywood is very complicated, - Ed explained.


    -You''re quite a nervous person, - John Lasseter said calmly.  - Think of it this way, Billy approved the movie, and he even gave some suggestions for improving the environmental design. He has good instincts for figuring things out, and although he''s young, he makes up for it with talent. -


    Armand Millester was going through the accounts of the distribution company in a small office on one of the floors. Among the many offices, there were only seven people under Armand''s supervision, but with his guidance, they managed all the distribution in North America. However, the task was not straightforward; film distribution had its share of intricacies and behind-the-scenes dealings, including minor contract breaches and a lack of cooperation from major companies. The four agents who traveled from place to place, checking the distribution terms, had their hands full.


    -Mr. Armand, the results have come in from Columbia Pictures, - Staicy said, holding up a thick document filled with detailed information about the worldwide release of the new toy franchise in a risky debut.


    -The numbers are clear, - Armand replied.


    United States: $209 million


    The U.S. data was the clearest because of the significant presence and investment in advertising. The successful advertising campaign paid off.


    Canada: $8.8 million


    Mexico: $6.7 million


    Latin America: $25.5 million


    Central America: $13.4 million


    United Kingdom: $36.7 million


    France: $18 million


    Spain: $17.3 million


    Portugal: $9.9 million


    Italy: $14.7 million


    Europe: $23.6 million


    Eastern Europe: $4.1 million


    Africa: $14 million


    India: $15.1 million


    Asia: $39.6 million


    Oceania: $14 million.


    Armand reread all the figures and could only swallow hard. He hoped Sony could delay the earnings reports. Over 400 million dollars was a serious matter. Only "Jurassic Park" could claim to have overshadowed "Toy Story."


    -Let the parent company know about the money earned and arrange a meeting with Sony. I need to sort some things out, -  Armand said as he grabbed his briefcase, ready to leave. He had been in the business since 1971. Unfortunately, he made the wrong move, setting up an independent film distribution company and losing his entire fortune. He had worked diligently in the industry for others, and now he distributed for Pixar, an animation giant. What would Armand do? Collect. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next morning, much to Armand''s dismay, the news of "Toy Story" grossing 450 million dollars at the box office leaked out. The animation decade had arrived, and everyone looked at it with hopeful eyes. This was a market they hadn''t considered until just a few years ago. Disney had controlled animation for over sixty years and more. But everyone wanted a piece of the pie. Fox, Universal, Paramount, Warner, and even Sony had been taking steps to establish their animation studios. Some looked in other countries, others at smaller studios. Universal sought out Amblin Entertainment, an old ally.


    Anne was reading the news that morning with a black coffee in her hand, thinking what great news this was. Similarly, many others read the morning paper, delighted by the incredible earnings, a movie with such great profits, Pixar, Sunrise Comics, and all those who knew the owner of Pixar behind the scenes.


    -Billy, I have some fantastic news, -Anne said, clapping her hands and interrupting Billy''s drawing process.


    -It must be something significant, - Billy replied.


    -It is. Yesterday they sent the results in the evening, but I compared the earnings with the newspaper as soon as I heard the news. ''Toy Story'' is officially one of the highest-grossing animated films in history, - Anne said.


    Billy''s eyebrows raised at the delightful news.  -Did the toy reports arrive? - he asked.


    -We received the December figures, and they''re excellent. You left them on your desk two weeks ago, - Anne said, pointing to the yellow folder that only stuck out slightly from a stack of papers.


    -I didn''t have much time this week, - Billy admitted.


    -Forget it. Sales were fantastic, and we''ve recovered more than half the money. There are still many unsold toys, but we''ll soon reach a point where our losses are minimal. Maybe we should try buying fewer units, - Anne suggested.


    -You think I don''t know that? But soon, we''ll sell everything. Beyond that, ''Toy Story 2'' is in Pixar''s plans, - Billy replied.


    -Only read the report, and this one too. Armand sent the details of the entire operation recently. I think it''s a good idea for you to go through these things; the company is working on two more movies, and losing money isn''t good, - Anne advised before leaving the office.


    -Publish the toy sales��say that we''ve sold 5 million units in a month. Everywhere you can, - Billy instructed.


    Manipulating the media was just the beginning, but if these companies started seeing reports of such incredible sales, it would provide better assurances for Billy when negotiations began.


    Purchasing 12 million toy units might have seemed excessive at first, but now it has been a success. They had set up a production line, and toy sales were skyrocketing. "Toy Story" was still making money in theaters, and it was likely to continue performing well in the weeks to come.


    ...

 136. a-Long working day.

    February 19, 1993.


    San Francisco.


    Pixar Campus.


    The following proposal by the company Lux Animation, composed of a board of directors mainly consisting of department heads and key personnel, showcases Pixar''s growth, particularly in terms of management. However, the pivotal figures for the company are those who take the first step in accepting or rejecting the acquisition of a company or expansion of teams, which can sustain the multiple relationships that the animation production studio has carefully cultivated until now.


    -Solely, we propose a mentoring system, with team leaders guiding animators to maintain their work. Management desires a larger team and suggests creating a film every year and a half or two years, - said Randal McArthur, raising his gaze from the folder, pausing notably at Ed Camult, who undeniably makes most of the decisions.


    Ed Camult nodded, knowing that Billy wanted to create a computer series. Although it demands less than a film, creating a series is an intriguing prospect for Ed Camult. Therefore, it was decided that newcomers would work on small commercial shorts to enhance their animation skills while earning money for various companies. With the direction of "Toy Story," four contracts are already on the table.


    -The next point is to inquire whether the technology department has any new requests, not for the next film but for the one after, tentatively named the ''Ice Age,'' -  Randall said.


    Once again, there was silence. - In that case, we will allocate a budget for CGI research to improve graphics and the 2D animation process. On June 5th, funds will be allocated to the 3D technology research department, - Randall continued.


    The planning for the second "Bugs" movie began six months ago when the rough animation process for "Toy Story" was completed. Randall MacArthur''s deep voice began to resonate once more.


    -We need to enhance our post-production graphic quality. Consider the proposals, and we have reached an agreement to collaborate with Lucasfilm, - Randall MacArthur said, taking into account the search conducted by Anne from the analysis department. Management searched among many companies, but only Lucasfilm met Billy''s proposed conditions.


    -Wait, Lucasfilm, - exclaimed Alvy Ray Smith, who had been dozing at his desk just a moment ago. -I can contact George; we''re great friends, and he''d love to work with us again. -


    The most senior member of the company, along with John and Ed, the official founders, had extensive discussions with George Lucas about Pixar''s separation, previously a computing division. Alvy has a better understanding due to their shared interests, and despite his older age, he enjoys a certain mutual understanding with George.


    -I can contact him and arrange a meeting for tomorrow, but I have some family matters to attend to, so I''ll entrust you with the direction of operations, - Alvy said.


    Randall could only dance on the inside; initially, he thought he would have to work tomorrow.


    -Very well, my understanding is that Billy Carson will attend the meeting assisted by George Lucas. We''ll leave this arrangement to Mr. Ray. I hope everyone has a good day. I consider this regular meeting concluded, - Randall said, his eyebrows furrowed. He carried his already robust appearance.


    -I''ll be attending as an assistant, but my relationship is strictly professional. Although I''ve worked with George for a while, I''m not as close to him as Alvy, - Ed Camult said.


    -Well, in that case, call Anne to discuss the arrangements for tomorrow, assuming Alvy can arrange a meeting on such short notice, - Randall said, organizing the meeting documents and approaching his secretary, who was taking notes throughout the meeting.


    February 22, 1993.


    Lucasfilm Headquarters.


    Among the many acquisitions to consider that Raimon, the Luxtoons animators, and Billy have surely contemplated, Lucasfilm was never a unanimous choice. The cultural value of Star Wars surpasses what many think. The secret purchase of Lucasfilm is quite audacious for a newly formed company.


    The company''s profits are not as high as expected at one point, but money keeps flowing in through various channels. Licensing deals with many companies, comic book sales, toy sales, and added value to other businesses have generated steady revenue exceeding $10 million monthly.


    The small active income currently held by Billy is $92 million, the profit earned so far from Toy Story. However, as the months pass especially when The Lion King is released for the June holidays, everything will take a different turn. The popularity of Lux Animation and Pixar is already recognized among children and parents. The deal is better, and this movie will make a lot of money, which will be used to purchase George Lucas''s studios. The founder, president, and owner of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC is none other than George Lucas. The beautiful facilities are still being supported by a few jobs done a few years ago and an affordable sound effects and special effects studio are fundamentally successful.


    Billy walked alongside John Lasseter and Ed Camult. They were the ones who helped arrange a meeting with George Lucas so confidentially. Although Jim Waitt was a good agent, at times he used his facade as an integral part of Pixar and Lux Animation''s agent. While it could be advantageous, discretion is a factor to consider for events like these, as only by acquiring George Lucas''s vast empire can their grand plans be completed.


    -I deeply believe it''s a bad idea to come to Lucasfilm after the success of Toy Story, - Ed Camult said, regretting the meeting, although Billy had only shown his concerns a few minutes ago when John inquired.


    -You should consider it, Billy. George is a great guy, and he loves all things retro, but nobody messes with his baby. It''s said that he''s had arguments with close friends over tampering with his franchise, --  John Lasseter said, equally alarmed, knowing George''s fiery and irritable temper when it comes to discussing the purchase of his franchise. -- He''s an angel; you can even go out for beers with him, and crack jokes, but certain boundaries turn the man affectionately called Santa Claus into a real Darth Vader. --


    -Don''t worry, I have a proposal that George will like, - Billy said.


    -I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt that I think you have in mind, just be tactful. After all, we have a friendship with George, and it''s a good one. I don''t want to damage it over trivial matters like this, - John Lasseter said, turning the page.


    -I wouldn''t expect any less, - Billy conveyed, eager to meet George Lucas and for the words he hoped would stand out next.


    The beautiful Lucasfilm complex looked more like a residential club or hotel than a studio management office. San Francisco once again stood out, the calm and pleasant location in contrast to the bustling and hectic studios of Los Angeles.


    Even Billy envied George''s office: it seemed more like a museum or a Victorian mansion than a workspace.


    -John and Ed, I saw the movie, Toy Story. I didn''t expect you to achieve something so spectacular in less than ten years. I liked it, and even my daughter loved the film. She usually prefers princess movies, but she enjoyed this one a lot. I can prove it; I have the toy collection at my house, - George Lucas said effusively and abruptly, with a peaceful formality that contradicted the strong words of praise. Ed Camult could only blush, while John Lasseter puffed out his chest.


    -It''s been a very hectic few months for all of us. Making the movie wasn''t easy, and the goals we set were not small. Even the proposed goals seemed small when compared to the demands of our boss, who had many requirements on how to improve the product, - Ed Camult said.


    Billy, knowing the movie was released in 1995, knew he had to make it just as good or even better. He fine-tuned many things to ensure the visual experience was much better than what was typically expected. That''s why he immersed himself in the task of creating better settings, improved human designs, and higher image quality.


    -Ah, that boss was right. The movie is an unseen artistic gem, one for the ages. I dare say you''ve changed the future of animation, - George said.


    -A significant burden on our shoulders. It''s not easy to say that we have high expectations to meet, - Ed Camult replied, emphasizing the company''s stance. Settling is not enough. How long will it take Disney to come up with technology similar to theirs? These are questions the company has pondered. If they want to invest money, it''s no problem for them to spend a few hundred million and compete with all the spotlights on them.


    George Lucas looked at Billy with a gleam of recognition in his eyes but didn''t know what to say. The words about introducing a significant figure who changed the course of the Pixar subsidiary, which he had dismissed long ago to focus on other industries.


    -This young man is the focus of our pleasant meeting, - George said, looking back at John and Ed with a delicate smile. He raised his hand towards Billy in a gesture he had practiced in front of a mirror at the beginning to impress people in this industry, which he decided to join after finishing high school. Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -George Lucas, - he said warmly.


    -Billy Carson, sir. It''s a pleasure to meet you, - Billy said.


    The faces of John Lasseter and Ed Camult resembled blank sheets of paper. They are certainly not cut out for politics, their stance reflects misunderstanding everywhere.


    The firm handshake, even if George''s firm greeting was unexpected, along with his warm smile and extended sympathy in his gestures, it''s just one step for the negotiations Billy faces once again. Can he tempt him with a better future?


    The room was once again tastefully decorated, with elegant polished wood statues, perhaps some of them marble. They took their seats on a long bottle-green sofa in front of a small black chair that George brought himself to sit across from, creating a clear division.


    -Alvy mentioned he wants to work closely with Lucasfilm, but he didn''t go beyond post-production for films. Although I suggest that my techniques may not be as advanced as yours, I can do many things for all of us, - George Lucas said.


    Through the main door, a young man with a movable table covered in a blue cloth appeared. It contained snacks, juice boxes, bottled juices, a coffee pot, and water pitchers. The young man was particularly cheerful, and his noticeable dark circles matched his natural smile.


    -Simon, come and serve something to my guests, young man, - George said, using both his mouth and some subtle hand gestures. George''s childlike posture while seated once again invited sympathy. Simon continued with the same enthusiasm from the moment he entered.


    Simon''s nod was a curiosity. He placed four coasters on the wooden table in front, each with its respective thick napkin. He pointed to the beverages calmly, a tropical orange juice, a water pitcher, and a coffee pot labeled "espresso."


    Billy chose the orange juice, a refreshing taste necessary for a meeting where they might have to discuss many things in depth. He disconnected from the present, thinking about the future the franchise could have.


    -We indeed want to make the post-production agreement with Lucasfilm, but our interests go far beyond that, - Billy said.


    Seeing that George didn''t respond or move in response to his words, Billy decided to reveal what was on his mind.


    >>>For some time now, I''ve started writing comics. The money earned in this industry has generated so much income for my company that I decided to invest in Pixar. I see a promising future for the company, and I deeply believe that in ten years, Pixar will create films that touch the hearts of children all over the world, - Billy said.


    >>>>>To achieve that, the company has to keep working hard, innovate in our field, and improve our potential challenges. I strongly advocate that technology will provide us with better ways to bring movies to people. In the future, it will be easy for a group of people to carry out these processes even from their homes. Everything will improve over time, so I encourage the organic collaboration of every community. My desire goes beyond mere collaboration. Not only are the industries created by you excellent, but your franchises are as well. You could say I already have many franchises, and it''s not necessary for the money in my pockets to be used to buy, negotiate, or license series that only waste time. But the reality is different. >>>>


    -The basic way of life that I hope to achieve for my company is something we can accomplish with your help, Mr. George. With your insights into your series, your way of making movies, your talent and skills, and the ideas I''ll bring, we may usher in a new era of animation. I''m sure many people don''t believe it, but the next era of animation and digital content will be dominated by different emerging industries, such as comics and the wonderful world of anime, - Billy continued, taking a deep breath.


    >>>>Therefore, I want to make a proposal that has been on my mind. The first three Star Wars movies contain numerous details that people overlook. Still, I firmly believe that Mr. George left several unanswered questions to continue weaving this series that has brought joy to fans. I even believe it''s possible to create another potential trilogy and establish a universe of our own within the Star Wars industry. This will only strengthen my animated channel, which is about to launch. Luxtoons will have a release date of August, and if I configure it, I can move it up a month, but that would be counterproductive for our animated channel. So, I want to propose an alliance. Mr. George, are you willing to ally with me? If possible, I promise two things: a massive investment. I''m willing to bet all my companies that if you allow me to join your company and you join mine, everything that is and will be of both companies will improve healthily, - Billy said.


    George remained unruffled, thinking to himself, - Everyone is showing their greed. -


    -How much do you think my company is worth? - George asked.


    -According to my advisors and financial analysts, no more than $200 million, - Billy said carefully. --But it''s not the company that''s important. What''s important is you, Mr. George. If you''re willing, it can''t be a straightforward purchase. --


    -A merger. �C said Lucas


    >>Yes, I have no problem with that. Both of us are owners of two major companies, although I would advise against it. My company is massive, and a merger, considering our business earnings, won''t leave Mr. Lucas satisfied. I propose something different. How about an exclusive working agreement? Lucasfilm can now only do business with Lux Animation. Our company has distribution companies, networks, comic book distribution, toys, games, books, and movies. To invest in the Star Wars universe, I''m willing to license it for 20 years, with strict conditions, such as creating a trilogy and three premium animated series and television programs. You can take the lion''s share of the toy market.>>>>


    -As my second offer, allow me to buy 50% of the company for $150 million, payable over three years. During that time, I plan to improve the special effects industry to bring together the two parts: Lucasfilm and Pixar. The first part involves creating movies with evident quality, from magnificent planets to different settings and majestic special effects. For this, I''m willing to invest in filmmaking and expand the company by improving what already exists through multiple investments in various companies. The fact that I already have everything you need can help, even this small estate can serve as an alternative headquarters. We''re making significant land acquisitions in San Francisco, - Billy explained.


    -Why do you think others haven''t made this offer? - George asked, in complete calm.


    -Because others needed people to create wonderful things. I don''t. I have a thousand and one ideas for Star Wars. We can create a timeline from the origins of the galaxies to long after your last film. I want to create a cultural phenomenon with you, Mr. Lucas. Let''s bring that magic back, which has been neglected for so long, - Billy said.


    -If you allow it, Mr. Billy is one of the scriptwriters and producers. I can say that all the toy designs were created by him, and the script was mostly his work. Many ideas were contributed, but all were in consideration of Billy. I can''t deny that he''s an excellent artist and storyteller, - John Lasseter said.


    George maintained his Zen-like posture of absolute calm.


    -I still don''t agree. My license is worth more than money, and my company is worth much more than a few million dollars, - George said, remaining calm.


    --I think Mr. George hasn''t understood. This isn''t about money, though that doesn''t mean I won''t pay a fair price. Many people consider your works to be worth billions of dollars, but essentially, that''s not true. Those who buy it are simply wasting their money. I want an alliance between Lux Animation and Lucasfilm. To collaborate, I don''t need to buy, which is why I say ''license.'' If you allow it, in less than 10 years, Star Wars will be the franchise that everyone wants to see again. Even if you don''t believe it, Mr. George, times change, and many companies waste valuable time on projection, just as you''ve allowed a few comic books to be made, but frankly, you''ve wasted time with your grand franchise. �C billy explained


    The first thing Billy noticed was how George''s jaw moved.


    -A kid who talks big. It''s not easy, one mistake and you''re in this game, and the company isn''t available for expansion due to the risk it implies. I''m not satisfied, - George said, challenging Billy''s bravado a bit.


    Billy smiled. After many negotiations with different producers, entrepreneurs, animators, scriptwriters, creators, and workers, he knew the path he had to take. The atmosphere was tense, from John Lasseter looking at everyone with intense energy to Ed Camult trying to focus on his coffee while listening to the conversation.


    -I''ll take the risk. If I lose money, I lose money. I''m very young, and I can recover in time, but this desire I have to create something with you is a calling, - Billy said.


    -What do you propose? - George asked, interested but inclined to reject it. He didn''t know that Billy knew many things about George Lucas, including one of the reasons he decided to sell to Disney after rejecting numerous other companies.


    -Well, if you allow me, forget the previous proposals and consider my next steps. I''d buy a piece of land here in San Francisco. I''m negotiating for a specific area in ''El Granada'' or ''Half Moon Bay'' of at least 300 acres. How about building a mega production studio for Star Wars movies and series? Once we''re done, we can utilize the space to construct a massive Star Wars museum. It''s just a matter of adapting the specifications according to our requirements. But my idea is to use all the set designs, all the blueprints, and machinery in it. Of course, I also plan to open a special Star Wars wax museum with its restaurant, toy shops, and bookstores, - Billy said.


    -You want to create a park-like Disney, - George said.


    -That''s the plan. That''s why I need to be a part of your company. I''m going to invest a lot of money in this venture. Although I''ve been recommended other locations, such as San Antonio Valley, the goal is to build a mega studio for the franchise. It''s enough for me to focus on finding a suitable location. I prefer my companies to be as close as possible, and we''re looking for places in San Jose, - Billy explained.


    --Quite ambitious, -- George Lucas remarked, sitting down and thinking carefully. -- I want a merger, a merger with Pixar Studios. From there, we can plan everything you want, young man. --


    -I agree, but Pixar is a subsidiary of Lux Animation, - Billy pointed out.


    -I want that merger, young man. Our growth depends on the collaboration between our two companies. You have many interesting proposals. With the merger of something you value as much as I value my company, I can be sure that everything will go smoothly, - George said with a smile.


    -I can assure you of that. However, there should be some interesting clauses, don''t you think, Mr. Lucas? - Billy responded cheerfully.


    -Of course, you can tell me everything necessary, - George replied.


    -Have you visited Pixar, Mr. Lucas? - Billy asked.


    George was surprised. -- I haven''t been there in ten years, - he admitted.


    -Well, I''ve invested a total of $40 million in renovating it. The company is very different from what you probably expect. Furthermore, the constant cash injections I make are of similar value. Legally, the cost of Pixar is much higher than that of Lucasfilm, - Billy explained.


    -How much is your company valued at? - George asked.


    -Mmm... according to Bank of America, it''s valued at almost $600 million. It would be disadvantageous for you, Mr. Lucas. After all, it''s disproportionate, as you well know, these valuations are performed based on assets, projections, and various variables, - Billy replied. The valuation conducted by a reputable bank was excellent.


    -However, I can propose something more interesting. Let me be the primary investor in Lucasfilm. I can make a substantial investment, and from there, the growth of Lucasfilm will only improve, - Billy suggested.


    -I don''t think I''ll allow investment. It was a good conversation and very enlightening for me, but I''ll continue with this company as it is for now, - George said, finalizing the deal.


    -You can consider it. Here, I have a set of data about the first project I want to work on, the Star Wars series of movies, a new trilogy, with some of my conjectures about the future of this company, and a discussion about the post-production data we can collaborate on, - Billy said.


    -I''ll review them. Have a good day, Mr. Billy Carson. We''ll see each other in the future, - George said.


    The partial dismissal, after such a strong negotiation conversation, calmed Billy''s mind entirely. He hoped to make a new offer, but for now, Star Wars could wait. As a last resort, starting with a special effects studio might be a logical idea.


    ********


    there are different types of negotiation, I want to expose that Billy''s eagerness to negotiate is to place expectations on people.


    When they offer to make you money or fulfill your dreams, it''s a form of attraction.


    I checked the information about the value of Lucasfilm and it was 200 million, the company may have had good IP, but, at that time, it did not have a position, even the prequels, George Lucas used the percentage at the box office to make some money, added to the contract they had with a fox.


    ...


    another chapter, to tell the truth, I have written a lot, the next chapters come with images, but it is difficult to upload images here, I will try to upload some images that I upload on Patreon. By the way, recommend, and comment without fear, I read every one, and I try to respond as best I can, any recommendations for the series, I am pending. some chapters are exclusive, but, everything ends up being understood. I finished a course in creative writing and I have tried to continue improving, if you have something to help me improve my writing, I can review it.

 137. the future of pixar.

    The silence was present for the members of the company, the back-and-forth words of George Lucas and Billy Carson are powerful, and the mysteries of Billy and his creative aspects are in question, a force, but more than that, a curiosity that people haven''t forgotten. George Lucas''s human appearance doesn''t distinguish the sagacity with which he operates. The white lie about Pixar''s value put the brakes on, but Billy can''t play games with George at the moment. He needs at least greater control over Pixar. Although he knows the value of Pixar at $210 million, the $640 million represents the value of Lux Animation. However, the value could increase shortly. In contrast, Lucasfilm doesn''t have very promising growth prospects, and the proposal for a large production hasn''t even started.


    -That was intense, - John Lasseter said as a way to break the silence.


    -I think we have a lot of questions to think about, young Billy, - Ed Camult said, processing the discussion and the arguments Billy presented during the entire conversation.


    --I know what you''re thinking, and Pixar is also a part of that process. Although its growth has to be awaited, there are differences. But you can also see the future I''m planning for the company, -- Billy replied.


    --What future? Isn''t it about making movies? -- John Lasseter asked, not understanding the underlying meaning of Billy''s words. Ed Camult adjusted his glasses and smiled. Someone as direct as John is undoubtedly a great person.


    --Of course, but going beyond that is something we, as a company, should consider. Think of it this way, John: our benefits with ID Software have generated that our companies contribute to growth. 3D technology can be used for many things. If we keep investing, our business channels can expand, such as saving costs, optimizing processes, improving quality, and transplanting us to different matrices, such as creating architectural models, engineering, fashion, construction, games, and movie post-production, -- Billy explained.


    --Not only that, we are ahead of other companies by perhaps 15 years. I don''t see a company that can match our quality. If we continue to grow, game companies may start to be interested in our creations, such as movie production. Even Microsoft, a computer company, has approached us to ask about our designs and products, -- Billy continued.


    The footsteps toward the parking lot resonated with complete uniformity. Billy''s dark brown suit, light blue shirt, and properly tied tie gave him a certain air of sophistication. John tried to talk about some things, but he wasn''t quite sure what to say. The silence was broken by the words of a curious mind.


    -How much will Pixar benefit from all your ideas? - Ed Camult inquired.


    -Billy noticed Ed Camult''s suspicious gaze. "We''ll be known as the leading animated film company with the best movies of the 21st century. After all, Disney holds that place in everyone''s hearts, but Pixar will claim that title. I''ll take care of it. Don''t worry; my thoughts are well-defined. We''ll become a sensation, - Billy explained.


    Ed Camult nodded and continued walking, feeling the need to keep this information to himself. He doesn''t talk much about things, but the feeling of being a part of a major project is unmistakable. His salary increased slightly, but the love the company had shown him, from top-notch facilities to substantial investments, freedom for development, and the importance of his work, meant more.


    -I hope to be here to witness the growth, - Ed Camult said.


    -Well, you''ll have to conduct another talent search at my alma mater, Stanford University. We need better professionals to help us address the challenges of our computer system, - Billy stated.


    The problem that Pixar has? Creating realistic human characters through computers. It''s a challenge they''ve been working on diligently, such as developing the FITZ software[1] and the next animation model for organic elements like water, snow, and sand. A considerable amount has already been invested in improving all these everyday life processes. These small elements have been modeled and produced, and one of the major intervals between films is the slow progress that can be made as they work on animation.


    -What does Autodesk do? They bring these processes together into a user-friendly, functional tool. -


    -I feel relieved, - Ed Camult said.


    -John Lasseter attempted to say something again, but business conversations were not his strong suit. "Let''s go grab a bite, - John Lasseter suggested.


    That sounds good. How about we make a quick stop at McDonald''s? - Billy proposed.


    -Kids'' food? - John questioned.


    -Yes, I received an offer recently. Our upcoming movie is expected to have a line of toys for the ''Happy Meal,'' the kids'' meal. That''s what they''ve been talking about. However, I want to check the products. I know of it, but I want to evaluate the products and the food now. If you don''t mind, - Billy explained.


    -Not at all. I''ll get a meal for my nephews; I''m their favorite uncle since I''ve taken them to see all the company''s movies, - John Lasseter said, leaning over to Ed, who had mentioned going to a Greek restaurant earlier.


    -Alright then, - Ed Camult said.


    -We''ll just place a large order. I want to see the menu and the toys, -- Billy said as he fastened his seatbelt in the front passenger seat. -- We can go to the Greek restaurant afterward. Anyway, I''ll only try the burgers and fries. The rest we can give to your beloved nephews; they''ll be happy to eat plenty. -- S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -True, the cool uncle has to keep being cool. And Ed, you won''t be taking hamburgers for your dear children, - John Lasseter laughed.


    -Please, they''re just the kids Susan looks after, - Ed said, sounding particularly nervous. They''ve had a wonderful five-year relationship, and her privacy is an important part of her life.


    -Well, I think we could get something for the kids on the way, - Billy suggested.


    -You''re crazy, there are 35 kids in Susan''s classroom, - Ed replied, raising his arms and gesturing in denial, his back arching as he showed his disagreement with the idea.


    -Well, I have the money. Come on, Ed, what''s better than happy little tykes having a meal? Besides, I''ll conduct a small quality survey to see if this toy business is profitable this year, especially in December, - Billy said.


    -Perfect, McDonald''s for everyone! If we take the fast route, we''ll get to my nephew''s place. The Greek restaurant is nearby, and, of course, Susan''s beautiful place is just five blocks away. Hahaha, - John Lasseter said, accelerating the car.


    Currently, the toys on offer are from the Baby Looney Tunes collection. Their cute and childish forms have been available since January, while during the Christmas season, they used the classic Ronald McDonald in a festive version along with a Christmas tree-shaped car. What''s impressive about this franchise is the rapid turnover of toys, although the waiting time has increased over the years due to the extensive menu.


    -Good afternoon, how can I help you? - said the automated cashier.


    -We need... 38 Happy Meals. Give me two extra combos, one with Nuggets another with fries, and two different burgers. One of those big ones over there and one with bacon, -- Billy ordered. --And what would you like for yourself, John or Ed? -


    -I''d like a large Big Mac with extra-large fries, --  John replied, with a finger on his mouth. -- Give me one of those small cheeseburgers as well and make it as fast as you can. Make sure all the boxes have their toys; we''ve got a group of kids eagerly waiting for their meals, -- he added.


    The McDonald''s cashier was surprised, but Billy paid the $190 and left a $10 tip for the young girl. Although she was older than Billy, she wasn''t as fortunate, but the sincere smile he gave her was enough to take the order.


    Despite Ed''s dejected posture, which was quite evident, John had known him for a long time and tried to lower his energy. They took their seats, surrounded by plain chairs and plastic d��cor. There were a few kids having fun, with others playing around and screaming about the toys in the distance while parents watched them from their seats.


    -How nice, - John Lasseter remarked.


    -I never came to a place like this when I was a child. It''s one of my first times eating something like this. I used to prefer street food over fast food, - Billy said.


    -We have it all planned out. I''ll head to my kids'' place, stay and play for a while, and you guys can go to the kindergarten. Say hello to Susan for me, Ed, and we''ll catch up in the carpool. I''m in the mood for some Greek crepes, - John Lasseter said.


    -So be it, - Billy replied.


    -Well, I hope all the orders will fit in the car. If I recall correctly, there''s a giant box that can hold ten meals. Although nothing beats Mr. Fatty �C it has three kilograms of meat in a burger with extra-large sodas. It''s something we used to do when we weren''t so focused on making movies. Every Saturday after work. Andrew was the biggest eater, believe it or not, - John Lasseter said.


    -I already knew that. Peter Docter never stops inviting me; he''s trying to plan a corporate outing. I''m considering it deep down in my mind, thinking of doing it after the release of The Lion King. I''ll book the place and, if possible, celebrate with all of you and the Lux Nation team, - Billy said.


    "42!"


    -Here''s our order, - Ed said.


    They rushed out of the restaurant. Billy accompanied Ed to the kindergarten, a small school with only three classes, each containing 10 to 12 children on average, aged 6 to 7.


    -I''ll go down to the car and explain to Susan. I don''t think she''ll mind. I''ll also talk to the principal. Find a parking spot; I''ll meet you at the entrance, - Ed said.


    Carrying four large boxes, each containing all the food he could order, Billy took a big bite of the beef burger, feeling the sauce dripping onto his taste buds. "Not bad," he thought as he checked the menu.


    The parking lot was crowded. Billy spotted a few interesting spots along the edges, including a charming bookstore. He eventually found a spot between a large SUV and a tiny Beetle. Ed Camult was waiting for him at the main entrance. He was with a friendly-looking woman in her thirties, black-haired with a warm smile and a relaxed demeanor.


    -Ed, I''m sorry, I had a long drive. It''s impossible to find parking in these places, - Billy said.


    -No worries, -- Ed replied calmly. -- This is Susan, one of the most important people here. Susan, this is the boss I told you about. Although it may not seem like it, he''s a very pleasant young man. -


    Susan''s green eyes lit up with recognition, evidence of shared moments.  --You''re our sponsor. Thank you for the trip to Hawaii. I wanted to express my gratitude, but unfortunately, you didn''t travel with the group. Even now, you''ve brought happiness to the kindergarten. Ed mentioned that you have a project to do with my little ones regarding some questions, - Susan said.


    -I just want to make a note of what their favorite toys are, and if one of them happens to be the Happy Meal toys, - Billy said.


    -Well, let''s go. They all need to thank you for how you''ve acted, - Susan replied.


    [1] This software automates character hair while they''re running or jumping to improve the animation process.


    ...

 138. travels to Hollywood.

    February 27.


    Billy was enthusiastically coordinating the deliveries of the comics, and the key and distribution were entrusted to Anne, one of the strictest individuals he knew. He had a bit of stress in his eyes, given that the role in Stargate had some significant elements, as it was one of his first leading roles in a movie, and Jim had notified him about a second opportunity to play the antagonist in the film. However, he needed to get a tan.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 31,212


    Literature: 30,530


    Acting: 30,102


    Points: 450


    [Drawing store


    Purchased: sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Samurai Jack: 15 pointsHellboy: 22 points (1993)Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points (1994)Rugrats: 25 points (Adventures in Diapers)Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)Animatics: 15 points (1992)Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X): 25 points (1994)Evangelion: 20 points (1994)Doom: 15 points (1993)The Lion King: 30 points (1991)Hercules: 15 points (1997)Shaman King: 20 points (1997)The Iron Giant: 15 pointsPower Rangers: 20 pointsTrigun: 15 points (1995)The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 15 pointsWolfenstein 3D: 15 points (1993)Toy Story: 25 points (1995)Recess: 10 points (1995)Game of Thrones: 30 points (1995)Ice Age: 25 points (1997)Serial Experiments Lain: 15 points (1998)The Walking Dead: 20 points (1995)Billy and Mandy: 20 pointsHey Arnold: 20 pointsGargoyles: 15 pointsRobot Jones: 10 pointsHi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: 10 pointsThe Boondocks: 8 pointsPok��mon: 55 pointsTomb Raider: 25 pointsCrash: 25 points


    A total savings of 450 points, which was increasing weekly by 50 or 60 points. The next series included Star Wars, which cost a total of 500 points, and the Fate series, which cost a total of 450 points. Moreover, the expenses of purchase could escalate; for instance, Pok��mon, for which he had only purchased the first seasons, required two more purchases of 500 points each, summing up to a total of 800 points spent.


    After the exponential increase in his skills and the attainment of a different kind of instinct for acting, drawing, and literature, it was something challenging to achieve. With the structured study and academic improvements he had been making throughout his long childhood and adolescence, the system had given him enough instinct to integrate these values into one, making him feel revitalized. Even Raimon, who used to visit him to observe his practices, praised his performance.


    -Well, good luck in Los Angeles. Try to behave well and, whenever possible, do some relaxation activities. I''ve arranged for a personal assistant to help you get everything you need when you arrive. He''s a Los Angeles native. You can ask him for advice on buying items for publishing your book, - said Thomas Carson, facing Billy in the final waiting area, with about twenty minutes until boarding. The weeks leading up to the comic book deliveries had been hectic, with cost-cutting measures, meetings with suppliers, and construction.


    -Thank you, Dad. Don''t forget to sort the comics for delivery. If all goes well, we won''t see each other for a long time. If everything goes smoothly, the filming will start immediately. So, I''ll be busy until June or July. I''ll try out some other roles. Remember to send me the materials; I have a book to publish and some important comic designs to finish, - said Billy, approaching his father.


    -I know, son. You''ve been saying that for twenty minutes, and I''m completely exhausted. You need to relax. Look, here comes your little girlfriend, - said Thomas Carson.


    Alice looked beautiful. Her appearance had changed as she progressed through her semesters studying medicine, and to Billy''s surprise, she had supported his official entry into the world of acting.


    -You two keep talking about work, and you should be happier - said Alice, reproaching the Carson gentlemen playfully. She moved closer to Billy to ruffle his hair gently, taking care with each stroke. His curls were wild, and they had grown over time; he hadn''t cut his hair for a while. She leaned against the bench, leaning forward, positioning herself almost in between the two Carsons.


    -So, when are you coming back, dear? - asked Alice.


    -If I''m lucky, it will take me two or three months, - said Billy, with exhaustion, as it was the third time he''d answered, but she was very anxious. The impressive part was the sadness in Alice every time he mentioned that he might take two to three months to return for a weekend.


    -Don''t worry, I''ll come back a few days to see you," said Billy, adjusting his slender hands.


    Thomas understood that he was not part of this intimate moment and went in search of giving his son and little Alicia Davis some space.


    -I''m sad, not thrilled about you leaving. I hope you''ll call me every day. And forget about looking at the girls in Los Angeles; they''re malicious and just want your money, especially the actresses. Oh, they''re all sweet talk, mister, - said Alice, using her soft voice, which she usually used when she wanted something.


    -Don''t worry, dear, - said Billy, leaning in for a little kiss, which Alice received with pleasure. Billy got closer and, just a bit more, gently took her cheek; her skin was so smooth, her sweet little cheeks always tempted him to squeeze them.


    -You''ll call me. -


    -Every day, but we''ll have a schedule. Check your phone as much as you can. It will be in the evenings if I have time, so you can tell me about your day. I want to know if Mr. Riffte is still as friendly as ever. If your sister doesn''t lend you the car, you can use my truck,      just no eating in my baby, - said Billy.


    Alice chuckled, "I promise nothing." They drew closer and enjoyed each other''s proximity. She was wearing the perfume he had given her for Christmas, which she had never stopped using since he started giving it to her two years ago.


    -Well, you know the troubles of eating in my car, Miss      Alice, - said Billy, hugging her tightly. Alice was so refreshing.


    -You know I might show up at your apartment unannounced one of these days, - said Alice.


    -Well, dear, I''ll ask my dad to give you the keys, but you''ll have to get a duplicate made and return them, - said Billy. He felt her curly hair tickling his cheek as she lowered herself and rested her little head on his chest. The position was almost sitting on Billy''s lap, but Alice got even closer.


    -Oh, I will, and I''ll cook you something nice. I learned how to make goulash, and well, some soups you like, - said Alice,      happily, in a complete rhythm of love from the moment she had fallen head over heels for Billy Carson.


    -Well, you''re quite sweet. But, miss, I''ll be content with a quiet meal, - said Billy.


    -Mooohhh. -


    -Billy, I brought some food for you to eat before your flight. Here, take this, - said Thomas, handing him some fruit, tuna, and water.


    -Thanks, Dad, - said Billy.


    -For the miss, I bought a fruit set, sugar-free, and a gluten-free muffin. Billy told me about your particular taste for organic food, - said Thomas.


    -Thank you, Mr. Carson, - said Alice, returning to her place next to Billy.


    Once Billy arrived in Los Angeles, he would take a long route to get to an apartment in a well-located area, just ten minutes away from some recording studios, one of which was where the auditions would take place, while the others took about half an hour to reach. In this apartment, he would have all the amenities he needed.


    -I think it''s time for you to go, - said Thomas, hugging his son. Thomas had a feeling that his son was about to embark on a career as an actor, and there wouldn''t be much time together from now on.


    -It''s a see you soon, Dad. Everything will go perfectly. I have many things to do here in San Jose, and I hope everything can be accomplished within my scheduled timelines, - said Billy, smiling.


    His gaze focused on Alice, who was once again devastated. - - We''ll see each other soon, dear. You don''t have to worry, -- said Billy, feeling Alice''s tight embrace. The farewell lasted as long as they had at the airport.


    The next steps involved being an integral part of the Stargate team. Jim had secured a complete script, which seemed more like a book than a script due to the many technical details describing landscapes, character thoughts, and strange behaviors. He devoted himself to studying everything about Daniel Jackson, an archaeologist with zero social skills, unusual thoughts, and peculiar behaviors.


    According to Jim Waitt, Ronald Emmerich''s behavior was described as someone strong-willed who valued this script as his life. He preferred to hire actors who would follow his every demand rather than big-name actors. He was a director with straightforward thoughts on how to make movies.


    The boarding plane was here, and as it was a state trip, the aircraft was small, old, and not very stable. The turbulence on these planes only made people nauseous. It was painted in a deep red and glossy white. Billy boarded the plane with superficial thoughts about the days ahead and had 450 points, which would be enough to buy some extra series.


    ....


    follow me on Patreon, we are 30 chapters ahead.

 139. Stargate casting.

    He left the apartment after a quick exercise routine, ten long laps running around the block, some squats and push-ups, and a forty-minute routine, done every morning. The refrigerator was empty, and he had to do some shopping when he got back, for now, he could only bite hard and do the shopping in the evening. He would have to reheat the Chinese rice he bought in the morning. How cost-effective is life in Los Angeles? Not very, even the essentials are more expensive than in San Jose, it depends on the area.


    Steam covered the bathroom mirror, even though the water wasn''t very hot, the humid weather eventually caused steam to spread throughout the bathroom. Billy cleaned the mirror and saw the incipient beard he had been growing for two months, a somewhat thick mustache that didn''t quite connect at the corners.


    He took a deep breath, with a bathrobe covering his lower half, he arranged his hair so it all fell forward in a fringe, resembling a coconut. He put on some large-framed glasses, which he used for breaks or at night, without a prescription. Round-framed, he an oversized checkered shirt, much larger than usual, along with an oversized jacket, a size larger than he had bought at a thrift store, it was old and wrinkled, and you could see some patches on the elbows, with black patches.


    Tight bell-bottom jeans, with a black belt, and somewhat formal suit and shoes, contrasting with the appearance of an academic as much as possible. Even the wrinkled clothes on Daniel''s character were a deliberate gesture because he knew he didn''t have a place to belong.


    Jim Waitt appeared at the door just before he finished getting dressed, a preparation of more than an hour, something uncommon for Billy. The room was clean, with a lamp on a nightstand. He left the room to greet his visitor, and on the kitchen table, you could see some extra drawings from the Shaman King series.


    Billy opened the door, and saw Jim Waitt in a fitted suit, giving a calm smile. He entered the apartment and looked at Billy''s suit with some suspicion.


    -You''re quite proactive, even though we know the role is Daniel Jackson, an archaeologist, it seems like you have a clear idea of the character, - Jim Waitt said.


    He was somewhat anxious; the large bets he had made on Billy had cost him David Ficher and Juliette Binoche. James Cameron had been in his position quietly, but he knew very well that only Billy''s success could strengthen his position, even though he brought and made some deals, starting with Pixar and Lux Animation, it was not enough to make an impact in his profession.


    -I''ll take you to the studio to meet some people who have been active in the industry recently and are future directors, so you might end up auditioning for one of their films, - Jim said.


    -I don''t doubt it. I''ll finish my meal, and we''ll go, - Billy said, reheating last night''s leftovers, a bit of black coffee with rice and eggs.


    -Hurry up. We have ten minutes, - he said.


    Billy nodded and took a sip of his coffee while waiting for the reheated meal. He ate as quickly as he could and then they got into the black van with tinted windows. As he entered, he felt the van''s air conditioning hit him directly.


    The short ride took them to a luxurious coffee shop near the studios. Three people were already there, enjoying their coffee. A few photographers were rushing around, and there was some commotion a couple of blocks away, but Billy didn''t pay much attention. He focused on following the strangers in the room while they chatted. He regained his composure and ordered another coffee.


    Jim Waitt was engaged in a detailed conversation with the three people in the room. They seemed to be twins, both acting as directors and screenwriters, as if their minds were one, according to Jim Waitt and the other gentleman at the table, who was a well-regarded film producer.


    -Well, we''ll have to go now. David will be over there, - Jim Waitt said, referring to David Duchovny, a new client of Jim Waitt''s who currently had five clients.


    As they walked to the studio, Billy simply smiled. - Next time, try to break the ice, - Jim Waitt said as they parted ways.


    Although he didn''t highlight anything, after all, he only needed to expose Billy to other people. This is Hollywood, exposure. Even if you don''t talk to many people, exposure is an important trait in the business.


    -Good luck. I have to meet with a sponsor. See you later this afternoon. Call me as soon as you finish your audition. Good luck. Most auditions you''ll face will be conducted this way, - Jim said as he left Billy at the entrance, next to the Casting sign.


    Billy walked through the studio until he found a reception room, just as Jim had said he would.


    -Excuse me, Stargate casting, - Billy said to the young woman taking notes in a red notebook.


    -Of course, it''s in room 4, - the receptionist replied, directing Billy down a school-like hallway with some chairs. He saw his future competitors; only one was dressed like an archaeologist, it seemed. Well, his chances were about to improve.


    -Quite tense, - Billy murmured, sitting down calmly. There was nothing that could go wrong; his skills were surprisingly good, and the system had aggressively improved his acting abilities.


    -All right, next is Oswald Corvas, - a powerful voice shouted from the door, the organizer, a young man whose voice carried throughout the room.


    The room of five people was on edge, filled with the stifling air of all the hopefuls who wanted to enter the movie, both as supporting cast and lead actors. However, according to the director''s thoughts, they had already chosen a suitable profile. For Billy, in a bold move made by Jim Waitt regarding the lead role, the main character followed these thoughts to the letter. An archaeologist named Daniel Jackson, the character and Billy''s deep studies had made him a shy but proud person, somewhat odd, not very smart in subjects other than academics. Jim Waitt chose his attire, a long, layered hairstyle, almost like a totuma, his long hair was styled peculiarly, and he was given round-framed glasses.


    -Billion Darwin! - they called to enter the office. Billy took a deep breath and checked the room with five people who still had to conduct the interviews. His acting study of immersing himself in the role was the most effective way to achieve a reasonable result. He had been wearing glasses for two weeks and changed his wardrobe to that of a recent archaeology school graduate.


    -Very well, it''s a pleasure to have you here, - said a gray-haired man to the left of Ronald Emmerich. He raised his voice but focused on reading from a large brown folder containing the profile information of the young Billiom Darwin.


    -Billion Darwin, - the man confirmed.


    -Very well, Bill, you have a minute to read your lines. Recite them as you like, - Ronald Emmerich said, pointing to a table on the side where a script was placed on three sheets of paper, each marked as "confidential." Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy read for a while; he was already familiar with most of the movie''s lines. He mentally prepared for a somber look, something that would help him connect with the image of a somewhat timid academic with peculiar aspects.


    -All right, let''s begin, - said a man.


    Just as he had practiced for hours, he took a seat at the table, immersing himself in the role and following all the steps he had learned in numerous acting classes: improvisation, method acting, feeling the character deeply from a personal standpoint, making the role his own.


    Billy sat down at the table with care, adjusted his posture to appear slightly hunched, and put on his glasses. He took a deep breath.


    -Whenever you''re ready, - Ronald Emmerich said.


    performance


    -


    END.


    Billy''s resume consisted of two voice-over roles, participation in four commercials, and three cameos in television series. At the age of seventeen, it wasn''t particularly remarkable, and his youthful appearance might have been a drawback for the movie. This was his first mistake.


    He left the room and saw the same five people. Walking through the exit of the production studios, he found a small bench at the back. Calmly, he took a deep breath. He would have to return to his small apartment, do some drawing, and wait for three days for a response. Jim Waitt estimated that this was the typical rejection timeframe. The rest was just waiting. Production was supposed to start at the end of February, but it was already March, so it was highly likely that they would receive a positive response in a few days.


    He walked to the studio''s exit, planning to catch a bus and get some exercise.


    ...

 140. different points of view.

    Ideas are like seeds, deeply rooted in the minds of people from various angles. Humans can''t help but engage in what we call worrying, preoccupying ourselves with thoughts that we can''t control. But for our minds, it''s impossible to avoid such ideas.


    George Lucas, although intelligent, knows very well that the ideas proposed by the young man have merit, or at least as much merit as a bet with knowledge and some level of certainty can have. George doesn''t dismiss the potential losses, but he''s also not blind to the fact that there''s a chance to make a lot of money if they execute a great plan. The popularity of Star Wars is not something simple and basic to discuss.


    The young man''s proposals are clear: a 10-year film production license for $30 million, with the condition that George oversees the projects to deliver the best possible product. While he has made multiple statements about the prequels, they are not key in his ideas, nor does he have the strength to make them happen.


    The document states that Lux Animation already has a series planned, and it asserts that the timeline for a prequel is already established, pending George''s approval and his tweaks. Furthermore, it outlines some basic ideas on how to improve production, explaining that the collaboration of a major studio is necessary to deliver the best product to this massive industry.


    To call or not to call �C he decided to take a trip to Pixar Studios. The result left him amazed. A beautiful building made of glass fa?ade adorned the front. The old houses that were once in rows had now been transformed into a long two-story building with a particularly beautiful terrace. There were floral arrangements, a small caf�� run by a young woman, and even an underground parking lot, from what he could gather.


    -Good morning, Alvy. It''s a pleasure to be greeted so warmly, - George said, greeting Alvy.


    -Don''t be bothered; we''re working on some software improvements. It''s always good to take an hour''s break, -- Alvy replied, stretching. -- Come on, let''s get something to eat. Jennifer makes delicious cheesecakes. -


    -That''s perfect. Let me treat you as a token of my gratitude for accepting my impromptu request, - George said.


    -I''m sorry to say, but the store we''re going to, everything is free. They set it up here to encourage us to get some fresh air. It was a brilliant idea when they hired an expert pastry chef to prepare desserts, -Alvy explained.


    -How novel, - George commented.


    -Yes, it is, but there''s an unwritten rule �C don''t waste food. So, you have to eat everything you order, -- Alvy said, noticing George''s face expressing some nervousness. -- It''s not that bad; everything they prepare is exquisite. -


    -In that case, you know I have a weakness for apple pie, - George said.


    -Jennifer, a hot apple pie, two chocolate croissants, and two black coffees, - Alvy said.


    Jennifer raised her hands in affirmation. She was reading a book on Spanish cuisine but heard the order loud and clear. She placed everything in the oven, not a regular microwave but a special reheating oven. She prepared the two coffees, moved to the kitchen, and the large oven was baking a dark chocolate cake, some cheesecake fingers, and fruit turnovers.


    -It''ll take another thirty minutes, - the young woman said aloud.


    Meanwhile, George continued to ask questions about Pixar and its reliability.


    -Is it reliable, Alvy? - George asked.


    -It is. The kid is reliable; he''s a better boss than you, - Alvy replied with a teasing tone he always used to lighten the mood.


    -Oh, you''re a bad worker, - George said, playing along. He ran his fingers through his slightly graying hair.


    -He''s a good boss and very brilliant. In less than three years, he''s transformed the companies he''s worked with. His drawing talent is unparalleled. And even though John Lasseter and the others get the credit, he''s the real creator. He''s so talented that only with a lot of hard work can others come close to matching him. I''ve seen how the creative team at the company works tirelessly, examining every scene in detail. But only after a long time can they make corrections. He''s very talented. John calls him ''Mr. Walt Carson'' behind his back. �C Alvy said


    -Like the founder. -


    -Exactly. That''s the scale we put his talent on, one that mere mortals can only dream of. To be honest, I believe it too. If he promised you something, he''ll deliver. Work together. You interrupted your series due to personal issues. This is your opportunity. The kid will fulfill everything - Alvy said.


    -I''m just curious about how he''ll make money if we align ourselves with a big company, - George said.


    -I don''t think he needs it; he only does it to provide you with comfort. If you ask me, George, invest together and create magnificent things. At Pixar, we won''t stop creating wonderful things every day. �C Alvy said


    -You''ve given me a lot to think about, - George said, as he sipped his coffee and savored the apple pie. -- It''s good, very good. -


    -Haha! Jennifer is an excellent pastry chef. Since she started working here, many things have improved. Although I''ve gained two kilos, it''s better than skipping meals, - Alvy said.


    -I can''t doubt that. Can I get some takeaway? - George asked.


    -Of course, I just hope there''s some left. Believe it or not, that apple pie is quite famous in the company, - Alvy said, going to order more portions of apple pie for George, who was enjoying the dessert but still thinking about the future of his company. His days were cheerful, spending them carefully with his business, fixing some work here, and collecting profits as his massive franchise sold.


    -They''ll take twenty minutes, - Alvy said, pulling George''s thoughts back.


    -It''s amazing how the days go by, and the new generation is getting involved in our ideas. Tell me, Alvy, do you think it''s possible to make a 3D movie for Star Wars? - George asked.


    -Of course, even an animated series. We''re working to lower the costs, partnering with CGI companies to improve computer quality, along with Autodesk. Our technology might leap in less than three years. You''ll be surprised, my friend, - Alvy said.


    -I already am. Pixar''s headquarters are nothing like they were ten years ago, - George said.


    -Everything has changed, and we expect a second headquarters next year. We''re creating the Pixar Series, a fantastic project. The San Jose headquarters is even more impressive. You can see the pastel aspect in the windows of the large building. It''s undoubtedly something to remember in a few years, and everything has changed from the ground up, - Alvy said.


    -Thanks, Alvy. I think I''ll have some important things to think about in my upcoming meetings, - George Lucas said. S��ar?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His visit was productive, though not quite as much as he had hoped. He saw, observed, and understood the obvious changes in the company. He left in his Cadillac, with renewed thoughts, and eventually stopped at a gas station, eating pie and searching for change. He called a good friend.


    -Francis, I have a dilemma, - George said.


    ...

 141. adventures of a Geek.

    Although for many people, reviewing stocks, accounting, and studying a person''s companies who wasn''t making much money seemed like a foolish endeavor, especially to his father, who spoke of the limited growth he was trapped in at his desk job, Raimon was content. Every day, he could play video games at the company, people respected him, and he could read comics without anyone questioning it.


    The working hours suited him perfectly, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. He had many friends who shared his interests. He could watch the shows on the third floor, and now he had a best friend who supported him in every way. Billy Carson''s shadow was large, and the light he radiated covered everyone. It was magnificent how someone could be so talented at everything, and even though Billy denied it, Raimon was consistently amazed by his knowledge. What was Raimon doing at this moment? He was reading all the Star Wars comics and watching the movies with a bag of popcorn. Billy allowed Raimon to be the official series consultant. He had to study the films, the reviews, and the fans'' opinions and create a summary to be delivered to Raichel, Mr. Gorman the company archivist, and Mr. Cloud''s group.


    The company''s analysis group was now divided into two teams: one focusing on entertainment and the other on business. The report also had to go to the animation department, but that department was Billy himself. So Raimon was solely concerned with doing the best possible work. He would do everything in his power to be a part of the Star Wars movie, even if he had to act as an extra, or even as a janitor. He was determined to be involved in the Star Wars film, regardless of the role.


    -What are you doing during working hours? - Raichel asked, clearly irritated, as she saw Raimon eating popcorn, soda, and candy. He had been sitting for three hours without reporting to his workstation.


    -Raichel, my dear Rachel, I''m working right now. You can come and keep me company, but this is something assigned by Billy himself, so you can''t interrupt me, - Raimon said, trying to strike a cool pose. In Raichel''s eyes, all she could see was the gummy bear stuck to his cheek and his ridiculous posture.


    -Fine, don''t forget that you have stocks to review. In March, Billy''s financial returns from the stocks will arrive. It''s not an easy job. According to the reports I have, you''ll need to calculate several hundred million, different transactions, and perform the purchases Billy assigned to you, - Raichel stated with a hint of pride and a sense of "I know it all."


    -Of course, I''ll get to that after I finish watching how the glorious Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star, - Raimon replied.


    He continued jotting down what he considered to be the most epic moments in the movies, including epic space battles, starfighters flying in all directions like furious storms, lightsaber fights, and, of course, more secrets of the Force.


    I''ll leave the sixth and final movie for tomorrow; I have some stocks to review.


    He went up to the third floor to see all the groups working intensely, remembering Anne''s conversation. Animators and artists are addicted to doing what they love with unmatched intensity.


    -Butch, how''s it going, my friend? - Raimon said.


    ''s pretty good around here. I''m working on a script for David Feis''s series, ''Cow and Chicken.'' But I take breaks drawing scenes for ''The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.'' Lately, this series has filled me with ideas I can''t stop writing and drawing, - said Butch, stretching his back as if it were a memory. He had been writing for a long time.


    -Well, buddy, I came for lunch. I was working, and, well, I think I''ll have a busy afternoon this time, - Raimon said.


    He heard Paul German''s shouts of happiness. Behind him was a large poster of "Metoro" created by Paul himself, who was chatting cheerfully with Craig, the director, screenwriter, and artist for "Dexter''s Laboratory," "The Powerpuff Girls," and "Rocko''s Modern Life."


    -It''s two in the afternoon. Yes, let''s go eat. I haven''t had a bite since morning, - Butch Haman said.


    -Well, buddy, finish up, and I''ll wait for you to complete the scene, - Raimon said happily, watching the many projects. Among them, the one that captivated him the most was "Gargoyles," a mega-production that involved 40 animators working tirelessly on a single series. It had the best shots, deep stories, and dark touches. Billy himself had written the series and created the drawings. He hired a mythology and history professor and charged the story with such a wild plot that Raimon, whenever he could, watched the progress of the story. It was made in 2D with printed technology, watercolor backgrounds, and scanning techniques. It was undoubtedly an ambitious series.


    -Hello, Raimon. What do you think, my friend? Are you satisfied? We''ll have the fifth episode of the ''Gargoyles'' series soon, and there are only 23 more to go, - Roy Graham asked, somewhat regretful and a little sad about the length of the series, which demanded all his work.


    -Wow, aren''t you a bit slow? - Raimon said.


    -Not at all. We''ll have this baby by June. We''re improving with each step we take. In a few weeks, we''ll be making episodes in less time. We might even be efficient enough to finish by late July. But the boss says he already has 15 new episodes prepared, so the project might be postponed to October, - Roy Graham said, rubbing his forehead at the massive project. He had already run through the first episode and couldn''t help but be amazed by the program''s quality.


    -And you know where the muse is, - Raimon said quietly, approaching Roy Graham, who could only make a complicit face. He was talking about Anna Szymanska, the rebellious animator who had caught the eyes of many, and Raimon was one of them. He had been enchanted the day he saw her in a cropped Spider-Man top, exposing her midriff, slim hips, and confident stride, which struck Raimon just as Cupid had done back in high school.


    -Well, she''s working fervently on the ''Gargoyles'' series. Joe Murray and Stephen Hillenburg are helping her with the script for her series about a family living on a train that crosses all of Europe until it reaches France. It tells of an event during World War II. We all believe it will be a miniseries. For now, there are three episodes finished, and, well, Billy promised her that if they were to make a series, it would be with the best available animation, - Roy Graham said, with admiration


    -And what about you? Do you have a series you''d like to create? - Raimon asked.


    -Of course, but it''s not in that style. I prefer cartoons like ''Dexter''s Laboratory'' or ''Rocko''s Modern Life,'' -  Roy Graham said.


    -That sounds fantastic. I recently saw a request from a young man named Glen who applied for a license to create a ''Star Trek'' series, something quite ambitious. Anne didn''t let me review the brochure, but the competition is fierce, - Raimon said. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Raimon could say more, Butch Haman called him. - Roy, would you like to go to lunch? I''m going with Butch. We can also check out the new ''Evangelion'' title that''s just been scheduled for release tomorrow. The orders have been shipped, and they''ll be on the shelves in less than 24 hours, - Raimon said.


    -Sure, just let me call Jose. I promised to have lunch with him, - Roy Graham said.


    -Perfect, - Raimon replied, only to find his goddess walking from the door directly towards him. His tongue got stuck in his mouth, and he tried to say something, only to see that she didn''t even look at him. He raised his hand and decided to go with Butch Haman. He hated women, damn it, he needed some gummy bears to calm his anxiety.


    -That was funny, - Roy Graham said to his back.


    -Ha, the only funny thing is how an animator can''t appreciate the glory of He-Man, - Raimon said.


    -Well, I think it''s fantastic, but it''s overrated, and many people refuse to believe it, - Roy Graham said.


    -Outrageous, - Raimon said.


    -Well, I think what''s outrageous is that Billy is considering buying a ''Star Trek'' license. How many millions do you think it costs? -- Roy Graham said. -- Hello, Butch, how''s the ''Cow and Chicken'' script coming along? -


    -I''m still working on it. David Feis is a strict man. And what''s this about Billy wanting to buy a ''Star Trek'' license? - Butch Haman asked.


    -No, it''s just that they submitted a request for a license. So far, only three requests have been approved, but ''Star Trek'' is still under consideration, and there''s a possibility of negotiations with ''Star Wars.'' Everything is up in the air, - Raimon said.


    -It would be amazing to create a series. My nephews would be thrilled. Their uncle is the creator of the ''Star Wars'' series. Even my brother would stop bothering me about being an animator, - Butch Haman said.


    -Billy will do it, but apparently, the cost is quite high, - Raimon said.


    ...

 142. review of shares.

    March 1.


    Raimon continued his day, having spoken to everyone on the third floor that he could meet. Now, it was time to visit Anne, who had the Evangelion, Shaman King, Samurai Jack, Slam Dunk, and Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Files comic locked away. Raimon had started following all the series that had begun to be published, and he could only obtain a copy with her permission, as they were ready for distribution.


    Raimon walked to Anne''s office, and she, as if she were a clock, worked with a furrowed brow, reviewing papers, just as she had been doing since he started working at Lux Comics and now Lux Animation.


    -Anne, - Raimon said in a particularly pleading voice.


    -I know why you''re here, but I''m sorry to say that the delivery of ''Samurai X'' has been delayed until Monday, and now we''re only publishing chapter 154 of ''Slam Dunk,'' - Anne said.


    -But Anne, I''ve been waiting for ten days for the special chapter of ''Samurai X.'' It would be a bit unfair if I''m not allowed to, you know, take a little peek at the manga, - Raimon argued, fighting a losing battle.


    -I think I have some contracts here that need to be negotiated, from coffee distribution to cold beverages and some sweets. I hope you can give me a report by tomorrow morning, - Anne said with her sadistic smile, which she used to assert her dominance over the animation company.


    -But Anne, not even the ''Slam Dunk'' comic? You don''t have to be like this, - Raimon said, like a scolded child.


    -Of course. This package has the contracts and forms, and here''s the latest ''Slam Dunk'' chapter. Good luck, - Anne said.


    Raimon left Anne''s office feeling sad and defeated. He would first review all of Billy''s actions up to this point, which was quite an extensive list, from the $80 million investment to the additional $20 million, not to mention the excessive prices of the technology companies, which still made him nervous.


    -At last, you deigned to work, - Rachel said, organizing and checking the accounts and the status of the toy and comic distribution companies.


    -I think it''s time we had a third musketeer, don''t you think, Rachel? The workload is only increasing, and we have a lot to take care of, - Raimon said.


    -Well, I can handle all my work, - Rachel replied, sounding somewhat nervous, as they were hinting at her being inefficient.


    -Bah. With the new television channel being set up, there will be a special committee to manage the channel, and we need another one of us to handle reviewing channel strategies, expanding the advertising department, sales department, and even the finance department. A budget manager and a reviewer, another administrator to assist wouldn''t hurt, don''t you think, Rachel? - Raimon suggested.


    -Well, I hope everything remains the same, - Rachel replied.


    -Don''t worry, Anne cares about you like her little sister, - Raimon said, reviewing the list of stocks.


    The first stock is Coca-Cola Company, with a total of 430,670 shares. This is an exorbitant amount, and while Coca-Cola shares are among the more expensive ones, they are not the priciest. They have an average value of $6.00, $8.77, and currently $11.23 per share. Billy has mentioned not to buy more than $20 per share. He particularly likes this stock for its consistent returns year after year.


    The second stock is WorldCom, which recently reached its historic high of $2. Billy holds a total of 6,799,500 shares. He doesn''t expect much from this stock, but there are rumors of an upcoming merger, and a 100% increase is expected. However, Billy mentioned not to exceed 20% of the shares, which they may surpass with another purchase.


    The third stock is Apple, the former arch-rival of Billy. He has a total of 4,938,324 shares. This stock hasn''t performed well, especially with the loss of vitality, and the company is struggling. However, Billy has emphasized continuing to buy until they reach 40% ownership and prioritized not selling the shares.


    Major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot each have 500,000 shares, although Home Depot''s shares are the cheaper of the two.


    McDonald''s restaurant has 94,000 shares, with each share having a fixed price of around $10.11, but they fluctuate between $12 and $9. Billy might play it short, but he hasn''t been given enough freedom. He mentions that they are looking for long-term investment and accumulation.


    The next group consists of shares from technology companies with low activity, and their shares are sold for a dollar or even cents. These include Cisco Systems, AOL, Sun Microsystems, Qualcomm, Oracle, Microsoft, and Intel, with the total number of shares reaching 10,000,000 million.


    Shares from companies like General Electric and Sony are priced at $20, but it''s General Electric that Billy buys more of due to its higher prices. He has purchased 1,193,000 shares.


    There are 1,235,000 shares in Berkshire Hathaway, 9,500,000 from the French mobile phone company Nokia, and 2,233,943 from Lotus Development Corporation.


    Among all the stocks, there is a clause to start selling from June 1999. The few companies that are not allowed for sale are Apple, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and Home Depot. Raimon wondered if Billy had a secret plan that he hadn''t revealed. He always talks about buying series from Hanna-Barbera, such as Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Looney Tunes, and some other series like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From what Raimon has seen, Billy believes that these stocks will rise. He has also played a bit with these stocks but admits that he''s not very good at waiting, so he has bought only the cheapest ones and those he is confident will rise.


    Billy''s profits from holding these stocks will be $23.8 million, and if he invests it all immediately, he''ll pay small fees that aren''t significant when dealing with such excessive amounts of money.


    He will continue to adjust the board of directors of Apple and aim for about 6 million shares. He plans to invest at least five million in the company Nvidia since their shares are trading at cents. He''ll also continue with Microsoft, Intel, and Cisco. Billy is especially interested in Nvidia, a company he recently discovered at a business fair at Stanford University. Graphics processors and motherboards to improve computer performance are something he desires. He has stated that multiple purchases may be possible.


    However, he needs to be cautious. These companies often issue shares as if they were rice at harvest time. Microsoft, for instance, had a total of 60 million shares on the market in 1991, and now they have 220 million shares. Yet, Billy insists on continuing to buy shares.


    -I''m exhausted, - Raimon said as he watched Rachel, sitting in a lotus position with her hair tied back in a ponytail. She looked stressed, and Raimon knew it.


    -What''s going on, Brainiac? - Raimon asked. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Absolutely nothing, - Rachel replied.


    Raimon approached and saw a first-quarter financial statement. Nothing serious, but he believed something was more surprising. - Well, it looks fine at first glance, what''s not adding up? - Raimon asked, taking the sheet.


    -The liabilities, - Rachel replied.


    Raimon reviewed the liabilities and realized the errors. - Well, you mixed up the expenses. Come, let me do it, -- he said, quickly fixing the accounting. -- I think I need to go watch Star Wars. See you later, Brainiac, -- Raimon said.


    -He''s the Brainiac, - Rachel muttered.


    As Raimon made his way to watch Star Wars, he began to flip through the Slam Dunk book. He noticed some designs he hadn''t seen before, and in the end, it was epic. This was one of the best volumes of Slam Dunk, and he planned to give it to Todd McFarlane, who worked part-time as an animator for Billy. He was sure Todd would love this volume.


    -Damn you, Billy, - Raimon thought as he went back to reading volume 154.


    ........


    [1] WorldCom: I couldn''t find specific prices, but the shares were trading around $2 to $7 in 1994, more or less.


    This is similar to many companies where it seems like the prices are particularly high. My research from various sources and Google Finance shows that shares are available at astonishingly low prices. It makes me think about how ridiculous it would be to time-travel and buy these stocks. With $100, you could purchase hundreds of shares. If you wait a while, in ten years, the price will skyrocket, and you''ll earn more than a 500% or even 700% return on your investment. There are even cases where this number only increases.


    [2] Surprisingly, the shares of Microsoft have shown a dramatic increase since 2010, along with companies like Apple. However, in the 1990s, their shares were worth just cents, and their biggest increase was a dollar. These companies handle enormous amounts of shares.


    [3] there are also times when shares fall, but they are not falls, it is that the price of the shares rises so much that it is very difficult for people to buy shares, so they divide the shares, for example, if the share is worth 100 dollars, they divide the share and it is 50 dollars, but the person will have twice as many shares as he had if you had 1000 shares at 100 dollars, now you have 2000 shares at 50 dollars, it is good if the price continues to rise. but, if the stock goes down, it can be a problem, although it is not necessarily a bad thing.


    ...


    I have other stories, go read and give them love, in my Patreon, i have a tab set, where are all my stories published and in drafts(review, comment and give your opinion), for now, I retake the story of One Piece, I corrected the whole story, from coherence, cohesion, and grammar, as much as I could, it''s not that I have much time to correct, I''m starting to correct this story too, give me time. it''s 185 chapters, it''s complete madness.


    stories,


    Hollywood art, Hidden World: One Piece, superstar, and soon clandestine fights a fic of Kengan Ashura and Kenichi, two of my favorite martial arts series.


    I started writing in February (2023), and it''s been a challenge, but the year of writing has flown by.


    ...

 143. slam dunk.

    March 2.


    The publication of Chapter 154 of the Slam Dunk manga caused a national sensation for all its readers, including both young and adult basketball players. Sitting in the truck, Michael Jordan read the motivation that Will/Sakuragi repeated to himself. There were three minutes left on the clock, and the Central California High School was trailing by twelve points. The team''s leader and captain had been ejected after committing five fouls, driving in the last nail. But Will/Sakuragi, with tears in his eyes, delivered a powerful speech.


    The beautiful scene depicted the former delinquent, now in tears, shouting at his surprised teammates. Billy had a passion for motivational speeches, something he admired in his past life. After all, the art of inspiring others is all about conveying emotions.


    comic


    Michael felt something in his heart as he read the book. A source of inspiration, something he only felt on a few occasions. Even Scottie Pippen made strange faces due to Jordan''s particularly serious demeanor.


    Phil Jackson approached.  - Michael, are you okay? - the coach asked.


    -In my prime, Phil. We''re going to win this game. I''m going to win it, - Michael Jordan said. If anyone else had uttered such arrogant words, he wouldn''t have believed them, but this was Michael.


    Phil nodded and assured them that they should leave Michael alone.


    -Ladies and gentlemen, this is unheard of, something I can''t believe is happening. The Chicago Bulls are playing for the top spot against the Boston Celtics in a historic game. The big star, the MVP of the day, Michael Jordan, has scored 70 points. It''s a wonder to watch this game with all of you. This is history, something I can''t describe in my heart. Not even the double defense by Larry Bird has worked. It''s insane, it''s crazy. Before you, we have the best player in the NBA and possibly the greatest legend that has ever existed, -- the ESPN commentator exclaimed.


    But it wasn''t just him; on the radio, sports channels, day and night, it all revolved around one thing��Michael Jordan. Triples, rebounds, baskets, dunks, passes, assists, points; it was a spectacle, as if an orchestra were performing. The heat Michael Jordan generated was a rush of euphoria, a surge that lit up the homes of more than ten million people in North America.


    The locker room of the Boston Celtics fell silent. What happens when a professional is crushed as if they were ten or twenty years younger and had ten years to play against their older siblings or their father? Michael Jordan undoubtedly left a mark on the hearts of the Boston Celtics, especially one play where he cleared the court on his own like a beast, passed the entire defense, and made a dunk that still echoes in the ears��a jump two meters long. Analysts examined the jump and could only shout like children.


    However, the Chicago Bulls'' locker room was not much better. It was somewhat silent, and Michael was still serious. He had played with so much energy that they all felt drained. Only the wild Dennis Rodman paid no attention to it and listened to rock music on his headphones.


    -Michael, you have a press conference. If you don''t go to the media, they might hang me, - Phil Jackson said.


    As if it were a dream, Michael smiled and nodded. - Of course. Let me get ready. -


    The following words shook the world. Michael entered and adjusted his smile to give the interview. The media was packed, and everyone had questions while taking pictures.


    From Chicago News: - Do you think this is a sign to win the second championship? - the journalist asked Phil Jackson.


    -Well, if Michael plays like this, I have no doubt we''ll win all the series, - Phil said with a half-joking, sarcastic tone, but there was a hidden seriousness in his words.


    From Misenalian Sports: - Michael, do you think you''ll win the tournament this year? -


    -Oh, just sit behind the TV. I''m motivated enough, - Michael replied.


    -Is this motivation something new? After all, we''ve never seen such a spectacular performance before, - a random journalist asked.


    -Well, today was special, but something just clicked. I hope it continues like this. I''m very eager for my upcoming games, - Michael said.


    -Is it possible that you''ll surpass this record? You scored 70 points, had 16 assists, 8 rebounds, 11 three-pointers, and a 90% shooting percentage. Is it possible to beat this record? - asked the journalist.


    (Laughter) Michael''s charismatic laugh ignited the press. - Well, this is just a thank you. Chapter 156 of Slam Dunk is a work of art, for me and for everyone who plays basketball. If you want to know why I played so well, it''s because of my obsession, this feeling of going beyond everything. Thank you very much, - Michael Jordan said.


    That day, Slam Dunk comics sold out, and the points kept coming. Production doubled to meet the Slam Dunk demand. This is what sports do.


    -ding, 2 admiration points. -


    -ding, 33 points of emotion. -


    Ding...


    Ding.....


    34 points.


    12 points...


    1 exclamation point...


    -The system kept beeping throughout the night and into the next day. Billy went in curious, but couldn''t determine which series was causing such a commotion. �C


    -State. -


    Billy Carson: S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Drawing: 31,212


    Literature: 30,530


    Interpretation: 30,102


    Points: 430]


    -This is outrageous. - thought Billy, looking at the number of points.


    The 800-point increase in two days is something that only happens on occasion. He picked up his phone and dialed Lux Animation.


    -Anne. - said Billy.


    -Yes. -


    -I''m Billy, I''m curious about something, curious if something has happened that I don''t know about. - Billy said, at the living room table.


    -it has. Yesterday Michael jordan publicly declared himself a fan of your comics, after having played what they consider the best game of his career, the media is crazy. We have received nine orders, I think that the sales of these months will be, something historic - said Anne reviewing the data,


    Soon they would reach the sales of the big super franchises, not bad, selling 5''000,000 million copies per month is just around the corner. Currently selling a total of 800,000 thousand copies, to 1''200,000 copies, is enough to earn in comic sales of 3 to 4 million dollars in comics. but aiming at 5''000,000 million monthly is something they can only dream of, emerging companies of comics.


    The system continued to beep as Billy and Anne talked.


    The comic industry was experiencing a surge, and Billy''s investments were paying off. It was indeed a significant moment for Lux Animation and Lux Comics. With Michael Jordan''s public declaration of being a fan of Billy''s comics, the exposure and interest generated had set a new wave of excitement. The sales of Slam Dunk and other titles were skyrocketing, and this was an opportunity to take the company to new heights.


    ...

 144. lights, camera & action

    March 5.


    Slowly, the Pok��mon game starts to take shape, the creation of a company devoted to crafting games. And Nintendo has had it easy. Nintendo uses Pok��mon, a game that costs no more than a few thousand dollars to produce but brings in a hundred times that. It''s a solid business no matter how you look at it. In the next 20 years, game production will run a minimum initial cost of $70 million. But now, crafting games for under $3 million is a reality, especially for RPG franchises.


    �C Yes, we did. Just as you asked. We utilized the old factory near your place to set up a small video game production studio. We''re calling it ID SOFTWARE RPG Platforms. �C said Anne.


    -Have you distributed all the flyers? - asked Billy.


    -For now, we''ve called for RPG game creation with its unique approach and features. The impressive rules encompass creativity, originality, and playability. The flyers are spreading across northern California. There won''t be a place unaware of the company''s call, although I''d prefer some sort of application process, we''ll run a similar deal, only it''ll be a contract for nine games. �C Anne replied robotically, having repeated these words numerous times.


    -Great. I''ve got a friend who''s a numbers whiz, we graduated in the same class. Joseph Blinky, he''s got some brilliant ideas and is quite an interesting thinker. - Billy mentioned.


    -The resume arrived three days ago. Let''s hope it''s worth it. - Anne replied.


    -Oh, it will be, if only for this little company, let''s build a team of five or six and start producing Pok��mon and special RPG games. I''ll take care of drawing the stories. And if I can, I''ll hire good scriptwriters. - Billy stated.


    -Let''s stick to the plan. Stop getting excited; your father is already sorting out all the legal procedures with Carson & Associates. We hope Nike keeps bringing in people; our series is in a different light now. Warner has released a statement that they''ll be starting the Slam Dunk series. - Anne added.


    -Everything sounds good. Rest up, Anne, and hire another assistant; we need another Rachel. - Billy suggested.


    -That''s not true. -


    -It is. We need someone ready for Lux Channel, a perfect liaison to guide our series to the product we''re looking for. - Billy reaffirmed.


    Warner hasn''t been generating astonishing content, and even though they''re trying to create a new series, they can only rely on the old Hanna-Barbera, DC, and Lux Comics series. The creative proposition lacks the essence that it will embody in a few years, which Warner won''t maintain. Billy will absorb all the series Warner will have in the future as a greeting. It''s hard to hijack certain things like DC, HBO, and Warner Entertainment films.


    Hence, two franchises will be his at all costs, the magnificent Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings. The former hasn''t yet been published, and the latter hasn''t been offered. As they follow the copyright timeline, the total purchase of the film rights is in the hands of the Saul Zaentz Company, purchased from United Artist Company, which will once again be negotiated by Steve Parks. Parks will also negotiate with Christopher Tolkien to produce excellent books, generate good movies, illustrations, comics, and of course, what the Tolkien books represent, a community of people who love Middle-earth.


    -I hope so, - said Anne.


    -It will be, Anne. It''s better to plan, just like you do, - said Billy.  - Wait, I have to hang up; someone has just arrived. Tell Raimon to create a Pok��mon report, and inform him that he has limited time to create his own Pok��mon for the second generation. Even though the game designs are already set, we can add two extra Pok��mon. -


    -I''ll send your regards, - said Anne.


    Billy picked up the apartment phone.


    -Yes. -


    The euphoric voice of Jim Waitt reached Billy with lightning speed.


    -Billy, you got the part. You need to be at the studio immediately. I''ll see you in thirty minutes; some scenes have already been filmed, so hurry, they''ll have the outfit chosen by the director. Bring your glasses, but apart from that, it''s not important. You''ll have to get ready; they''ll film some scenes in the Yuma desert, some in Nevada, at a national park. For now, they''ll shoot in the studio, but they''ll take different shots of similar scenes. It''ll be a hectic four to five months, so we''ll coordinate a few things to keep your publications going, but you''ll have to leave writing for another time, - said Jim Waitt.


    -Great, I''ll be there in thirty minutes. Can you let my father know? - said Billy.


    -I''ve already sent a fax to his office, but I''ll try to contact him, - said Jim.


    Billy hung up the phone, excited.


    He tidied up the room, grabbed his jacket, phone, and keys, then rushed out, in search of a taxi or some form of public transportation to help him get there. Unfortunately, taxis were scarce in this area, and waiting for the bus was his best option, though it would feel like an eternity when he needed it.


    March 5


    -Who was it? - said Ivanova, her hair disheveled, completely sweaty, and disheveled, she rested her arms on Thomas''s back, pressing her breasts against him.


    -My son''s agent. He got the lead role in a production, and he might be away for a few months, - said Thomas.


    -Don''t worry, Thomas. The boys need to spread their wings, and that''s where you have to let them go, - Livy smiled.  - Although if you want to take care of another kid, I''m here for you. You haven''t held me the way you used to in a long time. -


    Thomas grunted as Livy''s hands roamed.


    -This is the energetic man I like, - said Ivanova, laughing as she was pulled into Thomas''s arms.


    *************************************


    Billy arrived at the studio, brimming with energy. Although he knew the bosses and that Billion Darwin and Carson were the same people, his arrival always brought a fresh vibe to the Sony subsidiary, Caralco Pictures.


    I can help polish the translation, maintaining the essence of the conversation but making the language more natural and fluid:


    -Billy, I just spoke with your father. He mentioned how proud he is of you. We need to take care of getting your papers for your work as an artist and writer, -- said Jim, walking up to Billy. -- I negotiated a salary of $300,000. That''s all they''re willing to offer a newbie, but if you perform the way Ronald Emmerich mentioned you did in the audition, it won''t be hard for me to get you more roles. Speaking of which, there''s a producer who sent me two new roles, one is for ''Little Women,'' and the other is for a TV series. But for now, you should focus on the ''Little Women'' movie. You''ll need to practice the accent and posture of that era. -


    -''Little Women,'' - said Billy.


    -It''s an adaptation of a novel, distributed by Sony Pictures. So far, only the director has been confirmed. But you have a shot at landing a second role in another major production. The other roles don''t match up. You''ll have to do the ''Lion King'' dubbing in June. I''ve spoken with the producer, and they''ll allocate ten days for the dubbing while they shoot other scenes, - said Jim.


    -Let''s go; you''ll have to film the first part of the movie tonight, - said Jim.


    -Wait, we''re filming the first part today? - asked Billy.


    -Yes, you''ll be filming everything about the military base and the interstellar journey. Pay attention, Billy. I know it''s sudden, but that''s how this industry works. Lastly, if you''re going to have sex, drink, or do drugs, do it in your room. I''ll visit you in these days, but when you go to the UK, I won''t be able to visit, -  said Jim as they walked towards the production site.


    -Alright, so it''s better that you prepare mentally from now, - said Jim.


    -Of course, - said Billy.


    -For now, you''re a minor; you need to take care. And beyond that, you must pay attention to everything around you. Plus, Cameron sends his regards and congratulations, James and Ronald Emmerich are acquaintances, and James is looking forward to your performance. Opportunities are opening up, so put on a great smile, laugh at silliness, and don''t fight, - Jim noted, remembering what to tell Billy.


    -Relax, Jim. Everyone will appreciate my work, - said Billy.


    Jim stopped.


    -Well, bear in mind, everyone talks here. Your words will be used against you. This industry is ruthless. You can only survive by being smart or completely dumb, or by having a big support system��friends, uncles, siblings, - said Jim.


    Billy nodded until they reached a location resembling a military base, where many people were scurrying about.


    -They''ve been setting everything up for half a month. One of the significant factors is production, something you''re likely familiar with. But for routine procedures, things can evolve differently, - Jim explained. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A man arrived and, with no concern other than taking Billy away, grabbed his hand firmly and dragged him. Jim could only smile and remain in the studio for a while to watch his client''s performance.


    --Here he is, to make, and get him his costume. Please, someone, bring a script. Your agent said you have a memory like an elephant, so you better put it to use. We''re setting the stage for the first scenes, -- said a man, about thirty years old, speaking quickly, barking orders until he took Billy to a small dressing room. -- By the way, call me Nigel. -


    As soon as he sat down, two makeup artists arrived to powder his skin and deliver the closest clothes to what he had worn during the audition.


    -Here''s the script. The scene goes from page 34 to page 55, -said Nigel, handing him the script. Everyone was rushing around, and Billy calmly observed the stress etched on people''s faces; they were frantic.


    Billy read the script, which was identical to what Jim Waitt had given him, but it had some annotations made by the director, all very detailed and straightforward. In less than half an hour, he was entering a military base for his role as an archaeologist. Nerves were on edge; the first scene was in a car.


    -Mr. Darwin, follow me. We''ll start the shooting shortly, - said a production assistant, sweat glistening. It was different from Nigel, who seemed nowhere to be found.


    Billy followed him to a classic car. -- Well, the journey will be slow, heading towards this small square you see, ten meters away, -- said the assistant.


    -Yes, - nodded Billy.


    -Any problems? You have 10 minutes to prepare, - said the assistant.


    Billy shook his head.


    -Well, Mr. Darwin, good luck, - said the assistant.


    Scene.


    They returned to normal, Ronald scanning the cameras, content with the scene but feeling like it needed more.


    -Camera 3, get closer shots of Daniel Jackson''s face. Camera four, be careful with the angle. It''s just a few shots but sets up the next scene. And set up a camera to follow Bill more closely when he''s driving the car; I want to see his face, - Ronald ordered, barking instructions, an assistant nodding and bustling around to implement the director''s directions.


    -We''re going to repeat the scene, - said the assistant. Billy simply nodded.


    There something wrong? - Billy inquired.


    -Mmmm, the director wants more shots. Camera 3 is slightly off. No big deal, young man. We''ll be ready in half an hour. Practice your lines, - mentioned the assistant director, Taylor Noah.


    -Alright, I''ll do that, - said Billy/Daniel. Giving a smile akin to the character''s, he walked to the dressing room. He didn''t notice it, but he missed the assistant. Upon arrival, two makeup artists were there to touch up his face.


    -The candelabras aren''t pretty, - Billy/Daniel remarked.


    -Oh, uh, sure, they''re nice, - replied the makeup artist.


    Billy continued reading the script while humming, engrossed in it until he heard his name. He repeated the scene three more times that day and later performed scenes up to scene 29, without any changes.


    ...

 145. next shot

    March 13.


    Northern California Military Base, North-West Los Angeles.


    The days were long and tiring, but Billy''s pace was fantastic. Ronald Emmerich praised Billy''s work; he was always ready when needed. He was undoubtedly a professional. Even when tired, he delivered great performances and, with a bit of practice, could give fantastic performances. Billy arrived at 9:00 am after exercising. It seemed today was the last scene they needed him for.


    At the door of the stars, they''d had a few rounds yesterday, but due to fatigue after nine straight hours, they decided to pause everything to finish as quickly as possible.


    -It was a good decision; this young man is undoubtedly a great actor, Ronald, -- said Grace Clanet. -- I was somewhat surprised when he opted for hiring a total newbie, even underage. He''s left me satisfied with his performance. -


    Grace Clanet is a producer at Columbia (Sony Pictures). Though not widely known, she''s recognized for her precision in film production, handling schedules, locations, and production and post-production studios like clockwork. She has been in the industry for 23 years and has failed only twice.


    -It''s surprising that you rejected the designated James Spader and chose a rookie, - continued Grace.


    -Well, when I saw him, I had this feeling, it was like an epiphany in my mind. Think about it, Grace; he''s not even half my age, and his performance is impeccable. There''s no one in his generation with such skills. If he keeps improving, we''ll be seeing an Antony Hawkings, an Al Pacino. I don''t know, but based on the acting I see, I''m confident in my vision, provided he doesn''t slack off, - said Ronald Emmerich.


    - lost case? -  asked Grace Clanet.


    -A lost case, - said Ronald Emmerich. What makes Hollywood? What makes an actor stand out? It doesn''t need much more than patience and consistency��the patience to live a balanced life or be intelligent. PR is a significant part of acting.


    Billy would improve and continue to do so. Over eight days of work, he had eight points of admiration, nine points of appreciation, and 34 points of excitement. Though the science of winning is not exact, he understood that many of these gains were due to his acting efforts.


    Billy Carson walked in sportswear, feeling good about the decisions made; things were falling into place from the long wait to get into Hollywood and the prior studio work he did. He had a steady point count per month, gaining between 400 and 700 points. Eventually, that count rose to 900 points, and he could enhance his acting skills as much as he wanted.


    He took a deep breath as he entered the studio where he''d performed in recent days. Tickets had been purchased, and in four days, he''d be at the national park in Yuma, where they''d shoot scenes about the pyramids. Today''s trip to the military base took two hours by car and an old abandoned military base. Scenes from the previous days were repeated.


    However, the main problems arise as people start getting accustomed to his acting skills, which causes him to lose a higher count of points. Therefore, Billy''s challenge has been to continue performing earnestly to keep gaining points consistently from those impressed by his work in the acting studio, in addition to the points collected from the comics. What matters most are the admiration points.


    -It''s pretty hot, - a cameraman remarked.


    -Billy, you need to get ready for the final scene. We''ll start recording in less than 10 minutes. No pressure, kid, but time is short, -said Nigel.


    -No problem, - Billy said, smiling.


    Nigel tried to say something but stopped; it''s better to keep trusting. - the assistant thought.


    Scene 35, take 6.


    The silo floor was filled with sophisticated machinery of various kinds; it was a highly technological operations center. At the center of this metallic landscape of computers, cables, sensors, and steel platforms was the giant ring. It seemed to be the central component of an endless and dazzling machine.


    -What the hell is that? - asked Daniel/Billy.


    -Your Stargate, - said Catherine.


    A broad ramp ascended from the ground to the platform and the central opening of the ring. Now that it was clean and polished, there was no doubt it was made of metal. It resembled opal and was semi-transparent, dispersing the surrounding light in various colors at the same time.


    -Did you find this in Egypt? - Daniel asked.


    -Take him down and see if he can identify that ''seventh symbol, �� - ��and as O''Neill made to obey, West added�� - Not you, Colonel. We need to talk. -


    Catherine led Daniel and a dozen curious onlookers down a narrow spiral staircase to the ''phone booth,'' where the technicians, who were constantly keeping an eye, were notably surprised to see the sudden intrusion of that group of tourists into their quiet workspace. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy was fully immersed in his role in the upcoming scenes. The transition is very smooth, and Ronald Emmerich isn''t someone who calls cut very often. He even allows certain liberties in acting, as long as he finds it suitable.


    -Stop, - said Billy/Daniel, pointing at the screen. "Here," said Daniel/Billy, drawing two people with a black marker, forming the isolated symbol they hadn''t been able to interpret.


    -The Earth, - exclaimed Dr. Shore.


    -Thalassa, - said Meyers.


    -Eureka, - said Billy/Daniel.


    -This whole time, it''s been right in front of our noses, - Storey said, adding to the perplexity of the people in the room, or at least that was the portrayal they aimed for in some way or another.


    The following scenes involved other actors and the typing on a green screen, the feeling of acting with so much screen space caused some surprise, as most of it was a green screen, with a few exceptions.


    -Cut, - said the director.


    -We''ll resume in thirty minutes, - said Ronald      Emmerich.


    The following shots were not relevant, and Billy remained engaged in the last take, one that would lead him on a starry journey.


    Kurt Russell was as stoic as ever, sipping on coffee while listening to his assistant discuss various matters. Billy mostly chose to ignore the set''s environment; there was a certain tension and limited time, and everyone was fatigued from the shooting and repetitive takes.


    The military base was bustling, everyone was busy, and some actors were gathered to chat about the film. It seemed Kurt was a method actor. Though it was said that he smiled during the set, alongside Billy, the boundary between character and actor blended in a vivid conflagration.


    -Kid, the director decided to cancel the next take. It''s two in the afternoon, and we''ll take half an hour for lunch, -said Nigel.


    -Ah, sure, - said Billy, having forgotten about lunch.


    Nigel could only shake his head. "Ronald invites you to lunch with him. The shoot will take a little longer today, so, son, have a satisfying meal," said Nigel.


    -I''ll follow your lead, Mr. Nigel, - said Billy, to which Nigel nodded. They arrived at a dining area where the entire crew was having lunch. Ronald Emrich, Kurt Russell, and a woman he didn''t know were there.


    Billy took a seat at the long round table, perhaps nine seats, across from Kurt Russell, with Ronald and Grace at one end.


    -You''re one of the first to arrive; others will join soon, - said Ronald.


    Indeed, a little later, executive producer Joel B. Michaels arrived, along with Oliver Eberli, followed by Viveca Lindfors, who portrays Katherine.


    Conversations flowed throughout the meal, but eventually, the questions began, echoing the words of Jim Waitt, -Everything will be used against you, so be prudent. -


    -Where did you come from, young man? I know many young actors, but few with your abilities, - asked Grace Clanet.


    -I''ve been involved in theater since I was young, in my school and a few other academies, - said Billy.


    -Well, you''ve done great work. Can I know the name of this academy? - inquired Grace.


    -Umm, Academy of Grand Arts and Improvisation, - said Billy. He wasn''t lying; it''s just that the branch was in San Jose.


    -These academies are quite astonishing. In my time, experience was gained through practice, but with the newer ways, acting has started to become more formalized, - mentioned Oliver Eberli, the producer of Stargate.


    -You''re not wrong. Now, the world has this anticipation with Hollywood," said Kurt Russell, a bit more composed. He was someone who had learned everything about the industry, from television to movies, during his working hours.


    -Well, that doesn''t change the fact that we see more young actors here and there every day, - added Ronald Emmerich.


    -Have you done any performances before? Why not earlier? - inquired Grace.


    -I was in school, and my father decided I should finish first, - replied Billy. This time, a bit more personal. Kurt, Ronald, and Oliver were engaged in discussions about the best films, while Grace locked her gaze on Billy.


    -Understandable. Jim spoke to you; there''s this new film ''Little Women.'' We have a great cast, and the shoot begins in July. You''ll have to audition by then, but I believe you''ll come out triumphant against the other competitors, - said Grace.


    -Thank you, Mrs. Grace, for the opportunity, - said Billy.


    - Don''t worry, young man. We''re just doing our job. It''s a wheel. If you deliver a great performance here, people will likely start noticing you, - said Grace. Concealing that the relationship she''s building will make it hard for Billy to refuse a favor later. The industry moves like a wheel, and the more you know, the more you gain. Here, the more you know, the more you win.


    On the other hand, the conversation among the three men was no lie. Even they know that Hollywood is changing. It''s easier to say that films have garnered more funds and qualitative leaps, and what was once common��those blockbusters��are now seen more frequently. Worldwide premieres and grand tours. Previously, North America didn''t expand its distribution channels much, but since the late ''80s, this issue started becoming more recurrent.


    ...


    check out my other series, I''m doing a music series. on the other hand on Patreon, we''re up to 182, have a nice day.

 146. ID software.

    March 13.


    The company continued to grow at astonishing rates. Video game sales became even more profitable than comic sales, as clear reports about profit margins showed. The challenge was the long publication time for video games. However, in its third consecutive year, profits soared to $31 million. This allowed for the opening of a new RPG platform video game franchise in San Jose and a slight expansion of production teams, without any hitches. The games sold endlessly, and more players joined in.


    The profits for the producers were invaluable. There are signs of ending the contract and starting their own company. This is why the proposal for challenging and complex games is within reach of ID Software. Last year, with the release of the Pokemon and Quake games, a specific content revolution arrived for players.


    In three years, multiple video game companies were established, and their growth continued to consume the American and Japanese markets. Not only did it revive the business community dedicated to video games, but also the gamer community, which has embraced the logos of Lux Animation and ID Software.


    The mobile logo of an abandoned city in a rapid plan, signifying the words in blue and white, Lux Animation, is becoming the hallmark of the entertainment industry, spanning video games, movies, and soon, television series.


    -Surprisingly, we don''t know what to do. Three groups have exceeded our expectations in creating video games, -- said Alexa Riley, alongside Richard Carsen, who raised an eyebrow at the competition. -- What should we do? That''s the question. -


    -Choose the best, - said Richard, not understanding the complexities.


    -I''d like to say there''s a standout, but sticking to our innovation protocol, the couple Rachel and Teresa have a polished sound and astounding maps. The duo Tim and Dave meet the most crucial specifications for creating a good mobility game. However, the third group adapted our 3D system in a way we hadn''t thought of. It''s about three-dimensionality in 2D prototypes, so I have no idea, - explained Alexa.


    -I''ll call Thomas. He should know what to do. For now, accept all three groups, and my son will decide later, - said Richard.


    -Alright, I''ll send them home, and tomorrow we''ll release the results, - said Alexa. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Leaving the boardroom, Richard massaged his head and decided to call Thomas. His grandson was working on the creation of the television channel, and it was clear he couldn''t be disturbed. But Richard suspected something beyond just work.


    -Thomas. -


    -Dad? - said Thomas, a bit surprised.


    -What did you expect, you rascal? Your father is at the video game company created by your son, and there''s been an apparent tie among three teams that exceeded expectations. I won''t deny it, the impressive work of these young people has been striking, - said Richard.


    -Have Alexa call Anne, and send the resumes; we''re creating a new video game company here in San Jose, so some of these candidates may be eligible to work at the company, - said Thomas.


    -Alright, I hope my grandson will call me tonight, - said Richard.


    -Billy has been busy at Pixar and a new special effects company. He''s also in Los Angeles for a minor role; he''ll be occupied for two weeks, - explained Thomas.


    -Just a few minutes, Thomas. Since when do grandparents need to schedule, don''t annoy this old man, - said Richard.


    -I''ll pass on the message, - said Thomas, hanging up the phone.


    In the distance, the view of the sea, or rather the bay of San Jose, could be seen. As a partner in a major firm in San Jose, he could afford the luxuries displayed in the office: glorious wood finishes, upholstered armchairs, and polished floors. He looked somewhat weary from the work done since the early morning, not only overseeing the matters relevant to his firm but also those concerning Billy''s companies.


    Thomas had a lot on his plate. His recent days had been filled with work.


    -Yamile, - Thomas addressed his secretary, a girl of Latin descent who reminded him of his wife in her youth, -- Tell Mr. Gorrery that I''m expecting him to discuss reconciliation. Also, inform my son that he''s needed at the company, and call Anne, let her know some faxes are on the way, -- he instructed.


    -Yes, Mr. Carson, - replied Yamile.


    -Great. If the real estate clients arrive, speak to Campos; make sure he notes down any queries and concerns. And please, tell him not to overshare. Lastly, make a reservation at Il Fornaio for two, -requested Thomas.


    -Okay, - replied Yamile.


    ��*********************************************


    -Anne, you have the meeting with the construction company tomorrow, - said Rachel.


    -Yes, get ready for tomorrow. You''ll go with me, - replied Anne.


    They just completed the final stages of the hiring process for the human resources department, a newly established division. Anne was delighted to have Jolie Carty on board as an operator. Jolie was highly efficient, boasting 15 years in her field. Now, all that remained was to await candidates for a new administrator to oversee the digital channel. Rachel handled all the minor companies, and contacts, and Raimon handled the comics, shares, and suppliers.


    Anne received the resumes along with a brief report on the competition.


    -Raimon, - she whispered.


    Raimon was stationed at his desk, holding a pencil and adjusting some orders with suppliers. The rascal was doing well; he secured a deal with Pepsi and landed a three-year distribution contract with a 30% discount, providing products for a 350-employee corporate group.


    -Raimon, I''m pleased to see you working so diligently, -Anne said.


    -Did you know we''re losing $18,450 on idle products? - Raimon revealed.


    -What? - Anne was surprised.


    -Well, in our distribution company, we''re leasing some trucks monthly, but their usage only accounts for nine to fifteen days. What do we do with the remaining time? We pay rent and repairs, but we''re losing out on another fifteen very usable days. I believe if we start optimizing functions, we could manage the video game delivery across some states, - Raimon suggested.


    Anne was taken aback.


    -Discuss it at the next meeting; we could operate a lighter 20-day contract, - she replied.


    -Perfect. From Sunrise Comics, I see inefficiencies, but the great hero will handle everything. This calls for a jar of gummies, - Raimon said.


    Rachel, who was following Anne, just rolled her eyes.


    -Well, here''s another task, - Anne said, handing Raimon the documents about the new candidates.


    -Leave it to me, - Raimon said from his seat, making a silly face after such precise administrative analysis.


    Anne sighed. - Just give me the details by tomorrow morning. Rachel, come with me; we need to finalize a few details before filling the new position. -


    -Sure, - Rachel straightened her back. She wanted to say something; her desk was filled with reports from various franchises: T-Box Burgers, Toys and Games, Hotel Para��so, and Workshop Games.


    ?hahahha! ��Raimon chuckled upon seeing Rachel''s annoyed expression.


    Raimon grabbed the folders and headed to the game room to continue playing Pok��mon. The quick takeaway was that, according to the analysis of Billy''s next game, it needs to align with current games.


    ������


    fuhhh, good morning, I hope you have a great weekend.

 147. life in los angeles

    Billy ran along the sidewalk of his neighborhood in Los Angeles. It was normal to encounter paparazzi here and there in this beautiful residential area. Many actors, models, musicians, and entertainment figures had homes in this part of L.A. during certain times of the year.


    Arriving at his small building, the purchase was satisfying, and living there was as comfortable as he could expect. He occupied himself with the typewriter not far from where he stood. Although the writing wasn''t too good, his editors would take care of the rest. He put water to boil, preparing some pasta for both lunch and dinner.


    His phone rang, marking the third call he received today.


    -Billy, I heard you were in the city, -said Dolph Lundgren. He was the one who called Billy, as it was Billy who allowed Jim Waitt to get the role in Terminator that launched his entertainment career. Now, it could be said that there were three major action stars. Dolph had secured multiple roles over these past three years.


    Upon learning that Billy was in town, he decided to invite him to a restaurant where some of his friends and his fianc��e, Annette Qviberg, would be gathering. If you know most of the people in Hollywood, it��s from the parties, meetings, and castings. You end up knowing a large group of people in the industry, and what many call stars reduces to a group of acquaintances in this business.


    -Yeah, I arrived a couple of days ago, - said Billy.


    -Great, come by. We''ll be at The Ivy around 9:00 tonight. Join us for a bite; my fianc��e and a good friend will be there. Just a small get-together, - Dolph said.


    "Sure, I''ll be there, - replied Billy, resolutely, following one of Jim Waitt''s many pieces of advice: don''t turn down people without a good reason.


    -Great. I''ll add you to the reservation. However, you have my number in case of any inconvenience, - Dolph assured.


    -I''ll keep an eye out, Mr. Lundgren, - said Billy.


    It was interesting for Billy, one of the highly sought-after actors of the moment, to invite him out. For Dolph, it was a mutual sentiment; Jim could have mentioned that Billy''s career as a scriptwriter was very promising, and it would come to a point where everyone would beg for Billy''s scripts. This was something Dolph, with considerable experience in the industry, could understand perfectly.


    Billy continued writing, focusing on the upcoming Game of Thrones book, "The War of the Five Kings." He took the time to write non-stop, and what surprised him was the amount of didactic material that came with the book. Initially planned for 1500 pages, it was cut down to 700-800 pages. Upon learning the thrilling plot, he added a bit more, including Jon Snow''s story, which was initially removed. For die-hard fans, this was pure gold as it explained many relationships at the Wall, attempting to add the perspective of the crow rebellion that ended up killing the Lord Commander of the Night''s Watch.


    Similarly, in book three, which had almost two thousand pages, he added more secret conspiracies to the plot.


    The final product of eight books could extend to ten due to the volume of stories, as there were easily 5000 pages cut across all the books. Many characters were deleted, and some were rewritten, but all could be included with careful handling, just like in books four and five, which run parallel to each other. Books two and three could be extended in an intermediate section that runs in parallel between the second and third books.


    What a magnificent series.


    As he was engrossed in writing, another call came in.


    -Raimon, - Billy said.


    It might sound odd, but he''s called me more than his girlfriend.


    -How are you, Billy? I just resolved some issues for your company, so I wanted to pitch an idea, - Raimon said, so casually that Billy couldn''t help but laugh.


    -What''s your idea? - Billy asked.


    -Well, I''ve just approved the formation of a team of eight people for ID Software and RPG Platforms. You know I have many talented computer friends who recently started a project called Command & Conquer. These folks aim to create a real strategy game. Are you interested in expanding our new acquisitions into video games? I''m referring to Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons, - Raimon explained. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -How would you do it? - Billy inquired.


    -For now, I don''t have much to say or do. I just wanted your permission. I''ll outline a plan. Surprisingly, we''ve already been granted a license, or well, the previous ''Tactic RPG'' has already been approved, and I''ve developed a game. I believe that, with improvements, the game will be a success, -- Raimon explained happily.  -- With your express permission, I''ll dedicate the next twenty-four hours to playing Dungeons and Dragons digitally to give us an idea of what we need to do and improve. -


    Billy only heard the sound of the call being hung up.


    -They just used him to play during work hours, - he said after receiving a call from Anne ten minutes later.


    He received his fourth call.


    -You let him play; he''s been laughing like crazy, - Anne said from San Jose.


    -Don''t worry. Give him two days; he has some good ideas. Do you have anything to give him? - Billy asked.


    -I have nothing. He''s done everything, from the comics distribution company to dealing with suppliers and actions. He''s kept up with the animators'' pace, and... - Anne replied.


    -Do you want me to assign my tasks to him? - Anne suggested.


    -Exactly. Give him the responsibility for Lux Chanel. I have a feeling he''s very interested in the third floor. Tell him that he''ll be in charge of procedures from now on. Focus on your job and only support Raimon. I recently spoke with Todd McFarlane, who mentioned the animators have been stressed lately due to work pressure; the deliveries for October are driving them crazy, - Billy explained.


    -Okay, - Anne said, feeling calmer.


    -Just let him play his video game this week. On Monday, you can give him all the work you want. Also, adjust the scholarship system. Some animators want to pursue a master''s degree, so you have to negotiate with them. Don''t let Raimon handle this, and allow Mr. Cloud to pursue his master''s, provided it''s done in California, - Billy instructed.


    -Okay, -Anne replied, relieved of some weight; she tends to carry a heavier workload than she should.


    -Additionally, you can ask Parks to expedite the negotiations with the Tolkien family. And adjust the animators'' schedules, giving them a collective five-day break. Some teams have pending requests; send some of them to negotiate for Meteoro and P��jaro Loco, - Billy directed.


    -But they''re not negotiators, - Anne pointed out.


    -It doesn''t matter. I don''t want them to be. Parks and my father will close the deal, but they will handle the negotiation process. I''m sure Paul will be a good distraction to close deals, -Billy clarified.


    -Very well, have a good day, Billy. By the way, do you approve of ID Software? - Anne inquired.


    -Yes, I approve but don''t hire more people. We agreed on a contract for eight video games, - Billy confirmed.


    -Hiring will stop for a year until we balance the whole company. The unhealthy growth hasn''t allowed us to reinforce some details, - Anne replied.


    -Understood, but they were necessary. Our numbers are in the green. Besides, I''ll ask for a loan by June, before the release of The Lion King, - Billy said.


    -Another of your bets, - Anne remarked.


    -Not at all. I know we''ll make a lot of money with The Lion King. We''ll fix all the details we haven''t sorted out. We''ll hire professionals to restructure the company and provide their perspective on the company''s weak spots. At the same time, we''ll slowly acquire more copyright, - Billy explained.


    -Okay, - Anne replied.


    -See you later, and stay informed, - said Billy.


    He hung up the phone his father had given him. He would have to swap it for a more advanced one, but he''d wait for a new design. He sighed heavily; the work was so exhausting. Companies always needed people to do more and more work.


    -Perhaps I need an independent lawyer, a new manager, to expand human resources, two new logistics managers, a producer, and a chief communicator for LuxToons, - Billy thought.


    He wrote all afternoon until the clock struck seven.


    The fatigue weighed heavy on his eyes, and the kitchen light illuminated just as he wanted. Enclosed by his four white walls, he felt unavoidably alone, two days away from traveling to the recording studio. The life of an actor was somewhat nostalgic.


    He dressed in his best suit. Cash was the best way for now; cards were just a strange sensation now. He adjusted his wallet along with a watch his grandfather had gifted him for Christmas. It wasn''t a tie day, so he left it behind, but he adjusted his white shirt with a small vest.


    He needed to step out and explore the streets of West Hollywood, even though it was late, the day remained bright. He arrived at a small fast-food restaurant to kill time. The air buzzed with jubilation, people were joyful, and he noticed many beautiful women in elegant evening dresses, prepared to relish the glory of Los Angeles.


    While waiting for his food, his seat faced the store window, enabling him to observe the paths people took. He didn''t bring his sketchbook, but a wonderful idea crossed his mind. Different planes filled his thoughts, from depths to new drawing styles.


    Usually, he went out for a walk and sketched when his imagination ran dry, and the oppressive atmosphere of the office hindered his work. But this city was so alive. How would it be in New York? Surely he would find fantastic shots there.


    Around eight-thirty, he received a call from Dolph��a surprise notice that took him aback.


    He walked to the recommended restaurant, which took longer than expected, but being new in the city, unfamiliar streets often seemed like mazes. Arriving at The Ivy, there was a long line stretching almost two blocks. Nonetheless, he walked up to the receptionist and simply gave his stage name.


    -Billion Darwin, - he said.


    -Yes, excuse me, we''ll confirm in a moment, - said the receptionist.


    Thankfully, after a brief wait, a worn-looking waiter nodded to the receptionist, who allowed Billy to enter. At first glance, Dolph Lundgren was seated with a beautiful woman on his right and a man equally robust, with broad shoulders��both towering figures.


    -Bill, it''s great you came. Come, this is my friend Jean-Claude Van Damme. Don''t let his pretty boy face fool you, he''ll give you a beating, and this is his companion Darcy, and here''s my fianc��e, Anna Qvibert, - said Dolph.


    -To you, Billion Darwin, a new actor and part of Jim''s roster, - Dolph introduced Billy.


    Billy smiled the best he could. -- It''s a pleasure to meet you all, Mr. Jean, --  he said, shaking Jean-Claude''s hand��a firm grip.


    He nodded softly, more as a gentle nod to the women at the table��a brief greeting that Darcy, the beautiful woman beside Jean, responded to with a touch of flirtation, and, of course, to Dolph''s companion, Anna, who was also stunning.


    If there was a result, they all seemed to be models, but his Alice was the most enchanting.


    As soon as he sat at the table, a waiter arrived, serving him a glass of water and bringing what seemed more like a leather-bound book than a menu.


    -We were discussing the next project we have at hand. It''s been requested that we further define our physique, - Dolph told Billy.


    -Well, I see you both are in great shape, - said Billy.


    -You''re a bit skinny, son. Whenever you want, you can join us at the gym to put some meat on those bones, - Jean-Claude said.


    -I don''t think time is on my side, Mr. Jean. With studies and acting, I have minimal time. However, I have my morning running routine with some exercises, - Billy responded.


    -I''ll extend an invitation; with Dolph and some other friends, we have a small gym to train our bodies. Drop by when you want; we''ll get you in shape, maybe even throw in some karate, - Jean-Claude offered.


    Surprisingly, Billy didn''t know him very well, although he kept an eye on Hollywood, not enough to follow the lives of actors, especially at a time when the industry''s glamour was more elusive.


    -Well, I think it would be wonderful to follow in your footsteps, although I don''t think I could keep up with both of you, - said Billy, observing their robust physiques; they looked like bodybuilders.


    -Bill, Jim told me you''re a very promising actor. You can stop by, not just to gain muscle but also to condition yourself for fight scenes in your movies. Although I''m no expert in gymnastics, Arnold is certainly very capable, - Dolph mentioned.


    -I see, - said Billy. Arnold, the great Arnold Schwarzenegger.


    -You''re as serious as Jim mentioned, - Dolph said with a certain air.  - He said you were studying before entering Hollywood. -


    -Yes, an MBA at Stanford, - replied Billy.


    -Wow, such a promising young man, - said Anna.


    -A good university, although people may not know it, I have a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Stockholm. A requirement for being an actor at that time was dedication, and there was no more dedication than professional studies. Unlike sports, studying involves certain demands, - Dolph added.


    I couldn''t agree more. I''d rather step into a ring than start a career, although my kids will have to pursue one, - Jean remarked.


    -Very precise for the Belgian champion, - Dolph said.


    -Ha, excuse me, miss, bring me a bottle of wine, - Jean said to the waiter taking orders. Darcy squeezed Jean''s arm, but he only kissed her.


    Dolph shook his head and chuckled.


    -A beer for me. And two appetizers on the house, - Dolph ordered.


    -I want an ice cream and a milkshake, - said Billy, almost like a children''s menu. Dolph nodded in response.


    -How''s your movie going? I heard you''re filming with Kurt. He''s a nice and funny guy, - Dolph asked.


    -I haven''t had much time to talk. I''m pretty demanding with my role, and I can''t think of anything else. But I''ll send your regards. The movie is amazing; it''s going to be a commercial hit, I''m sure. Director Roland Emmerich has a great pace, - Billy answered.


    -Well, invite me to the premiere, I''ll be there, -said, Dolph.


    -Of course, although I''m not sure if I can do that, - Billy replied.


    -Haha, -- Dolph chuckled. -- You''ll manage; as long as it''s someone from the industry, you can bring whoever you want. The producers will love the exposure. -


    -Then without a doubt, you''ll be there, - said Billy.


    The night was slow, and Dolph was more reserved than anything else. But it was expected; Billy was twenty years younger, and this towering six-foot-six superman was in a phase of preferring peace over parties. Although he left a good impression on Billy due to his charismatic personality. At least, that''s what Billy thought.


    ...

 148. critically acclaimed

    March 14.


    There was ''Toy Story,'' not just a success in peripheral sales but also a triumph for the academy and critics. Even though Pixar, a new animation studio, entered the scene, the opposition was biting their nails. But even the staunch opposition couldn''t deny the charm of ''Toy Story.'' To claim it''s a bad movie would be impossible. They were nominated for the Golden Globes for Best Original Song, although they lost spectacularly. But the Oscars were a different story; they were clear favorites in all the chosen events, at least to a limited audience.


    The outcome: they were nominated for three Oscar categories��Best Animated Feature, Best Soundtrack, and Best Original Song. This was seen as a lack of respect for Disney, who had already started promoting the competitors, giving unabashed support to ''Wallace & Gromit'' and John Williams for his work on ''Schindler''s List.''


    Sales started to rise. Toys, DVDs, and other merchandise began selling again. Even Camcop appeared to discuss a Toy Story video game, with very lucrative deals that only went to AAA companies.


    -Magnificent, - said John Lasseter from his desk.


    -More than magnificent. This is a pride for our house, - said Alvy.


    -Hahaha. Everyone will be surprised, even if we don''t win anything. When Billy steps into stardom and showcases the fantastic ''The Lion King,'' they''ll most likely win the Oscar. No one can turn a blind eye two years in a row. They didn''t even nominate ''Hercules'' for a soundtrack, - John Lasseter said from his desk.


    -Will you advertise at the Oscars? - Ed Camult asked.


    -We won''t. It''s preferable to invest the money in the research department. I''ve heard that Billy wants to bring back a development team to help create a computer. He''s been in talks with a company called Intel and CGI, aiming to bring a graphical advancement to the table, - John Lasseter explained.


    -He proposed that, but you''re missing something��they''re involving Microsoft, -  said Ed.


    -Do you think it''ll all end well? -  John asked, a bit surprised. He may not be familiar with the business, but this young man is playing with multiple companies, constantly seeking new ways to benefit the company, akin to Steve, always seeking something new for the business.


    -Improving hardware is no easy task. It''s complex and substantial. According to my estimates, we need about $200 million and a lot of time to reach a stable result because things don''t always turn out as desired, - Ed Camult, who knows Billy''s deeper plans, shared in a recent meeting with Randall. The creation of software is just one step; Billy aims to go beyond and is quietly targeting Apple��the computer company of an old Pixar owner.


    -Let''s keep working. But how about going to that place we used to celebrate? Fatty''s is waiting for us. Hey, Doctor! - John Lasseter called out.


    Ed Camult covered his ears, feeling uncomfortable.


    -Let''s go to Fatty''s to celebrate. Come on, Peter, you''re in, buddy, - John Lasseter said. Peter shook his head. - Come on, Peter. We''re nominated for the Oscars for our work. Don''t be a spoilsport, - John Lasseter urged.


    Half the company heard him, including Randall, who was in the kitchen, sipping coffee and reading Forbes. The whole place was buzzing, revitalized by the recognition. It''s one of those things that light up people''s spirits��the acknowledgment of the value of their hard work, an unforgettable strength.


    -Come on, John. We''ll go, but stop yelling across the office, -- Ed Camult said, rising from his desk. --I''ve got some work to do. - Despite the chatter, John''s excitement persisted, and Ed couldn''t help but be pleased about the nomination.


    The work on the film ''A Bug''s Life'' had been long and grueling. The calm before the storm, the peaceful months and vacations, were over, replaced by demanding, high-pressure work for Pixar''s animators. Week after week, Ed arrived at his desk, observing the new lines of code. Once again, the new program for modeling animal movements brought a series of problems when consolidating everything into a single process, aiming to enhance visual quality and represent materials effectively.


    In the afternoon, Ed went to Randall''s office to discuss important upcoming topics. Pixar, in collaboration with Autodesk, created the first digital 3D model. The animation studio''s licensing has stirred excitement, and sales are excellent. The subscription model is proving profitable, continuously driving up profits.


    -Ed, I heard about your celebration with John this morning, - Randall said.


    -Yes, we''re thrilled about the nomination. Would you like to go, Randall? You''re also part of the Pixar team, - Ed asked.


    Randall seemed surprised.  - Sure, I''d love to, -  he said, running his hand over his beard.  - On another note, as one of the technology department''s directors, I want to discuss your thoughts on the past year''s management. The alliance with Autodesk has brought in a lot of money, but it has also limited innovation in our field because of the insights provided to emerging companies. -


    -I agree. It would take three to five special software tools to try to replicate the movie. Now, getting to a similar idea requires an immense effort, - Ed Camult said.


    -So, are you okay with continuing to share information with Autodesk for their publication? - asked Randall.


    -I am, as long as the investment keeps flowing into Pixar, - Ed Camult replied.


    With Autodesk in the mix, technological advancements have increased by two percentage points. Through better organization, an improved design room, and modeling techniques, the work to create a 3D studio unified functions and enhanced some software, including Fitz, Caps, and Stood��a new environment software to create scenes that benefit not only movies but also video games.


    -Billy mentioned he''ll keep investing, adding another five million by June and potentially another five by year-end. - Randall said.


    -Well, he better not disappoint. - Ed Camult commented.


    Why are they burning through cash so quickly? The payments aren''t just to multiple software companies but for technical improvements, licenses, and other details, turning money into water. Nevertheless, the results are there. The payments to third-party firms allow for better software development and help prevent crashes. The licenses aid in specific operations and the improvements are advancements in hardware.


    Warner Studios.


    March 15.


    Betty Cohen observed everything from the shadows. Cartoon Network took off, but the revenues were reduced. Plans were underway, with the help of Hanna-Barbera, to reboot some older series like Tom and Jerry, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo. However, it wasn''t enough. The company''s popularity had dwindled in the face of live-action series presented by Nickelodeon and some from Disney, which were stealing the limelight.


    -Betty, start the process of hiring new animators. - said a weary Joseph Barbera from the desk. Despite his advanced age, the fatigue was obvious, yet his reputation was sky-high in the Warner company.


    -Yes, sir. I''ll contact Tony Benedict and Ed Benedict to expedite the formalization.  - Betty Cohen said. The biggest concern was their rival, Lux Animation. With its growing popularity, they began the series Slam Dunk.


    According to similar data, Lux Animation had hired at least 60 animators, which equated to an annual cost in the millions. How would they sustain this reckless spending without consideration? They needed editors, scriptwriters, directors, and producers, all adding to the already high expenses.


    Betty walked towards her office, spotting the Oscar nominations in the newspaper. But she didn''t seem to care.


    Paula Sullen arrived, far more experienced than some time ago. -- Boss, the interviews are set, and the Cartoon Lab is live. We''re allowing our animators to experiment with their series, as directed a while back. Ed Benedict is waiting to start the interviews. - Paula Sullen said.


    -Thank you, Paula. Later, arrange a screening room for me. We need to select the series that could be the future of the franchise.- Betty Cohen said.


    Paula Sullen left.


    -Bob. - Betty said.


    -Betty, I know why you''re calling. - Bob Daily, the entertainment director, said.


    -Yes, we''re in the process of hiring more animators. It requires further investment from Turner Broadcasting. - Betty replied.


    -This morning it was approved. The network believes that audiovisual content is crucial for the channel''s development. Moreover, we learned about your monitoring of Lux Animation, which has caused certain issues that we''re considering addressing. - Bob Daily mentioned.


    -What are you talking about? - Betty inquired. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Don''t you know? For several weeks, it''s been known that animation is on the minds of several houses. Companies like Fox, Paramount, Sony, and Disney are planning investments in animation. It''s no surprise that the board decided to double that investment. - Bob Daily explained.


    -What does that mean? -


    -It means yes, we''re going to fight for the Cartoon Network channel. This decision has been approved. - Bob Daily affirmed.


    -It''s a little late. The investment should have been made in 1992 when our popularity was at its peak. They''ve neglected the channel. - Betty expressed.


    Bob sighed. - It''s not just about the animated network. Mergers were stabilizing, and there have been power plays. The war with Paramount wasn''t pretty. We have to invest in the film production companies and the television group. You''re one of the seven channels we currently have. -


    Betty couldn''t say anything more. She was somewhat discontent, but the business situation is an enormous conglomerate.


    ...

 149. lux animation: nation

    March 18.


    There was a weather change, a delay from 5 days to 10 in the recording studio in Nevada, California. I observed that Billy rushed to San Jose to do the dubbing that was halfway through for "The Lion King" movie. As always, he found John Lasseter, who is a very active producer, directing the film with the signing of Robb Mikof, both in charge of directing the film in its final stages, the army of 40 animators dedicated to bringing together a film proposed by Billy, in great detail, which he did the Storyboard with dedication and with the help of Michael Schools, one of the editors of Lux Animation.


    Robb Mikoff has been part of the Lux Animation team since the beginning of 1993, the promised investment for his film, created and directed by him, along with 15% of the box office money collected by the film.


    -We have a time frame of 15 days for the little boss to do the dubbing, - said John Lasseter.


    -Luckily, he decided to do only the old Sinbad, - said Robb Mikof, who denied Billy''s involvement in the voice of young and old Sinbad when Billy got the role of Daniel Jackson.


    -It''s an excellent movie, - said John Lasseter. Watching the scenes and the animated model, dubbing began in January, two months of hard work, has left a clear idea of how the movie will end.


    -We should make it 3D, Pixar has a lot to offer. Ah, what a pity that we still don''t have the means to make a movie this way. I can assure you, the Oscar in the hands of Pixar, would cause an even more exciting sensation, - said John Lasseter. Today the little hair he had on his head was tousled from side to side; he tousled it with excitement, the more disheveled it was, the higher his level of excitement. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Robb Mikoff listened and debated. -- What''s the Pixar animation studio like? I''ve heard that you are looking to end 2D animation, but I don''t believe it, -- said Rob.


    -It''s not true, bad publicity. We are the future of animation. A work of art does not cease to be beautiful because it is different; beauty can be shared in many styles. For now, seeking a style different from the classic is just a fact, - said John Lasseter.


    -That''s already proven; Toy Story is a surprise for the entire industry. Why does Disney have a power struggle with you, Pixar? - asked Robb Mikoff.


    -The bad publicity from Disney. Since we started with this 3D animation, they have done everything possible to cancel us, from some slight articles in newspapers, to bad publicity with the emerging studios, preventing people in the industry from investing in us as a company. Not long ago, Pixar was hanging by a thread, and we were working on some commercials and selling our software to other companies, -- said John Lasseter, adjusting his glasses. -- That''s why I think Disney is afraid of the new animation. They are so entrenched in creating their films, in the same way they have been doing for the past 50 years, that they completely rejected a new way of doing things, clinging to tradition. -


    It was a harsh statement.


    -There''s some bad blood between you; see, we''ll adjust some shots that I think will be necessary for when our dear voice actor arrives, - said Robb Mikof.


    -Just wait; we''ll have many movies to show in the coming years, -- said John Lasseter, affirmatively. --In fact, I was thinking about the final frames. -


    -We have everything ready, but there are still some details missing, - said Robb Mikof.


    The mix of creating characters in caps with a smooth 2D design, and characters with magnificent painted flat maps, took 340 shots, and another 89 scenes to complete the movie sequence.


    -Let me finish organizing the songs, organize the shots, and continue with the animation production. I''ll be on the fourth floor coordinating with the dubbing teams, - said John Lasseter, somewhat calmer, but the third floor buzzed with activity as the presentation of the remaining movie approached. A few touch-ups here and there, but the conclusions of "The Lion King" were coming to an end.


    -Make sure to organize the soundtrack; the songs must be ready by the weekend at the latest. The requests for the sale of musical CDs have been sent out; it must be published on the same day as the movie premiere, - said Robb Mikof.


    John Lasseter nodded.


    The fourth floor was in an unprecedented movement for people. Of the three recording studios, the journey of many people going from one studio to another stood out. He saw Chandler Reik, the music director. After Hans Zimmer''s cancellation he decided to follow Disney instead of Lux Animation.


    But who is Chandler? Just a young graduate from Juilliard with excellent references, a scholarship recipient who plays four instruments, and a lover of classical music.


    -Chandler, Robb Mikof requests that you have the outline of all the songs ready by the weekend, - said John Lasseter.


    -I''ll deliver it immediately, - said Chandler, in a hurry.


    -No. Boy, I thought I was behind, but Mikof expects the songs to be detailed and ready for the weekend, he''s just pushing for a delivery date, so keep working. Submit an outline and show what you have done for the weekend. Now, if you have the outline done, detail the first songs of the soundtrack to send to the director, but it''s good for all of them to be ready by the end of the month, kid, - said John Lasseter.


    Chandler Reik''s pale complexion was a premonition for John. - Sir, I have only the first two songs ready, but I need to make some adjustments, - said Chandler.


    John could see drops running down his wavy hair, combed to one side. Almost like a cow''s lick.


    -Don''t bother, kid, just keep working. Billy left some sketches, -  John Lasseter asked.


    -He did he left the songs written along with the roadmap, but I have the adjustments made in my head. However, I am not satisfied with what I am still doing, - said Chandler.


    -Come on, kid, keep up with your work. I''ll be fixing the dubbing problem, and later, we''ll listen to the work you have on hand. Sometimes things may not sound perfect, but I''ll dispatch what I approve, and we''ll present it to Mikof; I''m sure he has a clear understanding of what he approves or rejects, - said John Lasseter.


    -All right, sir, I''ll go to the studio. With your permission, - said Chandler Reik, somewhat fearful. Musicalizing an African style is a greater challenge than he has faced in his years as a student and lover of classical music.


    -The songs were already written, and all that''s left is to give them a suitable rhythm. Kid, even Billy provided some rhythm; you don''t have to stress too much about it, - said John Lasseter, shooting an arrow into poor Chandler, who felt like a waste.


    Chandler walked quickly, as a quick way to get away from John.


    -There goes the reckless sir, - said James Earl Jones, who played the role of Mufasa.


    -I thought you were leaving already, - said John.


    -Well, today our Sinbad is supposed to come, so I''m waiting. To record the final scenes. Why aren''t you in the cast? - said James Earl Jones.


    Embracing John, they have been friends known for some time, and he was surprised by the hiring made by Lux Animation.


    -Well, I''m no longer in the youth races, but Andrew, an animator from my team, participates in the dubbing. But it''s a long and depressing job after a while, - said John Lasseter.


    -I have to meet him; Andrew seems to follow the old-school steps, just getting into the role, you can draw great scenes. I''ll wait outside, good luck, John, - said James Earl Jones, taking the elevator to get some fresh air.


    -Good luck, James, - said John, continuing his way to the large dubbing studio, a row of four people. First, the main characters are recorded, and then we move on to recording less important people with few lines.


    -Good morning, everyone. Let''s continue with our great work today. We have some details to attach, but we''ll do the next scene in, leave few five minutes. Bill Darwin will be here shortly; it''s a confirmed fact, - said John Lasseter, who had received the call from Billy in the morning. John understood; a businessman had little time.


    What a strange nickname, thought John Lasseter.


    It was the beginning of a long workday; the voices began to come together in what we call a long production studio. Lux Animation made a long, extensive contract for five years, the sum of 20 million dollars with Amblin Entertainment, as basic advisers for post-production and dubbing direction. This deal started not only as an opportunity that Jim Waitt used to extend his recognition in the industry, but it is a direct benefit due to Amblin''s experience in making films, along with a necessary gain for the production company''s new projects. The 5-year contract has been worth every penny, as in just 2 years, they have created three movies and seven TV series.


    ...

 150. time to love.

    March 16


    -At last, you''re here, - said Melissa to her sister, Alice, who looked completely enchanted. Today, she had her hair down just the way Billy liked it. She wore makeup with a soft touch and her favorite lotion.


    -So that''s why you came here, for Billy. Your beau is coming to visit us. We haven''t seen him in two years -" said Alice''s sister, Melissa Davis, a law graduate who recently started working.


    Alice blushed. -I don''t think it matters, - said the girl, somewhat offended by the undeserved hatred her family had for Billy.


    -It does matter. Your boyfriend is quite popular. In his first year, half the university knew him. He has that vibe of ''I don''t care about anyone else but what I have to do, - said Melissa.


    -Well, that''s my boy. I have to go, - said Alice, walking towards the exit, not wanting to spend more time talking with her sister.


    -Oh, this cold war can''t last any longer, Alice. I think it''s time to end this struggle with Dad, Mom, and me, - said Melissa.


    -Well, when they stop criticizing Billy for who he is, they have to stop acting like persecutors. Everything bothers them. He''s just intense and dominant, but that doesn''t make him a bad person, - said Alice, walking towards the exit. Her mother was in the living room reading a book, but she wasn''t reading it��just listening to Alice''s words, closing the book as soon as her daughter left.


    Alice walked to Jessica''s house, who, after a year of modeling, decided to start dental school. With some quick details, she got herself a boyfriend with a lot of money, the son of a politician who had recently entered the political arena.


    -Ali, darling, it''s been a long time since you came to greet me. I thought you were working as an intern at the hospital, - said Jessica.


    -I have today off and the morning. I''m glad to see you too, Jess, - said Alice.


    -Although I feel sad that you use me for camping, - said Jessica.


    -Well, Billy is coming to pick me up. I could have mentioned I''d be here to avoid zero contact with my parents. You know about the last fiasco, and that''s why I adore you. I can always count on you, - said Alice, twirling her fingers.


    -How exciting to be told lies. Come on, I was about to take a nap by the pool. It''s cool, - said Jessica.


    -You''re wicked. You didn''t finish telling me about that time he took you to the Swiss Alps to visit his maternal family, said Alice.


    **********************************************************


    -Thanks for picking me up, Raimon, -  said Billy.


    -No problem, but my dear boy, we have to stop at T-box Burgers to celebrate that you''re finally here. How long has it been? Almost a month. You know, I thought of making Craig my best friend. He''s not a chick magnet, - said Raimon.


    -How''s your crush, the powerful Ukrainian? - asked Billy.


    -I said hi to her two days ago, - said Raimon, deadly serious.


    -Hahahaha. -


    -Don''t laugh, you bastard. I had to prepare for quite some time, - said Raimon, attempting to punch Billy but failing as he was driving on the highway, almost skidding.


    -Eyes on the road. You almost killed us, - said Billy.


    -Well, if you stop laughing, I would, - said Raimon, focusing his gaze on Billy instead of the road.


    Billy could only look at the road and ignore the reckless behavior.


    -How''s everything at the company? - asked Billy, glancing at the stack of comics in the back seat of Raimon''s car. There were titles of Star Wars, Lux Comics, and some strange ones from Meteor.


    Same as always, the days are long, Anne leaves a lot of work, but there''s much to do, and you have too many employees. Every day, unexpected things come up.


    Raimon turned the car, two quick streets to get to the restaurant. About twenty steps away, they arrived at T-box Burger. Memories of the first time they came to the restaurant flashed back��a quick opening in the rush to create multiple businesses.


    -The best burgers in San Jose. We have the approval of a large part of the population, - said Raimon.


    They entered the place, skipping the line to greet the doorman, and headed to the office where Jack Common, the twenty-seven-year-old, more experienced now, with a hint of a strong beard, and a denim fashion style, was seated.


    -Raimon, here are the reports, - said Jack.


    He looked up. - Billy Carson, the big boss has come to visit us, - said Jack, getting up from his seat to shake hands.


    -Come, we have all kinds of burgers. Walter and Samuel have improved the menu. Now we have better sides, and the pink sauce is made for those who can''t drink milk. It has gained us some extra customers, - said Jack.


    -Sounds good, Jack. The place is impressive,-  said Billy.


    -Well, I have a very demanding reviewer, - said Jack, winking at Billy. "Do you want your usual, Raimon?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I do. Make it a double portion, - asked Raimon.


    -I see, I''ll order a double portion for the boss," said Jack.


    -See, I claim the quarterly accounting, and I get delicious burgers without waiting in line. Hey, do you have $15? I forgot, extra cash, and I had to spend it at the gas station," said Raimon.


    -Here, take $20. But, first things first, I want you to take me to buy a gift for Alice. You can stop at San Jose Center, - said Billy.


    -Sure, we can, if you know what to buy, - said Raimon.


    -Don''t worry, a plush toy. You know, she could have mentioned that she likes a little yellow Winnie the Pooh bear, - said Billy.


    -Let''s go to the Disney store; there''s one nearby. We''ll buy maybe some chocolates and flowers to complete the clich��. You can''t lose your charm, Carson, - said Raimon.


    -Your tongue has grown in my absence, - said Billy. The powerful look he gave made Raimon swallow hard. He had only seen such intensity in his father, a businessman.


    -Let me play tough. I''ve watched the entire ''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' series without screaming, - said Raimon, stopping at the bench in front of San Jose University.


    -Just let''s have lunch, - said Billy, opening their burgers.


    -You brought the BBQ, - said Raimon.


    -I ordered extra packages, - said Billy.


    -Ahhh, this is life, - said Raimon, devouring his bacon-chopped burger with pink sauce.


    Both fell silent, in a state of mutuality as they calmly ate.  -Can you pass me those fries? - asked Raimon.


    Billy just handed them over.


    The sound of a beep. The phone.


    **********************************************


    -Billy''s here, - said Jessica from the pool chair.


    -He took a bit longer than expected. My God, I have to check, - said Alice.


    -Now you''re talking nonsense. Don''t get nervous; he''s your boyfriend. You have to stop acting like a schoolgirl, - said Jessica, smiling at her friend''s blushes.


    -Leave me alone, - said Alice, with a smile on her face. She fixed her hair in front of the mirror. Everything was in detail, from her eyebrows to her long dress. Everything was as she arranged it, just a stray hair, a cheerful curl.


    -You look beautiful, dear, -- said Jessica, hugging her friend. --I expect a long chat; you''ve been apart for a month, and it seems like you''ve been separated for a long time. Luckily, he didn''t go to war, -- the other blonde joked.


    -Goodbye, - said Alice, bidding farewell to Jessica.


    There was her handsome boyfriend, not wearing a suit, which was strange, but casual clothes made him look more his age. That serious trait she loved was replaced by a playful attribute. Alice walked up to Billy and buried her head in his chest.


    -Did you miss me? - said Billy, embracing her tightly with his arms.


    -Yes, - said Alice.


    -Come, we''ll spend the whole afternoon together. Tomorrow, I have a lot of work to do, but today, I have something planned, - said Billy.


    -I like that, - said Alice.


    -Come on, get in, - said Billy, opening the passenger door. Alice entered and saw a large Winnie the Pooh plush toy. Her heart melted, as if thousands of stars were coming back together. Her handsome young man always gave her details. She hugged the plush with affection and sat down; there was a note saying ''open me'' in the glove compartment.


    Inside, there was a small package of chocolates, her favorites, and she melted for the second time that night. Billy entered with a smile. He approached to kiss his little girlfriend on the lips.


    -A few days ago, I didn''t know how much I would miss you, but now, ten minutes before seeing you, I knew that the distance between us is regrettable, - said Billy.


    Anne''s eyes shone like stars, like big stars. She could only look straight ahead, but her heartbeats pounded through her entire body as if the vibration of a stopwatch were the case, and her ears were ringing. Like red stars, they kissed in the car for a while.


    -Where are you taking me? - said Alice.


    The Sainte Claire loomed into view, and as soon as they arrived, they were warmly welcomed.


    -Bring me a special wine, Merlot, from ''81 to ''85 at the latest. For me, bring a main course of ''Suckling Lamb with Rosemary and Lavender Honey Sauce,'' and for the lady, a Greek salad without dressing. I want two special house appetizers and some crackers with pate, - said Billy.


    -Perfect, sir, - replied the waiter.


    -I want lamb, - - said Alice, with a pout.  -- Because your dish sounds better than mine. -


    -I''ll give you some lamb, my dear, but the salad is delicious; that''s why I ordered it, darling. Although I wouldn''t mind feeding you, only if you promise to keep the secret between you and me, - said Billy.


    -I''ll keep it, only if you promise to give me kisses every day to reinforce the secret, - said Alice.


    -I condemn myself, I condemn myself to be the guardian of your secrets, - said Billy, giving her a gentle kiss.


    The enjoyment of a cherished evening is an uncommon detail.


    -This lamb is exquisite, - said Alice.


    Billy plated another dish and fed another bite of lamb to Alice.


    -Tonight is perfect, - said Alice.


    -I''m glad it is. Come, we have to finish the meal. You''ll come home with me, and we''ll sleep embraced, - said Billy.


    Wiping Alice''s lips with a napkin.


    -It sounds like a lovely plan, but I can only stay until midnight. My father set a curfew for me, and it''s been that way since we started dating, - said Alice.


    -We have plenty of time. We can use the projector and watch one of those movies we like, - said Billy.


    The next few hours were romantic moments for the couple. They arrived at the entrance laughing, exchanging long and short kisses. It felt like an eternity before they reached the house, and the couple entered together.


    -Son, how are you? - said Thomas, from the living room, reading.


    -Father, - said Billy, approaching to hug his father. The reserved style of the Carsons only surfaces in specific moments, very special moments.


    -I see you came with your girlfriend; however, I have something to discuss first, and the issues we might face could generate some friction between us, - said Thomas.


    A cold shower hit Billy, who decided to sit at the table. His father is not a man of games, not someone who says, -We need to act. - He sat across from his father, and Alice excused herself and decided to go upstairs.


    Unfortunately, she would encounter someone who was not to her liking.


    -Well, son, I think you should know that some time ago, I started seeing a woman, and I may have proposed to her. I''ve decided to get married. You can accept or reject it, - said Thomas.


    -Who is she? - asked Billy.


    In a few minutes, they descended��Alice and Claudia!? The uncomfortable look from Alice, along with Claudia''s innocent gaze seemed to ignore the evident discomfort.


    -Now, I think we''ll be calling each other siblings, - said Claudia, with a mocking look. She had changed, and grown, and her body looked more slender, but she still had that tough girl posture, that independent girl.


    -I think we need to talk. But not today, tomorrow morning, - said Billy, taking Alice''s hand and going up to their room.


    ...

 151. the factory.

    For some time now, the comic bookstore has transformed into a factory, a place of creation and artistic expression. Those not involved in the industry observe people dialoguing, working, and creating in various ways. The joy generated results from an artistic environment that encourages people to discover a bit of this unfamiliar world at least.


    Billy walked through the hallways toward his office. In his backpack was the manuscript for -The War of the Five Kings.  He explicitly requested that all 813 pages be published without exceptions. After discussing it with his editor regarding a joint publication with Tor Books, however, the plan is to acquire the publishing house by June of this year. Negotiations began with 3 million dollars. Parks, the official negotiator, hopes it will close at 4.5 million.


    -Good morning, Anne, - said Billy, entering with disheveled hair. The uncomfortable conversation with his father ended with an -- I accept, -- but the mess that this new random decision might cause still makes him ponder some inconveniences.


    Anne''s round cheeks lifted as if two apples swayed in the wind. --Everything is scheduled for you to start the dubbing, - Anne said.


    -I''m on my way now. I have this small manuscript. I hope you can handle the publication procedures with my editor-in-chief. I''ve already spoken to him about the book; I don''t want any cuts or changes. This will come with another book for publication next year, a 600-page one, - said Billy, gently placing the manuscript on the table.


    He separated the stories of the North and the South. Now, they''ll have to wait to learn about the changes and Jon Snow''s duties north of the Wall.


    -Great. More work! -  said Anne sarcastically. Billy just smiled.


    -The meeting is arranged; Mr. Linchester has everything set for the meeting. He will take a flight here to see me. By the way, he hired a lawyer to handle the minor procedures with the company. We can''t continue wasting time, moving resources from office to office, - said Billy.


    Anne Hall opened her mouth. Would something happen?  --Of course, I''ll do it. I''ll publish the reason. We have a copy of almost all the legal follow-ups of the company, - said Anne.


    -If you''ll excuse me, I have dubbing to do, - said Billy. The memory of the dubbing is imprinted in his head; after all, he wrote the script. He knows every point and practiced quickly during his free time, and before going to bed when his role as Daniel/Jackson didn''t interrupt his thoughts.


    -I''ll send an application to Stanford University, - said Anne.


    -Perfect, hire an intern. You decide; let them explain the functions and offer a reasonable salary. Limit the working hours to the time we need, and tell Raimon to talk to the deans. A graduate is applying for a job; together, we cover our backs, - said Billy.


    Anne nodded heavily; the thick stack of papers was in front. The title "The War of the Five Kings," Billy''s first book, sold a total of 120,000 copies. Recognition was scarce, but Raimon mentioned that the series had been lost due to a lack of advertising, and silent publication. However, according to Billy, the important thing is to leave these books on the shelves as much as possible to revitalize the saga from time to time.


    Billy climbed the stairs to the third floor, where the large animation studio was located, from the Lux Animation production company. The producers of both television series and movies (Lux Nation) were united in an unusual harmony. Working on demanding projects like movies generates a workload for people. Similarly, the animated series "Gargalos" also places a heavy burden on the animation production company. Therefore, these animators end up helping each other repeatedly to finish backgrounds, create sequences, and handle page management. This sharing of skills creates an environment where silence blends from here and there, focused on a single task.


    Billy continued his way to the fourth floor.


    There, in a more confined space, he entered the first studio. It was 9:30 in the morning, and he was exhausted, and the day was just beginning.


    -Billy, come in. In half an hour, you enter the studio. Here''s a script. Try to follow the instructions; we want a quick and concise rehearsal, - said Robb Mikof.


    -Mr. Mikoff, I apologize for the delay; there were inconveniences, and the flight was delayed for about an hour and a half, - said Billy.


    -Don''t mention it, young man. Come, I was told that you''ve already memorized the script perfectly, - said Robb.


    Billy nodded, close, very close. He could see Jeremy Irons, James Earl, Augustus Fuzz, and Moira Kelly. He was prepared, studying their lines. Unlike acting, here you can read the script as long as the voice is produced in the expected and desired way.


    -Very well, Billy. These are your dubbing partners, -- said Robb Mikof, raising his hand in a sign of introduction. -- Here we have Jeremy Irons, your wonderful uncle ''Scar,'' and your father James Earl Jones. Augustus Fuzz is a newcomer to the industry, but an excellent addition. Finally, we have Moira Kelly, who plays Nala, your companion ''Simba.'' And for all of you, this is Billion Darwin. He was the first to be hired and has worked on several dubbings with the company. -


    -Nice to meet you all, - said Billy.


    -Well, now that the introductions are over, let''s start with the song ''Hakuna Matata.'' Always keep in mind to maintain the tone and convey the festive feeling of the song, - said Robb Mikof.


    Billy nodded, entering the studio, and there was Ernie Sabella, the voice actor for Pumbaa, and Nathan Lane, the voice actor for Timon. To his surprise, they were very cheerful people, recounting the "Hakuna Matata" song at a frenzied pace.


    The song didn''t wait long. After three long warm-ups, they started voicing the song with precision. It was an animated dubbing, and after three performances, they began to sing one of the most iconic songs of the series.


    With a gentle melody, after three repetitions, there were no interruptions, and everything began to unfold cleverly.


    Scene 45, the second part of the script.


    S��ar?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    End of the scene.


    Billy adjusted his voice a bit, taking a sip of water. The scene was intense, but in less than twenty minutes, they managed to create an interesting one.


    -That was wonderful, - said Robb Mikoff, who entered with John Lasseter.


    -Well, it''s no secret that Bill has good acting skills, - said John Lasseter.


    -John, nice to see you. I''m surprised to see you working here, - said Billy, genuinely surprised, as he hadn''t invited John to work on The Lion King movie.


    John Lasseter''s face turned red. He had invited himself.


    -Well, I decided to come and help. This is Pixar''s sister company, and it''s good to have some collaboration between companies, - said John Lasseter.


    Billy''s suspicious look began to scrutinize John''s posture. Although it was hard to believe that people would work for free, it was conceivable that animators could work for free in exchange for creative freedom or considerable investments. The fact that someone like John, known for his ambition to make 3D movies, was here working for free made Billy think about the revolutionary idea.


    -Well, we have a busy schedule. Let''s move on to the next scenes. We have fifteen minutes for you to prepare. Moira and Jasmine, who does Nala''s singing, will enter the studio. Billion, you have another song to sing, so get ready. This scene has to be perfect, - said Robb Mikoff.


    Usually, two actors are used to interpret the songs, but Billy has a certain ability that allows him to handle singing positively. Not exceptionally well, but enough for the movie. However, the music CDs will be sung by a professional.


    -Yes, sir,-  said Billy, gearing up for another long day.


    Perhaps he would need a break for the song, thought Robb Mikoff, considering Billy''s performance.


    The hours in front of the studio were long and overwhelming. Billy''s throat ended up feeling tired. However, they completed the Nala scene and introduced some scenes with Rafiki, the wise-looking monkey.}


    ...

 152. reality

    The night painted the sky, and Billy had some doubts. Perhaps, it was in his walk or his lowered head. If some people noticed, not many said anything about his attitude. Already on the second floor of the company, he decided to use the remaining time to focus on fixing the sketch he made for Cowboy Bebop, for its delivery and promotion. This comic told a sad, heavy, and long life story of a space cowboy.


    Anne Hale was not present. He entered his office, the large room with a library that crossed from wall to wall, along with a giant window in front, the spacious marble desk, and a large chandelier with three lights that illuminated the room, along with another lamp on the elegant-looking desk.


    A small leather armchair arranged in front of the library, facing away, and a glass table in front, spaced just enough between the armchair and the glass table to stretch one''s legs a bit. Next was a long chair, leaning against the wall. On one side were three other chairs, perfect for sitting in front of the large wooden desk, and in one corner, a thick filing cabinet with a shelf on top, with drawing and comic creation tools.


    The room was as impeccable as when he left it. There was his suitcase, occupied by Anne when she unloaded it in the morning. He opened it, and his Cowboy Bebop sketch, three episodes in one, is simple. The next job he has to do is to detail everything with extreme care. He spent a lot of time creating the best product, from hyper-realism to hyper-detail throughout the work. With great care, he created the comic''s process, with many coloring and shading tools, almost as if it were a medical operation, as the perfection sought in this drawing, in particular, is at the highest level. For deliveries like The Walking Dead, Trigun, Evangelion, Samurai X, Slam Dunk, and Ghost in the Shell/Yu Yu Hakusho, he has created very good artistic impressions, even improving the composition of the deliveries as best as he could.


    But for Cowboy Bebop, this has taken him to the highest possible level��creating an artistic composition that surpasses everything else in art. This, for the time, is a challenging task, as the drawings delivered by Lux Comics are the best in technical quality on the market. Even the old school knows that they are surpassed without a doubt, but it''s precisely this that has made many fans fall captive to the artistic quality of the provided deliveries.


    Someone knocked on the door with some force.


    -Come in, - said Billy.


    -I can''t believe you''re still in the company. Tomorrow, you have to record for The Lion King movie, and although I appreciate the work ethic, it''s not good to have such excessive work hours. It''s 10:23 PM, and you''ve been at it for four hours. That''s enough, Billy, - said Anne Hale from the entrance, with a stern voice, but... also with a hint of fatigue?


    -Come and look at the new delivery I want to launch, - said Billy.


    Anne approached, crossing the hallway, her heels making noise. But something she had gotten used to since working at Lux Comics��dressing like an executive. An executive who usually had talks with powerful people, big faces, and experienced old ones. Many attacks and heavy work have molded her into a successful person.


    -It''s undoubtedly very beautiful work, -- said Anne, seeing the detail printed on the pages. -- This will win many awards, I can''t be wrong about that, - she said.


    She had attended all the award ceremonies, and they had only won two awards in all the publications. An insult. But the trend of DC, "Warner Fragmenting," is something she can''t fight. Along with Ronald Perelman to the left, the awards are inferior. However, Billy has won awards, the most important of all for those interested in the comic industry. The one he has provided is a golden-painted metal plaque delivered at the grand comic meeting. It has three plaques, an unsurpassed achievement. Everyone always stops and looks at it with honor in their eyes. It''s the hidden Oscar of the comic world.


    Sealed by its confidentiality. The overwhelming gain of awards has earned several valuable items, such as original scripts, unpublished drafts, and lost stories from some series.


    -The next series will premiere in December alongside The Walking Dead, - said Billy.


    -Well, I''m glad your ideas don''t run out, even when your mind is occupied and you have little time to think. However, come on, that''s enough. I noticed in the parking lot that you didn''t bring your truck. I''ll take you home unless we run into Raimon at the arcade room, - said Anne.


    Billy sighed. -I''ll leave everything as it was. -


    Fortunately for Raimon, he wasn''t there, and only some animators from the Gargoyles series were still working. With the end of The Lion King, the Gargoyles series gained twenty new workers, clearing up work, and the sequence of series like Cow and Chicken also gained new animators to join the legion of animators.


    Anne didn''t speak during the drive, and Billy''s already imprinted seriousness left them in silence until they entered the parking lot.


    -I''m hungry, Anne. Would you join me for something to eat? - asked Billy.


    -At this hour? No, thanks. Come, let''s go to my house. Nana must have cooked something, - said Anne.


    -Alright, - said Billy.


    The journey was short; Anne lived no more than 20 minutes from the company. A large house came into view; they parked and were greeted by an elderly lady��Anne''s grandmother? It wasn''t clear because they exchanged no more than a brief greeting. Billy took off his shoes, just as Anne had done. It was a quick movement thanks to the elderly lady, who handed him a pair of large blue sandals.


    There was a large pot of pasta in the middle of the table, freshly heated. A plate on one side, and another one didn''t take long to arrive, as Anne took it out. The house was beautiful, large, and spacious��refined in every aspect, very different from the uninhabited home he had with his father.


    -You can eat as much as you want. I''ll prepare a drink for you, - said Nana.


    The pasta was exquisite. The table didn''t have a very long conversation, just the clinking of metal against fine porcelain, and occasionally a sip from Anne''s wine glass. She seemed so exhausted when she got home that Billy felt a bit embarrassed for imposing.


    -Here''s some ginger lemonade. I added ginger to protect you from colds. You come home so late from work that you''re sure to catch a cold, - said Nana.


    Billy smiled and found a certain resemblance to his grandmother.


    -Thank you, - said Billy.


    -By the way, young man, your eyes are so dark and heavy. I''d like to know your name, - said Nana.


    -Billy Carson, ma''am. You can call me Billy, - he said.


    -Nice to meet you, young man. Anna doesn''t bring anyone to this house, and sometimes, I forget these social relationships, - said Nana.


    Billy finished the pasta, and the old lady just smiled and served him another helping��with so much happiness that he had no face to refuse the second plate.


    Anne just laughed, a faint glimmer, a subdued smile.


    -Alright. I think I''m full. Thanks, Nana. I''ll have some wine. Would you like some? - Anne asked.


    Billy just wanted to escape from home, so he nodded without reluctance. Anne raised an inquisitive eyebrow but let it pass.


    They poured two glasses of wine in silence while an old lady just sat and looked at the horizon with a joyful expression. Billy drank that wine slowly; Anne finished hers and just looked at him, eager for him to leave. However, what determined his departure was the taxi he had called.


    -Good night, Anne, - said Billy.


    -Rest, - said Anne, without bothering to wait for the taxi, heading upstairs.


    -She''s tired, -- said Nana, next to Billy. -- She comes home and sleeps until the next day. Tired from the long day and the extensive hours of work that drown her free time. -


    Billy just nodded.


    He was the boss, and partially responsible for Anne''s exhaustion.


    -Your taxi has arrived, - said Nana.


    -Thank you. I hope you have a very good night, - said Billy.


    He got into the taxi, almost on autopilot. He entered his home, and there was his new family: Thomas Carson, Ivanova Branovich, and Claudia Branovich in the living room. Thomas was reading a newspaper in his chair, while Claudia lay on the carpet, and Billy could see Ivanova''s rebellious gaze.


    -Good night, dear, - said Ivanova.


    -Good night, - replied Billy.


    -Sit down, - ordered Thomas.


    The room became tense; Livy''s previous smile disappeared, and Claudia could also feel the tension set by the two Carson individuals, almost like a reverberating suffocation, a struggle of invisible wills.


    "Good evening, Father. I''ll take a seat, but not before grabbing something to drink, - said Billy.


    Thomas didn''t take his eyes off Billy since he uttered those words. Billy poured himself some juice, refreshing his thoughts. The orange juice only gave him time to think with a clear head about his father''s possible questions and counter-offers.


    -Alright, now that you''ve had your juice, we talk to have, - said Thomas.


    -I''m waiting, - said Billy.


    -As you know, I''m going to marry Ivanova, and I hope you understand that Claudia will live here, and her mother will also live here, - said Thomas.


    -Of course, no problem, - said Billy.


    -Very well, the wedding is in December, especially because I postponed it due to the commitments we have pending��well, that you have pending. On December 6, you have to come, and first of all, we''re planning a family trip to Texas scheduled for August 23. I hope you can make time. Even your grandparents miss your presence, - said Thomas.


    -I see. Tomorrow I''ll schedule with Anne. Although I may not be there for the entire journey, I''ll keep December 6 reserved for the wedding. Anything else you need to tell me? - asked Billy.


    -Nothing more. On Sunday, we''re having a barbecue. You can drop by. I think it''s two days before your trip. Without further ado, that''s all I have to say for now. Good night, Billy, - said Thomas, downplaying and behaving as usual, now wearing reading glasses, but the book in his hand was handled the same way as the last 20 years.


    -Good night, -said Billy, going up to his room.


    Calming the anger that surged through his heart.


    ... sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 153. entertainment

    March 21.


    The dubbing was marvelous, and Billy recorded the last necessary scenes. The dynamic remains lively due to the success permeating the air, and you can see that the Lux Animation team, cheerful, has that fervent passion in their hearts for the movie that will soon be released.


    The evening entered the company; a group focused on tweaking the Cow and Chicken series, while others were in charge of the Gargoyles series.


    On the fourth floor, the recording studios ceased activities. John Lasseter was talking with Robb Mikoff and James Earl, who portrayed Mufasa. James''s voice impressed Daniel McCraig so much that he''s considering using him as the narrator in one of his future series. Daniel has already thought about creating a series much better than Dexter''s Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls.


    -Well, I''ll probably hire you for a series, - Daniel McCraig said to James.


    -Always grateful for your compliments, - said James Earl.


    -I would also like you to act in our movies, but he''s a difficult and busy individual, - said John Lasseter.


    -Well, I have ideas in mind, but there are still doubts about how I should intertwine the series, - said McCraig.


    -Well, save a bit and talk to the boss, - said John Lasseter, suggesting that Billion Darwin was a different person from Billy Carson, at least in a proper sense. Some confidentiality clauses and requests for...


    This new series is under consideration. To create a blockbuster among their searches, many sources of inspiration are needed. Billy mentioned that they could use the series Lux Comics has in terms of copyright. But nothing satisfies him, and this mental block is not only happening to Daniel McCraig but to many animators who have worked under the shelter of Lux Comics.


    The purchase of different copyrights is allowed, such as in the case of Meteor. But the comics published by Doom give him a certain fantasy and longing, like a Western series, the Midwest, Trigun.


    This rhythm leads us to an animator from the company. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jozz Stokman, an animator who has been working for Lux Comics for two years, has been working on his own for a while, on a story he wants to convey. In an animated series, the conditions are a suitable storyboard along with an acceptable script, and this process has taken him a year.


    His series is "Hardman Lash," a young musician who has problems in high school until he meets a great vocalist who sees him in music class playing the guitar. From adventures to practice to become the best band in America. He has created the main characters, a band of six people, the script along with the outline of 40 episodes, a beginning, and an end.


    The main rules proposed for Lux Animation proposals are:


    A storyboard with at least all the protagonists and main characters.A well-established script with a logical, concrete story.They must follow the basic rules of animation.The story should be for young people and should refrain from sensitive behaviors, profanity, and adult scenes.It must have a set beginning and end, or at least delimited arcs. However, if proceeding with independent episodes, it must have a      fixed and determined sequence of the series'' dependence.Set a budget.


    For Jozz Stokman, everything was very clear; the first five points were delimited. However, the budget of six million dollars for music licenses is somewhat expensive, costing more than the animation dubbing.


    Luckily, the boss was here, who had the final say for approval. - Jozz, right? - Mr. Gorman said.


    -Ah... yes, - Jozz replied.


    Jozz is a twenty-seven-year-old with long hair down his back, worn loose. He wears shirts featuring rock and metal bands, and people always notice his long, thick eyebrows.


    -You filled out the form perfectly. Give me a second; I''ll file the form. It''s been a while since we''ve had one for a new series, - Gorman said.


    The file list only has six forms. The first is for the Powerpuff Girls series, the second for the children''s cartoon "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle" - by Jay Ward, the third series is for Scooby-Doo, the fourth for Meteor, the fifth is for Train Souls by Anna Szymanska, and the sixth is for a series made by Greff Lomz called Astronauts.


    -Good luck, kid. Bring me the approval record or the rejection form. Remember, you have six months to submit the series again for approval, - Mr. Gorman said.


    Jozz, not very talkative, nodded.


    Taking the approval form, the first filter is Anne Hall. She carefully checks that the requirements are met quickly, and if it seems acceptable, she accepts the proposal sheet and saves it for later submission to Billy.


    Jozz walked directly to the delivery, in the mail, he ran into Paul German.


    -Paul, - Jozz said.


    -Jozz, I see you''re bringing a new series to the factory, - Paul German said.


    -Yes, that''s right. I bring a series I''ve been working on for a year and a half, - Jozz said.


    -Work hard, Jozz. You''ve got competition, - Paul German said.


    The bar is set very high, not only with the movies made by Lux Nation but also the series and comics, all very polished works, all trying to present the best drawings... Jozz himself worked hard to improve the character designs and present the main backgrounds, which follow a style very similar to Hellboy.


    -Thanks. -


    Paul German just nodded; he had to head to the sales department.


    Meanwhile, Jozz walked to deliver the series to Anne. She would review it shortly and present it to Billy. If he rejected it, the last option was a democratic review by three animators in particular.


    -Good afternoon, Director, - Jozz said.


    -Ah, good afternoon. Do you need something? - Anne asked.


    -I''m submitting a form for a new project, along with the necessary documents. The planned script, storyboard, sketches, and project structure, - Jozz said.


    -We''ll review it. You can leave it on that desk, - Anne said, pointing to the front desk, which had a large black tray.


    -Thanks, - Jozz said.


    ************************************


    Paul German was absorbed in the task assigned to him, a new job given by Anne Hale, the director of Lux Animation, who sent him to the sales department, currently in charge of the company''s negotiations and agreements. The two negotiators present at the moment were Steve Parks and Kevin. While Steve Parks handled the buying, Kevin took care of selling the company''s products.


    -Mr. Parks, - Paul German asked. He didn''t know Steve Parks, but the man in the wool vest raised his hand and gestured for him to sit.


    -Tell me, I''m needed for something special, - Steve Parks said, taking a sip of coffee.


    -Anne Hale, the director, sent me to negotiate the purchase of a particular series with Trans-Lux, under the production of Fred Wolf Studios, - Paul German said.


    -Sit down. First, we need to conduct thorough research on the availability of rights and, if possible, make a valid offer that doesn''t violate the market value, - Steve Parks said.


    -All right. The main thing is that the film license is in the hands of Trans-Lux, but it''s unknown when they priced the rights to create the recently canceled animated series due to low viewership. However, Speed Racer Enterprises has the complete rights to the work, - Paul German said.


    -Is it a purchase of film rights? - Steve Parks asked.


    -Yes, it is. We want to remake the entire franchise, - Paul German said.


    -Well, I''ll study the case as best as I can. My Japanese is poor, so we''ll need a translator, and starting the negotiation won''t be easy. Depending on the atmosphere, it''s easy to obtain a license for 10 or 15 years. As for film rights, it can be anticipated, - Steve Parks said.


    Among the files on his desk were the purchase of the Tor Books publisher, the acquisition of The Lord of the Rings series, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, and the keyword Marvel.


    [1] These series refer to shows that do not follow a set timeline; instead, they have many episodes with plots that don''t last more than one episode. Examples of these series are Looney Tunes, Popeye, The Powerpuff Girls, and Scooby-Doo. However, these series do have a predetermined pattern, which is a set of rules that must be followed during the episode. For example, in Scooby-Doo, it''s solving the mystery; in Popeye, it''s saving Olive Oyl from Brutus, and in most episodes, certain elements must be repeated.


    ...


    Here is the fact, that the impulse to create a series will not only come from Billy, but from many people who get infected with the series made by Billy, creative scenarios, generate creative competences.

 154. stargate.

    March 27


    Billy was in the hazy desert of Nevada, California. The distant map of a California desert painted a vast landscape very close to Las Vegas, making him think about gambling��the bets that were present for the 1994 season, particularly the World Cup won by the powerful Brazil. It was heating wallets for his future ventures and market purchases. Though sports betting was prohibited, the secret grand hall he visited in 1991 was still standing. Major entrepreneurs were occasionally making bets, even on these sporting events.


    Even after the law, more people visited the hall, with minimum bets starting at $100,000. It became normal for some to burn money in their free time. Unfortunately, he was limited by his age. Rules must be followed even when operating in gray areas.


    -Good morning, young Billy. Today''s recording process will be lengthy, as will the following days. The public space of the natural park allows our team 30 days for shooting, so keep up the good pace you''ve had in the last recording sessions, - said Nigel, Ronald Emmerich''s usual assistant.


    Is there an assistant for everything? So.


    -No problem, - said Billy, adjusting himself while reviewing the script for the upcoming scenes. The action part awaited him after an interstellar journey of millions.


    The surprise came in the form of a captivating young woman��beautiful, with green eyes illuminating the room. She was the love interest of the protagonist, Daniel Jackson, played by Mila Avital (in her role as Sha''re). The woman had a way of charming the crew with her arrival, chatting casually with most of the protagonists.


    Kurt and Mila approached the small improvised set used by Billy.


    -Good morning, Bill. Little Mila here expressed a desire to meet her leading man, - said Kurt condescendingly.


    -Good morning, Mr. Russell. Good morning, miss, - said Billy, extending his hands to his two colleagues.


    -A very formal young man, - Mila remarked.


    -No doubt about that, - Kurt said, bidding farewell to the two young actors. Mila''s initial discomfort with Kurt''s introduction faded as she heard the rumors circulating among the cast.


    -You are as good as Ronald Emmerich said, - Mila remarked.


    -Oh, I hope it''s only good things, - Billy said almost robotically. Some phrases can only be used, and saying more than that could be uncomfortable. He pointed to the seats, nodding gently for Mila to take a seat.


    -Thank you, - Mila said, taking a seat in front of Billy with a reserved look. Beyond appearances, he understood that this young man had received a good education from an early age. He must be someone from a wealthy family, Mila thought.


    -Well, undoubtedly, you came here for something specific. How can I assist you? I''ll do it if needed. By the way, I''m Billion Darwin, a pleasure, - said Billy.


    -Mila Avital, - she responded.


    In the silence, Mila continued.


    -Well, it''s out of curiosity. My feminine instinct alerted me to see one of the stars of the show, - said Mila.


    -Ohhhhhh, is there something interesting you should know? - said Billy.


    -Well, yes, why do you wear a suit? - said Mila.


    The question surprised Billy a bit, as he didn''t fully understand the reasons behind it. It could be a tricky question or perhaps an inquiry that goes beyond common social thoughts, delving into more abstract ideas like personality traits.


    -Well, it comes from my father. You could call it the aesthetic a man should follow when dressing, - said Billy.


    -Haha, fashion is what people should follow. But a suit never goes out of style there, Darwin. Well, in a practical sense, you always look stylish in a suit, but it''s not something commonly done these days. Now I want to see you with a rocker style, - said Mila.


    -These times... and probably I did wear it at some point, - said Billy.


    -Probably, - asked Mila.


    -Yes, if I have a role to play, - said Billy.


    -Ah, the charm of acting, - the girl responded. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It is, that''s why it''s precise, - said Billy.


    -Well, what would you say about living in the 20s? I feel like this era suits you, - said Mila.


    -An era quite sad, - said Billy.


    -That''s what history books say, but who knows, those times bred great men, and life was carried out traditionally, many lost traditions that could be beneficial. A happy family, less than what we have now. Just thinking about comfort and romance makes me shiver, - said Mila. Her green eyes framed with seduction, and Billy swallowed. This is an actress, they can be charming.


    -I see the cradle of all love. Personally, in a hypothetical case, I think I would be a businessman, - said Billy.


    Mila could only see many things in those few words, but she kept quiet. Time was short, and she could see Nigel checking the time from a distance.


    -Well, what do you think, Mr. Darwin? Are our customs important and destined to be followed because that''s where we find the time to grow? - Mila asked.


    It wasn''t a philosophical question or a query questioning values. It was just expressing ideas about life, a light conversation.


    -All values are guided by what we desire. If some seek freedom, it''s common for them to pursue change. On the contrary, if some seek harmony, following customs is a logical idea. As long as you play within those limits, you can make a happy life, - said Billy, responding while thousands of ideas raced through his head.


    -I see. I hope our performance is charged with meaning, - said Mila. She continued, subtly displaying signs of flirtation��her wide-open green eyes, her hair swept to one side to reveal her exposed neck and chest, and her head and feet pointing towards Billy.


    Billy managed to pull off the smile that melted Alice and replied, - I hope so. -


    -Although I''d like to understand, where does the deep respect for love come from? - asked Billy.


    Mila stood up from her chair and approached. As she leaned down, her torso ended up a few inches from Billy''s face. -- Feminine thinking. Hahaha, -- Mila said, her normally blonde curls flying in the sudden gust of wind.


    Her long dress, used for the movie, gave her a modest appearance. But how could a woman with such charm be humble?


    She left just as she had arrived, with a slight gust of wind. The sound of the crew getting ready filled the air. Everyone had to be in their positions; the next scenes were crucial. What surprised them was how little they had to work with. Besides the sandy beaches, there were only a few rudimentary structures and a half-finished pyramid that only showed a front, the rest was empty and hollow.


    -You start in five minutes, young man, scene 67, - said Nigel.


    The recording thirst of Stargate was high. The construction in what seemed to be the middle of a desert was a great shot for the production. The unbearable heat of nearly 40 degrees was in full swing.


    Everyone in their positions, Billy, you''ve just come through a wormhole, try to get into character.


    -escena 67 toma 1. �C grito Ronald Emerich.


    ...

 155. handling the work.

    -Davis, you''re ten minutes late; this will be noted in the report. I hope you know that I spoke with the director, and constant tardiness will be recorded in your files, - said Professor Fuller.


    Alicia clenched her fists; Alice''s anger issues had been escalating for a few days.


    -Yes, sir, - said Alice. Thick circles were under her eyes, but they didn''t hide her beauty.


    -Move, - the professor replied. Leaving the waiting room with a certain air of anger. But it was just bluster, something he did to hurry the students.


    Alice adjusted the special suit worn for the hospital. Her slender body and thin abdomen required her to adjust the uniform with a rubber thread, which only caused trouble the first time she was seen with the tight uniform held by a black band. Her hips were wide, but beyond that, there was nothing to tighten, and the strict diet she followed served its purpose, adding a bit more protein.


    Alice left the room and entered what they called the "desert of despair." A place with strict teachers watching over the interns for anything. The next day, many times they would wake up early or dedicate time to study, but sleep was a constant in these hallways.


    -Girl, you''ve finally arrived, - said Nurse Chanler.


    -Jenny, good to see you, - said Alice, embracing Nurse Chanler. An official worker who was cordial and didn''t overstep, even though the medical students themselves were disdainful of the nurses.


    -Come, we have to do some checks, and we need personnel. Professor Fuller seems to have reviewed your lack of work in recent weeks, something I underestimated, but the man is insufferable, - said the woman.


    -You said it. He just delegates his work while traveling from here to there, as if he owns the place. I have an aversion to the way he looks at me and the other students, - said Alice.


    They took some samples for blood tests from at least thirty patients. Alice had to perform some consultations and see some patients who came frequently. Patients came and went, and she was surprised by the number of emergencies.


    -Alice, you have the training reports; I need to check them. There are some problems I still don''t understand, - said Jazmin.


    -I think Javier has some copies; I saw him doing reports in the secretary''s office not long ago. But in my locker, I have another report that I have to submit at the end of the month; I can give it to you later. Now, I have to check some exams and make some rounds, - said Alice.


    -You''re the best. I''ll go to Javi; I''ll submit them by the end of the week, - said Jazm��n.


    -Good luck, - said Alice, tasting her food, a tuna sandwich, fruit, and salads.


    The day was long and tiring; she just wanted to go to bed, wait for the next day, wipe, and wash, a routine she had been doing since last year. She hated not sleeping well; her skin was pale and wrinkled from the way she slept.


    -Summer is almost here, - said Alice, to cheer herself up, to brighten up and encourage herself. She would be with Billy, sleep in, and have time to make some masks to hydrate her skin.


    She picked up the phone and called Billy, but there was no answer. She dialed four times, and there was no response; something made her feel inferior. She had many insecurities, and her heart was plagued with many uncertainties. The flashback began to sound; she began to blame herself in her mind.


    Flashback:


    End of the flashback.


    Claudia now lives with Billy, and when the two are alone, they''re ex-lovers who travel together. How is it that Billy is such a good kisser, and how does he exhibit such good behavior? - Alice pondered.


    She slept with thoughts of Billy betraying her with Claudia.


    She woke up abruptly in the room. It was 11:40 pm. She checked her phone and had two missed calls from two hours ago; the problem was it was too late. S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She got up from her chair and decided to study a bit for her exam next month. She had quite a lot on her plate.


    -Are you going to study until dawn? - her roommate asked.


    -Yes, I will, - said Alice. -- I''ll study until 3:30. -


    -Wake me up when you go to bed, - said her roommate.


    -Yes, no problem, - said Alice, picking up her books and turning on her small lamp with a little princess motif. Upon turning it on, she smiled like a fool because it was a gift from Billy. It had a special light to prevent her eyes from getting tired when she read, a special yellow light.


    She studied diligently, but her dream of becoming a doctor was there.


    -Laura, you have to wake up; it''s 3:30 in the morning, and you have something to do, - Alice said.


    -Hmmm, -mumbled Laura, programmed, and was awake in five minutes.


    -What do you have to do for tomorrow? -Alice asked, handing her a coffee pot.


    -Thanks, and... - Laura began, taking the coffee.


    -Wake me up at 6:00, can you? - Alice said.


    -Sure, the library opens at 7:00; I''ll be here until 6:30 to go to McDonald''s for breakfast, - said Laura.


    -Sounds good, - said Alice, who fell asleep in a second.


    The next days are the same, wipe and wash.


    This career was consuming her, Alice thought.


    Damn, the American dream.


    ...

 156. work.

    April 3.


    Billy continued in the acting course, not progressing as much as he would like. They only had the first two parts, but many important scenes for the movie were still missing. Something that would gradually diminish, and the scheduled release for June was a foreseen fact.


    -Damn it, my friend. You have to stop making mistakes, - someone said in the distance. He was in bad shape, and it was the second time he made the same mistake.


    Ronald Emerich got up from his chair. - You have twenty minutes of break. Those with something on their minds, please distance it from your thoughts, - he said.


    The sun was strong, and Billy''s tan was accentuated. He reached what was an attempt at a dressing room, and there was Russel Kurt, doing push-ups with drops of sweat spreading on the floor.


    -Billy, my friend, - said Kurt.


    -Kurt, - said Billy, taking a seat, feeling lazy; he had slept terribly in the last few days.


    -Come on, kid, come here, and do push-ups with me. I bet that by the time we finish filming the movie, you''ll already have some meat on those arms of yours, - said Kurt.


    -Am I as skinny as everyone says? - Billy thought.


    Kurt is the second person, like Dohlp. Both witness a lack of strength, or is it a predominant culture in the 90s for men to have strong muscles?


    -Thanks, sir, but I''m so mentally exhausted that if I exercise, I think I would use up all my good luck. But hey, my room is next to yours; we can go jogging in the morning, - said Billy.


    -What time do you leave? - Kurt asked.


    -Before six in the morning, the heat is unbearable to go out later, - said Billy.


    -Great, I''ll pick you up tomorrow, - said Kurt, smiling.


    -Tomorrow morning, I hope you can keep up with me, - Billy joked. He has been jogging for five months for 30 to 40 minutes every day; exercise is as necessary as sharpening his mind.


    -My dear boy, you''re talking to an expert, and speaking of which, this girl Mila has been very attentive to you, - Kurt said, seeing Mila smiling in the distance. But he didn''t interrupt the conversation between the two.


    -You''re missing out, boy. You know, little Mila has been looking at you with desire in the last few days, - Kurt said.


    -Are you sure? I think she prefers more mature men, - Billy said.


    -Oh, come on, boy! A man like me has had enough of women. I''m happily married, and staying away from women makes my marriage very healthy, my boy. Hollywood marriages are based on trust and staying away from all the women you might consider. No, boy, she wants to be with you. It''s normal at her age to want some adventure, to ignite the flame, - Kurt said.


    Continuing with the push-ups, he was already at the 50th repetition. He performed them slowly and smoothly, pausing at times, but his job was demanding, as evidenced by the tight muscles and the agitation in his voice with each challenging repetition.


    -She''s beautiful, but for now, it''s good to focus on my career, - said Billy.


    Oh, and the little Alice. Billy thought.


    -Wise of you, but if you want a career, it''s good to drop that frown. And socialize a bit. For example, Nigel, the little assistant, has connections with various people, like Ronald Emerich and Person Gore. You know the director, but Gore is a somewhat old producer, who happens to be Nigel''s uncle. Even though he lacks talent for directing, he has it for producing. He invited me; when he wants something, he gets it. Although he likes you for your perfect work, a little friendship won''t hurt anyone, - said Kurt.


    -I''m not very good at relationships, but I can be friendly, - said Billy.


    -Bill, you''re a serious and strange person... that was the idea we all had at first, until your agent mentioned in a meeting that you''re a method actor who tends to immerse himself in roles to the extent that you often stay in character after the performance, - said Kurt.


    -I didn''t know. It wasn''t my intention, - said Billy, somewhat surprised.


    Working on personal relationships. This socializing, he lost it, and work doesn''t help much to start conversations out of nowhere and be the center of attention for everyone or interact with everyone in a certain way.


    -Kid, don''t worry, just smile more, greet people, and nod when they talk to you. You don''t need to be talkative, just friendly enough for them to start the conversation, - said Kurt.


    -Does that work? - said Billy.


    --It worked for me; I think I''ll go,-- said Kurt, getting up from the floor. He approached Billy and said, --Just play along, kid. She''s not a bad girl, --


    Mila arrived as soon as Kurt disappeared.


    -Hello," she said.


    -Mila, how''s it going? - Billy asked.


    -Very well. I was surprised not to see you yesterday at the team dinner. The crew gathered for dinner at the hotel, - Mila said.


    -I was indisposed. I apologize for not excusing myself to everyone, but I sent my regards to Nigel, - Billy said.


    -Well, Nigel forgot to send his regards, - Mila said.


    -You have something in your... - Billy said, caressing Mila''s hair.


    -You''ll have to recover; we''ll finish early today. Maybe there''s another dinner, - Mila said.


    -Can we have dinner together? - Billy said, as an offering of apology.


    -With pleasure. I''d be delighted, - Mila said.


    -See you in the lobby, - Billy said, lost in Kurt''s words.


    -See you later, - Mila said, her charming smile shining. The only imperfection was the mole on her cheek, which highlighted her well-cared-for and bronzed skin even more.


    Billy felt the urge to kiss her right there, but he knew that his sweet Alice''s heart would break if she saw him flirting the way he did with Mila; she would be devastated. He understands Kurt''s words now, but he doesn''t deny Mila''s charm. At twenty-one, the enchanting Mila is undoubtedly a woman who can generate attraction.


    -Wait, where''s your accent from? There''s always been something that has piqued my curiosity, - said Billy.


    -That''s for dinner, - Mila replied, moving away, swaying her hips in a gesture that seemed natural, as if the genetics of many years were drawn to that particular movement.


    -We start in five minutes, - Nigel shouted from a distance.


    Mila turned back. - I think I need to get ready. There''s not much time left for us to meet. During that time, Daniel, I hope you''re as charming as Bill, - Mila said, placing her hand on his chest.


    -It''ll be quite an entertaining competition. In the next five days, I''ll push your performance as much as I can, - Billy said.


    -Oh, more rebellious than I initially thought, - Mila said.


    -You always have an answer for everything. See you on set, - said Billy.


    Mila exited as Billy adjusted his glasses, a trademark of Daniel Jackson, a character indiscriminately shy.


    -Good afternoon, Billy. Keep up the good work. The director is pleased, though he prefers a more natural performance. Still, it''s a great act, - Nigel said.


    Preparing for his round, - Wait, Nigel, could you get me some sunscreen, please? - Billy asked.


    -Of course. Go to the pyramid; they need you for the next recording. They''ll start filming in less than five minutes, - Nigel said.


    Billy walked through the desert toward the large pyramid covered with some black tarps, and on it, the green screens covered a special place where the Stargate was. The next shots were the special base.


    -Everyone in position, - said a young man.


    Billy walked to the pyramid, and a green screen behind him. There was Ronald Emerich with a camera, checking the lights and organizing that every shot was in order.


    Scene 79, take 2.


    sea??h th�� N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -


    Ronald began to review the shots, and his face lit up, while his forehead wrinkled with some tics and effort.


    -That was great. We''ll do a second take, and we''ll continue with the next shots. Adjust the desert camp, and we''ll shoot some scenes at night with the tribe, - said Ronald Emerich, pleased with the good take.


    ...

 157. stroke of luck

    A stroke of bad luck.


    April 5.


    The maneuvers of Disney and Warner have specific reasons for their development. On the one hand, the mouse company aims to acquire incredible 3D technologies and advancements in 2D animation. Previously, they secured a deal with Pixar for the production of certain details using 2D technology. However, this gain has diminished for two main reasons. Disney ended the partnership in 1989 as they had adapted the program to their needs and didn''t want to enrich a rival company. The progressive leap seen in movies like Hercules and Toy Story has generated some doubt. Faced with the refusal to associate or buy Pixar, the mouse has decided on the easier route �C to overshadow Pixar, but this is something that must be planned carefully.


    On the other hand, Warner aims to acquire the IPs of Lux Comics. In the first three years, they earned $550 million with the Yu Yu Hakusho series, which was quite glorious. Shows like Johnny Bravo, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain are fantastic and have gained popularity on television. Warner started paving the way for Lux Animation by first severing ties with Dark Horse Comics. The second step involves initiating lawsuits against contracts for various reasons, segregating the company by blocking shares in many emerging distribution, production, and agency companies as much as possible.


    The real blows have not yet landed successfully because it''s not possible to attack without a glaring scandal or some issue worthy of attention. After all, unfair competition is punished, and in the business world, it''s better to play more elegant cards. Well, when Billy turns 21, it might cause different repercussions.


    However, shocking news hit the business elites on April 3, 1994. Disney''s president, Frank Wells, tragically passed away in a plane crash. This event caused various repercussions. Firstly, a man died, leaving a grieving family and many friends who lost a strong and considerable friendship. Everyone has dependents, whether it''s a father raising children, a husband loving his spouse, a son helping his parents, or a friend sharing trust. However, something unexpected happened, as Frank Wells was the president of Disney and chief operating officer. He played crucial roles necessary for the company''s growth. This event triggered a power struggle in the board of directors like never before �C a struggle of personal, group, and economic powers, which was common but quite disheartening. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On one side, Frank Wells, the one who directed the board of directors and made decisions. Although Michael Eisner is the CEO, Frank Wells, a more measured and intelligent person for crucial decisions, had entrepreneurs seeking market shares from the shadows. There are no movements yet, but it''s evident that there are considerable divisions among everyone.


    Now Michael Eisner is devastated, hit, and totally incredulous about the events. The smile disappeared, and corporate comfort also vanished.


    Michael Eisner, who had been brought in specifically by Sid Bass and Roy E. Disney, an investor in the company, had cunningly brought in Jeffrey Katzenberg as the president of Walt Disney Studios. However, Jeffrey is not satisfied with just being the president of an animation company, which he does not consider now, but in the coming months, he will launch a campaign-like bid for the presidency. The growth in this 10-year period is impressive, and the Frank/Michael duo has tripled Disney''s wealth. Numerous plans have already been made for the company''s growth in many meetings.


    With the purchase of ABC, how does it benefit Lux Animation? With the future acquisition of ABC, Frank Wells'' death, and the required corporate reorganization, Disney has temporarily set aside the fight for Pixar, at least until the case is resolved. The board''s concerns are now focused elsewhere, and the noose around Lux Animation has loosened.


    Sid Bass, a prominent businessman and shareholder who always operates behind the scenes, is not a well-known wealthy man associated with the company. He lives in a gigantic residential neighborhood even more secluded than the mansions of Beverly Hills. His children socialize with politicians, landlords, landowners, and businessmen. It''s not to diminish opulence; it''s just a plain fact that they prefer privacy �C something simpler like Greenwich, Connecticut; the Upper East Side, New York; or the Hamptons, New York �C hidden, private, and protected. That''s what the elites prefer, especially if they can relate to each other.


    -Sid, now that the company is entering a transition period again, don''t you think it''s good that we clean up a bit of Disney''s blood? We need new people who align with our values, - said a Morgan Stanley representative, a new shareholder. The Morgan group has bought several ABC shares and percentages of other companies to carry out the purchase discreetly. With other purchases and investments in Disney, the Morgan group now has an 11% say in the shareholder board, a significant influence.


    -Well, I think we should let Michael handle it. The company continues to grow under his wings. Frank Wells'' death is a pity, but there''s already a plan in place, and I have full confidence. Irwin has said the same, - replied Sid Bass.


    -I see. For now, I think it''s best for me to continue buying ABC shares, - said the representative.


    -Cheers to that, - Sid said, clinking glasses.


    Very few know about the ABC purchase. Only a select few are aware of this merger, and all that''s left for them is to speculate.


    -Although I doubt, we''ll be allowed to buy NBC and CBS television networks, financial analyses may be conducted in the coming days. You can speculate on Wall Street, - said Sid.


    -Well, for now, we see that there''s only one source of making money, and it''s with internet and technology companies. These companies are perfect for speculation; you can make money very easily and quickly, - added the Morgan representative.


    -Internet? - Sid questioned.


    -Yes, but it''s not the time to play. The gains are minimal. What''s in fashion is currencies and crude oil, - explained the representative.


    *************************************************************


    Michael Eisner sat in his office, somber and silent, reviewing accounts and issuing some statements. However, he repeated these tasks every thirty minutes. He was deeply depressed.


    -Sir, the Warner contact is on the line for the meeting about policies with the Federal Communications Commission, - said Michael''s secretary.


    -Go ahead, you can put him through, - Michael replied.


    -Michael, it''s a pleasure to talk to you. I''m sorry to bother you at this time. I was going to leave a note with your secretary, but she mentioned you were in the office, and I wanted to offer my condolences, - said Bob Daily.


    -Oh, Mr. Daily, thank you for your consideration. Is there any business between us? - Michael asked.


    He didn''t seem like a man afflicted by the death of a close friend. His voice was cold, earning him the nickname "the dictator." People face their spiritual problems in many ways, and Michael confronts them by internalizing.


    -Well... the new policies from the Federal Television Commission for animated channels have doubled. We are also warning about many new educational and financial policies to block the Lux Comics company, - explained Bob Daily.


    -What financial policies? I''m not aware of them, - Michael Eisner asked.


    -Well, nothing too complicated. It involves restricting the creation of new animated channels. The board considered specific details, such as a fiscal committee to review the true content of new channels (censorship rules). The cost falls on the channel directors, meaning Lux Comics. However, this rule applies only to new children''s programming channels. The time, costs, and fines are rather unpleasant, - explained Bob Daily.


    -Yes, I see. Keep me informed, Mr. Daily, - said Michael.


    -Well, the thing is, we have a new action on our hands that could upset our dear competitor even more, - said Bob Daily.


    ...

 158. pizza box

    April 5.


    The fast-food chain moved like inaugural lights, T-Box Burgers is a success, an artisanal food restaurant that prioritizes fresh, high-end, and delicious food over other cuisines. Pizza Box is similar, a pizza franchise that aims for oven-baked pizza, a Neapolitan version with a soft crust, good sauce, good cheese, and authentic Naples, Italy preparations. They paid a hefty sum to Italian pizza makers to train two pizza makers and pass on the Neapolitan flavor that would likely create chaos.


    Pizza Box premieres, the inauguration ceremony. T-Box Burgers and Pizza Box join forces in a rapid food, a fast-food center specializing in top-quality fast food, restaurants above the average fast-food establishments. They strive for fresh flavors, on-the-spot preparations, and food quality.


    Although it doesn''t concern the company''s growth, it is enormous and separate from Lux Animation, along with Id Software, Paradise Hotels, and Autodesk. The largest shareholder is Billy at 65% and Thomas at 35%.


    -Good morning, Mr. Carson. �C said Raimon at the capital premiere of Pizza Box. Raimon skipped a meeting with City Bank to come and have a slice of pizza and support Rapid Food. After all, this company is partially managed by him, but the new administrator, Felicity Thompson, is responsible for reporting to Rapid Food and partially to Toys and Comics.


    -Good morning, Raimon, how are you? - asked Thomas. �C This is Ivanova Branovich, my fianc��e. �C said Thomas.


    -Billy told me, mentioned something about accompanying him to a wedding. �C said Raimon, it was a lie, but Thomas wouldn''t know that. Raimon didn''t do it maliciously; he just didn''t like feeling excluded.


    Thomas opened his eyes. �C I invite you to my wedding. �C said Mr. Carson.


    Raimon straightened up; now, that sounded bad.


    -Well, it''s not like he invited me; it was more like something imperative, like, ''I have a wedding, buy a tuxedo, and get ready.'' �C said Raimon, pausing for a moment. �C It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carson.


    -Yes, a pleasure. �C said Livy, surprised by the boldness of being called Mrs. Carson.


    -That sounds like Billy. What has he told you? �C said Thomas.


    That, he could say. �C thought Raimon.


    -Well, nothing out of the ordinary; he just made friends with Kurt Russell, and the recording is progressing strongly. He mentioned something about betting on the World Cup to be held in June here in the United States and how he''ll place a bet for that period. He says he has an idea in mind but won''t tell me because he doesn''t want me to tell everyone. �C said Raimon. In summary, he briefly, hides some things, of course, like the fact that he asked him to keep an eye on the animators and Jim Lee


    -Well, it''s a pleasure to have you here. In response, the wedding is on December 8, and you can bring a plus one. �C said Thomas.


    -Great, Mr. Carson. I''ve been looking at the food''s growth, and I believe the best idea for the company''s expansion is to focus on the franchise model. We have six locations, but the cost of expanding is very high, and operating expenses are also high. So, I did the work and marked the places that can accept a franchise based on logistical considerations, operational risk, and administrative simplicity. �C said Raimon.


    -Do you have the report? �C said Thomas.


    -Of course. �C said the guy, pulling out a folder from his suitcase, which occupied the chair in front. �C This is it. My recommendation is to continue with the plan of prioritizing California and those major cities. I found a curious statistic in the university database mentioning the places that consume the most fast food, and I''ve pinpointed them along with the available competition in the region. - said Raimon.


    -I''ll review them carefully. - said Thomas.


    He saw a waiter bringing the takeaway order, two large pizzas, one pepperoni, and the other with meat.


    -Well, sir, I''ll say goodbye. I have to rush to City Bank. Have a good day. �C said Raimon.


    -Good luck, Raimon. �C said Thomas.


    -Thank you, Mr. Carson. I''m glad to see your commitment; you look happier. �C said Raimon, shaking hands with Thomas. He just nodded. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -See you later, Raimon. �C said Livy.


    Raimon hurried with two large pizzas that he placed on the passenger seat, full of happiness. He uncovered the first pizza, took a bite-sized slice, started his car, and was already on the second pizza.


    In the restaurant, Livy was amazed to meet someone more eccentric than herself. �C Is he Billy''s friend? �C asked Ivanova.


    -It''s him. Don''t worry; he''s a good guy. Will Claudia arrive? �C asked Thomas.


    -I have no idea. The girl has been gloomy since her return from Europe, although that''s what she wanted. But now, it seems like she hates California and loves Europe. I''ll never fully understand her. �C said Ivanova.


    Thomas just affectionately stroked her back. �C Tomorrow, we can have a family outing. It''s good to take care of a teenager. Billy has been independent since he was twelve, and sometimes I wonder if that''s normal. �C said Thomas.


    -He''s an exceptional case. �C said Ivanova, lowering her hand to her stomach - The little one you''ll have here will be a messy one, throwing tantrums until seventeen or more. Claudia behaves like a child, had six jobs in a year, and can''t get back on her feet. She''s only good for photography and getting into trouble.


    -She takes after her mother. �C said Thomas.


    -Fool. �C said Ivanova, and her cell phone rang.


    It was Claudia. In summary, she had things to do with some friends.


    Raimon was at the traffic light after the sixth pizza and still hadn''t reached the bank for the meeting. He was wearing an oversized button-down shirt and a tie with a pizza sauce stain.


    -Damn it. �C he said aloud, having dirtied his pants.


    He finished the slice in two bites. He arrived at the bank with ten minutes to spare, enough time to clean his tie and tidy up his outfit. He brushed his teeth, straightened his clothes, and fixed his hair.


    He walked to the manager''s office and greeted the secretary; he had been coming and going for months.


    -Mr. Linfs. �C said Raimon to the general manager of the San Francisco branch.


    Fun fact, this bank is special due to the large business empires around, with its big companies, it''s normal for them to seek the bank for some loans.


    -Oh, but Mr. Green, just in time. �C said Linfs.


    -Time is money, Mr. Linfs. �C said Raimon, grabbing his portfolio and placing it right on the table. He opened its levers carefully. There were many papers, some in folders, and others not. Mr. Linfs paused at the expensive watch on Raimon''s hand, a collector''s item, a beautiful one from ''75.


    -So, I suppose the loan we agreed upon two months ago has been approved by the company. �C said Mr. Linfs.


    -Please, Mr. Linfs, I brought you a gift, a token of appreciation for your help and support to us, Lux Animation, as an emerging company. �C said Raimon. There, in his portfolio, was a small box with the S.T. Dupont seal. A beautiful fountain pen with three black ink refills, along with a nice silver lighter.


    This detail cost $5000, but seeing Mr. Linfs''s joyful face, Raimon thanked his father for teaching him how to deal with these complicated individuals.


    -Oh, wow, Mr. Green, what a pleasant surprise. �C said Brien Linfs.


    -I''m glad; I think it''s time to start negotiating these procedures for our companies. �C Raimon checked his watch; he had little time. �C he said.


    -Come in; I understand you must have several things to attend to. �C said Mr. Linfs.


    -Thank you very much, Mr. Linfs. Recently, I visited the faculty, and the dean sent his regards. �C said Raimon, smoothly.


    -Oh, wow, I didn''t expect you to still be connected to the faculty, young man. �C said Mr. Linfs.


    -Sometimes, we make some donations from the company, small portions to support young entrepreneurs. �C said Raimon.


    Handing over the documents approving the $95 million credit, both were chatting so casually that it seemed like teatime.


    -It is, I just brought some documents to get all the paperwork in order, adding the corrections. �C said Raimon.


    -Sure, sure, young man, let me take a look at these things. �C said Mr. Linfs, scrutinizing some details of business opportunities. These papers, of course, had already been approved by lawyers and, in general, had been reviewed more than five times. - I have to visit Director Keane; it''s been a long time since I took a break.


    -Everything in due time; we''re all busy. By the way, I saw that General Electric has risen considerably in the stock market. I think it will continue on a good path. �C said Raimon.


    -They''ve diversified their company, which I find healthy. �C said Linfs, signing the papers and shaking hands with Raimon.


    Even though Raimon didn''t have much to do, and most likely would return to Pizza Box for another slice for Anne and Rachel. The rule is meetings under 30 minutes, enough to socialize but not too much to be awkward. Business should be conducted in a certain way, especially in meetings.


    -Oh, Mr. Green, I''m glad you still consider us as the main bank. �C said Mr. Linfs.


    -Don''t worry; there will be more opportunities for business. Our TV channel will be on the air no later than September of this year, and I''m sure it will be a resounding success. - said Raimon. - It''s been a pleasure, but I have to go; business calls. -


    -Of course. �C said Mr. Linfs, bidding farewell to Raimon.


    He just sighed and took a breath; he hated these meetings. He went down the five floors and got into his car to return to the environment he loved, the glorious Lux Animation.


    ...


    yesterday and today I had very busy days. this is the 158 that I had skipped, I upload the 158 and 159 resubbed.

 159. schedule

    Billy finished the scenes exhausted. The recording extended until 11:00 pm, and many scenes were shot. He could only have a sandwich and a yogurt for breakfast, courtesy of Kurt, who, while setting the atmosphere, had invited the young actors to a healthy meal to replenish their energy after filming.


    Still, he felt tired and drained. Room service offered a fridge with some snacks that weren''t well-received due to his diet. He set the alarm for 5:30 am and fell asleep so deeply that it took only two minutes to doze off.


    He woke up to the clock''s beep, so accustomed that a cold water bath woke him up. He got ready in sporty attire, all from the Slam Dunk collection, a gift from a promotion. A present from the always capable Philip Knight, an intelligent person with outstanding friendship-building skills, even after Jordan''s statements. The Slam Dunk logo attire he wore on occasion during warm-ups still showcased Nike''s business acumen.


    He decided to continue drawing until 6:00; he had ten valuable minutes left. The final chapters of Evangelion and Yuyu Hakusho were in the air, with less than 30 chapters left to draw between the two series. Despite Billy''s revisions and additions, the drawing time, sometimes up to 50 volumes per year, and five years of publication had completely depleted the releases. Some chapters were combined into a single delivery, others were separate, but Chapter 183, the end of Yuyu Hakusho, and Volume 102 of Evangelion were nearing completion.


    At work, he heard the sound of the door. There was Kurt, with his sunny smile, contrasting with the grumpy navy commander. - Well, I''m impressed that you''re awake at this hour. - said, Kurt.


    -It runs in the family; my father isn''t a fan of sleeping in. - said Billy, grabbing a light jacket to go jogging.


    -How''s everything going? - asked Billy.


    -It''s going well; I''m a bit tired, but yesterday''s session was fantastic. The director is fully committed to the great job we did; we managed to wrap up many important scenes. - said, Kurt.


    -Well, there was a certain vibe yesterday; everyone was connected with their work. - said Billy.


    -I call that collective consciousness. When everyone works towards the same goal. - said, Kurt.


    -Well, let''s jog to the gas station, which is four kilometers from here. - said Billy.


    -What are you waiting for, young man? Let''s finish this as soon as possible. - said, Kurt. They both went out for a normal jog, despite the morning sun not being too strong, and there was some breeze; both were completely soaked from the long run.


    They reached the gas station and jogged back to the hotel. They arrived at something resembling a park and did some calisthenics exercises. Although Billy wasn''t as good as Kurt, he did his fair share of exercise, at least enough for Billy to end up exhausted.


    -That was quite a good workout. - said, Kurt.


    -Yes. - responded Billy.


    -Come on, let''s go to the lobby for breakfast. - Kurt invited Billy, checking his watch.


    Billy wanted to refuse, but the filming schedule was set for 9 am for some shots and a break from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm to avoid the intense midday sun, resuming in the afternoon until 9:00 pm, a long and unusual schedule.


    "The buffet was a classic American spread, and there was Ronald Emmerich with his crew, having breakfast. As soon as he saw them enter, he raised his hand in a greeting gesture, indicating they should join the director and his filming team at their table.


    What''s surprising? Well, initially, I expected the lives of stars to be surrounded by luxury and excess, but it was quite the opposite. The greatest luxury they experienced was the four-person room for Kurt Russell, in case his kids came with his wife.


    -Bil, good to see you, - Nigel greeted Billy.


    -Pleasure, Nigel. Mr. Emmerich, Claxon, - replied Billy.


    -Please, join us. We were just talking about you two, - said Ronald Emmerich.


    -Sure, I was thinking about that. What could have the director''s thoughts focused on us? - Kurt asked, taking a seat with his basket of eggs.


    -Well, in a week, we''ll finish filming. You''re expected to promote the movie in the United States, the United Kingdom, and some other significant countries in Europe, - Ronald Emmerich explained.


    -Bill knows Spanish perfectly and speaks it fluently, - added Nigel, who knew almost all the details about the cast members.


    -Is that true, young man? - Ronald asked.


    -Yes, sir. My mother was Latina, and I studied Spanish for a significant part of my childhood. I took workshops and classes to improve my fluency and even passed an exam accrediting my Spanish, though it''s not perfect, - Billy explained.


    -Brilliant, young man. Add Spain to the world tour. It''s two long weeks of visits, but it will be worth it, - Ronald Emmerich suggested.


    Billy just nodded. In the contract he read, the estimated time for the promotional tour of the film began in May and ended in early June. It was a commitment he had forgotten, and now he realized the pending obligations he had. In June, he had hoped to get ahead with the comics, but the casting for Little Women had once again interrupted his schedule.


    -Why do you have that expression, young man? - Ronald Emmerich asked.


    -I don''t know if it will disrupt my schedule... - Billy began.


    -Bill auditioned for Little Women, and he made a very good impression. He''ll likely be hired for the film as a supporting actor. So, the filming might coincide with the tour, but it''s not the case. Little Women''s filming starts in July, - Nigel explained.


    Billy wanted to shout, but he kept calm. -I didn''t know the filming started in July, - he admitted.


    -Well, they''re doing it, or that''s what Gillian Armstrong is thinking, - Nigel said.


    -Oh, of course, -- Ronald nodded. -- It must be a straightforward shoot if it takes so little time to develop. It''s planned to premiere in December, - added Ronald Emmerich.


    -It is, but they''ll shoot some scenes before. Sources say Winona Ryder is the protagonist. You know, if all the elements are already in place, it''s easy to start shooting. I don''t think it''ll take more than two months, - Nigel explained.


    -A movie that surely must have a lot of exposure. Try to capitalize on it if you get the role, - Kurt advised.


    They continued eating leisurely. To Billy''s curiosity, Kurt and Ronald began discussing politics. In 1994, the issues with the new Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act had been a hot topic across the United States��the balance between freedom and the security of the country.


    -I''m sure with the Republican Party''s victory, they''ll settle the score with criminals. The insecurity in some cities is reaching a point that we can''t consider sustainable. If, as a worker, I don''t have the security to go to work, it''s because this country has failed me, - Ronald expressed.


    -Well, with the Congress back in the hands of the Republicans, I''m sure the risk policies in the United States will be sorted out as much as we can hope, - Kurt added.


    -Gentlemen, I have to go to my room to change. See you at the recording studio, - Billy said.


    -See you later, kid, -Kurt said.


    -Yes, see you later, - Ronald said, more focused on national politics than anything else.


    Billy went up to his room calmly and took a warm shower that soothed his body. On the desk, he saw the story he had been working on before leaving. There they were��the final chapters of Evangelion, as remarkable as he had hoped. The delicate care of the scenarios was the most challenging part because the original drawings didn''t prioritize aesthetics as much as comics two decades later. Improving the form, structuring the image, and comparing it with the anime and manga helped develop better shapes.


    ... S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 160. investments

    In less than ten days, the sky fell to the earth, and many disappointments befell the Pixar chain and, in general, Lux Animation. In less than ten days, they had lost the Oscars, and the vibrant John Lasseter cursed Disney for taking away the deserved golden statuette over the Stop Motion film, Wallas and Growing. It surely had a lot of publicity and money from Disney, and although it''s not known, Warner also influenced the decision. A decision that only caused mild indignation in some people; the media mysteriously remained silent, and only a few independents dared to mention the masterful theft committed by Disney.


    John Lasseter walked down the hallway, contemplating the idea of telling Billy to open a second animation division to release a movie every year. The times when Pixar animated were long and expensive.


    -What''s bothering you today, John? - said Randall McArthur from his desk, sorting through his documents. Among all, John was the easiest to deal with but undoubtedly the most persistent.


    -Well, boss, I was thinking about a significant proposal for the improvement of the company, but I think we should think it over a bit before suggesting it at the September meeting, - said John.


    -Sit down, - said Randall, taking his time. John Lasseter was as subtle as a bull running through an office. The first few weeks, he walked past Randall''s office and greeted; the next, he went to Lux Animation to produce, something well-received by Anne Hall, the big boss.


    -Well, I was thinking of expanding the production teams. I know we''re a new studio, but I feel we can divide the efforts a bit. The computer team already has most of the technical programs for the Bugs movie. Now we can start brainstorming ideas for the third one, the Ice Age, and have an annual release. With two movies a year, we can not only train more workers but also showcase the efforts of our teams to improve 3D animation capabilities, - said John.


    -I see, but it''s not very viable. The video game department usually sends us work to produce some designs for the games, and that production already takes up many of our resources, - said Randall.


    -Well, that''s why I say it''s of vital importance to consider organizing our ideas for the second 3D film production team, - said John Lasseter.


    He left the room to continue his work as an animator, not without checking the work of all the teams.


    Randall continued reviewing financial, administrative, and operational reports. He heard another knock on the door.


    -You can come in, - Randall said calmly, thinking it was John. However, he saw someone just as easy to handle or even more so if handled correctly.


    Raimon entered with a joyful expression, marveling at the always impressive Pixar offices.


    -good morning, Mr. Randall. It''s been a long time since we last saw each other, - said Raimon. He was dressed in a large Toy Story T-shirt, black jeans, and Slam Dunk sneakers, taking the Lux Animation vibe to an unbeatable level.


    -It''s been a while indeed, -- said Randall, standing up from his desk, and shaking hands with Raimon, a colleague from the same faculty. -- I''m impressed by the report you sent a week ago about resource optimization, -- Randall said, not lying.


    -Oh, yes. Well, I conducted some research on the animation process and realized that Pixar, being a computer-centric entity, loses a lot of time without a reliable communication system. It relies on assigned tasks and continues with the next, and many animators tend to overlook these times, delaying movie production. Nothing out of the ordinary, - Raimon explained.


    -Well, it''s been very helpful. Installing an email system is a very innovative idea, - said Randall.


    -Thank you, sir, but the idea of email was entirely Billy''s. He even wants to create an email company that serves as a solution or alternative to fax. The company is expected to be created this year, - said Raimon.


    -Sounds fantastic, - Randall said.


    -It is. The creation of an email platform is something that makes me wonder, what else can be done with technology? However, it''s still in the creation process, and everything I could tell you wouldn''t fit in this time frame. They have many technical focuses, - said Raimon.


    -I see, - said Randall.


    -Yes, - said Raimon, focusing on the toys and collections on the side��they were simply wonderful. Randall stared at the young man, who fell into a silent reverie and decided to continue with his tasks. He had many and wanted to leave work early to meet his family for a meal.


    Raimon realized, ten minutes later, that he had been lost in his thoughts. -- I''m sorry, Mr. Randall. Ideas roam my head like stars in the sky, and I have a very busy day, -- said Raimon, pulling out a check from his portfolio, made out to Pixar, handed to Randall.


    Randall held it in his hands and saw the sum of five million dollars, already signed into the Pixar company.


    -This is the investment from Lux Animation to improve the software system a bit and cover any expenses needed. Ed Camult and John Lasseter requested certain investments to expand the company. We''re still waiting for the results of the alliance with CGI. For now, we can only continue as usual, - said Raimon.


    -All right, I''ll make the arrangements. Starting tomorrow, I have some errands in the afternoon, but tomorrow I''ll talk to Ed and John Lasseter about what needs to be done, - said Randall, looking at the deposit.


    -That''s all. It''s also mentioned that the work team will expand again. Billy''s companies just keep growing, and we plan to hire five new people to handle all matters promptly, - said Raimon.


    -okay, can you send me a summons when it''s possible? -  said Randall in farewell.


    Raimon got up from the chair and decided to take a walk. Why did he do it? No one knows. He walked this path and observed all the details, drawings stuck here and there, some stressed animators, and a few others casually sipping coffee from their chairs.


    -Good morning, John, nice to see you, - said Raimon, greeting John enthusiastically, whom he had met in his multiple visits to Lux Animation.


    -It''s a pleasure too, - said John, who lit up like a lightbulb upon seeing one of the three saints of Lux Animation��known as Anne Haal, Raimon, and Rachel. They form the pyramid responsible for reviewing, managing, and implementing ideas coming from Billy Carson.


    John Lasseter was animating some details about the protagonists of the movies. Although it might seem inexplicable, the movie "Daily''s Bug Adventures" is much simpler to edit than Toy Story. Both the settings and characters are less complex, even though attempts have been made to bring a certain level of tele-reality to the process. The path continues firm and powerful; the technological advances committed by three corporations have borne fruit, making technological progress unattainable for emerging 3D animation studios in about five years.


    -Raimon, good to see you. What brings you here, kid? We''re just a boring working team with a lot of tasks, - said John Lasseter.


    -Well, with Billy going for acting, I''ve taken on all his tasks. Now I have a meeting with George Lucas, - Raimon whispered. - I hope I can live up to expectations, but I feel nervous. -


    -George is a fantastic person, - said John Lasseter. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Really? - asked Raimon.


    -Yes, kid. He''s very calm and patient. Although he has his quirks, he''s a great person, - said John Lasseter.


    -In that case, I feel more at ease about how things might turn out, - said Raimon.


    -Yeah, you know what? You can go to Lucasfilm; it''s half an hour from here and have lunch with us later. Alvy Ray is a great friend and can give you insights for your next meeting that will surely guide you for the upcoming negotiations, - suggested John.


    -That sounds fantastic; I''ll do that, - said Raimon.


    -Great, do you have a cellphone? - asked John Lasseter.


    -Yeah, I bought one recently, - said Raimon.


    -Take my number; I''ll keep working until you call me, and then we can go to lunch, - said John Lasseter.


    Raimon nodded and walked a bit more into the Pixar company. In search of an exit, he got into his beloved car, a battle companion, now painted in an electric blue that was very striking and almost made it look like an illegal racing car.


    ...

 161. How do you negotiate?

    Raimon was about to leave the Pixar studio when his cell phone started receiving calls. He decided to leave it on the back seat, starting the car, but it kept ringing for the next five minutes as he hit the road. He could only get frustrated. His large body attempted to reach the back seat, achieving it but not without hearing the honks of a crowd of cars behind him.


    -Damn, - he said, starting the car and taking the next right. Luckily, the streets of San Francisco were familiar to him, but the first problem was that he forgot to take the phone.


    He soon reached the black fences��the entrance to Lucasfilm. Five days ago, George Lucas came expressly to continue negotiations. The reason? There is no clear reason for the company. But for Raimon, it was a marvel to be part of these negotiations and meet his idols. He was a lucky man. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Good morning, I''m here for negotiations on behalf of Lux Animation, - Raimon said.


    The employee looked him up and down and was somewhat amazed by the visitor''s attire. However, Lux Animation doesn''t have a dress code and only demands formality in important and special cases, decided by Billy or Anne Hall.


    -One moment, I''ll confirm the meeting, - said the employee, who proceeded to call a network phone while Raimon observed from the car.


    -Please, go to the main building. There you will find the boss''s office, - said the security guard.


    -Thank you, - said Raimon, who drove through the main gate with great excitement. A great... a great excitement to meet another of his great heroes. But he took a deep breath and continued to the parking lot. The San Francisco sun was high, and he was tired of the heat, having lived his early years in a colder climate with strong winters; the heat was simply annoying.


    -Good morning. Mr. Lucas is still busy, - said the receptionist.


    -I''ll wait, - said Raimon.


    -Alright, - said Vicky, seeing the man. Mr. Lucas had a planned meeting.


    -Yes, it will take some time. Mr. Lucas is a bit busy. But he will attend to you shortly. Would the gentleman like something to drink? - said Vicky.


    -What do you have special? - Raimon asked.


    Vicky was surprised. - Well, water, coffee, and Sprite, - said Vicky.


    -A Sprite, thank you very much, - said Raimon.


    Vicky called over a person with a large drinks cart, a hotel uniform, and a smile with plenty of gestures, pointing to the Sprite.


    -Yes, - said Raimon.


    He handed him the Sprite and stayed smiling. There were some snacks, and he pointed them out with an invitation. Raimon looked at the signs, pointing to each snack. Raimon chose some sandwiches cut in half and other sweet pastries.


    -Can you give me another Sprite? -  Raimon said.


    The young man smiled and handed him another bottle. Half an hour passed, and Raimon was not being attended to. The secretary kept watching Mr. Lucas''s entrance with some discouragement.


    -Excuse me, miss, but I have things to do, and Mr. Lucas mentioned he would be free during this period, - Raimon said.


    The girl checked the clock. - Mr. Lucas has a pending meeting from 12:30 to 1:30, - Vicky said.


    -I see, thanks. I''ll wait until 1:30, - Raimon said.


    Raimon decided to review everything prepared for the meeting and practice his monologue of short answers. Of course, after asking for his autograph and praising a bit here and there, the special negotiation skills would come. The trick was to guide the conversation where expected. The conditions planned by Anne and Billy were tough, but Raimon had to investigate if the other party was willing.


    The cell phone rang. - Raimon, - said a commanding voice behind the phone.


    The young man left the reception to take the call. - Anne, a pleasure, - Raimon said on the phone.


    -Mr. Lucas just called me about your unavailability at the scheduled meeting, - Anne said.


    Raimon''s thick eyebrows lifted like bells. He tried to respond, but Anne''s insistence and continuous scolding didn''t give him time to answer.


    -It''s unbelievable. You had only one job, a job you willingly accepted and acknowledged being able to handle. I spoke with Mr. Lucas, and he will extend the time until 2:30 to 3:30, but it''s a shame you didn''t arrive on time. This is one of the major business deals and plans we have for the company. You better be there in less than twenty minutes, - Anne said, hanging up.


    Raimon''s seriousness was etched on his flushed cheeks, and he looked a bit unwell. After being scolded like that, what would have been different if Raimon hadn''t been scolded? Upon entering the reception, his friendly appearance had extinguished a bit.


    -Excuse me, but I have to go into a meeting with Mr. Lucas. I''ve been waiting for an hour and fifteen minutes, so I''ll be clear with you, miss. My arrival time was 12:15, and now it''s 1:30. Tell Mr. George Lucas that when he feels inclined to respond to the meeting with Lux Animation, he can call me on the phone and arrange a meeting again, - Raimon said.


    The small secretary opened her mouth, and her mind flickered in what could be called panic.


    Raimon took his briefcase and walked his way to his car, leaving Lucasfilm behind. No one knew what happened that day or the next.


    Raimon dialed Anne Hall''s phone in response. - Good morning, Anne, - Raimon said.


    -Are you already at Lucasfilm? - Anne asked.


    -Well, I was there from 12:15 until 1:30, which was my appointment time. They didn''t let me in, and I''m not willing to go back, - Raimon said seriously. He hated being taken for a fool, and that''s how he felt today.


    -What do you mean you''re not going back?" Anne Hall said again, sounding hysterical.


    -I won''t, and I recommend, Anne, Lux Animation won''t crawl. It''s up to your position, but if you want to negotiate with Lucasfilm, they should take the second step. So, you''d better close the negotiations with Lucasfilm. Negotiating is not like going to the supermarket and buying yogurt. Let me clarify, they''ll milk us for money like a dairy cow from Nebraska, -- he felt Anne Hall was about to interrupt, and he cut off his boss. -- Listen carefully. We''re not less than Lucasfilm. Openly inquire about the purchase of Stark Trek; let everyone know. We''ll make an aggressive purchase for Star Trek or any series of special ships. To hell with decency and honest negotiations, - Raimon said.


    -But��


    -Anne, George Lucas is coming to the company in a few weeks, himself, - Raimon said.


    -But what if he doesn''t? Billy has been very clear about this particular deal, - Anne said.


    -Leave it to me. If in a month, there''s no proposal at our door, I''ll go to Lucasfilm myself and negotiate on my knees if necessary. For now, you must understand that we''re what they want. We''re just an opportunity they want to seize, - Raimon said.


    For the first time, Raimon had left Anne Hall speechless.


    ***********************************************************


    For the always meticulous Steve Parks, his task was better than poor Raimon''s, who found himself in a predicament. Although it''s not known why Raimon reacted that way, it''s very likely that if you ask Steve Parks, he''ll agree with Raimon''s stance and even encourage the other party to apologize.


    -Good morning. I have a meeting with the Macmillan Publishers editorial group, - Steve Parks said.


    -Yes, of course. Mr. Benson is waiting for you, Mr. Parks. If you''d like, you can go down the hallway to the left, and the Macmillan group will be awaiting negotiations, - the receptionist said.


    The lengthy acquisition of Tor Books had just begun.


    -Good morning, everyone. I''m Steve Parks, Sales Director at Lux Animation, and it''s a pleasure to be before you, gentlemen, - Steve Parks said as an introduction.


    -Good morning, Mr. Parks. I''m Jim Benson, manager of the American branch of Macmillan Books. My colleagues are Andrew Rahman, Director of Sales, and Hendrix Klin, part of our operations branch, - Jim Benson said.


    -Mr. Rahman, Mr. Klin, - Steve Parks said, shaking hands firmly with both individuals.


    Steve Parks called these moments the negotiation siege, orchestrated by a group of people to establish a power dynamic. Steve Parks had worked in sales since he was 11 years old, selling magazines about American football, basketball, soccer, and girls in school as part of his father''s business. Nobody knows more demanding kids than those English kids willing to fight for a penny.


    In his adolescence, after his father sold the store, he worked selling magazines and later worked selling cotton in a small company at 15, continuing in this job, paying for his education with hard work, effort, and sleepless nights.


    -Gentlemen, - Steve Parks began, using the projector for images, which he specifically requested for this sales meeting.


    -Here, I have a report on the sales numbers you made in the years 1990, 1991, which were published for your going public, subsequently in 1992, 1993, already seen, -Steve Parks said, showing them the thick sales data.


    The data was in a bar chart, the current sales of McMillan Books were not very good, however, they bordered on green revenue in all sales but not as much as the sales managers or the shareholders would like.


    -As a comic-rooted company, I''ve come to propose the best deal of your lives, if it''s not the best, shave my mustache, - Steve Parks said, stroking his mustache, earning a smile from Mr. Rahman.


    -The best deal, a bit optimistic? - Jim Benson said.


    --Well, some might say it''s the stocks, but I disagree. From Lux Animation, we want to buy Tor Books, and I know, gentlemen, it doesn''t sound very good, -- Steve said, looking at their faces. -- Let McMillan handle its general management through a beneficial alliance, if I understand correctly, you, as a publisher, earn 35% on book profits according to agreements, and possibly 40% for new writers, which is distributed from 10% to 15%. You, as a company, handle promotion, printing, and advertising. Would you like to earn 15% for doing nothing? - Steve Parks said cheerfully.


    Steve saw the faces in the boardroom happier than he could have imagined at the start of negotiations.


    -How will we earn 15% for doing nothing, young man? - Jim Benson said.


    -Pitch to our group that you''ll sell to us. We''ll pay for the advertising campaigns for our writers and printing. You''ll handle the production, distribution, and sale business. The 15% will be given to you as long as you can provide us with your editorial services. We''ll use your resources for 15% of our sales with a contract. Of course, this editorial alliance will be for the next five years, - Steve Parks said.


    -It''s not possible; this business is unheard of. How will you make money? - Jim Benson said.


    -Well, that''s for us. Our task depends on two things: a strong alliance with McMillan Books and, of course, your assistance in other businesses, - Steve Parks said.


    -What businesses? - Jim Benson said.


    Steve Parks smiled as if it were Christmas. When a person directs the conversation in negotiations, it''s because they can highlight the special point.


    -Well, our goals are more allegorical, but we want to create an association of science fiction and fantasy writers, a foundation supported in these two genres. The main purpose is to collect great series and support great writers in this genre to back this particular genre. In our contract, we mention the unique specialty of our company, which will be renamed Lux Books, - Steve Parks said.


    -Interesting. -


    The next negotiation lasted five hours, with no changes, but the purchase and the call to make money were already a step. Steve Parks walked to the caf�� and took it easy, reflecting on the meeting he had just had.


    ...

 162. kurt.

    Kurt Russel considered acting to be a roller coaster of situations he would never repeat, given the mishaps that had happened, but he wouldn''t trade it for anything. The growth he experienced as an actor left a vast gap in his heart. He understood, among many things, that everything he lived through, won, and lost was necessary for the beautiful life he was now living.


    Life with Goldie Hawn was what many called a full-fledged marriage. Mistakes were there, but they couldn''t be avoided. However, with unity and commitment, all those mistakes could be corrected.


    He had been jogging with Billy for a week, and Kurt Russel couldn''t help but compare him to his son Wyatt Russell. Would he grow as well as this young man? He thought deep down in his heart that his son would be as lively and intelligent as the young billionaire Darwin, who was mature beyond his years��a great actor and successful with women.


    -Good morning, Bill. Are you ready for another day of exercise? - Kurt said more calmly and much more attuned to Bill''s temperament, which was at most a reserved one.


    -Yes, - said Bill.


    They both walked calmly to the lobby, and from there, they gracefully jogged to the parking lot. The atmosphere was getting thicker every day due to the arrival of spring and the summer that set the already desert climate of Las Vegas ablaze. Meanwhile, both ran shoulder to shoulder without showing signs of fatigue, arriving at the gas station with apparent sweat.


    -Do you want something to drink, kid? - Kurt asked the young man.


    -For now, I''m good, - said Bill.


    Kurt could only internally disagree with the boy''s refusal. He needed to relax a bit, although, according to conversations overheard by Mila Abital, it was very attractive to see him lost in thought, serious, and passionate about everything he did and how he did it.


    -I''ll never understand perfectly what attracts women, - thought Kurt.


    -Good morning, Juan. I''m here for another bottle of water, - Kurt said.


    -Mr. Russel, please. I''m always glad to have you in my store. No one would believe me if I didn''t have my autographed poster, which is still a pleasure, - Juan said cheerfully.


    A fan, one of the softest, is always a pleasure to have. What happens with fame is that after two weeks, people start to see others without that giant magnifying glass that makes them more measured in their performance. A long time ago, he understood that the less exposure there is and the more forgetfulness is sought, the media will change their attitude toward new generations that are always eager to show themselves to the world.


    -What a pleasure, Juan. Give me two bottles of water, - Kurt said, choosing two slim bottles of bottled water in a plastic thermos.


    -It''s $4.34, - Juan said.


    -Keep the change, Juan, - Kurt said, leaving the small convenience store. Not without seeing the autographed poster and a photo of him and Juan�� a photo taken by Bill, to Kurt''s surprise. There was also a photo of Bill and Juan, at Kurt''s request about Billy''s acting genius.


    -Juan, what a great guy, - Kurt thought, seeing the smiling Latino. He had carefully kept the secret of Kurt and Bill''s occasional visits, something that was very difficult for people.


    -Take this bottle of water, kid, - said Kurt.


    -Just take it; this sun is painful, and I''d be impressed if you don''t have a dry mouth; you''re completely sweaty, - said Kurt, taking a break beside Bill.


    -Thanks, - said the young man, taking a sip from the bottle.


    -The filming has been astonishingly fast; with these new shooting techniques, recordings don''t last more than six months. We''ve been at it for three, and the rest will be done by special effects. Do you have any particular projects in mind? - asked Kurt.


    -Nothing that I know of. I auditioned for the role of Laurie in Little Women, but they haven''t called me, - said Billy.


    -Don''t worry; they should be finishing the production. Once they have everything ready to shoot, the recording will take place in a few months. Nigel has spoken positively about you. I heard that your agent asked for a low remuneration, and you have a very good relationship; that''s already a great achievement, - said Kurt.


    -Why is that? - asked Billy.


    -Well, most of the time, agents don''t listen to newcomers, but Jim strongly defends your position. If you have a good agent backing you up, it will prevent you from getting into many problems, -  said Kurt.


    Standing up from the platform and smiling accordingly.�C Come on, we have an exercise to finish, - said Kurt.


    -Yes, - replied Bill.


    Both continued their routine as a rule; they ran until they reached the hotel, used a towel provided at the Lobe��, and ate something with Director Emerich, who greeted them with a smile. After all, their two stars were hardworking, early risers, and masterful in their hurried performances.


    -Oh, the problems with special effects are causing a big issue. The scenes now have a value of 6 million dollars, and the production has been struggling for the 5.5 million agreed upon initially. Everything depends on how the production ends, - said Ronald Emerich.


    -Everything will be fine, Ronald, - reassured Nigel.


    -Anyway, we''ll continue with the filming; there are a few final shots in the desert, and everything will be ready for post-production, - said Ronald Emerich.


    Kurt could only nod in silence while eating steak with breakfast potatoes, quite a large meal for breakfast, but work kept him so busy that he sometimes forgot to have lunch.


    Kurt got up from the chair and left Bill with Ronald Emerich, Nigel, and Frank, one of the early risers on Ronald Emerich''s technical team. He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered the suite with reluctance, started preparing everything for a bath, and relaxing his muscles. With the air conditioning, he could enjoy a hot bath, one of life''s pleasures that usually made him sleepy after a long soak. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He picked up the phone and made a call.Principio del formulario


    -Sweetheart, - said Kurt.


    -Yes, I just got back from the morning jog. I''ll shower right away and head to the set in an hour. The filming is going on as usual, but we''ve stuck to the schedule. Once the promotion is over, we can take a vacation, - said Kurt, picking up the corded phone and placing it in the closet while grabbing something to wear. Something light; anyway, the wardrobe team would make him change once he arrived at the studio.


    After hanging up the phone, Kurt headed to the bathroom for a quick shower and a long soak. The hot water revitalized him, and as he dried his hair, he mentally reviewed the script for the day. He knew that the next scenes were crucial for the plot''s development.


    The plot was reaching its climax; the first shots with the ancient tribe had finished, followed by scenes of the fight against the tyrant and the downfall, like the birth of a new civilization. Although some shots had already been taken, only outdoor scenes remained, as filming wasn''t typically done in sequence but rather as convenient.


    After leaving the bathroom, he dressed in comfortable clothes��opting for jeans and a black t-shirt, trusting that the wardrobe team would provide the appropriate attire on set. He checked his watch and noticed he still had plenty of time before heading to the studio


    ...

 163. vegas

    April 24.


    It was April 1994, almost two months before the start of the World Cup tournament. Axel was thrilled to place significant bets on the Brazilian team, which ultimately emerged as the world champion. Fortunately, there was a brief break, reserved for Sundays, after 20 days of continuous work. Billy set off down the highway in a rented car towards Las Vegas, specifically to one of the prominent casinos he knew well due to his millionaire status, allowing him to make some daring bets.


    On the passenger seat to his right, Mila Avital could be seen, enjoying the breeze head-on as they drove through the desert.


    -I love feeling the breeze, - Mila said as her black curls danced in the wind.


    Billy smiled and stepped on the accelerator. Mila laughed at the speed as the car reached 120 kilometers per hour. Billy, calming down, began to reduce the speed to 80 kilometers per hour, realizing they were getting close to Las Vegas��50 miles, just as the sign they had zoomed past indicated.


    -I didn''t think you''d like the city that never sleeps, - Mila dreamily remarked about the idea of visiting Las Vegas.


    -Everyone has their surprises, but you''re right. I''m not a big fan, and I just want to relax a bit, eat something different from the hotel buffet, and soak in the bustling life of Las Vegas, - Billy said.


    -Sounds great. Although I''m not much into gambling, it would be interesting to visit the roulette - Mila suggested.


    -Don''t worry; we can hang out at a bar or by the pool. I''ll cover a day at the hotel. You can go to the spa; they have a practical massage room and hot stone therapy��quite comfortable, from what I''ve heard, - Billy said.


    Mila flashed her white teeth. - This is just what I need, a good massage to work out these knots, - she said, stretching her arms. Despite wearing a light sweater due to the heat, the short neckline revealed the charming beginning of her chest.


    Billy turned his attention back to the road, focusing on the stories he had to continue writing and illustrating��like the history notebook of Jeanne D''Arc, a game that would be released on the Rpg games platform, and the central stories of the Fate series, which would feature another Rpg game, this time recounting the story of Artoria Pendragon and her struggle in the British Isles with its villages, showcasing more great heroes.


    -Well, I think you''ll enjoy the massage period as much as I will, - Billy said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They arrived at the entrance of Las Vegas at 10:12 pm and at the hotel at 10:48. Carefully, they got out of the car. A young man in a red suit came to collect the car and the keys, handing him a paper with a number indicating the car and arrival.


    -Good evening, I would like to pay for a day at the hotel, - Billy said.


    The rooms director paused at Billy. For some reason, he didn''t speak, even provoking an awkward silence. Would he recognize him? Did he know that Billy would come here very often?*******************************************************


    -Of course. Would you like a day of real enjoyment? For an extra $40, you can enjoy the spa and wet areas," said the director.


    -We''ll take it, - said Billy.


    -Will you be using an available room? - asked the man.


    -No, without a room. We want to take advantage of the hotel''s private restaurant, the bar area, and wet zones, - said Billy.


    -Very well, sir, - said the man.


    -Can I pay with a card? - asked Billy, showing the black card, American Express.


    The man''s eyes lit up, and he nodded. Before him stood the rich kid who had arrived at the hotel. This was a real gem, a true millionaire. This card had just officially hit the market, but it had been circulating among the elites for three years to test its usage.


    -All right, sir. Since that''s the case, would you like me to make a preferential reservation at the hotel? - the man offered more accommodating service.


    -Of course, -- said Billy, giving a slight glance to Mila. -- Make it for 3:00 pm, a private table for two. And please, arrange a basic spa treatment for the young lady, - Billy requested.


    -Of course, sir. It''s an honor that you''ve chosen The Mirage. We are a new hotel, but we love welcoming such esteemed guests, - said the man.


    Mila was surprised. -- What was that about esteemed guests? -- she asked.


    -Isn''t it obvious? - replied Billy calmly.


    -It''s not, - responded Mila.


    -As an ordinary man can be seen hand in hand with such a flagrantly beautiful woman, you are a crown jewel that mesmerizes even the unfortunate. Now I feel a bit nervous as I see that slowly your beauty will cause some inconveniences, - said Billy, delivering a loose smile, completely avoiding the topic that the hotel manager likely discovered the money Billy keeps in his wallet.


    -You always know what to say in these moments, - said Mila, struck by Billy''s words.


    -Well, you have a Spa appointment. I''ve arranged some things for the afternoon, but I''ll come to pick you up at noon, - said Billy, leading Mila through the intricate hallways of The Mirage, a luxury hotel that held the expressed opulence of a place.


    -I''ll see you at 12, - said Mila.


    I''ll come for you; just make sure to relax. We have a long day ahead, - said Billy.


    -Okay, -said Mila as she entered the Spa lounge. The receptionist at the entrance had already hinted that they had a big shot in their midst.


    Billy recognized some massage therapists and informed them about Mila. He gave each of them twenty dollars as a tip for their care and bid farewell, heading to the lobby. Although he wasn''t allowed to enter the casino, his bets were of a different kind. He walked, as he had done many times before, to a beautiful, grand door and entered calmly. The casino changed, and a more exclusive betting center unfolded before Billy''s eyes. Everyone there was ready to serve the interests of the wealthy.


    -Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you? - said the man behind a glass betting counter.


    -Good morning, sir. I would like to place a sports bet, - said Billy.


    The cashier approached the camera to check the young man''s details but found nothing noteworthy.


    -You can search for Lux Comics; I have an account �C Billy Carson under the guardian''s name, Thomas Carson, - said Billy.


    In the blink of an eye, the man saw the details and the maximum allowed bet. Billy handed him a booklet with the forms already filled out by Anne, allowing a bet of $300,000. Both Anne and Thomas Carson acted as guardians and representatives of the Lux Animation company.


    -An open bet, correct, sir? - said the young man.


    -Yes, open for four weeks, - said Billy calmly.


    -What are the results of the sports bet? - asked the man.


    -Brazil and Italy in the World Cup final, - replied Billy.


    -Very well. Can you indicate how long the bet will remain open? - asked the cashier.


    -For three weeks, - said Billy.


    -Of course. - The cashier opened the bet, shaking his head. These bets were played against other users of the house and were placed once. However, according to the closed circuit, these bets could be taken by many or few people.


    -With a clause? - asked the cashier.


    -Please, if the bet exceeds two digits on the first day, just keep it for a week, - said Billy. The bets were private, and the casino took a 5% commission on the winnings.


    The cashier handed over a large, yellow-printed paper with all the details of the bet, signed by both the cashier and Billy. - Do you want to make a bet against the house? - asked the young man.


    -How are you paying? - inquired Billy.


    -Well, as you must know, sports betting is prohibited now, and betting houses organize pools where people come together for private outcomes, and the winner takes the pot, - explained the man.


    -Okay, give me a stake for Brazil to win against Italy in the final, - said Billy.


    -Very well, the entry fee is $500, - said the man.


    -Sure, I''ll pay with credit, - said Billy, handing over the card.


    The man received it and recorded the information, which Billy received and carefully stowed in his wallet. It was something that would bring him many profits in the coming days. The bet would grow as much as the bettors were willing to wager, depending on the conditions of the bet. Many people would be eager to place some bets.


    -Thank you for everything, - said Billy. With still half an hour to spare, he decided to visit the tables and have a light meal. Glancing at his watch, he walked through the hotel''s elegant lobby with the characteristic air of confidence instilled by his father and grandfather, who always demanded holding one''s head high from childhood, and of course, a lifetime of experiences. On his way to the spa, he mentally reviewed the day''s schedule. The dim lights and soft music created a relaxing atmosphere in the luxury hotel.


    Upon reaching the spa, he was granted entry by presenting a hotel card that provided access to the wet areas. He found a serene and welcoming environment, with walls adorned with Zen details, and the scent of essential oils wafting through the air. He headed to the reception, where the friendly receptionist informed him that Mila was already in one of the relaxation areas.


    Billy walked there with a determined step. Turning a corner, he saw Mila, who was enjoying a moment of peace on one of the loungers. He approached with a smile on his face.


    -Hello, Mila. How are you? Is your relaxation time meeting expectations? - greeted Billy.


    -It''s magnificent, -- said Mila, enjoying a massage on her back. -- Have you finished your chores? --


    -Yes, I think I''ll take a half-hour massage, - said Billy, noticing the relaxed expression on Mila''s face.


    -Well, it''ll give me time for a facial mask. My skin is worn out from the sun, -  said Mila.


    Billy nodded and walked to a wet area. - Excuse me, is there a massage available? - he asked.


    -Of course, we have three therapists available, - said the attendant.


    -I''d like to schedule one for my companion; she''s having a massage in room four, - said Billy. The woman nodded, and he headed to a locker room, where he found keys in the lockers. He stored his belongings, took the key, and was given a towel and a garment similar to a hospital gown. He lay down next to Mila''s massage table, enjoying the care of the massage. Drawing for constant hours had caused slight discomfort in his back and neck.


    Minutes passed in a state of relaxation until his time was up. Billy took a hot bath, emerged, and saw Mila, smiling in the hallway. The massage had taken years off her fatigue, and she looked again like a young woman comfortable with her age.


    -I think it would be nice to go to the bar and unwind a bit, - said Billy, to which Mila nodded.


    Mila could only strut, emphasizing her chest, reflecting the most primitive form of flirtation.


    ...

 164. Warner on the attack.

    April 24


    Warner knows the most stimulating forms of this business game. It''s politics. Since December 1991, they have been extending their influence in political games, aiming not only to undermine Lux Animation''s public image but also to tarnish its political standing. They''ve infiltrated the politics of San Jose, San Francisco, and their surroundings to undermine the processes of comics and animation. A special territorial law began to take shape, breaking down California''s extensive legal system into special territories or guilds located in suitable locations. Los Angeles would be for film and television production, San Diego for comics, and the North for the business sector. It''s a powerful law, specifically aimed at Lux Animation.


    California Post


    Territorial Order Decree: California Council


    By Jules Patinsky


    Hollywood was founded on February 1, 1887. The area was originally called "Hollywoodland" and was established as a residential community in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California. The evolution of Hollywood as the epicenter of the entertainment industry, especially cinema, happened later, in the early 20th century. Over time, Hollywood became the globally recognized symbol of the film industry. Throughout the years, this evolution has been reshaped by the growth of an industry that shows no signs of stopping.


    Since its inception, efforts have been made to improve this industry through various political reforms, addressing issues of diversity and representation, labor practices, censorship, freedom of expression, and political impact.


    Labor practices in Hollywood have also been subject to reforms over time. Changes in wages, working conditions, and workers'' rights have resulted from a growing awareness of the importance of treating those contributing to the creative process fairly. Unions and organizations have played a crucial role in advocating for labor rights, and these reforms continue to evolve to address the changing needs of the workforce.


    Censorship and freedom of expression have been recurring areas of conflict in Hollywood''s history. From the production code in the golden age to contemporary challenges related to graphic representation and sensitive themes, the industry has experienced a constant struggle between artistic creativity and limitations imposed by political and social concerns.


    Many issues have been addressed, but territorial organization has never been discussed. Therefore, the new reform approved by the California State Council brings to light some new rules that we never thought would be subject to change or modification. It concerns the territorial distribution of the state of California, and the approval now hangs on a five-month period of challenge, as decreed by the senators themselves, during which the impact generated by territorial organization will be analyzed.


    For the representative area of Los Angeles and its surroundings, the entire film and television industry will be located. Special areas such as Santa Monica, San Diego, Burbank, San Francisco, and Santa Monica will be considered special places for maintaining tax exemptions, while other locations will be taxed without these exemptions.


    In conclusion, political reforms in Hollywood over the last hundred years have been essential to adapt to a constantly changing landscape. From seeking more inclusive representation to improving working conditions and managing creative freedom in the face of censorship, Hollywood has faced and continues to face significant challenges. These reforms not only reflect the evolution of the entertainment industry but also indicate its ongoing influence on culture and society. Hollywood''s ability to embrace change and address critical political and social issues remains crucial to its relevance and sustainability over time.


    ��


    Thomas Carson held the newspaper and couldn''t believe that this new law, which removed some exemptions for making film productions, would begin to take effect from the year 1996. It would enter a six-month trial period to assess its viability, something Thomas knew would only fill the pockets of corrupt politicians who sought to enrich themselves. As long as they made money, nothing else mattered to them.


    He decided to rub his eyes, dispelling the anger this law produced regarding Billy''s future plans.


    -Good afternoon, Yamile. I''d like you to call in the group of interns, - Thomas said.


    -Yes, sir. I''ll notify the parties, and they should be knocking on your door in a few minutes, -Yamile replied.


    Just as Yamile said, within ten minutes, the three interns were standing at the door. Thomas observed the two young men and the girl in their elegant suits, picturing his son as a lawyer. However, he dismissed the thought, considering Billy''s ability to generate money far beyond common skills. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Good afternoon, Mr. Carson, - the young people greeted in unison.


    -Good afternoon to all of you. I have a pro bono task for you. If you achieve a successful result, our main client, Lux Animation, has sent a new assignment regarding the new Hollywood Territorial Order Law. They want to know everything there is to know, the crucial functions, loopholes, and exploitable articles. Among the three of you, you''ll conduct a systematic study of the law, outlining the advantages and disadvantages for Lux Animation, an animation company based in San Jose. I hope you''ll be as specific as possible and find possible solutions in the next two months, - Thomas Carson explained.


    "Yes."


    "Yes, sir."


    "Yes."


    Thomas smiled and then called his next contact, the W.erchis, Inc. team, a specialized accounting firm.


    -Good morning, Growre, - Thomas Carson greeted.


    -Thomas Carson, my favorite friend who can W.erchis, an accounting firm established since 1954, - Growre replied.


    -I''m interested in knowing how serious the impact of the new territorial order law is and the significant ways we, as a company, can respond, - Thomas said.


    -Of course, just give me a few seconds, and I''ll carefully review everything, - Growre said, unaware of this new law and its repercussions.


    **********************************************************


    In Warner''s offices, CEO Robert A. Daly reviewed everything with his legal team. He knew all about the company''s dealings and the movements of his beloved employees and directors. Using a program, he had a measure of most employees who fell under his jurisdiction, gradually communicating the areas of the company and their distinctions with all the departments.


    -Terry Semel and Ted Turner are playing very hard, - Robert Daly said.


    Reviewing the accounts and expenses for this political venture, totaling almost 16 million dollars in favors, plus a few more million in political pushes and incentives that prevented strong opposition. However, in their ignorance, they bit the tail of the Fox and Sony Columbia chains.


    -What do you think of these actions? - Robert asked Charles Underwood.


    -I''m aware that this maneuver is intended to stretch the resources of the company they want to acquire to use it in the case we have before the court, - Charles Underwood said.


    -Tell them we need to stop. We don''t have the support and the Disney game to continue playing these sword games. Since Frank''s death, the support has ceased, and now we find ourselves entangled in a two-sided game, - Robert A. Daily said.


    -If I may, sir, that''s an underestimation. This company is undoubtedly quite strong and has experienced economic growth. I think it''s just poking the tiger''s tail. Even though we''ve played many games below to limit marketing gains and closed the entrance to Los Angeles, this company hasn''t stopped growing, - Charles Underwood said.


    -Is the risk worth it? - Robert A. Daily proclaimed.


    -At first, it was thought so, but they are a strong company, and Terry Semel''s actions were hasty, - Charles Underwood said, trying to be as casual as possible. Terry Semel has emerged at Warner as Co-CEO, a position no less important than Robert A. Daly''s, so everything resurfaces in a blurred confrontation.


    -Well, I''ll talk to Terry; maybe he knows something I don''t, - Robert A. Daly said.


    Charles Underwood nodded, without saying more. The relevance of these attacks seems to be born from the mix of money with politics, always causing irrelevant tangles that the film industry cannot accept. The last major fraud, how they tried to restrain the power of the Nickelodeon channel with educational channels, weighed so much that the Federal Communications Commission decided to force policies, and every year, the acceptance of this law proposes censorship, limitation, and education in children''s programs


    ...

 165. playing pinochle.

    April 24.


    Anne hadn''t slept well in days, struggling between the joint block of Raimon and Steve Parks. For Anne, the challenge lay in fulfilling her responsibilities, including the task of buying for her boss, Billy Carson, at Lucasfilm, or at least establishing a mutually supportive relationship between two parties willing to work as a consolidated group.


    Now she had to face Raimon and Steve despite their refusals.


    -Rachel, come on, follow me. We need to attend an official meeting for the next director of Lux Channel, - Anne said.


    -Yes, ma''am, - replied Rachel, clumsily tidying up her desk before her boss.


    -Where is Raimon? --  Anne asked with a hint of indignation. -- I thought I had banned him from playing video games until he resolved the issue with Lucasfilm. -


    Walking to the game room, which wasn''t particularly empty, she went up to the third floor, her high heels tapping, creating a silence that made everyone stop and continue with their tasks. After all, CEO Anne was the one holding the highest position in the company, becoming the ultimate authority.


    -Where''s Raimon? - she asked the animators who were going about their daily tasks.


    -He hasn''t come up here since yesterday, Miss Anne. I can see why you''re asking for him, but he hasn''t come to the third floor today, - said Craig McCraig.


    Anne stopped to look for any sign of falsehood, but Craig''s black eyes, like two black holes, and the thick black circles under his eyes only emphasized his already tired appearance.


    -All right, everyone can continue with their work. Don''t forget to fill out the annex Mr. Gorman left at the entrance for the collective holidays. You''ll enjoy a trip to the Hawaiian islands with a paid hotel, paid travel, and fast-food bonuses like pizza boxes and T-Box Burgers. Those who don''t fill out the form for August and submit the papers won''t be able to go, so it''s better to do it. There''s no compensation for those who don''t go, other than the vacation days, - Anne said, nodding as she saw everyone ready for her words.


    Anne went downstairs and checked the second floor. She found him in a heated discussion with Steve Parks about something. She approached as closely as she could, but couldn''t hear anything through the glass. When they noticed Anne approaching, both stopped their interesting conversation.


    -What do you have to tell me? - Anne said from the open glass door.


    -Uhhh... -Raimon tried to argue.


    -What my colleague is trying to argue is that we need to revamp our strategies. Mr. Lucas is once again indecisive, and we plan to lure our beloved fish out of the sea. Although Raimon acted skillfully, it was a bit hasty not to leave our proposal at the reception, but it''s a mistake of which he''s now aware. So, in the coming days, we must target the strong points, - said Steve Parks.


    -Get to the point, - Anne said.


    Both held their ground despite the insistence.


    -You see, Anne, I''ve already sent offers to the Paramount network for Stark Trek. If we''re lucky, they''ll spread the word and raise the offer based on an intrigued and tangled web of plans that television executives often conceive, - said Steve Parks. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Did you send an offer? - Anne asked.


    -Formally, yes. We sent an offer with all the benefits we proposed to Mr. George Lucas. After all, in the coming months, greed always prevails over people, above the love George Lucas has for his film series. This man is more eager for money; he wanted to take as much money as possible and reap all the benefits while growing his company, - said Steve Parks.


    -Why do you know this? I thought the perspective was different. What changed? - Anne asked.


    -The first time, in negotiation, the money was little, but the franchise''s growth was substantial, from museums, films, series, and books. We proposed many things for the growth of his favorite series, but he closed the deal and offered us a strong license with a 15% share in the box office, museums, and marketing, as well as control and a salary set as the official producer, - said Steve Parks.


    -Yes, he even dared to offer us Lucasfilm $100 million for a 10% stake in his company, plus an investment of no less than $300 million to make the films. Anne, this man was negotiating even when I called to confirm my non-attendance. He''s very astute and loves money, - said Raimon.


    -But Billy wants this series for his plans. What should we do? I know that if we want to make a purchase, we have to invest a lot of money. But according to the accounts, it''s quite unnecessary to invest so much money, and it''s better to strengthen our companies than fill the pockets of a man who doesn''t appreciate our enterprises, - said Anne.


    Thoughtful about what Billy would say about the failure to buy Lucasfilm, or at least obtain a license. The challenges involved in growing the company at an outstanding pace.


    -Go for other franchises. Besides, I''ll present my perspectives on George Lucas''s business, and I''ll add that it''s better to embark on a new business venture that isn''t Lucasfilm, which is impractical for our company''s growth. The flies will come to the honey themselves. I believe that the appeal of our company lies in our talent, and Billy''s talent is enough to overshadow, - said Steve Parks.


    Anne walked to the middle of the room. Kevin looked up and focused on his tasks, observing Anne''s furrowed brow as she contemplated, with a few stray rebellious hairs fluttering around her chubby cheeks.


    -Do you have a clear plan? - Anne asked.


    -As you can see, to pursue our interests, we can start by signing various writing authors. With Raimon, we''ve outlined a detailed plan to solidify our writing empire, leading to the acquisition of Tor Books, which is a done deal. We''ll be signing new science fiction and fantasy writers. I''ve personally spoken to four authors, and two have accepted, - said Steve Parks, handing over a bibliographic profile resembling a resume.


    The names of R.A. Salvatore and Tad Williams will be the first to join the United Writers Society. A society that financially supports writers, hiring them for benefits over their created works, providing favorable terms for book editing, and exclusive rights to Lux Animation for generating series and movies.


    -As for the purchase of lands in the surrounding areas, I''ve already spoken to the real estate advisor to negotiate the purchase of lands in specific areas of San Jose, San Francisco, and Sacramento, - said Steve Parks.


    The cheapest prices are in San Jose and Sacramento, unlike San Francisco, which, though more affordable, has experienced rapid growth, and its economic value has increased over the years. However, the plan is to buy several plots of land, with preferences for Oakland, Richmond, and Dale City.


    -That would divert us from our main goal, which is to acquire Lucasfilm, - said Anne.


    -We have time; for now, our growth is important. I have outlined some of the plans, but that can be considered as an appetizer to the final plans the company expects. Meanwhile, let''s fish a little, - said Steve Parks calmly.


    The animation battle has only just begun.


    -I''ll inform Billy of the plans. Only with his approval will we start this crusade of his, something he contemplates as distant, - said Anne, walking to her office, visibly upset by the change of plans. However, the fact that George Lucas''s position is to demand more money as negotiations progress only shows his lack of interest.


    The office was quiet, except for some movements in the industrial printers and some shouts from people on the first floor.


    -Mr. Gorman, do you have the negotiation contracts we made with Tactical Studies Rules and Workshop Games, especially those regarding the hiring of paid writers? - Anne asked.


    -Give me a second, - said Gorman, checking the toy store files, Workshop Games, and Tactical Studies Rules.


    Anne bit her lip, a habit she had whenever something was on her mind.


    -Are you okay, Anne? - Gorman asked.


    -Yes, do you have the contracts? - Anne said.


    Gorman handed over the contracts and some other information, knowing Anne''s strict temperament, he overlooked it and began to review and organize all the deliveries made by Billy so far, while compiling reports on statistics and best-selling volumes, with additional insights.


    ...

 166. last days of recording.

    In summary, Stargate is a science fiction film told through the eyes of a person who travels through space gates to encounter a culture set in ancient Egypt. A tyrant, an alien who took life on Earth and desired to cultivate it as his garden. However, even in ancient times, tyranny was intolerable, and freedom has always been something cherished and embraced by people. Therefore, the extraterrestrial being set off in search of new horizons to cultivate life in a different way.


    Daniel Jackson, in his journey with Commander O''Neal, is the precursor to this new revolution against the tyrant that will be put to an end forever.


    Mila was seated in one of the fabric chairs used by the team members as they reviewed the final moments, the grand finale of Emperor Ra. Billy was as absorbed as ever, oblivious to how Mila reverenced him with her eyes. The sweet moments they''ve shared in recent days have forged a small friendship since her arrival in Israel. The supporting role in a science fiction production has been won through connections, and her transition from Israeli cinema to American cinema is another step she aims to take in the coming years.


    Scene 104 - Take 4.


    Action.


    "Cut," said Ronald Emmerich.


    -All right, we can consider this set recording finished. I need a few quick and light shots, - said Ronald Emmerich. Everything was done, and now only the follow-up remains, but happiness is evident.


    -I didn''t know that in the script, you had to hold my hand, - Mila said, the happiness on her face revealing certain things that Billy could pick up, though he missed a few.


    -I thought the director wasn''t satisfied with our ending and needed something more romantic. After all, Daniel was captivated by the beauty of Sha''uri, even abandoning his home planet to be under the charm of his lovely Egyptian, - said Billy.


    Heat rose on Mila''s cheeks. -Daniel is quite a brave man. We need more of these romances in our time, men willing to love. -She stepped out of Billy''s personal space in a kind of enchantment.


    -You two have a lovely friendship, - Kurt said.


    Billy turned to look at Kurt. With his military appearance, he looked so different from his usual self. The workout with Kurt over the past three weeks had been effective, but there was still a long way to go before having a body considered suitable for Hollywood''s aesthetic world.


    [Exclamation point]


    The sound was like music to Billy''s ears.


    -She''s quite a cheerful young lady, - said Billy.


    -Nigel needs some close-ups of you. As for me, I''ll head to the hotel to enjoy a well-deserved rest, - said Kurt, patting Billy on the back.


    Billy just sighed at the idea of more work. The 12-hour shifts, along with the moments to sit down and write and draw the next shots for Evangelion and Yu Yu Hakusho, which were in their final stretches, left Billy exhausted. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy walked to the studio and found Nigel talking to some cameramen, and team members. - Nigel, Kurt told me you needed some shots, - said Billy.


    Nigel nodded but continued attending to the camera team. Billy walked to a chair and made a lazy gesture.


    -If it isn''t our protagonist, - said John Diehl, who played Charles Kawalsky. The rich and deep sound of his voice was fantastic.


    -John, you also have some shots to take, - said Billy.


    -Not at all, kid. I''m waiting for Jaye Davidson. We''re going out for drinks later with the boys from the cast, -  said John.


    -I see. Good luck, John. It''s been a pleasure working with you. I hope we meet again sometime, - said Billy.


    John stretched his long neck and moved his head as if he were strutting. - Likewise, good luck, Bill, - said John, shaking hands before turning away.


    Only hours of shots remained, running or in communities, and some with studio colleagues. Some short lines and others longer, but in total, it was a long and boring task.


    -Billy, - said Mila from one of the studio chairs.


    -I thought you had left, - said Billy.


    Mila pouted.  - I don''t have a car, I can''t drive, and Ronald will give me a ride, but he''s taking quite a while, - she said.


    -Come with me, - said Billy.


    The young girl smiled mischievously, following Billy.


    [...]


    More or less, a representation of Billy in a Stargate suit.


    ...

 167. meanwhile.

    The gray Nissan, an ordinary model from the eighties, was parked in the farthest spot. The cold began to creep in, contrasting with the day''s warm weather, making the chilly night even more uncomfortable for those exposed to it.


    -I forgot my jacket, - said Mila.


    -I think I have a spare in the car, - said Billy.


    -You''re an idiot, give me your jacket, - said Mila. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Hahaha. Mila, you should be more direct, - said Billy, handing her the jacket. It looked way too big on Mila''s small frame. Billy approached and adjusted the jacket while zipping it up to her neck.


    -Better? - asked Billy.


    -Yes, - said Mila cheerfully.


    -Let''s go. I think we can stop by the gas station and grab a midnight snack. I don''t know if the hotel is closed at this hour, - said Billy.


    -Well, the girls invited me to Vegas, but I decided to stay. Tomorrow, I''m flying to France in the morning. My parents live there, and I''ve been away for four months. I can''t wait to get there; my parents will celebrate my birthday. Then, I''ll return, rinse and repeat, continue with the acting, - said Mila.


    -Your birthday! - exclaimed Billy.


    -Yes, I turned 21 on March 30. The crew shared a cake in my honor. You were so focused that you lost track. Kurt even brought a great gift to the studio - said Mila.


    -I''m sorry; it was a bit rude, - said Billy, opening the passenger door for Mila.


    -Well, you''re learning. You just need to be more perceptive, - said Mila, smiling, her black freckle standing out on her face when she stretched her cheeks.


    Billy smiled back, nodded at Mila''s words, gently closing the door, and contemplating Mila''s birthday. He checked the surroundings, and even the hotel''s toy store would open in the morning.


    -It''s so cold, - thought Billy as he got into the car.


    -Well, miss, within a thirty-kilometer radius, there''s a small roadside diner that''s open twenty-four hours. We can go have something for dinner. Would you like to join me? - asked Billy.


    -Sounds great to eat something other than cookies and packaged potato chips, - said Mila.


    -Are you French, born in Israel? - asked Billy.


    -I am. I started acting in Israel. My parents moved to France for work, and leaping to California was much easier. Now, with my lead roles, I''ve improved my prospects. I''ll buy a place and live in California next year, - said Mila.


    -I''m glad you''re thriving on American soil. I''m a Californian; you can find me anytime. Just give me a call, - said Billy.


    -Sure, - said Mila, squinting her eyes since Billy hadn''t given her his phone number, and she hadn''t given him hers. As an aspiring actress, having a phone number was a vital part of communication for any actor in a hurry to secure roles.


    -Is this your first play? - asked Mila.


    -As the protagonist, yes, although I''ve done a couple of voiceovers, participated in the Toy Story movie. Are you familiar with it? - Billy asked.


    -Who do you take me for? It''s been in the newspapers since Hanukkah; everyone talks about the incredible film that broke animation standards. My agent mentioned that many companies are interested in creating their movies, and dubbing work can be seen as a way to gain visibility, - Mila replied.


    Stretching her arms in a V shape while crossing her legs, Mila fiddled with the car''s heating. The night was freezing, and Mila was wearing a long white dress with matching sandals.


    -You should pay attention to your agent, - said Billy, parking at Juan''s gas station. - I''ll put some gas in the car; wait for me a second. -


    Mila nodded as she looked out into the air. Billy''s phone started ringing. Mila waited once, twice, and on the third ring, she decided to get out of the car, making sure to check the car keys. The worst thing that could happen was to get locked out, but the keys were still in the ignition.


    -Bill, they''re calling you on the phone, - Mila shouted with the window down.


    -Answer for me, - Billy said.


    Mila nodded. -Hello. -


    -Hello, who''s speaking? - asked the male voice.


    -Oh, hi. It''s just Mila; Bill is buying some things. If it''s urgent, you can call him in ten minutes or wait for him to return your call, - Mila said.


    -Tell him that his grandpa is indignant because his beloved grandson has been absent and hasn''t called in a month and a half, - said Richard Carson.


    -Sir, I''ll give him the message as soon as he returns, - Mila said, happily responding to the playful voice on the phone.


    -With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking? - asked Richard.


    -I''m Mila, but you, sir, haven''t given me the pleasure of knowing your name, - Mila said.


    -Richard. You can call me Richi affectionately or Grandpa, - said Richard Carson, with his usual sarcastic sense of humor. "Hahaha."


    -Richard is fine, sir, - said Mila.


    -Well, young lady, my grandson is a bit slow with women. The boy has only dedicated himself to work and study. Did he tell you he studies at Stanford? He''s one of the best in his class. Ah, my boy, unfortunately, he''s too polite, -Richard auspiciously said, pushing the boy to have a wonderful date with a wonderful young lady.


    -Americans, - though Mila as she watched how they teasingly left Billy on a joke.


    -, he''s a good boy, -Mila said.


    -Without further ado, I have to say goodbye. Tell him to call me when he has time for his grandpa, - Richard said, hanging up the phone.


    -I''ll be the first to tell him about his grandpa on the phone, - Mila said.


    -And his grandma, my dear Helen, wants to make him a meatloaf and take him to church, - Richard Carson added.


    -Hahaha, - Mila''s sweet voice lit up the call. - Well, I''ll talk seriously with Billy about not forgetting his grandma, and I''ll advise him that he can''t go another second without seeing his grandparents, - Mila said, pouting, as she normally did when exaggerating.


    -Jojojojo, hit him hard. That boy is a bird that comes and goes. He visits us, but only stays a week and forgets that his grandpa likes to barbecue on weekends and go to the rodeo. He''s a complete fool. One summer, I bought a special heifer to make the best lunch anyone could wish for, but it turns out he left for New York the next day, leaving me with all the work and no company, - Richard added.


    -It''s quite rude; we have to drag him forcibly. I''ll take care of it, - Mila said, playfully.


    -If you can do it, Helen will be so jealous that her little bunny brings a woman. We''ll have to prepare everything. Objectively speaking, she''s the most territorial person you could meet. But yes, if you manage to bring the boy, she''ll forgive him, - Richard said.


    -What are you doing? - Billy asked from the window.


    -Ahhhhpp, - Mila screamed, clutching her heart. -- You almost killed me, - she said.


    -I''m sorry, - Billy said.


    -I was talking to your grandpa, - Mila said, handing him the phone, which was turned off as they had hung up. Richard Carson had fled after complaining to what he thought was his grandson''s new girlfriend, who, in reality, was not very sociable.


    -I can''t hear anything, - Billy said, grabbing the phone. There was no one on the line.


    -He hung up! We were talking, - Mila said.


    -Grandpa is like that. I''ll call him later. We have to go eat at Roadside Dinner, - Billy said.


    They arrived in less than half an hour, so fast that Billy and Mila felt hungry.


    -I''m very hungry. I could eat ten plates of rice with vegetables, - Mila said.


    -Oh, a good piece of meat, - Billy said.


    -I don''t like meat much, but it would be fantastic, - Mila said. Both got out of the car, tired, and entered the restaurant with inherent fatigue. As they prepared to eat, Mila was taken completely by surprise when a strawberry cake for four appeared in front of Mila and Billy.


    Billy took out a card with nothing more than a "Happy Birthday" written on a Christmas green postcard. Mila''s eyes widened, and her cheeks lit up like yellow lights, silently captivated by the short and impromptu gift. In a second, Mila Avital looked at the waitress who served the cake, and in surprise, she tried to say something more but was silently captivated by the short and impromptu gift.


    -How did you manage this? - Mila asked, taking a bite of the strawberry cake, and savoring it silently.


    -I did what I had to. I bothered to order two special dishes, knowing your hunger. I wanted to surprise you with everything I had at my disposal, - Billy said.


    -I think you did surprise me. You acted so quickly and captivated me in a way that surprised me, - Mila said, expressing her emotions, affected by the serenity of the day.


    -After your birthday, what will you do? - Billy asked.


    -Finish my education. Ronald Emmerich hired me unexpectedly. I didn''t even know when I became part of this recording. When I got on the plane from New York, I cursed every second because I didn''t exactly know what I was doing and what movie would end up being made. You can say, ''lie!'' But it''s quite the opposite, - Mila said.


    Did you get the role without even auditioning? - Billy asked, surprised.


    -Yes, as you speak, it seemed pointless that in less than a night, I got the role, and well, everything has gone surprisingly well, more than expected, - Mila said.


    -What unexpected events, - Billy said, tasting the house specialty, a vegetable and meat sauce with rice, which was quite delicious, much tastier than he considered for a roadside restaurant.


    -Excuse me, can you bring me the menu? - Billy asked.


    -Of course, sir, - the employee said.


    Two laminated menus, plastered in off-white, a color matched with a meager menu.


    -Mila, would you like something to drink? - Billy asked.


    -Ahhh, I''d like an herbal tea, and if so, thank you very much for everything, - Mila said, toying with her fingers.


    -Of course, miss, - the waitress said.


    Have a pleasant evening.


    ...

 168. animation wrestling

    It became official; The Lion King trailer started airing on various television channels. There''s no skimping on advertising, and the Pixar 2D logo is undeniably eye-catching. The third movie from Pixar is catching the attention of many, presenting a competition only matched by Disney''s historical Victorian animation style of princesses and following the natural thread of representative stories.


    Both released on June 20th, it''s a box office battle that''s enviable in the eyes of fans and kids determined to see both stories. Contrary to Disney''s judgment, the lions are captivating, and the images of a friendly smiling lion have captivated many children.


    Out of the $95 million, $35 million was specifically allocated for The Lion King movie, from the production of numerous plush toys in the factories of Thailand to global promotion. Multiple channels highlighted The Lion King''s songs, the touching beginning, and an anthropic African song highlighting the savanna, culture, and wonder of animals.


    -Another success, - Billy mentioned to the hotel''s TV. He waited for an hour for the television while sketching episodes of Evangelion and Yuyu Hakushu.


    The door sounded with a soft knock, a silent tap. Billy''s suitcase was ready under the bed. He opened the door, and there was the smiling Mila, entering the room with another large dark blue suitcase.


    -Apparently, yesterday was the last day of filming, - Mila said.


    -It was. Mr. Ronald also said goodbye to me, -Billy said.


    -So, will you take me? My flight leaves at 5:00 pm, - Mila said.


    -Don''t worry. In two hours, on Route 95, we''ll get to Las Vegas. Have you had breakfast? - Billy said.


    Putting the white sheets into a black case, he then took Mila''s suitcase and placed it next to his.


    -Not yet. I was very tired yesterday, you know. I''m so tired that I don''t feel like making that trip. I prefer to go back to New York and rest for the remaining week, - Mila said.


    -Come on, let''s go down to eat. The hotel buffet will prepare us for Las Vegas, although we''ll have to take part in the journey by bus. After all, I have to return the car, - Billy said.


    -What bad luck, - Mila responded playfully.


    Billy grabbed Mila by the waist, inviting her to eat. Mila just rested her head on his shoulder for a brief moment before pulling away from the affectionate gesture. The latent affection between the two people, after dinner, some laughter, and Billy''s gestures, has impressed Mila.


    On the background television, The Lion King trailer started playing: the African sunrise, the movement of animals, the majestic waterfalls, zebras running, gazelles,he passed and elephants moving. The protagonists and antagonists appear, singing the Circle of Life song, closing with Rafiki lifting Simba, but the Circle of Life continues to play.


    ********************************************************* S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Universal Studios


    Frank Biondi Jr. reviewed the two attached trailers. In each of them, he could distinguish that Disney''s quality was present again. Frank Wells had approached him before his passing for the Oscars of Wallas & Growing. He didn''t know how much money they had spent, but it was a considerable sum. Now, with the struggle of a new movie, a minimum of four productions was needed to have a shot at the Best Animated Feature category.


    -Is this new animation company any good? - Fran Biondi questioned, primarily due to recent activity and Frank Wells''s curious request that had prompted this collective attitude. The defense of Lux Animation was brief and less persuasive.


    The Lion King trailer was in view, leaving many positions delighted with the intro of the song, a touching song that competes against the best musical productions of the moment.


    -They are remarkable. According to Universal group''s information sources, they are planning to venture into animated television, 2D animated films, and, most notably, their 3D movies, which already presupposes a sequel, - said Sid Sheinberg, a long-time executive of the Universal chain.


    -They have been very close to Amblin Entertainment. They have made two hires, with the latest one about to be released, - said Lew Wasserman.


    The room of ten men in suits, each with a strong personality, is successful in their industry. The rich tapestries and the large cedar table are undoubtedly elegant. Since 1993, Universal has been behind the scenes, watching Disney and Warner''s actions. Lux Animation has caused an expectation that is somewhat reluctant from some companies because Lux Animation doesn''t disrupt the interests of companies like Sony, Paramount, and Universal.


    -That''s correct. They requested help in terms of production and dubbing, which they paid for. Even from our standpoint, Amblin now also wishes to venture into an animated film, - said Jerry Longband, COO and a very accomplished horror film producer who, over time, shifted to office work.


    -With the box office success of our last releases, I propose that we enter the creation of our animated series. However, under this configuration, I want all of you to confirm the projection of this project that can be beneficial for our company, - said Frank Biondi Jr.


    Raising his hand to give way to one of the founders of Amblin Entertainment, who also compiled data on animation and the viability of the project, Kathleen Kennedy stood up. It was the second time she attended such a significant meeting, and she couldn''t help but feel pride coursing through her heart.


    -Thank you, Frank. First, I would like to explain about this new animation company, which certainly cannot be ignored. From my work as a producer at Amblin Entertainment and a producer on the two films produced by Lux Animation, I can see that the future in the creative industry is limitless, - said Kathleen,


    pointing to large, white panels containing some photos of Lux Comics'' facilities and some shots taken during the productions of Hercules and The Lion King. The pictures showed the wide windows of the Lux Comics factory and numerous desks decorated in random ways, plush toys, and some musical instruments, more resembling an artistic classroom than anything else.


    -From my perspective and that of Roy Rodden and Frank Marshall, this company is undoubtedly the most powerful force in animation I''ve seen in recent years. From the television channel to the pending projects, the work environment, and the air you breathe, creativity soars above everyone. The Lion King movie will be a total success, and I add that it will be considered one of the greatest animated films in the history of animation. Therefore, based on my research, the feasibility of creating an animated company is high. I even consider that we are late, as in the coming years, this Lux Animation company is fantastically visionary. Therefore, I propose the first condition: if we create an animation company, Universal Animation, in any case, I suggest that it be done in collaboration with Lux Animation, - Kathleen declared.


    The commotion began as Kathleen''s flattering words, backed by two other producers, raised alarms in a way that a simple newspaper article couldn''t. The person next to Kathleen, of Asian descent by appearance and Western descent by surname, Kim Jones, took the floor.


    -Why is this company so incredible? Let me tell you the story and creation of this company. The key figure is Billy Carson, an 18-year-old who started selling comics at the age of 12 in his garage. Our sources indicate that in the mid-1990s, they allied with Warner, Nike, and Dark Horse Comics. In less than six months, this company caught attention for its innovative stories and excellent visual quality. In 1991, although a specific date is not confirmed, they acquired Pixar from Steve Jobs. We believe that Lux Comics'' comic sales are in the millions due to the rapid growth they''ve achieved. This has frightened Warner and Disney, leading them to attempt business sabotage through entry bans, agencies, and production stances. However, that''s not enough to dismiss a company that has created so many successful series, - said Kim Jones, banging the board with titles of the most popular series like Slam Dunk, Evangelion, Yuyu Hakusho, Hellboy, Shaman King, Samurai Jack, and The Walking Dead.


    >>For an ordinary artist or creator, having a good story is fantastic, but you gentlemen are in the presence of one of the greatest writers and creators in history. All of his series are excellent, and his fans are numerous. It''s estimated that at least 1 in every 7 children reads Billy C.''s comics and the acronym of Billy Carson. In its growth, it has invested in the creation of series and movies, of which you know factual data about Hercules released in 1993, Toy Story in December 1993, and soon The Lion King in June 1994. -


    -This viral growth has established roots in the video game industry with the famous new video game company, ID Software. The influence, which we assume originated from Disney, extends beyond the video game industry, and the goodwill of this company is through the roof. Many people believe that if it''s done by Lux Animation, it''s good. The most vulnerable at the moment is Disney, a company that has always relied on children''s series. Although they have come up with good productions like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and ''The Last King,'' a film set to be released soon, they waver in the face of direct competition, - said Kim Jones.


    Kathleen Kennedy nodded in agreement with the categorical research on the operation and expansive growth of Lux Comics.


    -Tell me, Kim, will they venture into television? - asked Sid Sheinberg.


    -They will. By October of this year, 1994, the Lux Animation channel will go on air, and we don''t know the impact or quality of the series they will premiere. But so far, the legion of animators has created at least 6 to 7 series, productions of excellent quality, - said Kim Jones.


    The quick overview is that Lux Animation, under Kim Jones''s scrutiny and some others, has set the stage for the world of animation. How they expanded everything under animated brands generates a sense of discomfort for people in the industry due to rapid growth. Although some companies dismiss their growth due to the pressure from Warner and Disney, the future of a company that could be considered among the Big Seven creates repulsion.


    What has caused insecurity and overshadowed the union of Steven Spielberg and David Geffen? They are already working on the creation of DreamWorks Pictures.


    Kim Jones finished speaking, his strong features were practical for this type of informational meeting.


    Kathleen Kennedy nodded at the summary. - Thank you, Kim. The analysis is that the roots of Lux Animation are driven by one person, and that''s Billy Carson. This kid has extraordinary talent, and there''s something that John Lasseter himself jokingly says because he considers Billy Carson the next Walt Disney. A person with such ambition cannot be simply bought with a few dollars. I believe that creating our animation studio or making an acquisition can help us establish cooperation with Billy Carson while creating our own stories, - said Kathleen Kennedy, concluding with all the gathered information and her stance on creating a subsidiary for an animated channel.


    -Do you confirm the creation of our animated film production company? - Lew Wasserman asked.


    -Yes, and I envision cooperation with Billy Carson. We are entrepreneurs; we can earn good money. Although cooperation is discouraged by Warner, who has fostered a suspicious state due to the severed relationships, and beyond that, the lawsuits have also caused some caution, - said Kathleen.


    -Do you know anything about Rob? - Jerry Longband asked Sid Sheinberg, the recent director of Warner.


    -Nothing new, - he replied.


    ...

 169. adjustments.

    May 2


    The offer made by Steve Parks and Raimon reached its destination at Paramount offices��an astonishing offer of 40 million for the creation of a Stark Trek series under the Lux Animation banner. Not far away, the offer sparked discussions among Paramount''s staff, who had no prior idea of handing the series to this comics company.


    The company received the notification on April 28 and responded the next day with a counteroffer of 80 million dollars. Ingeniously, Steve Parks and Raimon created an attractive proposal to ensure it wouldn''t be rejected.


    A broad flag to create the feeling of endearment they seek is the birth of an idea in the heads of their competitors. From there, the response will be identified with what they most desire to achieve, beyond a bonus. The motives of Steve and Raimon themselves are the goal and the challenge of securing something substantial.


    Summary:


    The Offer:


    S~ea??h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Counteroffer:


    ...


    The two-day dialogue was leaked to the company, leading to a collective breakfast of conspiracies and the new franchise picture on papers for November 10, 1994. The new film series is expected to achieve forced success, and exposure is just another crucial means for the companies'' ends. Counteroffers number 3, 5, and 6 were on the table. By May 2, 1994, the activity was effervescent, causing a stir among some fan groups and in the entertainment industry��something commonplace.


    But in regional circulation, the news was out, even the zealous George Lucas raised an eyebrow at the audacity of this company.


    -I''m surprised it played out exactly as you planned, - Anne Hall said, looking at the three regional and national newspapers. The damage was evident in George Lucas''s eyes due to the cessation of negotiations. However, after the fiasco and the blame game, the negotiations stalled, and it seemed to be over.


    -Everything was according to our plan, - said Steve Parks, in his finely tailored blue suit, adorned with a set of silk handkerchiefs. Although he liked wool, the heat of San Jose had prevented him from wearing it.


    -It''s magnificent how these entertainment maneuvers unfold. Do you have any new insights into Macmillan Publishing? Mr. Thomas has already submitted the papers for the Writers Foundation, and the money is earmarked. I see that this will help us with some promissory notes. Insane amounts of taxes are being paid, even when we donate to charity, - Anne remarked.


    -I have them right where I want them. Although I imposed tougher conditions than Billy initially mentioned, I know he wants a strong relationship with writers and scriptwriters. I don''t blame him; his ideas alone cannot be enough to create a television channel, - said Steve Parks.


    To which Anne nodded, adjusting her tortoiseshell-framed glasses, and looked at Raimon, who laughed from the waiting room chair like a fool. But she couldn''t help but admire him for the Machiavellian plan he had executed.


    -Raimon! - Anne exclaimed.


    Raimon stumbled in surprise, almost falling off the chair.


    -Yes. -


    -Have you discussed the situation with Billy? - Anne asked. She was aware of how Raimon called Billy every day to update him on the company''s affairs. Moreover, Billy''s passive language allowed Raimon to meddle more due to their existing relationship.


    -Of course not. It''s a surprise. Dealing with George Lucas is a mess. It''s better to buy Star Wars and let Billy take charge. His talent is unparalleled, and the proposals he has are fabulous. Since Billy started using Warhammer 40k and Dungeons & Dragons, three new books, deluxe boards, and the proposal for online boards. - Raimon said, holding the latest volume of Evangelion in his hand��a powerful story that has captivated him. Even his laughter is caused by the excessive surprise of the comic and how it goes beyond his thoughts, ultimately surprising him.


    Steve Parks only calmed down in the presence of the great boss, a boy with a prophetic vision. -Billy is certain that George will eventually give in. Our main goal is not Lucasfilm; it''s Star Wars. -Steve Parks said.


    -So... - Anne hesitated due to the lack of knowledge.


    -Well, George Lucas values his company, but we value the identity we can gain from Lucasfilm. We proposed for the entirety of the company. Billy knows that creating a special effects company is cumbersome, but for Billy, having special effects is simple and only requires money, work, and contacts. We can even copy a series with the future of Star Wars. And thanks to the mistake of Lucas''s receptionist, the offer relationship is not for a franchise; it''s for Lucasfilm. This will subsequently unnerve Lucas by exposing George''s uncertainty. We will license Star Wars or make a partial purchase of the series��a 50%-50% split on the copyright of Lucasfilm. - Steve Parks explained.


    -Clearly, it''s inconclusive for now. You can go and give me the news of the purchase much later. This matter gives me a terrible headache, something I dislike. - Anne said.


    -Your strong stance bewilders me, Anne, but you must relax your shoulders and trust your team. - Steve Parks said, leaving the room.


    Raimon followed him with some fear because there Anne was, reviewing some orders or ideas that would not be very good, like giving her more work than already budgeted.


    The company was in its broadest growth, seeking a Chief Operating Officer, a television assistant, and a dedicated director to organize the TV channel. Alongside other positions such as advertising, administration, marketing, and logistics, and expanding human resources. The delivery of the four-story grand building is scheduled for July. The purchase of equipment, along with the parabolic contracts to air the television channel, as well as hiring a specialist group to create films, was the total separation�� one group dedicated to movies and another to series.


    -Raimon, before you go, send Felicity in here to discuss the channel matter, and please, finalize the stock deal for this week. - Anne said from her desk.


    Raimon nodded, his curly but completely straight hair swaying with pleasure at Anne''s words. His hefty frame moved toward the exit, magazine in hand, humming his own tune for an Evangelion song about the current changes and how to predict the next chapter, set to be distributed next month.


    ...

 170. end of recordings.

    There was Billy, a bit awake and a bit half-asleep, due to the many good times he had enjoyed in these small hours. Is it chemistry? Or friendship? What is it that makes him enjoy his moments with Mila, a person more willing to dialogue, laughter, and tranquility? It''s pointless to overthink, but the thought keeps crossing his mind when he sees Mila, so cheerful, eating tacos. The salsa smears her face, but for Billy, she couldn''t be more beautiful.


    [14 points of emotion]


    -Stop laughing at me. - Mila said, hitting the table, reacting to Billy''s almost mocking laughter as he watched her get messy with Mexican food and its excess dripped fruit juice that drips from the meal.


    -It''s hilarious, Mila. Mexican food breaks all your manners like a cold knife, - Billy said, in front of the small run-down Mexican restaurant, -- The Best Tacos in Las Vegas. -- The name and appearance caught their attention.


    -It''s not my first time, but the excess grease in these tacos is beyond my tolerance, -- Mila said, biting into the cheese and birria tortilla with hot sauce. -- Although I still prefer other types of food. When you''re in New York, visit me. You''ll experience good gastronomy, - Mila added.


    The restaurant was filled with truckers and some Latinos; the lively music captured Billy''s heart, reminding him of the cheerful Spanish atmosphere and the tapas he ate at a street vendor in front of a square after workdays. A festive and contagious atmosphere; the locals shouted their orders and the old lady responded with insults but eventually took their orders.


    [23 points of gratitude]


    -You speak Spanish, - Mila said, surprised.


    -Don''t you know? - Billy replied, trying to downplay the situation.


    But Mila''s gaze, along with her unique way of seeing beyond a man''s words, expressed that she understood what Billy hadn''t said, and her mind was running like a machinist.


    -Well, another secret uncovered from Billy Darwin, - Mila said, adding the "Billy," making him almost choke on his food.


    -You''re a seasoned investigator. Please allow me to extend my impression, - Billy said.


    -Oh, good sir, I accept your gesture with pride. Let''s celebrate our glorious meeting with a toast, - Mila said, lifting the Coca-Cola she had next to her with her characteristic laughter.


    Billy clinked his drink.


    [You''ve gained 5 points of admiration]


    Somewhat puzzled by the points that kept coming with force, Billy was surprised. - I''ll go to New York in May, a three-day getaway. I have a work friend''s ceremony and a small comic convention, and I must attend. Let''s schedule a meeting; it''s always so pleasant to spend time with you, - Billy said, approaching Mila, leaning forward, and Mila approached, capturing the unique grace of an intimate moment seldom seen and resolved in some people.


    "Of course, you have my phone number added. I''ll be available for you anytime, just make sure to call me with some notice. I work as a waitress, but with the money I earn, I can live for a while, although my father recommends saving," Mila said.


    Billy just smiled, captivated by the girl''s simplicity.


    They both left the restaurant to feel the strong heat. The strong wind from the fans made them feel the sun more when they stepped outside. "Come on, we have a flight to catch. My flight leaves in the morning, but Miss, you have to make it to a birthday party," Billy said.


    They walked slowly to the bus stop, both wearing two fishing hats they bought at Juan''s gas station. Mila walked slowly behind him, following Billy''s steps. They took the bus, which took two hours to reach their destination. At some point during the journey, Mila fell asleep due to exhaustion. Billy could only serve as a pillow.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 31,212


    Literature: 30,530


    Performance: 30,302


    Points: 90]


    [Art Store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack 15 points: Finished.Hellboy 22 points. 1993: Finished.Slam Dunk. 30 points 1990.Yu Yu Hakusho. 40 points. 1992.Dexter''s Laboratory. 21 points 1994.Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers 25 points.Pinky and the Brain 15 points 1992: Finished, animated short stories.Animatics 1992. 15 points: Pinky and the Brain spin-off.Johnny Bravo 15 points 1994: Published, in hands.Rurouni Kenshin 25 points 1994.Evangelion 20 points 1994.Doom 15 points. 1993: Published by Billy.The Lion King 30 points. 1991: Published by Billy.Hercules. 15 points 1997: Published by Billy.Shaman King. 1997. 20 points.The Iron Giant. 15 points. Published.Power Rangers. 20 points. Published two volumes.Trigun 15 points. 1995.The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 15 points. 1996. Published.Wolfenstein 3D. 1993, 15 points.Toy Story: 1995, 25 points.Recess: 1995 10 points.Game of Thrones: 1996, 30 points.Ice Age: 1997 25 points.Serial Experiments Lain. 1998, 15 points.The Walking Dead, 1995. 20 points.Billy and Mandy, 20 points.Hey Arnold, 20 points.Gargoyles, 15 points.Robot Jones. 10 points.Mee and Puffy. 10 points.The Scares. 8 points.Pokemon. 65 points.Tomb Raider. 25 points.Crash, 25 points.Cowboy Bebop, 25 points.Fate series - 40 points.Jeanne d''Arc 10 points.One Piece �C 60 points.


    ��.


    Reviewing the latest series purchase, Billy delved into the majestic work of One Piece. Even after mentally reviewing what Eiichiro Oda had written, his mind couldn''t help but be astonished by the magnificent work. A work that would surely break all standards. Billy had managed to produce three preview chapters in the last few days, planning to release the series Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, and Fate series for this year''s work.


    Mila started to grumble in her sleep, and Billy could only watch as Mila spoke while she slept. The blind streets were empty of people as the exhausting heat kept them indoors. Cats and dogs were sprawled on the ground in front of entrances, totally asleep. The bus carried a dozen people, all dressed in summer clothes, even though it wasn''t officially summer yet.


    -Come on, Mila, we''ve arrived, - Billy said, gently waking Mila. Her cheek was red, and her hair was tousled. Half-asleep, she nodded as Billy took Mila''s suitcases and carried them with him. She followed him, still half asleep, and the air-conditioning at the airport woke her up.


    It was 2:30, two hours before Mila''s flight to New York.


    -Come with me; there''s something I''ve wanted to buy you, - Billy said, taking her hand.


    -Buy me something...no, wait, it''s enough for me not to know the details, - Mila said.


    Billy approached her and hugged her. - I''ve imagined seeing you in a beautiful blue dress with white edges, something that highlights your beautiful eyes, - Billy said.


    The single sentence left Mila speechless. She didn''t expect such a romantic gesture. She tried to refuse but could only follow Billy, who took her hand to a Gap store. The spring and summer season collection was there.


    -Try this one; you''ll look beautiful, - Billy said, handing her a long blue dress with embroidery and an emerald green dress with flower patterns. Mila was a size 6, but it was a bit big on her, so it needed some adjustment. However, both dresses looked beautiful on the petite Mila.


    [3 points of gratitude]


    -We''ll take both, - Billy said to the saleswoman, who just smiled at Mila.


    -You must stop doing this, but thank you, - Mila said, wearing the green dress, which revealed a hint of her beautiful legs and her figure, transitioning from a young girl to a woman. Her pronounced hips and the classic curly style added to her charm.


    [2 points of gratitude]


    -We''ll see each other at the premiere, - Mila said.


    -I''ll be there, and we might run into each other before. I have to attend a big meeting in May, or well, this comic convention, only a few obsessed fans will attend, - Billy said sarcastically, referring to the upcoming event where legendary figures in the comic world would gather. The loss of Jack Kirby in 1994 had to be compensated, making attendance obligatory for those who knew the icon in the comic world. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [2 points of gratitude]


    -I''ll be delighted, - Mila said, walking to the boarding gate, with recurring thoughts about the wonderful day and many more to come.


    Billy checked the new request, observing Mila''s departure. The notifications kept coming, one after another, without rest, and this had been happening since morning. What would happen? Was it another extraordinary event beyond his grasp, or perhaps something he couldn''t comprehend?


    ...

 171. road

    may 2.


    Mila handed over her boarding pass. The beautiful girl stood out like a colorful butterfly in a gray office. Some men couldn''t help but stare at the girl lost in her daydreams. The farewell was brief and simple, but Mila''s dreamy appearance could suggest otherwise. As she floated above the others, it was a sign that the melancholy of love had knocked on her door. In the airplane seat, she sighed charmingly, catching the attention of her seatmate, an older woman with only a few grays in her otherwise black hair.


    The brief goodbye between Mila and Billy. Billy pondered while thinking about the things he had to do; making the most of time is always something to do when you have a thousand things to do.


    -Must be wonderful, - said the woman, her lipstick-red lips and a strong facade giving her the appearance of a businesswoman.


    -Excuse me, - Mila said, coming out of her daydream.


    -The boy who makes you sigh. I think the last time I sighed like that was when my ex-husband cleaned the house. It must be wonderful for you not to notice that you''re in the wrong seat. By the way, call me Hazel, - the woman said.


    -I... I''m so sorry, - Mila said, checking her seats. Indeed, she sat in seat 23B when her place was 22 B.


    -Don''t worry; I couldn''t help but be surprised at first. But then I saw your printed happiness and decided to move aside. You know, it''s comforting to see that youthful love, - Hazel said.


    The plane didn''t take long to take off. Mila watched the emptiness vanish with memories of a recording, a job that didn''t seem like a job, and the memories of her evenings with Bill Darwin, who initially seemed like just another person, indifferent to the entire casting and ignoring anyone who approached him. But mysteriously, his talent was undeniable, the naturalness to portray Daniel Jackson and his peculiarities were top-notch for Mila, who had played some roles, and even in acting school, Billy stood out.


    -I think he''s a very interesting guy, but I doubt our future relationship. Hollywood is one of the biggest barriers, and she knows the particular problems of the showbiz world, - Mila said.


    Hazel''s eagle-like eyes shook their heads. - Girl, you''re beautiful. If that boy doesn''t jump for you after two drinks, let them take my house, - she said.


    ***************************************************


    Ring. -


    Billy calls Anne Hall.


    -Anne. It''s me, Billy, - the boy said from a seat at the airport, tapping the floor with his right foot in something akin to urgency. He had many things to do in the next few hours, like checking his sports bets and how many had dared; a $300,000 bet wasn''t a joke.


    -Billy, nice to meet you. I assume there''s no problem with the flight scheduled for tomorrow, - Anne said.


    -No... no problem. I was just wondering if there''s any extraordinary event with the comic sales, - Billy said.


    Anne sighed, thinking he would ask about Lucasfilm.


    -Oh well, Evangelion was mentioned in The New York Times and some other newspapers two days ago. It''s one of the best comic stories since 1970, and the positive reviews have generated some attention from the press and fans. Also, our latest release yesterday sold 323,000 copies in an afternoon, according to our sources, but it hasn''t been confirmed if it''s more or less. Besides, the trailer for The Lion King, and of course, next week, some of our series will be up for review, - Anne said.


    Trying to steer the conversation towards the monetary side and forget the hit from Lucasfilm.


    -Thanks, Anne. I made the bets a few weeks ago; I''ll see what I can get out of it. I''ll be in touch, but we can continue with the usual procedure, - Billy said. sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Anne''s cheeks puffed up as she took a breath. Faced with Billy''s irresponsible behavior. - You should pay attention and not think that money can solve everything, - Anne said.


    -Forgive me, Anne, but we''ll make a lot of money as we usually do. This time, I was more cautious than last year. I think I''m building a reputation in sports,- Billy said


    -Very amusing. Tomorrow you''ll have to be present at the meeting with Christopher Tolkien, and make sure to let Raimon take the lead; he''s worked hard for this, along with Steve Parks. Also, I''ve already hired the inkers, editors, and letterers; seven have confirmed, and I''m waiting for two more. But the pay per day is good, so I don''t think there will be any stragglers among the confirmed, - Anne said.


    -You''re my savior. How are Margot and Felicity? - Billy asked.


    -All good. Margot is heaven; my paperwork has never been more organized, and I think I have more time for important things. As for Felicity, she''s under Rachel''s care while she adapts to the position. But you were right; the task system is perfect. Her last report comparing the best toy stores in San Jose was exquisite, and she proposed some insightful ideas, - Anne said.


    -I''m glad to hear that. Say hello to Raimon for me and tell him to clear his evening. I have a new comic I want him to look at; it''s something fantastic, and I need some opinions, - Billy said.


    Anne nodded. - He''ll be delighted. After all, he''s the first to read all your volumes. I even think he keeps a more accurate count of your publications than Mr. Gorman, - Anne said, half in laughter, half in annoyance.


    -Thanks, Anne. Remind me to give you a raise at the end of the year, - Billy said.


    Anne shook her head, considering the Lucasfilm debacle. - Ha, some long vacations would be nice, regarding the salary, - Anne said.


    She already earned a very good salary, and even after paying all her bills, there was money left. Last year, she paid off her house with the $10,000 bonus given by Billy for her excellent work, with the help of the company''s real estate advisor.


    -In June, it''s vacation time for Lux Nation animators, but you can set aside a few days in December for a vacation. Anyway, Hotel Para��so will always welcome you gladly, - Billy said.


    Anne felt a bit uneasy at Billy''s joke, considering her mistake and understanding. - I have to work. But, I''ll plan something with the family, - Anne said.


    Hotel Para��so, even with constant zero-cost invitations for animators and company members, continued to turn a profit. It was surprising how much money hotels brought in during these times.


    Billy left the airport; everything was finished, and only his curiosity about how the $300,000 bet on Brazil winning the 1994 World Cup had turned out remained.


    -Excuse me, are you free? - Billy said to a taxi driver who was completely distracted. Since it was a weekday, the airport wasn''t as chaotic as on weekends or during festive seasons.


    -Oh, yes, come in, - the taxi driver said, looking at the young man.


    The journey was short. Billy gave precise instructions to avoid the taxi driver taking the longest route. - What brings you around here? -the driver asked.


    -Believe it or not, business, - Billy said.


    -I see, I see, - the driver said, somewhat doubtful since the address was a casino. However, seeing the young man''s semi-formal attire, he didn''t deny the assertion.


    As Billy ordered, the taxi driver quickly took him to the casino. Like a quick bet, he continued his way as the time to see how well the bet had been placed had arrived. It wasn''t a surprise that there were six bets online.


    ...

 172. the business world revolves in the air

    May 3.


    The plan.


    Since 1992, the process of establishing a foundation for writers, illustrators, and creators has been underway. The initial steps were taken in early 1993 with the hiring of scriptwriters to enhance the Lux Comics series. Subsequently, ghostwriters were hired to publish books for the company''s series, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, and Hellboy, which have been under the hands of Mike Richardson, Mike Mignola, and Thomas Lumber. The foundation will subsidize some unrecognized writers who will be part of the organization.


    Writers who are part of Tor Books, currently under the label, include Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman, Terry Goodkind, and Anne McCaffrey.


    One of Lux Comics'' primary demands is the acquisition of the Lord of the Rings franchise, including The Hobbit and many other books from the company. For better or worse, Billy has mentioned his intention to acquire this franchise.


    The history and tracking of copyright have caused some discontent for Steve Parks, who had to trace the rights holder and negotiate with him. For now, Steve Parks has entered into a one-year negotiation with Saul Zaents, who acquired the rights from United Artists in 1969. The initial agreement with Christopher Tolkien covers various aspects, from delivering high-quality hardcover books to producing small comics narrating stories of unfinished tales. Despite not having the 2000s boom, the deal includes characters beloved by fans.


    -Good afternoon, Mr. Zaents, - said Steve Parks in a Moroccan caf��. Mr. Zaents is on vacation, and to Steve Parks'' dissatisfaction, he chose another warm location.


    -Mr. Parks, what a pleasure. Having finalized our negotiations, only the most important thing remains: fixing the price, - Zaents said.


    -Something that bothers me, but so be it. Please tell me about your new product. I have high expectations for the film adaptation of ''The English Patient,'' - said Steve Parks.


    Since 1992, Zaents acquired the rights to the novel ''The English Patient,'' and the production project has been on the air. However, the investment is low, and Zaents'' preference for making a wonderful film with a strong cast to capture the grace of the novel has displeased some investors unwilling to bet their money on such a film.


    -Oh, Steve, you know my price. Even our formalities are obvious. You know I''m willing, as long as Lux Animation sponsors my film, - said Saul Zaents.


    -So, the price of rights, - Steve Parks asked, eager to finalize a value for the contract, growing impatient with Saul, who was a fox in business dealings and tended to exasperate and win in this type of back-and-forth. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Hahaha. Come on, Steve, we''re friends. We agreed that a $20 million investment in my film ''The English Patient,'' with Lux Animation sponsoring my investment, will allow you to distribute it under your distribution label. I''ll keep 10% of the profits and a $1 million salary as a producer. You''ll immediately have the film rights to ''The Lord of the Rings,'' - Saul Zaents said.


    -7%, Saul, and a $1.5 million salary. Plus, we''ll do everything possible to make the production wonderful. We have an additional producer who will coordinate expenses and the team during filming, but we''re willing to invest a little more in advertising and delivering the best film. Also, the boss has approved the request, - Steve Parks said.


    -Deal, we have a deal. But how much more would the investment be? - Saul asked.


    -An extra $5 million for production and distribution. As long as the production starts next year while we secure the money. You can start assembling a team to begin filming in mid-next year, - Steve Parks said.


    Unintentionally, the first non-animated Lux Comics movie had been greenlit��a revelation that went against the normal efforts of Lux Animation, which already had the producer label in its hands and could create and distribute films.


    -I''m glad to do business with you. So, let the rest follow its course, - Saul said, giving his final approval. Closing the deal, Steve Parks made the call, and in less than 10 minutes, the contract was at hand. Saul signed, and Steve Parks signed, feeling completely relieved, something that would alleviate his growing mistake with the unheard silence of George Lucas, who showed more wisdom than initially seemed


    Saul laughed heartily, completely happy. Steve Parks shook his head, but playing along is what''s needed in these moments to strengthen the relationship with Saul Zaents. In the 10-minute journey, not only had the agreement been signed, but the well-organized Lux Animation team had taken control, and the recent guest, Christopher Tolkien, was visiting the Lux Animation headquarters.


    ************************************************


    Raimon received the green light for the purchase of the film rights, and all that remained was to lead Christopher through the intricate path at Lux Animation.


    -This is my favorite place��the video game area we have in the company, - said Raimon resolutely.


    -Something novel for an administrative company, - said Christopher.


    -It is. We aim to serve the service. Only an ideal environment can allow people to let their imaginations soar or work as they should. There''s the sales department, the human resources department, the analysts and accountants, and, of course, my workplace��the Operations Department. The CEO of the company is Anne Hall, who is currently handling some paperwork. On the other hand, we hired an accounting and rights company. The third floor is the animation, production, and recording area, - said Raimon.


    -This is the boardroom, - said Raimon. Trained at the back of Mr. Tolkien, the hope of generating cooperation depends on the approval of this gentleman.


    -It''s a very... modern company, - said Christopher, filling spaces.


    Raimon listened and took a seat beside Mr. Tolkien. In a second, through the main door, entered Billy Carson, radiating his boss aura. Even Mr. Tolkien couldn''t deny the character of the young man, as he greeted appropriately and sat next to Raimon Green, responding with only a reassuring smile.


    -So, this is the first time we have had the opportunity to meet. Thank you very much for coming to Lux Animation. I''m Billy Carson, the owner of the company, and it''s a pleasure to see you here today. We have many things to discuss, but it''s better to dedicate our present time to the contract, - said Billy.


    -Of course. I''ve come to visit the future of writing, - said Christopher reluctantly, echoing the words of Steve Parks. But the sophisticated company, along with the foundation label and recent public negotiations with McMillan, has provided assurance.


    -As stated in previous meetings, the diversification of the Lord of the Rings series is proposed for cinema, television, and animation production., - read Raimon.


    To which Mr. Tolkien nodded.


    -But before that, we want the world of Middle-earth to become a franchise under Lux Animation. You, as the editor of your father''s posthumous books and head of the literary circle, we want you to join us as the head of our literary label and cooperate with us in content creation, - said Raimon, somewhat confused by the agreement that followed Billy''s somewhat strange implementations for this era. It is the reading of a glossed contract with multiple obligations and rights, such as the gains to be acquired under the tutelage of Lux Animation.


    -As for the literary rights, we agree on a traditional contract, along with permission to create illustrated editions, luxury editions, and special editions of each book, along with permission to publish your father''s posthumous books. Marketing, negotiation, and communication from both parties for the creation and expansion of the world are valued. While the film bureau will address different requirements, we are willing as a company to make million-dollar investments to satisfy the poetic vision, as long as it aligns with reality. Profits will be based on net profits, with each film contributing 5% to the gains, - said Raimon.


    The reading and discussion continued for a while. What was the most important clause? Penalty or breach clauses, the party that breached the contract or terminated the contract would have to pay 30% of the contract value. The contract value was assessed on a carefully planned list of future investments in three Lord of the Rings movies, two Hobbit movies, an animated series of 25 episodes, and another series. Linked to another contract signed a month ago, a private contract where Lux Animation committed to making a $200 million investment


    -Your rights are clear, and, of course, being part of our foundation for writers, a special foundation that seeks to expand the boundaries of fantasy and science fiction, - said Raimon calmly.


    Christopher nodded, as Steve Parks had already discussed extensively with him about the expectations for the series created by his father and the prospects of creating very successful enterprises. On the contrary, this can only be analyzed by the ferocity of time travel, which knows the details of the future, and Billy has already aimed for six series to be the pillars of his company: Slamdunk, One Piece, Warhammer, Middle-earth, and Game of Thrones. What''s missing? Some of these have not yet been fully acquired, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Isaac Asimov''s Foundation, and Ender''s Game.


    -It''s a pleasure for us to work with you. I will be attentive to producing the illustrated editions you have requested. Do you have any specific artists in mind? - asked Raimon, who, for the first time, saw the enthusiasm of Mr. Tolkien over time.


    -Well, I liked many artistic illustrations from a Scotsman who has an unprecedented skill with the brush, - said Christopher.


    -Let''s hire him. Have him do an initial job for The Hobbit, and then continue with all the books if you wish. In the coming months, we will revitalize the series your father created with new releases. We will attract the attention of quite a few, - said Billy.


    Thinking about the campaign that would revolve around England, the United States, and Canada, the recruitment of writers was a done deal, as was the hiring of less-favored screenwriters by the industry.


    For now, all that''s left is to wait for enough time for the other writers to settle into the area, thought Billy.


    ...

 173. intervals

    May 4.


    Billy and Raimon were together as Mr. Tolkien walked towards the exit after a lengthy meeting��the final meeting to solidify the relationship with the Tolkien family in the process of creation and animation. The negotiation for the purchase of the film rights was still ongoing, with only The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings secured. However, strengthening ties was just the beginning of the negotiation.


    -It was a long and tiring job, - said Raimon, trying to break the ice, as he too was surprised by Billy''s arrival.


    -How''s everything going? - asked Raimon.


    -As well as it could be. We wrapped up filming two days ago. I came to get up to speed on what has happened in the past few months. I''ve been told you''ve had a lot on your plate, from the building delivery to the Lucasfilm negotiation, the purchase of Tor Books, and the negotiations for franchises and animated series, - replied Billy, nodding.


    Initially, the purchase of the film rights for The Lord of the Rings closed at 26 million dollars, but it''s more of an investment that can be recovered with The English Patient, even if it fails, it will only add to the predicted trilogy''s investment. The purchase of Tor Books closed at 8 million dollars, with a service contract payment to McMillan for distribution, advertising, and hiring services.


    Investments in Pixar, five million dollars to improve the computing process, have occupied and dried up Lux Animation''s coffers, which are still waiting for the 95 million dollars the bank will disburse. This will be used to cover the final expenses of The Lord of the Rings and the purchase of a distribution company. Specifically, a distribution company in the European, Asian, and Oceanian regions.


    However, this is not what is needed since the children''s sector tends to be quite light. The expansion of the distribution industry will now be reinforced in the American, Canadian, and European zones, starting in English-speaking countries.


    -I saw that quite a few of Brandon Choi''s friends arrived. Are they here for something? - asked Raimon.


    -Not at all. I only hired seven assistants for two days to help me finalize the last chapters of Evangelion and Yu Yu Hakusho. They are transcribing my drafts and adding the necessary color and design while we talk. I plan to publish another series, which I hope will be a bestseller, - said Billy.


    -I thought you had an audition for another movie, - said Raimon.


    -I do, but I was chosen for the final two filters. Two producers from Sony Pictures liked my skills a lot, and they are expecting me on May 11th. Meanwhile, I''ll use the time to advance the series with this group of editors, - said Billy.


    -That sounds fantastic. The last chapter was a bit heavy. For a moment, I thought you were going to write something happy, but you dashed my hopes with the latest details, which are, among many things, terrifying, - said Raimon.


    Walking with Billy towards his office, passing by Margot, Anne''s secretary, and Anne, who is the director of Lux Animation and coordinates with most people to keep the company running smoothly.


    They walked into Jim Lee''s room, or what had previously been his room. He had taken a new direction with his own publishing company called Wildstorms Productions, using the money saved and earned during his months at Lux Comics. Eight people, including some editors, inkers, and writers, were working on books with great care, three at a time. The process was beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Concentration was evident on their faces, and Billy was more than sure that the 5-day deadline was more than enough with this large production group.


    -Now, this is the team that will be responsible for creating the upcoming comics. I brought eleven almost-ready drafts for inking and correction. Now it''s just a matter of them taking care of the work while I focus on creating new releases for the summer season, - said Billy.


    -I see. Have you received the sales report? This year, we''re making a comeback in comic sales, and our sales have doubled for series like Slam Dunk and Evangelion, - said Raimon. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -The results are pleasing. We''re a bit short on money, - the young man approached to see a product that was almost finished, and it was as perfect as he could imagine. These individuals already had a lot of work in the production of these series. Raimon just did some mental calculations in his head.


    -It''s nice. Last month we surpassed 2 million in sales. We''re among the most successful comic companies in the United States, and we''ll likely surpass Marvel and DC if the sales peak remains stable, - said Raimon. The average always hovered around 1.2 million copies for all series, but this increase had reached 2 million, and the mark kept rising, with reprints and Jim Lee''s departure, the production could even reach 3 million without repercussions.


    -Come on, I have to keep drawing, and I have some extra questions I need to know. My new series is like a beacon of light; I think it will be one of the best series I''ll create, - said Billy.


    -I''m already excited, - said Raimon.


    Leaving the inkers'' office.


    -Any news about Lucasfilm? - Billy asked, stroking his chin. He would have to do many activities during these days off, and George Lucas was one of them.


    -Nothing new, but we believe that sometime between this month and the next, we''ll get some answers from Mr. Lucas. Although I think Steve Parks is wrong, and George Lucas will come when he finds out about our great success, The Lion King, - said Raimon.


    -No delays. It would hurt to lose that golden goose, but there are many other ways to make money, - said Billy calmly. Knowing that only haste would bring fatigue, they entered the room, and there were three notebooks��the three main notebooks. He improved the beginning and added Chapter 0, which tells the story of Shiki Lion, along with the appointment of some members of Shanks'' crew, who looked more detailed this time.


    -Wow, -  said Raimon, seeing a mysterious story because of the many secrets it hid��many names and, as always, exquisite work.


    -I think I''ll wait until there are 20 chapters, but I''ll give it a good review, - said Raimon.


    -You''d be surprised if I told you I have 1,500 chapters planned, - said Billy.


    Raimon''s widened eyes were enough to make Billy laugh, who could only wait for what the future held.


    ...

 174. emblems.

    May 6.


    The cool nights of San Jose are satisfying in contrast to the hot days. Billy was sketching the seventh chapter of the One Piece series and continued narrating. The drawing was done with considerable precision, and the delivery of ten One Piece chapters doesn''t seem as impossible as Billy initially thought. The series of Samurai X and Shaman King will be paused to make room for Cowboy Bebop and One Piece.


    -This Devil Fruit thing is quite interesting, and that Haki stuff is limitless. So many things could happen on your journey, though you should explore another power, -said Raimon.


    -We plan to use science, kendo, and physical skills with tradition. Currently, there are already four different forms, but there are still many others that can be utilized, - said Billy. He wasn''t lying; the story had many elements and power-ups for some exceptional individuals.


    -So, it''s a very long story, - said Raimon, somewhat incredulous. Billy''s series was already a bit lengthy compared to comics, which usually ran for 10 to 15 volumes. Billy creates sequential stories of 150 chapters and counting, which surprises readers, especially in the United States, as they are not so accustomed to linear series in this era.


    -It will be. I''ll do at least 1500 chapters, - said Billy.


    -That''s ambitious, - said Raimon, who paused. - For Star Wars, do you have similarly ambitious plans? -


    -Yep, we have plans for many series that will break the mold, Raimon. Our companies are just getting started, and not in a short time. People will begin to understand what Lux Animation is about, - said Billy.


    Raimon fell silent and pinched his budding beard with a hint of infinite curiosity. - Just the beginning - for many, this is already considered a total success. Beyond that, it''s something unattainable and unreasonable. Calling Lux Animation a failure in what it has become is unthinkable.


    -This is how legends look, - thought Raimon. - The guy is so cool! -


    -I think I''ll be happy to see how much this company will grow, - said Raimon.


    -Warner won''t be happy, nor will Disney. The corporate war has been like a cold war, fought behind closed curtains, with moves invisible to many. Only the recent stock industry, even my shares, are disguised theft of series, -- Billy confessed.  -- But I''m surprised they haven''t attacked with all their might. They''ve closed doors on us, and we''re still afloat thanks to luck and series fans who keep buying comics. Now, with the profits from the movies, we''ve been able to generate more investment for our upcoming projects, but we''re on a thin thread. If we have two failures, our recovery will be difficult. -


    -The stocks have grown a lot. I don''t believe you; I did the calculations last week. You have as much money as to make ten movies without earning a single cent, considering each movie costs 50 million, - said Raimon.


    -Well, that money is entirely mine, - said Billy.


    -Like the company, - replied Raimon.


    -Of course, of course. It''s just a personal position of mine, although if necessary, I wouldn''t want to use that money for at least a few more years. There''s more to it than business, after all, this company is entertainment. There are some companies I''d like to sell, but it''s better to do it when it''s entirely worth it, - said Billy.


    -You with your strange plans, I still don''t fully understand, - said Raimon, sitting down to read the Evangelion series, which had not been released yet. He feigned ignorance for the seven extra chapters he was about to read, starting with Chapter 85, surprised by how the subsequent events were unfolding.


    -You had several nominations at this year''s Comic-Con, almost 12 ratings for the comics you''ve been creating, - said Raimon as he turned the page.


    -It''s the first time you''ve received nominations since you started making comics. What''s the reason? There are quite a few, - said Billy.


    -, Slam Dunk, Evangelion, and Samurai X have been nominated. You''re a pioneer in the alternative genre. Recently, a young person launched a basketball series in a DC subsidiary, not as good as Slam Dunk. Still, Jim Lee says it''s destined to open different categories for the new comics that have been spreading in the market, - said Raimon.


    The pause between reading and drawing lasted a good while, and the office''s atmosphere began to suffocate them. By lunchtime, Raimon had lost track of time due to the intense reading, and Billy had started on Book 6, providing a longer and more detailed explanation of the East Blue, a short saga initially intended to last 150 chapters but shortened due to the editor''s advice.


    -It''s time for lunch, - said Anne from the door, warning around 2:30, a deadline for Billy''s meal. A large, nutritious lunch, per Anne''s strict schedule for Billy''s health.


    -Stay, Anne. There''s something that has bothered me the past few days, - said Billy.


    Anne''s back straightened more than it should have, with a hint of surprise. She thought she would be asked about her mistake with Lucasfilm. It''s her first mistake as an employee, and for Anne, it''s a black mark on her otherwise impeccable record that she has worked hard to maintain.


    -We need a restaurant for the employees with the new hires and the new company. We should create an outstanding, large restaurant that lightens the atmosphere for our workers. I saw some of them eating at their desks, and it''s not right to provide them with a healthy environment, - said Billy. Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raimon listened attentively to Billy''s request and gave a couple of ideas, but nothing conclusive. -We can create a food court with a small restaurant and hamburger and pizza carts. You have two franchises; it''s not a bad idea to use them, - suggested Raimon.


    -Yes, let it be built in the front of the new building. A food zone, and if possible, negotiate with whoever owns the land in front and on the side. I want to buy them, -- said Billy to Anne and Raimon. "By the way, thanks for the meal. --


    -Yes, - said Anne, agreeing. In another construction project, the company that delivered the building has been very efficient, and the 25-year warranty is more than enough for Lux Animation.


    Closing the door behind her.


    -Well, I''m also very hungry, - said Raimon, who got up from his desk to grab a bite and start planning the new green area project.


    -Don''t forget to handle the marketing procedures for The Lion King. I''ll have to go to Thailand and Malaysia next week. I want the 30 million to multiply in the coming months with the plush toys, toys, and benefits we requested, - said Billy.


    -I''ll do it. Anne, you have the Toy Story statistics, and I was planning to give you a meeting about the profits, but you''ve been busy, - said Raimon, wrapping up the conversation. He had a lot to discuss with Craig; the ending of Evangelion would be complete madness.


    -Thank you, Raimon. Come, I''ll pick up the profit statistics for this year, - said Billy.


    Raimon grimaced; some of the cinemas hadn''t returned the money, and what seemed like a significant amount now faced major collection issues due to some delinquents who didn''t want to pay on time.


    ,,,

 175. life.

    -Is everything okay, sweetheart? - Laura, Alice''s roommate, asked.


    -Yes, I have to go back to San Jose. My boyfriend is back from his shoot, and well, we''ll spend the weekend together, - said Alice.


    Laura could only shake her head. In Laura''s eyes, Billy Carson is not a good guy for Alice, and that''s putting it mildly. Alice sacrifices a lot for Billy, but he sacrifices for her too. Love is disproportionate.


    -Just take care, - said Laura.


    -Relax, Laura, you''re always so dramatic, - said Alice.


    Her curls were loose, just the way Billy liked them. She wore a long black dress, and she left the university room, sighing. She didn''t have much money��so she asked her father. No way.


    The small yellow car was parked, a gift from her sister when she entered university. Standing there with crossed arms was Ethan Miller, the damn stalker who, after three years, continued to harass her relentlessly. Three months without being able to hug Billy had a certain discomfort; the joy of being united with Billy was normal for her. It was the longest they had been apart since they started dating.


    -Alice, I have some chocolates for you, - said Ethan.


    -Thanks, but no thanks, - said Alice, entering her room, ignoring Ethan.


    -It''s a special gift I bought for you, - said the boy, disappointed by his goddess''s rejection. From the very beginning, he fell completely in love with her��her sweet smile, her long hair, and her kindness. He''s not the only one, but he''s the only one with the guts to be rejected again and again.


    Alice hesitated. "Thanks," she said.


    Ethan jumped for joy like a child when he saw Alice accepting the chocolates. Alice couldn''t help but laugh at his childish behavior; she felt flattered. The yellow car started, leaving Ethan smiling, saddened because he knew Alice was going to see her boyfriend.


    *****************************************************


    The Toy Story accounts are fabulous, but many black spots cannot be ignored. The operating cost is ridiculously high, and so are the debts��almost $13 million unpaid between the cities in the United States. The second problem was found. What to do when the cinemas don''t pay? Lawsuits may seem like an obvious solution, but it''s not advisable for future negotiations and exhibitions. Unfortunately, there isn''t someone experienced behind the scenes to tell him what to do in such situations, and for now, he can only bite hard and wait to see how things unfold.


    Is this another Warner plot, or perhaps another hidden plot by Disney?


    -That''s all, - said Anne.


    -Thanks, Anne. I suppose you used this money over the loan, - Billy asked.


    -Of course, the loan money is still intact. I''ve even paid the salaries for this year for all the workers in various companies. Now, Raimon just needs to use that money wisely in his negotiations in Malaysia and Thailand, - Anne said.


    Billy thought. "Did you buy the company Autodesk requested?"


    -Oh, it''s done. Although you should moderate the growth of that company a bit. In the last four years, we''ve made six purchases of small companies, and I think, if possible, we should only make necessary acquisitions. Also, I finalized the last procedures for the construction. Now, with this new idea of a common food area, the loan becomes more necessary than initially thought, - said Anne.


    -Thanks, Anne, - said Billy, returning to his office with the financial statements and some reports on the company''s investments. Toy Story''s profits were used to invest in upcoming Pixar movies, such as Ice Age and The Iron Giant. Taxes were paid, and, of course, some film rights were purchased, such as Meteor and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Lastly, the Tor Books publishing company was acquired, with a down payment of $5.5 million as a promise to purchase.


    In the adjacent room, Billy''s graphics and technical team continued their work on his series. This time, they were advancing drafts for Cowboy Bebop, a three-volume release for the summer season, and completing the final designs for Yu Yu Yakusho, which was now at nine chapters, and it was time to establish an ending once and for all.


    T


    The afternoon passed, and Billy managed to finish Chapter 7 of the One Piece work. His phone had five missed calls, as the screen illuminated. Two were from his father, and three were from Alice.


    -Today is Friday, - thought Billy.


    From the parking lot, he called his father, who answered promptly, insisting on a family dinner that was mandatory for him to attend since he needed to join the family. He reluctantly agreed after a bit of discussion with his father.


    -Hello, beautiful, - said Billy.


    Alice was on the phone. She had been at her parents'' house for two and a half hours, delayed and without a penny in her pockets, just waiting to return home for lunch.


    -Were you working? - Alice asked.


    -Yes, sweetheart and I''m sorry. Come, let me pick you up. Are you at Jessica''s house or... with a friend? - asked Billy.


    -I''m at my parents'' house. Come, - said Alice, who now only had accumulated thoughts. Her eyes welled up, as she always did when she wanted to be pampered and loved.


    -I''m on my way, -said Billy.


    He started the car as soon as he could, arriving in less than twenty minutes to provide the care that Alice needed. There were several missed calls, but Alice kept many things to herself, and Billy would only know what was going on when he saw her. He parked in front of Alice''s house and rang the doorbell.


    Tentatively, Alice stood there in a long black dress with her hair properly arranged. She gave Billy pleading eyes, and he approached, embracing her tightly. He could feel how Alice squeezed him with force; her slender arms didn''t exert much strength but provided comfort.


    -What''s going on? - asked Billy.


    -It''s been a while since I last saw you, - said Alice, her eyes teary again. Billy lifted her with strength and held her slender body while swaying for a good while, leaving her a little disheveled but more cheerful. Billy approached and gave her a deep kiss. He wanted to do this; it''s no secret that his last moments with Mila were chaotic, and the farewell almost led him to make a mistake. The warmth of women can weaken even the most experienced man.


    Alice''s lips received the kiss with almost insane pleasure, and she felt intoxicated by Billy''s passionate kiss. Billy stopped kissing her, but his thumb touched her lips with ignited lust. In a bold gesture, Alice''s chemical reaction could only arch her back, feeling Billy''s possessiveness.


    -Come, we have to go, - said Billy, giving her a small kiss.


    -Yes, - said Alice, adjusting a small black purse.


    ************************************************************


    -Are you coming, brat? - Ivanova said to Claudia in an obvious women''s quarrel. Both had a fighting spirit, and neither was willing to yield to the other''s words.


    -To hell with you, - said Claudia.


    -To hell with your tongue, you wretch, - Ivanova said in a Slavic language that Thomas couldn''t understand.


    -Big words for a chatterbox, - said Claudia in German. He didn''t understand very well, but the argument was starting to get out of control, and now he could see that both women wouldn''t back down.


    Thomas set aside his newspaper, and his tall body, bear-like, taller than his father and brothers, stood in front of Ivanova. - You must calm down; it''s not good for the twins, - said the lawyer.


    -But... - Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Calm down, Livy. Claudia, Billy is not upset with you. He''s just reserved and tends to be private. You''ll find that his anger is directed towards me, and, of course, I forgave you a long time ago, - Thomas said conciliatorily.


    -I don''t like feeling uncomfortable, - said Claudia.


    -You won''t be. It''s just a family meal. You have the evening to go out with your friends and enjoy, - said Thomas.


    -Can I borrow the car? - Claudia asked.


    Thomas sighed internally and only nodded. He''s not used to dealing with teenagers, and Claudia''s 18 years are undoubtedly a testament to her behavior. The twins will be worse. He can''t imagine it and feels old.


    ...

 176. family dinner

    Billy and Alice were engaged in an intense kissing session that lasted for 25 minutes, but their bodies were enamored with each other, drawn by a hesitant image of hormones and chemical attraction.


    -We have to go have dinner with my father, but the rest of the weekend is ours, - said Billy.


    -Yes, no problem, - said Alice, hypnotized by the kisses, forgetting the rivalry between her and Claudia. A previous friendship had turned into a rivalry because Claudia considered it a betrayal when Alice ended up dating her ex-boyfriend. In Alice''s view, Claudia is immature, and her constant and incessant threat to sleep with Billy sends shivers down Alice''s spine. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At a nice restaurant near her father''s law firm, there was Billy Carson in the parking lot, adjusting his attire and wiping his lips from Alice''s lipstick. Of course, the girl was fixing her dress and organizing her makeup.


    -Hahahahahaha, - Alice couldn''t help but laugh at seeing Billy so disheveled. The rebellious appearance suited him very well.


    -What? - the boy replied.


    -Nothing, darling. We have to get ready. It''s getting late, and your father must be furious, - said Alice, getting out of the car, her glamour evident, concealed by her childlike appearance.


    -Don''t worry; we''re right on time. The appointment is in ten minutes, - said Billy, adjusting his navy blue tie, a shiny touch that highlighted his blonde hair.


    They walked to the restaurant slowly, enveloped in that heartwarming spark of romance. Nervous laughter filled the air, worth every moment of calm when the two could just enjoy each other''s company.


    The table reserved by Thomas Carson was empty; there was no trace of his father or any of the Branovich women. It was 7:00 pm, and the restaurant was empty. Very few people accompanied the elegant setting, complemented by ambient music. Round tables were arranged in rows, each table with a centerpiece lamp, catering to two, four, and six people.


    -Good evening, sir. For today, we have a special menu featuring a favorite soup selection, with five special soup flavors followed by a main course. If you''d like, you can take a look and call me, - said the young waiter, only a few years older than Billy.


    -We''ll have a seafood appetizer for me and the lady, with a little cream for the lady and no peppers. We''re waiting for other people, - said Billy, closing the menu.


    -I thought your father had arrived, - said Alice.


    -Well, since Ivanova is here, she doesn''t usually arrive very early. They always manage to turn time against them, and they may be half an hour late. But enough of that. How''s the university treating you? - Billy asked.


    -Same as always. There''s this teacher I hate, who supervises the practical internships at the hospital. But in June of this year, I''ll finish and move on to a new department. I hope it''s better than the others, - said Alice.


    -What can you do? - said Billy.


    -Mmmm... endure. It depends on my registration. I''ve already completed the procedures for my next year, focusing on pediatrics as an emphasis in my medical career -  said Alice, excited to be part of the pediatrics department.


    -I''ll be participating in a new audition, but it''s something you know. In the last few months, I''ve gained some visibility. I hope to shoot my second movie by August, and well, I think once it''s done, we can go on vacation somewhere��Spain, France, Hawaii, I have no idea, just you and me, - said Billy.


    -I''d love for you to take me, -  said Alice.


    In a brief moment, the seafood arrived, served in two porcelain cups.


    -I''ve planned something interesting for both of us. When the preparations are ready, I''ll let you know, - said Billy.


    The seafood cups came with a red, spicy sauce and a touch of cream. The seafood was arranged in the middle of the cup, coated with the seafood cream. His father used to come often and recommended the seafood as an appetizer.


    In his mind, Billy thought about Spain and the last time he visited the place��a good destination to forget about the world for a while.


    Thomas Carson arrived behind two troublesome women. Although one was younger, the slightly pregnant state of the elder was noticeable. The high heels were now replaced by shorter heels, more like sandals.


    -Sorry for the delay, son. I had some inconveniences, - said Thomas, shaking his son''s hand and greeting Alice.


    -Billy, again. Every day you become more handsome. Are you taller? - The height was obvious; Billy had reached 6.1 ft (184 cm).


    -I haven''t measured recently, -- said Billy dryly. Thomas raised his eyebrow as a reproach. -- Good evening, Livy. Please, have a seat, - the boy said, extending his hand to help his father''s future wife.


    Everyone settled at the table in a woven silence. There were no conversations. Billy concentrated on Alice, and his father did the same with Ivanova. Claudia felt like an extra wheel. Faced with the obvious behavior of her companions, she could only play with a napkin and stretch the tablecloth, distracting herself from her own world.


    -You should visit the pizzeria. Your friend Raimon usually buys two boxes of pizza from time to time, but I think you haven''t been able to try it, -said Thomas.


    -I''ll check out the pizzeria, Father - said Billy, nodding.


    -How about the burger joints? - Thomas repeated.


    -I''ll check those out too, - said Billy.


    Initially, the burger joint made very little money, and the profits were minimal, only helping with the maintenance of the franchise. After a few years, the burger franchise began to gain some popularity, and the economic growth, along with profits, improved significantly. There were more earnings, some offers for food festivals, and recognition from companies, and brands looking to establish longer-lasting relationships.


    Between the lines, Thomas was not just inviting him to visit his businesses but also to his office to discuss the course of the companies and new business ideas for the coming years.


    -Don''t worry, Father. I''ll sort things out tomorrow, and on Sunday, before my departure, we''ll talk about the important matters that concern both of us, - said Billy.


    Thomas nodded, while Livy squeezed his hand under the table as a sign of support and strength. After all, even if he didn''t express it directly, Thomas was not happy with the situation.


    The restaurant began to fill up, and the music of two violins lightened the atmosphere, making it more comfortable as the Carson table progressed. The food was delicious, with utensils and a few details coming and going. Claudia and Alice exchanged some disapproving looks from time to time, which Billy ignored, and Thomas just shook his head.


    -Tell me, Billy, will you be shooting a second movie in August? - Ivanova asked.


    -That''s the plan. I still need to secure the role, - said Billy.


    -When is your movie premiering? - Claudia asked.


    -At the end of June, - said Billy.


    -We''ll be there, son, - said Thomas.


    -Thank you, although you should go to see The Lion King over Stargate, - said Billy.


    -The Lion King? - Livy questioned.


    -Billy did the voice acting for the protagonist. He''s part of the main cast, and it will be an animated production released in early June, -- said Thomas. -- I heard they''re having a screening a week before for the industry and critics. -


    -It seems so, - said Billy.


    ...

 177. conversations.

    San Francisco, Location.


    Pov George Lucas.


    Lucas was undoubtedly an American cultural icon, with a brilliant idea that, by twists of fate, was developed in incredible ways. Was it luck? Luck is also a part of success. In the creation of the magnificent series, the company, since 1989, Lucasfilm launched a subsidiary called (initially Lucasfilm Entertainment Group and later LucasArts Entertainment Company), consolidating the business of Industrial Light & Magic, commercial productions, Lucasfilm games, and the Sprocket System.


    The problem lies in the fact that despite the undeniable success of the initial films, the franchise still holds, but the money isn''t flowing in as much as Lucas hopes. The company is being kept afloat with some successes, but nothing is enough to make money and expand the company in the desired ways. Only by applying intelligent formulas can it continue making money. However, there''s a hindrance now: companies won''t sign the terms for the first trilogy and are rejecting their contracts.


    Therefore, Billy Carson''s offer and Lux Animation are like a ship in a storm. Even Pixar has grown monumentally, leaving a certain temptation for George to grow his company as much as Pixar, which a few years ago was just a small software studio and now produces movies, creates software, and collaborates on commercials with multiple companies. The latest Pixar commercial, a big bet by the Coca-Cola Company, had an incredible reception from critics.


    Two friends shared a friendly conversation about their new jobs, awards, and earnings from the last year. Like the new animation company that has been born, Lux Comics, with its excellent imaginative stories that have brought novelties to Americans.


    -Steven, it amuses me that you''ve decided to create your own film company, - said George Lucas.


    In front of him was the famous Steven Spielberg, who had come personally to Lucasfilm to make a second proposal, something that George Lucas wanted to hear even more than the offers made by Lux Animation. As they say, "Better the devil you know than the devil you don''t," and for George, as for Hollywood, it applies with total grace.


    -Yes, I''ve joined forces with David Geffen. We''re hoping for another investment from a third party to help us pursue our dream. And you, George, are perfect for this. With you at the helm, our company can reach unparalleled heights, - said Steven Spielberg.


    -That sounds incredible, - said Lucas. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, it''s more than incredible��a company that can position itself among the big seven, standing shoulder to shoulder. Fighting for a company that can make the movies we''ve always dreamed of without anyone telling us how to do the job and taking our profits. Of course, we''ll have to invest quite a bit, but everything will be worth it, - said Steven Spielberg.


    -I''m a fan. Explain the business, Steven, you know you don''t need to talk to me any other way, - said George.


    Steven''s silence somewhat infected the room with the problem with the producers. Something that Steven knew very well. - It''s the money. Even if they''re your friends, they''ll fight for every penny. -


    -Between David Geffen and me, we''ve invested a total of 300 million dollars, and we''ll invest a bit more. Luckily, my savings and earnings have been increasing with my latest deliveries. So, if you''re willing, the entry price is 150 million, but you can use your company as equity, - said Steven.


    -Then I should have a 50% stake in DreamWorks, - said George Lucas.


    Steven Spielberg''s glasses almost fell off his face.


    -Come on, George, your company is not worth more than 90 million, - said Steven, who was completely objective. The blow to George was hard.


    -An 18%, if I don''t add 50 million in capital, is a bit exaggerated, don''t you think, Steven? - said George, calming his anger. His company was worth at least 500 million, and any claim to the contrary could not be supported. But Steven was very meticulous, and he wouldn''t lie. Still, George couldn''t accept it.


    -I don''t think it''s a very good proposal, Steven. Come on, you know the price is disproportionate. I have a good position in the industry. I have a library with great productions: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, American Graffiti, and Willow, -  said George Lucas.


    -Come on, George, they''re fantastic, but their time has passed. Even the Star Wars comics have stopped selling. Their not-so-distant competition has started to monopolize the industry with their great series, and you know that times wait for no one, George. I don''t want to upset you; think about it, - said Steven, concluding the conversation. Inside, he shook his head; Francis warned him about George''s tendency to double or triple the price of his things. Not long ago, he was offered a price, and George decided to accept the offer only if Fox paid 800 million��a well-known price in the industry. And that''s why there had been no negotiation with George.


    -I''ll think about it, - said George.


    -Well, friend, let''s have some patience. You have the next few months to think. We''ll call the company DreamWorks; our dreams will go further. A space where our creative freedom and control over how to distribute and market the films will be part of us. We work without rest, with no obligations. You want to make a movie, you make it, and if you want to go to bed early, you do it, - said Steven Spielberg, concluding with a smile, grabbing his hat, which he used to shield himself from the harsh sun.


    -We have to celebrate your birthday on May 14th, - added Steven.


    -Gather the group; my ranch is available. My wife will handle the arrangements. Make sure to bring a bottle of your wine, discreetly, - said George, shaking Steven''s hand.


    George ordered a bottle of water and thought like he never had before. Now, even his close friends tell him that his company is not worth so much money. It''s more painful for a businessman like him to feel that way. Reality hit him. He reread the first proposal made by Lux Animation: 100 million for 30% of his company and a promise of a giant investment, along with support for creating series and films from his franchises��a means of exploitation designed to enhance business existence and make Star Wars a part of pop culture.


    He reviewed his notes and made a hopeful decision that Lux Animation would accept the proposal they initially published. The negotiation newspapers with the Star Trek series were on his desk. Now, he was the bidder, but there was nothing wrong with that, thought George Lucas.


    Peripheral sales have been alarmingly declining since 1990, and the new wave of series created by Billy Carson has been one of the causes, as the new surpasses the old, maintained only by a cradle of die-hard franchise followers. The problem? Lux Animation has already created a cradle of die-hard fans with a broader spectrum, from avid readers, novices, noir novels, utopias, sports, fantasy, and science fiction, to children''s stories.


    The green numbers are there, and LucasArts has made good deals. In Jurassic Park, his company handled the visual and sound effects, thought George Lucas, with renewed vigor.


    He just didn''t expect the collaboration to come differently this time.


    ...

 178. a casting, out of the ordinary.

    Billy was once again preparing to audition for another casting that would surely change his life as an actor. ''Little Women'' is a film directed by an acclaimed director who tends to portray female characters authentically in her films. Louisa May Alcott''s novel is a fantastic story that humorously captures the lives of four women (sisters) and their sorrows, dislikes, and emblems.


    -Goodbye, Alice, - Billy said. Farewells at airports are undoubtedly one of the saddest things for young Alice, who watches her boyfriend succeed so quickly, seemingly unattainable to her. - Talk to Connor; they will fix the car and replace the suspension. Don''t worry about money; I took care of it. Make sure to call me if you have any discomfort. Talk to Raimon, and you can have a free meal at the pizzeria; just call Raimon, and he will arrange it, - said Billy, embracing Alice, the petite Alice, who might eat two slices and be completely satisfied.


    -Thank you, -Alice said, embracing Billy.


    ************************************************************************


    The Columbia Pictures studios were a cherished place for Billy. Jim Waitt, in his infinite wisdom, managed some networking to give him an idea about the characters in the script. The portrayal of the young Laurie, somewhat entangled in the lives of the March women, was what he remembered. The movie''s producers were Denise Di Novi and Robin Swicord.


    ''Good afternoon,'' Billy said in his apartment, where the ''Little Women'' novel was completely read and highlighted, with various details. An impression of Laurie that Billy had in his mind: a sensitive and cheerful boy remembered with some fondness for his calm demeanor back then.


    Billy reviewed the casting; there was the young Christian Bale, different from the one now. Billy''s blonde hair was there; he was the only one with blonde hair. Next to him was a guy named Val Kilmer, not famous at this time but somewhat known for appearing in movies like ''The Doors,'' ''Willow,'' and having supporting roles in ''Top Gun,'' ''Tombstone,'' and ''Heat.''


    -Good afternoon, - greeted Val Kilmer. In return, Christian Bale was sitting, relaxed, with a gaze lost on the blue wall in front of him, his long hair almost falling on his forehead with curls.


    Unlike Val Kilmer, with his short blonde hair and a felt hat more like what one would expect from a military man, Billy had nothing else to think about than acting as someone elegant, by the customs of the time, with certain airs of a lively boy playing the cheerful and innocent Laurie of that era with correct postures.


    Suddenly, Ben Affleck arrived with his young and present face. Matt Damon was next to him; both laughed and whispered obscenities to each other, but the atmosphere was interrupted by these two cheerful young men. Seeing Damon''s disheveled state, it was logical to assume that the present for the role was Affleck.


    -Wait, wait, I need to concentrate, - said Affleck.


    Matt Damon whispered something that made Affleck and Damon burst into laughter with apparent joy, almost as if they were madly drunk. It was the first time Christian Bale lost concentration in his twenty minutes of silence. Billy kept thinking about the delay. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Ben Affleck, my boy, come in; you have to audition - they said in a distant sound.


    -Wish me luck, - said Affleck.


    -Break a leg, - said Damon.


    In the next ten minutes, he came out with a smile from ear to ear, completely devoid of what we call rejection. His confidence unsettled Val Kilmer, and once again, Bale undid all the sounds, focusing on what was in front of him. The silence continued slowly, and Billy waited for them to call the next one, who was Bale, who adopted a silly smile, characteristic of Laurie. Oh, something Billy thought was a similar degree.


    Twenty minutes.


    Billy Carson. -


    In a somewhat small office were Denise Di Novi, Robin Swicord, and Gillian Armstrong, in that order, indicated by a small white card with the names of the three people. Denise, is a woman with short hair, exposing her broad forehead, and a sturdy build as reflected by her round cheeks.


    Robin Swicord, acting as the screenwriter, was a typical American with white skin contrasting with a rosy hue and slightly droopy deer-like eyes. - Billy thought. - She radiated warmth over the strict aspects of the other two members conducting the auditions. Billy received the script, mentally preparing for a journey into the past. His memory was short about these portrayals of a young person from another era, and he didn''t have a stable reference point for the role he was going to play.


    This time, it was ten stapled pages, white with what seemed to be a part of the script.


    Alright, let''s begin the audition for the young Billiam Darwin. -


    Start.


    -Cut. -


    The atmosphere transformed again into an audition living room, not an old house with large windows.


    -It was fantastic, - Gillian said, breaking the protocol of not revealing how the actor''s performance went.


    -Good day, young man, - Denise said.


    Billy nodded and walked out the door. Heading to the parking lot, he bought a used car, which was now parked in front of his ground-floor apartment.


    -Hello, Jim. It''s me, Billy, - he said.


    -Billy, I was just thinking about you, - Jim said. -So, how did everything go? - he questioned.


    -Very well, I met the standards promised to me. I think I have time to see Nigel, something about behind-the-scenes interviews, - Billy said.


    -I don''t have knowledge, but I''ll call him, give me half an hour, - Jim Waitt said


    ...

 179. talking business

    Billy decided to spend his time making necessary calls about his businesses. First, he spoke with Steve Larsson about the comic distributor. In recent times, Lux Comics has received multiple orders, becoming more than just a recognized comic in some states, forging a truly notable reputation. The multiple stories and colorful details are just one way to gain followers; the incredible drawings enchant children.


    -Raimon, I''ve talked to Steve Larson, and the business is as good as it can be. However, we need to hire a director for his replacement. Steve even mentioned he''d train his replacement, but it needs to happen as soon as possible. Therefore, I want you to talk to Felicity and have her take charge of distribution. It''s time for us to merge distributors, - Billy said.


    -You mean... - Raimon said, astonished.


    -Yes, Sunrise Comics should separate from the company and create a standalone company to handle the processes independently. Dark Horse Comics recently started its distribution company. I also think we should pay more attention to the company, - Billy said. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Sounds incredible, but I''ll discuss it with Anne. We''ll hire a team, and I''ll be in charge of oversight and results as the Director of Operations, - Raimon said, enjoying the name Lux Animation had earned��a consolidated team with specific departments and constant work, delegating responsibilities to many workers across subsidiaries united with Lux Animation.


    The Lux Animation group operated as a millionaire company, now treating itself as a united and consolidated sector in San Jose.


    -It''s an interesting idea. By the way, we recently received a letter, an offer from Microsoft itself. They want to buy ID Software for the whopping sum of 50 million dollars. I''ll meet with Microsoft''s advisors; I think they''re entering the gaming market, but I have nothing conclusive, - Raimon said.


    -I have to hang up. Let me know about any issues, and please, clear your schedule for The Lion King premiere. You''ll be there, - Billy said.


    -Of course, I think I''ll make it a tradition to go in costume. I found a fantastic lion costume, although it''s hot. If the premiere is at night, I''ll wear it without a doubt, -Raimon said.


    -Well... I hope the day comes. Has George Lucas given any reasons? - Billy asked.


    -He hasn''t, but I have him where I want him, - Raimon paused. - Yes, he ended up following through with the plan we detailed. Will you let me be part of the dubbing? - Raimon asked, hopeful.


    -Sure, - Billy said.


    On the other end of the phone, Raimon started his victory dance. Rachel looked at him and just wanted to break his face, but she was talking to the boss. Still, she couldn''t help but mutter in annoyance about his stupidity.


    -But you have to practice, take some courses. Dubbing is simple, but it depends on your skill. Maybe you can voice a Jedi, - Billy said, who had already shared the entire story he had in mind about the Republic and its thousands of Jedi.


    -Oh, don''t worry, the Force is with me. Ehehehehehe. I''ll be the best voice actor you can imagine, - Raimon said, thrilled with the good news from the big boss.


    - I have to hang up; I''ll call you tomorrow. I''ll have a busy day," said Billy.


    Hanging up the phone and sighing inwardly, he needed to improve relations with Stanford. The administrators were good, and, in general, all their graduates were excellent.


    The next call was to his father, to get ahead of the issues with the legal team, but he received a call from Jim Waitt.


    -Billy speaking. -


    -Billy, Nigel just confirmed that they''re at Sony Studios, close to your casting. They''ll be conducting interviews all afternoon and sharing anecdotes. Are you presentable? - Jim asked.


    -Yes, I''ll be there in half an hour. - Billy said.


    -I''ll give you confirmation. - Jim said, excited about Billy''s professionalism, but what can you expect from a multimillionaire?


    He needs an assistant and a better place to live. - Jim thought. We''ll fix that.


    In recent years, Jim had been reduced to four actors with potential, and the rest were cameramen or lighting technicians��nothing interesting. He hoped Billy''s rise would change that discomfort. Fortunately, he managed to keep James Cameron, Dolph Lundgren, Billy Carson, and a little fish named Strein, who wasn''t very interested. The removal of Michael Ovitz is detestable, and the hiring advantages that Billy has provided have given him some favors here and there, helping to keep him in the company as a senior.


    -Good luck. - Jim Waitt said.


    -Thanks, Jim. I''ll do my best. - Billy said, heading to Sony Pictures Studios (Columbia).


    Not without making one last call��a talk with his father. They''ve been distant, but time has eased Billy''s discontent a bit, and now they are in a neutral state.


    -Father. - Billy said.


    -I didn''t expect your call. - Thomas said on the phone in his office, reviewing not only his legal cases but also the statements and some necessary papers from Billy''s minor franchises.


    -We need to close some deals. - Billy said from the phone, his car heading five streets below, stuck in the morning traffic.


    -Very well, I''ll give you a summary. I hope that when you have time, you can sit down with me to talk. Over the phone, business matters can''t be explained effectively. A few days ago, we began making final preparations for the trial against Warner Bros. in August. From the firm, we have a solid case, but that''s what we said initially, and now the court has the final decision. I hope they don''t get away with it. - Thomas Carson said.


    Billy could only sigh. One of the worst decisions of his life was doing business with Warner Bros, being so inexperienced. Now, he can read those clauses that even lawyers overlook, and they are fundamentally unilateral for the company.


    -It doesn''t matter if we don''t win; there will be retribution. - Billy said.


    -I''m glad. Nevertheless, focusing on growing is our priority. With the new council law, we''ll lose a certain tax fiscal law that gave us an 8% exemption. We''re meticulously reviewing the laws to overturn the law for lacking logical grounds, but I''ve found myself trapped in the political world. - Thomas Carson said.


    -Law? What are you talking about? - Billy asked.


    -A law was passed that determines that the sector for producing film productions must be subject to the territoriality of San Francisco, and its neighboring states don''t have to be. The law has caused a certain sensation, but very few are truly affected, and it seems like a law made for us. - Thomas said.


    -What can we do? - Billy asked.


    -Leave it to me; I''ll keep you updated, but there''s nothing conclusive. On the other hand, Felicity Thompson has done very well, and the toy store has generated demand again. However, we earn very little. But the exits are in sight. You should take a look with her and give one of those responses that come to you in difficult moments. On the other hand, Raimon must be making the necessary negotiations for The Lion King toys. Although I think the 60 million marketing bet is outrageous, the Toy Story stocks have almost sold out. We''ll return profits in the coming months, but we''ve already received good checks. - Thomas said.


    -How much did we receive? - Billy asked.


    -A lot of money. We sold millions of toys, almost 60 million, but Autodesk, Pixar, and your legion of animators consumed half of it. They haven''t disbursed the full amount yet, but we''ll soon receive more capital. - Thomas said.


    -Invest in stocks. Tell Raimon to keep buying, not keeping up. - Billy said, arriving at the studio. - Father, I have to hang up, but I''ll call you tonight. I recently spoke with Grandpa, and he''s coming to California to see The Lion King movie. -


    -Alright, take care, son. - Thomas said.


    -I will. - Billy said, hanging up the phone.


    ...

 180.re-encounter with the stargate crew.

    As soon as he got out of the car and entered, he was warmly welcomed. It seemed they weren''t expecting Billy''s attendance until tomorrow morning.


    -Well, I had the time, - Billy said.


    -Come on, kid, you have to give interviews. Oh, by the way, this is the Stargate poster. Don''t you find it beautiful? I have some copies for you to take home, - Nigel said, patting Billy on the back.


    He entered what seemed to be a room with three wooden chairs. Mila was sitting there, wearing dark black lipstick that beautifully contrasted with her messy black hair, giving her a daring look. They smiled at each other as they entered the set. She was giving an interview, narrating how she worked as a waitress in a restaurant, and a man spotted her, leading to a six-month-long selection process for the character Sha''re.


    -I was working in a restaurant in New York to earn money for school. I''m in my second year. I worked there for three weeks, and then one day, my manager, who was also the restaurant''s manager, came to my table. She was a client, but I didn''t know who she was. A customer approached the table and read the specials. Suddenly, she said, ''Come to my office.'' She told me, ''I noticed that the role of Sha''re hasn''t been cast yet. I mean, I know they''ve been looking for girls.'' So, she sent my tape to Ronald, along with many other things I had done in Israel. She received a call from him, saying he wanted me right away. ''Tomorrow, you have to travel for filming.'' In eight hours, I was on a plane to Arizona, - Mila said.


    -Thank you, dear. Let''s take a break, and we''ll ask you more questions later, - said the interviewer.


    -Yes, - Mila took a deep breath after her lengthy speech and life story that left her somewhat discontented. She walked over and hugged Billy tightly, almost like a reunion.


    -What time did you arrive? - Mila asked.


    -Early in the morning. I was auditioning, and, well, I had time, so I came to work, - Billy said.


    Mila noticed the glances of other people and took Billy to the actors'' dressing room. There were only two people inside, and when Billy and Mila entered laughing, acting like an awkward third wheel, they decided to leave, resembling a pair of young lovers. The subtle slips inspired that strange and blind air that isn''t commonly seen between colleagues.


    -How was Paris? I hope you celebrated your birthday properly, - Billy asked.


    -Everything was fantastic, more than fantastic, like a flattering illusion, - Mila said, with hidden meaning in her words. They reminisced about their preferences and shared their recent days. It wasn''t love; it was friendship. But these friendships always get confused, and Mila, although experienced, with a heart as light as the fine droplets trickling through the leaves of trees after a drizzle, hasn''t lived in the excesses typical of the profession, preserving that unprecedented and strengthening innocence.


    -I envy such happiness. I''d like to take a break for winter, go somewhere else, and disappear from the world. A place where phones and cameras are forbidden, where silence is the norm, and only the words of the people I care about are with me, - Billy said, lying down on Mila''s legs, while she fondly stroked his head, intertwining her fingers in his easy features.


    -Sounds fun, - Mila said.


    -Since I entered this world, I''ve become ambitious and have strong goals I want to achieve at all costs. I can''t deny the strong feeling that embraces me when I accomplish my goals. However, there are times when I''d like to hide under a rock and wait a few months for the memory of my name to fade, letting other stars take their place - Billy said.


    A sound at the door interrupted their reverie. - I think we should do our job - Mila said.


    -One second, - Billy said, closing his eyes and sighing.


    Mila was back at her place, nodding. The next thirty seconds were slow as a snail''s pace but fast in distance. Physicists may know more about relativity, but the moment was special, in such an ephemeral pursuit that the assistant at the door only stopped to fix his shirt. And here was the protagonist of the series, initially centered on Kurt by Ronald Emmerich, but there was the one who had captivated the studio with his performance.


    -So, where do we have to go? - Billy asked.


    -Miss Mila already knows. We decided to modify the plan a bit, and now you two will have a joint interview, - the assistant said.


    -Try not to bite your tongue, - Billy joked with Mila, referring to their ongoing playful challenge about who would perform better in certain scenes, as requested by Kurt. This had been Nigel''s idea, relayed by Ronald. Billy''s relationship with Kurt had significantly improved, and now, being together, they had forged a strong friendship.


    -Oh, you, sir, - Mila said, feigning offense.


    In the interview, everything was arranged but uncomfortable, given the numerous people around the studio. Mila took a deep breath, battling stage fright. Being in the spotlight was different from acting.


    -Good afternoon, Clara, - Mila said.


    -Miss Mili, Mr. Bill, - Clara greeted, a woman with sparkling red-dyed hair styled in ''80s fashion, wearing a formal women''s suit. Billy could only focus on her tiny eyes hidden behind the glasses frames.


    -A pleasure, - Billy said in his business mode, a big smile, showing his teeth, eyes wide open, and a crossed posture. One hand rested on his leg, the other open��a businessman''s training, distinct from Mila''s modest posture. She didn''t cross her legs and just sat with a small smile, a contrast to Billy''s demeanor.


    -Now that we''re gathered, we have a question that many people are seeking an answer to��the enviable chemistry between you two on set. Are you in a relationship? - Clara asked, spicing things up from the start.


    Mila''s flushed cheeks vibrantly expressed more than an excuse. - I''d be lucky to date such a beautiful woman as Mili Avital, but we are friends and have a very good friendship. -


    -What do you think, Miss Mili? - Clara asked.


    -Friends. We''re friends. We''re more than just colleagues; we''re competitors. Billy is always challenging me on set with his excellent performances. It''s natural, and that''s why I declare him my rival, - Mili Avital said.


    -Mila tends to be competitive, - Billy added.


    -If you were to invite Mili out, Billy, where would you take her? - Clara asked.


    Billy raised an eyebrow, and looked at Nigel, who could only give a thumbs up. Ah, publicity, Billy thought. -To the amusement park. Mila hasn''t had the chance to visit one, and, well, there should always be a first time, - Billy said.


    -Awww, - Mila exclaimed, remembering that she mentioned that a month ago. She didn''t think he remembered.


    -I think what we should do is play a game of questions. What do you think if we play charades on the blank board? You have two squares; in the top one, you''ll write your answer, and in the bottom one, you''ll write what you think the other person answered, - Clara suggested.


    Both nodded with their boards and markers in hand. As Billy covered the board, Mila let out an indignant groan. -You must know I''ll be the winner, - Billy said. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Oh, incredible, you''re such a child, - Mila said.


    Clara smiled; the chemistry was evident and would likely appeal to the audience. - What is your favorite food? - Clara asked.


    Billy wrote down grilled meat and shakshuka.


    -Looks like you failed again, Billy, - Mila said, seeing Billy''s note, and laughing uncontrollably.


    -How is it possible? You wrote green, - Billy said.


    -No, it says emerald green, there''s a difference, - Mila said.


    -Point for Mila, - Clara said, playing along with the girl who had used the rules to her advantage.


    Billy lost the next question too, as Mila''s favorite travel destination was Egypt, not Paris. But she guessed Spain, and for the fourth question��favorite animal��Billy wrote cats and kittens.


    Mila surprised him again by getting Billy''s answer right��lions. - Lions can be kittens, -Mila chuckled, reveling in Billy''s defeat.


    -There''s a conspiracy, - Billy said, determinedly poking Mila''s nose gently while she wrinkled hers.


    -It can only be because you''re not good, - Mila said, shrugging.


    Billy lost the following questions, getting swept under the rug at 6-0. Mila won, performing a victory dance. Billy could only smile at his defeat. The interview continued, navigating the tension created by the interviewer.


    Two more interviews followed with some crew members, individually. Billy walked to his car and was stopped by Mili.


    -Invite me to dinner?" -Mila said.


    Billy was surprised by her audacity, the way she ordered him to eat. Still, he smiled at Mila''s charming grin.


    -Let''s go for pizza. After all, it''s your favorite food, -Billy said. Mila just shook her head at Billy''s evident jab.


    -Hahaha, I think I like lobster more now, - Mila said, smiling at Billy.


    ...

 181. exhibition

    Although appearances may deceive, Billy had a hand in the production of Little Women, and surprisingly, the decision would fall under the budget of a single person, Winona Ryder. She would consider whom she wanted to work with. What was the first thing Winona asked for? Just the audition recordings, but the performance of both actors was outstanding.


    She requested interviews, and curiously, she was given one that had just been conducted with Mila. The way her sunny smile lit up the room and her confidence pleasantly appealed to her. However, the shy charm of the other was also delightful, like that of a child, fitting the role. Yet, being shy wasn''t enough.


    -Which one do you think should be part of it, Johnny? - Winona said in what seemed to be a grand mansion. There was a gathering of some friends nearby.


    -The shy one. - Deep responded.


    -The shy one, why? - Winona asked.


    -He plays the role better; the other is just a pretty face. That... Billion Darwin, it''s clear he''s arrogant, pretentious, and doesn''t fit with an angel like you. - Deep said.


    Winona pouted; she had heard the opposite about Bill, a hardworking, polite, shy, and introverted guy. -Winona thought, watching her ex-boyfriend play the acoustic guitar angrily, ignoring the interviews.


    -Hire the shy one, and let''s go to France. There''s a fashion festival; let others handle the production. - Deep said.


    -What do you think, Gwyneth? - Winona asked.


    -Ohhhh, choose the cute boy; after all, you need a new boyfriend. - The actress said boldly and recklessly. Johnny shook his head at Gwyneth''s foolishness.


    -I think he''s a bad actor, somewhat forced, but what do I know? - Deep replied, taking a big sip of rum, which made Winona''s beautiful eyebrows frown with some disdain for the alcohol smell.


    Winona wanted to narrow her eyes; was this the reason they broke up? Was reconciliation never going to happen? How foolish she had been to accept him here; he only cared about himself. -Winona thought.


    -It''s nonsense; I can''t make up my mind. - Winona said.


    Deep ignored her, and left the grand mansion''s large hall, where a small circle of stars gathered. Winona took the time to descend the stairs to the large pool.


    -Everything is pretty silly. - Winona said aloud.


    -What''s wrong, Wina? - Keane Reeves asked, sunbathing with a book beside him for reading and tranquility.


    -The producers are indecisive, so they want me to choose the supporting actor for the movie. There are two guys, but both are incredible. I''m torn in my decision. - Winona said.


    -Which one do you want? - Keane questioned.


    -Well, I like the golden boy, as Gwyneth called him. But I''m still hesitant; after all, it''s a bit unfair to decide on such a simple preference. - Winona said.


    -Then don''t choose; just give your opinions to the producers and tell them you don''t know whom to pick. I''m sure they''ll understand. - Keane said.


    -Sounds logical; I''ll tell them the truth. - Winona said, jumping from her seat; the fine swimsuit highlighted her curves.


    *******************************************************************************


    -Good morning, superstar. Send some photos and your involvement in Stargate. It''s just a wait, but a new suit brand wants to bet on you. I might have mentioned that you''re a lover of elegant suits. Their name is Canali, and they''re diving into custom suits. Although they have money, they''re betting on young talents for short-term relationships, and your profile is one they''d like. - Jim Waitt said over the phone.


    Billy was surprised by the bomb his agent just dropped. Mila, holding a pizza, tilted her head to the side to listen to the conversation, or at least try to. Canali is part of a family dedicated to fabrics and tailoring, determined to launch a clothing brand since the early ''90s, and they''re looking for young individuals to showcase their suits.


    -Sounds amazing. - Billy said.


    -The best part is they''ll pay $500,000 for three years. They''re determined that if you become a brand, they''ll triple the value. You''ll need to attend some fashion events but be warned that you have recordings. There''s one week you can''t miss��the Fashion Week in September. You''ll go for two days. You''re not the main face yet, but you''re a gamble. What do you say, Billy? - Jim asked.


    -Let my dad review the contract, and tell them I accept the proposal. - Billy replied.


    -Your father already reviewed it; I''m in New York. I''ll arrive tomorrow and fill you in on the contract details. Your father took your measurements, so they''ll send a collection for you to wear at the Stargate gala. - Jim Waitt said.


    -Sounds incredible, thanks, Jim. - Billy said, hanging up the phone upon hearing Jim''s hurried goodbye, an agent who has respected Billy''s decisions and been very helpful in the three years of his career and film productions.


    -Who was that? - Mila asked, shyly, despite her question, she had heard some things and was curious.


    -My agent got me a sponsorship with an Italian suit brand, and well, it seems to be a high-end brand, judging by my agent''s happiness with the contract. - Billy said.


    Billy, accustomed to wearing suits, hadn''t thought much about sponsorships until Jim Waitt mentioned the suit company. Sponsorships exist in Lux Comics, but he had never seen himself as a personal brand. Sponsorships will become more apparent as time goes on, and he must capitalize on the benefits of good commercials.


    -It''s incredible. You''ve been in the industry for less than a year, and now brands want to sponsor you. How interesting. - Mila said.


    -I''ve been part of the industry for a long time. I''ve done voiceovers and some minor roles, but this would be my third film and involvement, along with some commercials and cameos in TV series. I waited to finish my education to be part of the film world, even though I only did a basic course, and a specialized course takes four years, with the first two being just a basic MBA. - Billy said.


    Mila took her finger and put it in her mouth thoughtfully, looked at her pizza, and took a bite.


    -I don''t have an agent as such. I hope to be sponsored by Gucci or something similar. It would be more than a pleasure to walk a runway. - Mila said, showing a bit of vanity, the vanity of feeling beautiful and desired by others. Although Billy didn''t react much, he did appreciate Mila''s beauty, not as a runway beauty, but rather as a beautiful woman who charmed with just a smile.


    -The interviews are over. Will you go back to acting school? - Billy asked.


    -Of course, I have to finish what I started, although it feels silly to go back to school after acting. But I''ll complete the second and third years. There''s a theater course I want to take to extend my career. But now, I''m worried that if I leave Hollywood, the exposure I have won''t be enough, and in a year and a half, I won''t get good roles. - Mila said.


    One of the main rules of the entertainment world is the competition. Hundreds of candidates each day aspire to be part of acting and stand out. Therefore, gaining ground and recognition is challenging for those entering the acting world.


    -Join my agent. He''s good; you might land some roles after school. - Billy said.


    -Sounds interesting, but I already have an agent I just got, and I can''t terminate the contract after my first film. It lasts four years. Maybe in that time, we can discuss something if I feel dissatisfied. Besides, will you be there for me? - Mila asked.


    -Yes, finish your education, take on small roles or cameos in New York, and improve your craft. I''ll talk to my agent to get you theater opportunities to enhance your acting skills. - Billy said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mila felt refreshed hearing Billy''s words, how he wanted to help her improve her acting skills. What more could she ask for? Her cheeks blushed; after all, Billy has a girlfriend. - Mila thought.


    ...

 182. indelible

    Since the founding of this great company by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft''s initial goal was to develop software for computers. During the 1980s, they dedicated themselves to creating a computer operating system, with a fast interface to make it more user-friendly. This incredible success was solidified with its launch in 1985 and later in 1989 with Microsoft Office. Now, they not only plan to continue expanding Microsoft software, but they aim to dominate the market for all computers. They''ve provided updates since 1993, and the groundbreaking Windows 95 will be consolidated. However, the next release for 1995 is still in the planning stages, as a quantitative leap is expected. S~ea??h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We should seek cooperation with Pixar for their impressive 3D graphics system. In 1993, we acquired Softimage for 3D graphics integration into our computers. - Jack Sven suggested.


    -Why not buy them? - Paul Allen, acting as the head in Billy Gates'' absence, questioned.


    The room was an improvised gathering of friends, seated at work desks, reviewing accounts, and discussing some evident problems in the company, such as rapid growth and concerns about the growth of internet companies, which continue to rise, increasing the company''s investment expenses.


    -We placed an order with Autodesk, but the prices are skyrocketing. They''ve invested a lot of money in recent years and made precise acquisitions, and their AutoCAD service, 3D laboratory, and animation world are gaining popularity. The subscription program is in limbo, and they''ve raised prices for the potential the company presents. - John Frontman reported.


    -We could ask for cooperation and replicate their system. We''ll assemble a special team to perform the same functions as Autodesk and close the possibility of the company being compatible with Windows. - Paul Allen calmly suggested.


    -That''s the next problem. They have around 15 patents and some copyright registrations for cyber language. We could use the base, but engineers explain that extensive study is required to yield results on this complex subject. - John Frontman said.


    -I''ll talk to Bill. - Paul Allen decided, pausing to consider potential expenses. The company was confident in its purchasing power, but for now, it not only needs to focus on improving the visual immersion for its buyers but also aims to enhance the overall experience. For that, they need different software.


    **********************************************************************


    Raimon leafed through the Thai dictionary with some uncertainty. The writing system is no joke, and he was getting frustrated with the language difficulty, but someone had to do it.


    He pulled out his 1994 video game magazine, Spring Season, with recently released games, upcoming major releases, and planned releases for the next few months. There was a small article about Pok��mon that Raimon had glanced at, but now he stopped to read in detail about RPGs, a chain of video games, and the recent foundation of a company that aims to exploit this genre entirely.


    -We''re almost there. - the translator mumbled in slightly accented English.


    -Good. - Raimon said, observing the congested line of cars moving here and there.


    They passed the traffic light and reached an exit for the highway. In less than ten minutes, they were at a large toy factory. - Do you follow the labor laws of the country? - Raimon asked.


    The Thai translator responded with a confident gesture, assuring that everything was perfect. Exports would follow a long route; the large containers would travel across the Pacific Ocean to dock on the shores of San Francisco. In less than two weeks, merchandise from all over the United States would be filled with dolls.


    -Quality control is done one by one, and it''s estimated that only one in every twenty toys is defective. - the translator repeated the words of the owner.


    -Is that in the contract? - Raimon inquired.


    They nodded after hearing his request. Raimon examined the toys; they were all beautiful. He took out his special camera and took some photos of the products. They continued walking, now towards the plastic toys. 20 employees were painting the details with a fine brush. It was wonderful how these women carried out the paintings.


    They followed with metallic objects such as frames, lunch boxes, and some parts of toys, then cardboard items, and finally porcelain designs. Raimon finished almost at the end of the afternoon, exhausted. He approved some goods but waited to see what could happen in the next few days, conducting more reviews. Fortunately, the contract was in English and not in Thai. He returned to his hotel to study Thai on a cassette while rewatching the Shaman King series, detecting new details.


    Raimon went down to the lobby and was disappointed with the atmosphere. He ordered an especially spicy meal, to the point that he had to order three lemonades, and ended up speaking strangely because his tongue had swollen.


    -Do you have international calls? - Raimon asked with his odd accent. Who do you want to call? His best friend.


    -Hello. - Billy''s voice sounded. He heard a woman, and he just sighed at the lucky guy with women.


    -Billy, it''s me, Raimon. I don''t have much time, so I''ll be brief. - Raimon said.


    -Come on, I''m listening. - Billy said.


    -Yoh Asakura has an evil twin who is a reincarnation. - Raimon said.


    Billy felt like banging his head. -Yes. - he said deadly seriously, concealing the ridiculousness of the conversation.


    -So, Yoh''s potential is the same as his brother''s. However, I''m curious why you chose Japanese culture. I''ve been researching, and indigenous communities were linked to shamanism and this spirit-thinking sect in ancient times. - Raimon said.


    -Well, that''s because it''s for much later. I have to reveal my cards little by little. - Billy said.


    -I see. Thanks for now; I''ll let you be. But I have many questions that need a concrete answer. - Raimon said.


    -Well, I''ll mentally prepare for your questions. Since you''re in Thailand, would you like to go to Japan and arrange some meetings? We need to expand our animation studies and buy a studio in Japan. It would allow us to produce some series. - Billy said.


    -Japan. - Raimon thought.


    -I''ll take a look, though I can''t promise anything. I''ll get in touch with Anne to conduct a specific study on the studios you need. - Raimon said.


    -I don''t have anything specific, but you could start the process to set up a studio. We''ll focus on improving the visual quality of our series; the Japanese can produce movies and series at more economical prices. - Billy said.


    -Give me a moment; I''ll have to ask Anne for some specific ideas. - Raimon said hastily, faced with Billy''s new idea of establishing an animation studio focused on the Asian market.


    Animation studios in Japan are dominated by TV Tokyo, a public company, and a few others, but the big leap expected from these anime studios hasn''t happened yet. Animation studios have formidable techniques, and in the future, it''s not very strange that animation could be produced with 8 to 10 frames for lower-quality works. The leap is impressive, without losing the grand structure typical of anime. For now, a 10-employee company producing a 20-episode anime every 8 months is enough. Then two teams, and so on.


    ...


    hello everyone, thank you for your comments, they help me with many things, and although it may not seem like it, I pay attention to improve, I am slow, but I keep on writing.


    I don''t know if you know, but my goal is a little experiment I have, it is a dream. when I started writing, I thought, do I want to learn to write? in sports, music, and art .... it is said that to gain mastery, you must do the activity for at least 10.000 hours, that is my goal, and my second goal is to write a book. so, I may not sometimes publish because work leaves me just exhausted, or I have duties, like going to buy groceries, cleaning, and so on. but I will keep writing until I reach my goal, of course, I am reading online courses on creative writing, and I take some free ones on YouTube, I dedicate all my time to it, I even write at work when I don''t have many things to do. so thanks for, your comments, they helped me to do many things, like thinking about everything a thousand times before writing it.


    at the moment I have three stories online, but I''m still practicing with many other stories, you can read them in my profile, if you have time I try to do my best, I even started to study English, but I left it, but now I''ve taken it up again.

 183. comics by the bucketload.

    Billy was genuinely nervous about missing the big comic book meeting and could only convey his good intentions in a quick apology, calling all the major leaders and expressing his sincere regret.


    -The first three volumes of Phantom Report were sent, the original drafts, along with some special sketches about the fate and story changes. Although these three books are precious, Billy sent three of Slam Dunk and a final one from a series that, from the call I had, is going to be one of the great series in the next twenty years. - Joe Kubert said.


    -Ohhhhh, a bold statement for this industry, although all the series he creates are already saved for the next twenty years. - Frank Miller said, perusing the drafts sent by Billy with white gloves. The care in reading the draft was excessive, and over the years, he has learned a lot watching Billy.


    -It''s a pity he couldn''t come. - Joe Kubert said, who has a close relationship with Billy. The series of Dark Bikers has united them in talent and strength.


    -Well, he''s a busy man, and apparently, he''s now focused on acting, which surprises me. With his talent in comics, I wouldn''t change the profession for anything in the world. - Jerry Sigel said, with an oxygen machine over his nose. At eighty years old, he was known as the father of Superman.


    -Times change, and now these kids have so much talent in one little finger that I can only sigh. I wish he would do a Spider-Man series. With his ability, he''ll surely revitalize the franchise, or even the X-Men. - Stan Lee said.


    -We''re old. - Joe Kubert said.


    All those who represented something in the world of comics began to arrive, almost 120 people this time. Some new faces have joined who have started their comic production, which has grown by 5% in 1991, 13% in 1992, and 32% in 1993. The year 1994 is still up in the air.


    -What do you have to say, Todd? You''re the one doing business with Billy now. I heard he hired you to help with a new Spider-Man series. - John Romita asked.


    -Oh, yes, great series have been made. Billy is betting on a great creation. He has paid good money to everyone, from script creation to animation and media. Saban Entertainment paid for him to make the best animation in history for X-Men and Spider-Man. They went all out, and with some innovative techniques, I''m sure it will be a great series. - Todd said.


    This caused wear and tear on people''s minds since Marvel''s economic situation was not very good. Even if they set up an independent company, the quality of drawing done by Billy was above all rules. Image Comics has suffered and won; some series have been great, but others have been weak and haven''t developed as expected.


    -The comic business has been tough. - Jin Valentino said.


    -Of course, it has. We have a lot of good competition. - Todd McFarlane said.


    -Please, we just need time. - Jim Lee sighed. Having known the wealth that came with having a Comics company, old representations like DC Comics and Marvel seemed distant and unattainable. But with the face of Lux Comics, a new hope arose for all these new creators.


    ************************************************************************


    -Good morning, young Bill. - Gillian Armstrong greeted.


    -Good day. - Billy said, shaking Gillian''s slender hands in surprise. In the background were Denise Di Novi, Robin Swicord, and Winona Ryder. Although there were no rumors after their separation, there have been notable changes in Winona''s personality, not bad, just in a withdrawn and distant state, unlike her usual self.


    -You have one last test. - Gillian said, indicating that he should take a seat. There, alongside the three women, female power was never so clear. Each one with ample budgets, the unexpected call that Billy received last minute, without giving him time to dress appropriately. He only had a gray suit, a blue shirt, no tie, and matching moccasins. His blonde hair was tousled, without the usual comb that arranged it to fall in layers over his forehead.


    Causing some confusion in Billy. Isn''t this another round of auditions? - Then...


    -Well, to start, we have some questions that would help us determine if you are the right fit for the role. We have a clear idea of the character we want to portray, but we haven''t decided if you could tackle the character design. We are amazed at your acting abilities, and now we want to decide from another playing field. - Gillian said.


    Robin Swicord adjusted her posture and handed the answer sheet to Billy, ten questions, all of which were contrary to what he expected. The first question, What''s your favorite color? Your cherished dream? Painting or music? Favorite song or favorite music genre?


    -I guess I have to answer this from the perspective of the role I''m going to play. - Billy said, from his seat.


    -Of course. - Robin said.


    -My favorite color is yellow. Sunsets by the window give me inexplicable sensations of endless life, but I also like the white of snow and brown. - Billy said, giving Winona a brief look. - My dream, I don''t have one in particular, nothing beyond that, but I like the life I live and the tranquility with which I live it.


    Blonde hair hit his brow, falling the length of his hair. Although it interrupted his view, he didn''t mind. Billy put on a thoughtful face, one of those breathtaking expressions.


    -Both, I like both. It''s something that can be appreciated and not rejected. Music makes me happy, nostalgic, and even angry, but that''s what notes are for, while painting inspires differently, like music. Admiring beautiful paintings is interesting, maybe it also helps us remember. - Billy said.


    The conversation continued for the next twenty minutes, in an attempt by Billy to sound desperately similar to young Theodore Laurence. A difficult thing due to the main aspects. He adjusted his posture in details, those he knew from the one he was portraying, with basic details in his posture and gestures. Although he didn''t take an etiquette course, he could follow a standard present in gentlemen of the time, studied in different exercises when he took part in his theater and acting classes.


    -It was a good performance. - Winona said as they left, with her pale cheeks puffed up, the sweetness of the actress still evident.


    -Thank you very much, miss. It was unexpected for me to have such a quick and early meeting. - Billy said, flashing a short smile.


    -It is, that''s why we''re leaving for Massachusetts tomorrow. We have many things to do. The set has been ready since last week, and I think the surprise is just an affirmation. I chose you, but I had to be sure. You''re very talented. - Winona said. Her charisma was unique, followed by her freshness. No wonder she was one of the great actresses of the decade, and her charm, combined with her sweet smile, made her look like a sweet elf.


    -You are very flattering. I hope to shine brightly when our two performances come together. Although I don''t think it will be very difficult. - Billy said.


    Winona raised her eyebrows. -What do you mean?


    -You know, I''ll play young Theodore, who is madly in love with Jo. I think it''s easy with such a lovely co-worker. - Billy said.


    Winona''s soft voice sounded in a laughter that filled the air. That''s the charisma that people idolize so much. - Billy thought.


    -Ohhhhh, you''re still imitating Laurie, Mr. Darwin. We''re leaving tomorrow in first class. I asked them to put us together. I want to introduce you to the whole team. I''m friends with Claire Danes and Trini. They might fall for your charm. - Winona said, still smiling.


    -I hope we get along. - Billy said, walking towards the exit with Winona while the next three producers were fine-tuning some details.


    -Come, it''s this way. - Winona said, leading to a room that seemed to be an office.


    -James, nice to see you. Here I bring you this young man who just got the lead role for the Little Women movie we''ll be shooting tomorrow. - Winona said.


    James was an old man who happily stood up despite his limp, warmly welcoming Winona, who just smiled at the old man and gave him a long and broad greeting.


    -Well, I see I''m a third wheel now. - James said.


    Briefly greeting Billy.


    -Not at all, this young man should give you the details for tomorrow''s flight. He''ll be traveling with the whole team as I asked. - Winona said. Billy couldn''t help but notice Winona''s black thong, low-cut pants, and the white shirt clinging to her body. The beginning of the beautiful hips left a vivid image in Billy''s mind.


    ...


    S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 184. Disney launches its trailer.

    May 23,


    The new "Last King" video presents the epic story of a fourteen-year-old boy fighting against the revolution in his country. In this country, there''s a strict rule that only a king who can ensure the stability of the kingdom, be a great fighter, a great politician, a diplomat, and a great romantic, will ascend to the throne. As the last in his line, Edward is just a foolish king, deceived by his uncle and sent to war. His ship sinks into the sea, and he ends up in the rival country, marrying the queen of that country in a web of random possibilities. When the young guard meets the princess of the kingdom, his sword skills earn him the role of her bodyguard.


    -It''s going to be an all-out struggle. - Greff Lomz said to Jose Iturbe, Roy Graham, and Bob Scholey.


    -I don''t think it will be. - Roy Graham said.


    -You just need to check this. - Anna Szyma��ska said, slamming the newspaper in front of the three of them. It wasn''t the first article they had written, but it was the first one that treated it as an all-out fight. There are only two options: keep fighting or step aside to innovate advertising campaigns and generate high ratings. The more people pay attention, the more likely they are to pay for a movie ticket.


    Washington Post.May 23,


    The Battle of Movies.


    By Adam Wenn


    -Well, I didn''t know we had an animation battle. - Roy Graham said, surprised.


    -We don''t, but it seems like it. They announced the release date on the same day as our movie. - Anna said.


    -So it''s a challenge. - Bucht Harman chimed in from behind everyone.


    -What do you mean? - Anna asked.


    -It''s a marketing campaign orchestrated by our competitors, maybe to divert our attention, or perhaps it''s a challenge suggesting that our movie isn''t as good. The articles in the coming weeks, even the next ones, will be about who has the better film, creating strong anticipation. Two days after the premiere, the movie will be criticized by many newspapers, maybe they''ll say it''s not worth watching. A direct competition makes sense, and Billy will have to fight against Disney''s media campaign. - Bucht said.


    -This will be the best 2D animated film. We will fight against all these foolish companies that think they can beat us by having two good movies. We''ve been producing "The Last King" for four years, and I want to thank the entire studio for their tremendous efforts. - Michael Eisner toasted in a grand hall. The animation team was perhaps the largest Disney had since Snow White. Initially dismissed as a grand series, after Toy Story, it portrayed an image that 2D animation is grand, and 3D animation is just a silly trend.


    However, the opposing studio made its 2D animation.


    -It''s fantastic, Michael. - Michael Ovitz, the glorious agent, one of the best agents in the world, and a powerful member of CAA, said. For now, he''s the limit for Jim Waitt to hire big actors, and he can only settle for promises or some actors who are not very loved in the industry, foreigners, and those who left Hollywood and returned. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It is, for now, we''re taking the stance, but I want you to take the position Frank left behind. For now, we''ll wait for 3 months. You have a good talent for seeing what companies need. John Kazentberg doesn''t have your vision, even though he heads the animation department and wants more, which I''m sure he won''t achieve no matter how he''s in charge. While he produces animated films, he has all my commitment. On the other hand, you''re a genius when it comes to managing a company. - Michael Eisner said.


    -I still doubt it. If I do, I''d resign from the presidency, and lose the power I have, and I know for a fact that there are others interested in my position. - Ovitz said.


    -There are many interested, but you wouldn''t resign for just any position. The presidency of Disney, you and I, based on existing data, will make the company the largest studio in Hollywood. - Eisner said.


    Strong celebratory moments that will shape the course of history.


    ...

 185. little women.

    Massachusetts was cold, and although the ice had cracked in some parts due to the time of year, spring was taking root decisively where icicles once hung. Further up in some mountains, the cold continued to be a part of the communal life of the state''s residents. Billy had managed to gain some recognition from the crew; the trip was planned calmly, avoiding the usual checks to steer clear of paparazzi and some more or less enthusiastic individuals.


    The early morning was a way to dodge many of these people, as well as gain more preferential access, to a private area beside the public airport. The accommodation wasn''t out of this world, but it had the advantage of privacy, only used on special occasions, a service that young Billy was unaware of until now.


    -Bill, you have three hours to keep reviewing the script; we''ll start recording some necessary scenes as soon as possible. - said Gilliam, who already knew some shots taken by assistant directors from quick shots and landscapes, along with some other shots.


    -Thanks, director. - said Billy, who wished to take a break on the flight, but all his plans were cut short. The separation between actors and producers was evident. Some were already there, taking some shots or adapting to the crew. Billy adjusted his backpack, containing more than a whole stack of neatly ordered papers, by character, stories, some notes, tales, and stories from his major series. Without delay, the first class was already boarded on the plane; apparently, the airline was preferential, and only about 40 people entered, allowing for freedom of movement. The next three hours would be a long wait. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Stop reading the script; they won''t pressure you that much. I mean, you received the script last night; normally, you can''t perform some scenes. Also, the scenes from the first week aren''t entirely yours.  - said Winona.


    -I already have most of it memorized. - said Billy.


    -Wow, quite arrogant. - said Trini, with a water bottle in hand, her white skin seemed sprinkled, along with her black hair, giving her a womanly appearance.


    -Maybe he wants to show off. But don''t worry, we''re impressionable women.- said Claire Danes, laughing with Winona. Both had a spark of friendship, typical of two close female friends, but it would be impossible without Winona''s charisma to make friends.


    -A man to rescue me. - said Winona, supporting the dorsal part of her hand, causing more laughter from the three women, who continued their banter about who was the most defenseless.


    The space for two ended up being occupied by Claire Danes, a blonde with brown eyes, occasionally tinted green. Upon closer inspection, they were bright green, highlighting the fine features she now had as a teenager without emphasizing her image.


    -So, how''s your reading going? - said Claire, trying to break the silence with Billy.


    -Fantastic, I''m trying to keep up with the pace as much as possible. - said Billy, giving a textbook response. But Claire was determined to talk to Billy, as he was the only one awake on the trip. The cameras didn''t detect a Winona with drool running down her cheeks or a Trini, hugging a pillow as if she were an infant.


    -You''re an artist. - said Claire, in the air, looking at some of Billy''s drawings.


    -Indeed, it''s one of my great hobbies. Do you have one? - - said Billy, putting the script aside at Claire''s insistence. The logbook of his drawings, drawings created by Billy Carson himself and not represented by the system, was in his arms. It contained two of his own stories and one in collaboration with Joe Kubert, "Dark Riders."


    The first story was a representation of the Iliad and Odyssey in the best way possible, a quest that needed an advance in technologies for animated quality to give a particular shine to such strong and challenging-to-follow stories.


    The second was a short story about a wild shark fisherman. The hunting of wild animals on the shores of the water in the Mesopotamian year by a madman who captured "sea monsters," including sharks, jellyfish, barracudas, and swordfish, in the waves and storms of the Indian Ocean. Projects he would follow on his own and publish independently, without much ceremony, guided by a few voices and more by a narrator, who would tell the story as if it were a tale for adults.


    -Well, I like fashion. But my passion is theater and cinema. You see, I come from an artistic family. My father is a photographer, my mother is an artist, painter, sculptor, and clothing designer. My grandfather is a real brain, as my mother likes to say, but he has a unique artistic taste. I''ve made some pieces of clothing with my mother, nothing interesting, just a weekend of inventiveness.  - said Claire. - But you have a lot of talent for drawing. -


    Reviewing the drawing sketches, the methodical and bold landscapes of Billy are beautiful to the eyes; Billy''s impressionism is strong, and with the help of his system, he can portray this style perfectly, causing a drawing to have a unique reality.


    -Thank you. Since I was a kid, I''ve been drawing non-stop; it''s like a job for me, - said Billy, looking at the portraits, especially the one of Alice, done in pencil. It depicted an afternoon while she studied, occasionally smiling at Billy before returning to her books.


    -It''s beautiful! - said Claire, pausing at the drawings of Achilles, a warrior reflecting the strength of a hundred men, blessed by heaven and earth.


    -Thank you.- said Billy.


    -I heard you''re very close to Pixar; you''ve done two voiceovers in the last few years. -  said Claire.


    -Three voiceovers, and yes, I am. I particularly like animation of all kinds, and I have an unhealthy appreciation for how wonderful a good animated film can be. There are no limits to impossible scenes, you can highlight art, and, well... it just takes imagination to create things. - said Billy.


    -I see. Surprisingly, you have sensitive tastes.- said Claire. She moved on to other images of Alice, dancing on stage, cooking, and posing.


    -Who is she? - asked the girl, noticing that several images of Alice were repeated.


    -She''s Alice, my girlfriend. - said Billy.


    -She''s quite beautiful. - said Claire, looking at the lovely blonde, drawn in pencil, pen, and all sorts of different colors.


    -She is. - said Billy.


    -You should draw us. - said Claire, looking at her friends, laughing at their condition. - "Just not now, it''s not our best moment."


    -I can do it for you with all the pleasure that such an action requires, although it''s not easy to portray people; it''s a long and enduring task. - said Billy, thinking about the times he had portrayed, the developing colors of his art, and the jagged forms that didn''t quite complete what he so desired to convey. The drawing was confusing and mortifying.


    Shortly after, little Claire also succumbed to sleep. The early morning wasn''t friendly to awake souls. They had already done some occasional work for the recording and were tired from the shooting the day before early in the morning. The plane settled down slowly, and everyone went to rest as much as they could.


    Billy decided to continue drawing his stories. The fleeting knowledge of many works passed through his mind, but he dedicated himself to creating his drawings, paying no attention to all the knowledge that emerged in his mind. Greek stories always contained interesting details, and successfully creating a series of them was just a journey into the hot memory of myths and legends sung by prose writers in earlier times. He read the Odyssey about three times without a break, from top to bottom, a version with annotations, and of course, the Iliad. Intricacies came and went, supported by a wandering imagination. He wanted to capture the gift he acquired in these classical stories as appetizers for his future tales.


    ...

 186. stories of a Geek.

    Raimon had red eyes from staying up all night playing video games, but he heard about a challenge called Speed Run and the cooperative combat that ID Software would perform. The first-place winner would get a brand-new Ford, a yellow sports car with luxurious seats, and the best Doom impressions stamped on the car. Winning the luxury edition car was a must; he needed to improve his technical skills. Billy suggested that he modify the controls to make it more practical to control the characters.


    The classic, not-so-classic programming: W for up, A for left, S for down, and D for right. Although he considered it a bad idea, Billy assured him that it would improve his skills this way.


    -You didn''t sleep at all, - Rachel said, upset by Raimon''s irresponsibility, who was covered by a large blue blanket.


    "Come on, Rachel, don''t be mean. It was just a miscalculation," Raimon said, trying to calm Rachel, who was his monitor at Anne''s request.


    -A miscalculation is arriving five minutes late, but what you did is irresponsibility. You''re pale, and your eyes are red from playing video games late into the night, - Rachel said, arms crossed, obviously annoyed.


    -I''ll work, I''ll work, - Raimon said, rubbing his eyes, clearly tired.


    -You''re impossible. It''s forbidden for you to have soda. It''s not good for your health, and you won''t work on Luxtoons'' issues. You''ll be dedicated to filing with Mr. Gorman, - Rachel said.


    Raimon''s eyes, once narrowed by fatigue, opened wide, ready to defy Rachel''s directives. He tried to say something intelligent, but Rachel''s furious look was enough to refrain from saying something that could get him into more trouble.


    -Yes, ma''am, - Raimon said, defeated by his paperwork day, a place where he couldn''t easily escape until he finished organizing all the files.


    -Good morning, Raimon. There''s coffee on the table; we need to organize the files from A to M by noon, - Mr. Gorman said. The filing office was packed with papers, the entire place was bursting with everything from minor purchases, account adjustments, salary payments, confidential information, and all kinds of files.


    -I hate my life, - Raimon muttered.


    Organizing the papers by subject, and then organizing some by date, some by names, and others by subject and importance. He almost followed Mr. Gorman''s brisk pace, who organized with all the rigor that depended on him. Mr. Gorman, the official archivist of the company, was a sort of corporate notary who adjusted reports, filtered with his formal considerations, and material he discussed with Anne and Billy.


    Learn about animation at fifty? No one would believe it.


    -Raimon, finish quickly; we have some matters to discuss, - Anne said.


    -Oh, sure, -Raimon said, with some fear. Mr. Gorman looked away. The company was a matriarchy at Billy''s request, who used Anne, Jolie Carter, and Rachel to keep the talented Steve Parks, Lucas Reid, previously an intern but now consolidated in the administration, analysis, and finance team led by Mr. Cloud, Raimon Green, and Rumino Denver, in line.


    - think I''ll go see what Anne wants, - Raimon said, finishing sorting out the relevant matters related to burger and pizza franchises. Walking at a slow pace, memorizing an excuse or an apology, after taking three sips of coffee, he had a fresh mind. He touched the door, and Margaret greeted him with a sly smile. The old lady knew how to fan the flames, and Raimon, a man who always wore his emotions on his face, just seemed like another of the lady''s grandchildren, now indispensable to Anne.


    -Good morning, Anne, - Raimon said.


    -Why do you have that look? Cheer up! Your plan worked; we received a message from George Lucas. He''ll come next week to negotiate the agreement between the companies. It''s decided, according to his words, - Anne said, so animated that she forgot Raimon''s reproachful words about his irresponsibility.


    -Do you have everything ready? - Anne asked.


    Raimon nodded. - I''ll talk to Parks, and we''ll squeeze this relationship as much as Billy asked me to, - Raimon said.


    To which Anne smiled, delighted with how things were unfolding. - You can go. Remember to help Rachel with the paperwork for the channel. We have all the permits, but we still need some equipment and negotiations with some cable companies. I''ll leave this week for you to adjust everything perfectly, but next week, I want you and Rumino to negotiate with the companies, - Anne said.


    *************************************************************


    Texas. �C Kansas.


    The computer engineers at Id Software had another company accompanied by many future projections. John Carmack himself had the desire to leave the game company; he would be earning double the money by making games based on his own experience. But what the heck, the orders, and the vision, along with the projections of the higher-ups, were admirable. It was as if they knew where video games were headed with their innovative and pragmatic ideas. The new Tomb Raider was more than a challenge, even with the genius Rilley spouses who were a gem, the game was a challenge in its entirety.


    -The boss''s new suggestion is a great cooperative battle royale video game tournament. To qualify, you must perform a speed run of the game Doom in less than five hours. He''s a genius! - Carmack said, a very different young man, now with an annual salary of $240,000 and bonuses of $800,000 per year. He was one of the luckiest men in Texas.


    -No kidding. Although I could have made the offer for Doom 3, a special edition with metal music as an introduction, and it was approved, - Romero said, his long, thick black hair reaching his hips.


    Both followed Billy''s established guidelines on the requirements of the new Lux Animation event, creating a great computer game competition. Four states, the top four among all, would face a big round of everyone against everyone. The winner would get a car and their participation in Doom 2 for the year 1998.


    -Damn, - Carmack said, surprised by Billy''s audacity, who wanted to bring the greatest rock band in history, of course, for these two crazies.


    Still pending on the project, there was intrigue about the creation of the game. Bringing Metallica into the game was a crazy feat. There is a general idea of the game, but it seems it will be a huge, million-dollar investment in scope.


    -Are you participating in the competition? - Romero asked.


    -Yep. I want that car. Alexa mentioned that as long as no one cheats, anyone can play. Plus, everyone will know the map, and we''re under fair estimation. However, I think I need to practice a bit, - Carmack said.


    Alexa, the new director of Id Software, programmed the new player designs for mobility, jumping, elasticity, riddles, and all the programming details combined with the game mechanics and controls. S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, her husband Brian programmed the NPCs to perform certain actions. Billy asked to elevate the levels to a new type of difficulty, madness, a level that is almost like competing against the same player experiencing it. Although Lara Croft''s game is about a female archaeologist, weapons are at the forefront. Only the lower-ranked ones.


    -You should get to work, - Brian said.


    -We''re done, - Romero said along with Carmack.


    Alexa could only sigh at Carmack''s elastic genius in programming. - Go and help the newcomers with their Crash video game; the boss wants the game to be good. He has many plans for it and hopes that the game can become a franchise like Mario. - said, Alexa.


    Carmack and Romero stopped to look at Alexa. - You know a lot about the boss''s future projects. Do you have a clear idea of what the boss expects to allocate for future video games? - Carmack asked.


    -It''s crazy. You can ask him. He''ll come in June to renew contracts. He hopes that the future he has budgeted for the company will encourage you to join for another six years. - Alexa said with a suspicious look. Even Brian himself didn''t know and was completely curious, but he knew it was something business-related that Alexa would guard with secrecy.


    -I hate you. - said Carmack, going to the other group to make the corresponding contributions. The game designs would be handed over to a small team at Pixar, consisting of novices and some experts working extra hours for good pay and the love they had for making adjustments to the design and mapping of worlds already outlined in Billy''s instructional guides, now assembled with his comic work team, handling the complicated tasks.


    ...

 187. start recording.

    Billy was trying on the dress he had to wear for his first scene, the moment when he becomes hopelessly enamored with Jo March, played by Winona. On the first day, Winona locked herself in the hotel to make a phone call, God knows with whom.


    -Billy, I''m glad you made it through the casting. - said Nigel, giving Billy a hearty greeting. Nigel was the typical American, with almost pinkish-white skin, glasses, and blonde hair. His only distinctive feature was his chubby features, not without subtracting a formal style since even in jeans, he could look formal.


    -Thank you. Without your recommendations, I couldn''t be part of this great production. - said Billy, shaking hands with Nigel, who could only nod. Even though he only passed along the resume and didn''t mention anything beyond having the qualifications, no one would deny a favor from a promising future actor.


    -It''s your first scene, from what I see. - said Nigel, who had just arrived recently but already had a clear thread about the state of the shoot.


    -It is, and I have to give my best. - said Billy, adjusting his personality to the one required for Laurie, a charming, friendly, and sympathetic neighbor of the women in the neighboring house.


    Nigel just let him work while adjusting the crew''s schedules and coordinating entrances, exits, the use of the set, and all the chores that a coordinator does. Producers give orders, but he is the one in charge of carrying out what the producers want, and in the way they asked. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Winona arrived like an angel, with her dress fixed and just right, her delicate features only accentuating her fair skin. The neckline she wore wasn''t very revealing, but a woman of her caliber differed; it was almost an invitation to drive the unprepared crazy.


    -Mr. Theodore, I hope you are a gentleman and can guide me on the set. Although I must say I''m a tough woman who won''t hesitate to give you a black eye if you overstep. - said Winona, particularly cheerful. Her smile made her even more beautiful.


    -Madam, please, at the first moment I find myself out of line for a lady of your caliber, you can hit me with all your might. I''ll carry the blows without remorse as if they were medals. - said Billy, kissing Winona''s knuckles.


    She just rolled her mermaid-like eyes, as if it were a common attitude, something that happened to her every day. Her cheeks were like squirrels.


    -Laurie. - said Winona, extending her hand for Billy to take, her chin raised, expressing the dignity she wanted to reflect.


    -My lady. - said Billy, following Winona''s particular mood.


    -The black hair suits you well. - said Winona, pointing out Billy''s evident change of hair color, a strong black that made him look somewhat more mature than with blonde hair.


    -How do you feel? - asked the woman with black hair, somewhat more restrained and returning to her normal posture.


    -Good, these three days have served me well for a review, and I think I''m ready to shoot. - said Billy.


    -And you, I''ve noticed you''ve been down? - Winona said to the woman.


    -Not at all, just a bit tired. I''ve had a lot to think about, and sometimes I get lost in my thoughts. It''s common; I often do it many times. On the other hand, Claire mentioned that you''re a great painter. - said Winona.


    -I am, although my skills with pen and pencil are better than with brushes, but I can manage. - said Billy, opening the door for Winona.


    -Thanks. -


    -I''d love to see your drawings. We can see them after today''s set. By the way, Claire, Trini, Kristen, and I are going to have something delicious on Saturday afternoon. There''s a dessert shop. If we''re careful, no one will find out about our little escapade. It would be good if you came. - said Winona, kissing his cheek as a farewell. The work was about to begin.


    The March family gathered on the set that perfectly imitated ancient life. If it weren''t for the number of cameras, fortunately, the set wasn''t as large as they thought, and good distribution allowed filming different scenes concentrated in the same location, almost four acres.


    -Billy, you''re about to start, try to stay calm, let Winona set the pace, and just act charmingly. - said Gilliam Armstrong, the film director, to which Billy could only agree and focused on taking his seat, prepared for the work that was about to come


    Scene 19.


    [3 exclamation points]


    Cut.


    -It was a magnificent scene, but I fear, Billy, that you were too charming. Laurie is more awkward, but we''ll do two more takes; try to be more shy. - Gillian said.


    So, they repeated the scene two more times to leave the first take and what we call improvisation on set, which a good director can cut and redo when filming a movie, like exploiting his actors and giving a strong identity to their performances.


    -You''re a great actor. - Winona said, unusually serious.


    -I do what I can, and I don''t complain. I enjoy acting and playing roles. - Billy said.


    -Come, take me to eat. - Winona said, grabbing Billy''s arm.


    -Of course! - Billy said, ignoring the boldness of the protagonist. Although it was still printed in him, unable to avoid traces of Theodore''s personality, not because it was a habit, it was Billy''s method of immersing himself so much in the role that sometimes he just followed with his character. This one was charming and cordial, something that encouraged the production with Billy''s friendly gestures.


    -Perfect, the hotel will be fine. We want discretion, and today I don''t want to deal with the media. - Winona said.


    -Allow me to invite you. - Billy said, taking Winona to the eatery. On the way, he also brought Trini, who decided to join, and there were no changes or contradictions from either of them. Trini was a lively and straightforward woman.


    ....


    We are going to chapter 227 on Patreon. Good morning everyone.

 188. understanding

    Billy drove through the temperate streets of Massachusetts, with Winona sitting in the front seat, the seat reclined, her bare feet on the dashboard, something even the owner wouldn''t mind. �C Billy thought. �C A curious fact about Winona is that she didn''t appreciate speed much, something she had warned Billy about when getting into the car. Billy respected the speed limits and lowered them a bit more to avoid discomfort for the girl who was laughing on the side with Trini.


    -We''re almost there. - Billy said, but was only answered by whispers from the two girls. Billy parked the car, so slowly that it allowed both of them to finish a long discussion about some event that Billy was unaware of.


    -Well, we''ve arrived. - Winona said, getting out of the car like an autumn breeze, leaving behind a mess of things: the chair poorly placed, her black jacket, and a brush. She would later search her entire room for it.


    -See you in half an hour. - Billy said.


    For an hour, I need to shower and fix myself up a bit. I''m a mess. - Winona said.


    -Alright, I''ll wait for you in the restaurant. - Billy said.


    Adjusting his suitcase and finalizing the drafts of One Piece, currently counting Chapter 0 about Shiki''s story and some other spin-offs, small ones to give more consistency to the story, he was in Chapter 7. If he completed five more chapters, it wouldn''t be too difficult to finish the first mini-arc of the East Blue, Orange Town.


    He expanded a bit on Zoro''s flashback arc, adding more depth to his relationship with Kuina and detailing the figure of his master to give a better overall feel to the story. Along with the visual improvements, the manga contained many comings and goings that were not fully published.


    -May I take your order, sir? Anything to drink, perhaps an appetizer? - the hotel waiter asked.


    -You can bring me a glass of water and a coffee. - Billy said succinctly, to which the waiter nodded.


    Continuing with his glorious drafts of One Piece, going back and forth, carefully detailing the environments and places in the best way possible, he decided to add a bit more geography to blank areas, in small informational postcards about the East Blue, opening up the universe a bit more in detail. When working on a series where you know the beginning and end, and everything that happens in between, it''s easy to avoid script problems and correct irregularities.


    They served his water in silence, along with his coffee, and left him to work in peace, without making excuses for anything like the bill, another order, or any other inconvenience that might arise. Billy checked the clock after finishing the first draft, an hour and twenty minutes.


    -These women sure know how to take their time. - Billy muttered.


    He continued with the next chapter for about 15 more minutes, and then there they were, changed and completely put together, even perfumed in such a way that left Billy a bit out of place because of how both women were ready to enjoy dinner.


    -Sorry for the delay. - Trini said, apologizing for the delay, but the phone conversations extended so much that they fell prey to hunger and had to shower with an improper speed for the care they required when performing such ceremonies.


    Billy, dry from the long hours of work, could only make a quick gesture, calling the boy, a waiter who occasionally glanced at his client''s table in silence. - How can I help you, gentlemen? - the waiter said, pausing at the two beautiful ladies, especially at the famous actress whose black hair and appearance hypnotized anyone who gave a glance to the diva of the last decade of the century.


    -You can bring me a special lobster roll with an extra portion of fries. For starters, we want some chicken bits in sauce and salad, a jug of juice, and a small bottle of wine from ''67. - Billy said, closing the menu after a glance. Hunger pressed him to order, and he chose by process of elimination what intrigued him most on the menu.


    Winona raised an eyebrow but didn''t question. - A portion of rice and fish soup for me. What do you want, Trini? -


    -I don''t usually have dinner so late. - Trini said, settling for a fish stew, which she would share with Billy, at the girl''s request.


    -I''m sorry. Someone called me, and one thing led to another. It took a little longer than expected. You must be hungry, and I was inconsiderate.- Winona said.


    Billy didn''t respond. His mind was filled with wandering thoughts about the upcoming days. He had many important things to do; for now, his mind wandered to business and work. Not thinking was implied in his mind, which ended up being so rigidly focused on his mental affairs that to questions and answers, he only tended to nod, without assimilating the information that reached his ears. Winona paid attention to his behavior. A thousand and one ideas raced through her mind, but discomfort set in, and the two women didn''t know what to do with Billy''s silence. He regained composure with the great food that arrived.


    Principio del formulario


    -Could you bring me some pickles at the end of the meal? - Billy asked, to which the waiter nodded.


    Pickles.


    -Yes, this wine can be paired with good bread, perhaps a cheese board, and a good portion of Serrano ham. But please, go ahead, and try the appetizers. I ordered them, especially for you, - Billy said, serving them a bit as the girls savored the distant flavors.


    -They''re delicious, - Trini said, who later would mortify herself for breaking her diet, although the portions served weren''t as generous as in other places.


    -What were you doing? - Trini asked while Winona was immersed in her fish soup.


    Taking a bite, Billy replied, - Just writing a bit. It usually relaxes my mind. -


    -I heard you''re talented with a pencil. Can I see your drawings? - Trini asked.


    Billy nodded, and the large sketchbook was truly a marvel to behold, with numerous scenes depicting stories and some drafts handled artistically. After all, the best cartoonist in America, hidden from the eyes of these women, emerged as someone of great talent. The Winonas opened up, as they normally did in their movies, something Billy couldn''t overlook given the brilliance of their performances.


    -They''re fantastic, - both girls said at the same time.


    Billy poured some wine to ease the heaviness he felt in his head from the long day. - Thanks. -


    -I like this one, -- Winona pointed at the One Piece draft, causing Billy to almost choke on his wine since he had forgotten he did some sketches to publish during June. -- It''s funny, and it changes your drawing style. It''s more cartoonish. When I was a kid, I loved Looney Tunes; it reminds me of Looney Tunes, - Winona said.


    -Ohhhhh, a top-secret,  - Trini said, covering her mouth.


    -Hahaha, not at all. They never ask. They prefer to know who I''m sleeping with rather than what my favorite cartoons are, - Winona said, downplaying it.


    -My favorite is Dragon Ball, but I like Tom and Jerry, - Billy said.


    -Well, since it''s a table of confessions, they never let me watch cartoons when I was little. My father was very strict and had many things in mind for me to sit down and watch TV. But movies always have a place in my heart, - Trini said.


    -We all know you only watch Tom Cruise movies, - Winona said, laughing at Trini''s secret, who blushed strongly.


    -We all fall for Tom; he''s a heartthrob, - Billy said, trying to be funny, which worked as everyone burst into laughter.


    -Oh my God, the next time I see Tom, I''ll mention his charm, - Winona said.


    -Oh, lady, you can''t faint. She likes the classics and was left speechless with Al Pacino when she was little, he only believed she was just another fan. But there''s another one that was hidden and doesn''t want to tell us, - Trini said.


    -Don''t you dare, - Winona said. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I won''t, but Billy should know what he''s up against, - Trini said with such mischievousness that both Billy and Winona were disarmed. Gwyneth''s words about ��echoed in his mind.


    -I face an unhealthy number of women, from the director to my co-stars. The disadvantage only helps me strengthen myself. However, a gentleman endures, and confessing, I won''t deny that Jodie Foster is damn beautiful, and I might have been in my thoughts for some time, - Billy said.


    -Hahaha, - both actresses laughed, enchanted by Billy''s honesty.


    Winona ordered another bottle of wine. - It seems you''re quite a gentleman, - she said knowingly, aware of Billy''s shy and serious nature, which now shared thoughts and distributed them like trinkets.


    -I do what I can. I heard you turned down the role in GoldenEye, - Billy said.


    -I didn''t like the script; I prefer other types of styles. But my agent says the James Bond genre is a bit burnt out, - Winona said.


    -You should accept it. It will be a big hit and will help your career, - Billy said.


    -Why do you say that? - Winona asked.


    -Intuition, - Billy replied secretly about the great movie he repeated several times in the future and his subsequent interest in the franchise, which distributed it animatedly would leave much to be desired. Still, the complex plot tends to be long and intricate.


    -I''ll think about it. If nothing noteworthy comes up this year, I''ll probably do the movie. It''s just that, you know, I''d only be the pretty girl that Bond has to fall in love with, and the script is clich��, -Winona said, portraying her freshness and calmness for such cases.


    -What about you? What will you do? - Winona asked.


    -I don''t have anything yet. I''ll attend some castings. I haven''t stopped working since February, non-stop. I think I''ll start looking for roles in October or November. When all the recurring premieres, galas, and runways are over. I have to attend New York Fashion Week in September; a suit brand sponsors me, - Billy said.


    -Let''s go together, - Winona said.


    -Consider it done, - Billy said.


    ...

 189. again, and again.

    May 30.


    The current outlook for Toor Books, as seen through the eyes of some entrepreneurs, is in a game-changing situation with the rise of e-books. The expectation is that the book market will fade away in the next 30 years. Now, individuals are gearing up for a business relationship, aiming to shift the editorial burdens entirely in favor of Toor Books. McMillan Book hesitated initially, but they didn''t mind sealing the deal for a 5-year agreement, reaping benefits while the other party takes on the evident load of the relationship and earns much less on the scale of responsibilities.


    On the other side of the equation, Billy knows that transforming the publishing house into a foundation, favoring authors, and establishing a connection beyond the commercial aspect, is a significant gain in the grand scheme of things. While it''s true that money can be made through sales, the scale of making billions with a series doesn''t apply. Book sales become secondary to marketing, and film rights, essentially exploiting the books, which is more crucial than a book-selling ceremony. Transforming Toor Books into a nonprofit entity that reinvests its profits in bonds, scholarships, and awards for writers in the industry is a heavenly move that the white-collar executives have not fully grasped yet.


    -I''m pleased that we''ve conducted these negotiations this way, - said Steve Parks, closing the door behind the leaders of McMillan.


    -It''s a mutual benefit. However, we would like to align your idea with our company, reducing our fees to enter the foundation business. It''s a win-win, - Jim Benson suggested.


    -Of course, - said Steve Parks, happy to ease the foundation''s burdens in the early months, although the exploitation of the foundation had been contemplated from the start.


    -We have this commercial deal in mind. You can review it and talk to us in the coming weeks, - he said, handing over a card with his number.  -- You can call me anytime, my assistant will answer, and we can reach a negotiation, - Jim Benson commented.


    -They''ll be calling from the legal department, - Steve Parks said, not committing himself, preferring to let the lawyers take the blame to avoid problems.


    Happiness was present throughout the long relationship. This company, unlike others, knew that fulfilling relationships played a crucial role in these business dealings, where entertainment took a back seat, and only business was the starting point for all the entrepreneurs. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Trying to fill the space, Steve Parks said, - But from my point of view, I will push for the business of creating the foundation. It''s something personal, based on providing opportunities for young writers or novices who haven''t had a chance to prove their worth. -


    -Sure, talk to the lawyers, - Jim dismissed the charity, solely concerned with making money. He didn''t believe a single word spoken by Steve Parks, but he left the altruistic sentiment for when they needed to pay taxes.


    The members of the board fulfilled their present role of accepting decisions that had an impact on more than 3% of the company''s assets. The purchase of Toor Books closed at 5.7 million dollars. Steve Parks'' famous phrase, ''making money doing nothing,'' wasn''t as true as it seemed, but it ended up being bought by McMillan. They yielded to the idea of selling Toor Books and charging for their services.


    ************************************************


    May 30.


    George walked into the company founded five years ago, which had been dubbed by circulated Hollywood sources as newcomers in a factory. Before him stood a grand citadel of factories, buildings, and construction zones.


    The factory looked old, but the facade and the details were exquisite, so much so that he doubted the accuracy of those circulated sources. What seemed to Lucas as a beautiful woman with long legs, just as he liked, approached. He thought of Billy''s secretary, perhaps a sales department.


    -Mr. Lucas, I''m Anne Hall, - said the sexy and stunning woman, to whom George Lucas found Anne Hall quite attractive, which was partially true.


    -Of course, - said Lucas, trying to hide his embarrassment, turning his head to follow Anna Hall, stopping at her figure from behind, apologizing for his boldness, but he was in the presence of true beauty.


    -We''ve been waiting for you for some time. Let me extend the invitation; we are delighted to extend our relations, - said Anne, expressing her thanks. After all, the only one who should be a gladiator was Raimon, who looked out for the interests of the company and sought to discomfort Mr. Lucas.


    -I''m glad it''s this way, - said Lucas calmly. Following him was a young man in a fitted gray suit who, at first glance, looked like a lawyer in his thirties. He was a commercial advisor who had been working diligently with Lucasfilm for over nine years to ensure the best interests of Lucas, verifying the accuracy of actions, with knowledge in law, administration, and finance. He was a vital person for Lucas''s approval, who only focused on the correct profits of the company.


    -This is the first floor, the comic lounge. This is where our volumes arrive for all states and some countries. For now, we are the third-highest-selling comic company, and we are about to surpass Marvel Comics. The number one spot is only a short-term goal; there''s no doubt about that. Follow me, - Anne said, leading them to the elevator, pressing the fourth floor.


    The recording and dubbing studios, along with a small music studio, had spent a considerable amount for this room.  - These are the production studios. Currently, we have 82 animators working in the company to create series and productions for our participating films. Of course, we have relationships with two animation studios, one French and one Amblin Entertainment, - said Anne, proud of the company, moving on to the third floor. The first thing George Lucas saw was the video game room and the small kitchen with sodas, snacks, and sweets.


    -This way, the glass room, as we call it, our negotiation space, - said Anne.


    A transparent room with a small projector for displaying some slides and special videos used to present basic previews of the series created by the animators. Opening the door, they found Raimon gracefully dressed in a suit and tie, his chubby figure amusing those accustomed to seeing him in extravagant outfits from TV series, movies, and televised dramas.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lucas, - said Raimon, rising from his seat to offer a hearty greeting to both parties following Anne. She nodded and left, allowing Raimon to continue with the negotiations.


    -You''re the young man who ended up in the waiting room due to an error from my receptionist, and I apologize, - said George.


    Raimon waved off the air, trying to calm his heart. He had to secure the contract for Billy, and perhaps in a month, he could ask for photos and autographs.


    -It''s a thing of the past. Now, let''s leave past problems behind. Only the present matters, and how crucial our future is as entrepreneurs, - said Raimon, offering them seats.


    Images started to roll on the projector, showcasing sketches from the Star Wars series. These images resonated with Billy''s vision of what the animated Star Wars series could be��details of the clones, General Gribus, some Jedi, rescued races, and others unknown to George. Although they were only sketches, they were delicately drawn and colored, subtly using black and gold lines.


    -Just a key image representing what Billy envisions for the series. He calls it the Clone Wars, following a storyline exploring what may or may not have happened in the linear history of Star Wars after the events of Luke Skywalker, his adventures in renewing the Jedi Order, and the end of the Empire, - explained Raimon in detail.


    -I see, - said Lucas, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    -The proposal from management is to purchase a license for ten years for $25 million. We guarantee Mr. Lucas as a producer, and director if necessary, with a salary. Additionally, we offer 20% of the marketing on profits, but everything produced will be available for Lux Animation without compromising copyrights. The investment for ten years includes three films at the agreed-upon price, a consecutive series, and three animated series aimed at increasing Star Wars exposure. We also promise an additional investment for the creation of a Star Wars museum, which will be owned by Lux Animation. Mr. Lucas will receive 8% of the profits, as this will be used to pave the way in Pop culture, - read Raimon from the agreement, exactly as they had planned.


    Anticipating a favorable response, he added, - I don''t agree, - said Lucas, throwing Raimon into the challenging task of comprehending George''s decision.


    The following hours consisted of agreements and disagreements between the two parties, with no concrete agreement reached. Another date was set for further negotiations.


    ....

 190. capcom.

    Suo Nagamoto, a programmer at Capcom, has had ups and downs in the past four years. But now, at the request of Takashi Nishiyama himself, he has been tasked to negotiate a sequel for the game Street Fighter. Ironically, this is something he hesitates to do. The waters seem murky as Lux Comics, the company, only sent a letter asking for the game''s profits. Now, as a major video game production house, ID Software, Suo is skeptical about the negotiation, a sentiment contradicted by Takashi, who understands the capitalist nature of the company, always investing in various industries.


    Takashi, a Japanese man who migrated to America for work, a highly educated individual, as reflected in his words and calm demeanor, and with skills that don''t need to be flaunted, entrusted Suo with this task.


    Here were Suo Nagatomo, Seth Killian, and Joey Crismon, the company''s lawyer, a small group of novices unfamiliar with negotiations.


    It was so surprising that they arrived unprepared before the company''s teddy bear, Raimon Green. He could only be considered the next great game creator for the company. He had spent a week chatting on the phone with all his friends about a possible sequel to Samurai Jack. Billy''s phone rang so many times that he answered it and chatted for a while despite his insistence.


    Once again, Raimon with a tie had disappeared. He was wearing a Lion King t-shirt, Lion King shorts, and explorer-style boots, giving him an explorer-like appearance. His beardless posture caused Rachel to hit her forehead at how ridiculous he looked. She noted in her agenda her plan to propose a dress code at the company, highlighting neon yellow, shorts, and short pants, with a prohibited symbol.


    -The Capcom folks have arrived. - said Dave from the door.


    -Sure, give me a second. - said Raimon, checking Billy''s stocks on the table along with other folders, numerous RPG platforms, the video game franchise, and Luxtoons, the new TV channel.


    -Go now. You''ll check that later. - said, Rachel.


    Raimon turned his chair and made a foolish face, which he only did for Rachel, attempting to imitate his brother. -You''re an idiot. - said Raimon, just as his brother used to say, only to receive a flying tape that hit him in the neck.


    -Watch your mouth; I can tolerate your ridiculous pants, but no one calls me stupid. - said, Rachel.


    Words that fell on deaf ears as she had already left the room. With the fear of another retaliation from Rachel, who had risen, breathing heavily, her neat hair was now disheveled.


    All of this was observed by Felicity Thompson, who was rarely found in the office. -You two have a lot of built-up sexual tension. - said Felicity, sarcastically.


    -Sorry! - said Rachel, softly, totally embarrassed, her colorful state now due to Felicity''s words.


    -You know how to hit where it hurts. - said Felicity.


    Rachel''s heart sank to the floor, sitting down robotically, causing some happiness in Felicity.


    Raimon ran quickly around the corner, almost crashing into Mr. Cloud, who was holding some files. -This is not elementary school, Raimon, you don''t have to run. - said Mr. Cloud, following his path.


    -Everyone is crazy today. - whispered Raimon, walking to the glass office, despite the numerous scoldings he had received. Although he had only brought the outfit to annoy Rachel, he felt that luck had not been on his side. Perhaps next time, a hoodie would be a better choice.


    As Dave mentioned, Raimon could see at the other end, three men in suits waiting. This brought him joy; people always went crazy when they saw his way of entering. As long as the other party needed them, he could dress however he wanted. Passing the long corridor, he entered the glass room, the room par excellence for important meetings. He pulled the curtains on one side, cutting off the view of the workers, and shook hands firmly with the people.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet you; I''m Raimon Green, the company''s Director of Operations and in charge of the video game sector. - said Raimon.


    For Seth Killian and Suo Nagatomo, it was exasperating to see this man confidently in such attire. But for Joey, it was an insult. As a traditional lawyer, he wanted to escape the moment he saw the other party enter.


    Seth Killian, much more detail-oriented, noticed that it was the company''s new movie, The Lion King, but those outfits he hadn''t seen on the market.


    -Pleasure to meet you, Raimon. I''m Suo Nagatomo, in charge of the previous Samurai Jack project. -


    -What a pleasure and what a great job! - said Raimon, shaking his hand again.


    Joey''s throat clearing woke everyone from their reverie. He wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    -Of course, let''s start with the negotiation. First and foremost, I want to say on behalf of Lux Comics that we regret having neglected the relationship. But the boss has been very busy; companies have been created, projects executed, and of course, it''s no secret that we''re launching a television channel. Even from the meeting''s scheduling, I thought about a second game. I did a field study on all the advantages and disadvantages of the previous game, Samurai Jack. - said Raimon, handing out a folder, one for each party.


    -Does that mean you''re willing to continue contracting with Capcom? - said Suo, seeing the willingness of the parties.


    -Of course, as long as we handle similar terms to the previous contracts. - said Raimon.


    -Meaning 25% of profits, an investment of two million dollars, and assistance in advertising. - said Suo.


    -Correct, correct. Furthermore, we hope you can improve the 2D graphics, so the investment of four million is at your disposal. Of course, as long as you take into account the details in the folder I just handed you regarding the gameplay of the game. - said Raimon.


    Suo nodded, reading, or trying to read, what was a series of reviews, graphics, newspaper articles, and finally, a summary. - This is interesting, but it''s very scattered information. If we focus on so many things, the game may lose the satisfaction of the first one. - said Suo. S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I understand; they are just suggestions. But now that you mention it, it boils down to three important points. The game must follow the same open-world format, secondly, the 2D dungeon gameplay must remain the same, similar to the Megaman franchise. And thirdly, I would like to implement Street Fighter-style fights against bosses at the end of levels. This last one was requested by Billy himself. - said Raimon.


    -That sounds more logical; I''ll take note of the points you just mentioned. With the investment provided by you, I think we can reach an agreement. - said Suo.


    -Yep, by the way. - nodded Raimon, remembering. - You can create another game; we''re talking about Toy Story and Hercules, company movies. We hope you can open up to basic formats. - said Raimon.


    -Ohhhh. - said Suo.


    ******************************


    Thomas breathed calmly from his chair, the evident dark circles in his eyes showed clear signs of lack of sleep. But he swallowed it all and focused on his work and his home. He found no opportunity to calm his melancholy other than with sips of love, in the nights or afternoons of reflection in his armchair, with a beer in hand.


    -Sir, your wife is in the living room. - said Yamile, the assistant, for quite some time now.


    -Bring her in. - said Thomas, somewhat tired of the Branovich women''s drama.


    There was Ivanovna Branovich, with her chubby belly, looking unkempt, and discomfort evident in her walk. Even before she murmured something, Thomas closed her off with his hand, and the woman stopped everything she had in her heart.


    Thomas finished organizing his papers for another thirty minutes, while Ivanovna rested in her seat. For the last four months, she had only dreamed of trying a cigarette, something that diminished now when the cigarette smoke made her vomit breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one go. But there was still that feeling of reproach in her heart, of smoking a cigarette, like a memory that soothed her anxiety from a young age.


    -You did what I asked. - said Thomas, as mandatory as ever.


    -Yes, I found some nice houses, but they are of a high price. There''s a somewhat distant suburb, but it meets all the requirements, a citadel of houses, security, and five bedrooms. - said Ivanova.


    Currently, the Carsons live in Willow Glen.


    -Money is not a problem; the house is not for me, it''s for Billy. We''ll settle in Willow Glen, as we always have. I''m not leaving this house, Livy; it''s for my son. - said Thomas.


    -Why do you want such a big house? - asked Ivanova.


    -It''s security, Livy, the most important thing is security. - said Thomas.


    -Calm down. - said Livy.


    -I didn''t find anything remarkable, but there''s a building in Satana Row. - joked Livy.


    It wouldn''t be a bad idea. - said Thomas.


    -Why would you want a building, Carson? Wake up. - Livy told him, from her seat.


    -Well, it''s not all for Billy. We bought the building on credit; there''s a store on the ground floor for rent. We can make a penthouse; the lower floors can be luxury apartments. The area has started to gain some exclusivity; let''s make the area even more exclusive. - said Thomas.


    Livy loved seeing that decision, the decision to take charge.


    -It''s not rushed. - said Livy.


    -There''s nothing rushed. Call the real estate agent; I want the building by tomorrow. - said Thomas.


    The order awakened primal instincts in Livy. Could it be the hormones?


    -My love, I''m pregnant. - said Livy, moving her hips towards Thomas'' table, eager to start the libertinage that had them both trapped.


    ...

 191. keep working.

    june 1.


    The scene continued this time, with a long scene of Billy playing with all the March sisters. Looks of devotion escaped from Billy/Laurie, towards Winona/Jo. Despite Winona''s attempts to conceal it, these looks were only noticed by the director, who nodded approvingly at Billy''s profound acting. Winona''s expression, seemingly devoid of understanding, created a mix of confusion between devotion and performance, or maybe it escaped her altogether.


    -No one is that good at acting at such an early age, -  Winona thought.


    [Three points of appreciation]


    -Cut. - said Gilliam, captivated by the scene, eager to shoot more, but time was limited.


    -Billy, carry me to the chair. - said a little Lolita Kirsten Dunst, raising her arms towards Billy. She used to be a spoiled, pampered child, but upon seeing Billy and his pragmatic upbringing, she decided to use him as the target for all her whims.


    Billy could only sigh, already familiar with the capricious gestures of a spoiled girl. -Up. - said Billy, lifting her into his arms towards the chair, despite the objections from the March sisters. On the side, Kirsten''s mother swallowed all her accumulated anger at her daughter''s improper behavior.


    -Take me to the hotel. - said Kirsten.


    -Until here, miss. I have a call to attend to, but later, we can have ice cream at the hotel restaurant. - said Billy.


    Kirsten Dunst''s pout amused Trini and Claire. Their laughter was directed at Billy, and Claire was starting to develop a slight infatuation. This was noticed by both Winona and Trini, but they both discreetly teased Claire with silent jokes during their girls'' evenings.


    -What do you like about him? - they asked Claire. Mature for her age, she responded.


    -His willingness to listen. - said Claire, with that slight tingling every time she thought of Billy, something that both Winona and Trini noticed but pretended not to.


    Billy walked away, oblivious to the gossip on the set. The perfect role of Laurie earned him another validation from Nigel. Always quiet and studious, if you ask ten directors what the secret to his success is, they will all say it''s his hard work, communication with actors, the script, good production, or perhaps the new superstar who unveiled the role with ease. However, if you ask experienced producers who have made thousands of films, they will say that organization is the strong point of a good movie. If everything falls into place without having to ask for it, willingness is crucial, something only the experienced knows.


    Billy walked to the small care room shared with other actors and called his agent with something weighing on his heart.


    -Jim speaking. - said Jim Waitt.


    -Jim, it''s Billy. I have something I need to tell you. - said Billy.


    -You don''t have to ask; you''re my partner. You can tell me how I can help you. - said Jim.


    -I don''t want a third romantic story. Romances are fine, but I feel like I could pigeonhole myself by acting in two romances back-to-back. - said Billy, expressing the conversation he had with Nigel some time ago.


    -You''re asking for something complex, kid, but we''ll see. Sometimes dramas and movies just come. Consider yourself fortunate to have gained ground in the movies; many would dream of your opportunity. However, we can choose our next scripts more carefully. - said Jim Waitt.


    -I know, I''ve been mentioning concerns in my heart. - said Billy.


    -Don''t worry, I''ll send you some scripts again. There are many offers, but you''ve been lucky, and the competition is fierce for everyone. Besides, Michael Ovitz has been acting strange lately, and it''s not safe that he''s planning something against me. - said Jim.


    -Thanks, Jim. By the way, I''ll attend the Fashion Week in September as soon as possible. Maybe I''ll go with a companion, so schedule me with Canelo. I might also go to Milan. - said Billy, giving in to Winona''s insistence.


    Jim wanted to ask but decided to remain silent until time gave him answers. -Alright, I''ll schedule you for September and notify you that your participation in Milan in August is probable. However, I''ve been hearing here and there, that Philip Knight asserts that he wants to bet on you as a Nike clothing brand. Of course, for next year, depending on your visibility. Although they are almost convinced, just like Caneli, this brand has more representation in the market. - said Jim Waitt.


    Billy just adjusted his shirt; the vintage fashion was curious with wide sleeves, long to the knees, so that the double of the shirt wouldn''t be uncomfortable. But for Billy, the clothes only caused discomfort.


    -Laurie. - said Claire from the other side, calling Billy for lunch, all together in a separate caf��. Although some didn''t eat, Claire usually had lunch with Trini and Billy. On the other hand, Winona disliked the greasiness of the food and preferred to eat elsewhere. She only joined them for lunch when she considered it necessary. Kirsten, her mother, took her to have a special meal if she behaved well during the shooting, and Kirsten only ate with them when forced.


    Unfortunately for Billy, all five women were together for lunch, even Nigel, who sometimes accompanied Billy, fled to the other side with total disdain for the childish behavior of all the girls. Winona, who acted reserved, distracted, and seemingly outside of common formality, was the complete opposite - feminine, sweet, and sensitive. This occasionally slipped into her performance, as Billy''s portrayal of Laurie was somewhat silly, but different due to the characteristic brightness, very different from a shy young man - rather, outgoing, clumsy, and humorous.


    This amused the girls.


    -Well, I told myself, you eat here in the cafeteria every day, I have to follow you occasionally. Besides, today is potato salad day, I like potato salad. However, you''ll take us for ice cream in the afternoon, Billy. - said Winona.


    -Sure, I''ll take you, as long as Winona eats all the potato salad! - said Billy.


    -Oh, you''re cruel. - said Winona, pouting, as she never finished her food unless it was her parents'' food, as she often stated.


    -Nothing is free; work deserves a reward. - said Billy.


    -Ishhhhh, I''ll eat all the potato salad, but when I get sick, you''ll have to bring me ice cream to bed every day. - said Winona, holding a cat on her shoulders. The cat was asleep, and she was stroking it carefully. It was brownish-gray, only a few months old, and Winona slept with the cat every day.


    -I''ll bring you the best ice creams if you get sick, a different one every day. - said Billy, playing along.


    -It''s not fair. You''re supposed to argue with me. - said Winona.


    -Hahaha.  -  Billy couldn''t help but laugh. - Eric, have lunch with us. - said Billy.


    He was the one in love with Trini in the novel, but being much older, seriousness prevented him from playing as the others did most of the time. But occasionally, he laughed with them when the five of them weren''t together, which was often teasing.


    -My scenes are done for today, Bill. See you. - said Eric, escaping. His fiery red hair was exposed, and shiny, and although it might not seem like it from his appearance, he was a true Californian.


    -Now comes the dance session. - said Gilliam, who followed them from behind. - I hope you''ve practiced. - said the director; they would shoot four scenes in one.


    -With pleasure, I''m an expert. But I''m sure Billy is a better dancer. - said Winona, imitating the comical dance that Jo March used to do every time she danced.


    -What news? - said Billy, who, although he had practiced, didn''t dance as much as portrayed in the novel.


    -You''ll have to cut your hair. - said Claire.


    -Nothing a good hairdresser can''t fix. - said Winona.


    Sad moments continued in the lives of the women, the Little Women. In everything, it began to unfold, from the ways events unfolded to the problems of the plot.


    They entered the cafeteria, and even little Kirsten Duntz was joyful, looking forward to the promise of having ice cream at night with Billy and the girls. "You have to eat all the potatoes!" Kirsten said to Winona, who was whispering something with Trini Alvarado. Winona nodded from a distance.


    The crew sat down to eat with a sudden calmness. The calm state was just a hint of how everyone behaved because they would start shooting the time jump scenes from tomorrow, repeating some short dance scenes and a few others at night. The point is that it would be Kirsten''s last few days on the crew due to the role change.


    The girls hurried while Billy lagged, which was taken advantage of by Gillian, who wanted to get to know this new guy who had been acting for some time and was quite talented.


    -Are you sure about inviting them for ice cream? I''ve heard you''ve been inviting them for ice cream for a long time. - Gilliam asked, testing Billy.


    -No problem, besides, it''s Kirsten''s last day. - said Billy.


    -I understand, but these girls are taking advantage of your good manners. - said Gilliam.


    Billy smiled at her. -It''s okay; I wouldn''t do it if I couldn''t commit to it. -


    -What do you think of your role as Laurie? - Gilliam asked.


    -A very polite young man, but tied to love, he wants to find someone who loves him, and although he tries, he doesn''t find it. Of course, I''m a supporting character who only fits in certain parts and not in all. Although... I think he gave up on Jo. She just needed a push, an extra mile, but he faltered and gave up halfway. - said Billy.


    -Do you believe that? - Gilliam asked.


    -Well, I believe it to some extent, but I don''t delude myself into saying that his fate was different. After the sorrow, he needed a path, needed to find the right path lost after his heart shattered into a thousand pieces. But it was a different era, and he found his way. - said Billy.


    Opening the cafeteria door, while holding it open for her.


    -How sweet. - said Gilliam, passing through.


    -Billy, we want a special one with a double portion of potatoes! - Winona said, laughing.


    Gilliam smiled, strongly and went to the special table, separate, not accompanied by anyone, and sometimes only read the newspaper at the table, with a cup of coffee or tea. But she was always exactly one hour in the cafeteria, taking a break from her editing work.


    ... sea??h th�� ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 192. The future of marketing.

    The operations and entertainment were improving over time, thanks to Ronald Emerich''s physical skills, undoubtedly beyond his years. He had consented to the creation of a website, a rare thing: the first film-related website in history. There, they posted some pictures of the crew, the trailer, and, of course, a space tailored and reviewed solely for fans enchanted by these new eras.


    -It''s simply magnificent, - said Ronald Emerich, observing the website. Better to adapt to change than be swept away by the tides of fate.


    -Of course, it is. Now we can consolidate all the information, and the premiere notice on June 9 is already up. According to the page statistics, about seventeen thousand viewers have checked the page''s information, - said Roy, a member of the Caralco Pictures and Sony-Columbia marketing team.


    -Six days and counting, - said Grace Clanet, not far from the two men who were discussing.


    -I heard you''re doing a job in Europe, - Ronald Emerich said, fixing his gaze on Grace Clanet.


    -I have to go to Europe, but it''s just another long day of work. In agreement, I''ll take charge of a television series that Columbia will produce in collaboration with Universal Television, - said Grace.


    -Do you need a director? - Ronald asked, particularly cheerful, as proposing relationships never hurts.


    -No. -


    -But we''ll call you. -


    Grace settled.


    **************************************************


    Billy navigated the streets of San Jose in the back seat of a car that was about to take him to a hotel, better than staying at his father''s house, there was no doubt.


    -Thank you, - said Billy, handing the driver $20, which was a complete rip-off for the unnecessary detours the driver had taken.


    Without looking back, he entered the hotel. The first thing he did was call Alice, who was probably waiting for him for some time. The second thing he did was call Raimon, who was one of those involved in bringing him. He would take care of bringing him and, of course, picking up his beautiful gray truck, a gift when he entered college, an option to take it to Los Angeles.


    -A piece of bad news, - said Billy to himself.


    He walked slowly to Room 404, which would be his room for the next four days. Tomorrow, he would go to work as usual. - Stop the elevator, -  said a young man of maybe twenty-two.


    -I heard Burnbank''s new policies have everyone in a frenzy, - the young man said on the phone.


    -Don''t worry... -


    Billy got off the elevator. "Businessmen," he muttered.


    It didn''t take long, but the first call was from Raimon.


    -I''ll be there in half an hour, - Raimon said cheerfully, as if escaping from work were a good thing.


    -Don''t forget to notify Anne. I''ve talked to key members to proceed with the next episodes of the One Piece and Shaman King series, - said Billy, while sorting out his luggage. He urgently needed a laundry service, and of course, most of his suits were either in Los Angeles or at his father''s house.


    Ordering his thoughts about the possible inconveniences the company faced, the adjustments, and the work were a heavy burden for the next few days. - Business, - Billy thought, walking towards the restaurant. Yearning for laptops, the internet, and, in every respect, the society connected by jobs that allow practical, fast, and efficient mobility.


    Raimon arrived, only he wasn''t alone.


    -Rachel, it''s a pleasure to see you, - said Billy to Rachel, who lowered her head with a blush. He signaled the waiter with a hand movement. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I was just about to order something for lunch. Please, let''s have lunch together, - said Billy to Rachel, who remained standing, nervous, in stark contrast to her attitude with Raimon and very unlike Raimon, who was already sitting, looking at Billy''s menu.


    -Yes, - said Rachel, taking a deep breath.


    -You can order anything you want; I''m treating. Raimon told me you''re in charge of most things regarding the channel creation, - said Billy.


    -Yes, I''ve solidified with Anne all the equipment purchases, construction, and negotiations with Key stations, - said Rachel quickly, composed when discussing business matters.


    -I see, we''ll review those papers this afternoon, - said Billy.


    As the boss, he has to perform all apparent reviews, but they end up being reviewed by Anne, who manages the company''s operations. However, he needs to have an overview of the company most of the time, from information summaries, recent news, agreements, contracts, projections, department reports, new employee hiring, company relationships, and taxes. This is done during the night or in a few hours of rest dedicated to hard work.


    -Yes, - said Rachel. Raimon just rolled his eyes at Rachel''s attitude, which was met with a kick under the table.


    -Billy, you should leave these foolish things aside. I''ve read the reports, and they''re perfect. The important thing here is that I need funds, - said Raimon.


    -Funds, for what? - said Billy.


    -Well, you see, - Raimon bit his tongue, but his enthusiasm overcame the pain.  - It is my pleasure to say that ID Software''s competition is a total success. Why don''t we organize an official Dungeons and Dragons tournament? Think about it, the largest tournament in history, where the best players compete for glory, - said Raimon.


    -How will we make money? - said Billy.


    -I knew you''d ask that, - said Raimon, raising his chubby fingers to the sky.  - Do you know the term ''special edition''? We''ll blur the tournament under the rules of a special edition, and of course, I''ll have a time of two weeks to ensure the tournament goes well, - said Raimon.


    Dreaming of winning the Dungeons and Dragons tournament.


    -Well, it will be around Christmas. The special edition will start with the freeze, and you''ll have four weeks, but one of them will be your vacation, and the money will be adjusted to an initial proposal of $500,000 for the tournament, and another $500,000 for the prize, which will be $15,000. Okay? - said Billy, thinking about the numerous actions he could take by allowing the tournament.


    Raimon hit the table with his chubby fingers; the smile was enormous because his chubby cheeks made it clear. He could have told his friends that Billy would host a tournament, which was a lie, but they had teased him.


    -Moving on to more important matters, have the Toy Story accounts arrived? - asked Billy.


    -They did, - said Raimon.


    -We''ll talk more about that later, - said Billy, placing his hand on Raimon''s shoulder.


    Raimon just crossed his arms while little Rachel shrugged at the apparent camaraderie of the men, and once again, she felt the urge to punch Raimon in the face.


    ...

 193. luxtoons.

    The program factory now has nine requests for various series. Some want to animate their favorite stories, others want to bring their favorite books to life, some desire comics, and so on. However, there''s something all animators are eagerly anticipating��the arrival of the boss to give the green light. The word spread that Billy would be at the company, starting when Raimon loudly declared it for Anna Szymanska to hear and pay attention to. The rebellious woman, now with short hair, was Raimon''s muse. This was heard by Sarah Kino, working on "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," as well as Jozz Stokman with his series "Harman Slash," who wants to use Metallica''s songs. Also, Paul German wishes to finalize the Meteor topic, and James Linkes wants to animate the stories of the Green brothers. S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -He has arrived, - said Paul German on the phone from the first-floor cafeteria, where his BBQ burger and fries awaited.


    -He''s here, - said Craig McCraick in a hushed tone, as if it were a secret.


    -We''re insane, - said Shem Cohen, who, after working on the animated series "Billy and Mandy," dedicated himself to animation alongside Butch Hartam and Bob Schooley on "Samurai Jack," a work Billy asserted he would prefer to keep mute and follow a scheme elaborated by the comic.


    -I don''t blame you. I''ve also thought about some series that could be seen on the channel. I have some important ideas that seem very fun, - said Butch, thoughtfully.


    -They are excited, but I don''t think Billy has the money to invest in many series this fiscal year. I heard plans are already underway for a third movie, - said Shem Cohen.


    -Well, we can only do our best with what we have, - said Joe Murray, captivated by the creative atmosphere in these rooms. Although the days sometimes seemed dark, his drawing had improved significantly, along with his technical and creative skills.


    ************************************************************************


    -The builders delivered the finishes a week ago, fifteen days earlier than expected. Currently, the furniture and material goods purchases are gradually arriving due to your requests. We''re trying to stick with wooden furniture for the management lounge, - said Rachel.


    The new Lux Animation building was gigantic, almost as large as one could expect from an animation building that would handle all pending animation processes for the company. The five floors, along with a colossal facade of almost 50 meters wide, were a demonstration of might.


    The first floor would be dedicated to all administrative aspects, and even now, Jolie Carter was in charge of hiring the entire personal team. This action and money injection would spend a significant portion of the company''s resources, with 25 new employees dedicated to Lux Animation''s operations.


    The second floor would house all the company''s animators, the two animation divisions, and the 10 animation teams currently in the company, along with enough space for another division.


    -This here is the third floor, responsible for the entire recording stage, production, and machine room, which will broadcast all our channels. There are also rooms designed for databases and information storage. The fifth floor is where your office will be located, while the fourth floor will house the future company you wanted to create, focusing on computer science, "Netflix," and internet platforms, - said Rachel.


    They went up to inspect the building, dozens of times larger than the small factory across the street. But the time would come when the building would become too small due to the number of people eager to work at Lux Animation.


    -What will you do with the comic factory? - asked Raimon.


    -It will remain a comic factory. Maybe we''ll start some new companies. I want to create another internet-based company and, of course, place RPG Platforms on the third floor. The creation of the Pok��mon franchise and my ideas for Fate/series need more space to grow,- said Billy, sharing his thoughts.


    -Bigger! - said Raimon, frowning.


    -Yes, I have everything planned, and we''re on the right track. The success of "The Lion King" will secure our future, - said Billy, organizing himself. Betting on "The Lion King" had been very brave on his part, investing a significant portion of the profits in the film. However, he already had plans to mitigate the damage even if the movie failed at the box office.


    Even the nervous Rachel was amazed at Billy''s strength. Needless to say, Rachel fell madly in love with her boss that day.


    -Well, it''s crazy. I thought you would stop with the animation company, - said Raimon, thinking about the company''s uncertain future. Significant growth would occur, but in the coming months, stabilization would be a significant problem.


    -Everything will fall into place. I have some ideas that will generate money, - said Billy.


    -I''m glad you see it that way, - said Raimon, walking slowly.  - Come, I''ll show you your future office, although I would hate to be you; the staircase is not very friendly. By the way, a study was conducted with the best engineers; this baby would withstand a 9.0 earthquake, according to sources. What would finish it is the tsunami, - said Raimon.


    -I don''t expect one for a long time, - said Billy, following the pace. The fifth floor was for team leaders and the upper part of the company. Billy''s office had a beautiful terrace, and mahogany shelves, much larger than his old office, and much more modern.


    ***********************************************************************


    Anne skillfully organized the documents. These computer machines were remarkable manifestations. The new machines, operating under the Microsoft program, were undoubtedly excellent, cutting her workload in half since their incorporation.


    -Billy has arrived, - Anne heard someone whisper. She was on her way to Mr. Gorman''s office to organize something in the file cabinet. She paused but continued walking, though the thread lingered in her mind.


    Why hadn''t anyone informed her? Anne wondered to herself. Unbeknownst to her, she decided not to pay attention.


    She continued with her work. During this time, Margot had left her a note sent by Rachel. Anne, who insisted that no one disturb her until she allowed it, had not delivered the note.


    The little note remained in the small box designated for Margot, for non-urgent matters when Anne was occupied, as always, going unnoticed. Billy entered through the main door, followed by the talkative Raimon and a very nervous Rachel, who trailed behind him with her heart pounding in her chest.


    -We''ll talk later; I have to see Anne, - said Billy.


    The waves of animators who were eagerly awaiting Billy''s arrival marked both a beginning and an end; their series would be approved, each of the animators thought.


    Billy opened Anne''s office door, nearly startling her as she focused on some tasks. -I see you''ve arrived, - Anne said, a bit offended by the lack of notice.


    -We notified Margot two hours ago; I haven''t been here long, - Billy said.


    -Nice to see you! - Anne said.


    -Same here. The building exceeded my expectations. You didn''t lie when you mentioned wanting an office as big as mine, - Billy said.


    It wasn''t a lie.


    Is there anything important to say? - Anne asked, stealing the words from Billy''s mouth.


    -Nothing, just came to greet you. I''ve outlined how the company should be organized to avoid future problems, - Billy said, passing a sheet of paper with an organizational chart for the company.


    Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Anne Hall.Chief Operations Officer: Raimon Green and Rachel.Chief Analysis Officer: Mr. Cloud.


    a. Chief Financial Officer: Lucas and Brian Toll.


    Chief Sales Officer: Steve Parks.


    b. Chief Marketing Officer: Rumino Denver.


    c. Chief Advertising Officer: Sarah Robles.


    Chief Business Development Officer: Steven Rock.Chief Human Resources Officer: Jolie Carter.Corporate Social Responsibility: Vacant.Chief Technologies Officer: Vacant.Chief Information Officer: Mr. Gorman, Dave Anns.


    Treasury: Vacant.


    Accounting or Auditor: John.


    Legal Team: Vacant.


    -Just a small idea of how the company can be positioned in the business framework. You have the final say in the company''s result, and we need to improve hiring filters, my esteemed CEO, - said Billy.


    -It''s good; I''ll review it later, - Anne said, concluding the conversation, a very pragmatic woman when it comes to work.


    -------------------------------------------------------------


    The ambition persists, and many things will be explained as the chapters unfold. Some plots will be closed, and others will be opened.


    ...


    on Patreon we are on chapter 233, I will upload it between today and tomorrow 234 and 235.


    I have another series, you can watch Supertar which is a series that deals with the world of music, from the 2000''s and the world of Hollywood, but this is in the second arc.


    one piece series: Hidden World, and maybe I upload kenichi shirahama x kenga ashura series

 193. 1. chapter 0.

    explanation of Billy''s company.


    Look at the images, it is more or less the state of Billy''s company as an organizational chart, so that you understand the complexities, present and future, and the plans drawn up for the companies in the coming months and years.


    Billy has spent almost 30,000 points over the years.


    The art system works as a support in knowledge and skill, it''s a crutch or the back wheels of a bicycle, perhaps the engine in a canoe race.


    The system represents unquantifiable skills. I''ll explain fine details of the system, which I''ve been explaining here and there, but since it''s not a book released all at once and you read it week to week, it needs to be explained.


    The units are 00. To go from 20.00 to 25.00, you need 99 points, but from 25 to 30, you need 999 points. Any range before 20 is for hobbyists, and enthusiasts, after 20 come the professionals - semi-professionals, who are good at their craft but not considered regular professionals.


    By this term, I mean everyone who performs actions in a job, like commoners, that is to say, after 30, they are considered true experts. After 30, you need 1999 points to reach 35.


    Let''s say they can draw anything without difficulty, not limited to one theme. In acting, over 30 means having the ability to take on any role but lacking what it takes to be a superstar. Note, that the system is a crutch; Billy''s drawing skills were already good from his past life and it doesn''t add recognition.


    Sometimes, a bad job can have more recognition than a good one. After 35 points, it requires 9999 points to level up, talking about people who are better than the regular average, enough to stand out. At 40 points, you need 99,999 points to go up, and we''re talking about stars who can push anything to the limit, the 10% that surpasses the good. At 50 points, 999,999 points, are for true legends, a state that I think very few reach. Only the old, wise, and lucky ones.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 32,509


    Literature:31,700


    Acting:33,950* they increase with a normal point, meaning an exclamation point increases by 10. Points: 789]*


    admiration points, meaning there are 7890 points.


    Each series is worth admiration points, meaning


    Slam Dunk costs 300 points, and we''re only talking about the comic, more points are spent on the series and peripherals. The two main series are Yu Yu Hakusho and Slam Dunk: Billy earns points daily. In the last five years. This is the point classification I have: * it''s not so accurate, but it is, all series have been worth 9100 points.


    How much each series has earned


    Slam Dunk: 305 points


    Yu Yu Hakusho: 301 points


    Evangelion: 255 points


    Hellboy: 220 points


    Samurai Jack: 200 points


    Toy Story: 185 points


    Hercules: 160 points S~ea??h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Doom: 150 points


    Lion King: 145 points


    Game of Thrones: 110 points


    Pok��mon: 98 points


    Wolfenstein: 79 points


    Cartoon series: * Johnny Bravo, Dexter, Animatics, Recess, Billy Mandy, Hey Arnold, Robot Jones: 59 points


    Power Rangers: 14 points.


    More or less, that''s the points earned per series. All in admiration points and worth 10. More or less, he has earned about 21,000 points from his series, which he has used to distribute.


    Billy has spent almost 32,000 points over the years.


    In In the balance sheets carried out, the Lux Comics company has an income of 5,190,000 thousand dollars per month, the toy company only establishes about 9,200 dollars to 12,300 dollars in profits, and it is preferable to save it for the toy company. T-box burgers earn between $19,500 to $35,000 per month. Paradise Hotel, 500,000 dollars per month, high seasons 3,000,000. Autodesk 29 million annually.Principio del formulario


    ID software earned 88 million per year.  + peripherals 35 million.


    Warner and Nike: 12 - 20 million per year. The Nike license is about to expire.


    Pixar Pixar has earned 129 million together with Lux Nation at the box office, I''m talking about profits. Subtracting production cost distribution and so on, in peripherals they have earned five times more than 670 million. These are the profits, eye. profits, subtracting expenses.


    However, those are the profits now the expenses, in shares he has invested, by simple calculation, 390 million. That''s why he has so many dividends because he even has a board position in some companies, he just doesn''t attend. In salaries, it spends approximately 39 million dollars a year. Why so much? Because it has a legion of animators, it has almost 300 animators, 2 producers, 5 coordinators, 4 organizers, and 6 team leaders, who work like crazy, to fulfill Billy''s deliveries, almost 16 hours a day. some sleep at work.


    (Even if the salary is higher, due to bonuses, that deducts them from movie profits. to subtract taxes.)


    In software, it invests at least another 70 million in all its companies, games, programs, and animation per year.


    He has earned more or less 1,500 million in four years, which are liquidated, first by the 20 to 30 percent in taxes, which leaves him with more or less 1,000 million, because many taxes are paid, he has spent on average 800 million in The last four years, he has 200 million free that he has used to invest in purchases like toor books, investments in other areas, which you will know later, and in more movies and equipment, sabbatical trips and extra payments also count, the account must having almost 80 million, he owes the bank 95 million.


    2. point.


    investments.


    1. Coca-Cola: 45.670 shares of stock. + 390.000 shares of stock. + 23.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock.


    8,77 dollars


    2. WorldCom 349. ooo shares of stock. + 6��450.500 + 8��234.000


    prize of shares of stock. 1.73 dollars.


    3. Apple: 298.324 shares of stock. + 4��640.000 shares of stock. + 6��000.000 + 14��340.504   //18,65% at January 1994. +3��00.120 shares of stock. in March 1994.


    prize of shares of stock. 1,1 dollars.  - 1992- 1,73, - 1993.


    1994, 0, 32 dollars.


    4. Walmart: 133.450 shares of stock. + 123.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock.


    2,42. dollars.


    5. Home Depot: 319.120 shares of stock. + 300.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock.


    11.84, dollars.


    6. McDonald��s: 41.000 shares of stock. + 49.000 shares of stock + 4320 shares of stock in 1994.


    prize of shares of stock. 6.18 dollars - 1992. 11,45, dollars 1994.


    7. General Electric: 34.930 shares of stock. + 430.000 shares of stock. +1994, 634.000 shares of stock. + 700.000 +1000 + 540


    prize of shares of stock. - 10.11 -  1994 - 23.00


    8. Cisco systems: 530.231 shares of stock + 6��920.000 shares of stock. at January 1994.


    + 2��340.000 shares of stock. march


    prize of shares of stock. 3, 00 dollars, 1992 - 1994 - 21,00 dollars.


    9. Intel: 468.213 shares of stock + 6��870.000 shares of stock. + 3��000.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock. 1,23 dollars, 1992


    10. Oracle: 490.000 shares of stock. + 5��410.000 shares of stock. + 6��500.000 acciones. + 5��700.000. //14%


    prize of shares of stock. 1.95 dollars, 1992 - 1.70 1994.


    11. Sony: 150.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock. 16, 88 dollars, 1992


    12. Microsof: 9��435.670 shares of stock. 1992 + 4��040.000 shares of stock. 1993 +12��008.800 1994 //21,69%


    1992 - 0,44 - 1993, 0,91, -1994 2,04


    prize of shares of stock. 1,49 dollars, 1992


    13. Sunmicrosistems: 3��125.000 shares of stock.


    prize of shares of stock. 1,49 dollars, 1992


    prize of shares of stock. 1,43 dollars, 1992


    14. Berkeshi Hathaway: 1��235,000 shares of stock


    prize of shares of stock. 1,43 dollars, 1992.


    15. Aol(american online): 534.000 shares of stock.. + 5��600.000 shares of stoc.. + 3��456.986 + 15��340.123 //24%


    prize of shares of stock. 6,66 dollars, - second 5,43 dollars. - prize regular in August 1994, 7,23 dollars.


    16.Qualcoomm: 3��450,000 + 4��333.930


    prize of shares of stock. 7,21 dollars


    17.Nokia: 4��700.000. + 4��800.000. + March 1994 5��600.340 + 4��500.000


    prize of shares of stock. 2,17 dollars


    18. LotusDevelopment Corporationn: 2��233,943 prize of shares of stock. 1,16 dollars


    19. The cheesecake factory: 9��435.000 + 12��000.000. // 9,65 % prize of shares of stock. 6,40 dollars


    21. Marvel: 1��100.000. �C  // 1,63%.-   prize of shares of stock. 1,40 dollars


    My main sources are Google Finance, historical data on the stock market, and graphs that I find on the internet.

 194. fortunes.

    The narrow streets were a normal and perishable glimpse of city life; every city begins with a street, lined with shops characteristic of a community seeking something better for their daily lives. That was Lux Animation, a business city that began to trace a living form, all composed by the explicit desire of a future company, which left behind traditional lights and entered more vivid modern eras shaped by different forms.


    I did not expect to see you these days, son. - said Thomas Carson, the first signs of old age beginning to shrink him; the brown mane, now gray, gave him a formal and inviting air to his father Richard Carson.


    -Good morning, father. - said Billy, shaking his hand carefully, a corresponding greeting laden with emotions.


    Both moved to the living room, not before Margot served them two warm glasses of black coffee, a vice passed down by ancestors. There were no apparent words that broke the silence; only the soft sipping and the gentle clinks of the porcelain used by Billy��a gift.


    As if on a chilling Sunday when spirits are not seemingly joyful, and words are silent, pondering over impending matters and the dark lives that could go astray, the two only anticipated their words and refrained from responding to the call of word and communication, broken only by the work that was a past habit.


    They drank calmly, not exchanging even a word, but everything was said in one way or another.


    -I''ll be back later. - said Thomas, finishing the served coffee cup and walking towards the Lux Animation company''s counter; the trial against Warner Brothers was up in the air, Warner''s staunch position in generating delays, engaging the legal team, extending the trial, and communicating various unofficial notices as a legal activity pushed Thomas Carson to the limits of patience. He found himself overwhelmed by all the legal loopholes that existed in rules and jurisprudence, to the point of focusing on small objectives, and that was to exploit the agreements, alleging an abusive clause due to the repurchase clause, after the money invested for creation.


    Initially, such a broad term seemed excessive, but now it was justified that it was a very short time and a complete fraud by Lux Comics against the helpless Warner.


    Billy continued working in his position, while a group in an office nearby continued completing the remaining chapters and volumes of Lux Comics'' series.


    Thomas returned around three hours later, with a folder and a practical and straightforward traceability. How does it differ? It''s not his job, but when he receives the news from his son, he comes in a hurry to test the waters, which already seemed muddy, due to the hidden words between them. sea??h th�� N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Everything is going well, I hope. - said Billy, knowing one of the reasons for his father''s visit.


    -One more case; uncertainty is our great friend. - said Thomas.


    -Everything is in our plans. - said Billy, cryptic in his words.


    Taking a seat this time, in front of Billy''s large desk, a solid oak that allowed drawing with all the freedom that only a large space allowed, Thomas adjusted his posture, with elbows on the table.


    -I am getting married. - he finally blurted out.


    -I am aware of that. - said Billy.


    -Do not tempt me, Billy. Unfortunately, I know you as much as one day you will come to know your children, if you raise them as I raised you. - said Thomas.


    -I know you too. - said Billy.


    -It''s not a battle of wills, boy; I packed your bags, all your things are in boxes, found a nice place for you to live in San Jose, not far from here, about half an hour, the commercial district that opened a few days ago, there is a lot of land there, and I see business as you have seen it; you like to play with money like those old-time oilmen, ''words of your grandfather,'' don''t judge me, judge your grandfather. - said Thomas.


    -I do what I was taught, that a bad deal is not made, and a good deal is taken by the neck, not released. A bit traditional, for cowboys. For now, I still think I''m doing well. What''s the place? - the boy finally questioned.


    -Santana Row, as brilliant as you are, you will discover what I am talking about. - said Thomas.


    -I see. I''ll be filming new scenes in Los Angeles next month and then in New York. I''ll take a break in August, but the fashion week I have to attend is in September. - said Billy.


    -You should change your home in Los Angeles; that one is already too small for you. - said Thomas.


    -For now, it will do. - said Billy, ignoring his father''s words.


    -You''ll have two siblings by October of this year, or early November. Even if you feel uncomfortable, they are still your siblings. - said Thomas.


    Seeing the gleaming eyes, Thomas interrupted his son, avoiding cutting words and misunderstandings typical of those they had when they were in complete disagreement.


    -Claudia is going to Europe; she ends up liking Europe, although Livy disapproves. Her life is no longer in California. However, you shouldn''t blame her, son. I tied my noose and made a mistake that now she can only scream with happiness about. My life seemed lost; never let work be a priority. In my fears, maybe I was wrong. Now I see that it was a good mistake. I regret causing problems. - said Thomas Carson, although his words sounded like a poorly-read legal parchment, it was an awakening for both men who felt more tired after the spoken words.


    -I understand, father. I will do everything possible to be there on the corresponding dates. You have already achieved your goals; on the other hand, I am still pursuing more goals. - said Billy.


    -Don''t forget to visit your grandparents. - said Thomas, getting up and leaving. The conversation had a healing effect; time would cure everything.


    Leaving Billy''s new place paperwork, along with the papers, credits, and offers he made��a small farewell gift. The obvious price was not paid, but everything was in order, just as he had spoken on numerous occasions, laughing about credit and the art of making money. A five-story building, an entire floor for Billy, and a proposal for three luxury floors, followed, of course, by three large commercial spaces, already set aside for a Nike store, a restaurant, and an Armani store that were in negotiations.


    He could only think of someone who would live in a bachelor apartment. - Raimon. - Both entered, and the two would make the deal.


    ...

 195. acclamations.

    Among all the responsibilities Billy had to fulfill for Lux Animation, creativity was his forte. Billy''s creative flight involved creating, organizing, and directing the creative processes. The current vision of the company is based on creating series that are viewed by some outside the animation group. From the goals and objectives they had to fulfill, the team leaders, and the hurdles in the creation process, many animators have a good hand, but the real test will be when Lux Animation''s channel goes on air.


    After the unexpected arrival, many people were eager to showcase their series, to the point that a long line of ten animators made certain requests throughout the day. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Billy, it''s better if you solve that immediately. Many want to create their television series, and, well, my judgment is not as relevant as yours on these matters.  - Anne said imperatively, ordering Billy to comply.


    Interrupting Billy''s drawing, which was in chapter 12 of the One Piece series, set to premiere on June 15, 1994.


    -All right, I can''t refuse. - Billy said, getting up from his desk.


    Raimon was reviewing the accounts. In a series of 15 days, they had invested 60 million dollars in The Lion King campaign��advertising, marketing, and global distribution. The next 20 million were distributed among the companies, going back and forth, paying off debts.


    The following 15 million, at Billy''s request, bought AOL, Cisco, Oracle, and Apple shares. Raimon, in his semblance, talked to some people who managed investment funds and began building some relationships. The purchase of Oracle shares, priced at less than a dollar, earned Billy a seat on the company''s board with 12% ownership, and Apple, while not as significant yet, with 7.65% ownership, was a notable asset in Billy''s portfolio.


    Lastly, the 14.49% ownership of Microsoft represented Billy''s most valuable asset to date.


    In Raimon''s reading, he was awakened by Billy''s presence. A blushing Rachel lowered her head before the shining gaze of Billy. -She''s four years younger, - he thought.


    -She doesn''t seem like it, - Rachel repeated over and over, seeing Billy smile. The girl envisioned a life with Billy, their wedding, a beach stroll, their children, and the house they would share.


    -Great, let me go get some Pepsi. Being part of the jury is a job I''ve been waiting for a long time.- Raimon said regarding Billy''s proposal to be part of the jury to review the series and assess new proposals.


    -Bring me a can. I''ll go up to the third floor; I have to check on the progress of Gargoyles, Cow and Chicken, and Samurai Jack, which are still in production. - Billy said, calming the atmosphere.


    For now, these are the three series the company has in order. The Cow and Chicken series, much simpler, has 34 episodes completed and is one of Lux Animation''s series, set to premiere on October 1, 1994. The company mourned having eight of its series that would run with the regular schedule, proposed for 24 hours a day. Negotiations were scarce for now, but they would bear fruit for their toy companies, board games, fast food, and, of course, comics.


    The evident fruit was the X-Men and Spider-Man series produced by Saban in collaboration with Lux Animation, which would be part of the series repertoire. With ten of its series, along with the licenses for Cosmic Cat, Dragon Ball, Ranma ?, Knights of the Zodiac, Super Shotguns, and Sailor Moon, the pending purchase of Woody Woodpecker had not yet been negotiated but would be added to their repertoire on Saturdays and Sundays.


    Billy''s entrance to the third floor was like a furious hurricane of requests. People were on high alert because the boss had arrived, and many had work to deliver, other proposals, or were simply busy with future projects as animators.


    -Boss. - said Stephen Hillenburg, one of the studio''s veterans.


    -Nice to meet you, Stephen. Let''s go to the audiovisual room; I know we have some important things to discuss. - said Billy.


    -Well, they''re not very important, but for my new series, I want to conduct a deeper study of animation. Looking at the techniques and processes, I feel inadequate. - said Stephen.


    -What is the series about? - Billy asked.


    -Marine life, marine life, we''re eager to focus on marine life in an animated and tender cartoon. �C said Stephen.


    -Well, from the company, we''re always delighted to have people like you be part of the team. As long as you dedicate yourself to the company, there won''t be any issues. �C said Billy.


    -That was said by Anne Hall, in different words. However, the point is that I want to participate in the study of biology and animation, much more focused on described ideas, through my interaction with marine life. If you can invest in me, that would be good. �C said Stephen.


    -Invest in you. �C replied Billy. �C Come with me, take notes, anything you need. I''ll set the conditions; we''ll treat this like a contract. �C said Billy, leading Stephen to the audiovisual room, just as Raimon entered with a large bag of junk food, including sodas, gummies, chips, marshmallows, and chocolates.


    -What are you doing here? �C Mark McCorkle asked, a part of Billy and Mandy''s team, and a friend of Raimon. Mark was similar in style to Raimon, both big and chubby, with a simple and geeky appearance. Their culture was enjoying animated shows.


    -We''re going to review the series with Billy, and then I''ll review the new projects. I have to be ready to give my best judgment. �C said Raimon, opening the gummy jar and taking out a handful. Mark followed Raimon, both eating gummies until Raimon ended up sharing all the information Billy had told him about the approval requirements.


    -See you. �C said Raimon walking to the audiovisual room. The evident disorder arose the moment Raimon closed the door; people were moving back and forth.


    On one side, Jozz Stokman and his newly acquired trio conducted some analyses. Andr��i Guerrero, the production manager for scenarios, had a metallic and strong style, similar to what would be Goliath''s videos, but more lively for a series that was going to throw the house out the window like Gargoyles.


    Anna Szymanska, on the other hand, with her series "Train Souls," was under the guidance of Craig McCracken and Paul Ruddish, great scriptwriters and creators of Lux Animation.


    Sara Kino, on another front, with "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," a quick 20-episode series she had made entirely on her own, was the one that already had more approval from the company due to its short episodes of 14 minutes, much in the style of the series already under the auspices of Lux Comics.


    -We''ll have many interesting things to do, but this series is undoubtedly rewarding for people''s eyes. �C said Billy, watching the videos of Samurai Jack. The magnificent series didn''t disappoint, everything as he had requested. Even the muteness was a great aspect in the production of Samurai Jack''s first season, just as he had envisioned.


    -The guys have used all kinds of knowledge and innovations, from improving transitions, the use of 2D animated production, acetate copies, and other skills that are the result of what you''re seeing now. �C said Stephen.


    -There''s no doubt it''s a great series. �C said Billy, responding to Raimon''s entrance. Stephen jotted down on a piece of paper the list of requests he wanted for the animated series. Meanwhile, Raimon organized the table with food and fizzy products.


    Hillenburg noted down the marine course from the California reserve for $12,000, the animation master''s degree from CalArts for $73,000, as well as the downtime for the first four months and his subsequent work count since college.


    Passing the paper to Billy, who read the terms along with the main reasons, such as improving his script process, character creation process, and technological innovation.


    Billy took the pen and rounded the total to $95,000, highlighted in a black circle. He wrote down the first condition: a job for three original series with the company and two animated movies as an animator and team leader for the three original series. The Lux Comics scholarship would cover all education costs and provide a $5,000 fund for three months, but the grantee would be obliged to complete the courses.


    The piece of paper was handed to Raimon, who reviewed it and noted the new structure that Lux Animation would see in the reorganization, salary increases, and occasional bonuses for work after three years of employment. After signing the contract for the three series, each with a duration of 15 years and a non-compliance clause, he handed the paper to Stephen, who read it and nodded seriously.


    His signature was neatly folded at the bottom.


    -Take it to Anne. �C said Billy.


    Stephen left the room as the contract was sealed, a long period of work, but it''s not like the company didn''t pay well. Unlike other companies that paid bonuses at the end of the series and not a stable salary with percentage-based bonuses, Lux Animation avoided risks for animators. While the money earned might not be as high as in other companies, job security was a positive point for those in the animation world who didn''t have a good job.


    -Is it an advisable tactic? �C asked Raimon.


    -Doesn''t matter. �C said Billy downplaying it.


    -We have tight budgets. �C responded Raimon.


    -It''s an investment when the channel starts running, and when the series of the people we''ve invested in take off, that''s when we''ll capitalize. But tell me, what do you think of the shows? We need to do some ratings and critiques in the next three hours. It has to be enjoyable. �C said Billy.


    -Yes, sure. �C said Raimon, focusing on episode 3 of Gargoyles.


    ...

 196. new projects.

    -There was Jozz Stokman''s wonderful idea, a music series, a pure rock show for kids, with a list of possible music bands, including some popular ones like the glorious Metallica highlighted in red, as mentioned in the title above.


    -You''re the second person to ask me to hire this rock band. �C said Billy.


    -Well, it''s because of the incredible vibe they bring. �C said Jozz.


    -The price is quite high, but we''ll try to inquire about a price that fits. However, that''s only for the first season, and I know that if it''s a success, we can consider the second season. We''ll evaluate the series based on profits and the value it generates. If possible, a third season might see the inclusion of the famous Metallica. �C said Billy.


    -Is the series approved? �C asked Jozz.


    -It is, but you need to improve the delivery��smoother drawings, better backgrounds. You''ll use the best for each scene, incorporate the latest technology, and we''ll hire a scriptwriter to shape your ideas. There should be different subplots, and different storylines, each better than the other. �C said Billy, from his seat in the audiovisual room.


    -So, the series will be delivered? �C asked Jozz.


    -When it needs to be ready. You''ll work hard to make a great series with your team of three. You can seek advice; for now, you have a month to refine all the details. Your team will collaborate with the great Lux Nation team on "The Iron Giant" movie and learn about the film process. Meanwhile, you''ll work on your series. �C said Billy.


    -Yes, sir. �C said Jozz.


    -That''s all for now. Your approved budget is $300,000, and more money can be added depending on your performance. �C said Raimon, formalizing the review of "Hardman Slash."


    Jozz''s eyes sparkled upon hearing there was already a budget for his TV series��a substantial amount. But the "buts" always came. He couldn''t believe they could afford to hire a big music band, as he initially proposed for his series. However, that could be added later.


    -The series looks fantastic. �C said Raimon suddenly, referring to the drawings and material. The script, written by a young man, incorporated a hippie, punk, rocker, skater, baker, and alternative ambiance in an imaginative proposal about a music school. The script was incredible and would undoubtedly be at the top of the animation program.


    -It''s fantastic, very good, even better than Anna''s. But it can be improved. We won''t leave anything to chance. We have to wait for the negotiations within the company to balance out. But if I have to be clear, I would bring Metallica myself, regardless of the price. I already have ideas on how to avoid excessive costs! However, some record labels might not be willing to work with us. �C said Billy.


    -There''s no doubt; you made me doubt at first, and I thought you didn''t like the series. �C said Raimon, hitting Billy on the arm. �C But now that I see your idea, it''s true; the company has a lot of work to do this month and the next. �C said Raimon.


    The next animation group came in, led by James Linkes, along with Glen Gooese, proposing a reconnection with the tales of the Grimm brothers and children''s stories with different morals. They detailed one of the famous tales of the century. Curiously, many stories that didn''t belong to the Grimm brothers were included, but that was a study for later. Disney adapted many of these books into great movies.


    -Well, the script is the original book. �C said James Links.


    -Animating the story word for word. �C asked Billy.


    -Exactly as it''s written. I would like to create other versions, but I realized that it could touch the interests of other animated films. But if we animate the story word for word, the story changes! The copyright for the Grimm brothers'' stories is in the public domain, and nothing is worth more than the work they already did. �C said James Links.


    Submitting the fantastic sketches closely aligned with realism, a drawing technique that emphasized the colors of the story over the color schemes used for the series, giving it an older look.


    -Can you do this in animation? �C asked Billy, surprised.


    -Oh, unfortunately not. It''s just a conceived idea. I want to make the first episodes in a theater production style, portraying some scenes with an opening, the curtain is drawn, and an ending, closing the curtain. We''ll adopt a style used by Hanna-Barbera and old Disney. �C said James Link. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Episode duration? �C asked Billy.


    -Twenty minutes. �C he replied.


    Another amazing idea that surprised him. If they could produce first-class animation, the series might hold value for generations.


    -Forty-minute episodes. It''s better to schedule an hour-long program. Let''s pretend we''re making a movie. �C said Billy frugally.


    James Link swallowed. �C The investment would be costly. �C he said.


    -I''ll participate myself. We need a specialist team, and it can only be done when the Gargoyles series is done. I''ll evaluate the shots, and we''ll work together. We''ll work on the backgrounds for now and then the characters. �C said Billy.


    -We''ll talk to Roy Graham and John Lasseter. �C said Raimon, noting Roy Graham as the second-third in command. This gentleman had rich experience in Disney animation, brought in by John Lasseter himself, along with Bob Schooley and Jerry Simmons.


    James Link''s eyes lit up with something close to smiles.


    -The initial budget is $700,000 to create a pilot of three episodes. �C said Raimon, noting again in his review of what they should and shouldn''t do.


    -We''ll start right away. I have a hunch, but my favorite tale is Bluebeard, so I''ll begin with that one. �C said James Link.


    But he was interrupted.


    -I like the vintage style. Let''s see if we can add that style to 2D animation. I''ll talk to Pixar to improve the 2D program and add new features. �C said Billy.


    Even Raimon opened his mouth in surprise at Billy''s announcement.


    -Isn''t it excessive? - questioned Raimon. Seeing the excessively high budget for the pilot, which would surely extend, the cost of the series would be, according to quick estimates, double that of Gargoyles. It broke the mold, costing a total of 8 million dollars for the first season of 47 episodes.


    First, they hired a specialized soundtrack that charged a million dollars but did a spectacular job. From the chill of violins and pianos to orchestras, they used all kinds of instruments to give the series a suitable reality. Adding a bit more for advertising to be done at its premiere, the value of $70,000 per episode is not a trivial price.


    For the X-Men and Spider-Man series, which require a lot of work, they paid a little less and are producing almost 80 episodes per series, which is not negligible.


    -It''s not, don''t worry. If I have to make money, I will. But James Link''s idea is revolutionary. We must take ownership. With a bit of work, let''s not only revolutionize comics, as has already been done but also animation. Note it down; I want to double Jozz''s budget to $900,000, just for the pilot. �C said Billy.


    -All right, all right. �C said Raimon.


    Unbeknownst to them, Billy had unwavering confidence in The Lion King and its success on the screens. The animation war had caused a sensation among the American audience. The New York Times had received some gifts to ignite the fuse and declare in favor of The Lion King, followed by some related news programs.


    -I see. With the budget allocated for The Iron Giant movie, if we fail with The Lion King, I''m afraid to say that we''ll stall the company''s flow for the next three years, which is the time we can allow for our recovery. Also, your new coloring book company will start operating next month. We''ve already printed a million copies. �C said Raimon.


    Lux Paint, a newly born company, began creating items for sale, such as coloring books, trading card albums, and collectible cards. A small investment in the eyes of the large investments made in Animation.


    :.....................................


    for all of you, make the list, a series and an animated production of low quality, can cost the whole series between 300,000 dollars to 700,000 dollars, the whole series, plus some extra, but let''s say that the quality is at the level Johnny Bravo, dexter, which do not require much difficulty and design, some other series, have a value per episode of 40,000 dollars, and that is a great production, the most expensive series of the history of which I know the episode is around a value of 210. 000 dollars, now to make a series, is different from a movie because, the expenses of the movie are added, to publicity, distribution... others more, that is to say, a movie of 10 million dollars, can cost 7, but this is added other expenses. if the movie is not transmitted in cinemas, the profit is not so much, with the arrival of the platforms streaming is different, but it continues being a but.


    ...

 197. Stargate premiere.

    June 9


    Curiously, the premiere took place on the same day as Billy''s birthday, June 10. Stargate, a sci-fi drama about space gates that took Daniel on a galactic journey to the other side of the universe, where he met Sha''rae, a woman from Earth who was a descendant of Egyptian civilization, was aired on the same day.


    The large white limousine, an unnecessary expense but necessary for the romantic Hollywood image, dropped Billy off at Grauman''s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. He was wearing his custom-made light blue Caneli suit. Billy emerged with a beautiful woman on his arm, Mila, at the glorious theater, one of the first times he was part of a red carpet event and was addressed as one of the main figures.


    Although it was the premiere of a not-so-highly publicized film, strategically released in the summer of 1994 to gain some fame from the audience, Hollywood''s strong influence over people was evident. Despite not competing with the same impact as some other films such as Pixar''s Toy Story or the upcoming Lion King, purely commercial movies with renowned stars or unprecedented marketing still grabbed the spotlight.


    -It''s freezing. �C said Billy, holding Mila''s arm. Mila, with her long bronzed legs, invited some media to take pictures due to her beauty that stood out on the red carpet. Contrary to many beliefs, beautiful women are like moths to a flame, capturing the attention of unfamiliar or non-critical people in the entertainment world.


    -It''s colder than I thought, and this dress is silk. My whole body will be frozen by the end of the show. �C said Mila, without losing her smiling face.


    -The drawbacks of beauty. I''ll call Jim to buy you a jacket. �C said Billy.


    -You shouldn''t. �C said Mila.


    -Don''t worry, Jim knows he''ll come at the end of the movie to pay his respects and get to know a bit about the relationships I''ve made. Besides, his assistant will likely do it. �C said Billy.


    -Still, you shouldn''t. �C said Mila.


    -Are you sure? I already have the number ready to dial. �C said Billy.


    Mila bit her lip in indecision. �C Do it. �C she finally said.


    Then came the short interviews, as a requirement, you had to participate in at least one interview. But beneath some paid or front-row media, they arranged these spontaneous interviews differently from any other interview. Even the image of Hollywood is eternal, and even the most meticulous details were adorned with details already established beforehand, perhaps by the producers or the distribution company and the large production company. So far, Billy doesn''t know.


    -Come, don''t stray. �C said Mila, grabbing Billy''s arm.


    -I have to interview with NBC! �C said, Billy.


    -Come on, it''s better for both of us. �C said Mila.


    There was a cameraman and his interviewer holding a green microphone, barely noticeable due to its placement, crossing toward the camera.


    -Good afternoon. �C said the interviewer. �C We are from the NBC network. Can you confirm that you''re the lead actor in the movie? �C he asked.


    -I''m one of the leads, but others fulfill their roles. �C said Billy.


    The interviewer, a decisive man, changed the script upon seeing the young actress heading toward the young actor, in a position that, according to them, would be with the Egyptian dolls and special actors who had decided to join their respective outfits at the gala.


    -Miss. �C


    -Mili Avital. �C said the young lady.


    -You both starred in the movie. �C the man asked, receiving a yes and a nod in response. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I see sparks, but tell me, how was teamwork, something remarkable between you two? �C said the interviewer.


    Mila''s blush, which a moment ago was a white color, turned spicy, making headlines for the media and, of course, the paparazzi, creating exaggerated headlines for the news.


    -Challenging. �C Mila quickly said.


    The microphone turned to Billy, who remained calmer.


    -We had a healthy relationship; our exchanges were fueled by who would deliver the best performance. �C said Billy.


    -Is it a good movie? �C the interviewer asked, catching Billy off guard again, who didn''t expect this kind of question?


    -An outer-space odyssey, it contains a different range. Let the audience be the judge. I find it pleasant how it turns and differs from the original script conceived by many others. It has somewhat innovative ideas. �C said Billy.


    Adjusting his suit, he was somewhat nervous. He used to do it to refresh his memory, like a tic that he developed when the situation became unexpected.


    But he decided to end the interview with a thank you, taking Mila''s hand, a move that he would pay dearly for. His initial reaction was to gracefully exit the hands of the interviewer who wished and enjoyed putting them in an awkward situation.


    Romance off-screen


    They weren''t on the main pages, but their position on the cover with a small box, featuring Billy adjusting a white jacket over Mila''s shoulders, was the highlight for little Alice. She reviewed the article, reading every word repeatedly.


    -You should call him, - said Laura, looking at the magazine, which had also appeared in the newspaper''s entertainment section. Some of Alice''s friends wasted no time bringing her all the information from the young woman studying at her work desk.


    -I don''t know, - said Alice, in shock. She couldn''t help but look at the beautiful woman and compare her, her dark circles, messy hair, and lack of charm.


    God, I''m horrible, - Alice thought in front of the mirror, contrary to what her suitors thought as they kissed the ground she walked on. But in the image where he held her by the waist with such possessiveness, it was almost like an alert for Alice''s mind.


    ...


    we''re on patreon at 240, I''ve given up writing, I''ve written a lot. I''ll see if I can double the pace.

 198. critique in the air.

    -The ''new Science Fiction film'' is widely discussed for bringing attention to the science fiction genre, which emerged from the meager 70s and began establishing itself in the 80s. It has now gained more value and concludes with different movies featuring fantastic installments, - read Mila Avital.


    -The film has a certain alignment with underlying stories from the ancient Egyptian empire. From our perspective, Ronald sharpens the way STAR WARS itself arrived many years ago, turning the film into a space opera with its touch of militarism, with quite a few irregularities. But objectively entertaining. Don''t expect too much from this movie beyond a dry story, cheerful moments, online adventure, and a good fight, - Mila finished reading.


    -Bravo, - said Junino, in something resembling Spanish or Italian.


    -Well, I think the most important thing is that the Stargate movie has gained a small fan club that idolizes the song just as it is, - said Jaye Davidson, who claimed the role of Ra.


    -What newspaper is this? - asked Djimon Hounsou, a dark-skinned man who was just starting to rise in his career, currently positioned as a known but somewhat unknown actor. He has roles and has appeared in several series, and people know who he is and some of his works, but he is not completely identified in his roles.


    Billy came back from the bathroom in his elegant beige suit with a red tie, a formality that contrasted with his colleagues'' attire. They were dining in a small restaurant just outside Hollywood, not far away, but free from the entire city''s hustle. Kurt was missing, having a prior commitment; the showbiz world was spinning in the air.


    Mila handed him the New York Times magazine, one of the most reliable sources in critical capacity, in short, one of the most important media outlets for reviews, along with the Los Angeles Times and Variety.


    The paginated article with some images, including those from the red carpet, several photos, and even one of him greeting Kurt Russell with a firm handshake.


    -How is it that there''s a fan club?" asked Alexis Cruz.


    -The movie''s producer, along with Ronald, created a Stargate page, allowing people to download and upload their content. With the release of the book after the movie, people can read and contribute their ideas. It was a resounding success, - said Jaye Davidson.


    -Have you landed any gigs? - Derek Webster asked openly, from one end of the room. The cast of nearly 19 people in one dinner, one of the film''s militants who later fought with Ra''s army under coercion.


    -Nothing new, but I have a few auditions. Nothing conclusive, but there might be something interesting coming up in the next few weeks, - replied Leon Rippy, who had been performing here and there for over ten years. However, his breakthrough was not very concrete. Acting often requires a lot of exposure, and sometimes more than ten years are not enough for significant roles. Experience tends to determine roles


    Do you, Mili, have something interesting in mind? - Billy asked in a low voice.


    -I''d like to take on some roles, but I think I need to finish school first. However, ABC sent a request to my agent; they are casting for a doctor series called ER. It''s in the East, near New York, in Chicago, - Mila said.


    A pressure cooker hit Billy''s mind. The renowned and famous TV series Friends isn''t being celebrated here. He has new ideas to ask his agent about. There is the cost of doing a television series with a wide range of episodes, or the cost of doing a series that long. Still, without a doubt, he can consider acting in some cameos.


    -You should join ER, - Billy suggested with a prophetic feeling that a woman as beautiful as Mila would succeed with a little help.


    -But... -


    -You don''t have to worry. As long as you manage your schedules well, you can attend some classes, and extend your work and study time. You work as a waitress to pay bills, and now you have the opportunity to be part of a production. You''ll pay the bills with what you earn on television, - Billy proposed.


    Mila''s cheeks flushed. - You''re partially right. Maybe, if you come with me and participate in the script, I can accept the offer, - Mila said, extending her hand in the proposal. The fear isn''t about trying; it''s the loneliness of her work and studying, bearing the burden alone. It''s not something she''s good at with her family scattered in Israel, France, and some in the United States. She still hesitates a lot about the actions she should take.


    -I can''t accept, Mili. Although I''d like to continue being your partner, age is a disadvantage we haven''t completely overcome. It worked for Stargate because Ronald Emmerich didn''t adjust the script to a specific age and just put the child prodigy archaeologist. I have to go to the bathroom! I''ll be right back, - Billy said.


    Putting his hands into his pocket, he uncovered his cell phone.


    -Alice, honey, - Billy said from the phone.


    -Billy, I had the chance to talk to Raimon; he mentioned you were in San Jose last week,- Alice said, with a tone of reproach. The girl stood with her feet against the wall, lying on her bed, in the comfort of the night.


    -I''m sorry. I had to go urgently to San Jose! I think I''m moving, and the company needs my assistance. Despite continuing to act, I have work to do, - Billy said.


    -It''s your birthday. Happy birthday. I wish we could spend it together. I''ve been busy, but I''ve missed you a lot. You don''t know how much I miss you, - Alice said.


    -Sweetheart, I''ll have another premiere for The Lion King, and of course, I''ll continue with the movie ''Little Women'' that I told you about. I think, by August, we''ll have time together. Of course, unless you want to come to Massachusetts, I''ll be here until early July, - Billy said.


    A heavy sigh was heard from Alice.


    -I have worked at the general hospital, - Alice said, pouting a bit.


    -August, we''ll find time in August," Billy said.


    -Happy birthday. I bought you a gift. Just don''t take too long... okay, - Alice said.


    Mili approached Billy, in a hurried gesture pointing to the tables; some of the supporting actors were leaving, and of course, only Billy could open his eyes and explain vocally that he was talking to Alice on the phone. Mili just rolled her eyes and mimicked a wedding ring and a pity gesture.


    -I think I have to go, honey, - Billy said.


    -Nooo, it''s just right, -- Alice said, who then smiled like a mischievous cat. -- Send me a kiss, - Alice said. sea??h th�� Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''m in a meeting, - Billy said.


    -Send me a kiss, - Alice said, with a babyish voice. She wanted to be with Billy and be genuinely happy.


    -Alice, it''s embarrassing... - Billy said in front of Mili''s expectant gaze, now more curious. It could be said that her ears perked up as a sign of listening.


    -I send you a kiss, Mwa, - blushed the boy.


    Alice''s laughter didn''t take long.


    -I love you, I love you very much, - Alice said.


    -Rest, sweetheart. I''ll call you tonight. Will you study until late? - Billy replied.


    -Yes, - she responded.


    Mili just raised her eyebrow at the nonsense Billy was saying. She didn''t say anything, but her white teeth rose, her fangs more prominent. There wasn''t much to say, which relieved the awkward atmosphere.


    ...

 199. life as an actress.

    -Another excellent take, - said Gilliam, concluding today''s shoot, portraying a Winona who had to face solitude.


    -Sigh, - Winona murmured, exhausted from the multiple commitments she had undertaken in recent days.


    -We''ll move on to film some scenes from the beginning, - said Gilliam, scanning a script with numerous notes. It was so heavily marked that multiple notes could be discerned on each side of the page, crumpled and damaged from use. S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although she denied it, Winona was a hopeless romantic, dedicated to art and good manners. The vein of love flowed deep in her heart, expressed in the antique way, briefly and romantically. She liked comfortable silences and gazes that spoke volumes about love. It was better to express feelings tenderly than to indulge in madness.


    -We''ll need to redo some scenes, - Winona said, bewildered.


    -Yes, only two scenes. Don''t be dramatic, - Gilliam mentioned.


    -And is it because of the disconnect between you two that is evident? A disconnection that leads me to think your performances aren''t entirely correct, - Gilliam mentioned, concealing thoughts about what he truly wanted to achieve.


    -Are you hiding something from me? - Winona asked.


    -Nothing important, just some shots that are necessary to perfect the image I have in mind. But you can have a ten-day break; the next shots are with Bill, and you need to wait patiently, - Gilliam said.


    -I don''t want to go to Los Angeles. I want to stay here, where the paparazzi only endure a few days, take a few pictures, and leave. I can walk without worrying about getting photographed, and I''m happy, - Winona said, crossing her legs in a lotus position.


    -Stay. The hotel is booked for the entire month, and I love having you with us, darling, - Gilliam said.


    Winona''s fangs rose with her smile. Her dazzling appearance was a way of being, comfortable and tender. One of the best ways to be was the charisma she displayed in her moments of happiness, when she wasn''t burdened by all that fame had taken from her and by the many problems in her heart, germinating like seeds as the world of Hollywood continued to encroach on her thoughts in dark ways. There, only in the rumor of her privacy, could she find enough strength to unveil the love her heart dictated.


    -We should watch Casablanca again, and buy popcorn and chocolates, - Winona suggested.


    -Oh, darling, not again. But I can choose a lovely movie, one of my favorites, and between the two of us, we can have some wine. The movie we''ll watch is very romantic. We need wine, - Gilliam said, squeezing Winona''s hands, who smiled at him warmly.


    -I would love that. Since we''re having wine tonight, I''ll order a cheese board and some good sesame bread, - Winona said, nodding firmly, deciding and accompanying Gilliam, treating him like a father.


    -I would love that. Now, I have to shoot some scenes with Bill and Samantha, - Gilliam said.


    -I''ll do it, I''ll do it. Just give me some space, world, - Winona said, running back to the hotel to dive under the covers and rest as much as she could, preparing for the night of wine and cheese.


    She enjoyed preparing the bed, then taking a quick shower and going back to sleep until her eyes closed. Only if she took a bath could she fall asleep, and only if she rested beforehand, did she feel comfortable. It was a habit acquired since childhood, with her naive way of being. She believed that the steps to follow had to be in that specific order, or she wouldn''t be able to fall asleep.


    Wearing her oversized black shirt, resembling a nightgown from older times, in her adulthood, with a small green cap, she curled up in the middle of the bed, smiling foolishly.


    She woke up when the night was already tapping on the windows, and only the moonlight, dark and faint, was embraced by paleness. Winona was there, covered up to her neck, with only whispers escaping her lips, while the hotel buzzed with dinner being served, yellow glasses clinking, and conversations filling the spaces.


    Winona took the elevator with a large white blanket layered with clothes and, beyond that, a green hat with frog eyes. The glamorous lady of fashion had eye crusts, wore a flashy hat, and was not what she represented on the red carpets, on her sweet runways, or in her casual afternoons in Los Angeles. The herald of fashion for all the youth and magazines, scrutinizing everything Winona wore, was subjected to basic scrutiny worldwide.


    Winona walked through the corridors until she reached the front of the table, covered in shadow and a column, and those present at the table were viewed delicately.


    -So, you''re a cinema enthusiast, - Gilliam remarked.


    -I like watching movies. At home, I have a small projector from ten years ago that I use to play films. I like the old ways, and I prefer watching on a sepia screen with long dialogues, - said Billy.


    -I have a book to lend you; you''ll love it for your free afternoons, to reminisce about old times, - Gilliam said.


    -You''re a boring old man, -said Winona, squinting her eyes from afar. Bill had arrived, and she might steal his girls'' night.


    -I''m sorry with all my heart, but watching movies is not an old man''s activity, - said Billy.


    -Blah, blah, blah. I want ice cream with a little sugar. Now that you''ve arrived, it''s time for you to give me all the food I deserve, - said Winona.


    -I see you''re still not taking out your wallet, - said Billy.


    -Ugh, I hate having to pay for my ice cream. You pay for the ice cream, and I''ll pay for your steak. Yes, that''s a deal. We can continue with this before my legs cramp, - said Winona.


    -Well, how are you, dear? I see you slept all afternoon, which is not advisable. Your parents should have told you, dear, but let it pass, - said Gilliam, with small eyes from so much effort; the recording plate had been working non-stop since morning, even skipping lunch.


    -I was very sleepy, and now I feel ready for our movie night, - said Winona.


    -Dear, I''m exhausted, but we can do it tomorrow before dinner, - said Gilliam.


    -It''s a promise, - the girl commented, raising her finger accusingly.


    -Of course, dear, - said Gilliam, resuming his conversation with Billy about the old times of cinema and the great classics.


    ...

 200.interrupted

    For Winona, who slept all day yesterday and all night, she is more alive than ever. She woke up early and decided to spend her time shopping in the high-end stores in the city of Massachusetts, not caring if the press was watching.


    But her heart kept beating with some signs of discomfort, which she had been enduring since 1992, amid many problems. She entered a high-end nightclub around five in the afternoon to have a drink and head home; however, feeling the gazes of all the men only made her a bit more uncomfortable.


    She hailed the first taxi she saw, with a few bags in her hands. She was planning to have a movie night with Gilliam. Upon reaching the hotel, she was delighted to see Trini Alvarado along with Samantha, Theodoro''s new girlfriend, and, of course, the one playing Amy March.


    -Girls, - Winona said.


    Both women were gossiping about something specific in hushed voices.  - Come, Wina, we have something charming to tell you, - Trini said.


    -Oh, I''m all ears, - Winona said, invigorated to find someone who could listen to her ramblings for a while.


    -Well, it turns out that in the next few days, a secret wedding took place��the wedding of the year. Michael Jackson is marrying Elvis Presley''s daughter, Lisa Presley. Everything has been private, and the press knows very little. They have managed to cut off all communication directly from the top. It is understood that there is some secret agreement that cannot be revealed, - Samantha said in a secretive tone.


    Winona''s cheeks blushed at the juicy secret that began to circulate among the Hollywood elite and executives who knew about some secrets.


    -Confirmed! - Winona exclaimed a bit louder than usual.


    -Not at all. It''s a secret, and there''s a lot of mystery involved. Even if I wanted to know, my boyfriend, a music producer, mentioned that Michael had a secret wedding, and only the upper management of Epic Records knows. They want to create a buzz for his upcoming album, - Samantha declared.


    -Dear, you have a boyfriend! That''s something you were keeping deep, - Trini said.


    -Please, you''re the one keeping secrets. Your co-star in that cop movie you participated in, and the passionate romance you lived, is something to envy, - Samantha said.


    Trini opened her mouth in surprise, the blush spreading from her cheeks to her ears, with a red flame. The laughter of the girls didn''t take long.


    -You know, I think the director of photography is in love with you, - Winona told Samantha, envying the confidence with which the blonde spoke.


    -He''s a bit old, - Samantha said.


    A waiter arrived with a tray, a glass of vanilla ice cream with a small chocolate cup, and a glass of water, along with other more sinuous chocolate and vanilla desserts, strawberries, and fruits.


    -We haven''t ordered dessert, - Winona said.


    -The gentleman over there sends a note to the ladies, - said the waiter, pointing to Billy, who waved greetings to the three ladies.


    -The gentleman mentions that it''s his favorite dessert, gluten-free and sugar-free for the ladies. Good night, - said the waiter, leaving quickly.


    Billy was with a notebook, calmly drawing. He wore a black suit; blonde locks fell on his forehead, with brown highlights. The dye was starting to show some blonde roots, still incipient.


    -I swear he sent it for you; there''s a certain tension between you two, - Trini said to Winona, with a hint of mischief. The differences were evident��how Billy would give certain looks to Winona, and she would only dedicate him to certain periods. Though trying to conceal it, Billy couldn''t help but fall for Winona''s beauty. With her short hair, she was surprisingly stunning.


    -It''s not happening, - Winona said, opening her eyes wide, like lanterns, a signal she used when feeling not just uncomfortable, but something worse than uncomfortable��a signal she acted upon when truly uneasy.


    -Give the guy a chance, - Samantha said.


    -B-but, it''s not possible, - Winona stammered, strongly affected by the words that reached her.


    -He''s just a kid, - Winona said.


    -A kid with excellent manners, hardworking, wonderful, and handsome, - Trini said, imitating Winona''s voice.


    -Shut up. I only said it because you wouldn''t stop asking. I don''t like him; he''s someone I consider a friend, - Winona said, closing the conversation and focusing on her dessert. Now she couldn''t even have friends; everyone thought she slept with everyone, thought she was a shameless woman.


    ***************************************************************


    Billy was eating diced fruits at the table, attending to his sketchbook. With utmost care, he began the intricate plotting necessary to organize the upcoming chapters of One Piece. The entire series was based on various styles, each contributing to the elaborate narrative��a long and painful story with many webs, all pointing towards a single outcome.


    -Raimon, did you sort out the issues with the Comics distributor? - Billy asked.


    -Everything''s sorted out with Felicity; we''ve finalized the deal. Steve will officially step down to focus on Image Comics. By the way, we''ve received a new offer from George Lucas, - Raimon said.


    -Wonderful. Shipments will be made promptly, just like we''ve been doing for the past two years, - Billy said.


    -Of course! We''ll even distribute toys! - Raimon said, responding to the majestic distribution of toys they were delivering to all available toy stores in the country��plushies, plastic figures, and more. A substantial investment filling every shelf in the country.


    -Good, good. Now, focus on organizing all operations. I understand the cable companies are a bit hesitant, - Billy said.


    -No problem, no problem. We can always launch the channel as a national channel. Initial profits are the same; it''s just that we''d have to invest a bit more in maintaining the channel, whether via satellite or cable. However, if we succeed, we''ll double our profits. I doubt it, but we can partner with some other channels and share the costs or fees, - Raimon said.


    -Thanks for that, - Billy said.


    -How''s it going with your Dungeons and Dragons project? - Billy asked.


    -Bad, terrible. I haven''t had much reception with my new ideas to revitalize the series. Now I realize how complex it is to create those games, and I''d rather focus on the business side of things, - Raimon complained.


    -Well, your idea is quite innovative��sea wars in the world of dungeons and dragons are something very new for the time. But you can develop the idea more deeply��sea monsters, captains, mermaids, water mages, and those half-animal sea people are good ideas, - Billy said.


    -I know, and I envy that, - Raimon said.


    -It''s predictable; imagine, it''s easier to do it on a computer. An open world of possibilities, where it extends across an entire continent, embodying all games and possible ideas in one big game that contains everything and every conceivable possibility, - Billy said. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I have to hang up, - Raimon said.


    ...


    we got to chapter 200, which is pretty mmmm this arc is much longer than I originally thought, I''m trying to give a lot more connection and start detailing some plots.


    on Patreon we are at chapter 240, I''m uploading more or less 6 chapters at 8 chapters per week. but, the series is going fantastic. this week I plan to write a lot, I don''t have that much to do so I think I will be able to write a lot.

 201. familiar faces

    and are StevenisThe cardThe uncertain night on the main shots, the red carpet, not as elegant as Disney''s, not as strong and publicized on channels. Disney''s power was like a star in the sky, facing Lux Animation''s fledgling attempts. The largest animated house in Hollywood competed with everything��a rich and intriguing story, a massive advertising campaign, and significant investments. The voice of Disney''s latest film was on everyone''s lips. Every 30 minutes, there was news about "The Last King," so much so that children lined up eagerly to see it. The once overshadowed "The Lion King" was viewed by some as a classic in animation. However, the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, comprising the crucial opening weekend at the box office, only garnered an unappealing $1.5 million. The investment of $33 million seemed distant with these poor box office figures for the first crucial weekend. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Contrary to this, "The Last King" earned $15 million, half the film''s value, and jubilation ensued.


    Toxic jabs sent to Lux Animation echoed in newspapers as a significant blow and settling of scores.


    The June 16-19 premiere was once again overshadowed, not boding well for Lux Animation, which had taken such a gamble.


    Armand Millester observed the costs and expenses, furrowing his brows. Since Saturday, he hadn''t given any response, indicating whether this would be the company''s great failure.


    -We should ask some questions, - Staicy Roman said.


    Armand just smiled. More than a smile, it was a grimace of rejection, built by the poor animation numbers in the first three days.


    -We must continue; nothing more can be done. Also, this is the company''s litmus test. If the film is good, it will gradually recover, but if it is not loved and cherished by the audience, then it doesn''t matter what we do, - said Armand Millester, director of Lux Animation and Pixar''s animated film distribution company.


    *********************************************************************


    Steve Parks tightened his tie. Toor Book was balancing the company and taking possession of assets after its purchase, a total.


    Among the many bets made in Toor Books'' commercial saga, the first and most important ones improved the artistic and liberal image of the science fiction books published by the company. The company had Toor Books and Tor UK, each focusing on the practical publication of fantasy and science fiction series.


    A building in an important part of the city, a single-floor property, was one of the company''s most expensive assets, and its value justified its price. Along with 38 books published so far, many of them part of sagas.


    Steve Parks, though more accustomed to negotiations, was here because he found the administrative procedures particularly annoying. The Writers'' Fund and the Collaborators'' Fund were established on June 17, 1994, but why did he feel so much resentment in his heart? The administrative procedures he had to carry out continued to bother him.


    The fund was designed for novice writers who wanted to venture into the world of writing. To his surprise, nine reliable writers in the United States applied, having passed Billy''s stringent controls��being over 21, having publications or literary works, or university studies in the field of letters, and economic need.


    In the United Kingdom, triple the number applied, and the filters led to 34 approved applicants. Billy was clear that for now, the fund had only $800,000��not a huge amount, but it couldn''t be allocated more for these initiatives, which were already seen as donations to people in need in academic fields. In all seriousness, creating these types of scholarships��Stanford''s annual scholarship, 90% payment for two young artists, and now a fund for writers.


    He entered the large room, knowing it would take several hours to finish with the eight people. He had to ask questions as if it were an interrogation. It didn''t surprise him, even though he didn''t demand a specific literary genre, it was implied between the lines that anyone helping the company would be considered more important for the negotiation list.


    Steve Parks adjusted his collar as best he could, thinking, "Working in New York isn''t that bad." He liked the big city much more than Los Angeles or the dreaded San Jose. His portfolio had the resumes of all present, and curiously, there was a shared scholarship application. Steve Erikson and Ian Esslemenont had both submitted meticulous essays about the grand series of dark epic fantasy they were working on. They explained that they couldn''t dedicate 100% of their time to writing. From Canada, they responded that they learned about the opportunity from a friend at the publishing house. A potential writing fund was proposed for two to three years to complete a book.


    Alongside them was David Foster Wallace, who had already published a book but was facing economic problems preventing him from continuing to write. His first novel was good, but the early ''90s crisis was devastating, and he was still in a critical negotiation period.


    -Our main assessor has arrived, - Steve Parks asked Joey, the editor-in-chief of Toor Books.


    -Well, Mr. Orson said he''ll be here in thirty minutes. Something about not completely fitting into the city and the trains that drive Americans crazy, those were his literal words, - Joey replied.


    -Of the profiles, which ones catch your attention the most? - Steve Parks asked, tapping the desk forcefully with his fingers. The rule is to state that only three can be accepted, but with so few and funds larger than initially expected, they can choose three in batches and leave some on the waiting list when they look at Tor UK.


    -I don''t think it''s right to give my opinion; it might be biased for you and Mr. Scott. But I have some important things to say. We have a very small group, the best is here, and it''s already estimated that all candidates are possible for the fund, -- Joey said seriously, winking at him. -- I like the passionate ones, the ones who are in the business for the love of it. Those writers who dream while writing are the most complicated, but in my experience, they often give me pleasant surprises. -


    -It''s going to be a challenging afternoon. Ensuring impartiality is quite complicated, - Steve Parks murmured. The assessments are personal and will be made on a rating scale of 1 to 10, with different ratings.


    -Mr. Card is in the lobby, - said someone from the entrance.


    -Okay, start bringing in our next writers, - said Steve Parks, the business-minded individual.


    Joey was the heart, just as they had told him. She wasn''t a very strong person, nor did she have a high title, but she was a failed writer who loved reading and, deep down, a considered editor. She became the editor-in-chief, but she remained an editor, and Orson was the key figure.


    Orson arrived, the writer radiating kindness, with a sturdy build, glasses, and a pleasant demeanor. As a writer, his fame was confined to a small circle, known more for being a disaster and often running into problems, especially with women, due to his nervy youth.


    ...

 202. approach

    June 23, 1994.


    Billy was so busy that he even missed the relevant festivities of the 1994 World Cup that had been going on for over ten days. Just as the recording of the crucial moments of the film "Little Women" (1994) finished for Winona, who, in an attempt to counteract the important elements, started having some conversations with David Piner. She even invited him to the film set, which the singer wanted and demonstrated by showing up two days later smelling of alcohol and with his hair scattered over his shoulders.


    -I have to shoot scenes; I don''t think it''s healthy, David, - Winona said in a low voice, rejecting David''s drink, who just shrugged. She found his nonchalant gesture strikingly similar to Johnny Depp, and she couldn''t help but like the carefree attitude of the singer.


    -There''s a bar nearby. It would be fantastic if we go, - David said, approaching Winona and whispering in her ear in a compromising gesture.


    -Sounds good, as long as we get there before 2:00 am. Gilliam wants to finish the last shooting scenes as soon as possible, - Winona said.


    -No problem at all, - David said, giving Winona a gentle kiss on the cheek.


    The wind whipped through the refreshing evening, and the beautiful Winona smiled as she climbed the stairs. David Piner sipped on a Coca-Cola, calming the conflicting moods.


    ******************************************************


    Billy got up at 4:20 in the morning to do his daily exercise, stay in shape, and clear his mind from the disappointing start they had with "The Lion King" premiere. He didn''t quite understand what the main problem had been. He even improved the script and animation compared to the blurred version he knew, delivering a strong animation with better transitions between scenes and dialogues.


    "What went wrong? ''I have a lot to think about,'' Billy whispered. The only way to make money was by making bets and, of course, licenses or deals with different companies that had requested their computer programs. This, along with shares or licenses, could bring some dollars to the table. Acting could also contribute. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He ran in the morning chill, not as cold as he expected, and not too hot either. Forty minutes later, he checked his wristwatch, clearing his mind. "A new book." He ran almost thirty blocks in a straight line until he found himself lost in the twists of the street. He retraced his steps; it was 4:55 when he returned to the hotel, fully sweaty and ready to start his workday.


    A woman stepped out of a red car, in high heels, and a white dress that left much to the imagination, with soft and provocative curves that were undoubtedly a reason to whistle or get lost for a while. Billy could see how the world stopped at her beauty; it seemed like time stood still. She walked a bit unsteadily and bid farewell to the car. When he saw her lift her face, he greeted her reluctantly, somewhat impressed by how he had seen her arrive, her lipstick somewhat smudged, mascara smudged, and completely disheveled.


    Billy walked, took five steps, and was only one away from being on top of the beautiful woman.


    -Miss, I must say I didn''t expect to find you in this state, - Billy said.


    -I didn''t expect to arrive in this state, - Winona said cheerfully, with a giggle that was becoming familiar to Billy. Was she acting?


    -I see you''ve had quite some fun, - Billy said, dryly, with an offended tone.


    -What are you talking about? Now I can do whatever I want with my life. I don''t have to tell anyone what I am or am not doing, - Winona said.


    -I don''t deny it. Nor, on the contrary, I just... apologies if I offended you, - Billy said, walking to the hotel.


    Winona''s heels crashed against the ground, and he heard her moan as they headed to the elevator, going up with Billy on the same floor. Four floors of discomfort, but between the two, the relationship froze, and a very angry Winona only moved her foot, generating a repetitive tic-tac.


    -I don''t understand why you''re upset, - Billy said, quieting the situation.


    -I don''t understand why you''re so idiotic with your morals and your morals. Live your life, friend, - Winona said.


    -Unfortunately, my morals are as unpleasant as your tough-girl attitude. You think you''re funny for arriving drunk and having to work in less than two hours. Enjoy your short career in cinema; you''ve had a good role, and you already think you can step on everyone, - Billy said, louder than normal.


    -Brilliant words for an idiot who has just started his career in cinema. You''re a child; grow up and let people live, - Winona said, raising the volume.


    -Again with the same; the only child here is you. With your arrogant attitude and your lack of concentration. I understand that I''m young, but I''m much more mature than you, little star, - Billy said, louder than normal.


    -What a jerk you turned out to be! - Winona said.


    -Why does everyone permit you to walk all over them? I have my limits. If you don''t have them with people, it''s because of your lack of empathy, - Billy said.


    Something unexpected happened.


    Winona started tearing up; large tears streamed from her big eyes like raindrops, flowing down her face with unhappiness. Without understanding why, his words hurt her so much. She tried to lower her head but felt so humiliated. Very tired and humiliated.


    Billy sighed and said some words Winona couldn''t understand. They hadn''t pressed the number four; they had forgotten to do it.


    There are usually buttons that do that, - Winona thought.


    The elevator went up while Winona continued crying louder.


    -I''m sorry, - Billy said.


    Winona just kept crying.


    -I was unfair to you; I couldn''t control my emotions and said very harsh words. You didn''t deserve them, but you got me out on my terms, - Billy said.


    The door opened, and Billy just kept walking ahead. Winona''s stunned silence left him without knowing what to say. She was trembling so much that she couldn''t open her room. Billy sighed and helped her in. The room was a mess, clothes strewn everywhere, food here and there.


    His father, grandfather, and grandmother used to say that a person''s reflection is characterized by their presentation, their home, and their office. Winona, on the other hand, remained furious with Billy in a way that words couldn''t express. She saw everything in red, but she didn''t feel like talking to him. She felt a hatred in her heart, and faint traces of revenge were running through her mind. Revenge. The black-haired girl thought.


    She watched Billy tidy her room, not caring much about what he was doing. But after organizing her room, he just closed the curtains so that the morning light wouldn''t bother her.


    Closing the door behind her, Winona went to bed with the white dress still on, regardless of the "Little Women" premiere. She was very sleepy and exhausted.


    Once Billy left the room, he entered his own and made a quick call. - Nigel, sorry to bother you so early... yes, it''s just that I have an issue, a meeting in the first hour of the morning... I''ll be an hour or two late... yes, I truly apologize for this; I promise it won''t happen again... thank you very much... yes... great, I''ll let them know... nine in the morning is a perfect time... good day. -


    -Damn women, - Billy thought.


    Every day, he understood women less and understood his father more about his words, - We all have our mistakes, son; I have more than anyone. It will always be our fault for everything we do. Let me carry that blame now. -


    He packed his suitcase, ordered room service, and spent his two hours clearing his mind and continuing with his comics, depicting an image, the final chapter of Evangelion would be presented on July 25, and the final chapter of Yu Yu Hakusho on August 3. Both comics were in their final stretches, and only Billy knew the ending of both. He calmly worked on the strokes of chapter 97 of Evangelion, one of the most intriguing chapters of the series.


    The end of everything. Also, one of the most intriguing and revealing chapters. There were only two or three more chapters left, and this one had to be delivered by the first week of July.


    He heard a light knock on the door. A quick breakfast arrived at his door. - Can you bring me another breakfast at 9:00 am with a cup of black coffee in the next order? - Billy asked.


    Continuing with his drawing and writing, Nigel would take care of the rest of the details. While concentrating on his comic, he could only fix his mind on the woman who slept five rooms away.


    He ordered panoramic drawings and everything that could be highlighted in the next shots, using large hyper-realistic illustrations for each drawing as if it were a canvas. It was a way to give a pleasing and eye-catching touch to the whole drawing.


    He heard a second knock on his door, and he knew it was breakfast.


    -Thanks, you can leave it on the table, - Billy said.


    Taking the tray and leaving for Winona''s room, the soft breathing of the young girl could be heard as she slept with all the acute fatigue of a night of partying.


    -Winona, wake up, - Billy said gently, placing the tray on the table.


    -Come on, you have to wake up. It''s nine in the morning, and you have to go to work, - Billy said, turning on the room lights.


    ...

 203. existence

    Winona woke up with a pounding headache��inevitable when mixing painkillers with alcohol, a cocktail of drugs not recommended. She was in a helpless state, still questioning, "Where did I leave David?" The headache felt like a blade stabbing her brain, a hangover inducing deep dizziness. Just the exposure to light made her head throb. She hated this feeling as much as she detested craving another pill.


    -Winona, come on, you have to wake up, - said Billy, from the floor not too far, yet not too close, enough to shake her, gently by her side. Winona opened her eyes to see the guy dressed in a suit and could only react to the sunlight, the dizziness, and the smell of alcohol��or was it perfume? She regurgitated, trying to hold back, closing her mouth, attempting to calm her nausea, but it was unstoppable; her body needed it. She ended up vomiting on the bed and on Billy who was beside her, spreading vomit across the room.


    She pounded Billy''s chest, splashing his neck; it dripped down to his pants. Billy breathed deeply. This woman is a mess in every aspect.


    -I''m sorry, - Winona said, embarrassed.


    Billy went straight to Winona''s bathroom and tried to clean himself with a large towel, attempting to rid the smell from his skin, but it was an unpleasant odor. Winona looked pale and white; her dark circles highlighted the nauseating appearance, and her Cartier dress, now vomited and damaged in some spots��a total disaster, no rhyme or reason. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy took off his shirt as quickly as he could and soaked it in the sink. He looked somewhat bulky, and broad-built, but not much muscle there; his adolescence was more evident than maturity in his suit.


    -I''m sorry, - Winona said, staggering; her words were a whisper. She felt drowsy; her mouth was drier than ever, and she felt like vomiting again.


    -It doesn''t matter; it''s just vomit. You''re a mess. We have thirty minutes to get ready for the set, - Billy said, downplaying it, observing her in the mirror.


    -I don''t want to go, - Winona said softly.


    -You have to go. Come, you need lots of water and ask for fresh fruit, whole wheat bread, and jelly. Get your clothes ready; we''ll go to my room. It smells horrible here, and I don''t trust it entirely, - said Billy, putting on the blazer over his bare torso. Winona didn''t object and did as she was asked.


    In her mind, she could only be ashamed for calling Billy names and saying bad things about someone who was only trying to help her. She grabbed a white shirt and large gym pants, Converse shoes, and followed Billy.


    -Good afternoon, sorry to bother you. I would like you to thoroughly clean in half an hour in rooms 408 and 415. Yes, sorry for the inconvenience. When I go down to the lobby, I''ll pay for the laundry service for some clothes, - said Billy.


    -You have to shower -  said Billy.


    Winona examined the room and saw everything so tidy and clean that she thought she was in a new room; who makes their bed in a hotel, only a compulsive clean freak. She tried the water, and it was warm; her head was throbbing and pulsating, like a swollen hand; she felt it was going to break from the inside, but she managed to bathe and get ready.


    She found a large blue sweater next to her clothes and decided to put it on. Her headache was less severe; she stumbled out of the bathroom and decided to sleep for a while, fifteen minutes, for the door of Billy''s room to open again, and he entered with a tray of food, wearing a sports shirt; he locked himself in the bathroom. Winona slept peacefully, feeling somewhat better than a few moments ago; Billy came out again dressed, and the vomit trail ended.


    -Come on, Winona, you need to wake up; we have to go to the set, - said Billy, taking her temperature on her forehead. He didn''t feel any strange heat or a high temperature.


    -I want to sleep a little longer, - Winona said, like a ball.


    Billy couldn''t help but sigh at the woman in front of him; she still didn''t understand.


    -Come on, wake up, - said Billy.


    Opening her eyes slowly, she composed herself, although she didn''t expect the care. She cut up the fruit, slowly disassembling it. She had breakfast as much as she could and didn''t try the little rolls, but she moved silently so as not to disrupt the atmosphere. She couldn''t help but compare it to other people she knew; most would have left her vomiting in bed. It was quite irresponsible��she thought to herself��putting on the black sunglasses with care.


    -Come on, let''s go downstairs; they''re waiting for us - said Billy.


    They both left the room with their wet hair. Winona, on the other hand, was a mess, something Samantha Mathis noticed, discreetly observing the couple coming down in the elevator; the two-hour delay was strange, but not many paid attention. Two hours of filming is something the director cannot overlook, but it doesn''t represent a big problem. With the arrival of summer, good weather allows everything to be arranged without any inconvenience.


    Winona emerged first, now more awake, and better suited for the situation. The dizziness persisted but wasn''t as overwhelming as before. Vomiting relieved most of her pains.


    She spotted Trini Alvarado talking to Kirsten''s mother, with Kirsten sitting on the table, poking at her breakfast. Winona tried to muster a smile, but she felt exhausted, only managing to feign some sympathy; now she had to act even in her personal life.


    -Billy! -Kirsten shouted from afar.


    -Miss, - Billy acknowledged.


    -I heard you''re going to be my savior today. I''ll fall into the water, and you''ll come to rescue me��another cheesy scene. I don''t see the point, - Kirsten remarked.


    -I''ve got the know-how, - Billy commented, giving a brief nod to Kirsten''s mother and Trini, who were whispering some things with Winona. Billy only dared to bid a polite farewell. It''s better to distance himself; if he stays another minute among these women, they''ll likely chip away at his sanity for the rest of the day.


    He walked through the brisk Massachusetts air, not exactly inviting due to the strong winds he couldn''t help but curse the cold weather and the many years spent living in California, but the change was welcome. He took a deep breath and felt the urge for a good vacation, to forget it all, to find some space that would bring him peace.


    He walked for thirty minutes to the recording studio, which was already beginning to start. Another workday kicked off abruptly with a strong team effort.


    ...

 204. moving.

    Lux Animation Company was officially in the process of moving, from machine delivery to the grand transition and the substantial relocation of many items, including personal belongings, workstations, files, video game machines, and of course, employees who would enjoy new special facilities.


    The Lux Animation building, with its five floors, could accommodate the three animation factory floors on each level except the first floor, which was utilized as a cafeteria, lobby, administrative center, and part of the parking lot, with an underground parking garage.


    The exponential growth of San Jose, not far from Silicon Valley, the business hub, has sparked a boom for the state, improving living conditions almost overnight, with periodic growth rising due to multiple factors. Most of the moving was done yesterday, and in the morning, they completed the entire process. Now Anne walked to her new office, one that was well-deserved, spacious, and fitting for her position.


    -What a beautiful place, -Anne murmured, organizing her papers. She could see Margot tidying her desk through the windows, which was now opposite hers. She opened the door and walked next door to the boss''s office, Billy''s office, similar to hers but with the addition of a large comic book library along with a fridge stocked with sweets, drinks, and other snacks he consumed when fully immersed in drawing his large illustrations.


    She checked the comics, making sure each volume was in its perfect place, without creases, ensuring her favorites were in their initial spots. She inspected her pencils, markers, and charcoals, all in perfect condition. Besides, she reviewed all her new publications and those that were yet to be published.


    -Margot, - Anne called.


    Anne walked to the door. - Margot, Volume 94 of Evangelion was delivered to David for printing. -


    -Two days ago, - Margot replied.


    Anne sighed. -Alright, I''ll send One Pass Chapter 3 for Friday, -said Anne, taking the comic and placing it on the table.


    She continued tidying up the place peacefully, making sure everything was in place, exactly how Billy always wanted it. Rachel entered through the door with an unusual shyness, but Anne didn''t pay enough attention to see her flushed face.


    -Rachel dear, take that comic to Raimon for printing, - Anne said, focused on her cleaning.


    -Yes, ma''am, - Rachel replied.


    -Ma''am. -


    -You can call me dear. It must be important, - Anne said.


    -Well, Raimon isn''t here; he''s negotiating agreements with cable companies and discussing satellite signals. Thanks to foresight, we can make the appropriate installations for now, - Rachel explained.


    -I see. Dear, talk to Dave in the factory. You can reach him by extension to have it picked up, -Anne instructed.


    -Excuse me, Director, - Rachel said formally. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ********************************************************************************


    Rachel was in charge of the place; Raimon had been away from the company for two weeks, solely dedicated to reviewing contracts and the company''s financial statements, like investment in stocks.


    Looking at himself in the mirror, Raimon saw that he looked thinner, perhaps lost a kilo and a half. -I never thought I''d see myself in a suit. Fix your tie and tuck in your shirt; you look like a beggar dressed like that, - said Luis Green, Raimon''s father, not a very warm person. One out of every three words he used was to reproach Raimon about something, no matter what it was; he scolded him, unlike his brother, who spent his time congratulating or helping him in everything, even when he dropped out of university.


    Raimon adjusted his shirt and tie nervously.


    -What are you doing in New York? - his father asked.


    -Well, I''m the Chief Operating Officer, and I have to carry out some curricular activities, like ensuring that business operations run smoothly, - Raimon replied.


    -Don''t you have employees? - Luis inquired.


    -Well, I do, but I''m talking about significant negotiations, Dad. I wouldn''t entrust millions to just anyone. By the way, how''s Malcolm? - Raimon asked.


    -Don''t ask. Your mother already told me everything. I expected something like this from you, not from Malcolm. Come on, I''ll treat you to lunch, - Luis said.


    -Of course, - Raimon replied, noting the time; he had an hour and would be meeting Saul Zaents to discuss an important film production issue, especially regarding the book Saul had been pushing for a movie adaptation, "The English Patient."


    They walked along Seventh Avenue, took a turn into a large plaza, and ascended to the second floor. Old Luis walked fast, and Raimon followed him, feeling the pressure on his back, unaccustomed to such brisk strides. Raimon took his time, walking slowly, admiring the tall buildings, and pondering all the things he could do in his humble home watching movies and not wasting time running around.


    -Walk faster, son; we''re not in an amusement park, - Lucas said.


    -Sorry, sir, - Raimon replied, following him wearily. It had been less than ten minutes, and he felt like he had lost five years of his life with his father''s constant complaints; he realized why he had chosen Stanford University thousands of miles away from home.


    -Mr. Green, - the host mentioned.


    -A table for two, - Lucas said.


    -Certainly, sir. We have your usual table, - the host replied.


    The place wasn''t very elegant, but it seemed exclusive enough for it to warrant a host, and the tables provided enough privacy for clients to converse. They sat down, with Lucas Green pleased, while Raimon tried to sit like a normal human but ended up sprawling awkwardly in his chair, accidentally knocking over the salt shaker all over the table.


    -Sorry, - Raimon said, trying to fix the salt shaker.


    -Leave it, - Lucas said.


    Both Green family members sat and observed as they typically did in their dining room at home; his father just watched him and didn''t bother to pretend otherwise, while Raimon shrunk under his gaze. Remembering how his best friend Billy stood up to his father, he attempted to give him a death stare, only causing Lucas to raise an eyebrow at his son''s foolish look. It wasn''t just a thing; he was a bizarre kid.


    -Two specials, - Lucas told the waiter, without consulting his son.


    -But, Father... - Raimon began.


    -Do you think I brought you here to order hamburgers, ungrateful boy? They''ll bring you a decent dish, - Lucas said.


    Both nodded, different but the same. Samanta Green said her younger son inherited the character while her older son inherited the heart, the amiable Lucas. The problem with the older son, Raimon, was that he never found the strength to withstand the blows and usually retreated into a bubble with every attack he received.


    -How''s the company? You were an intern four years ago, and now you''re the COO. You must have done some good things, - Lucas said.


    -Yes, indeed. I''m about to buy my bachelor pad, a somewhat pricey property, but it''s in a luxurious location. In the company, we have a lot of potential; I see a future. In October, we''ll be launching our latest project, an animation channel. I came to handle the important paperwork for the channel, a deal with a guy who holds the copyright to a series the boss wants. You know how it is; they just ask, and we take care of it, - Raimon explained.


    -The sales director doesn''t handle those transactions, - Lucas remarked.


    -It''s already been negotiated, but this client has a financing condition for a movie production, and I have to sort out the details and some other contract-related matters, - Raimon said.


    -I see. You should be in banking, - Lucas said.


    Raimon wanted to roll his eyes but decided to ignore it.


    ...

 205. family blows

    Raimon left the restaurant battered, exhausted, and with his self-esteem shattered. One of the worst things was facing his father without his mother, without someone to defend him from his father''s constant insults. He had no one to call; he was afraid of being ridiculed and didn''t want to look foolish in front of Billy. He didn''t have much reputation left, but what little he had was his pride.


    He walked listlessly to the caf�� suggested by Saul Zaents, a man who, according to the data and information provided by Steve Parks, was a tough and complicated person to deal with. "Saul was a tough person to handle, a total diehard. He was whimsical and didn''t spare money to do not-so-good things. He''s smart and very ambitious," were the keywords given to Raimon by Steve Parks, who had an eye for detecting personalities when it came to doing business. He knew that accommodation was one of the main points with people with big egos or somewhat arrogant. In his view, it''s just business.


    -Mom, -Raimon said into the phone.


    -My dear cupcake, how are you? - Samantha Green said, knowing her son''s weaknesses. They would have lunch with his father. Samantha, as a housewife, leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her eldest son wash the car, oblivious to work, university, or even finding a wife.


    -Well, mother, just feeling somewhat nostalgic, - Raimon said.


    -I understand. Did you have lunch with your father? - his mother asked.


    -I did. Now I''m heading to a work meeting, but the client is late. I hope he arrives in the next ten minutes. What can I say? Big cities, it''s chaos; people are in such a hurry, - Raimon said.


    -I''m so glad you have a job. How''s your friend Billy Carson that you talk about so much? - Samantha asked.


    -Now he''s an actor, and he''s dating supermodels. I don''t see him much, but I handle his money, - Raimon said.


    -Oh, my! You weren''t born for that world, my little one. Stay away from the supermodels; they don''t deserve you. Any special girl, any girl you haven''t told your mother about? - Samantha asked.


    -Mom! I haven''t had time for girls; work keeps me very busy," Raimon said, embarrassed. He hadn''t been able to tell her about his crush, Anna.


    -Oh, you little rascal, keeping secrets from your mother. You''d better tell me everything on that trip you promised to take me on at the end of the year, with your aunt Jelly. Your father is too tired to travel now; he only comes back occasionally to make an appearance. Retirement turned out to be more detrimental, and now he escapes reality by meeting friends and making deals, - Samantha said.


    -Yes, Mom, I have a wedding on December 8, and before that, I have a lot to do at the company, but we''ll have a long vacation. The hotel is already booked, and I''ve completed all the arrangements. Don''t worry; you don''t have to ask Dad for money. I have the Christmas bonus, and I''ll give you the promised vacation, - Raimon said, pounding his chest in a gesture of confidence.


    -Oh, my son is so manly, - Samantha said, teasing Raimon. Unlike other people, Raimon knew that his mother was a charming angel who was always there for him.


    -Well, your son is wonderful and now making money. I want to buy an apartment, and I already have some plans. Once I have a spare room, you can come to my house to stay, - Raimon said.


    -Oh, of course, I''ll come gladly. The cold isn''t good, and a season in California during the winter could be a preferable option, for my child. Mom also needs to set some meal schedules for you, - Samantha said. S��ar?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, Mom, - Raimon whispered happily. She was the only person who truly loved him, never judged him, always stood by his side, and helped him with everything.


    -Well, my little one, go and attend to the client. I have to go for tea at Mrs. Brown''s house, and I can''t be late. I love you so much, my little cupcake; don''t take too long to call your mother, - Samantha said.


    -Goodbye, Mom, say hi to Mrs. Brown and Aunt Jelly, - Raimon said. With renewed energy, his father''s words were erased by his mother''s affection.


    Saul Zaents didn''t arrive, but it didn''t matter. Raimon now cleared his thoughts with a scoop of ice cream and prepared to give his all against the future producer of "The English Patient." For the meeting, they would set the location, the actors, the prices, and how they would handle the minor details for the entire movie. As a novice company lacking contacts, they had


    **********************************************************************************


    Billy finished another round of filming; some shots were still missing, but the conversations between takes, which are important when trying to reach a certain state, especially when acting in love with a woman who doesn''t have feelings, is a state the actor must struggle with.


    On the other hand, if your partner is a beautiful girl, it helps. However, this girl keeps giving him suspicious looks, which are unpleasant for Billy.


    -Good job, cowboy, you''re as quick as a clock when it comes to acting, - said Amy March, portrayed by Samantha Mathis, whom Billy is now part of.


    -I do everything I can, and as I can, - said Billy, with evident fatigue. Taking care of a person, in this case, Winona has only given him headaches, and now he just wants to finish the day and rest.


    Samantha, very much in tune with her mischief, a rebellious woman who fits the bad girl role, just bites her lip. Contrary to what Billy thinks, she stifles her urge to laugh, as she sees Billy as a weak man, a lost puppy. It''s a truth, but not the whole truth, just a biased viewpoint. However, it remains Mathis''s stance, who wants to laugh a little at Billy''s expense.


    -Black-haired women are more to your liking, - Samantha said.


    Surprised, Billy tried to say something, but he regretted it.


    -What does that have to do with anything? - Billy asked.


    -Just a thought. You didn''t kiss me with desire. It''s a job, but boy, you''re not a passionate lover, - Sam said.


    -Was my performance bad? - Billy asked.


    Samantha just wanted to hit him.


    -It just lacked spark. Technically, there''s nothing to complain about, but it lacked shine. When you kiss a woman, it should be lovely. Or is it your first time? - Samantha said, chuckling.


    Clarrie, who was watching the conversation between Bill Darwin and Samantha, so close and intimate, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. The cast is starting to spark, with Claire Denis finding Billy very handsome and a gentleman.


    -They seem close, - Trini said beside her.


    -It seems so, but Samantha wouldn''t have a boyfriend, - Claire commented.


    A laugh escaped Samantha, and that only produced more sparks in Claire, who now felt like hitting Billy, who had mentioned he had a girlfriend.


    ...

 206. war zone.

    july 2.


    Cable antennas, in summary, are those that, through a subscription plan, enroll buyers to enjoy premium television with better content from multiple channels, including major cable networks. To date, Lux Animation has negotiated with three TV stations: Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, and Charter Communications. One of the major cable networks that was outright rejected from the start was Time Warner Cable. Despite agreeing, they imposed unusual demands on a small TV channel. Even in the branches, there''s a bad reputation for the relationship between the two companies, a struggle over comics. Now, the battle will extend to animated channels and everything related.


    However, Lux Animation is fortunate in ways not many others are due to the growth of the 90s. In six to nine years, it will be much more challenging for companies looking to establish themselves in the entertainment world. Now, there are rumors of a company that terrifies the entertainment industry even more, a company founded by Steven Spielberg.


    He has been making moves behind the scenes, whispering with a famous producer, who could be crucial for the company''s development��David Geffen. One by one, the film industry begins to stir. Lux Animation and a TV channel are seen from afar by Warner and Disney, but other companies and even those seeking to trip them up consider Spielberg a much more formidable opponent.


    -It was a given that Warner Cable would reject us. For now, let''s solidify the negotiations in general. Rachel, I want you to reach out to the analysis group and look for cable providers who offer their services in specific locations. Great job, - said Anne, at the first meeting commemorating the move to the grand building.


    -As for the Human Resources department, Jolie, keeps making progress in hiring. We need a new director of entertainment to steer the channel and be the voice, as well as an expansion of the sales, advertising, and operations department. Don''t forget to extend our regards to Stanford University. Billy, as an alum, has some good connections that could be helpful. Also, we need a treasurer, - Anne added.


    -I have a few candidates, but no outstanding employees. However, we could hire an intern for treasury and another intern to assist Rachel, acting as their guide and leader, who will eventually work with Raimon. It sounds feasible, but I want someone hardworking��maybe an accountant or economist��to review our accounts and also help us examine the new business venture of the Carsons, - said Jolie.


    -Agreed, CEO. I''ll send out the recruitment announcements to the agency and also submit an application to Stanford, - Jolie Carter replied.


    Rumino Denver, jotting down some notes on his pad, was ready to share his thoughts. Sarah Robles, director of the advertising department, and others were absent due to their frequent travels or other business obligations, as were those who managed other companies and weren''t fully immersed in the central group of the company.


    -May I offer my opinion? - Rumino asked.


    -Go ahead, Rumino, - Anne replied.


    -Raimon, as Steve Parks mentioned, we need to streamline our operations. For example, the T-Box Burger manager could oversee Pizza Box. Additionally, Toys and Comics could be part of Sunrise Comics, and we could consolidate distribution, - Rumino suggested.


    -Let Raimon handle it; he''s better at these kinds of deals. Now, I have some calls to make and need to organize all the legal procedures for Lux Paint, which we started a month ago, - Anne concluded.


    The board members bid farewell to the office, knowing full well that long workdays awaited them until the television channel premiered.


    **************************************************************************


    "The Lion King" was being overshadowed by Disney''s new movie, a clear defeat, a present failure. The competitor''s film grossed $62 million, while "The Lion King" only reached $11.8 million. However, as the summer season begins and the days get longer, children are excited, and there''s a recovery��a 130% increase in box office sales in recent days. The premiere continues to grow, and although the outcome is uncertain, critics have hinted at a good delivery.


    -We crushed them; their voices will be silenced. By the end of the season, we will be the only ones competing for animation. These arrogant newcomers don''t know what it takes in the world of cinema, - mentioned Michael Eisner, reviewing the reviews.


    -However, the film created by Lux Animation is particularly moving. If I may, I see success in the movie, and its box office sales will likely increase significantly. We''ve experienced something similar on several occasions with some of our deliveries��humble beginnings, but earnings dramatically increase as the weeks go by until they surpass our expectations, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg.


    Michael Eisner paused, not giving an apparent response. He placed the palm of his hand on his cheek and rubbed it with disappointment. But inside, he was somewhat nervous. Was this a challenge from Jeffrey? The present fear was clear and present; the board of shareholder directors was in turmoil, and one thing was clear: many people favored Jeffrey taking over the presidency.


    Once friends, they now had a certain gap created by rejection, by political intrigue, and by both of their fears of being discarded. People started to seek alliances. On one side, Michael Eisner''s vision was beginning to crumble. Though everything seemed the same, he began to hear whispers in the darkness, one of which was the delay in the acquisition of ABC. It was clear: ABC Company, the share buyout, had not progressed and remained stalled. The longer it dragged on, the more people would take note of the shares, and the price would rise, making the purchase more costly.


    -Any other opinions about the future? - questioned Michael Eisner.


    -We could alleviate the threat with some critiques, talk to movie exhibitors, or pay some newspapers for reviews, - suggested Joe Roth.


    -More money is a mistake. If we use more money on a newly ascended company, it will be enough to make us a laughingstock. The prices paid for the Golden Globes and the Oscars were a considerable sum, enough to make three movies. Let''s focus on our work, - said Bob Baker.


    The room fell into deep silence. Bob Baker was closer to shadow tactics and did the dirty work on most occasions. The atmosphere was not good, not a conducive environment.


    -Let''s hope; that our next success is the next one. I want the animation department to start the process for new animated films, - said Michael Eisner.


    The following conversations would be short, but Disney''s fate was heading toward another major success. Both "The Last King" and "The Lion King" enjoyed acclaim from the Hollywood circle; both works thrived under the charm.


    Even on the coasts of other countries, the films of both companies began to be recognized for their quality. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only Jeffrey Katzenberg hesitated because he knew of the mistakes made by continuing with Warner''s tasks. The board was new, and many executives were fired, but his position as president was assured. With the support of Roy Disney and other shareholders, he felt fully confident.


    ...

 207. follow-up

    July 13.


    Fashion Week, the week of grand catwalks begins in late July 1994 and ends in August. The sultry temperature is already beginning to hit the coasts, and the change of season is common; adapting is no different. The catwalks start in the late afternoon and extend into the night, well into the early hours of the morning. The festive vibes of the 4th of July are still fresh in people''s memories, but now they are expressed differently, with people strolling the streets.


    The recording ended on July 12, 1994, and every significant thing said was met with Winona''s wall of ignorance and Billy''s non-committal gesture. The day after the fiasco, Winona engaged in the same activity with her current ''boyfriend,'' David Painter, who paraded around without caring more than appearing cool and being a disruption to some people just trying to do their jobs. On the other hand, the increase in ticket sales was not just an accomplishment, as sales were increasing by 400% per week statistically. Not only were toy sales on the rise but the breakeven point had already been reached. The collective sigh at Lux Animation was just one of the biggest news.


    Like the new release of One Piece, which quietly entered people''s radar, it was a story not particularly remarkable and with a childish appearance, only read by a few and not as famous as other deliveries guaranteed by Billy himself. However, Billy''s optimism for the series was once again the artist''s consideration as the boss decided the favoritism of his series.


    -I think it''s a goodbye, - said Billy to Claire.


    -That''s how I see it. It was a pleasure working with you. Don''t let your artistic streak fade away. Besides, I might go to Fashion Week; my mother is a designer, and I might be there at times, - said Claire.


    -Thank you, Claire. You can call me on my phone, and I''d be more than happy to spend time together, - said Billy, offering friendship, unlike his dealings with the last people he had met. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He handed over the number as he should, ignoring Claire''s anticipation, alive and very eager, to have the number of a handsome guy she had recurring dreams about.


    -Expect my call, - said a very cheerful Claire, saying goodbye. She would return to California while Billy would travel to New York. Not only did he have to attend Fashion Week, but he also had to stay updated with the people who were part of the comic book editorial circle.


    A forgotten breeze, as there was an annual merit meeting he had missed. He needed to put himself in view and see how well or badly the industry, which he had certainly forgotten, was doing. The fiasco with Jim Lee gave him a chance to take some benefits. The good treatment was justified at first, but the signs of an offer did not arrive even when it was clear that Image Comics and Wildstorm Comics were smitten. The not-so-satisfactory sales of his comics hit the company hard, and Billy''s response was clear: let fate decide.


    The clean air was lost in the constant smoke of New York City; the heat there was more unbearable than on the West Coast, a spicy heat that dripped the skin. However, there was an intrinsic coldness among the buildings that helped relieve the heat.


    To his surprise, there was Mili Avital with her bright green eyes, wearing high heels with a white dress that clung to her body, leaving much to the imagination, and men couldn''t stop looking at her, even if they had to pretend since their unhappy wives saw a woman who, by all accounts, was a runway model or something similar. Models were not scarce, but neither were beautiful women.


    -I was surprised when you called me. Who would have thought that we would see each other again in a few days? The movie was a total success, something perfect for the resume, - said Mili.


    -I''m curious about that too. I didn''t expect you to be available for me. I thought you''d be at some audition, - said Billy.


    He pursed his lips to one side.


    -My agent mentioned that it was best to be cautious. For now, I intend to participate in the doctors'' series you recommended. It was unbreakable. I like your hunches; they tend to be true, - said Mili, embracing Billy. He returned the hug with pleasure; in his head, he just wanted to forget his life in San Jose, waking up from his past mistakes.


    You always make mistakes, but now, each mistake you make is clearer than the last. All mistakes can cause discomfort and pain, but now, you realize that you have been blind to certain things, to certain mistakes, that you have forgotten because you believe that drawing non-stop is the only important scenario in your life. You have neglected your personal life, and fallen into many vain ideas.


    Interestingly, now you don''t question if you made a mistake; you question an implacable anger to end your enemies. Warner''s plans had filled your prestige, coffers, and businesses.


    Women, and friends, you now understand a little more, but you make the same mistakes repeatedly, without feeling the need to settle down.


    -You seem a bit subdued. Is everything okay? - Mili commented.


    -I am. -


    -Well, like last time, you were a very nice guy, so I decided to be one of the women who invite men to eat. Come, my baby is nearby, - said Mili, leading Billy through the intricate corridors. There, there was nothing but a long way to find the car, such a long way, only meant one thing in the chaotic city of New York: the parking lot.


    -What a complete chaos finding a parking spot! -


    -I got it as a gift from my old boss, although it''s nothing fancy, I can say it has made my life a lot easier these past few days, - said Mili, pointing to the coupe, an old car from a past model.


    -And I deeply appreciate your support. Although, I still wonder, has anyone recognized you on the street? - asked Billy.


    -The first week I was nervous, but I''m not very popular; maybe someone would point and wave at me, but I''m unknown. Hahaha, I can still sneak away to the downtown for shopping, - said Mili, opening the trunk.


    -That remains to be seen, - said Billy.


    -But, come on, city traffic is maddening, and we''ll take a good while to get there, - replied Mili.


    Escape was a primary way to leave things behind. For now, he would live in New York City for a while.


    ...

 207. 1. Major producers

    July 11


    Armand Millester embarked on a journey throughout California, preferring car trips over anything else. His title as distribution director is not in vain, but it still stands as a great show of support given his current age. Now, he''s doing what''s called fieldwork��checking theaters, observing people entering, and noting other empirical matters.


    Every day, he monitors the changes and advancements in "The Lion King" statistics, ensuring that the advertising hasn''t been removed. Now, in San Diego, he''s focusing entirely on different cinemas, with the cardboard poster on one side, smaller than the grand poster of "The Last King," a Disney production. It contrasts in profiles, but money could only secure a certain number of posters of a particular size.


    He saw two children running with "The Lion King" masks and sighed, "How will the weekend turn out for us?" Armand murmured.


    He adjusted a press badge, a recorder, along with a small microphone��an ensemble that allowed him to carry out certain activities. He had given $10 to the young man at the entrance before arriving, who offered him a cap from the establishment, and now, he was just another employee, conducting interviews.


    "Good morning," Armand Millester said as he exited the theater, to a family of four, interested in both the parents'' and children''s opinions.


    "I''m surveying the movie ''The Lion King.'' Would you like to participate in a Lion King-themed pencil?" Armand Millester asked.


    "Of course, sir," said the lady, perhaps in her forties.


    The husband simply nodded.


    "First question: What rating would you give the movie you just watched? The minimum rating is 1, and the maximum rating is 5," Armand said, pointing the recorder at the lady.


    "4," the lady said quickly.


    "You, sir, and young ones," Armand said.


    "5," the little boy said.


    Armand passed the microphone to the other, slightly younger child, who raised his hands in a five. The older adult responded with a 3.


    "3 and 5," Armand said into the microphone.


    "Would you watch the movie again?" Armand asked.


    He received two affirmations from both children, who enjoyed the movie, and two denials from both adults, who only saw "The Lion King" with passing eyes. The mother added that she would take the kids to the cinema if asked, but she preferred buying the DVD.


    "What''s your favorite character in the movie you just watched?" Armand asked.


    "Simba," the older child said.


    Interestingly, the mother responded, "Pumbaa," for the character''s charm, and emphasized that the music and the movie were perfect for children.


    "Thank you very much for your responses. As promised, two Lion King-themed pencils for these young ones," Armand said, lifting two pencils with Lion King designs. The little boy smiled and grabbed the pencil with his hands.


    The following interviews proceeded in the same manner. He received good reviews; the children enjoyed the movie, and the parents approved of its child-friendly scope, with some even understanding the hidden messages and depth not captured by children who cried at some touching scenes.


    *******************************************************************************


    July 12.


    Jeffrey Katzenberg just wanted to say "I told you so" to Michael Eisner. He knew very well that when animated movies are well-made, they are beloved by the public. Even his younger son enjoyed the movie in theaters. He couldn''t deny that the kid could make great animated films. The third one in two years��a great skill, considered Jeffrey Katzenberg.


    The financial reports brought to his office were satisfactory. On one hand, his movie reached $113 million at the domestic box office, and its international premiere was held a week ago. Ticket sales only keep rising. And everything earned from here on is money that will enter the company.


    -Fatefully, the alliance between Lux Animation and Sony-Columbia has benefited them. They recorded $49 million, adding up to a total of $72 million at the box office. A very good profit, considering they''re competing against us, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg.


    -I had no doubts. At most, I expected them to reach $52 million. Our paradisiacal counterparts on the other side of the world have given great reviews about ''The Lion King,'' and it may continue to grow relentlessly. It''s not a lost movie, - said Phil Lader, a key figure in creating Disney animated movies.


    The $72 million is indeed a big applause for Lux Animation. Their first goal is to cover losses; beyond that, it''s to earn enough money to invest in the movie. The Disney board is unaware that Lux Animation, being a private company, uses cross-accounting tactics. In the production of the movie, expenses for trying to improve computer animation programs and investment in software are added, only comparable to animation costs.


    -You usually follow the company more closely, - Jeffrey questioned.


    Phil Lader just smiled and opened his desk drawer, where there were several volumes of comics, including Slam Dunk, Evangelion, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Hellboy.


    -I like their comics. I''m a devoted fan of all the comics the company releases. I firmly believe they will continue to provide us with wonderful stories. Part of the script overlapped with an idea from Hellboy about Lovecraftian myths, - said Phil Lader.


    -How wonderful, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg, who was also a Lux Comics fan.


    ********************************************************************************


    Betty Cohen hurried down the hallway. That''s what some members said, but it was quite the opposite��she hastened her steps, something she only did when she was in a critical situation. People in the company started saying that Betty was running.


    She entered the room of her former Entertainment Director, Bob Daily, with whom she had an outstanding relationship, now shared command with what they called the unofficial triangle, Ted Turner, Terry Semel, and Bob Daily. For now, she was just looking for Bob, who seemed the calmest of the three, as she had a better relationship with him.


    -Did you see the news? - Betty asked.


    -I''m a vice president now, Betty. I don''t have much time to devote to watching the news. Is there something I should know? - Bob Daily asked, yawning at Betty''s words, unable to avoid succumbing to sleep. His work was heavy, and long, and had little rest for all his extracurricular activities.


    -Well, it''s about our dear Billy Carson, the head of the company I mentioned would be Hollywood''s worst nightmare, a detail I don''t regret, but one that has been taken to a greater extent, - said Betty Cohen.


    -Yes, I saw it. ''The Lion King'' has risen from the ashes, - said Bob Daily.


    -Well, it''s more interesting. I never took the time to investigate in detail, but you know I usually read all the newspapers related to film, television, and entertainment. I came across a particular and interesting piece of news. It took me a while, of course, but I haven''t had much time in these past few weeks, -- Betty said, picturing Billy at the "Stargate" premiere, hand in hand with a Mili Avital. -- It seems our common competitor is using the name Bill Darwin to present himself in the movies. He''s very prominent now, there''s no doubt about that, but now he''s also acting as the lead and an actor, which I considered impossible until now, - Betty Cohen concluded.


    -An interesting piece of news, - said Bob Daily, considering the news. Attacking the private life of a public figure is much easier than that of a businessman hidden behind the shadows. However, publicity can have the opposite effect they intend to achieve. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ....


    hello everyone, this is chapter 207, interlude.


    we are on chapter 250, but I will upload 251 and 252 between today and tomorrow on Patreon, good week.

 208. time trial.

    The fashion week might go unnoticed by any fool, and by some others not involved in the fashion world. But the cultural event is a flame that takes a short time, yet that short time entails months of work, for some years, thinking about a fashion line for some year, or several years due to the work of multiple brands, authors, known adventurers who venture into the world of fashion, celebrities, businessmen, and people from the circle.


    To receive an invitation, pay for an invitation, or be part of those who were there. He received a big invitation with a white envelope, the cardboard decorated, black and detailed letters in a delicate and computerized cursive style. He could bring a companion, but that was already there, his companion was already titled, and accepted by Winona herself. Who was an enthusiastic woman of fashion, although before the closing with Deep, she had frequent encounters, she wasn''t available for it. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy, from his hotel, had spent days in a makeshift office at one of the lobby tables, drawing from sunrise to sunset, sometimes going out with Mili, there was no rest. He wrote and drew as much as he could, staying busy.


    He ate pizza under the building of the comics; there, he met sometimes at Joe Kubert''s animated school of graphic arts, and sometimes he gave lectures at his alma mater, the Rochester Institute of Technology. To his surprise, Joe Kubert had a comic class that used his work as a reference, from different styles, depths, scenarios, details, and characters.


    Having a cup of coffee, he awaited Joe Kubert''s arrival, also expecting Raimon''s call and a sign of life from what would be his date at the fashion week. His date didn''t show up, and the clock read 3:10 PM; as Joe had said, if he didn''t arrive by 3, it was due to work contingencies, and the meeting was canceled. He walked the streets of New York; in time, there were only two things to do when his mind, exhausted from work, needed relaxation.


    And that was the Marvel studio, a better relationship, a much more available relationship for his liking, seeing the Marvel members was refreshing, although the atmosphere was depressing, and the work base wasn''t as relaxing as one thought because they were people who made their dreams flesh, working for Marvel.


    -Look who we have here, - said Brenda Stick, a novice editor and writer at Marvel.


    -Well, I had an important meeting with Joe Kubert, but apparently, he''s quite busy with his curriculum classes; being a teacher consumes a lot of his time, so I just came to say hello, - said Billy.


    Billy had a strong impact within the Marvel lines, as a contracted entrepreneur, with several licenses on cinematographic rights for Spider-Man and X-Men for ten years, along with other requests, for more commercial IPs. But these, they had bet on audiovisual work and marketing that, after the 1993 comics bubble, and in the subsequent case, many sources that Marvel gathered began to collapse, and in less than two years, Ronald Perelman would announce his departure and leave the company in ruins, for now, Billy''s proposal to be involved in the purchase of licenses and rights was preferential in certain ways. But such preference only comes thanks to the Marvel leaders, who know that Billy is part of the same guild.


    -Well, the office you''re looking for is over there. Todd McFarlane has also come to plot a new Spider-Man series, which I consider prudent. Given the dates we are and how we are, we need better comics; you''ve put us in a bind, - said Brenda Stick.


    Brenda is a woman in her twenties, thin, very thin; she looks like a thirteen-year-old girl. The most remarkable thing is her green eyes like balls, big, they light up the environment, but Stan Lee says she''s a very hardworking and polite girl. "Thanks, Brenda," leaving a business card. In the face of the hesitant gaze of the girl, with her big eyes.


    -When you need work, if you keep up with your grades, a position as an editor in my company is available. For now, learn; by my side, you won''t have many things to learn; I''m also a novice, - said Billy.


    Walking towards the back offices, only there do some important people gather, the administrative parts have their offices on the upper floors, Marvel''s infrastructure isn''t large, but enough to occupy a considerable space of workers between 350 to 400 workers, all occupied and people who strive for their duties.


    -Good morning, Mr. Carson, I wasn''t expecting you back in the offices, - said Jose Quesada, an important member of the board.


    -Well, I''ve come to fill myself with your continued talent. See your new works and talk with your famous editors, - said Billy.


    -You don''t take your time away, kid, - said Jose Quesada, entering his office, for a break.


    He walked closely to the distant offices where the most experienced ones are located, who curiously worked in dark offices lit by a white light, and beyond, some small windows and ventilation ducts. Climbing another floor by the stairs, old and gray, somewhat confusing.


    Principio del formulario


    -Guys, it''s great to see you, - said Billy, looking at a gang of artists; it would surprise many to see the number of people working for the company.


    They were a group of artists who worked behind the scenes, and they usually hung out with some extra people, Jim Valentino, Thomas Thun, Armando Estrada, and John Wright.


    -Well, if it isn''t Billy, friend, royalty doesn''t have much to do these days, - said Thomas Thun.


    -He lacks a girlfriend; my grandfather used to say a man without a wife is a fool without a future, - said Armando Estrada.


    -No one was there to give him his goodnight kiss, can''t you see the character? - said Thomas.


    -Repression, - they both said at the same time, laughing.


    Both Thomas and Armando had the habit of teasing and embarrassing people in general, regardless of their status and social position. They were like two thieves who only knew how to bother people, which caused laughter, which was contrary to Billy''s expectations because both guys were very funny.


    -What do we have here? - said Billy, looking at a deep piece of work on the Avengers, a series whose expansion began to gain more momentum in 1990.


    -We''re the blacks; they make us do all the dirty work, - said Thomas Thun.


    -Good designs. I like the finish of the cities; this post-apocalyptic aspect is simply charming, - said Billy, taking note of the large-scale city plan of New York, totally different with strange aspects, and micro-details that ranged from realistic to surrealistic.


    They moved forward; both were good at artistic design, sharing their ideas and their work, adapting to all the new interesting forms, which, although Billy didn''t know, their work was studied very closely, and they took all his techniques literally.


    -I was notified of your arrival, - said Avi Arad, a true comic book fan, who owned a total of 2% of Marvel''s shares; Ronald Perelman owned 83%, J.P Morgan Entertainment Group 10%, and the other 5% were owned by some shareholders who were fans or retired workers.


    -Mr. Avi, - said Billy, giving a firm handshake.


    -I''m sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk urgently. We''ll meet in Issac Pelmuter''s office; there are many things we need to discuss, and it''s urgent, - said Avi Arad.


    -Let''s go immediately then! - said Billy.


    Arad raised his eyebrows in surprise.


    -Let''s go, - said Arad.


    Thomas and Armando said swear words in Spanish, teasing Billy as much as they could. Both faced the boss with smiles and applause. Avi just shook his head and adjusted his leather jacket, facing the dynamic duo; the company wanted to bother him with different script and coloring activities, but they just smiled and laughed like thieves every time they were asked to do activities, like big fans, they ended up winning over several people.


    They entered Arad''s office, after moving through the maze of Marvel offices, it took some time before they settled in Avid''s office, it was simply empty, a small office for an executive who was in charge of license links, sales, and marketing for the company.


    -The commercial activities of Wall Street have harmed our company, that''s why I called you. As you well know, the company is slowly falling; you signed a commercial license to produce an animated series; and your accounts on animation expenses, reviews, and prices have reached us. I advocate for the practice, but the company is not recovering. And the clearest signs are the sales; in 1993, there was an agonizing drop, which we still feel, even your idea of serializing crossed our minds, but, before anything else, we want to make a deal, - said Avi.


    -So, you want to sell your copyrights, - asked Billy.


    -For now, although the dealmakers will arrive soon, I don''t decide this alone; it''s better if they agree with me and the company, - said Avi.


    -Can you tell me about the deal? I''m curious to know the general terms, - commented Billy.


    -It''s not possible, - said Avi.


    At that moment, Issac Perlmutter, Jose Quesada, and Bob Harras arrived.


    The agreement was a tactless tactic to squeeze money, very rudely to extend; it charged for a paid license for 10 years, for the Spider-Man and X-Men series of 11.3 million dollars, with some percentages, only counting on cinematographic rights, without marketing, and the license was not exclusive.


    Therefore, making the exclusive license would require another three million dollars, along with other extra agreements, which exceed the license costs. As well as extending the agreement and allowing more interference from the Marvel staff, in a rather unpleasant summary, an agreement that he would have accepted eight years ago. That is when he was a child, small.


    -I''ll think deeply about this negotiation; however, our industries are different, and it''s complicated for me to start in that industry without enough money. We sell comics and make productions, but I can talk to my board of directors and see the feasibility of the business, - said Billy, closing the speech in an obvious business stance.


    The faces didn''t like it, but a sensible Jose Quesada just watched in silence.


    ...

 209. ambition

    A brief meeting of less than thirty minutes. The meeting proceeded swiftly, as much as could be expected; in minutes, it was back to the two comic twins, one continuing his acts calmly, not paying much attention to what he did or didn''t do.


    Everyone left their offices as quickly as Billy gave his word, not caring more or questioning the steps to follow.


    -What do you think of this? - Billy asked Stan Lee, who only made a gesture of silence and prudence, not bothering himself with what he should or shouldn''t do.


    -What happened to Joe? - Stan Lee inquired.


    -He''s busy with his time as a professor. - Billy said.


    -I''ll meet him; join me. He sells delicious desserts across the station; we''ll grab a coffee and chat. I''ve seen that you''ve come here seeking inspiration. I usually immerse myself in new reading, but yours is different, - said Stan Lee, the glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, a few centimeters above. Lowering his head.


    -we do things in a basic, simple way of doing our activities. - Stan Lee said.


    -Did you see my latest comic? - Billy questioned; he was very curious to know what Stan Lee would say in the coming months or years about the long series that would begin to be sent one by one, changing the style.


    -Which one, kid? I only follow the serialized ones, and only when I have time. - Stan Lee said, still laboring to observe the scenes and patterns.


    Stan Lee''s great talent lies in his skill to shape scenes; he can determine the important points of a story and highlight them with small tips or words. He is an expert at weaving stories and an excellent editor who knows when not to, and when to interfere in the creation of the story, he is proactive in the creative process of villains and superheroes.


    -It''s called "One Piece"; I''ve dedicated a lot of time to thinking about it. It was already perfect, but I''ve added more and more details, organized the script, and corrected plot errors; it will be a work of art. - said, Billy.


    Coloring the drawings, they both worked at a wide table, facing each other, conversing as they worked.


    -I haven''t seen it, but I have read "Dark Riders"; it seems to have a lot of potential to be a great TV series, or well, a great Hollywood movie. I saw your performance in that science fiction movie last Sunday. It''s not bad! I still believe it''s a waste of time with your talent as a creator; you would have a keen eye for direction. - Stan Lee said.


    -Thank you, sir, I''m very young. Many people have recommended the same to me; I desire to continue with what I have for now, and maybe later, I''ll dedicate myself to other matters. - Billy said.


    -Oh, youth. Glorious youth; can do whatever they want without paying attention to the things around them, you know, do it. If you make a mistake, start over again, although it may not seem like it, Marvel has been on the ropes many times, and it''s been because of the ambition of a few that it has returned to its place. You don''t have to compete with others, just keep on making, son. I''m telling you this as an old man, I''ve been rejected many times, it wasn''t pretty. But if I had listened every time, they told me I was going the wrong way, I wouldn''t be the man I am now, and I couldn''t be considered a great comics pioneer. - Stan Lee said.


    He liked to talk, and Billy liked to listen to the old dogs of the industry; they had a sharp vision with an unusual charitable gesture in helping; they helped without asking, and that''s why they caught the interest, not much help without asking for something in return.


    -I don''t doubt it. Many try to advise you in some other way, without understanding the reasons why we do it. - Billy replied.


    They continued drawing, almost until around six, when the lights began to dim, and the heat didn''t hit as hard as it initially seemed. Both descended the stairs after a long day of work; Billy''s accumulated work surprised Stan Lee, who saw the frank and absurd speed of the young man, ten pages in two hours, too much, it was too much considering the difficulty of creating comics, he used the eraser little, and he had a keen vision to capture what he wanted.


    His talent must be among the greatest in America," Stan Lee thought, with clear grace about how much the kid was advancing in just a few minutes.


    They exited, and the chill of the buildings seeped into their bones, more so in the old ones than in the young ones. The air amidst the large stone and steel constructions is chilly, unlike a meadow. They arrived at a spacious bar, with food, drinks, and 60s music, preferably some rock, jazz, and great classics. Joe Kubert was already there, with his hands on his forehead, solving a crossword puzzle.


    -Joe. - said Stan Lee.


    He returned from his reverie.


    -Billy, Stan. It''s you; good to see you. - said Joe Kubert.


    -thanks, Joe, we had a long day at the office, I just want a great roast beef, with salad. - said Stan Lee, stretching.


    -Well, for me, it was a long day too, but my students shine, I''m sorry to have missed our appointment! But there are kids, who are true enthusiasts, you know I like those kids. - said Joe Kubert.


    -no problem, you can send them to San Jose, I''m thinking of giving the green light to independent artists to create comics, scripts, or help with editing. - said Billy, opening the door.


    -Problems in paradise, Billy. - said Joe.


    -Time problems, and I offer opportunities. - said Billy.


    -It''s good, but, we have agreements with DC and Marvel comics, it could only be for those who prefer a more independent deal on paper. - said Joe Kubert.


    -I understand perfectly. Competition is healthy. - said Billy.


    In an all-against-all. The main reason Joe Kubert met with Billy is because they want to publish the Dark Riders soon; the series only has five volumes summarizing the first chapter of the story.


    The second chapter tells a deeper story.


    In a state city, inherently artificial, created in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, between North America and Europe, the artificial city, created with the best technology, is a global compilation of many nomadic cultures, especially those cultures that feel comfortable with adventures, Chinese, Latinos, Indians, Europeans, Americans, Russians, Africans, and all kinds of people, who come together in a state city without a clear policy idea, it can be said that the gray point is that international laws are followed, but politics is politics, and some companies began to bet on the great island, which breaks the molds due to lower tax rates, fiscal exemptions, and less financial control, which leads to the great island being considerably beneficial for some classes.


    The presidents of Russia and the United States created a certain struggle, which then intensified with the great Asian conglomerate, a mixture of the richest families in Asia, along with some families of European monarchies, generating a fever that can only be assimilated to 1500 when a new continent was discovered and the Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French sent their ships to conquer new territories.


    The island is almost as large as the British Isles, the artificial creation of islands was only thanks to a scientist, who wanted to replicate a stable ecosystem in the oceans, copying the large naval ships, and oil rigs.


    The story of a motorcycle gang involved in a police drama, abuse of power, abuse of authority, and bad luck ends in the death of many members, and the birth of a spiritual guide, the "Walker" is a man who wanders the cities and promotes anarchy, chaos, and revolution as impious forms of freedom, his speech is so strong that he has gained certain followers who contemplate anarchy, totally, in a small coastal settlement, which lives in anarchy.


    The principles of anarchy are: 1. My freedom is not questioned. 2. My goals are personal. 3. The cause is necessary. 4. Laws pervert men. And 5. Man is his government.


    They create something similar to a revolutionary guerrilla, which only proposes anarchy; the young and the crazy, criminals, are in favor of such good. And from large families, rich and bourgeois, they begin to join a hidden revolution.


    -We have to talk about our new run. - said Joe.


    -I''m on it, I have some writings, and well, the path is still blurry, however, it will be a great series. - said Billy, gathering a small notebook with white pages, with different styles, paragraphs, and mind maps.


    -I''ll take it, and we''ll have a chat tomorrow. - said Joe, lifting the notebook.


    They ate slowly without bothering about the time, and the hour, Joe, was the first to leave, while Billy and Stan Lee were rather solitary. Stan Lee sipped a glass of wine slowly, occasionally taking a sip while savoring and gesturing.


    -The company is in a terrible moment; the members of the board of directors at one point wanted to reject Ronald Perelman''s actions; at the beginning, a strike was thought to protest against Ronald''s actions, but, he well-known played a trick, something that has already been done but, the board is too young to know, he distributed dividends in profits, and in a minute, the strike collapsed to the ground, without any fear Ronal mentioned that he would make each one earn a million dollars by the end of the year, he didn''t lie! But in 1993, I realized that the blow was devastating, Marvel started to fall apart, the impact affected the entire industry, and the good friends of Image Comics received it, your impressions don''t exceed millions per unit, Marvel did, in 1991, 1992, and early 1993, we printed millions of copies, sold, and speculated, my similarity as happened in the 80s. - said Stan Lee, who took another sip of wine, savoring


    -That''s when I noticed, well, that the company wasn''t going to stop; Ronald Perelman has them all in his hands. He''s bought and forged certain alliances, with Panini, Mattel, and Fleer. Avi Arad wants to buy Marvel and is looking for a sucker; don''t negotiate with that old dog, he just wants to gouge your eyes out. On the other hand, he can buy shares; that''s what Avi Arad is doing. He''ll use your money to do more business; he wants to produce cartoons, movies, and toys. The shares are at their lowest, at $3.45. I''ve bought some, but Avi Arad wants the whole company for himself and has made several purchases. The thing is he just wants to monetize, invest, and invest, without spending his own money. Many people see it; the numbers will come out, and they''ll see losses. The shares will likely drop a bit more, - said Stan Lee.


    -Thanks for your words; I''ll buy shares, although I''ll wait for the January 1995 stock report to make a nice purchase, -said Billy.


    -Good luck with that, kid. But the board''s bad practices will drown people; be very careful, - said Stan Lee.


    -Thanks again; your advice is wise, and I already have a clear idea of what I need to do, - said Billy.


    They bid farewell; Stan Lee hailed a taxi, and Billy walked briskly to his hotel downtown. He had a feeling in his heart, shining brightly, with some interest that could be nothing but the acquisition of Marvel Comics. He grabbed the phone and called his best financial advisor, Raimon.


    -Billy, - said Raimon, recognizing his voice.


    -It''s me, and I have a new venture in mind that undoubtedly can''t be stopped. I have full faith in the operation of Marvel and what''s happening. I''d like to make a public acquisition of Marvel Comics shares for now; they tell me the business isn''t doing well, and the data will be reported as losses, - said Billy.


    -So... -


    -I want to buy Marvel Comics, but first, we need to dismantle the company. I want to make the following transaction: Marvel owns Panini Group; I know this company has a lot of potential. I want to buy it not before, acquiring a considerable sum of Marvel shares, from Panini Group, at least 15% of shares in Marvel. But before that, I need to have at least 30% of shares in Marvel Entertainment Inc., - said Billy.


    -Wow. This needs research and some help from certain financial groups. We must review accounts, financial statements, and company projections, - comment Raimon.


    -Go to the main source, Raimon. I want you to contact Ronald Perelman or, failing that, his business group; they only care about money. Money has already started pouring in again with the Lion King movie, the animation channel, and other businesses, which I know will make money. We''ll take it all; I''ll talk to Anne. You need to have everything ready before the end of the year, - comment Billy. S~ea??h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Of course! But I need funds; there''s an investment group that can help us, - said Raimon.


    -Just do it, and do it well; we''ll crush DC, - said Billy, completely confident.


    -A very aggressive statement, Billy. I''ll arrange this deal, but I also need your help. Besides, George Lucas has started to yield; all your baskets are starting to look and we don''t have many eggs, - said Raimon.


    -Do it; I''ll take care of bringing the money to the table, -said Billy.


    ...

 210. It is the end.

    July 24.


    Yesterday, July 23, 1994, saw the release of the final chapter of Evangelion with a heartfelt note of gratitude for following the course of the great comic series, and the loyalty of some readers for sticking with the series for so long. The touching conclusion of a young woman deciding the end or the beginning of humanity and only ending with a nod to the life she always should have lived, without angels bothering the earth and being a normal teenager, left a powerful mark, which today, June 24, marked the second ending of the Yuyu Hakusho series.


    The ending, which once again brought joy to people, the paradigm of moving emotions on paper, was enough to move Yuyu Hakusho fans, and it could be said that it moved them in the same way as Evangelion did.


    [2 exclamation points]


    The touching conclusion again highlights friendship, like the slight love between two of the main characters, the captivating and triggering howl unique to a great series can only be governed by the charisma of the protagonist, Yusuke; esotericism ends and adventures conclude, the greatest evil looms at the end and the sky unravels that time moves everything to its place.


    This time, Billy left a beautiful poem, between the lines. A poem of death, as a conclusion, in an off-voice, a narrator''s voice. A poem that evokes the sadness of fate, when flesh runs out and a new cycle takes its place. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [3 exclamation points]


    [2 exclamation points]


    It was classic and dramatic; the ending was read in many parts of the United States.


    Such is the case of:


    Paulo Marcuso, a young university student studying automotive engineering who came to the country as a foreigner to study a career by the grace of his father, who had immigrated to the country six years ago and had gained good references that allowed him to access a much healthier American education than in Europe, where he lived.


    When he arrived, he was not aware of what or who Lux Comics was, but his roommate Thomas Avigatel was an avid reader and only waited for the merchandise to arrive at the store to purchase the Lux Comics series he read with unhealthy enthusiasm, he reread them and read them again all week waiting for the next volume.


    One day he took a volume and was amazed, by the visual quality, of the deep and philosophical story, which ended up being part of the acquisition, he asked his compatriots if anyone knew about the series, few spoke, but they paid attention, the story fascinated, but the volumes arrived late and he could only talk to Thomas about what he had read, so, at the end of the series, both young men took their volume and read calmly in a coffee room.


    -Why are you crying, Paulo? - said Thomas.


    -It''s beautiful, very beautiful. - said Paulo. Completely blind to the end so profound that it moved his heart.


    [4 points of emotion].


    -As beautiful as risotto. Or maybe as beautiful as Kim, the glorious woman, queen of the university - said Thomas.


    Paulo just wanted to hit him, put his hands in his characteristic form of a clamp, and move his hand from front to back.


    -Stupid. - he said.


    -It''s beautiful because it''s deep, and there''s no comparison, it''s beautiful because it''s American beauty. - said Paulo, in a particular offense that Thomas now knew as something that was Italian.


    -So... How was it? - Thomas asked again, wanting to understand the feeling he was feeling at this moment.


    ''s very moving, I wish it didn''t end. - said Paulo.


    -I see. - Thomas replied.


    [2 gratitude points]


    A girl with a different look approached them, not without first seeing the last volume up close. - I like it, but I prefer Shaman King. - said the girl.


    -Shaman King? - Thomas asked.


    -Yes, well, it is said that there is a reading scale in Lux Comics, if you are an athlete you read Slam Dunk, if you like action, you read Samurai X, Shaman King, or Yuyu Hakusho, if you are nostalgic you read Evangelion, but if you like terror, read Hell Boy. - said the girl.


    **************************************************************************


    Billy had done it again, thought Raimon with tears shed, in the face of the pain, the end of Ghost Report / Yuyu Hakusho, is undoubtedly complex. He was a damn genius, it was an ending that left a bad taste, after so many ups and downs, the protagonist''s smile infected Raimon.


    [1 point of admiration]


    -A very good ending. - said Raimon.


    -If you read all the sentences from the top, a poem is formed. - said Craig McCraig, aloud to the meeting of animators sitting in a small cafe, today there was no work at the company, but it was clear that these were faithful fans.


    -I like the designs, I recently saw that a New York university has a class on these comics, and I would like to take it. - said Joe Murray.


    -You can ask Billy, sometimes he needs colorists and editors, you can help him and surely, he will teach you his skills, although I don''t think it''s a matter of learning, he''s a damn genius, I''ve seen him draw and he''s a real machine. - said Raimon.


    [5 points of emotion]


    -I love it. - said Joe Murray, flipping through the end of the book, even though he hasn''t followed the story faithfully, he knows the development very well and is aware of many things. The attachment to the series only increases.


    -Although I would like to be part of the project that gave life to this drawing. - said Joe Murray.


    -Impossible, Billy has a feud with Warner, at the beginning it was said that it was a good relationship and he even was at Hanna-Barbera, then at Cartoon Network studios. But, everything went to hell, I''ve followed the case, but if you want to give free rein to animation you must wait six years. - said Raimon.


    -I would stay. - said Butch Hartman.


    -Seeing is believing, my friends, Billy may be a shark in the future. - said Raimon, the only time he didn''t try to be mysterious or cool, was the only time he captivated them with his writings


    ***********************************************************


    Betty was one of the hardest-working individuals known in the Warner offices. She was a tender-hearted woman who sometimes erred on the side of naivety, and perhaps that was one of the reasons why she was so well-liked by her bosses. She was a great worker, albeit somewhat stern; when she felt aggrieved or insulted, more than one person fell victim to her long swords of dark words.


    She always followed two comic series, Yuyu Hakusho/Ghost Report, and Slam Dunk, with fierce dedication because from there she could ensure that the work of one of Cartoon Network''s great series was present on her channel. After a thorough reading, they detected three clauses that young Billy Carson sowed, which initially seemed harmless.


    The first was a clause for the repurchase of everything the channel produced, although it was contestable, it was known that it was not invalid, and most likely the repurchase would be activated once the ten years were up. The second was that if a series stopped airing for two years, the repurchase could be anticipated, and if it occurred during the period after ten years, the series could not be staged. Why is it dangerous? Because American society gets bored quickly, it is very likely that the series launched in 1990, by 2000, may not be as popular as expected and may very well be canceled, a very clever trick by the boy.


    The third stipulated a low licensing fee. As long as the channel did not harm the interests of the series, damages, and losses were transferred under gross profits. The problem? They had made a lot of money, and 15% of all series profits was a pain in the back. The reading done by lawyers and accountants was primarily for interests and benefits, while the reading made by Lux Comics at the time was for the good of the series and the series alone. The standards are high, a profit, but the price the company has paid for writers, directors, animators, producers, and coordinators only does one thing, and that is to grow.


    Betty read calmly until the last word. -Very well done. As always, - murmured Betty.


    [points of gratitude]


    Drafting a report on the comic''s ending and an order for the writers to craft a better plot as a result of the series that was on the air. With the series finale, the work becomes more comprehensive and straightforward.


    ...

 211. new projects

    Jim Waitt had been reevaluating his life from the moment his client entered his life. He had several conversations with close acquaintances whom he knew would offer wise advice on what to do and what not to do. First, his father responded that it was a very risky bet, 50-50, success or failure, which could be reduced by various factors. However, if he was a good agent, the odds decreased to 70-30. An agent achieves things for their clients, guides them along a path, and advises from the heart, as success casts a shadow, and being part of that success is the agent''s gain.


    He bet on the scrawny kid who had impressed two major companies. Billy had no idea how many favors, calls, back-and-forths, meetings, and dirty work were involved in Jim''s efforts, from meeting with producers to smiling at people he frankly detested, but at times, had to admire and present himself as a supporter.


    Swallowing his pride, playing the politician, the friend, and the player. It didn''t have many benefits, even the acclaimed James Cameron left him last year for Jon Landau, a film producer who managed to seduce the only director left on his roster. The newcomers he chose didn''t take off; some fell behind, others got into relationships, family matters, or simply drifted away from Hollywood life. Now he had two muscleheads, a kid, a photographer, and an older woman; his roster was poor, but Michael Orvizt''s oppressive yoke only allowed him the leftovers, and it was very likely that his two muscleheads would leave him due to pressures they had confided in Jim, but he had already invested too much in his career to abandon Billy. What made him stick with the kid? Talent, was the plain and elaborate talent for creating movies, scripts, series, and productions, and now he had another one for acting. It was very likely that Billy would venture forth. With the pace young Billy was going, in less than ten years, he could be a recognized actor on American screens.


    -Billy, lad, - said Jim Waitt, shaking hands with Billy.


    -Jim, it''s a pleasure seeing you. It''s been just over three months since we last caught up, - said Billy.


    -Our duties keep us busy, - said Jim, wheeling in a large black suitcase, which he unceremoniously placed on the table in the caf�� where they were meeting.


    -First and foremost, given that your obligations have been growing, you need an assistant. I know you''ll resist, but an assistant can handle the finer aspects of the profession and be more available to you than I am, - said Jim Waitt.


    -I suppose you already have a promising young man under your wing, - said Billy.


    -My nephew just graduated from college with an economics degree and took the company representation course, and I trust him to be the most prudent in standing by your side and supporting you. At the same time, he needs experience, and both he and I fully endorse your work, - said Jim Waitt.


    -Very well, but I want him to prove himself first as your assistant, and then he can be mine, - said Billy.


    -No problem, I''ll draw up a contract and send it to your father, - said Jim Waitt, opening his suitcase filled with scripts of all sizes, some movies, some highlighted in blue, and others in green, some with notes.


    -These scripts are from studios we''re not at odds with that are still in the air, and those with yellow highlights are from related studios like New Line Cinema, Miramax, and others. I hope you''ll take a look at the ones I''ve highlighted. In particular, I like some that could be perfect for you. Firstly, because of your dubbing expertise, you have a lot of experience in dubbing and don''t charge much, but your salary can increase, and the dubbing time is minimal. It''s easy money, - said Jim Waitt.


    The two productions are Balto, Casper, and Babe, and highlighted in yellow, the movie Bug''s Life. The attached yellow agenda note addressed the issue of unpaid salaries and the idea that appearing in many works of the same company wasn''t healthy. Especially when you were the boss.


    -What does being the boss have to do with it? I can take on a supporting role, - said Billy.


    -Go ahead, it''s just advice, kid. I like this script, and even though you reject the idea of a romantic movie, the script is excellent. Columbia itself sent me the script, and I believe it''s a good option to audition for. The shooting starts in August, and it''s intended for presentation at the Berlin Film Festival, - said Jim.


    He showed him the script for Before Sunrise, a romantic script. Here goes another drama, but he couldn''t be picky. In reviewing all the scripts, many of them didn''t interest him, many seemed silly, and some stood out.


    From Clueless, Crazy Love, Sense and Sensibility, Band on the Run, and many others, all carefully selected.


    -The script was supposed to start on July 14, but there was a delay, a short delay, and now shooting is expected to start immediately in August, without fail. The actress has already been chosen, a young French-American. The budget is tight, but it''s just a script, pure acting, only acting, and this is the script you need, - said Jim.


    -How much is the budget? - said Billy, who was reviewing the scripts and focusing on two that piqued his curiosity, both of which were known to him.


    -Two million, and frankly, the salary is poor, but it will help you grow as an actor. The script focuses on characters, one by one, in a long conversation, with no relevant supporting characters, it''s the work of two people, - said Jim.


    -I''ll do it, I''ll do it, I don''t mind, - said Billy, approaching the Before Sunrise script. It was a different script that expressed love from the heart and the humanity of people, not from laughter, pleasure, or other vein thoughts, it was more about a regular guy standing in front of a charming blonde, who, for some reason, paid attention to his comments.


    -Why couldn''t it be filmed a month ago? - Billy asked.


    -Well, they chose a young man who seemed to have all the right qualities, but due to some entanglements, he ended up being chosen for another role, it seems. And he hadn''t given his approval to the studio. They tried casting, but they haven''t found a young person with sufficient acting skills to play the role, - Jim explained.


    Ethan Hank switched his role from a romantic comedy, an independent film, to a role in a mega-production that, in turn, stole Jim Carrey''s role for the movie Batman Returns. Produced by Warner and directed by Joel Schumacher. The invitation is odd, and Jim can''t quite figure out why, perhaps it has to do with salary and Ethan''s stellar performances, or some other reason he can''t see.


    -I''ll take it. Although I hope the next role isn''t another one like this, - Billy said.


    -Can you make a quick trip? The studio is in Burbank, California, very close to your home. You can take care of some paperwork and participate in the audition, you might even start filming earlier according to the schedule, but the process will be particularly difficult, - Jim suggested.


    -We''ll do it, I assume you''ve already booked the tickets, - Billy said.


    Jim Waitt chuckled at Billy''s astute analysis. He pulled out two tickets bound for Los Angeles. The unpredictable turns of life were bringing him home again. This time, the independent film studio wasn''t purchased by Warner, as they had advanced the entertainment specialization law in the Los Angeles area, and Burbank, close to west Hollywood, was a bit far from San Francisco. Castle Rock Studios, for now, had some financial freedom, unlike when Turner Broadcasting bought it.


    -Alright, before we go, I want to pitch a television show. This option is my sincerest way of saying I want to make money, I need it, and I''ve thought about many ways I could make money, and this is one of the most special ways I''ve come up with, - Billy said.


    -Go ahead, lad, tell me about it, - Jim said, intrigued. Billy liked money, but he didn''t often say that he did something just to make money.


    -The show will be titled Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The idea revolves around regular people calling in to participate in a general knowledge quiz show with four multiple-choice options to choose from. All questions have different aids, from the audience to a phone call to a friend, to removing two options. The prize starts at $100 for a correct answer, then $200, $300, $500, $1000, $2000, $4000, $8000, $16,000, $32,000, $64,000, $125,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000. The allure of becoming rich is always intriguing.- Billy explained.


    -How do you plan to make the idea a reality? - Jim asked.


    -Easy, we just have to register all the rights, from the established script of a few pages I''ve created, with all the set designs and some drawings in the American Writers Guild, register it as an original work with the Copyright Commission, with the specific ideas from the text, register the logo I''ve already made, along with other logos. We won''t just exploit it from a television standpoint; we''ll create a computer program for people to play at home, functioning with internet assistance. For now, the idea is to create at least a million questions, with different complexities. The first ones will be the easiest but will cover all topics from all possible subjects. We''ll present the idea and produce it with another company, sell the local license for some profit with commercials, the issue lies in the profits we could make licensing to other countries, and of course, with the video game we''ll create, - Billy detailed.


    -A very radical idea. Do you have the script? - Jim asked Billy, who pulled out a small stack of papers, 30 to be exact. There were clear drawings, especially of how he hoped the set would look, and a logo, all unusually detailed. Billy was considered one of America''s best draftsmen, but Jim didn''t realize how magnificent his skills were.


    -I''ll take care of that, -Jim said, with a sense of condolence.


    -Don''t worry, Jim, I''ll give you an initial commission of $300,000. It turns out I have the money from my last two acting gigs in my bank account. The next one will be of the same value, and by the time the show airs, you''ll have another $300,000, -Billy assured him.


    -But... - Jim began.


    -No ''buts,'' just promote the idea and find a good television network to work with us. Negotiate the terms; I have enough money to provide capital. The show isn''t expensive, and I''ll hire some people to develop the computer program, which will allow us to upload our questions, - Billy stated.


    -Very well, if that''s the case, I''ll take care of all this. Now, we have a trip to make. My nephew, your future assistant, will schedule another trip to New York for July 29, which marks the beginning of Fashion Week, - Jim Waitt said.


    -Consider it done. By the way, I''d like to be involved in the dubbing of Casper, if possible, but as the villain, in a supporting role. Also, there''s another script that still catches my attention, and it''s this one, - Billy said, handing Jim Waitt the script for Seven, along with the one for Casper. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 212. rooms.

    The drive through Los Angeles wasn''t encouraging. Despite the absence of traffic, there were enough traffic lights to delay what should have been a half-hour journey. Now officially running late by just ten minutes, he arrived at the Castle Rock Entertainment building.


    The company wasn''t bought out; the isolation became more convenient for Columbia, which continued its efforts to strengthen its presence as a foreigner in the American market. They were gearing up to launch their Asian branch, not just for film production, but also to establish another market: the sale of appliances, particularly one with a significant investment at stake��the PlayStation 1."


    -Thanks for dropping me off and picking me up, -Billy said.


    -Don''t mention it. I have important matters to attend to with Armand. I feel like a prosecutor; I''ll be reviewing his accounts, employees, and operations, and approving a necessary expansion. Armand will reinforce the company to enhance national film distribution, - Raimon said.


    -See you tonight; I''ll be heading out for dinner, - Billy said.


    -Great! -- Raimon said from the car, his light green sleeveless button-up shirt. -- Good luck with your movie. Although I''d prefer to have you in the company, I hope you keep producing sensational comics, - Raimon said.


    Adjusting the car, Billy watched the Camaro make a quick turn; it had some style. Taking a deep breath, the stylized ambiance of Los Angeles differed from other cities. The streets were wide, the people tranquil, and it was beautiful to see that all the architecture had a campus-like structure.


    Quickly pacing along the facade, he reached the main entrance, feeling somewhat nervous. Although he didn''t want another romantic film, he couldn''t help but consider his agent''s advice, who had been particularly influential. In the past four years, his agent had only cautiously suggested roles, but had secured outstanding ones in recent months.


    Passing through the reception, the instructions were clear: head to the white room, an administrative space used for interviews. - Excuse me, I''m looking for the white room. I''m here to see Richard Linklater, - Billy questioned the security guard, with a thick urgency, a rush of his own.


    -Down the hallway, - the security guard said, pointing to a corridor next to the stairs, straight ahead, leading to a black door. The guard was lean and looked completely different from the blond Billy, who towered over him.


    He followed the hallway to a small sign marked "The White Room" and entered a small room. A slender woman with a wide forehead and cascading curls, thin and absorbed in a book, sat at the table.


    -Sorry for the delay; my flight was delayed, and it wasn''t easy getting here, - Billy said to the two present members.


    -Well, you''ve already begun your interview. You have exactly two hours. I''ll be in the administrative offices on the second floor. You two should carry out the audition, - Richard said, banging the table with both hands as if the matter had already been settled. Julie got up from her chair, leaving her book or leisure reading behind.


    -Let''s go! I''ll take you to what you assume is the next interview activity. Although not many know, in this business, you''re tested in different ways, and sometimes it''s so different that just knowing how to act doesn''t land you a role, - Julie said.


    Opening the door and leading Billy back out, without ordering a clear sign, Billy followed closely until they reached a bus stop, two corners away, less than a block to catch the bus.


    -Where are we going? - Billy asked.


    -I don''t know; I just felt like going downtown, - Julie said.


    -I could use lunch; I haven''t eaten anything since morning, and it''s late already. I thought of grabbing something when I arrived, but the trip got delayed, and I didn''t have time to eat anything. Do you know any place where they can serve a decent meal? - Billy asked.


    Julie nodded and twirled on the sidewalk. -Now we have a destination, - Julie said.


    -I particularly prefer simple places, but it wouldn''t hurt to try something delicious today. Do you have any favorite food? - Julie asked.


    -Meat; I like meat. I especially enjoy the spicy aspects of food as long as it''s accompanied by meat, - Billy said.


    -A carnivore, I see, - Julie said.


    Both boarded the bus, accompanied by some people. They sat near the front, not too far from the entrance. Julie smiled at him, and Billy just played along. In the script reading, Jesse or James was a talkative person who always had something to say to mask his thoughts of shyness and embarrassment, although sometimes it resulted in something crude, not entirely politically correct, and brilliant.


    But, he was a pleasant conversationalist who tried to keep words flowing, a good reader with certain ideas about certain things.


    -You''re a vegetarian, - Billy asked.


    -Nooo. I look like a vegetarian, - Julie asked, in a feigned gesture of indignation.


    -Yeah. You have that air, of ''I don''t like to eat animals, save the animals'' rights.'' Of course, it''s just a guess, like when you skim through the headlines in the evening paper and see something that catches your eye, but it turns out to be the complete opposite of what you expected, -Billy said.


    -I''m not, though I tried. Following a healthy diet and many other things I should''ve tried some time ago, in one particular meal I tried meat and decided that restricting a type of food would only cause discomfort in my future life. The meat was delicious! - Julie said.


    -Ah, nothing a good piece of meat can''t solve. Of course, without offending our friends who consider cows sacred or reject pork because they think it''s dirty. Perhaps those who do it for the love of animals. My limit was imposed from childhood, the barbecues. Sometimes it was a long wait of fifteen days. At one point, I thought I only lived to count the hours until the next Sunday barbecue. My father said I should dedicate myself to accounting, - Billy said.


    Julie laughed; naturally, Julie was cheerful, and she liked to laugh, even at bad jokes. - As a child, I must have dreamed of being an astronaut. Around that time, after the moon landing, there was a lot of excitement about the space world. It''s still there, but it''s the first time I''ve heard someone dream of being an accountant, - Julie said.


    -You didn''t do too badly, - Billy said.


    -I doubt it, but I''m happy with what I do. I would have liked to study political science and raise awareness about some issues that, in my opinion, are now consumed by a wall of ignorance, - Julie said.


    -You''re talking about global warming, the new pollution problem, - Billy asked, adjusting his suit sleeves.


    -One of many. There''s war all over the world, and not long after the fall of the Soviet Union, conflicts left power vacuums. Sometimes I just observe and think, how can we be so bellicose? We have no decency for innocent people, nor respect for those in between, - Julie said.


    -Not very different, the history of humanity is a constant struggle, - Billy said, looking around. He was completely lost; the streets weren''t much different, and this area, he had hardly visited.


    -Quite a Marxist thought. Now I hope you pull out a red book and talk to me about communism, - Julie said jokingly, intrigued.


    -As true as it is, it has shades of truth. I''m not a supporter, but its theoretical ideas are excellent. My preference is for what we always forget, and that is that the world a hundred years ago was much more dangerous. The danger was more imminent, and wars were closer together in time. The struggles were still bloody, and the law wasn''t superimposed. Civilization barely called itself civilized; the problems that plagued Africa, I don''t know very well, although there was probably slavery. In a way, there still is, but it''s restricted, - Billy said.


    -I''ve never set foot in Africa, - Julie said.


    -Likewise, - Billy said.


    -But you''ve been to Vienna, - Julie said.


    -Spain, parts of Italy, and France. I know London, but nothing farther, - Billy said. S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Julie headed for the exit, Billy walked with her; the bus stopped as they pressed. In no time, there was no present place for meals, only the emptiness of the long streets, and they walked slowly without haste, on the journey under the sunlight, the summer was very real and understood, they both walked at their own pace, walking at a sufficient pace to lose sight of the station in ten minutes.


    There, not far away, a wooden place was visible, almost picturesque, for the classic way of settling, it was spacious, with a large outdoor dining area, only covered by a wooden roof, it had certain details that printed the air of Native Americans, although it had a certain air of a wooded cabin from different regions.


    -Let''s go, I stopped at this particular stop. To show that a vegetarian knows about meat, contrary to what people think, - Julie said.


    -Only a vegetarian who cheats can be called a meat connoisseur, knowing the finest details of meat requires being able to taste the dish, so they would consider you a cheat. Or well, in other contexts, a sinner, - Billy said, noticing that.


    -You''re very aggressive; sinners are immoral people. I only wanted to please you. Men always have a way of ruining us; my only wish was for you to be happy, but I see you only consider me a sinner, - Julie said, provoking not only with a lascivious gesture but also, Billy didn''t rule out that Julie was also playing C��line. A fresh woman who was not very interested in the most specific tricks, like sleeping outdoors, walking all day, enduring the cold, and eating only bread before bed, or wine.


    -We''re all sinners. Why would a man be content to live life morally? Someday, he must break a couple of rules to feel happy. I''m not saying that sin always prevails over morality; we''re told this is wrong, but certain things must bite into our lives. People tend to suppress their spirit as much as they suppress their desire to succeed, - Billy said.


    -So those who don''t suppress themselves succeed, it''s like saying that someone who doesn''t kill can''t start a company... - They entered the restaurant, which was closed. The entrance door had a circular window that met another room; the tables there were full-bodied.


    -Right this way, - Julie said, leading him to a small bar, which promptly ushered in two workers to take their order.


    -I must understand that you''re talking about traditional rules or modern ones. If you''re talking about modern ones, I''d say it''s contrary to your position. People in this era should follow morality more; I find many people who prevail in immorality, - Julie said.


    -Of course, I''m referring to people who lead a communal life, who pray every day or work, and who follow the rules imposed by society without stepping on others or breaking the rules. Now, those who live a completely immoral life live in even more disgrace because they are the bad excesses that lead to worse, - Billy said.


    Perusing the menu, Julie was a mushroom enthusiast and took him to an expert meat place. They served fine cuts, marinating the meat with beer and letting it sit for a day to tenderize sufficiently. A special sauce was applied, and it was set aside for their meal, accompanied by French fries, onion salads, melted cheeses, special rolls, and salads.


    -As you suggested the place, let me pick the food. I always find it curious to try some unknown dishes and some that are somewhat known, - Billy said, closing the menu.


    -Alright, but order a lemonade. I need something to drink if I''m going to try these dishes. I said I eat meat, but I''m not very fond of such dishes, - Julie said.


    -Then our meal will have to reduce the meat a bit, -Billy said.


    Ordering four special dishes, two of meat, and two sides, along with an appetizer of cheese puffs, according to the waiters, was one of the favorites among frequent customers. Not very common in establishments, there was a jukebox playing ''80s music, a soft tune, "Celebration" - Kool & The Gang, not quite in tune with the atmosphere but very famous in its time, forgotten and remembered again years later.


    The music lightened the conversation; Julie danced in her seat and raised her arms as if pointing to the sky.


    -Come on, let''s dance, - Billy said, taking Julie''s hands, provoking a quick dance. Julie danced with ease; once, she heard that to dance alone, one must dance without caring about anything else, there was no dance other than the moment. However for Billy, it wasn''t easy to engage in such activities; he wasn''t very good at dancing, and he had become unaccustomed and longed for his different steps.


    Julie was undoubtedly a woman of sensual dances; her slow hip movements��where did she learn them? The levitation of her body reminded him of a movie, only the cameras weren''t rolling, and only the eyes of some employees at fleeting moments were on the two dancers. Billy''s steps were robotic, a necessity of his own, even though he tried to give it his all. The imagination of the cameras calmed his nerves; with renewed vigor, he danced with all he had. Julie''s deep brown eyes in the darkness, the occasional star that tinted her gaze green, only up close did he see a mix of green that veered towards bluer sides, but only an effect of light.


    -Relax, - Julie said, taking his hand. - One must take time to savor these moments. You seem like an antelope at a lion''s gathering. Come, take off your jacket, - Julie said, removing Billy''s blazer.


    -So that''s how I look. For a moment, I thought I had impressed you with my performance. Now I see that I made a fool of myself, - Billy said.


    -You haven''t. But, we won''t tell anyone else about this, - Julie said.


    -The food has arrived, but we''ll have a rematch; the antelope doesn''t give up easily, - Billy said.


    While the meats were already served on the table.


    ....

 213. specialty

    Billy continued his journey with Julie, who relished moments outside herself, closing her eyes and enveloping herself in an idea of freedom that was only attainable for her. She awakened like a frame, present in a warm image, prone to boredom but easily entertained by the next thing laid out before her.


    In descriptive terms, Julie was...


    She had an attitude that capitalized on challenges. She had a meditative state used to refresh her thoughts, nearly as spectacular as her simple way of conducting an interview. Her political ideas, on the other hand, were feminist, yet she embraced that forgotten love of traditional ideas with happy endings. Politically, she supported minorities and even more so those without choices. She rightly despised those who only benefited at the expense of others, remembering historical details of such abuses and believing that the world was going downhill. Wars were quicker and bloodier, with killing twenty thousand people in a day now possible, as detailed in conflicts in the Middle East. Bombings were commonplace; diplomacy was set aside for swift retaliation and talking after winning. The world was more cynical, and vulgarity was more common in some.


    On the other hand, Billy''s image was of someone who had simply forgotten how to have fun, tethered to his duties like a father caring for twelve children. He rarely relaxed, and when he closed his eyes, it was on to the next activity he had to do��business, drawing, action plans, new castings, writing, account reading, business meetings, or reviewing company matters. His political thinking was traditional and conservative. His more liberating aspects were promoting animal welfare with less fervor, and respect for the environment, along with public policies for free education, and equality in broader aspects like gender, race, or religion. Nothing that many businessmen advocated publicly, nor anything different from what was politically correct.


    But he agreed that war wasn''t the first resort, and the recovery of areas would allow for a better life for the disadvantaged classes, and better treatment in Latin American, Eastern European, and African countries. They needed social, economic, and political improvement.


    Both followed a role, although the role was a mixture of what they were and what they weren''t, because Richard Linklater knew that only warmth, and essence could captivate people. If they used other tactics, it wouldn''t work. It was the purity, the organic nature of relationships, improvisation was necessary to connect, and the challenge was to be an actor like an ordinary person, to be oneself in front of the cameras, providing tangibility with simple shots and angles. They would only show a couple loving each other, nothing more, loving each other as if they were about to get married, a modern Romeo and Juliet regeneration, but this time, cousins or families didn''t stand in the way; it was time, the time and unpredictability of life.


    -They''re back, - said Richard. A young man for a director, something he had in common with Billy were Texan roots, something Billy noticed with his accent, not very different from his grandfather''s. Particularly, only a native would identify the accent.


    -It''s better than I expected, - said Julie.


    Billy felt invisible in the lack of attention they were paying him, both had that secretive relationship in the way they agreed on some moments that Billy was a member who could participate in the movie.


    -Well, I have some questions that I want you to answer in your Jesse role, - said Richard.


    The detail was that Billy didn''t quite understand the role. Julie could mention that acting wasn''t a proven method and part of the actor''s essence should be installed if they wanted to be more sincere or charismatic. However, a good performance could be the representation of something you''re not, but only when you understand the role can you perform it splendidly, adhering to an idea that conceived emotions could emphasize the words of a good performance, but if you know cold, love, sadness, or hatred, you can evoke a better role.


    -Go ahead, - said Billy.


    -Well, Bill, I have some specific questions, - said Richard Linklater.


    A few minutes ago, Billy had checked his status.


    [Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 32,509


    Literature: 31,700


    Performance: 33,450


    Points: 789]


    The progressive increase, not only from the movies he had released as an actor but also as a producer, The Lion King had generated profits not only positively related.


    Decided to buy, a minute earlier in a frenzy, after all, everything already had many points, and knowing the next series he would act in very thoroughly wasn''t a waste, just a way to perform better than he already did.


    The Before trilogy has a long story, and three movies both filmed over nine years, from Meeting, separating, and Reuniting. It''s a short series with a lot of divination space; the endearing thing is the way things develop.


    -Before the trilogy. For 15 points. -


    -You can ask, - said Billy, with seriousness, something that didn''t go unnoticed by Richard, who felt like chuckling, but he knew that would only cause a different reaction.


    -It''s just one question, man, a question that I must say has left me with a sour taste for the past few days. Or well, it''s several questions, - said Richard, adjusting himself strangely in the chair, with one foot raised and the other stretched out a somewhat strange position. But Richard gave off that hippie vibe to Billy, the one of an artist.


    -I don''t think I could, but if I''m in love, I''d probably regret not seeing her. I''d likely end up looking for her even if my pride tells me otherwise. That''s the nature of life; we''re the ones who have to confront certain issues when it comes to love, - said Billy.


    -Do you know you''re very fitting for the role? - said Richard, completely moved by Billy''s answers, not far from his thoughts. Richard had written the script about a woman he met long ago on a train trip; they exchanged letters, but she disappeared, and just as Billy explained, his pride prevented him from seeking her out.


    -Well, sir, I''ve never been told that before. However, we have the makeup; perhaps Jesse needs a scar. I don''t know why, but I feel like Celine would be drawn to the beauty of a wound, a scar, - said Billy.


    -Do you usually dress in a suit? - Richard asked.


    Another intimate question, but not enough to make Billy jump.


    -Yes, sir. My father, like my grandfather, is strict about certain things. After all, if something gets into their heads, they must do it, not very different from me from what I''ve been told, - said Billy.


    -When can we start filming? - asked Richard, convinced that Billy, though young, could make a good Jesse. He returned to a more composed posture. Julie sighed, relieved, as she had turned down two roles to be part of the movie, and if it didn''t happen, she could only regret her choice of roles.


    -I have to attend Fashion Week, sir; it''s a contractual commitment, and I can''t miss it. You see, I have a sponsorship with an Italian suit brand, a new brand called Caneli, and I even have a companion to attend with, - said Billy.


    Julie just observed from the corner of her eye, pretending to be engrossed in a book on her lap, completely ignoring the book, turning pages to simulate her nonexistent reading. She felt invested in the project and had made some notes on the script, making the work feel like part of her own.


    -It''s a pity we can''t start filming tomorrow, - commented Richard, stretching from his chair, considering that everything had to be meticulously detailed in the next ten days for the filming days. - I have to leave immediately; I''ll talk to the producers. I desire to submit the work to the Berlin Film Festival; time is pressing. For now, I''ll speak with the agent; see you in ten days. However, I''d like to have a meal with you before we part, - said Richard.


    Billy approached to talk face-to-face.


    -I''ll be in the city, but I''ll leave tomorrow, - said Billy, taking out his phone to exchange numbers.


    -I''ll call; just answer. I have a discussion to have with the producers, - said Richard before leaving the room. Julie just shrugged, accepting that she now had to shoot a movie, feeling more animated. The following words snapped Julie out of her trance.


    -Do you want to come with me to Fashion Week? - Billy asked. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 214. part-time.

    In an impulse, Billy took Julie and brought her with him to San Jose. They took a last-minute express flight, leaving without notifying anyone except Raimon, who shook his head, incredulous at the beautiful blonde who was now following Billy on a journey across the United States. They were both about to leave, and Raimon didn''t have much to say.


    -Here, you can stay at my apartment. Just make sure to return the key or leave it with Anne when you don''t need it, - said Billy.


    -I suppose you''ll go talk to Anne, - said Raimon, taking the key. Billy had grown; he was now 15 centimeters taller, almost a head taller.


    -I have many details to take care of. Will you continue with Armand Millester? - asked Billy.


    -I have to; my boss wants to expand the distribution network across the United States. We have some experience now, and the company can expand. VHS and DVDs don''t sell themselves; the movies have been selling well, especially the Toy Story ones, - said Raimon.


    -We have a wedding to attend, and shortly after, you''ll go on vacation. So, I just wish you good luck. You might be surprised, but I''m confident that this year, the company will boom again, - said Billy.


    With the written request from the Hotmail email, plus the winnings of $2,890,000, subtracting the 25% occasional profit leaves a sum of $2,312,000 from the first bet. The second bet won $5,503,999, minus 25%, leaving a clean sum of $4,127,999, which will be invested in his new online courier company and the purchase of more properties. In Raimon''s eyes, real estate was a way to invest in American mortgages, and the tax benefits were great. The mere desire to buy another building was a fact, this time in Florida, a city with great prospects.


    -Another short bet, - said Raimon.


    -On the contrary. With our television channel, we''ll break records. Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network will most likely tremble at the quality of our programs. Plus, I''ve decided to play a bit more with some companies, - said Billy, with a desire. His most stable step is to create a dependency on the San Jose circuit, economically dependent on it, as Seattle''s circuit does with Microsoft.


    The air of confidence was so great, so sure of itself, that Raimon could only lower his head. Not even his brother would have such confidence, such strength to admit such grandiose delusions and bet on them, as Billy did, investing his money without paying attention.


    -Will you continue betting? - asked Raimon.


    -I will. Turns out, I have a lot of faith in my bets. We''ll keep buying; now I want to buy shares in established websites. We have some money in American Online; I''ll look for sites with significant growth, - said Billy.


    -They have grown, I can''t deny that. But some companies have had much more stable growth. But I won''t get into that. You still have financial returns; the companies have provided good dividends, not as much as I expected, but enough to make more purchases. I''ll add AOL, Word com, Apple, and of course, Marvel, to the purchase, - said Raimon.


    -I won some bets; I have almost seven million dollars in my account. Do business, and buy as many shares as possible. I''ll use 2 million to create Hotmail and buy some properties, - said Billy.


    Raimon sighed. He only gave a weary nod. The risks are too great, unbearable to such a degree that rejecting ambition was great in Billy, very great, something that didn''t bother him, but it needed to be tempered. The furrowed brows already elevated his fleshy features more than they should.


    -I''ll check as best I can, - said Raimon.


    ***********************************Principio del formulario


    Julie sat waiting in a chair, the two men talking incessantly. It seemed to be a male prerequisite, being masters of their words; they loved to hear themselves talk, like a pleasant sound, perhaps as sweet as a woman''s moan. They didn''t stop until they exchanged a hearty hug, bidding farewell. Bill was tall, with a budding beard that he intended to let grow as much as possible, enough to cover his mustache, chin, and part of his cheeks.


    -Sorry for the delay; we were talking business, - said Billy.


    -I figured it was something like that. You guys were going on and on; my ears were itching, you know, - said Julie.


    Billy ran his hand through his hair, which was almost long enough to reach below his nose. It had black tips, while the roots and other parts were blonde, giving it a distinct color, almost as if it were dyed.


    -Business. He''s helping me with my new house. The worst thing about leaving home is not having a place to rest your head. For now, a hotel would work for both of us, don''t you think? - said Billy.


    It doesn''t matter, as long as you accompany me to buy dresses. I need three dresses for Fashion Week; I can''t go in jeans; it''d be my death, - said Julie, from her seat.


    -Of course, it would be your death. I''ll take you to a good area. I could even call a friend; she''s a clothing designer, and she knows much more about this than I do. Do you want a coffee? - said Billy.


    -A little! I didn''t sleep much last night; someone kept me entertained with a powerful discourse on being, which was very interesting, but I regret traveling so early after such a long wine celebration, -said Julie.


    The dinner consisted of a simple meal accompanied by plenty of wine. Raimon, after his embarrassment, talked with Richard about science fiction cinema and prospects. He ended up leaving them aside, taking wine, until another powerful conversation about being, something Richard was again an expert in. He swiftly led a conversation into the late hours of the night.


    -I have to attend to something pending; we''ll fly to New York in three days. Time is my most valuable asset, - said Billy. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Again, you speak like a proletarian. You''re very young; take a moment to breathe, look at the stars, feel the sea breeze or the air touching your body, the cold, the warmth, your family''s smiles... anything could be better than having a schedule, - said Julie.


    -I understand, but I have my responsibilities. Have you ever been caught up in responsibilities, losing focus and only concentrating on one thing? It happens to me often. Now, your advice is very good, but I can''t free myself from the responsibilities I already have, - said Billy.


    Julie simply stretched, depending.


    *********************************************************


    San Jose was there. Home, familiar buildings, known roads; everything was as familiar as Billy loved. It was magnificent; he preferred it over the other cities he had been to. In San Jose, he felt safe. They arrived at the hotel. The first thing he thought about was the graduation van he received and how it would be downstairs at the Lux Animation lounges. Raimon gave him a ride from time to time and made sure everything was alright.


    -This is the hotel we''ll be staying at, - said Billy, introducing her to an old acquaintance, the Saint Clair Hotel. It was undoubtedly one of his favorites in all of San Jose.


    -It''s quite beautiful, - said Julie, observing the surroundings. She liked the hotel; as Billy said, it had a luxurious touch but felt homely in the middle, as ostentation took on a more traditional tour and was lost like an old mansion. Billy handed her a cell phone, which Julie picked up with a question.


    -For you to call me. Incredibly, you don''t have a cell phone, - said Billy.


    -Well, it''s not that I don''t want one; it''s just not necessary, - said Julie, shrugging.


    -I''ll leave you alone for a while; I need to attend to some tasks, - said Billy.


    -You''re treating me like a wife. How unfair life is! You expect me to iron your shirts, dear. I''ll be waiting for you naked in bed, - said Julie, imitating the voice of an empty-headed woman.


    -I''d love to have you naked in my bed when I get there, dear, - said Billy, much to Julie''s surprise, who just laughed. They had been together for two days, but now they were speaking more boldly than before.


    -You''re very provocative. I''ll go for a walk; don''t wait for me, - said Julie, walking towards the hotel''s recreational facilities, eager to make the most of her stay.


    Billy shook his head; unlike many women, this one was independent. She hated being invited to pay; if she didn''t pay next, She was ill-tempered when that principle was broken, and beyond that, she valued her decisions, she didn''t like to do anything under orders, very difficult to like being engaged or married.


    Billy took the first cab, without rest, he had a meeting to attend, tomorrow they would prepare again for another meeting with George Lucas, and of course, the entrance of a new entertainment director, who would be in charge of carrying out the procedures of the animated channel, the hiring conditions were clear, 3 years of experience in media, an academic degree and availability to travel. If he did not have an academic degree, he needed 10 years of experience.


    ...

 215. lux natión

    The Lux Animation company started early in the morning, and the work persisted from dawn until nearly dusk. Some entered in the early hours of the morning and left before mid-afternoon. Others came in late morning and left in the evening or at night. The work was intense, and the effort was always long.


    Many knew Billy because he always came to check on others'' work. He asked about their work, how they were doing, what they did over the weekend, about family, their free time, or hobbies. Then he proceeded to ask about the business environment, whether there were enough drinks in the refrigerators or enough snacks.


    He knew the names of all the workers, so when he entered, most of them recognized him, a tactic that Billy had been using since he started studying at the university, advised by one of his teachers, who occasionally advised on work-related matters.


    -Good morning, - he greeted, a bit hurriedly.


    -Good morning, David, - said Billy, after giving a greeting to the warehouse members and those dedicated to printing runs and engaging in the factory industry.


    The second floor was unoccupied, and he only had to change buildings. The new factory building was gigantic, and even if he wanted to, the morning greetings were not as efficient now.


    The animators had recently returned from their week of paid vacation, made to commemorate not only the channel''s launch but also the Lion King movie. These expenses were considered labor expenses that allowed for cross-charging with per diems. Billy, having hotels in Hawaii and fast-food centers, could cross-charge the accounts that benefited his business. It was a win-win situation. The decision to buy another hotel in a paradisiacal place or a big city was and remained tempting. It could be one in Florida, another in Madrid, perhaps another in Ireland.


    He entered the new building. It was still the same guard, a cordial man who granted him entry as soon as he saw him and gave a long greeting.


    In a swift movement, he took the elevator to the fourth floor. In his right pocket was a check for $2,300,000 for his next venture, Hotmail, along with other vague ideas he had and needed to resolve in the coming days. A visit to Stanford was in the plans.


    The fourth floor screamed opulence, from the rich oak tables to the ethereal marble floor, and a rich red carpet; no expense had been spared. The best of the best had been used to cater to the people who would negotiate with Lux Animation. A position of wealth could simply be called arrogant and foolish, but it was still impressive. Anne''s office was beautiful, almost as big as his, except for a giant library and special desks for her work activities, like a special computer for her animation activities, which had previously been on the third floor of the factory.


    -Anne, - said Billy.


    Passing by Margot, who didn''t dare to stop him, the only one who had that privilege.


    -Billy, I hope you''re not here to interrupt my concentration, -said Anne.


    -It''s my favorite idea. I recently made a lot of money on some of my bets, the kind that always annoyed you, and I made some extra money again, -said Billy.


    Anne continued typing on her computer without paying attention, waiting for a clear response about what Billy had in mind. Raimon had advanced many of Billy''s ideas and explained his optimism and ambition. Now that he knew his studies had paid off, the second animated film was being prepared. The Iron Giant, with the team''s ability, would take a full seven months to complete the run. They were even expected to hire a director to oversee the process, which, as known in the company, they were experts at. After two jobs in the medium, a third would come, as well as a fourth, fifth, and seventh. The convenient employment contract signed is very different from those signed with ID software.


    Even the proposal for an authentic animated script was beginning to sound promising, provided by one of the experienced greats of the team, who was only asked to write a script at the same level as a series, even with some extra demands due to the film''s cost.


    Upon learning that Anne preferred actions over words, Billy placed four checks on the table. The first was for $5,000, the second for $20,000, the third for $1,000,000, and the fourth for $1,275,000.


    -The first one is for legal registrations, which will need my father''s signature for logo, trademark, and idea registrations. The second is your commission for a job well done. The third is an investment for the company, and the fourth we will invest in this new project I have in mind. Raimon will arrive and take care of it. I''ll talk to Stanford University to hire a group of computer engineers who will see my work, and of course, I have the idea to explore new ventures, - said Billy, which to Anne''s ears sounded somewhat capricious, like a child.


    He took the checks, emphasizing that money kept flowing in so she didn''t need to worry, and Billy''s idea, according to Raimon, was revolutionary and very intelligent. An email system that would change the idea of fax and shipments was something very revealing.


    Billy''s ideas were at most revolutionary and powerful, very powerful, Anne had no doubt.


    -So, you''re giving me $20,000, I''ll start with the work, Rachel will handle everything, there''s space in the factory on the second and third floors, it can be a spectacular idea to start a company there. By the way, the RPG platforms video game company has worked very hard, and the Pok��mon product you made has already been tested, and they will continue to modify the game and lay the groundwork for future models, - said Anne.


    -I''d give you double, but your year-end bonus will be hefty. You should already know, Anne, that you check the accounts from time to time. I''ll also be here tomorrow, I''ll replace you in hiring the entertainment director, treasurer, and finance director, as planned, separating the work teams, - said Billy.


    -Well, they start at 7:00 a.m., maybe until late at night. Three filters were made, the first with the agency, Jolie did a second filter, you have to conduct at least twenty-five interviews, - said Anne.


    -I can do it. I have everything ready. I worked on the comics, and I have enough volumes for the next three months. I even have another one that will be a perfect video game, which may or may not be taken by Capcom under license and earn more money than we already have, - said Billy.


    -What makes you think they''ll take this under license? - said Anne.


    -Well, because I know it''s a good story. The license will be paid on a percentage basis, this game will make a lot of money, we won''t give money, and we''ll help with advertising, but it''s already proven that we maintain high standards. I have a contact at Sony, I can promote the idea with Sony, - said Billy.


    Now Anne was intrigued. - How would you convince them? - Anne asked.


    -Two words, Mario Bros., - said Billy.


    -The success of Nintendo is due to its games. If they don''t have a game that resembles Mario, they can pick up the scraps for a long time. Why do you think Nintendo doesn''t license its games? It''s because it''s beneficial for them to have exclusivity, - said Billy. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -And Lucas? - asked Anne.


    -I''ll reject him if he cancels our last proposal, - said Billy.


    -Do you want to buy the film rights? - Anne asked, aware of Billy''s last plan.


    -That''s right, all or nothing. If he wants more, he can go another route, - said Billy.


    -I still don''t understand you, but it''s the best option. It sounds more logical than paying for nothing, - said Anne.


    -Well, the next time Lucas rejects us, he''ll think twice. I have to leave you now, my next destination is Stanford, - said Billy.


    ...

 216. Stanford to the game

    He arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, and it was clear on the horizon that nightfall was only a couple of hours away. He went down to the lower floors to check on the animation process. It was undoubtedly a big mistake to consider that he could accomplish so many activities in such a short amount of time. The Iron Giant movie would have innovations, the designs for 2D animation would be improved, and a small amount of money would be invested to create a copy of colors and tones that only watercolor could imitate, like a more precise scanner for pencil drawings.


    He picked up his phone while driving, wishing he had less cumbersome earphones that would allow him to drive and talk on the phone more healthily. He dialed the number of one of the collaborators in the entrepreneurship sector, an educator who was undoubtedly a great source of support for Billy, Tom Byers, not only a proponent of entrepreneurship and business creation by Stanford students.


    -Good afternoon, - came the voice on the other end.


    -Good afternoon, Professor Byers, it''s Billy Carson speaking, - said Billy from the line.


    -Oh, look at that. Our successful student who has been missing for a year. When I saw you in the cinemas, I couldn''t help but be amazed at your image on the screens. I''m somewhat terrified, - said Byers.


    -Likewise, Professor. My year has been great. I can assure you that it has been very productive for the company. We have grown, and soon we will establish a television channel that competes against the major studios. I am eager for the American public to see my television programs, - said Billy.


    -I''ve heard something about it. Raimon visits us every month. He doesn''t stop saying he''s the Chief Operating Officer. He recently spoke with Tina about the possibility of financing technology programs. If it''s done with the help of our students, faculty, and research facilities to improve special effects machines and animation creation, - said Byers.


    -That''s correct. I ordered an investment for the program. I have faith that Stanford''s capability is the future of my company''s animation. However, as you well know, I would like to promote other areas very soon, especially those companies involved in the environment, - said Billy.


    -I''m happy and grateful to have such a considerate student, both with the academy and the university, - said Professor Tom Byers, from his desk in the management faculty, while Professor Burton, sipping a cup of coffee, listened openly.


    -That''s precisely why I''m calling, Professor. I want to win and win. I heard that the engineering and technology sector didn''t receive many investments, and only one group got funding. You see, you could offer me as your investor for a clear participation price, following the university''s ethical principles, - said Billy.


    Tom''s ears perked up; this was something that fascinated him. He knew very well from Raimon that Billy was a millionaire. And his students, who saw failure last January, got discouraged, in a silly way. Because every company must put in a strong amount of effort and work.


    -Resources... - said Tom Byers, tapping Burton and putting the phone on speaker.


    -Yes, I can invest some pocket money, - said Billy.


    Burton was about to respond to Billy''s mention of pocket money, but he was stopped by Tom, who knew about Billy''s wealth.


    -Well, we have eight groups, and each group requires a minimum investment of $150,000. Could you do it? I''ll take care of the legal procedures, and of course, ensure that the young people work and the invested money is not lost, - said Tom.


    -Sure. No problem. However, let me review the offers. I can invest a little more in companies that interest me, maybe $300,000, or a bit more, - said Billy.


    Tom''s eyes sparkled with surprise.


    -When can we meet, Billy? - said Tom.


    -I have to conduct interviews with human resources tomorrow, I have a meeting the day after, but they can come. I''m staying at Saint Claire. They can all come, I can see them from 6 to 10 at night, today, tomorrow, and Saturday. I''m traveling to New York and then Vienna, - said Billy.


    -I''ll call the kids, sort everything out, and deliver the corresponding documentation, - said Tom Byers.


    -You can send me all the proposals. I''ll read them, and give the extra approval of funds. I suppose they manage a minimum of 30% participation. Those who do not show up can be dealt with by Raimon, who is sorting out some things with the distribution company and will be here next week, - said Billy.


    Burton McMurty was already calling Steve Blank upon the funds that seemed to have fallen from the sky. Like a light in the sky, he also sent an email to Tina Seling, who had not yet arrived at the faculty, giving lectures at universities, but the investment was a prominent point. Money, even in such good environments, isn''t easy to come by. Likely, the investment didn''t exceed $15,000, or perhaps some parent in support invested twice that amount, but so much money is not very common.


    -If we manage maximum participation of 30%, with no voting rights on the disposition of the company against the statutes but with the right to voice opinions in the board of directors regarding technical and commercial direction. I have someone who will go and take the papers to the Hotel Saint Claire later tonight, - said Tom Byers.


    -Surprising, Master. However, I have a question. I want to create a company from scratch and need talent. Can you recommend some? - asked Billy, with enthusiasm.


    Tom paused.  - Of course. What kind of students do you need? - he asked.


    -Programmers. I want to create a website. They need to be very skilled. I''m somewhat ambitious. The salary is good for a newcomer, and they''ll have all social benefits, - said Billy.


    -Not my area, but I can take care of that, - said Tom Byers.


    Billy hummed in happiness. - We''ll be in touch during these and the next few days, - said Billy.


    In less than ten minutes of driving, he would arrive at the hotel. He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep because of how unpredictable business work is. Sometimes, more than three days are not enough to complete tasks, but he must do unpleasant tasks from time to time.


    To his surprise, Julie was at the billiards playing games with two girls, both pretty, with a similar look to Julie''s in attire, but they reminded him of the girls from San Jose University when he attended that dramatic method acting course.


    He could recall the clear and solid words she dictated in her monologue for her end-of-course and the subsequent rejection in a theater play. That month, he had to engage in some interesting activities, like placing significant bets.


    -There''s my little darling, who went to work, girls, - said Julie. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We know! - said one of the girls.


    The dollars on the table told a sports bet story, and from the serious look on the girls'' faces, there was a loss and gain on Julie''s part, which continued to surprise Billy. Was she that good at billiards? The next shot from the girl missed, a tricky angle due to the spin required. Julie cleared the table in three more turns, and like a cat, she collected the bills she had won.


    -It''s a pleasure to be the winner of this great game. But I have to go. Until next time, girls, - said Julie, counting the bills. She grabbed Billy by the arm, knowing perfectly well that she had to flee. It wasn''t about the money; it was about winning and defeating those who boasted of their skills. She played billiards on her vacations, learned from her cousins, and had the misfortune of having to perform many similar acts in some billiards.


    -You''re quite bold, -- said Julie, reproachfully, a bit louder than usual. - You left me alone all afternoon in a city I don''t know, and on top of that, you arrive with the same tired face my father used to have after a long day at work, - said Julie.


    -I have extra work, a Stanford graduate. I have to sort out some papers. It''s a part-time job, but it gives me some extra money, - said Billy.


    "So..." Julie asked, almost spelling out a "but" in response.


    -I''m going to Vienna for three months, and I''m wrapping up some things. I almost gave up the job. It''s three days of some work here and there, and I''ll be doing other activities, but I''m free now. We can grab something to eat or go to the square nearby; there are some good restaurants, - said Billy.


    -Lead the way, - said Julie, escaping the billiards.


    ...


    Chapter 261 in patreon.

 217. undertaking.

    In January 1994, Jerry and David''s Guide to the World Wide Web entered the market, providing a way to create and quantify a library of search engine-friendly public domains on the network, now known as the Web, mostly in its infancy. This term has begun to gain popularity on the internet.


    However, the public offering has not been good, and entrepreneurs willing to invest offer very little for a lot, even wanting the domain and the company''s valuation, which is difficult. The two founders, David Filo and Jerry Fang, are workers who seek and support the spread of the internet, the web portal directory, and how to navigate the internet, they seek investment to create the apparent domain of Yahoo!.com, something they have been eager and on occasion to create a domain to expand the company''s services.


    In the following months of March, the dream began with both working from scratch, not until their professor Burton Mcmurty arrived with a call that would change their lives, a new investor from the university they attended, investing as a favor to Professor Tom for helping him hire former students for his company, according to Professor Burton, this person is very wealthy and is willing to follow the university contract, $150,000, and a bit more if the idea satisfies him, for a 30% stake in the company.


    Although nobody wants to leave the tender portion of their company, only a few can afford it and pursue their ideas with loans, investments, which is the most common route, and fees. Still, schedules are not enough, most of the time failing if there is no secure backing, something that Stanford approximates. Still, they are always honest about the difficulty of starting a company.


    -We will send all the projects; he''s a busy man, and he will consider the proposals at night and send us more or less money depending on the company''s interest. But he will certainly invest a minimum of $150,000, - said Burton Mcmurty trying to be as serious, but the energy faltered.


    Pocket money! Who the hell is Billy Carson? Haven''t heard of him in entrepreneur magazines, and a search for an artistic name Bill Darwin leads to an actor, maybe he''s a producer or has a very good inheritance.


    Burton can''t know.


    -We have the documents ready, the last offer was made 20 days ago. Everything is in order, - said David Filo, still in denial, as people are usually happy with investment in companies, but maybe it''s an opportunity.


    Burton already had seven projects in his hands, with Yahoo! being one of the most important, though not so much for Billy, Nvdia would be the most important company as it is an animation company.


    -May I know who our investor is? - Jerry Fang asked.


    -Someone who values the technology industry, he has an animation company that has made perfect movies, you know him by the Lux Animation or Pixar Studios label, - said, Burton.


    Jerry raised his eyebrow at David Filo, to their embarrassment, neither had any idea about cartoons; that era had ended some time ago.


    ***************************************************************


    Anne finished the day''s business meeting, she reviewed the check on her desk, the bonus received brought her characteristic happiness, and she couldn''t deny that the money would come in handy for her brother and niece''s tuition. As the sole provider for the family, her burden was heavy, and the bonuses received were more of a relief for paying her bills.


    She stretched her arms and paused in the office. With much to do and not entirely bothered by the next day, she decided to take a long spa day; Billy would handle the interviews, and her work was done. With a long yawn, all that was left was to enter Billy''s office and the many tasks she had to accomplish in the coming days.


    -Rachel dear, you''re still working, - Anne said.


    Rachel just nodded, something lately made her see Rachel like a frightened rabbit, one of those that hide at the slightest thing.


    -Oh yes, I''m doing the business organization and paperwork for Billy''s new company, - Rachel said.


    -Tomorrow you''ll do that, dear. It''s late, and it''s not good to work more than necessary, - Anne said.


    -Yes, director, - Rachel said. Coerced, her nervousness increased when she saw Billy in the afternoon, she wasn''t prepared, not even a little groomed, lost, and invisible she saw Billy arrive unexpectedly, and she didn''t know how to react, other than to bury herself in paperwork. Tomorrow will be the whole day, and Rachel couldn''t stop feeling embarrassed.


    Anne felt like waking the girl up, but she knew Rachel. - Rachel dear, do you have time? I''d like to have dinner with you. -


    -Of course, Director! Let me tidy up the desk and shut down the computer, - Rachel said, jumping from her seat and organizing everything meticulously. Her desk was alphabetically and colorfully organized, which impressed all the members. Near Raimon''s desk, which was completely disorganized by Rachel''s high standards, there was a series of Star Wars action figures on a small shelf, the chair had a Ghost Report/Yuyu Hakusho cover, mostly comic books, highlighting some specials on accounting, taxes, and investments.


    Anne took a seat in a chair in front of the operations department desks, composed of Rachel and Raimon, and soon by a third member. Who hadn''t been defined yet, but she hoped it would be a balance between Raimon and Rachel, it was better to bring a woman into consideration for Rachel, and experienced, a shiver ran through her, she needed to improve her resume as soon as possible, a course that would help her and fast.


    -Do you have any opinion on Billy''s new company? - Anne asked from her position.


    -It''s a great idea. Billy proposes to create a digital mailbox that connects people in seconds; his ideas range from the ease of using the mailbox and organizing emails to making it user-friendly. He plans to create the website, then sell it and work as a consultant for a price. He estimates the minimum price to be $400 million, up to a maximum of $600 million, which I consider impossible, but he explains step by step why so much money can be made in this activity, - Rachel said.


    Thinking about the idea of


    creating a second mailbox, selling it, and investing a little more in creating another mailbox that can be sold for another ridiculous price, - Rachel thought.


    -A consultant, - Anne asked.


    -Yes, a consultant. He says he will later charge established companies a consulting and leadership fee for creating or improving email systems, - Rachel said.


    -Do you think it''s possible? - Anne asked, totally curious now, about Billy''s daring to get money, maybe buying Marvel Comics isn''t so bad, - she thought.  -Anne for her, who knew Billy''s thoughts as well as anyone else did. �C S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ******************************************************************


    Contrary to what his close people thought, Billy was playing arcade games with Julie near a cinema. Julie was passionate about wasting time doing things she wanted, without caring more than when she did a job.


    -Well, it seems you must be a very responsible man to graduate at such an early age, - Julie said.


    -Not at all, I was lucky, and I have to take a complementary course for another two years to consider myself a true bachelor in the art of business administration, - Billy said.


    Playing a Capcom game, Street Fighter, to his surprise, it was the third round he was being crushed by Julie, whose use of the character seemed ridiculous, even Raimon would be in danger with the wonderful skills demonstrated by Julie, maybe he could beat her.


    -I see, I can''t seem to organize my thoughts about what you truly want. Haven''t you heard that wanting it all isn''t possible? He who grasps much achieves little depth, - Julie said.


    Executing a combo that caused the end of another round, Julie celebrated.


    -I crushed you. You better take a deep breath because I show no mercy to anyone, - Julie said.


    -Come on, let''s play another game, - Billy said, ignoring the defeat, walking towards a shooting machine with big guns at its station, a game he was once again defeated in by Julie''s unbelievable ability to take the time to break Billy''s regular skill set.


    They played Pacman, a closer match, and Billy won the game, followed by a basketball sports game where he was once again defeated by Julie, with her slender arms and tender way of shooting, it was certain she wasn''t good, but she sank every ball she threw with a great skill that amazed Billy for no reason.


    -You have more talent than I imagined. Now I know not to bet against you in any skill-based game won through practice and repetition, - Billy said.


    -Please, I''d beat you in any game. Just pick one! - Julie said.


    -Chess, - Billy said, one of his favorite games.


    -We have time for you to suffer a painful defeat at my hands, - Julie said openly, a sign that she might lose, but she would gain a lot later with her skills, and Billy had no choice but to accept Julie''s competitiveness, which was quick to capture his concentration, tested by a near victory.


    They both played in the arcade without stopping much; at 11 pm, they arrived at the hotel, tired from the long day. Billy checked his phone and found five missed calls. Julie bid farewell with a nod and a smile promising a strong defeat in chess for the next few weeks.


    He went down to the reception, and his package was there, eight folders with a considerable number of pages. He glanced over the names, many names that still didn''t fit into specific ideas. Yahoo, the basic offer for 30% of the company was a conscious investment of $350,000, and a forthcoming injection of $250,000 to take over 30% of the company, an open credit of $300,000 without interest, and financial support. He thought of the TV show Shark Tank and how he now performed such acts for proposals that had not yet been born and were mere ideas in the air.


    But it could be said that was what he was doing. It was clear that Yahoo! wasn''t part of the entrepreneurship program, but there was a significant connection.


    The second company that caught his attention was Excite, one that promoted a web search engine, something not very common at this time, with outstanding and decisive ideas. The offer was $450,000, in three periodic installments over a year.


    The third was a venture that surprised him: Nvidia, a company headed by three names and one who was a doctor in electrical engineering, Jensen Huang, a Stanford graduate, they asked for $800,000 for 30%, along with the payment of a $100,000 debt.


    It was simply pure gold, they were based on graphics processing and application programming interfaces. This could only be called a stroke of luck, Billy didn''t hesitate to invest in the three companies even at the expense of investments he wanted to make in real estate. Now that didn''t matter.


    The values ??were of course less than what the company should be worth, but it was enough for Billy, the potential of these three companies was gigantic to the point that he considered it a gift from heaven.


    The last one shook him to the core, a stroke of luck, a proposal for a DVD rental network by mail, the entrepreneurs were, net-movie. Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, proposed to create a library of movies and home deliveries to people, without the transfer, they asked for an initial capital of $300,000 for 10% of the company, along with an open credit of $500,000.


    He gladly accepted it, the following companies, much more modest, stood out. A company creating educational software, applications for children, which led him to accept the offer of $190,000 for 30%, Jumpies was the name of the company, and the following companies he signed with the minimum, he looked at the clock and it was 3 am, he sighed deeply, quickly prepared eight reports, almost done, adjusted everything for the next day, and fell into the world of dreams.


    ...

 218. follow-up.

    Among the many delays, Fashion Week, which once seemed close, is now, between work and the many tasks he had to fulfill in recent days, such as investing in eight ventures. The day and a half with Alice was just a brief respite. The couple looked elegant together, and Julie Delpie''s impression could only be reserved perhaps for a more private conversation.


    Billy continued in an almost morning routine of how to fit his life into all the chores and fulfill his social life facets; fatigue was starting to accumulate. Only the idea of finishing recording and having a vacation, a day where he wouldn''t have to force himself into a suit or rush for a good performance, a business report, or a drawing that had a deadline to meet. According to statistics, comic sales are necessary for the monthly sustainability of the company because they are one of the mainstays of the business, along with the adjacent sales of video games and marketing. But comics are the income used for the company''s maintenance. The hit with The Lion King has left a mark; however, it is preferable to wait a few months until Luxtoons'' TV series can attest to its establishment in the field of cartoons because the cost that had to be paid to cable companies to be included in the package was an annual payment of $36,000, not much, but that added to the channel''s position near the animated channels, another $36,000, along with advertising for a new channel. The bill added up to a series of expenses, not very large but consuming precious resources; the $36,000 payment was the largest, some like cable companies only present in states was $9,000, and of course, the exception of Warner TV, which charged an extra fee, $40,000.


    Why is it expensive? Because this payment was made five times on national platforms, including Canada, three times on a state basis, in some states where the presence of other companies was more visible and present. Finally, twice on an international basis, adding some extra countries, in terms of dubbing, which also cost a lot of money, but the global launch, although aggressive and costly, was necessary; it would unify not only the Lux animation logo (its representative letters, with a modern and dark city. also, the background, classic from Pixar and its little lamp) the name, the trademark, and its emblem were a strong point; he just wanted to explain one thing when people looked at these logos.


    Extraordinary! Unparalleled! Every TV show must have that logo, which would be a seal of quality. If that logo appeared on a program, it was because it was good. And since Yuyu Hakushu began to carry out this activity, after all, the only requirement Billy considered demanding with Warner was the quality of animation; it had to be perfect.


    Billy drank a coffee while Alice slept. The girl had the habit of hugging while sleeping, whether it was Billy, a pillow, or a stuffed animal, she clung to that object and only let go in the morning when she was about to wake up.


    He took the volume of One Piece to redesign a story with unraveled complexities, for example, the appearance of Buggy in episode number 1, along with a younger Shanks and some other great characters hidden between the lines, which were only added much later.


    Now, in episode 29 of the series, it''s Luffy''s arrival in Usopp''s village. Some events were organized more practically; Billy ground the scenes in different settings over and over again to perfect each delivery, organizing from the beginning to the end of the series. Battles were polished, secondary character introductions were refined, and the use of filler characters was expanded a bit more to give them more nuances and shades of life so that Luffy''s personality contrasted with some marines, giving them identities, expanding the politics of the East Blue, and portraying Smoker from the beginning as a captain who brought order.


    He modified the infrastructure of each island so that each island had its own infrastructure; the one used for Usopp''s Village was rural, so he used the American model of cabins with barns and farm animals, much more present, incipient, but changes that gave incredible aspects to the story.


    -Honey, why are you awake so early? Come here, - Alice said, with her hair tousled from the bed. Alice wasn''t lying; it was 7 am, and he had been awake for almost three hours.


    -I''m sketching some ideas I had in mind. Plus, I slept very well; I feel refreshed, - Billy said, painting the scenes, which were sculpted with great detail, arranging the speech bubbles differently without taking up too much space; the comic has larger pages, and this is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to carrying out the artistic project. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alice got up from bed, looked at the drawings, and overlooked that they were from a Lux comics series. She ignored it since she wasn''t a comic fan; she just kissed Billy on the cheek and went to the bathroom for a long hot shower.


    -I''ll have to leave in an hour, but you can host Julie. We''ll see each other at lunch. We''ll go to the burger joint; I want to check the status of one of the locations. I haven''t visited the establishment since last year. You can use the truck to get around; fill up the tank, you don''t have to worry, - Billy said.


    No response. - Darling, are you listening? - he said a bit louder.


    -Yes! Host, see you at lunch, - Alice said.


    ***********************************************************************


    Billy''s Freelancer Arthur delves deeply into all the compiled stories. He specializes in digging up information and creating reports about people, sending them to all newspapers or gossip articles, and starts to create rumors and unfortunate events that ruin the reputations of the people he investigates. Nothing relevant surfaces. He even tries to look into his paternal family, all good citizens, some squabbles, and people who were against certain attitudes.


    There''s nothing that could generate a heated public response. The more he digs, the more astonished he becomes. He began his artistic career at the age of 7 in two dramatic theater courses, during vacations and school. He had above-average grades; his teachers praised his intelligence. He skipped ahead two years, one in middle school and one in high school, which gave him a lot of expertise as a student. He had a long list of copyrights under his name, with 24 registered works, starting from the age of 8, uploading stories, most of which were published, tested, or turned into comics, movies, video games, and TV series.


    His colleagues, producers, and cast members didn''t provide much information. They all had secrets! The problem was which secret was hiding under the scrutiny of his hunt. He was rich, very rich, richer than a young man of his age would dream of, but he didn''t live in excess. He drove the same car from three years ago, lived in a modest house for his wealth, his purchases were modest, and his life was austere.


    There was nothing, absolutely nothing, that could be used to paint a bad picture. He asked around, but the responses were scant. He was an introverted person who didn''t share much about his private life. His girlfriend was two years older, studied at Stanford, graduated, and was much loved for her constant donations to research seminars, in technology, the environment, and public health.


    -Speak, Arthur. Gentlemen, I found nothing relevant. On the other hand, if you wish to nominate him for the next Mr. America, I''ll provide the information. I have a complete report on all public information, interviews, and some more private details. However, we can start small rumors, difficult to refute. Starting a quick campaign, maybe in three to four years, it could be used against him, - Arthur said on the phone.


    *********************************************

 219. Star Wars: negotiations

    George Lucas was anything but a fool; from the start of the negotiations, he carefully reviewed the information. Lux Animation seemed like a secure company to bet the future of the franchise on. The security of his steps was his top priority. He reviewed the three movies the company had made as an emerging entity, and none disappointed him. Their quality was among the highest, and even the daring move with Toy Story was just a glimpse of how much the company was willing to risk in the filmmaking process.


    He had been visiting Pixar frequently and was surprised by the changes in structure, investment, and operational arrangements the company had made. They had everything finely tuned like a well-oiled machine, continuing to make advances in technology, as Alvy Ray Smith had mentioned. It was a business opportunity he had missed out on while focusing on other industries.


    The paradisiacal state of California was proud, standing out among other scenarios. California thrived along with its coastal beauty, characteristic of one of the wealthiest states in the United States. From the back seat, George took a turn and arrived at the new headquarters of Lux Animation. They directed him to the building they had previously been constructing, which was very elegant. S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He heard the fifth floor.


    He headed to the fifth floor, the doors leading him to a small corridor. He could see desks and administrative offices in the distance. A pair of heels brought George out of his reverie, and he saw Anne standing behind him. She guided him, apparently to the owner''s office, where the meeting would take place. Billy was drawing at a large table tilted 45 degrees, engrossed in a comic. For a moment, George forgot about comics. Of course, he had reviewed them; they were all unparalleled masterpieces, from the innovative designs to the new drawing techniques and the large number of followers they were starting to gain, according to statistics from some magazines.


    That was true; there was indeed some support from a certain number of people who religiously bought the volumes put out by Lux Comics.


    -Mr. Lucas, forgive me, - said Billy, getting up from his chair, crossing the room, and shaking hands, inviting him to sit across from his desk. Anne settled into a small chair beside Billy; she was well-versed in the entire negotiation process.


    -Don''t worry, young man. I arrived ten minutes early, - said George, checking his watch. The appointment scheduled for 10:30 shone with the number 20, marked.


    -I believe we have very little time for this meeting, Mr. Lucas. Would you like something to drink? - Billy asked.


    -A bottle of water, - said George.


    Billy dialed the attendance number, and Margot, who was very willing, sometimes attended to these requests.


    -You''ve amazed me again, young man. I didn''t expect to see you risking such a significant investment at such an early stage of your company''s existence. I understand that the land surrounding you up to the road is yours. It only makes me wonder what your next steps will be, - said George Lucas.


    -I plan to establish my television channel. We have enough content for two years, but that''s not the idea. I have a fascination with documentaries. I''ll delve into them as much as possible. I have agreements with three universities; they''re delighted that historians, archaeologists, and sociologists will have jobs in what they studied. As graduates, they are accepted immediately. For now, I want to focus on historical civilizations, and we have three scripts, but that''s a secret, Mr. Lucas, - said Billy.


    -Stanford, - said George.


    -Yes, Stanford, Berkeley, and San Jose State, - said Billy. The Documentary Lux Channel was a channel to meet the requirements of educational content. The initiative was to go a step further and create documentaries for a future channel. For now, under a supposed thin alliance, History would distribute their documentaries for a fee in royalties obtained from advertising. It was a topic, simply a distribution without further ado.


    -Pleasant. Star Wars, I assume it has a projection in your mind, - said George Lucas.


    -Of course, it does. Technology manages to break down certain barriers that would otherwise be difficult to overcome. From my experience, I believe that in twenty years, what was considered impossible will be easy, simple for many of the activities typical of the film industry, - said Billy.


    -Negotiations always bring me with a certain care about the future of my company. Can you read me the options again, young man, - said George Lucas, recalling some precious values of Star Wars and the franchise''s growth.


    -Purchase of a license for twelve years for $25 million. We guarantee George Lucas as producer and director (in addition to, as a special producer for the television series I propose to create, specifically three animated series, as well as director of four films written by me, produced by me, and directed by Mr. Lucas. If he wishes to take on the role of producer, I invite him to work as a producer instead). 20% of the marketing we conduct, along with the integration of Star Wars into the Lux Comics comic book chains. Plus, the creation of a Star Wars museum located on land adjacent to the Pixar museum (a museum that will begin construction in mid-1999 - 2000). Mr. Lucas will receive 8% of the museum''s profits. This museum, as a nonprofit entity, will invest the remaining money and occasionally donate to health causes, - said Billy.


    Anne nodded behind him.


    -That''s why you want to buy so much land in these immediate areas, - said George.


    -That''s correct. I would like to build one here in San Jose. There is a lot of land to buy; California''s Great America Passenger Park is nearby, and all its surroundings are empty. Not far away are the San Francisco 49ers; they have their stadium as well, just a few miles from here. We have 25.4 acres of land to build a couple of extra constructions, and I hope to buy more land by the end of the month, enough to establish a museum, - said Billy.


    -Wonderful ideas, - said George Lucas.


    -They are. At first glance, I believe even continuing to buy, proposing to a conglomerate the grand construction, not just museums, but shopping centers, food courts, and cultural streets. There is much land that is still undeveloped, and I am just continuing to buy, - said Billy.


    -Why not bid for Lucasfilm? - George Lucas asked.


    -Mr. Lucas, you must know that while I have a desire to work with you, you are asking for much more money than I have available. The benefit would only go to you, and I have other companies to worry about, - said Billy.


    -Time, young man, I need time and space. But you can offer a closer collaboration, - said George.


    -I am willing, then, - said Billy.


    -I am, too. I hope to start filming in two years, - said George Lucas, in a gesture of encouragement.


    -Good, let our employees decide the next negotiations. Star Wars will be born, and with it, rest assured that our collaboration will be very acute. I have a fixed idea for the next twelve years on how the series should be directed, - said Billy.


    The bright eyes were eager to finalize their next steps; the first thing is to open the comic book rental, to great artists. They need material, they need a lot of material and a fixed action plan.


    A series of shorts about Star Wars: The Clone Wars, three clear scripts, the construction of a large set, at least one block away from here, containing all the available settings to make three movies. The new laws are a real nuisance; in places near San Francisco. He will do it in San Jose, he only has one law to overturn, in the next two years, in the area designated for 18 acres, he will build a mega recording studio, recreate most of the areas, and buy the others. - Billy thought.


    ...

 220. fashion week.

    -It''s amazing, I can''t believe it. I''m so happy I can''t breathe properly, - said Raimon from Los Angeles, totally euphoric; he wasn''t the only one, Anne smiled warmly beside him.


    Beside her were folders on entrepreneurial investments, Billy''s explanation that he preferred to invest in Stanford to improve his relationships with the board and establish better lines of business development was better than investing in real estate in Anne''s eyes. The leftover $4 million would be used to buy shares, and if necessary, some office buildings in downtown San Francisco that could be rented out.


    -Well, Billy, you''ve been deliberate. You''ve grown. You spoke calmly and explained your plans once the contract was signed. Billy passed multiple proposals for the production of the Star Wars series and how triumph would benefit both of us. He explained everything in logical detail and expects to deliver the scripts to George Lucas by December of this year, make all the respective modifications, and raise funds by February 1997 to begin filming the next trilogy, - said Anne.


    A quick whistle from Raimon.


    -Billy doesn''t beat around the bush. What do you need me for? - said Raimon.


    -Now that it''s clear, we''ll have many things to do. I want you to mobilize your groups to spread the word that Star Wars will rise from the ashes, that from the coasts of California to the coast of Maine, from Florida to Oregon, it will be known that Star Wars will have a trilogy. Be subtle, let it be only word of mouth, without sources. Recruit some good writers to expand the Star Wars universe, fan opinions, preferences, even tempted to ask if they want a game, -- said Anne, reading Billy''s letter, a postscript. -- Of course, those are all the instructions Billy left for now. There''s a postscript, Raimon, train in voice acting in your spare time. I need a voice, -- Anne read; she couldn''t help but sigh at Billy''s audacity, to drag poor Raimon into his Star Wars crusade. "Nooooooo," Anne heard the cry in the air; Raimon''s force and motivation were evident as Armand Millester alone stopped to watch him, surprised, the 190-pound young man jumping around like possessed.


    -I won''t let you down, Anne. Give me five days; I''ll organize all the paperwork and start taking acting classes again, - said Raimon. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Acting classes, - thought Armand Millester, along with Stacy Roman.


    *************************************************************


    An endless journey, but here he is at Fashion Week, with Julie Delpy wearing a glorious white dress with a giant red bow, almost like a wrapped gift, accompanying him to see how interesting Fashion Week is. A surprise for him was seeing the two youthful women, Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow, together. Gwyneth''s mischief was powerful; there was a youthful erotic vibe, almost beautiful and different from her later years.


    -Billy, you''ve been absent, - said Winona, avoiding showing her obvious displeasure, not because of Billy, but because of the memory of throwing up, shouting, and being a complete jerk to someone who only wanted to help.


    Winona''s dress only accentuated her powerful curves; he could already see many men going crazy for Winona''s attention, with a black dress accentuated with a slight neckline, she was no less than a supermodel. In contrast to the angelic blue worn by her blonde friend, which only made her look younger, giving her a teenage appearance.


    -I have a new role, - said Billy, unsure of what else to say.


    -Oh, I also have a new role; the new filming will start in three months, - said Winona.


    -Well, I should start next week; I''m very excited about the upcoming movie. It''s going to be fantastic, - said Billy.


    -It''s nice, my friend Gwyneth, - said Winona.


    -Billy, I''ve heard some things about you, - said Gwyneth, a palm directed to Billy''s chest in a rather private gesture. She only paused for a moment and squeezed his shoulder before turning away.


    -Pleasure to meet you, - said Billy, with a slight bow. Gwyneth''s youthful appearance was surprising in retrospect to her appearance in the future, with finer, softer features that suited her slim body, without the years of makeup; she was radiant and beautiful, slender. With Wine-Tint makeup on her face and a long dress, she follows the common denominator of the ''80s fashion. Not as tall as she pretends to be.


    The first event of the evening is a long catwalk, from August 2nd to 7th, starting in New York, but the following weeks are celebrated in major capitals like London, Milan, and Paris. Numerous brands hold multiple fashion shows, ranging from half an hour to forty-five minutes each, where the designer presents a brief dialogue, and then a monologue establishes and orders the reasons for Fashion Week.


    The representative brand is Chanel; in the haute couture shows, Chanel holds a special place in fashion. Not far away, stunning models follow the runway, including a very young Claudia Schiffer, St��phane Cardinale, Kate Moss, Carla Bruni, and Helena Christensen.


    -Men get lost in the legs, while women in the dresses. It''s normal; you''re dealing with supermodels. I would even doubt many married men attending the event, - Julie whispered.


    -It takes me by surprise. The concentration and strength with which they model are incredible. I can imagine why many women want to buy designs from this haute couture place. Which ones would you buy? - Billy asked.


    -Oh, for now, none. They show too much leg; I prefer dresses that are more spacious and less revealing. I think Alice would like the sporty white one, - Julie said.


    -Where can you buy it? - Billy asked.


    Eliciting a chuckle from Julie at Billy''s question. Billy was like a puppy to Julie; Gala events were not common by Billy''s standards.


    -You can ask later. Here, the shows are only used to present the designers. Securing a spot is complicated, but you can approach it at the end of the presentation. That silver one is more my style, a gray jumpsuit, is much more comfortable. However, let''s hope better brands arrive; there''s much to see this week, - Julie said.


    Time passed quickly; Julie only reacted to a long blue dress from Versace, which left a long line for the leg. The dress was beautiful, according to the views of Winona, Gwyneth, and Julie. To the pleasant sight, Carolina Herrera couldn''t be absent; since 1972, she has been participating in this event with strength. Her clothing is strong; it also charmed the girls around her and gained some extra applause.


    After the numerous collections, it transitions to a party, a proper gathering to socialize, revel, and comment on each other''s collection''s beauty, with many people there for social mingling, followed by a rich people''s party.


    -Any comments? - Julie asked.


    -All the dresses are beautiful; I prefer spring. Although some dresses were very beautiful, I don''t doubt that there was anything that fascinated me. I''ll wait and see; I intend to fly to London, Milan, and Paris in succession; I love seeing so many collections, - Winona said.


    -You''re not the only one; our cowboy wants to buy some, - Julie said, nudging Billy on the shoulder. The nickname "cowboy" slipped from Gwyneth, who wasn''t very good at keeping information, and called him that, earning a well-placed laugh from Julie.


    -Dresses, Billy. I thought you liked suits, - Winona said, wearing a big smile.


    -Hey, it''s not that. I thought people came to buy dresses, almost like a book or technology fair, where they showcase products, and you buy at your leisure. It''s more complicated than that. I would organize the place to conduct sales to preferred clients without so much secrecy; I would locate the unified collection sales, - Billy said.


    Not mistaken, the world operates on sales, and what better than to offer sales during Fashion Week, a high runway home? Women can benefit from ordering reservations for certain selections, before or during the shows; it''s almost a placement in itself. In clothing sales.


    -You don''t get it, -Winona said, echoing the thoughts of all the women. Dresses could be sold to some special people, and some brands even set a unit limit, but it''s only that, the secrecy of fashion, that makes it so belonging.


    -You can buy, but only to certain people. Some designers handcraft collections, without setting a maximum amount of clothing, they may have a maximum of two or three dresses for sale per unit. You can''t just come and ask for them all; it''s something that can only be done in clothing stores. Although recognized brands have a high purchasing margin, like Calvin Klein, Chanel, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors... - Winona said.


    -I got it, - Billy said.


    Moving on to the second part of the day, although the day started at 3:30 in the afternoon, the next is a gala meeting, elegant. Jim Waitt himself was there, highlighted by the addition of a well-known man in the media, Arnold Schwarzenegger, wearing a suit very similar to his, a cane.


    -Arnold, you remember very well the little boy who wrote the script for Terminator 2, - Jim Waitt said.


    -I am aware; I even didn''t believe you would have chosen me, the main character for the second Terminator series, but my schedule was full, very tight, and now I can say that not participating was a benefit, - said Arnold, who was already shaping up to be a politician. His way of interacting gave him the appearance of a friend of his father, a councilman.


    As an ambassador in charge of the Red Cross, his interest in public service, as well as his views on blood donation, is a recurring role in some celebrities who want to maintain a stable profile in the public eye. Not just popularity, the character is something to desire.


    -I''m sorry it didn''t turn out that way, - said Billy, surprising Arnold. - Don''t get me wrong, sometimes things just don''t work out. It''s just that I was surprised; you were my first choice and James''s, - said Billy.


    -Young man, I''m afraid to say that I''m here again for a business that interests us. Mr. Jim was very insistent that I represent the Caneli brand, an Italian suit brand since last year he insisted eagerly, and he ended up convincing me, even Cameron joined in. But now I see that it''s for a special matter; you were his final touch, - said Arnold.


    To which Billy was surprised, now understanding why, as a rookie, he was given such a good contract. The impression came from the sky; now he owed Arnold a favor, who supported the current. This is one of the reasons why he attends this Fashion Week.


    -I''m thankful for that. If you need anything, I can be present; you just have to ask me or consult Jim, - said Billy.


    Through the door, James Cameron entered, without a hint of change. His hair, seeking a deeper and more revealing white, as opposed to the brown he had some years ago, evoked a majority age.


    He was arranging the Caneli cuff buttons, and he bumped into Billy. To Billy''s surprise, he gave him a strong hug. Jim Waitt smiled, taking a sip of Champagne, refreshing his throat. He raised his glass in a gesture to Mikail Caneli, Caneli''s manager, who undoubtedly only hoped to catch a big star now he had two and a young promise in his arms, at an acceptable price.


    *********************************************************************


    -Do you think he''s James Cameron''s illegitimate son? - Gwyneth asked aloud to the young women seated at the table, earning a giggle from Julie, who couldn''t help but think of Billy as James Cameron''s illegitimate son. How else could he have such a strong position in the entertainment sector? Nepotism, it must be nepotism.


    -Well, it would explain a lot of things. He''s very young but has good contacts. And he seems to have a close relationship with James Cameron, - said Julie, which, from the eyes of the three girls, they were talking about family matters.


    On the contrary, Billy was speaking effusively about manga, Evangelion, and its captivating style, asking if he could make his Evangelion movie and why he set aside Terminator publications.


    -Most likely, I can''t believe it''s James Cameron. I''m a staunch fan of his Terminator and Alien series, - said Winona.


    -Come on, we might gain some goodwill; let''s integrate into the group, - said Gwyneth, seeing an opportunity to be among the thoughts of two people considered: a great Hollywood director and a great Hollywood actor.


    -I''m embarrassed, and I think we''d be indisposing, - said Julie, taking a snack and a little Champagne. - Plus, they''re coming this way, - said Julie, a bit louder than usual.


    -Don''t look back, - said Julie to Winona and Gwyneth, who was behind.


    -These are my companions; I''m lucky to be accompanied by such charming women. James, I believe you should meet Winona, - said Billy, introducing Winona to James Cameron, with whom they had had some conversations. James''s eyes lit up, three women who, in his opinion, were actresses who fit the role of his next movie.


    He gave a short greeting.


    -This young lady is Julie Delpy; we will make the movie to be presented at the Berlin Film Festival if we are lucky. And Gwyneth, I think you also know them; again, they are my companions for tonight, - said Billy.


    -Pleasant company. Nice to meet you. Billy mentioned that I couldn''t go partying due to a commitment with you all; now I see, I would refuse myself too. However, I extend my invitation; this cocktail is just the appetizer; there will be a gathering at The Bowery Hotel. I extend my invitation, - said James Cameron, bidding farewell to the ladies.


    -I say we go! - said Gwyneth.


    Winning a reprimand from Winona, who was embarrassed. Before she could finish reproaching her behavior, the gap between Winona and Billy was open, much more for Winona, who still thought about the slight that happened two months ago.


    -As long as you want to go, we''ll go. After all, you''re my guests. But I must introduce myself to my sponsor. If you still want to go, we''ll leave at 8:00; I''ll order a car, - said Billy.


    -What are you waiting for, cowboy? You can''t deny a party to young women, - said Julie.


    ...


    Hello, we are at chapter 269 on Patreon, the idea is to always stay 30 chapters ahead or more. Check out my other stories, I hope to continue doubling my number of chapters, now I deliver 7 chapters per week, but I want to reach 8, and publish in all my series at least 3 chapters per week,

 221. businessmen’s party

    7:30 pm. Fashion event.


    James Cameron observed Billy, something he already knew was happening under the guise of Jim Waitt facilitating Billy''s schedule for the week. He hugged him because what was coming next was something he needed to do, and Billy would understand. Jim was clear that one of Billy''s traits was his business maturity and seriousness in technical characters, typical of administration and work.


    -Boy, you''re a man now, - said James Cameron.


    -Mr. Cameron, - said Billy, reciprocating James Cameron''s hug.


    -Not at all Mr. Cameron, call me James, but if we have the opportunity to work, Mr. Cameron would be fine, - said James Cameron.


    -James, then. I didn''t expect to see that the Caneli brand was so lucky to have such stars on its sponsorship roster, - said Billy.


    James tried to look at the boy; he''s not a businessman who can ride the waves for nothing. He smells something. He thought. The director combed his hair, which bothered his view, and pondered the response.


    -I owed a favor, and Jim Waitt was very insistent, - said James.


    -What we do for work, I''m still amazed at the relationships that seep through the hallways, - said Billy.


    -No kidding, kid, it''s necessary. If you want to succeed, try to be better than a politician. They scrutinize every little thing you say. Here, image, guarantee, and money are everything, - said James Cameron.


    -I can assume something; in my time and conversations with Jim, I''ve understood some things, - said Billy, who, although to Cameron, seemed to be aware of Cameron''s motive, it was quite the opposite. He was surprised because James valued hard work a lot.


    -Well, no doubt you''ve understood it, -- said Cameron, with a good impression of the sensible young man. -- I''ve followed some of your work; you''re magnificent with the pen. I keep insisting that we would have a great director if you joined the guild; your talent is formidable. -


    -Thank you, but I want to continue studying as an actor, although with a broader vision, directing doesn''t sound so bad, - said Billy.


    -I''m clear on that. On the other hand, I regret the end of the Evangelion series; it brings back many forgotten references, and I may one day submit a script to make a movie, - said James Cameron.


    In a programmed flattery.


    -That sounds nice, - said Billy, captivated by the idea. If it''s James Cameron, he can give him Evangelion; he''s known for having fabulous ideas in creating science fiction movies, special effects, and providing technological advances.


    James looked at his wristwatch. - I have to go, but I''d like to have a conversation with you. We''ll have a meeting, a small party. I''d like you to attend and tell me about your progress. I''ve heard good reviews of some writers and animators, - said James. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy looked at the three girls at the table, not wanting to leave them.


    -I have companions, and I don''t think I can leave them suddenly, - said Billy.


    Cameron looked at the girls, all actresses. - Bring them. Moreover, let me extend an olive branch, - said Cameron, walking towards the girls.


    ************************************************************************


    9:45 pm, The Bowery Hotel.


    James Cameron glanced at the time, 9:47 at night, with a hint of secrecy; the call to Billy and the invitation was a methodically planned gesture. Why else would he agree to join a suit comedy for such a ridiculous price? To repay a favor, a favor that he would now repay after the secret meeting he held between Billy Carson and Steven Spielberg, it is no longer a secret that the acclaimed film director wants to create his own film company to compete against the big ones; the investments Steven Spielberg has made are no joke, even if no one says it, the tacit support of Universal Studios is current, the film production company Amblin Entertainment is closely following with Universal.


    The Hollywood undercurrents, no one does not know Billy Carson, the quintessential American, a young entrepreneur, hardworking, and innovative. The big bosses have him in their sights; he has bravely weathered the waves set by Warner, Disney, Paramount, and Fox.


    They have all somehow blocked his exits, but the boy is already accepted among the public as a half-hearted industry leader. James has to guide Billy to the celebration with the industry bosses, and he will fulfill part of the favor; then, he will have to introduce him to some people who want to do business behind the scenes, something the very young boy won''t grasp. Although James doesn''t underestimate him, the feats of Lux Animation are known, from Pixar to the categorical hiring of animators that hasn''t happened since Disney expanded its animation hall in 1950, to its successes in comics and very savvy business achievements in fast food, Autodesk, video games, ventures, and 3D technology.


    Even James himself wants to talk about the advantages of filming in 3D!


    The visionaries of Hollywood know that new blood is always welcome, and more so when the weight is on a young, purebred American who grew up in California, who knows the medium and now acts. Now he acts! Soon, he could be a director who joins the bottom of the Hollywood mainstream board, firmly establishing an advantageous position for the old guard of the industry.


    -I talked to him. I even invited his companions. Your dear goddaughter was there; I was surprised, but little Paltrow was in the boy''s group, - James Cameron said to Steven Spielberg.


    -My goddaughter is a surprise. All my goddaughters are a surprise, - Steven said. Alongside him were David Geffen, his wife Kate Capshaw, Tom Hanks, a name that speaks for itself, Stanley Kubrick, Francis Coppola, and Robert Zemeckis.


    A fearsome lineup. Not far away, the Weinstein twins were having drinks, young and different, engaging in small talk with Bob Baker, Disney''s advertising director. In the distance, Michael Eisner (Disney''s president), along with Ron Meyer (Universal Studios executive), engaged in a heated conversation, leaving them both at a table while their companions chatted calmly, ignoring and forgetting words, as it should always be.


    Frank Biandi Jr. (president and CEO of Viacom Inc), alongside John Calley (Sony Pictures president), Terry Semel (Warner''s joint president), and others, all presidents and big bosses of the industry. There were some actors, but they were few. They were followed by the magnates in the middle, Rupert Murdoch (media and entertainment investor, owner of Fox), casually chatting at Frank Biandi Jr.''s table.


    Well, scattered around, there was a grand piano, some other investors, models, supermodels roaming the halls, beauty queens, and other birds in the area, unaware faces. But balance was needed; a party composed solely of men in suits did not constitute a festive atmosphere.


    In the room, it was no secret that Steven wanted to start his own company. Even the initial capital was provided by Universal Studios; concessions were made here and there, but the starting amount belonged to Universal.


    -Jim assured me the boy would come. The girls decided to change and freshen up; I lent them the limousine to come. It''s a done deal, - Cameron said.


    -I''m glad. I''ve been curious to meet this hurricane for some time now, - David Geffen said.


    -A fox, that''s what he is. He convinced George to join him. Whatever he said to him must have been magnificent. But the boy must have something for that old stubborn man to join and allow a stranger to have a say in his franchise, - Francis said.


    The table was silent; only those who had to speak spoke. Even Cameron preferred not to express an opinion and remain silent. Robert Zemeckis whispered things with his wife Mary Ellen Trainor. After the big success of Forrest Gump and his involvement in Braveheart, Robert Zemeckis urged the industry to recognize him more, and his seat at the current table meant something.

 222. businessmen’s party (part 2)

    8:30 pm, Winona''s apartment.


    The three girls were in a frenzy, going back and forth. Each one hoped to wear something suitable for a high-class party. The card handed by James Cameron made the eyes of the three women sparkle. Eager for the party, they decided to change, and despite the insistence of the three girls, Billy stayed in the living room, holding a small book borrowed from Julie to distract himself.


    -You look stunning in black, - Julie said aloud.


    -Lend me those high heels, the ones from Prada you wore recently, - Gwyneth requested.


    -Use the green ones; I left the Prada ones in Los Angeles, - Winona suggested.


    The shower was running, and Billy could only sigh as he observed the New York City skyline. The view was good, but the tall building in front blocked the view of the sea and bays, occasional features of New York. But there were also beautiful skyscrapers with views that only locals could consider a luxury.


    -I have makeup in the bottom drawer, - Winona mentioned.


    Billy decided to take a nap. Smartphones were indeed a boon for men in waiting rooms; they could catch up on work, organize emails, and plan future meetings. The allure of a cellphone was as captivating as a book, although Simone Beauvoir''s "The Second Sex" wasn''t exactly typical reading for a man.


    He fell asleep on Winona''s spacious couch while the girls rushed around, fixing their hair, taking showers, and taking their time getting ready for the grand gala, starting at 9:00 PM and lasting past 2:00 AM.


    *****************************************************************************


    9:55 PM, The Bowery Hotel.


    Silence hung over the table until Tom Hanks broke it. Curiosity was palpable; Rita Wilson, his spouse since 1988, was equally intrigued but maintained her silence. Tom''s closeness to some members of the table was more evident than his closeness to Rita.


    -Curiously, you ask, - Steven said, sounding knowing.  -You''ve made a movie for his company, - he added.


    Steven found it amusing how the kid had a knack for stating the obvious, making the evident in something simple. Tom knew it too, but the kid was austere, not very keen on common ways young people try to stand out. He didn''t give many interviews and was rather reserved.


    -I''ve made so many movies; I have no clue which one it could be, - Tom replied.


    Steven had no intention of saying it out loud; he knew well that the mystery was better left for moments like these. Robert Zemeckis had no idea either, but Francis Coppola did. In his long conversations with George Lucas,


    -I think, Tom, we just want to see the surprise on your face. Forgive these old folks for having fun with their colleagues. Soon, you''ll know, and you''ll say, ''How naive was I!'' - Francis Coppola said.


    -But he''s young! - Tom exclaimed.


    -Very young, and you know him, - Francis said, much to the amusement of Steven and David Geffen.


    ****************************************************************************


    10:00 PM, Winona''s apartment.


    -He fell asleep with his suit on, and now it''s all wrinkled, - Julie Delpy said, removing the cushion from Billy''s head.  -Come on, cowboy, we have a party to attend, and we''re right on time, - Julie added.


    Billy tried to wake up, but laziness enveloped him.


    -Your suit is all wrinkled, - Julie pointed out.


    -We can stop by my hotel; it''s just a few blocks away. Besides, it''s... 10:00 PM already. We''re an hour late, - Billy said, wiping his mouth, his eyes red and tired.


    -I have an iron in my room. Although I''m not an expert, I can press your blazer and that shirt, - Winona offered from the hallway, wearing a tight black dress that accentuated her curves. Her short black hair revealed her white neck adorned with a silver necklace.


    -You should do; you can''t attend with a wrinkled suit. After all, it''s an important party, - Julie said, taking Billy''s suit off, which surprised him as he entered the room.


    -Julie, pay attention; I can take it off myself, - Billy said, removing his wool jacket and blue shirt, revealing a white undershirt. He was skinny, but not as much as two years ago; he was starting to gain muscle mass in his arms and shoulders.


    -I''ll be back in a second, - Winona said, entering the room where Gwyneth was filing her nails and fixing her feet.


    Billy followed Winona into the room. - I can iron the suit; I usually do it, and it''s already a habit, - Billy said.


    -No, this iron is tricky; I hardly use it. I come to New York very rarely, but I know well that it can burn clothes in a split second. Just wait for me in the living room, and don''t make any noise; we''re already running late, - Winona said, ushering Billy out of the room. No one could compete with a determined woman, especially when she had already made up her mind, and more so if that person was a woman in a hurry.


    Billy raised his hands and went to his chosen armchair; the pants were somewhat wrinkled, but nothing too serious. Now, the weight of the week fell upon his mind; several meetings, documents to read, and projects to attend to wore down the young man''s party spirit.


    Julie wore a light blue, floor-length dress made of shiny material with sandals, while Gwyneth wore a white dress, more like a spring dress than a gala one, with bear-shaped earrings that emphasized her childish features.


    -Come try it on; it''s a bit hot, - Winona said, handing him the shirt, which now had fewer wrinkles, although it needed a good ironing on the back.


    -It fits perfectly. I think it''s time to go, - Billy said.


    -I''ll call a cab, - Winona said.


    -No need; Jim sent us a vehicle; it''s been waiting downstairs for about forty-five minutes. I''m sure he must be getting anxious, - Billy said, recalling the call he received some time ago.


    The three girls left cheerfully and ready to enjoy the party, although they didn''t know exactly which party they were heading to. They all looked beautiful, from makeup to dress to accessories. The journey was short; the hotel was only a few streets away, and the night only saw a few pedestrians and young people enjoying their last summer days.


    The hotel had a long entrance, and the invitation pointed to a special lounge for meetings on the top floor. What were they celebrating? Nothing in particular; it was more of a gathering of the upper class of the industry, accommodated by the festivities. Business was discussed, and some investors were consulted about certain projects. Deals were even closed in the meantime, with a few glasses of whiskey.


    On the 25th floor, the top floor, the three women went ahead, leaving Billy behind. He felt nervous for some reason; his heart was pounding from the moment they entered the hotel. The elevator provided a view of two large rooms and a small dance floor reserved. A piano could be heard in the distance, and some young women were dancing, but everyone was engaged in conversation.


    Julie spotted Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood chatting comfortably not far away. For the girls, it was a slightly elevated party, unlike Winona, who recognized some faces that, although unknown, were people deeply rooted in the industry, like Martin Sheen, more recognized for his politics and sociability.


    A young man no more than thirty, in a buttoned suit, approached them.  - You can follow me this way, - the young man said monotonously, followed by an inherent seriousness befitting his position. Two necessary rules for these types of parties: don''t ask questions and follow the rules. If the rules dictate to forget everything one sees or hears, he ensures that it''s forgotten.


    The young man''s gaze went to Billy; he subtly understood the design. There were many familiar faces, thanks to a study Anne conducted about the importance of knowing who the important people in the industry are��investors, producers, directors, administrators, executives, and presidents. In his mind, there were about three hundred photos, if necessary. He knew most of the people only in passing, and some he couldn''t recall their names, but he had a feeling they were important.


    -Well, let''s not keep them waiting, shall we? - Billy said, taking the entrance to the elder''s lounge. He could see his archenemies, giving them a quick scan, an overview, of Billy''s entrance, which was already known, obvious, and expected for some time.


    Billy knew it; this wasn''t a dance party or a silly gathering where people mingled; everyone here had some relevance, major or minor, in the intricacies of the industry. Some were merely wealthy and only checked on their investments, the percentages that came to light only when the stock prices surged or plummeted.


    -Mr. Carson, I haven''t had the pleasure of introducing myself, - Michael Eisner said from a table. -This is my friend, Ron Meyer, - he finished.


    -Mr. Meyer, Mr. Eisner. Indeed, we hadn''t had the fortune of meeting. Our thoughts are not far apart, - Billy greeted both bosses warmly. The three girls followed the bellboy''s lead to the table, expecting Billy to join them in the next few minutes.


    Only Winona''s doe eyes lingered on Billy, who knew Ron Meyer. This generated more mystery; Julie and Gwyneth shared thoughts contrary to Winona''s, but they didn''t pinpoint the significance of the two presidents.


    -I heard you''ve been dabbling in acting, - Michael Eisner remarked.


    -Indeed, I have, - Billy replied.


    -I suppose you know Ron Meyer; he''s the president of Universal. A very intelligent and capable person, who I''ve come to consider as an occasional friend in business, - Michael Eisner said.


    -I knew him as the president; a pleasure, Mr. Meyer, Billy Carson, - Billy said.


    -Who are you? - Meyer asked.


    -Owner of Lux Animation, Id Software, and Autodesk, - Billy replied.


    -Ah, how gratifying to see a young man like you; America is in good hands. Recently, you made several transactions, pulling strings in cable television. You acquired a distribution license for Woody Woodpecker, - Ron Meyer said.


    -In fact, we did. We''re pushing for the channel to air in October, and Woody Woodpecker is indeed part of our programming. In the future, we hope to discuss a remake; it''s a series with potential, - Billy said.


    -ABC owns most of the rights; we only have a few, and the license you have was granted because we didn''t use it. Let''s call it a concession, much better than wasting the remaining four years of the license, - Ron Meyer explained.


    -And we''ll make the most of it, - Billy affirmed.


    Not breaking the silence, disregarding that this wasn''t a regular conversation, the business undertone was always present, making it somewhat difficult for entrepreneurs to detach themselves from work once they got into it.


    -Well, Billy, we recently had a passionate discussion about the new Disney era and business directions. You also convinced me, of course, to leave the path clear, which I''ll value in the coming years. We have competition; however, my curiosity lies in what our apparent rival would think about the future of Disney, in the hypothetical realm of commercial strategies, - Michael Eisner asked.


    -We were discussing the business future, - Billy said.


    -We believe that strengthening the content and distribution of the company is the strong point of Hollywood companies. With enough space, to improve technical and entertainment content, Universal will hold the baton as the house that generates the best movies, with a solid group working on said creation, and of course, improving the delivery of our content. The success of Universal in recent years is just that, strengthening our content and improving its distribution to broader levels, - Ron Meyer said.


    -We follow a more ''create entertainment content for children of all ages'' idea. However, the entertainment experience cannot only be managed through movies and must be grouped into different sectors to help achieve these goals, such as a strong content company, television programs, television parks, sports, theater, and shows. Reform must be more than just expanding content; it''s about entertaining from all areas, -  Michael Eisner added.


    -Now it''s your turn, young man, - Michael Eisner said.


    -Although both companies have similar destinies, I understand you want to create a theme park on the occasion of Jurassic Park, - Billy said.


    Ron Meyer shifted uncomfortably.  -You''re right; since Jurassic Park, we''ll improve the designs, but it''s only part of our business creation and not our strategy. We want to join forces with many companies and focus on producing good television series and movies, - Ron Meyer said.


    Billy nodded at the words. Beyond a mere meeting, it was a discussion. What he would say now would have obvious consequences for the future of his company. Universal was clear; they were ready to negotiate with Lux Animation in terms of creation and distribution. While Michael advocated for all entertainment content, subtly present was the acquisition, a recurring topic. It wasn''t a threat by any means, but Disney sought to be a conglomerate.


    Their action plan was franchises; however, beyond a franchise, it''s about generating quality content in general. Telling long and prosperous linear stories is logical, but it''s also reasonable to say that Billy advocated for quality as well as proposals closer to Netflix-like streaming platforms.


    Lux Animation is based on - animation for all ages, - among many other ideas, such as perfecting blockbusters and organizing grand narratives. This leads to its second purpose: - telling stories that resonate with present, past, and future generations. -


    -Following both ideas, I believe both are valid. Fighting on two fronts is a daunting task in terms of investment, money, and of course, perspective. It''s not advisable to approach both with all the capital or assets of a company. Choosing one is correct while developing in other areas, such as growth, expansion, and affiliations, -- Billy said, pondering his words without committing. -- At Lux Animation, we believe that innovation is our area of work, along with established technological advancement, while maintaining the essence of my comics, - Billy added.


    -So, it''s technology, - Ron Meyer concluded.


    -It is. Cinema tells stories, as do books, comics, and video games. Technology will allow us to tell these stories from different angles, such as 3D. Imagine a hologram or projector spanning the entire Empire State Building. My company wants to narrate stories from the future, - Billy said.


    -Very flattering, but somewhat imaginative. Perhaps the proposal is aimed at 100 years in the future. For the next 10 years, where do you want to go? - Michael Eisner asked. sea??h th�� ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Graphics, special effects, 3D animation, - Billy replied.


    -Would you share such technology? - Michael Eisner inquired.


    -Of course, progress comes only through sharing. My company can''t do everything alone; however, I must make money to do so, - Billy responded.


    -From a business standpoint, not a visionary one, what goals would you have? - Michael commented.


    -Well, it''s more private; however, I can say that my focus is on ''animated programs for all ideas.'' For a long time, it''s been about raw, dark stories, stories that attract people so much. I have a consideration: emotions are what lead people to face art, attempting to delve into those emotions, more than fleeting fear or momentary laughter. What makes Shakespeare exceptional, or what makes Moli��re exceptional? Luck? These are abstract matters; I want to try to touch on those issues for my fans, from moral dilemmas, great tragedies, passionate romances, and fantastic stories that explore more than mere human obsessions, like fate, time, love, and the end, among so many things, - Billy said.


    -Interesting, - Michael said, settling in.


    A serious question was about to be asked, but it was interrupted by Winona approaching Billy, allowing for ample space and time for the patience of a director eagerly wanting to have a business chat with Billy.


    ...

 223. businessmen’s party (part 3)

    -Unfortunately, you can''t simply decline Michael Eisner and Ron Meyer, - David Geffen whispered to Steven, who nodded, aware of the young man''s position.


    The three girls, each beautiful with different attributes, were women with their strengths and characteristics. Winona approached to hug Francis Coppola, a close director friend, known to Winona for his sweet nature. She couldn''t help but sigh at the youthfulness of the party, an angel compared to Sophia Loren, a muse to many men.


    The table was divided. Her godmother''s wife took Gwyneth for a walk, while Julie Delpy decided to dance, even if she did it alone. She just wanted to get away from the atmosphere, heavy with old-timers. Julie knew where she wasn''t welcome, took a glass of champagne, and let the dance rhythm lead her. Her bright blue dress matched her dance, feeling more welcome surrounded by two models who had dazzled some people earlier that morning.


    Gwyneth returned more composed and took her place just as James Cameron positioned himself elsewhere, accompanied by some directors. Tom Hanks simply shook his head and sought a dance with his wife.


    -My dear girl, I never imagined seeing you here in New York, - Francis said.


    -What''s going on? - Winona asked, curiosity evident in her eyes, that lost mystery like many others.


    -Nothing. Go dance for a while. Enjoy the party. You can order any drink, there are snacks, and the best music money can buy. What worries me, dear, is that you''re not having fun - Francis said.


    -I''ll stay here for a while, - Winona said, in a gesture that seemed more immature than anything else.


    Steven pondered his watch; a slight gesture of explanation made Francis understand what he had to do. The three-way conversation was observed by others, who wielded a certain power in Michael Eisner''s uncommonly known ironclad gaze, some avoided his gaze, but Billy wasn''t scared of Michael''s gaze. It was the revealing of his secrets that he feared. Even though not evident in the future, with just a chat, Michael could unravel them and use them against him. A streaming platform war ten years earlier? Nobody would dream of it.


    The conversation continued for another half hour until Francis couldn''t delay it anymore. - Dear, could you bring your companion? I have a desire to have a chat with him, and it would amuse me not to wait until I''m sleepy, - Francis said.


    -Bring him, -Winona said, her expressive eyes widening. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, bring him, - Francis said.


    -Well, but whatever it is, you''ll tell me later, - Winona said, walking over to Billy, hearing something about destiny, love, tragedy... what were they talking about that had them so engrossed?


    She stepped a bit harder on the floor, with enough force for her steps to be heard.  -Sorry, I hate to interrupt, - Winona said.


    -Not at all. You''re not interrupting. Come, sit for a while, - Billy said, noticing the raised eyebrows of the two presidents. This was usually reserved for couples, a topic that Billy and Winona were unaware of because it was common for businessmen to only invite close associates to their discussions, such as a close partner.


    -For now, let''s finish this chat. You''re young and have other concerns. We invite you to your opening in October. I want to see your finished project with my own eyes, - Ron Meyer said.


    -Of course, consider it done. I''ll also send you an invitation, Mr. Eisner, if you''d like to attend, - Billy said.


    -That would be all, son, - Michael Eisner said.


    They said their goodbyes, and Billy knew his night was far from over from the expressions of the people in tune. Billy took Winona''s hand, and for the first time, he felt some anger at Winona''s recklessness. - You shouldn''t have interrupted me, - he whispered, drowned out by the music.


    It was the first time the woman received such a clear reprimand from Billy, the first time she saw anger on Billy''s face. Instinctively, she recoiled in a gesture of submission and apology.


    -I''m sorry, - Winona stammered, oblivious to the situation. The panic in the woman''s eyes was disheartening; she didn''t like being harsh.


    -It''s nothing, just don''t do it again. Though it would be good if you followed Julie''s lead. Go to the dance hall and have fun. I''ll join you as soon as I finish up here. And no, it''s private, - Billy said.


    -Yes, - Winona whispered, not behaving that way even when she vomited on his shirt.


    Billy led her to a bar and ordered a glass of water and a glass of white wine for his companion. She explained that apparently, Steven Spielberg was looking for him. Among the important factors, there were two clear and expedient facts. She recounted that he was somewhat famous, and they wanted a private chat. In some details, it was a priority to satisfy some private chat; she presumed it was a business, and it wouldn''t be otherwise for them to be so mysterious.


    The empty table was now occupied by only two people. She watched from afar, more reserved now, following the instructions, she made her way to the bar and looked for Julie, who was dancing alone. Gwyneth was engaged in a conversation with others.


    -Good evening, gentlemen, - Billy said, facing Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.


    The dreamy conversation now was just a sought-after discussion. Steven knew well that, although Universal had provided some resources and loans, his position was precarious, and at best, a futile endeavor in the coming years. It would end up failing like the independent studios that followed. The goal of cinema was a goal that couldn''t be forgotten for Steven''s dreamy thoughts.


    -Good evening, Mr. Carson. I didn''t expect our meeting to take this long, - Steven said.


    -Initially, I wasn''t expecting a meeting. A party, perhaps, something more reserved to avoid cameras. But now I see that this is not just a party; it''s something deeper, - Billy said, almost wanting to hit himself, to crash with force, to crash with his naivety. Now he was in a tentative, more logical business setting.


    -Well, I don''t want to interrupt your evening with the lovely ladies by your side, and I certainly don''t want to cause any inconvenience, -Steven said, smoothly worded, without many introductions. - I have a dream, ever since my success and achievement, I began to believe that my goal was further than just simple. I have very deep ideas. My path is beyond; the creation of a company that rivals the major production studios. An animation company that allows our creativity not to be diluted and our efforts not to be mere commercial exploitation by the companies, - Steven Spielberg narrated, inspired by everything he had to say.


    -How do I fit into all of this? - Billy asked.


    -Don''t get me wrong, you''ve undertaken many activities that can be called a challenge. You''ve produced two films that pose a challenge to the major studios. Our goal is the same: to create a film company. Something gives me a premonition, and it''s a free afternoon. It''s known that as a company, you can never be free from the clutches of investment. One misstep, and we all fall, - Steven Spielberg said.


    It wasn''t true, as Billy balanced his accounts, and the actual value of creating movies wasn''t particularly extensive. The Hollywood system fails due to two essential things: people in the industry seek to make money, from producers to coordinators, investors, and animators themselves, all seeking more money. The real value of "The Lion King" was $9 million, for "Toy Story," it didn''t exceed $20 million, but more money is involved when producers want more money, directors ask for a portion of the box office, everyone seeks to earn more money.


    The principle of Lux Animation is to embellish creativity and pay salaries, bonuses, and gifts. Billy didn''t work on projects. He emphasizes work and payments, which at the end of the year, can result in a giant value, a doubled weight, making it cheaper than hiring per project, since the norm in Hollywood is to reward success.


    -It''s true; owning a film company is a mountainous task, -Billy said.


    -You don''t want a merger, and that''s logical. Your company, born of such success, doesn''t want foreign hands meddling, but for me, it''s necessary to enjoy an alliance that helps us confront the years of hardships. I''m not a man who leaves things to chance, - Steven said.


    -An alliance, - Billy said.


    -More than that, my boy. I hope to have your hand in the future. I''ve closely followed your work, and I do not doubt that you are a preferred partner. Are you willing to bet on DreamWorks? As an initial offer, we need money to start the company''s operations. Think about it, although a merger wouldn''t hurt us, -- Steven said, handing over a card. -- You can call me when you make a decision; don''t delay. I expect great things. -


    The future was beginning to stir.


    ...

 224. businessmen’s parties (part 4)

    -What Steven means is that your entrepreneurial development as an agent has demonstrated that it''s possible to create things without being answerable to the big companies that dominate the market. For a long time, the animation world hasn''t seen the kind of shake-up you''ve brought about. Your movies, brimming with animated characters, have caught the attention of many. If you were to offer your company tomorrow, any corporation wouldn''t hesitate to pay the price for it. Of course, it''s logical. Success attracts success, - said David Geffen.


    -It''s flattering. You can count on my assistance, though my financial support alone isn''t enough to cover ambitious investments. However, I can invest a few million if you decide to create an animation studio, - said Billy, knowing two relevant things about these two individuals: they are people to be feared, and their likely alliance could bring about some headaches, as it did when negotiating with Warner. However, Spielberg''s golden figure could blind, once was enough to learn from his mistakes.


    -Animation? - asked Steven.


    -Yes, animation. From the Pixar studio, we have some ideas that don''t fit Pixar''s profile. They could be used from different angles or by another 3D animation company. Also, I can sell you my animation technology at an affordable price. The investment will speak for itself. With Autodesk and Pixar, we believe that software development can deliver better animations. We''ve set up a license for three years with a wide range of capabilities, such as 3D animation studio and 2D animation studio, - said Billy.


    -Ohhh, quite the capitalist lad, - Spielberg chuckled.


    -Business waits for no one, gentlemen. My products speak for themselves. We invest year after year, money and effort in improving our animation equipment. Average animation houses invest money in their software. But is that what they want? Sometimes it''s only achieved through necessity. But if there''s a company that can fulfill the service, - said Billy.


    The subscription, one of the first services created by Pixar, was encoding an application for the company''s animation services, as well as the most important aspect: security. Three million for three years, the list of potential clients, seven universities, with CalArts being profiled among them. The subscription allowed the use of 20 pieces of equipment; for more than twenty pieces of equipment, the price rose considerably to 12 million for the three years. A product of Autodesk and Pixar. For universities, a 60% discount was offered, considered an educational bonus, bringing more animators to Pixar and forming alliances. However, these universities didn''t request more than 20 equipment.


    -An interesting idea, which we''ll keep for when it''s necessary. Although my team isn''t interested in animation, we could potentially make a movie perhaps every five years, - said Steven Spielberg, who already had an animated film from Amblin, not rushed; it was a testing of the animated market, which had been thriving since the 90s with the wonderful movies both Disney and in 1993 Lux Animation had developed.


    -It''s a pity, - said Billy.


    -We''re still going through all the procedures; the company is in its infancy. We want to plan our development as a company and strike when the iron is hot. That''s why I ask you again: Are you with us or not? - asked Steven Spielberg.


    -You can count on me; our alliance is tentative, - said Billy.


    -Well, that''s interesting. As a gesture of goodwill to a future partner, Sony Columbia, who has a tentative alliance with your company��emphasizing tentative��has been sounding out your animation studio. Perhaps they want a business deal, a purchase. They''ve delicately probed your company, - said Steven Spielberg.


    -Like all companies. Thanks for the information, - said Billy. The conversation was settled, not far away, Steven and Geffen resumed their conversation. Not far away, Michael Orvitz had a friendly conversation with Michael Eisner, while Billy approached the ballroom, a dance floor that now only fostered a classic Viennese waltz, much simpler and accommodating to the dedicated style.


    Billy was interrupted by a greeting from an old acquaintance, Terry Semel. A man who had hovered in the thoughts of many at Lux Animation for his analogous ability to separate Billy from Warner, a mistake, but from the board, the growth of Lux Nation as a threat was seen, that if space was left to grow, it would annex Warner without any remorse.


    -Billy Carson, I didn''t expect to see you here, lad, - said Terry Semel.


    -Again, it''s a pleasure to see you, Mr. Semel. I heard you were promoted. Congratulations! - said Billy.


    -Unfortunately, it''s only altered my way of working. I haven''t rested properly since I was promoted. Among my many ideas, Warner continues to grow and expand as a company, - said Terry Semel, who has been president and CEO of Warner Bros. since the beginning of the year.


    -I see, your work sounds bitter. You''ve done a good job, - said Billy.


    -Very bitter, lad. But, as you come from heaven. Warner will continue to fight in the courts. Now I see it''s a futile struggle. Your resources are deeper than we expected, and the business terrain will be open to you soon. However, you have a deficiency in the project reception area. I would recommend having a development executive to evaluate movie or television show ideas and an acquisitions executive, a small group that will make you money, - said Terry Semel.


    -We''re growing slowly, but the position has been considered. For now, I serve as a development executive, and I have many activities in mind, - said Billy.


    -Certainly, we''ll send a settlement offer. Don''t expect a better one, - said Terry Semel.


    -Indeed, Mr. Semel, I''ll review your offer carefully, - said Billy.


    The idea of a settlement wasn''t something Billy would expect from Warner Brothers, which was, curiously, run by two people who had been hitting Lux Animation. Even Billy was irritated by exchanging words that sounded more like an awkward chat than a conversation. He didn''t expect a good offer, just another ploy to squeeze more money out of the company, or time, maybe they needed time.


    Although Terry Semel''s words sounded like a temptation, there was something deep and hateful in his thoughts, as a director of development and content acquisitions. The only problems, offering opportunities to some creatives from the Academy of Arts, and some impressive resumes that addressed management.


    He saw Julie Delpy in an aromatic conversation with two other women; Gwyneth was participating, and Winona was settling in a more distant corner, sipping a glass of wine or champagne.


    -You seem upset, - said Billy, taking a seat beside Winona.


    -I''m not, - Winona replied.


    -Well, you seem to be. I am too. I just feel like going to a real party. If I stay a second longer in this room, I think I''ll have to face another four businessmen eager to discuss some particulars I don''t feel like dealing with, - said Billy.


    -Sounds nicer than the simple music we have here, but the paparazzi would catch us the moment we step into the club. It''s not usually the case, but Johnny told me it''s the manager of the establishment who usually calls them, you know, whenever they mention the place, - said the girl with a sigh.


    -Unfortunately, - said Billy. Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Was everything okay? - Winona asked.


    -It''s nothing, just business talks, - replied Billy.


    -I didn''t expect you to be in the Hollywood business. Gwyneth asked her godmother if you were James Cameron''s nephew. You have a certain style. I don''t see the connection, - said the girl, smiling, her cheeks chubby.


    -James? My uncle, not at all, -- the boy encouraged, surprised. -- It''s just a good relationship. Oh, James threw me to the wolves, according to Jim, my agent. He explains clearly that Hollywood is a whirlwind of social relationships, and I should always maintain composure when dealing with the industry. I go with the flow most of the time and operate on my intuition, - said Billy.


    -Good advice. You men have it easier sometimes. Sometimes, going with the flow feels like I''d go crazy. Sometimes we''re nothing more than commodities in the eyes of cinema. You''d be surprised how many times I''ve been asked to undress, - Winona said in a delicate whisper, understanding well that the thought was dangerous and degrading, depending on whose ears heard her thoughts.


    -Why don''t you leave it? For a while maybe, a vacation to relieve your stress. You''ve been making movies vigorously since a young age. Mental health is as necessary as physical health, - Billy asked.


    -It''s not that simple, - Winona said.


    ...

 225. fashion week (part 2)

    The early morning dawned, and Billy braved the chill in his scanty attire. The Californian cold brought gusts of wind, while a thousand kilometers away, the Atlantic cold bore a different character.


    -I''ll take a stroll, - said Billy, glancing at Julie, who nodded attentively. Unlike Billy, she knew her hotel was less than six blocks away. She preferred walking, even if her heels killed her, threading through the dark streets of New York to sober up from the alcohol she''d imbibed before retiring for the night.


    -See you tomorrow. Let''s hope there are no more surprises, - said Julie, bidding farewell to Winona and Gwyneth, exchanging kisses. Both seemed livelier after bonding more closely. Meanwhile, Billy found himself accosted by another trio of businessmen and some investors.


    It would be logical to say it had been a productive night, but the fun wasn''t so clear. As Billy bid farewell to the two young women, Gwyneth, the sweet girl, approached Billy with a gesture that caused discomfort due to her daring neckline.


    -Tomorrow, it''s the remaining fall collections, - she said, a blonde with a discordant attitude to her angelic appearance.


    -Rest well, - said Billy, hoping both girls would get into the black car, courtesy of the godfather. Julie chatted casually with an investor, whom Julie, at a glance and at her urging, wanted to take to bed. Julie, however, escaped with quick apologies. She was a charming blonde who wouldn''t be in her youth, her prime years tied to the cinema. Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, at this hour, there''s a pizzeria still open. Fancy a quick bite? - Julie suggested.


    Billy nodded. The pace he kept was what they called an obvious tourist in the city of New York. His three previous outings were only quick outings, and with companions, but he knew some streets, and the night only prevented him from seeing the days.


    -It''s a bit out of the way, but it''s one of the few 24-hour places that serves decent pizza. By the way, I hope you don''t have gastritis, - Julie said.


    -No, I''d love pizza. Haven''t eaten anything since lunch, - said Billy.


    -It was a busy afternoon. Who would have expected my favorite director at a high society party? He told me his reasoning about my favorite movie. I certainly hoped to dance all night, but you don''t see Oliver Stone so willing to chat every day. I found him on a red carpet; he didn''t even look at me. Now I think I was attractive, - Julie said, pulling out a cigarette and offering it while stopping to light it.


    Oliver Stone, is globally renowned for three films, "Platoon," "Wall Street," and "JFK."


    -Sounds familiar, - said Billy.


    -For heaven''s sake, well... that doesn''t matter. I just like how he manages to incorporate politics into his works. Nothing out of this world. He''s not my favorite, but he''s one of my favorites, on this side of the continent, - Julie said.


    They walked through a dark alley, which caused Billy a bit more distrust, but Julie was so sure the shortcut would lead them to Eighth Avenue, apparently it was quite popular, "Tick Tock Diner" in the heart of Manhattan.


    -Well, we''ve arrived, - said Julie, entering the place. It was warm. It was a relief.


    The first thing Julie noticed was that there were no pizza slices.


    -I think it''ll be breakfast. Anyway, I''m craving some eggs and bacon, - Julie said, sitting at a table near the bar. Across from it, was served by a woman with dark circles under her eyes.


    -Ouch, honey, you look exhausted, - said Julie.


    -Tell me about it. It''s been a disaster of a week. How can I help you? - said Grace, as it read on her badge, a white oval plastic stapled to her blue uniform.


    -Let me decide! We want breakfast, for this big guy, make it double, with juice, and for me, coffee. You can also bring a basket of bread. We''re very hungry, - said Julie.


    Grace noted it down, then gave a loud shout. The orders were in the kitchen. As Julie said, after immersing themselves in the Nirvana song that played incessantly since Kurt''s passing, the music gained an inevitable popularity of a celebrity''s magnitude, the lead singer of Nirvana, playing on the radio from time to time, not to mention Michael Jackson in between, still the king of pop.


    -I had the chance to go to the last gig, well, the second to last public gig. But I decided to spend the money on a plane ticket to Florida. What a silly thing to do, now I regret it a bit, - Julie said.


    -I''ve never been to a concert, - said Billy into the air.


    -Are you kidding? - Julie asked.


    -No, not at all. I don''t have much freedom, - said Billy.


    -Too bad for you. In Europe, we can sneak off to a concert, any concert. You have to feel the electricity in the air, people chanting a song, shaking their necks, someone pushing you and saying, ''What''s up brother?''-  Julie said, imitating a man''s voice.


    Billy couldn''t help but laugh at the image of little Julie being harassed by a bearded thug; it would be quite the opposite, the bearded thug wouldn''t be able to help but apologize upon seeing little Julie with her hippie aura.


    -Done, if we have time, let''s go to a concert. Just hope I don''t have to duel, - said Billy.


    -Duel? You sound like an old man, - said Julie, as the food tray arrived, a pitcher of black coffee brought by Grace. The lotus position to settle in for eating, a habit formed by the blonde, or so Billy inferred, a routine made, first tying her hair into a ponytail while forming her lips into a ''U'', and preparing to eat, observing what she liked least and eating it, saving the best for last.


    Having breakfast in the early hours would likely mean an early start, thought Billy, avoiding, and not dwelling on work while eating, was a recurring theme. He ate quickly and silently, paying no attention to his surroundings, not even when Julie, holding a coffee in hand, watched Billy devour his food with such concentration that she could only admire the man to his fullest.


    His bacon and eggs were delicious, his toast complemented the coffee.


    The next morning, Billy was already awake. He was tired; the day had been long. The agenda for the day was to draw until lunchtime, with a touch of romance. He understood that he needed to get down to work, to select the chapters. 190 extra chapters needed to be done down to the smallest detail, and the deliveries had to be completed by the end of this visible year. A total of 120 chapters, doing all the work slowly, striving to draw 14 chapters of Samurai X and 12 of Shaman King. The periodic deliveries of four books were just a dream; however, he needed to send at least ten.


    The doorbell interrupted his work.


    ...

 226. interactions.

    Lux Animation had a new bombshell in the form of the great new businessman Jim Gianopulos, taking charge of all the company''s affairs, organizing what the company had, a small campaign for three movies, 7 animated series, and a series of licenses that seemed almost absurd in quantity. However, on paper, the only notable license he found was that of Woody Woodpecker. These Japanese series didn''t grab his attention as much as he thought, but the boss spoke about the quality of the series and the endearing stories that would catch the attention of many people.


    There was a pending issue; the first starting point was a note from a week ago, the first bombshell of the job. Fox refused to deliver the series, the very famous Power Rangers, and the previous problems regarding the use of funds. Saban was undoubtedly a smart guy, and Jim Gianopulos would have to deal with solving some problems with Saban''s company and consequently, quickly search with Fox, which, with its recent popularity of Fox Kids, was trying to achieve success again. Once again, confidential files mentioned that Power Rangers'' annual profits were $6 million in peripheral sales and advertising revenue distributed, and profits would only increase.


    In a red circle, it mentioned the future profit in twenty years and the price of a possible sale, no less than $300 million, which seemed absurd to him, a price that Jim didn''t consider logical.


    But even more illogical was that they had just signed a 12-year license with Star Wars, for three movies and four animated series. It was a considerable gamble that, according to reports and summaries, Billy talked about an illogical, gigantic profit of at least $900 million by the end of the license.


    -Good morning, Anne, - said Jim Gianopulos, from his phone, connecting him with a network of top executives.


    -Jim, I hope you''re calling to greet me and not to give me more work, - said Anne.


    -Of course not, I just want to call that boy Raimon, director of operations, the one in charge of most of the intricacies, and I''d like to know the budget I''ll have for the coming months, - said Jim Gianopulos.


    -For now, only relevant operations, we don''t need to create more content this year. However, Billy expects the budget for 1995 to be $9 million, and he expects it to double to $18 million for 1996. In the following years, we expect the value to continue rising. For now, you''ll take care of relations with Sahin Saban, with the television program, the search for new important projects for the coming years, distribution, and acquisitions, - said Anne, repeating Jim''s duties for the third time.


    -When could I see young Raimon? - said Jim.


    -He''ll arrive next week; he''s in charge of expanding the distribution company, strengthening contracts, and tentatively entering the European market. You can go to Los Angeles, and well, you''re now the boss in entertainment matters. Raimon can be the director of operations, but you''re the capable man who has been in the business for over 14 years. You''ll surely help a lot, - said Anne.


    -Sure, you can send me the phone numbers and someone who can keep me informed of all the situations. I think I can help; my job was distribution, - said Jim Gianopulos.


    -I''ll send Rachel, and Jim, a happy first day at work. Jolie is reviewing the contracts for the team you brought. Unlike you, they will have a two-year contract, depending on your results; they will be given a permanent contract afterward, - said Anne.


    She was rested, more alert, and alive. With the new hires, her rest was more extensive, and she could relax. Let Jim take care of everything he wanted; on the other hand, she could focus on solidifying the company. She needs to streamline processes, review minor contracts, and ensure that everyone is doing their job well. She will oversee everyone, now that the heavy burden of animation no longer falls on her.


    The accounts are in healthy numbers, and she has enough money to pay off all debts, at least the closest ones


    ****************************************************


    For Armand Millester and Raimon, organizing the entire distribution process is complicated. Now, after numerous calls, he understood that negotiating agreements with numerous exhibitors was more difficult, as well as expanding into Europe, only in special places that have had much more influence, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and curiously Austria. It was surprising how the development was starting to unfold.


    -Anne just called me, she''s saying they hired a great guy, one who has a lot of experience working at Fox, he''s a skilled guy. He has great abilities, or at least that''s what it seems, - said Armand Millester.


    -Well, better, - said Raimon, wiping the sweat, the small place only had one fan and that fan worked, but it blew air every 30 seconds, it was stuffy and sweaty, and for the first time, he wished he could go to the beach.


    -You can do everything you can. I''ll try for now to establish connections; let''s hope the new boss, a skilled man, can solve everything better. It''s said he has a team, - said Armand.


    Both continued dialing numbers, making calls, sending emails, and using a contact guide to establish connections with regional distributors, which would help expand their distribution. A solid relationship has been established with Canada and most of the United States.


    But Europe was a tough nut to crack.


    -I wouldn''t say I like it. With all my heart. They just hung up on me, - said Raimon.


    -Don''t worry, there are 25 distributors in Europe who distribute to most of Europe, and others smaller, but we''re starting, - said Armand. Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    **********************************************************


    The doorbell rang.


    Billy woke up from his drawings; Julie and Gwyneth entered, both girls were cheerfully dressed and imparted one thing: they wanted to go for a walk in Central Park to have a few drinks. The day was beautiful, and the girls were eager.


    -I''ll be down in a second, - said Billy, hearing the two cheerful voices of the women behind the door, he tidied up his things as best as he could, organizing his comics.


    Both women were happy and ready, Gwyneth, both women were laughing.


    -Billy, we''ve decided you must see Central Park, - said Julie Delpy.


    -Sure, I''ll see you in the lobby, I''ll be down in a few minutes, - said Billy.


    Both women nodded.


    -Ten minutes, cowboy, don''t take more than ten minutes. I hope you don''t take any longer, or you''ll see two angry women who will behave in the worst way you could imagine, - said Julie.


    Gwyneth nodded in agreement, like a rapper, extending her slender arms provocatively in a way that mostly elicited laughter.


    Both women were friends, or something similar to friends. He didn''t bring sportswear, only suits, and some jeans; he was short on clothes. He grabbed a beige suit with a pink shirt, and no tie, trying to be as casual as he could.


    -Billy, let''s go, we have to be on the runways by 4, you need to hurry up as much as you can, - said Julie, enthusiastically, something had changed.


    They walked through the streets, oblivious to or unaware of what they were experiencing, caring only to move forward. Central Park was everything the great park portrayed; it surrounded an endless number of tourists, young people, children, and adults as pedestrians. There was no doubt it was beautiful, even the ducks were picturesque.


    They set up camp under a clearing, with nothing more than a basket of sandwiches and bottles of water from the hotel. They enjoyed the view calmly, without questions, just peace; a memorable moment. He didn''t see Winona for the rest of the week, nor Gwyneth, who also left for a job.


    He woke up from his dream of colors, a routine established by Billy, as he boarded a train to start filming the love drama, "Before Sunrise."

 227. before sunrise

    S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut, - said the director, ecstatic about the perfect scene they just captured.


    -Julie, - called the director, Richard Linklater. "You have to see this scene," he said.


    There was a certain work aura between the two; each worked at a slow pace, reviewing the shots carefully, from slight adjustments in the frame to the extras, and the dialogue. It was the fourth take, shot from multiple angles, to determine which would be the appropriate recording for the rest of the film. What was curious was that they were actually on a moving train, heading to Vienna, nothing like adding realism to the film, already shot with only two cameras and minimal lighting.


    Billy was reading the medieval book; it was interesting. With Julie, they had bought some second-hand books written in English; she read in French and was teaching him a bit.


    -Awesome, - said Julie.


    There was a thumbs-up, which made Billy happy.


    -What do we do now? - asked Billy.


    -Well, we have to wait until we get to Vienna. We''ve already done the recordings while the train is moving. Now it''s your turn, the guy who invites the girl to walk around Vienna in a daring gesture, - said Julie.


    -I hope Celine says yes; I would be embarrassed if she left the train with her, - said Billy.


    -I''d worry more about filming quickly, although your performance has been more than perfect, and you usually fit the script to a T. We only have 45 minutes before the train departs; we must film all the scenes as quickly as possible, -said Julie.


    -Try not to drag us, Julie, - said Billy.


    Julie made a gesture of offense. - Mr. Perfect, I hope you know well that I am the one who enhances the performance; you''re just the pretty face that attracts women to the cinema. I, on the other hand, am the muse of filmmakers, - said Julie.


    They had been working hard for two weeks, method acting, playing lovers, walking from one place to another, finding sorrow and embarrassment, being intimate without crossing the line. They gained something tempting, an accumulation of interest, even Richard had joked that he could cut the tension with a kitchen knife, pointing at himself, cutting the air with a knife. The evidence he provided was necessary for the film. Sometimes, Billy''s voice faltered when he tried to say something; he was deep into the role, like Julie, blending essence and sharing thoughts.


    -Maybe you should read it, - said Julie, handing him George Bataille''s Eye. - I finished it last night, in a marathon; I hardly slept, but it was worth it to delve into the author''s ironic perspective. Well, I wouldn''t call it ironic, - said Julie, placing her hand on his elbow. For the next fifteen minutes, Billy could only focus on Julie''s hand, how her thin hands felt through, it was so human that his body was screaming at him to kiss her with the strength and possessiveness of a wolf. Adoring her, but also devouring her entirely.


    ...

 228. How to make a love movie.

    A love movie is a shared challenge between a man and a woman that must be ironized in less than two hours, three for Titanic. A love story that convinces the audience, and hypnotizes them, with its argumentative structure to a few who prefer the circle of romance, the renegades who deny otherwise, do not respond to the fact that love movies are at most, movies made to empathize with couples, from those seeking love, others who watch with interest, and even some who reject it but see in movies an idea of romantic love that attracts at first sight.


    Billy rested on Julie''s legs, paying attention only to the soft sound; Julie''s humming was enough for Billy to hear and for others not to hear.


    -What''s that song? - Billy asked.


    -AC/DC, - said Julie.


    -You''re crazy, - Billy replied, amused to think the song was something more romantic and endearing than that rock song, pure rock, speakers in the air. Sometimes Julie always surprised him with ideas that were beyond his imagination, from some strange foods, street restaurants, street stalls, and vintage shops, they had done everything, even the clothing was second-hand, in a clothing store in France. At an economical price, they washed it with boiling water before using it.


    -I''m educating you; you should know about the good music you''re missing. Tomorrow it''ll be Bob Marley, - said Julie, tracing Billy''s eyebrows with her finger, giving him a shiver; the small movement brought a smile to Julie''s face.


    They continued in peace; Billy decided to read his thick book on medieval history. He found three gigantic tomes on medieval history collected in a dusty corner; they were books that caught his attention the most because of the images, in the form of an encyclopedia, the size was a bit larger than a pocketbook; he dedicated himself to a thorough investigation of the Middle Ages, reading with Julie, in cafes or before going to bed.


    -We''re here, - said Julie, seeing the train stop; the location gave a desire that they would have 45 minutes to perform a scene, with two people who were bordering on demanding, it was a complete challenge.


    -Cut, - said the director, the small team of assistants raised their thumbs in agreement, everything perfectly.


    -We''ll redo the shot, this time, from Julie''s side. I want you to add some improvised shots at the end of the speech; we''ll see if it''s worth adding some more suspense, - said the director.


    It was one of the exercises; Billy performed a scene with Julie, following the script perfectly, and they performed another scene, this time, playing with the art of improvisation.


    -Give me a few seconds, - said Julie, thinking about the scene and how to improve it; she felt that Billy was a great actor, not just a passing one, he was a great actor, a rich kid with a director uncle and most likely a producer father, but it didn''t take away from his acting talent.


    -Is everything okay, Julie? - Billy asked.


    -Nothing, I''m just refreshing my work, - said Julie. Billy was a method artist, but he also followed many steps from the English school, playing with his posture, and idealizing the character in his way, adding details imitated from others, not necessarily part of the method. Billy not only worked hard but also had a system that helped; it was almost double the work, but it was worth it, as he developed such skill.


    Contrary to her work with Mili, who sought competition, Julie retreated and immersed herself in projecting the role she wanted to play. Once challenged, Julie was depressed.


    Julie came with a determined look after ten minutes; the performance promised. The next scene was repeated due to a graphic error.


    -Scene 3. Take 3, - said Richard.


    -Cut, - said Richard.


    Billy let out a sigh; he was holding his breath while acting. Julie knew at that moment that Billy''s intensity would continue throughout the shoot; it was something she couldn''t overlook; it was his method; it was an intensity of immersing himself in the role; he seemed like a lovestruck boy. Very much in love.


    -Let''s do the last take. We have ten minutes; I hope you follow the words from the last take; you have them, - Richard asked.


    -I''ll do the best I can, - said Julie, preparing for another acting journey that she knew was pushing her to the limit; it was the first time in her films that she found such a vibe, such power, to attack, in an actor. She had encountered it before, of course, but not against her.


    That was stealing the scene. That was what the actors said, that one person dominated the scene, Billy dominated it, directing his character, even though she wouldn''t doubt that Richard focused more on him than on her. That doesn''t matter! What matters is that she''s being overtaken, crossed in her field��thought Julie.


    ...


    We continue with the recurring journey of making more publications, two, in my fanfics, I will continue writing the pace has been fast, we are going on Patreon in chapter 277, although I have drafts up to 282.


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 229. in the best Viennese style

    Jim Gianopulus''s work was consistent; alongside Raimon and Armand Millester, they organized the entire place. Jim''s presence lent credibility to the company; he had cultivated relationships at Fox and his most experienced work was in independent cinema. Moreover, he had a connection with the Sundance Film Festival. Quickly, all the details in North America were settled so fast that Armand and Raimon''s work seemed futile.


    -I think it was Anne''s best hire. Leave me the numbers, but dealing with pompous people isn''t my thing, - said Raimon.


    -We do what we can, kid. It wasn''t always this way. The person I am now is different from when I started my university career. I was younger and made many mistakes; I looked up and couldn''t solve things easily. Reports were one of my big problems, son. Don''t let that stop you. Now I have the perspective to lead a steadily growing company as a director and executive, answering only to the owner. I wanted success, and now I feel successful, - said Jim Gianopulus, patting Raimon, knowing that closeness, not disinterested advice, was all he needed throughout his life. His father advised him and wasn''t ashamed of who he was and what he did.


    -I hope so. Billy has many goals. There was that time we drank beer, and he said, ''I can go beyond just creating a simple company. In five years, we''ll be competing for our place in the industry. First will be animation, then documentaries, followed by television series, and finally, movies,'' -Raimon repeated, recounting an anecdote he only told to trusted people. His chubby arms moved up and down; he wore a new gray watch.


    -It sounds like a bold assertion. Do you think it''s possible to achieve what young Billy is claiming in the next five years? Don''t tell anyone, but I even reduced my salary with the perspective of the company, directing my project, creative freedom, guiding the company, having a voice in my annotations, and of course, continuing to learn, - said Jim.


    -100% with all my heart. Billy will achieve it; there''s no doubt about that, - said Raimon.


    So sure of Billy''s success that it made an impression on Jim Gianopulus.


    ��.


    August 24


    Vienna was an ancient place. The halls were lined with thick stone or concrete walls. They had taken numerous walks around Vienna, mapping out a route. For now, they were just getting used to organizing their time. Now the weather was turning colder; at night, you could feel the cold freezing your bones. Billy wasn''t a fan of cold weather, and it showed as his body shivered every minute.


    -I think just having a leather jacket as my only attire doesn''t suit me, - said Billy.


    -The Californian climate isn''t as healthy as you think. You''ve become weak to the weather. Now we have to improvise for the next shot; there''s a blanket store around here. I could use buying a blanket, - said Julie.


    They had been filming for fifteen days, and the interference between Billy and Julie continued to accumulate, with numerous reverent encounters. They would start filming halfway through, in places where the night wasn''t as uncomfortable without skipping many scenes. It was the linear moment that gave the actors continuity, but the fairground shoot could be done since most of it was filmed at night.


    Although they forgot about the kiss, for tomorrow evening, it had to be at sunset when both poured their hearts into kisses and established romance. After they got off the train, both were overshadowed by fear and nervousness. Julie/Celine was always a very understanding person, but only with Jessi/Billy did the way they both begin to get to know each other open Celine to that sweet and romantic side. Celine was a woman who endured and tolerated; she endured.


    Celine loved Jessi, his way of thinking, acting, and of course, his way of expressing certain thoughts that ended up astounding her. They caused certain sensations that Julie had to manage to resolve.


    -Everything wraps up for today, - said Billy, eager to get into a bath and take a good shower. - We need to keep waiting for the next shots. �C


    -We should grab something to eat, - said Julie.


    -I''m not really in the mood for food, - said Billy, exhausted.


    -Plus, we have to get up early tomorrow, - the guy added.


    -That''s true. We have to get up early, but it''s important, and now you''ve ruined the surprise. It''s not fair. There''s a band playing out here. They''re not great, but there will be four groups performing, and we can go, to satisfy your lack of musical knowledge, - said Julie.


    -Let''s go, -said Billy.


    Accepting his fate, he knew he would soon find himself in a small dive, with guitarists playing at full volume on their electric guitars, which didn''t exactly excite him. Like a mysterious detective, Julie guided him the whole time, even taking a few turns. The architecture only encouraged Billy to observe; many images could be captured from this view. Animators who want to establish an image of an era or a city do this kind of fieldwork, something he has done little of, but now he understands, with his knowledge of existing memories.


    -I should plan a tour of all the great cities, - Billy thought, remembering the book he wants to animate, a linear film of Frankenstein that adheres to the book. However, now that he''s in Vienna, adding philosophy could be a significant consideration, life, Genesis, a science fiction birth of its own.


    -We''re here, - said Julie.


    To Billy''s surprise, they were jazz bands, jazz bands that opened up certain forms. The music began to play, a strong piano with colors playing tun, fast and powerful, disorderly and fast��it was wonderful.


    They had Sturm, clearly two main things. This was a type of wine, fruity, almost certainly not aged much, sweeter, and partially fermented, it had a certain taste for people who didn''t want to get drunk.


    -What''s this? - asked Billy.


    -It''s Sturm. But you can order beer if you don''t want it, - said Julie.


    -Beer would just liven me up, but I prefer to be clear-headed for tomorrow, - said Billy.


    -Why are you being so mysterious? - Julie asked.


    -I''m just enjoying the concert; it''s my first concert, - the young man commented.


    -Now you''re acting condescending. The idea is to have fun, - said Julie, approaching Billy and placing her arms around his neck. - You need to relax; sometimes you seem like a robot, you keep your emotions, you don''t get angry, you don''t respond, you don''t smile, and you''re always in business mode. I thought it was silly, but then I saw you seriously, and you''re the same all the time. Sadly, you do this. Let me invite you to fruity wine, beer, or gin and tonic, we''ll record, and we''ll take care of our business, - said Julie.


    Billy tried to control himself, but he was doing everything Julie said, suppressing his emotions, and now he was just following a formal route, keeping his thoughts. Like his father, he kept things he did and had to do, he was a trapped person.


    -You''re a bit unfair, - said Billy.


    -Oh, come on, stop being a child. When you want something, you ask for it; you don''t just grumble like a baby. You''re a bit silly when you play the dignified act. The silliest thing you do is if you have to say something, say it, or just be honest with your thoughts. You''re a man, - said Julie, curiously, Julie was in an internal struggle; she wanted to see Jesse, that intelligent, sensitive, and critical guy who said all the things she liked, but Billy kept many thoughts that Julie wanted to know for herself.


    -You''re impossible. Let''s have wine, just don''t talk, - said Billy.


    The night soured; they drank wine, but Billy was more preoccupied with himself and his thoughts.


    ...


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 230. recording acts

    Scene 11, take 1. Long shot.


    "Cut."


    The worst part of acting is when you immerse yourself so much in the performance that sometimes, it''s only a matter of time before the awakening happens with a cut. It was strange to enter and exit the performance; it was a time of surrender. A strange time of virtual time, of cameras; that''s why acting caused a certain random sensation. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Is acting a fleeting moment? But sometimes it''s more than a fleeting moment and begins to endure over time; he still remembers some practices from his budding acting career.


    Richard gestured for them to be brought down, although the Ferris wheel fair hadn''t closed; half of the people were hired as extras, the "Chelin," 300 chains just to stroll around the fair and calm down. They were paid for the time of their stay, something that was repeated most of the time; he could say that during the shooting period, he had hired about 400 extras. As a minimum.


    -We''ll do some shots quickly, not too fast, but fast enough to make the most of the time at the fair. Try to create various improvised scenarios, - said Richard.


    -It''s freezing, - said Julie.


    -Well, let''s have some wine and don''t bother, - said Billy.


    The script was still in its infancy, but the script in Billy''s head complemented many important aspects that the main script didn''t cover. It filled in the blanks and responded to phrases, even though they were improvised. Many ideas helped achieve the aspect that Julie and the director wanted to convey, although Billy preferred to add a certain touch, one that was more elegant and organized.


    -Yes, let''s drink wine, and then let''s stare into the void like mesmerized idiots, not caring about anything more important than the thing right in front of us, - Julie began to narrate, imitating a man''s voice.  - Do you want wine, darling? If you give me wine, everything would be better. -


    -Okay, I understand. You guys don''t like being part of the other side, - said Billy.


    -There are no sides! Get ready; we have to keep working! - Julie commented.


    Seeing that Richard was already directing the extras, his assistant was taking some basic preliminary shots to calibrate, just some quick shots. Adjusting their position, most of them wore thermal pajamas used to endure the night shoots. They continued with different angles, like Vienna''s restaurants, bars, parks, and streets.


    Scene 12, take 1.


    ....

 231. unfinished

    September 12.


    Amidst the recording process, the longest they''ve had so far, they repeated multiple scenes over a month. The recordings in the cold, Viennese autumn felt like a bucket of cold water, making it impossible to carry out the usual recordings that were done over and over. Many times, perfection wasn''t achieved with just a few quick takes.


    -Do you think we''ll ever finish filming? - Billy asked Julie, who was holding an ice cream, her joy was evident, surviving in the cold as she often did.


    -She walked carefully, a girl who only cared about being beyond trends... - sang little Julie. Don''t bother, they usually last two to three months at least, and sometimes longer, six months or so, a bit less, it depends on the director, - she murmured, lost in thought.


    Billy took a sip of orange juice. They waited in a small, mostly empty restaurant for the morning hour. Billy had his sketchbook, which Julie sometimes looked at. In the past few days, he had been dedicated to drawing architecture, mostly baroque buildings built in the 17th and 18th centuries. These buildings usually have elaborate facades, with ornamental details, sculptures, and reliefs carved in stone. Notable examples include the Church of St. Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche) and the Belvedere Palace.


    The Baroque style is a big star in Europe, which was full of romanticism. Art Nouveau also leaves its mark on Vienna, especially in the city''s residential and commercial buildings. This style is characterized by its organic lines, natural motifs, and creative use of materials like wrought iron and glass. The Majolika House and the Postal Savings Bank are notable examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Vienna, like Viennese modernism.


    -I don''t mind the recordings, I mind the cold, - said Billy.  - You know, it''s known that people from the tropics feel the cold twice as strongly as normal, but I say, how long did our ancestors need to learn to endure the cold or the heat? I think I have a very long line, like six generations of hot climates, it''s impossible to do it for a month. -


    -Weak people have such problems, on the other hand, we bought thermal pajamas. Look at me, I''m wearing a dress, and you have thick jeans, and that leather jacket you end up wearing every night. Last night, Gwyneth called me they closed the fashion week in Milan, she can come to greet us, she has a role to take, but she can''t afford three days to come and greet us, - said Julie.


    -I didn''t know you were friends, - said Billy.


    -You introduced me to her, - said Julie.


    She maintained a relationship of different calls with Gwyneth since they met at fashion week, a friendship relationship. They are not in the center of the spotlight, and although they are usually photographed, they are not people who enjoy fame more than minutes. There are slight gossips, but not much is said about some young women, beyond the vanity fair and some teenage magazines.


    -With night recordings, I dare say it''s somewhat complicated, - said Billy.


    -We''ll celebrate in the early morning and sleep during the day, even though you, sir ''I can''t do things because I work'', - Julie responded.


    -And when is that? - Billy asked.


    -Today, - Julie said, taking a bite of the popsicle, with an innocent gesture that her features didn''t hint she was a trickster.


    -Okay, today, we have a chat at a dive bar, playing pinball, playing with strength, all the strength a man could muster knowing he''d lose to a woman again on the video game machines, - Julie said.


    -Don''t do it, Julie. I know what you''re up to, - Billy said.


    -What, I just want to do my job?! - Julie asked.


    Billy, for the first time, wanted to roll his eyes with a hint of hatred.


    -I''ve known you for two months, and in my time with you, most of the time you try to suggest something, it''s because you want something from me. You can be sure that in the next twenty minutes, you''ll be battling with an obvious bet, a bet that casually comments, ''Oh Billy, we should bet on the game, if you win, I''ll do something you want, and if I win, you''ll do something I want,'' - Billy said, imitating Julie''s voice. Julie had a total of four voices: the voice of a misogynistic tough guy who only wanted to dominate women and impose traditional arguments, the voice that imitated Billy made only for Billy and to annoy him during the movie''s time, the third voice that imitated her mother, and the last one was that of a silly schoolgirl in love.


    -I''m not talking, it''s Jolie, my alter ego, who wanted to be a model, - Julie said, pouting. Taking out a purple woolen model, more similar to wool. - I''ll pay, we''ll go to the bridge for you to take a drawing of the bridge, and then we''ll go to the museums, there''s a modern art one near the bridge. -


    What''s better than Viennese architecture? The museums. Here, constitutional monarchies, enlightened individuals who sought to fill the city with museums, art, history, natural sciences, and cinematic concepts.


    -Deal, let me take care of the stuff, you prepare the sandwiches. And I''ll buy the drinks. Deal? - Billy asked.


    -Well, but no soda, water, a bit of herbal juice, blackberry juice, although I don''t think we have blackberries, apple, you can make apple juice, I like apples, - Julie said.


    Among the museums, one of the most curious is the Museum of Jewish History and Culture, a museum dedicated to Jewish tradition and its historical development, from the Middle Ages to the present day. It presents historical artifacts, documents, and works of art illustrating Vienna''s rich Jewish heritage. Like the art museum, this museum houses an impressive collection of art that includes masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian. Its architecture is impressive and houses a wide variety of historical artifacts.


    There''s the Albertina, Belvedere, Leopold Museum, and the House of Music... there are a few others. sea??h th�� Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Since when have you been talking to Gwyneth? - Billy asked, walking through the halls of the art museum.


    -Since we met, she''s funny, and we have similar tastes. We talk about what we want, and she just wants to enjoy acting, parties, and fashion. Although it may not seem like it, she''s very committed, - Julie said.


    -Like all women should be, I don''t square the image of you two as friends, it''s surprising, you''re completely different, - Billy said, paralleling images he had of multiple celebrities, all different and behaving differently than they are in person. For example, some who seem intelligent, funny, and outgoing are shy, introverted, and quiet, it''s a noticeable difference in Hollywood behavior.


    -We''re hardly alike, but we share hobbies and some ideas about the globalized world, - Julie said, paying attention to a work, a large black-framed painting, with two people on a red and black background, it was almost poetic.


    ...

 232. club arena.

    September 12.


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    -Damn, such a long scene, I thought it would last a lifetime. It''s eleven thirty, there''s a last category bar, closes at 2, we can go in, have a drink, then go to the hotel, get enough rest, - said Julie.


    -Julie, I won''t go, and I hope you know I have to go to the hotel - said Billy, firmly closing the discussion.


    Gwyneth arrived, giving Julie a French kiss hello, both were happy to see each other, whispering about something.


    -Good day, Gwyneth. Your arrival is surprising, - said Billy.


    -That''s what I''m here for. To surprise people, - said Gwyneth.


    Going to a table in the bar, both were accompanied by a beer.


    Both girls were happy, but something inside Billy stirred, two beautiful white girls walking the streets of Vienna, probably intoxicated, in an unpleasant way. Billy didn''t want them to go and something bad happened. Director Richard would start doing many things, like reviewing the entire tape, the assistant would help the director even so, Julie wouldn''t invite him, and the photographer, soundman, and lighting guy in harsh words were married.


    -I''ll accompany you, - said Billy.


    -I''m not sure we want you to accompany us now, - said Julie.


    Billy felt like thinking, was it possible for them to change their minds in less than 5 minutes? Why does everything have to be so complicated?


    -Then I''m out, - said Billy.


    Good intentions are always taken for granted, he will sit in his room sleeping until six in the morning and then make basic drawings.


    -Hahaha, see, he has the humor of dogs, he needs a lot of love, he''s desperate, and I think if we don''t indulge him, he might have a heart attack with all the anger he holds in his heart, - said Julie, out loud, knowing that it annoyed Billy to be treated like someone who ignored him.


    Both approached Billy and hugged him tightly, with enough force so that he couldn''t let go at the right moment to beg Billy to take them dancing ten blocks down in the bar area.


    ...

 234. interactions.

    The morning after was a deep blow to Billy''s values; infidelity was something he couldn''t tolerate, and he had erred on both sides by foolishly succumbing to the temptation of a blonde with princess complexes.


    -He was a fool, - thought the lad as he walked to the shower; only a cold water bath would shake off the alcohol he had consumed just a few hours ago. The place was warm; last night, in a moment of lucidity, he had turned on the heating, and the place maintained a comfortable temperature. He closed his eyes as the cold water turned warm.


    He went out for a jog, not questioning what he should do in the coming months or what to say to Alice. Now he was a fool, and it was a problem he had to rectify. For a long time, he understood that women always disrupted his life, as if he were cornering himself to lose control. Unacceptable! Since the business world entered his life, he had set a general rule for what he expected in his life, and how he should govern it, without allowing others to govern him.


    He jogged through the streets until he reached a park he often frequented. For a month now, he had been wandering the streets of Vienna, not forgetting that many of these streets were drawn by him, refining the details and imagining the streets without defects, occupied by natural contaminations like herbs, plants, vines, and available cracks. Spaces of life. These streets had many interesting features, which had to be stored in his memory for a future animated series. The use of space and architectural candidness would make the place remarkable for its appropriations and technical developments.


    It was 10 in the morning in Vienna and almost 3 in California. The phone was separate. He would even hesitate to call Raimon, known for his habit of playing video games without proper rest or watching movies, without paying attention to the work process.


    He jogged a bit more and did common activities like squats, push-ups, and some other muscle resistance exercises��nothing impressive. He wasn''t much into exercise, and just staying fit was enough for him. He had to ensure that hiring a personal trainer would be one of his priorities in the coming months.


    *************************************************************


    For Gwyneth, the day was different. She woke up with a radiant smile, lazily stretching in bed, putting on one of Billy''s shirts with complicity. She looked at herself in the mirror; her tousled hair and fresh skin gave her a fantastic appearance, feeling complete.


    She ordered room service while having breakfast. She heard Billy''s entrance, returning to his taciturn state after the drinks, without gesturing words for a long time. It was perhaps one of the things that intrigued her the most about the boy; he could spend hours lost in his thoughts without saying a word as if he didn''t care, or perhaps he was just very lonely.


    Julie said you had to pull questions out of him or work with him to get him to gesture a long conversation or share his thoughts. However, she disagreed since she came to understand that it was Jessi who responded sometimes. Billy''s acting method was to embody the character, and occasionally she noticed nuances outstanding in his performance. She decided to take the lead in the conversation.


    -Is everything okay with you? -  Gwyneth understood that it would be complicated to fumble through a conversation when he only nodded, so she took a seat in front of him and extended a newspaper to read; he was sweaty.


    Billy was trying to steer everything in the right direction. Two problems: Gwyneth was Steven Spielberg''s spoiled little girl. He didn''t want to offend the industry; another enemy meant nothing good for Billy, who knew that a wounded woman could cause greater disaster.


    He continued his breakfast carefully, not bothering to say anything. But after almost an hour of silence, he couldn''t help but bite his lip and head to the shower for a bath. Billy didn''t put down the newspaper; he only took out a large notebook and began drawing calmly, tracing outlines of the church that was in his mind, a warm-up while preparing to continue his comics. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chapters 81 and 82 of Shaman King and Samurai X were starting to take shape. With delicate strokes, he began to form the designs quickly; constant practice helped him achieve the desired shape for his series. The latter was easier for him to draw; in less than thirty minutes, he had a quick pencil sketch that, with practice, could improve.


    Gwyneth emerged from the bathroom wearing his shirt again. Billy looked her up and down; her youthful appearance was charming.


    -What are you going to do all day? - Gwyneth asked.


    -I''ll be in the room, sorting out some pending matters��meetings, commitments, and some deals. I''ll be on the phone all day until the recording. I think Julie would be freer. Maybe have coffee and lunch in the room. Tell her to take you shopping, -- Billy said, pulling out his wallet and handing her a black card. Before the petite blonde could take it, he added, -- Be careful; they block it after $100,000 if they find suspicious purchases. -


    -Okay. I might come back later. Perhaps we can have dinner before your rehearsal, - Gwyneth said, approaching Billy and daringly sitting on his lap.


    -Okay, - Billy replied.


    Without waiting for Gwyneth''s kiss, she lunged and demanded a deep kiss that Billy reciprocated. The smile the blonde gave him afterward was enough to continue with his work. Only three days and Gwyneth would be away from Billy.


    He continued working and ordered a small lunch while focusing on his work. Around two in the afternoon, he decided to call Raimon, who would be getting ready for work. Unfortunately, the international signal only caused more problems than benefits, and the modern times of online conferences were lost for future years. Now, it only remains to propose the right ideas to start highlighting convenient applications. For the coming years, he could create companies here and there.


    -Raimon, - he said on the phone.


    -Yes, Billy. I can''t believe you called me. I was thinking about you just now. I just talked to Jim Gini about launching the television channel, and now we have a presence in almost all English-speaking countries, - Raimon said, curiously from the first-floor game room of the company.


    -That sounds fantastic, - Billy said.


    -Oh, it is! By the way, it''s not just the television issue. Recently, a producer, a man who says he has a contract with Lux Animation, something about the movie ''The English Patient,'' and since we agreed to sponsor it, apparently you were aware along with Steve Parks, - Raimon commented.


    -I do, and we''ll make an advance payment so he can start signing producers. You can talk to Jim to extend relationships with people he considers talented; he can be a producer as long as he doesn''t interrupt Saul Zaents'' creative process. I think it would be good for our new international distribution company, - Billy responded.


    -You don''t say! It was horrible; we have a connection with half of Europe��well, I would say Western Europe, some Baltic countries, and others nearby like India in the mix, - Raimon said.


    -Good job. I''ll send the volumes I''ve drawn in these weeks by mail; there are fourteen chapters. Make sure the team is ready, - Billy said.


    Since Jim Lee''s departure to create his own comic company, Billy had guided some artists to his drawing roster to facilitate his delivery and drawing time. Terry worked as a freelancer and came from time to time to do the express work with the basic comic team, along with inker Jimmy Branks, and letterer Saul Moon, and sometimes they were joined by Todd to complement the team of four.


    -Of course, - Raimon said.


    -You can read them, just make sure not to comment on them with people until their release, - Billy said.


    -I would never do anything contrary! - Raimon replied, delighted, as he adjusted his phone; he was playing Pac-Man.


    -I have to go. Tell Anne to call me in the afternoon, - Billy said, ending the conversation.


    ...

 235. the game

    In a clothing supermarket, a store with at least thirty-five clothing stalls, each one of them a small trading establishment, organized by categories, and intertwined in a quick adjustment, the stores were mixed in such a way that you would have to make several passes through the establishment to find the clothing store you were looking for. Similar to a maze.


    -So, he just gave you his card while he locked himself in the room, to work? - trying on the blue dresses that highlighted her blonde hair, unlike Gwyneth''s, which was black with blonde streaks, Julie''s was blonde.


    -It was strange, different. At night, he was quiet. Morning came, and I read the newspaper in silence. Then, he would watch his notebook and dedicate himself to writing and drawing. I didn''t pay much attention; it was cold. I felt like I was in front of my father, - said Gwyneth, a little desolate. Sear?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s like that. Don''t worry, trust me. He can spend hours without talking. He values silence a lot. Very few people can understand it, but most of the time, it just stays there, or you receive hour-long calls and then it goes back, - said Julie.


    -So... he won''t be regretting it. You mentioned this girlfriend of his. You know, men only feel guilty when they''ve had you. You''re too young. ''I have a girlfriend, I''m not ready for a relationship.'' They get what they want and leave. It''s something we live with, - said Gwyneth.


    Trying on a long jacket that hugged her body, it was of poor quality, but the vintage look was beautiful. It had simple patterns, but it looked beautiful on her body.


    -We''re in Hollywood, life around here isn''t normal. The poor thing must be at home like a puritan. She''s sweet. If you get to know her, you can treat her sweetly. She seems like she''s going to break at any moment. Poor thing... very naive, thinking she could endure. You know, I think he does the same with Winona, - Comment Julie.


    -Shut up... Winona isn''t like that, - Gwyneth reconsidered her words and stopped. - She might not have... she might be too embarrassed to say it. Ever since she broke up with her ex-boyfriend, she''s been acting strange - the girl tried on another coat, which she believed matched some black pants she saw recently.


    Julie was naked, in the fitting room only with very small black thongs, and cheeky panties; she was a very dangerous woman. Nothing unusual for an American. It was what Julie said about her way of being.


    -Please! It''s like all the women in the industry. We''re not saints; we just pretend very well, - said Julie, bursting into loud laughter, which still painted Gwyneth as an angel.


    -I only hope that in the next few days, Billy can only remember me, - said Gwyneth, observing a small black silk nightie, transparent, which looked charming on her. It''s almost like a transformation, which can even tempt the cowboy to keep her awake all night. Julie noticed the silly smile Gwyneth put on, thinking about something naughty, and that most likely happened in the early morning when she had fun with the two Hungarian twins, who were rebellious, very dangerous twins, who managed to bring a broad smile to her face.


    -So, how''s our cowboy? - Julie asked.


    -I''ve had better, - Gwyneth said.


    That was a downright lie. Gwyneth had only had a few experiences, but nothing memorable; she didn''t have much to choose from on the subject. However, there were years of experience missing to talk about the subject.


    -Well, teach him. If you want him to be yours, he should at least have you satisfied. You know, that''s something that has always aroused curiosity about men. They boast so much about how many women they''ve been with, but they can''t satisfy one. They''re complete idiots, - said Julie.


    -I don''t see him boasting. He''s more focused on business than on gossip magazines. In part, that''s something that catches my attention about him, - said Gwyneth.


    Considering the cretins who were in a relationship with her cousin by status, "Drew Barrymore," vain fools, idiots, and aspirants who only boasted like idiots, behaving like masters of the world when they were idiots, nothing more than idiots.


    So, if she was aiming for a boyfriend, she wanted someone bright, handsome, funny, smart, and sensitive. Billy met a few requirements, and well, he could trade fun for a millionaire. It was obvious he had a lot of money and good contacts and when he wanted to, he could be charming. They just needed a trip on vacation, the streets of Zaragoza, or maybe Almeria, they could loosen people up and gain some wrinkles around their smile.


    *********************************************************************


    -I can''t believe I love it...if...if...it seems like good advice, not like you think, that if freedom is enough, it always ends up choosing the important data. - said Julie.


    -Let''s meet tonight, does the recording start at 7:00 pm? - said Gwyneth."


    -I''ll be taking a nap, the recording day is long, and I''m not very enthusiastic... - the voice of Julie faded as Billy heard a soft knock at his door, he was still drawing, chapter 83, maybe tomorrow in the morning I''ll deliver 15 extra chapters for the company.


    -Were you outside? You''ve worked a lot? - said Gwyneth with many shopping bags around, she took her hand and bought many, but among them, she bought sexy clothes, some t-shirts, undershirts, and black velvet stockings that were quite pretty on her slender feet.


    Billy''s afternoon was far from fun, he had discussions since morning about the state of the company, he took notes, about investments and the company''s state, and he received an alternative offer about the case against Warner, it seemed that the offer was not good, just another stupid move, another excuse for Warner to extend beyond all measure the contractual issue.


    -Just pending, how was your day with Julie? - asked Billy.


    -Well, have you eaten something? - asked Gwyneth, seeing half a sandwich on the table.


    -Yes, I ate a sandwich, in the afternoon, we''ll eat the main course for dinner, with all the alcohol I''ve drunk, I didn''t have much appetite in the morning. - said Billy


    -I bought some things that you might like. - said Gwyneth, arranging her hair, the beautiful blonde and prominent hair, was a very beautiful woman.


    -What did you buy? - asked Billy, still in his pajamas, taking out the clothes for the movie, he had around four leather jackets, thirteen pants, thirteen shirts, and twelve sweaters, he washed them every six days, something that surprised Julie, she decided to do the same, wash them, they set Mondays as a washing day.


    -I''m still curious, about your haircut, oh, by the way, my dad told me to recommend you for the role, he mentioned that he spoke to some friends who are producing, so it''s likely that you''ll be part of the cast, for the movie that curiously introduced you to Brad brad, we had a long relationship, we got engaged and broke up suddenly, with the pretext that it was too good for me. - said Gwyneth.


    Billy was surprised to hear that he was going to be part of the movie and that Gwyneth would help him join the movie. A movie that curiously introduced him to Brad Brad, they had a long relationship, they got engaged and broke up suddenly, with the pretext that it was too good for him.


    -I''ll take a shower. - said Billy taking off his shirt, entering the bathroom. - thanks for the recommendation, although my agent told me that I was too young for the role. -


    -You don''t look young, with the beard you have, maybe, if you let it grow a little more and some makeup, you''ll be the perfect protagonist. I also want a role, although it''s small, I like the role and David won''t make me do anything unpleasant. - said Gwyneth, from the other room taking off her clothes, she had a lot of desire to have another round with Billy.


    -The script is excellent. I want to be part of it. - said from the shower."The door of the bathroom opened and a very happy young girl, a beautiful woman, entered. She had that youthful desire of a girl who wanted to have fun, she was happy, like a high school student who was doing a pilates session.


    -What are you doing? - said Billy as he saw the girl enter, he couldn''t help but be surprised by the first touch of a light hand on his chest, that was all Billy needed to warm up, the erection didn''t wait.


    The girl grabbed him, happy to see that he was animated. - someone is happy. - she said, waving her hand from top to bottom, she excited Billy''s growls, strong growls that he liked more than any other sound, she approached Billy and gave him a deep kiss with her tongue, she hugged her arms and got closer, while giving soft kisses, soft kisses, little kisses, were more beautiful than anything else.


    The kissing section continued, one and another time, kisses and more kisses, were enchanting every kiss went agitated from a passion, were strong, every kiss went and came, while their bodies got wet, they didn''t mind the cold water, but the kisses were fantastic, there was a lot of passion, and more than that passion. It was the youth''s delivery that is amazing, because most of the time, all you need is the desire to do the act, two people, the physical attraction was present can do whatever you want. - said Gwyneth.


    Her words were like a match that lit the sky, she lifted her and started kissing her with force, with a lot of force. She stroked her body with Gwyneth, she only jumped and got on her shoulders waiting for Billy to penetrate her. It was an implicit desire that she had since last night, the moment sublime, his penis entered and was enough for her to moan.


    This time, Billy was stronger. He lasted longer, enough for Gwyneth to be happy, a small touch on her nipples, kisses here and there. Following all the advice that the girl gave him. From small devices, "hold my hips" "faster" "more gentle" "play with your hand too


    Billy entered, but slowly, the position was uncomfortable for him, so he could only do it slowly, but it was delicious for both of them, the desire, the kisses, in an improbable gesture, Billy''s love for Gwyneth was detailed when he took her gently by the hips, kisses on her neck and gave her gentle kisses, kisses that don''t repeat, electric, chemical like an explosion of feelings, the girl openly bit Billy''s shoulder, with strength, at the moment when both enjoyed the pleasure of the copulation, almost like an orchestra, she reached orgasm, but Billy continued entering and leaving the sensitive body of the woman, the spasms of both were electrifying.


    The girl got down, while the thick liquid flowed down her thighs, and she put the member in her mouth, the second time, it ended in her mouth, and she gladly received it.


    -let me bathe you now. - said Billy putting on the robed, while sitting, this gave kisses to Gwyneth, Billy found himself between the sword and the wall, Alice came to his head like a bad ghost, what he swore not to do, was broken in less than eight hours, now he understood that his next days, understood that his relationship with Alice, was over.


    ...

 236. continues to act

    October 13.


    In the following days, he was hooked on little Gwyneth, who extended her visit for another twelve days, enough time to drive Billy crazy. The girl was dangerous, insatiable, spoiled, temperamental, and permissive. And even more, her logical traits demanded fidelity... It was the most ironic moment in Billy''s life, a woman who went to bed knowing you had a girlfriend waiting for you, asks you for fidelity.


    Her departure returned everything to normal!


    The following days of shooting entered a Sumerian calm. He adapted to Julie, with her fondness for women. Now, he understood many things. Julie explained that she admired his way of acting; however, she explained that she wouldn''t mind getting involved with a man, an older man, or when she felt like settling into something serious.


    Julie only had eyes for Billy like a child, which was to be expected given their five-year age difference, and of course, because she now had a tentative relationship with one of her acquaintances. If there was one word to describe Julie, it was detachment��an independent woman, who liked to follow her rhythm, hated being forced to do things, and was extremely intelligent.


    Scene 65, Take 3


    EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT


    S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He ruffled his hair, - We should do another take, there were some improvisations, we''ll record the script for you to memorize, as always, ten minutes, and back to work, - said Richard, chasing his special work, his excitement was in the work and the passion he found in it.


    -Give us fifteen, and I''ll grab a coffee, - said, Billy.


    Richard paused. - In twenty minutes, we''ll start with the last scene, - said Richard, handing the script to Julie and Billy, the improvisation now had to be adapted to the script and another quick take.


    -Are we going to the bar? - Julie asked.


    -Sure. Until 2, I can''t stay later, - said Billy.


    -Great! You know, between you and me, I''ll keep quiet about whatever happens; the twins will go, and Yelena says she wants a piece of you, - said Julie.


    -No more women, Julie. I have enough with two; women are crazy, - said Billy, seeing the implied madness in Gwyneth at the time of her farewell.


    ...


    Hello, on Patreon we are going on chapter 282, this week I will write more chapters.

 237. major event.

    October 15.


    California, Los Angeles, at the Grand Chinese Theater.


    Curiously, the figure present to lead the discussion on the new animation channel is Jim Gianopulus, alongside Raimon, known intrinsically for his administrative as well as "creative" expertise in most series. Several notices were sent to major delegations. Curiously, Steven Spielberg attended with Ron Meyer and several others amid the intensity. Many people don''t come to watch animated series like a child would; they come to judge, to judge loudly, the danger that this great animation channel entails.


    The absence of Jeffrey Kazettberg leaves much to be desired. The appearance of Joe Roth, who has been gaining fame indiscreetly for several months, has broken with the basic concepts many held. Not less than three days ago, rumors circulated that Michael Eisner, in an unforeseen turn of events, decided to appoint Michael Orvizt as the president of Disney, while Michael took the CEO position, just as he did with Frank Wells before his passing. The events not only caused a stir among the indiscreet, but the Disney family line was quickly subdued, resulting in many layoffs and, in summary, the dismissal of Jeffrey Katzenberg, which ended on a sour note.


    -The air is heavy, - said Jim Gianopulis.


    The Warner delegation, the Fox delegation, and the Fox and Nickelodeon "Universal Studios" delegations all seek blood.


    Especially the Warner delegation, which has a clear idea that cannot be allowed to move forward. They even know about Billy Carson''s capitalist capacity and have had numerous meetings with Disney and Fox in the last month. The clear sign is that Lux Animation Studio is a dangerous enemy that needs to be cornered before it explodes in the face of all the studios.


    But Warner only cares about one thing, and that is Fox. News Corporation has a great purchasing power in media matters, from small newspapers, small gossip column cuttings, large companies, news shows, reality shows, interview programs, and radio shows.


    Between them, the concentrated power these three companies can wield if they attack together, on a business level for the entertainment industry, could be very serious. However, they cannot be obvious in their attack; thus, they are testing the waters. Cancellation is good, but even they know that a relentless attack on a 100% American, white, Stanford University graduate, part of the national future, cannot be tarnished just like that. The list wouldn''t allow it, and if the list joins forces with the boy, there is no doubt Warner would be torn apart.


    Who is on the list?


    -Raimon, we must present the channel. Some of our animators came. I''ll go greet them; please keep quiet. We''re in a business environment that must not be - said Jim, attempting a kindly smile, discomfort in his stomach; there was something very wrong about it.


    Steven Spielberg approached carefully and gave him a big hug, causing a stir in Jim. - Go along with it, - Jim whispered.


    -Steven, great to see you, - said Jim, totally lost.


    Due to the distance and concentration, only Ron Meyer noticed Jim Gianopulus''s strange behavior, Lux Animation''s entertainment director, formerly employed by Fox Company in film distribution services and TV series production.


    The note handed to him by Steven Spielberg and a confident smile were enough. - Did you like my movie Jaws? I heard you once asked for a certificate for it, - said Steven.


    -Yes, I think... - said Jim.


    -Well, be careful, sir. There are many sharks, - said Steven softly, returning to his conversation with Ron Meyer.


    Jim tucked the note under his sleeve, a strange behavior; people were acting strangely, and he felt suffocated. He was an adult, but all eyes were on him��fear, that''s what Jim felt. He greeted a few more people and excused himself, walking slowly to the bathroom. He was sweating; his face was completely covered in sweat, and his clothes looked like they were taken from a washing machine. He had a high pulse, and his stomach itched.


    Now he understood Steven Spielberg''s Jaws message, but what was the fear, the bad feeling he had about himself?


    He unfolded the note, and in summary, it said - Warner. Fox. Disney. Cancellation. - If a message was obvious, it was never so obvious to Jim. Now he understood the situation, however, something more primal was settling in, something that was not just business; a struggle of wills was beginning to take shape.


    He returned to the cinema, taking his seat with Raimon, who also seemed uncomfortable. - Mr. Jim, I''ve received several proposals; they''re with me in the briefcase. I spoke as your assistant, saying that we would review them carefully and, well, with all good faith, that one offer deserves my attention, - said Raimon.


    -No problem, I would like Billy to be present at this presentation, - said Jim softly.


    The screen lit up, displaying the iconic logo of Lux Animation, the city of the future, along with a short Pixar film of an elderly person playing chess. Just a few seats down was Randal McArthur, as Pixar members were busy with the final touches of the latest movie.


    After the five-minute short, the animation hour began with a grand production of the series. From a short child with orange hair, other children chasing a ball, a rabbit and a big duck, a boy with a big nose, and a girl with blonde hair, to a hooded skeleton, three girls flying through a city, a man with a katana, dragons "gargoyles" gliding through the air, a cow, and a chicken.


    Everything was in place, but the numerous series didn''t stop there. With those series, the Saban Entertainment label made its appearance, alongside Lux Animation. In the corner, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Power Rangers gave a brief presentation, along with a stunning display of the Fantastic Four and a tentative Thor, Lord of Thunder, with the giant Marvel logo facing the screen.


    This was followed by a series of quick animated character shorts, each seven minutes long, swiftly showing not only a connection between almost all the series Lux Animation had to present, but also the quality displayed by the animation, worthy of admiration. Some understood why Billy offered them payment for his software program, a license that allowed him to use the same software in the animations shown. Billy was clear that the future of animation relies on two premises: quality of movement and imitation of human motion. The second is in graphic details and proprietary drawing systems, a drawing that allows for characterizing the unique design, like Pixar''s 3D, known for its realism, or Hanna-Barbera, which plays with fantasy, drawing, and comedy, finding the key to design.


    In the drawings, one can see a legacy from Hanna-Barbera, the absurd, and the comedy, along with a new dark design of grand designs. The Gargoyles animation is very good, even ahead of its time.


    Betty Cohen, who led the Warner delegation, found the animated series brilliant. From the catchy music introductions to the intriguing stories, they were uncommon. The way the television series developed, with the approval stamp of the National Television Commission and other permits, made it evident that they were carefully handled from all angles.


    -What do you think, Betty? - said Bob Daily, Warner''s co-president, formerly the director of entertainment.


    -Very good. Surely, they have improved compared to our usual animated series. The change and improvement are noticeable; the story is funny and has that element that makes you want to see the next animation, - said Betty Cohen.


    -I see, - said Bob Daily.


    In the following minutes, many similar conversations filled the room, for two important reasons. Firstly, for many, Warner was speaking seriously. Lux Animation is a company to be feared; however, the drastic approach they propose is excessive. For Fox, which has been eager to buy Blue Sky Studio, the proposal of collaboration with Saban, and permission to broadcast Power Rangers, and share some Marvel series, is intriguing. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Along with the license for the graphic studio, promoted by authors, although costly, it contains the latest 2D animation updates and a general 3D animation graphic template, which is impressive to Fox animators, who warn that it is no less detailed than the latest Toy Story movie. A three-year license for 8 million dollars for thirty teams and 10 million dollars for sixty teams.


    -A business and nothing more than a business, - some would say.


    Opinions are divided.


    ...

 238. occupation

    October 15,


    Great Chinese theater.


    The following minutes were intended for brief meetings that opened the spectrum of Lux Animation. Two clear principles stood out: Lux Animation''s primary principle is the exploitation of animation as its main source. Its primary competitor is Disney. However, Disney achieves success through other means beyond basic animation programs for market exploitation. The first case uses live-action programs, sitcoms, and programs for a female audience, along with comedies and a unique nod to princesses.


    -Thank you very much for your consideration, Miss Grushow. All your ideas have been satisfactory. Our idea only seeks 2D animation. With the advancement of technology, our company''s focus is to deliver the novelty of a better animation process. Just as black and white television was completely overshadowed by color television in the past, the cartoons that ruled Hanna-Barbera during the 60s and 70s now, with the advancement of technology, have already been demonstrated with Pixar films. Even Disney has used our software to make movies, - said Jim.


    -Disney has used your software, it can''t be true, - said Sandra Grushow.


    -With the Caps program brought from Pixar, we sold our hardware unit, but we licensed the software for a pittance. In Disney''s early days, there was a smear campaign by Disney about the cost. In 1988, the Caps software was sold after a financial crisis... They have been using that software for movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King, - said Jim Gianopulus.


    -You''re suggesting... - said Sandra Grushow.


    -Come on, Sandra, I''ve worked for you for the past eight years. I''m not lying. We''ll share the plan we''ve announced. It is well known that if you want to use an animation company, you want to buy an animation company. I say go ahead. If you need our software plan and agreements at a fair price, we are willing to share technology, - said Jim.


    -Thank you very much for your consideration. It''s clear to me that there is a desire for cooperation, although the price is expensive, - said Sandra Grushow.


    -You can use the software by subscription for a year for 2D animation services. I understand that it''s a shorter and more economical service. We make updates every year, invest much more money, equipment, and personnel in software development, and collaborate with universities so that graduates and active animators can attend a course. If your company contacts us, you can get school subscriptions at 50%, we have an agreement, - said Jim, pausing for effect.  -One million per year. -


    -That''s an idea I like better, - said Sandra.


    -Will my boss know about this? You have a high taste for ''The Simpsons'' series. With our technology, you can save costs, from plans to saving and reusing scenes. The program is good, you can take a free two-month trial, - said Jim, driving home the final point in the negotiation. They only needed to showcase their service.


    -And for the big 3D animation, can you make the same offer? - asked Sandra.


    -Of course! We want companies that contract with the company to use the latest in technology for a price. Tell me something, when were color cameras born, the novelty was there, and monopolizing is not American. What matters are the stories told under the technology. Disney has always kept technology close to its chest; we just want to tell the best stories, - said Jim Gianopulus.


    -Thank you, Jim. At Fox, we consider the proposal valuable, - said Sandra Bushow.


    Intermittent due to the contradiction of the words offered by Disney and Warner, the delivery of 3D technology, and exchanging market positions, the only advantage Pixar had in the eyes of Fox was the advanced technology, the rest was history. If they could appropriate the technology and copy it, they could advance leaps and bounds in the creation of animated films.


    **************************************************************


    While Jim Gianopulus negotiated with Fox, Raimon negotiated with Universal. From Universal, access to technology for the creation of 3D animation was an important source. If they wanted to create an animation studio, technological advances were their own, part of the new era that changes advances and considerations. Ron was at the table, thanks to Steven, who may have mentioned that Billy was willing to export technology to the major animation houses. The offer even extended to Warner and Disney, in a free market enterprise.


    A very good move! If Ron Meyer approves, the boy will sell the technology and give time for companies to use the license and start working on their equipment. Although not easy, with a little investment, it is enough to copy the model and work from there. If Lux Animation has any problem with that, they can meet in court. However, Billy from Lux Animation has been very secretive about his plans and hasn''t shared them with anyone.


    The price of eight million dollars for all the software, to multiple companies, will cover expenses for two years, but avoid some enemies. What is Billy''s plan? Raimon has a slight outline; Billy knows he will win the war of animated films and television series.


    -I was hoping the deal would be closed with Jim Gianopulus, - said Ron Meyer.


    -He''s quite busy; however, I can step in for Jim in every way, - said Raimon, unaware of the figure they had in front of them. Steven was absent, and only one person accompanied him, a very beautiful secretary, blond with green eyes, which made Raimon blush upon seeing her.


    -Take a seat, - said Ron Meyer, extending his hand to Raimon. - Congratulations in advance for the premiere of your animated channel. I saw potential in your cartoons. -


    At Billy''s request, Raimon''s following words caught Ron off guard.


    -You can have some programs on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, in the family programming block. Only a select few, but you''re always welcome a special license, - said Raimon, driving the final nail into Ron Meyer, who was now sure of Steven''s supportive words about the boy. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Send me an offer with the details and programs; we''ll discuss that more calmly later. Right now, I''m interested in the creation of 2D animation that you have developed, - said Ron Meyer.


    -We offer a subscription system, year to year for 2D animation service, constant updates to the service, one million per year. The subscription comes with a 50% discount on university course enrollments. These enrollments are a bomb on taxes and social development. We have another plan that includes 2D and 3D, for three years for 8 million dollars, the annual price is 4 million, but the offer is as a trial to demonstrate our update services and to establish longer relationships, - said Raimon.


    It-A a bit pricey. But the promise is the latest in technology, - said Ron Meyer.


    -Yes, so far, the service has been tested with the chess video of the two old men; that''s all we can promise, with slight updates for the next two years, with slight updates. You''ll see, our software development has been complicated and laborious, - said Raimon.


    -Very well, young man. I''ll review the offer more carefully with a specialized team, - said Ron Meyer, shaking hands with Raimon, while the beautiful assistant took notes in an agenda.


    -You can review a small recording we took, so you can evaluate the quality of each of the animations. I can say that we are at the forefront of 3D animation technology, - said Raimon.


    -Jennifer, fetch the video, dear, - said Ron Meyer, turning back to see Steven having a glass of wine with an executive from Paramount. He caught Ron''s signal. On October 12, 1994, Dreamworks was founded. He had already negotiated with HBO the creation of some important series for the development of a movie, and some series. The company would start surrounding itself with companies, and Hollywood''s Midas touch would only be present in many activities, running on its own.


    ...

 239. day after – part 1.

    October 17.


    Dreamworks was officially launched under the shadow of Universal, this company aims to achieve independence while pocketing a lot of money, although basic problems are being dealt with under the term that there cannot be another major company. The political tremor kept confronting, Michael Ovitz left the CAA representation company, resentment from the board and resentment from another board that accepted a man who rose to the board purely through nepotism, with just a stroke of a pen. The change had not been made, and Michael Ovitz wanted to end his work, but Michael Eisner had already introduced him, in less, with the condition that Michael would resign by January 1995 at the latest. For now, at CAA, this term ended with all of his work.


    Ovitz''s departure from CAA was a blow to the agency, as it lost one of its co-founders and most influential leaders, who have influential contacts. However, the agency must continue to operate, although from its competitors, the war for adjustment has already begun, and the hunt for big stars has been called. Many stars have started to be tempted by different representation organizations, including the William Morris Agency (WMA), International Creative Management (ICM), and United Talent Agency (UTA).


    Smelling blood, they made some commitments with agents, and some other big stars who have performed, like renewing contracts to demonstrate the stability of the company, and many businesses have stabilized.


    -Steven, it''s a pleasure, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg, taking the initiative to introduce himself to the Dreamworks company. He wanted to present himself at Lux Animation out of spite, but in recent years, he has seen that the management is not impressionable, they invest little in management, and the remuneration is not as high as it can be in other companies. The conversation he had with David Geffen was clear; a company that was not subject to business rules. Such business rules, extra hours, little profits, and poor benefits. Being a used and worn-out product is not relevant. Therefore, the conversation with David Geffen managed to interest Jeffrey Katzenberg.


    -I couldn''t believe it when I heard that one of the most successful members like you would start creating content on your own. Despite everything, I feel flattered that you extend an olive branch to me, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg, taking a seat in Steven Spielberg''s office, a building under renovation from a previous company now part of the company, a small habitable wing, the other fully occupied by different builders who began hammering at the first light of morning, the aesthetic organization, along with some important parts, the company was ambitious, and for now, they only started with a television production company, a film production company, and a music production company.


    -I suppose David told you all the important details. In the coming days, I would like to avoid all the intrinsic issues of this administration and negotiation profession. What did you come to propose? - Steven asked.


    -Nothing strange, just one important thing. Disney has been under my judgment for the last 20 years. I''ve worked tirelessly producing, directing, and proposing different animated films. Michael Eisner believes that Disney is a corporation, with which he is completely wrong. I have followers; give me space to create an animation studio, and in the coming years, we will show Disney what it means to be a film producer, - Jeffrey said.


    -Do you want to promote an animation company? - Steven asked.


    -I want it. For hiring, there''s nothing to worry about. I can bring people who will follow me in confidence. I have future projects in mind that I tried to promote, but Disney''s animated spirit blocked mine and those proposed by the renegades, the king of Midas, the musical genius, and the animation director, - Jeffrey said, extending his hands on a large screen.


    -How much can you bring to the table? - Steven Spielberg asked.


    -Well, my animation production team and compensation that Disney owes me. They claim that only the price of 10 million, which I will challenge in court, by approximately 330 million dollars, which is the profit I have brought to the company, according to accounts and negotiations, I can invest that money, - Jeffrey Katzenberg said, who had led Disney''s company to success in many other things.


    -Very well, let''s do it, let''s dream big, - said Steven, shaking hands. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -DreamWorks, the work of dreams, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg, giving a long talk about his ideas and his upcoming projects. The plan to start an animation company is not common. Only Billy Carson has stood up to the world of animation.


    Jeffrey Katzenberg''s service is a giant career; it started at Paramount Pictures, and from there, he has made numerous series, from Star Trek to Indiana Jones. He was brought in by Michael Eisner himself, and now he is rejected.


    Although it is painful, from another point of view, Katzenberg fought for the presidency position, and after not being satisfied, he demanded profit at the box office over the price of the movies that have made money, Steven himself accepted Jeffrey, but he knows that this guy is ambitious.


    **********************************************************


    For Jim Waitt, the day had not been good. Since morning, his client Billy Carson had been in the eye of the storm, facing a powerful attack. An image of a young Billy Carson greeting the camera with the title - the youngest billionaire" by The New York Times elongates what is a description of a 20-year-old, even if the age is incorrect. Jim thought, "He owns numerous companies, from comics, animation, video games, fast food, computing, cinema, to hospitality, and his fortune is estimated to exceed one billion dollars. -


    The California Post talks about a secret romance between the successful businessman and Winona Ryder, in a photo that finds them compromisingly holding hands, almost kissing, closely. It''s clear how she puts a hand in his hair, attempting to fix it. The article claims the actor is a playboy who disregards people''s feelings. On the next page, there''s a photo with a member of his cast, Mili Avital, walking hand in hand on the streets of Texas. The photo is good, but if scrutinized closely, their hands are not together.


    The Washington Post mentions a fight Billy had in a bar while at Stanford University and how he used the money to threaten the police officers at the station. - That never happened, - Jim furrowed his brow. -Was Billy hiding things? -


    Spam of photos, the most alarming one is a complaint from someone claiming Billy stole their characters and copyright. The person called him a thief, questioning his use of ghost artists with slavery contracts and claiming ownership of others'' drawings as his own, a true publicity thief.


    Although Jim Waitt wasn''t the only one observing the media''s movement, the American boom seemed to detail Billy''s life with such precision. Firstly, Jim knew the measured attack confirmed nothing and acted upon blurry photos; the publication was written in a way that neither confirmed nor denied anything except the grave allegations of product theft.


    His second fear: Billy needed a bodyguard. Now that his truth was completely uncovered, he called an agency connecting with the retired military, security companies, protection teams, and bodyguards specialized in high-profile figures.


    -No matter, I want a full security service, protection service, recording service, and personal protection, - Jim said over the phone, receiving multiple calls from his boss, colleagues, acquaintances, Sony, Columbia, Universal, minor men, and even a quick call from a surprised James Cameron, who didn''t expect the 13-year-old boy to rise so high.


    -$55,000 a year. Perfect. I want the security package, - Jim said. - Have them come to my address, noted xxxxxxxxxx. They have to start tomorrow. Send me your best agent, needless to say, I will verify their resume, - Jim said, knowing for certain the company was good and acceptable.


    ''Billy needed more protection as far as the photos are concerned,'' he thought, considering the danger of the situation.


    Contrary to the extent of the situation, it only encompassed an organized and elaborate effort by a group of two full-time paid paparazzi and a private investigator who, over the last few months, had been everywhere with a team of two workers, with many resources to dig up all possible information.


    ...

 240. day after – part two.

    For Lux Animation, under a confidentiality agreement, they had a clear idea of how much money the boss had. But expressing wealth in such a broad stroke, were the newspapers exaggerating? Or was it simply a hidden truth for the company? Unlike most businesses that barely generated any profits after covering all expenses and operational costs, the basic and ironic directive that Billy had a lot of money could be attributed to the unchecked investments he made in the stock market.


    In an office on the fifth floor of the grand Lux Animation building, Anne Hall reviewed the press sent by her collaborators while making a list of requests with the legal team regarding the attack. Simultaneously, she spoke with agent Jim Waitt, not wasting any time, checking her messages.


    -Jim, for now, we will enhance our security. I must say I feel perturbed by how the situation is unfolding, but it''s something Billy has been expecting for some time. For now, I recommend silence, though I tend to believe Billy is somewhat passive... I understand, and I agree we have to strike. However, I believe spending money isn''t enough. I''ve already mobilized Thomas''s law firm, and they will thoroughly review every article in the press to file necessary lawsuits, - Anne said.


    -Lawsuits, Anne? Matters shouldn''t be handled this way based on a series of rumors, - Jim Waitt replied.


    -On the contrary, they attacked Billy''s reputation as a creator. I reviewed the creation and the work he put into the comics. Any alert about ghostwriters, copyright theft, and ridicule of the comic''s image will be treated with the same severity other companies use. There are limits... and they''ve crossed those limits, - Anne said.


    -I can''t deny it! As long as they''re just corporate images, they can take all necessary actions, - Jim Waitt said, chewing on Anne''s words with some difference. Indeed, Billy wasn''t just an actor; he was an entrepreneur. The legal attack could be deadly for a circle of newspapers. The San Francisco Chronicle was facing an unimaginable attack from Lux Animation.


    This prompted the hiring of a team to assess the impact of the words spoken, as well as assertions and questions about the company''s operations.


    -Therefore, it only remains to add that once you finalize the hiring of the security team, I will personally make the adjustments to formalize payments with the security company, - Anne said.


    -Very well, I''ll send the documents to your fax once the requests are made, - Jim Waitt said.


    Anne hung up the phone, and took a deep sigh, knowing it wasn''t a good idea for Billy to delve into the entertainment world. For apparent reasons: privacy, time, and politics. More than enough reasons to explain that it would only create a big explosion in the future. Logic dictated that if you were good at something, you should stick to it.


    The main reason, is the shadows bring problems. Exposure is the biggest folly a person can desire. Her phone was filled with messages from many of her employers who, even if they didn''t show it, were somewhat lost by how things were unfolding. It wasn''t all bad; fast food sales surged with quick words from the company''s administrators, increasing dramatically by 100%, along with comic sales, which started to distinguish the truth of some claims and gossip denied by ardent fans who, from the bottom of their hearts, idolized Billy for his quality of delivering incredible stories, and why they should read him.


    Lastly, but no less important, a call from Microsoft at Lux Comics'' doorstep. As subsidiary motives, Microsoft had wanted to take over the company Autodesk since 1991, and requested licensing for the animation studio, with the cancellation at the beginning of the year and the implementation of software separately from Autodesk''s main services, the Pixar studio, advanced computer image software.


    With a list of departments on the table, Anne''s beautiful cheeks were red with indignation over what had happened to Billy. She dialed Rachel''s operations department phone, her heart racing at the thought of Billy going out with many girls, the shell of the prince charming cracking for the rough and burgeoning playboy, who couldn''t stop provoking fantasies in Rachel, a young love inexperienced woman.


    She received a call from her boss, and her body awakened from the dream she was living.  - Yes, Director, - Rachel said nervously over the phone. Luckily, Raimon was planning some advances with Jim Gianopulus, and she could avoid the embarrassment of being questioned.


    -Rachel, we''ll have a meeting with an envoy from Microsoft from Seattle. I want you to be in the meeting with the new employee we hired. Jasper is a Stanford graduate like you; you might even know him. I hope you carry out the negotiation, - Anne said.


    She hung up the phone, cutting the conversation with Rachel, and made a call to Sarah Robles, the advertising department director, responsible for promoting products. Now that the channel was on the air, it was responsible for airing some commercials of the company itself, along with commercials for well-known brands like Mattel, Hasbro, Action Figures, Burger King, Lego, and the company''s productions, like trailers for animated movies, Bugs, among others published by other companies, such as Casper.


    -Sarah, I need you to launch a large-scale advertising campaign for Studio Pixar to attract several buyers, new animation studios wanting to be part of our subscription licenses. We need to cover at least ten extra subscriptions, not counting schools, - Anne said.


    -Understood, boss. I''ll organize the schedule and contact Rumino Denver, - Sarah said, aware of the latest service the company was offering: digital software.


    ********************************************************************


    -It was somewhat rushed, but the job was done by the Warner Express hooligans, - said a voice, dark behind the curtain, in a grand mansion, a massive property. The wealth of the place could be seen in its antiquity, the elegant furnishings, the desk, the library books dating back years, paintings, and carpets. Everything screamed opulence. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -The young man is successful, Your Honor. He''s handsome, wealthy, and hardworking. A future husband for Amelia would be nothing short of perfect. With your sponsorship and the family''s unity, you can leverage your influence on the list, - said an old man in a suit, perhaps around 70 years old, with a butler standing confidently, stoic and rigid, by his side.


    -Amelia is a very rebellious girl, taking after her mother - my daughter-in-law. She enjoys parties, scandals, and misbehavior. Mr. Carson, two years her senior, fits the profile well, even if he doesn''t follow Catholic interests; he acts like a staunch Protestant, -  said the old man, facing the voice, which listened to the words in total silence, with great attention, wearing a maroon tie and a gray vest.


    -We''ll see if he can survive the business blows. He could be an important part of the family. My son, a fool, and my grandsons aren''t worth much. They rely on the money that''s handed down, which embarrasses me. My brother''s line turned out to be more mature, - said the man, with a powerful voice, to the old man, though their ages weren''t very far apart.


    -A succession war is not something we desire. You can still correct your grandson, Charles, although somewhat timid, he is measured and follows orders. With Amelia''s brilliant support behind him, he might establish order, - the counselor replied again.


    -True words. It will be one of our many plans, - said the man in a low voice, hoping this one wouldn''t be lost like so many others.


    ...

 241. lux animation

    The company Lux Animation agreed to its national premiere on channels adjacent to major corporations, one below Cartoon Network and one above Nickelodeon in some cable signals, while in others, its position is above Cartoon Network. At the moment, it has a total of eight original series, along with five anime, Japanese series, four licensed animated series from other studios, and seven additional series in progress.


    From 1991 to 1993, three series and two 2D animated films were completed:


    Dexter''s Laboratory.Recess.Rocko''s Modern Life.The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.The Powerpuff Girls.Cow and Chicken/Production.


    Since 1994, production has included four new animated series:


    Samurai Jack.Gargoyles.Train Souls/Production.Mina and the Count/Production.Rocky and Bullwinkle/Production.


    Soon, a series of quick Star Wars: Clone Wars shorts, along with the Trigun superproduction series project, will invest even more money than the Gargoyles series.


    Counting the X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and Power Rangers series projected from Saban Entertainment, the current expenditure on animation has been considerable, but it is sufficient to cover a 24-hour schedule, and the own experience speaks for itself. From the server itself, one can keep track of active viewers; it started with numbers and ranges of 14,000 people on the first day, with minor or major oscillations, averaging out.


    The premiere not only benefits Lux Animation, but Fox also shares some licensed programs, and Marvel, now seeing its series on the air, finds enough confidence to carry out some quick procedures.


    On the second floor, there is a television, a projector that broadcasts Lux-Toons programming, from when it turns on at seven in the morning until it turns off at seven in the evening, a sight that now is usually seen at Raimon, carrying out some notes about television programs.


    This curiously has business reasons, losing sight of leisure, although it will not deny that it enjoys the endearing series made by Billy.


    Raimon checks that the image projection of the channel agrees with the requested requirements, from the small intervals made in the mornings to 15-minute documentaries, daily about animals, history, sports, and geography. To commercial time and chapter time, measured, commercial time 60 seconds every nine minutes. For now, production consists of three animated series, along with the development of the animated film "The Iron Giant," seeking only to establish what has already been predicted, a united front of animation from different high-quality animated series, if The Iron Giant movie is a success, expanding the animation team would not be a problem since, for now, making one movie a year, and from three to five series a year, with the advancement of technology and animator experience, is enough for more ambitious projects. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raimon finished watching the animation channel for two hours with some minimal notes for Billy about his critical thoughts on the show and what he should do on the upcoming animated channels.


    He took the elevator to the fifth floor, not without throwing a glance at Anna Szyma��ska, who was wearing a white shirt with suspenders. The tattoo on her neck, green with purple and rose designs, ''she was a beautiful woman'' - Raimon thought - sighing for the rebellious woman who made herself the most incredible on the planet.


    He crossed his office to get to Jim Gianopulus, who was now his spiritual guide; they both had a lot to talk about.


    -Mr. Gianopulus, I conducted the study, the channel couldn''t be better, - said Raimon.


    Jim nodded, reviewing scripts; Billy''s idea of


    investing in documentaries of all kinds is a brilliant idea because of the potential that has begun to be seen in those kinds of documentaries, and if they can make five low-cost documentaries and two high-cost ones, the premiere of a documentary channel can be present in less than two years from now.


    -What do you think of these scripts? - Jim said, handing him the script material.


    -They sound fantastic; however, I am concerned that CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System, owned by Westinghouse Electric Corporation) has been more present to invest in the program that Billy came up with ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.'' They will help us in production and distribution for a price, they agreed to air the program on Saturdays and Sundays after the newscast, - said Raimon.


    -So fast! Did they add anything else? - Jim asked.


    - Well, they''re eager for the program. They see the quality and appeal to the audience. There''s no doubt it''s a fantastic program. They wanted to buy it, but I refused. Billy mentioned something about fully exploiting the license, - Raimon said.


    -If they asked to buy the license, it''s because they saw the potential. It might bear fruit to have a license for the program for us for now. I''m not sure what Mr. Carson wants to do exactly; the reports don''t complement a picture, but we can proceed, - Jim Gianopulus said.


    -Out of all the scripts I''ve seen, I like the detective ones. We can make a series of great unsolved cases or cases solved with evident doubts from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, - Raimon said, looking at a script about difficult cases from the fifties, and a few others.


    -Good eye, - Jim said, taking a note and stapling it to the script and placing it in a box labeled "future project." A stack of scripts, about a hundred of them, all piled up on the desk. - Keep reading. We have until today to have some clear ideas about what to accept and reject. I''ll schedule a meeting with CBS, and we''ll see if we can make joint investments in the television series ER, Friends, and Inspector Rex, - Jim Gianopulos said, still skeptical about an Austrian television series and series that have received a good reception on television. However, as the boss, he is willing to process the paperwork.


    Jim only has to do one thing, and that''s to secure a spot as a producer, followed by capital investment, and to secure the rights to the series, series that he has seen do not exceed the budget of many other series and manage common budgets.


    -I spoke with the head of Universal and mentioned our animated series license and its children''s programming on weekends. It could be wonderful if we position some of that and bring to light something like getting us closer to other companies, this time more carefully, - Raimon said.


    -Of course, I''ll just do what needs to be done, - Jim Gianopulos said. Thinking about the television series, nailing down two key points, he has to decide on one of the two and promote it carefully, as the interests of the businessmen are sensitive when a deal is made that makes them lose money.


    -Before anything else, I talked to Billy last night, and he mentioned something about the end of the recording. It''ll be in a week or two. He might clear up your thoughts, - Raimon said.


    ...

 242. a nomination kiss

    The love movie gradually accumulated the necessary tension portrayed on camera. From the viewer''s perspective, the relationship formed between Celene and Jessi was the result of an undeniable chemistry and a willingness to love by both characters, who performed loving scenes regularly. The tacit love shown in their gestures was solely due to Billy''s focus, who, with memories of the movie in his head, decided to make Jessi even more sensitive than she already was.


    The main assertion of the entire draft was the flourishing love between a man and a woman. However, the chemistry that emanated was not physical; it was spiritual. The spirituality inherent in each gesture or act takes precedence, thanks to Billy''s significant effort to portray himself as a foolish lover. The complicated state of arriving there is due to the many signals people emit when they are in love, but the most difficult thing to achieve is the sparkle in the eyes.


    S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -These are just gossip. Hollywood is nothing but gossip, - Winona said to a frantic David Painter.


    -Look, it doesn''t matter. I don''t understand why you''re so insistent on justifying your decisions, - David said. However, Jack''s evident behavior was the key indicator that he was hurt; he ignored Winona and wouldn''t allow her to act as she normally did.


    -Why are you acting like a wounded man? Look, I''m telling you, if you want to go out with me, this is going to happen repeatedly. Besides, someone is targeting Billy, look at how they''re calling him out in every newspaper. I can say he''s the opposite of a playboy; he''s modest, kind, and honest, - Winona said. In contrast to the words "liar," "unfaithful," and "coarse" in the newspaper that continued to cause a stir, the impact was a wave of movements that did not go unnoticed by the public.


    Expressing her opinions about Bill, who in her view had a behavior similar to Keanu, was delicate. He was usually more introverted, chivalrous, and humble.


    -Okay, - David said, not wanting to delve into the matter, but still questioning why his partner defended him so much. They were dating, but they weren''t. it was clear they could dump him at any time, he wasn''t upset about changing the relationship, but this guy annoyed him almost as much as that Johnny Depp guy.


    There was a sound from the phone.


    Winona picked up her cell phone and just walked away.


    David heard the sound of Bill''s voice from Winona''s lips; it was enough to understand he was being a third wheel. He had just his heart broken; he left without closing the door, his car was a few meters away, and he just wanted to clear his head��women were like lights in the darkness that went out when you needed them the most.


    Winona, on the other hand, was talking about the latest gossip with her friend Gwyneth, who was already starting to say she hoped to have a romantic relationship with Bill, leaving Winona surprised by the turn of events she never saw coming. The mere fact that Billy was dating her friend caused a sense of compression. Gwyneth was a very jealous person. For her, it was just a glimpse of something, but she let it go, as she was concerned about other things, like the next movie she would fully immerse herself in.


    ...


    hello everyone, we are at 289 of this series, I have written little, but the work left me exhausted, so I only managed to write six chapters this week. luckily the previous weeks, I have had time to write. mmmm, I am closing ideas, and well, many things will begin, to connect.

 243. who wants to be a millionaire?

    The reality show didn''t offer many interesting tasks to perform. From CBS, it is understood that most of the time shows need to be captivating, and only a novel program can make people pay attention.


    Jim Wait was overseeing all the procedures along with Jim Gianopulus, almost as producers. Since Sony acquired Columbia, Hollywood has turned its back on them and plays a distant game, a game that contradicts everything. All companies have always had solid unity, Sony''s isolation, and the hand of a young man that extends like an olive branch for new productions. The same negotiation has allowed Sony to find new allies everywhere, from directors to small producers, and independent film production companies.


    -Is it certain that the program will run by December 1994? - asked Daniel Jadd, the official producer of the series, who directed the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the entire organization of the -Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - program.


    -Sure, with all the team presented by you, - said Jim Gianopulus. For the TV program, Thomas Carson''s legal team was good; they drafted a forty-page contract covering all important topics, such as the game rules of the program. A program must be clear about how it works and what specific rules must be delivered.


    The program will be based on multiple-choice answers (A, B, C,      D). After answering the question, the host will ask if that is the correct answer.The participants must agree that, if they participate in the program, they cannot communicate with anyone from the audience outside the public and through technological communication devices.The participant has two opportunities to choose in the multiple-choice selection process. The correct answer has an estimated time of 30 seconds to choose the correct answer, once the host asks if it is correct.For the use of multiple-choice options, if one of their answers turns out to be wrong, the problem lies in the choice of their candidates.      For audience-based answer questions, and help for answers, the audience may not have the correct option.For the use of multiple-choice options, if one of the answers requires a phone call to a friend, they must request a maximum of three phones, to be dialed by a minimum of two available persons, if they do not have a phone available from their three participants, as a last option,      they can dial a number if no answer is found, they will lose the phone-a-friend help.There are lifelines and insurances; the money will accumulate until they answer correctly and reach the insurance, the insurance will be every five answered questions, in amounts of $1000, $32,000, and      $1,000,000.


    ...


    The rules went on and were formulated repetitively, making it clear that each rule was completely rigid.


    -So, let''s be clear, for the call capture, we''ll use some huge offices, and at least fifty calls will come in, we''ll pick up the phones randomly, regardless of the number of calls, - said Jim, reviewing the call requirements and the people who must be selected.


    -Yes, it was mentioned that we will make a public call at the end of the program, which will be live to capture the audience''s attention. There must be a significant mystery in the program, for anyone to get rich, the members must be teachers, plant workers, builders, and even immigrants, we don''t care about that. We want to generate a great commotion and get people to tune in after the morning news, - said Jim Gianopulus, questioning technical advancements, and more importantly, capturing attention, along with the application made by ID software of the computer game "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" It had an algorithm of at least 60,000 questions, some of which were similar to those on the program, but after $32,000, the answers were unique to the program. The payment of the 9 advisers who created the questions and uploaded them to a website, on each special topic, was commendable work.


    -We''re working on it, but yes... we have a whole team to broadcast the signal live, - said Daniel Jadd.


    Jim Gianopulus nodded; the program''s headquarters would be set up in different locations, one in Los Angeles, and another in New York. Each location was close, from east to west. Some per diems would be paid, but most of the calls would be claimed from nearby places.


    Billy was gazing at the Vienna skyline from a large square, watching passersby while Julie made some trips, buying souvenirs or enjoying some street artists.


    Billy began to sketch the landscape, starting with a long view every week, a giant panoramic view in various ways. Sometimes he changed the outlines of the labyrinth, sometimes he arranged the closest houses and created a medieval structure, removing all modernity from the map, and improvising in some parts that he straightened.


    -You''re still at it, - said Julie.


    -I do what I can but like to modify the whole design. Now I''m making it modern, maybe a thousand years ahead. What''s up? Why do you look so serious? - said Billy.


    -Well, it turns out I understand who you are very well. The press has been all over you for the past five days. I must say, I didn''t expect you to have a romantic relationship with three other actresses, - said Julie, serious, and hitting Billy in disbelief.


    Supposedly, he would arrive in San Jose in five days. Jim Wait had been calling constantly, but he didn''t want to respond while he cleared his mind in the oasis of Vienna. The freedom he had enjoyed in the last few months was refreshing. He only took meetings on Thursdays and Fridays with important people. Without paying attention, the next meeting would be in two days, over the phone, and then he would arrive in San Jose and resume his duties.


    -Hasn''t your agent mentioned the situation? - asked Julie.


    -I might have ignored my agent to seek some peace, - said Billy.


    -Bill, you should be careful. If your agent calls you more than twice, it must be something important. Very irresponsible of you, - said Julie. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -All my calls are usually important, - said Billy.


    Julie rolled her eyes as she took a seat next to Billy. She already knew the boy''s humor, and it was best to keep quiet when he got into his petulant attitude, his hollow phrases, and his cold smile that spoke from the outside, not from within. Julie only commented that it would serve him well in interviews or in front of the paparazzi. She might be wrong, but the article mentioning a fortune of over a billion dollars was proof enough to say he was a brilliant businessman.


    Billy focused on the newspapers, reading the press articles carefully. Every article in the press was important to him. It spoke about his private life, and his business life, and even mentioned answers about various activities he had already forgotten, like his relationships in middle school, teachers he didn''t remember, and classmates he had never noticed.


    -I think my days will be somewhat hectic. Have you ever experienced anything similar? - Billy asked.


    -I have no idea. After all, I''m just an actress with some roles. I''ve tried to downplay my fame and not accept big productions. I prefer art, - said Julie.


    ...

 244. animation license

    For a long time, Microsoft has been behind the scenes competing against all kinds of companies vying for digital dominance. One significant struggle that reflected this mediation was Napster. Since 1988, the company''s shares, which were counted in thousands, began to be counted in hundreds of millions. Even now, it''s intriguing how expansion demands another round of stock expansion to stabilize the company. Both Bill Gates and Paul Allen believe that 3D and 2D graphics produced by computers can provide special image quality. The best company to acquire for this purpose is Autodesk. However, the purchase seems conspicuously complicated because this company makes many private acquisitions that help complete its services.


    Pixar Studios is an animation studio that particularly licenses first-class graphic quality. They acquired an animation software company, but its technical quality didn''t even reach the level of animations from the 80s presented by Pixar in their commercials. Over time, only Pixar can be considered the best. However, three companies are dedicated to computer modeling, and all three have achieved significant milestones: Pixar, Autodesk, and ID Software.


    These three companies can be called leaders in their market, and their willingness to share 3D animation is important. Softimage Inc., a 3D animation software company founded in 1994, developed animation and visual effects tools used in films, games, and multimedia productions. However, its tools are insufficient. The acquisition, valued at least at $67 million, has helped improve the graphics and important visuals for the MSN (Microsoft System Network) delivery company.


    With the Pixar studio license purchased from Softimage for eight million dollars, they modified the idea of Bill Gates and Paul Allen to expand their animation software production services. They aim to block Netscape Navigator next year, by any means necessary.


    -Yes, however, we desire to communicate with Mr. Carson. We don''t want to undermine things, but it''s my boss who wants to have a sharp discussion with your boss, - mentioned Dorothea Colman, an administrator and computer engineer, the second COO of Microsoft, below John Frontman.


    -Yes, - replied to Rachel. - But the president is a very busy person. For now, he''s out of the country, and his schedule will be full until November 15th. However, the CEO can communicate with you. -


    -We''ll wait until November 15th. My bosses expect confirmation if one of the partial owners of the company can attend on November 15th for a discussion, - said Dorothea, frankly tired of serving as the operations secretary.


    -I''ll bring everything to the president''s attention at the next board meeting. I''ll give a communication for that date. From Lux Animation, we appreciate the purchase of Pixar Studio service, -said Rachel.


    They hung up.


    Rachel was cheerful. She was overseeing the project with Randal McArthur and John Fletcher. They had a total of 17 confirmed sales, including companies like Microsoft, AOL, Next, Netscape, Opera Software, Mosaic Communications, Nokia, Motorola, Sony, Disney, Warner, Universal, and nine other licenses that were yet to be confirmed.


    The product was a success. From France, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, and Japan, everyone wanted to acquire the licensing service.


    The expansion of Pixar and Autodesk was a fact. The services for improving architectural design, engineering, sales, and its new structure that Billy desired with John Walker''s fervor for Autodesk''s growth. With Pixar Studios'' new program, the company''s valuation rose to $450 million.


    The purchase of Pro/Engineer was a fact, an investment of $67 million to assist software similar to CAD, with more functional trends in computer-aided engineering projection. It had options that would revitalize the platform.


    For Pixar, more computer engineers would be hired for animated software development. A second manager would be added to coordinate film production separately, and sketches of the third movie, "The Ice Age," would be presented with ten new animators, now awaiting hiring, a project led by Peter Docter, who now only has three animators behind him for character creation.


    ***************************************************


    -I heard that our Pixar studio project has borne fruit, - said John Lasseter at the weekly meeting, which was impromptu.


    -The announcement has been made. Peter Docter will oversee all the details of animation creation. We''ve already hired a team of ten to learn under Peter Docter''s guidance and make progress. For now, they''ll only be making short clips, 3 to 5 minutes long, to delve into the intricacies of technology, - said Randall McArthur.


    Peter Docter nodded. It was the first project entrusted to him, and he was eager to create the movie "The Ice Age," which promised to be a comedic and spiritual relief for the animation company.


    - Isn''t that contrary to our idea? - said Alvy Ray, not entirely agreeing with the idea of providing the software that they had worked so hard to design, countless hours of work.


    -We''ve earned enough to produce an extra animated film, even with a failure. It''s just a pricing relief. Films are one of the riskiest activities I''ve seen. I almost feel like we''re gold prospectors, or perhaps I''m running a risk-taking company with employees who engage in extreme sports daily, -said Randall McArthur, leaning forward in his chair, his imposing stature making his colleagues seem small. S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Then more funds will come in, - said Ed Camult.


    -Yes, but we won''t expand next. We''ll focus on hardware. For some time now, you''ve mentioned that the team needs better computers. I understand they haven''t been upgraded since 1992, in the days of Jobs, - said Randall.


    -That''s true, - said John Lasseter.


    One of the points they''ve struggled with since Billy''s era in 1991 is not reproaching the boy for receiving little profit. It''s because of his films at Lux Animation that they can continue with their creative spirit.


    -SGI has accepted our proposal, - said Ed Camult.


    -Yes, we''ll ally with SGI. They''ll start working under our sponsorship and assistance. We''ll try to produce a computer that allows for duplicating the graphic processing we have without other means present and doubling the working memory, - said Randall McArthur.


    Silicon Graphics, Inc. would join in a venture that not only involved Pixar, but companies like Compaq, Digital Equipment Corporation, MIPS, Groupe Bull, Siemens, NEC, NetPower, Microsoft, and Santa Cruz Operation would support the creation of an improvement in computing performance, introducing microprocessors, graphic tablets, and processors.


    -So, let''s hope the investment indeed helps the company, - said Ed Camult.


    -Now, we only need to continue with the creation of our creative projects, which surely are the mainstay of the company, - said Randall McArthur.


    The main people responsible for negotiating with technology companies were primarily Randall McArthur and John Walker, but now, with Billy''s involvement looming, things would be reassessed differently.


    The agenda was clear: software, and more software, creating better animation systems, and graphic enhancements in video games. However, the trick was that they needed equipment that could run their products.


    That didn''t bother Randall McArthur at all.


    ...

 245. opportunities.

    October 22, 1994.


    Three days since Billy had received the news that he was now a public figure, but he expected it. The fiscal year was in full swing, and his multiple investments over the past three years were beginning to yield conclusive profits. He had a balance that increased with the sale of toys; the hotels had reservations throughout the rest of the year, and the video games were selling at unbeatable limits. ID Software would have to account for profits of nearly 36 million dollars.


    The Tomb Raider company continued the development of the game, Tomb Raider, but the expansion for a third production team, this time led by John Carmack, and a fourth production team led by John Romero, now occupied the three-story building in Kansas City.


    Alexa Riley, delegated her functions, which were now in the hands of an administrator, Richard Boll, an acting administrator who closely monitored the work at ID Software to ensure that the video game production team didn''t fall behind and could continue their common activities.


    Richard Boll studied at a public school in Kansas; however, his work didn''t stop there. Beyond that, the opportunity they gave him was a conscientious job that he did in his multiple jobs in the video game industry, first as a salesman, and then as an office worker with master''s degrees from two private universities in Texas. Now, with a large annual salary, he proved himself.


    For three months, he was in charge of creating four solid video game creation groups, following the line of projects at his disposal, with the plan delivered from the parent company. He first created a third team, led by John Carmack, for the expansion of video games from the Doom and Quake series.


    While the fourth team would be responsible for creating franchise games, as they were called in private documents, Lux Party was a dice board game with multiple games. The challenge was to win using a character from the entire copyright library, which currently enabled 8 playable characters, including Crash Bandicoot, Professor N. Cortex, Coco Bandicoot, Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, an animated version of Doom, Pikachu, and the protagonist of the Shaman King saga. sea??h th�� nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the four teams constituted, the third team delved into different creations. The next game, Forza Horizon, a card game that aims to animate cars from different brands, has only been touched on minimally by the first team, which is the largest in terms of programmers, designers, and leaders. They strictly follow the programs delivered by the parent company, but for Forza Horizon, no clear notice or program has been given.


    They observed from a distant side how the video game industry was developing.


    -Yes, I think we can use the money to expand the industry to a company that helps us see our video game production from another angle. The trend is up, and the new machines, recently from Japan, are already considering continuing with the 3D animation method. If we monopolize a studio with good projection, it can help us improve our work, - said Richard Boll.


    Anne Hall was surprised. Lux Animation Company didn''t meddle in the money produced by its branches, but the dramatic increase in sales and the accounting reports showed that ID Software was growing by leaps and bounds.


    - The opinion is relevant. Have any companies given suggestions for the negotiation and expansion of ID Software? - asked Anne.


    -Well, one company has caused a stir: Interplay Entertainment. Under the alliance of Parallax Software, they have created several video games, especially the video game Descent Freespace, which is a novelty in terms of 3D animation technology. The work could be substantial. If we ally with them or purchase this company, we can improve our technical capabilities, - said Richard Boll.


    -I''ll look into it. Start preparing everything for the purchase of Interplay: information on what video games they handle, their personnel, costs, expenses, debts, successes, everything. The idea is reasonable, and as long as we establish a limit, we can make the purchase of Interplay and Parallax Software, - said Anne Hall, thinking about expansion.


    When Richard read about Descent, two important things became clear:  - a first-person shooter game known for its innovative 3D movement system and frenetic gameplay. - With Billy''s innovative ideas about game creation, merging that innovation with ID Software''s system and engine would advance by leaps and bounds.


    -Of course, I have other companies that I feel have a lot to offer, but that one is the most interesting. However, I''ll look for the most relevant ones in the market, - said Richard Boll.


    The company was clear: he had to convince his boss of an expansion. Perhaps only a well-done job would allow him a quick promotion. He now directs a company recognized in the market for multiple video games.


    *******************************************************************


    -We confidently have the new action game from the ID Software series, - said Alexa Riley with a sigh of relief. Facing the predetermined delivery of Tomb Raider, of the seven games she was tasked with creating for the company, this was the third. She could see the hungry eyes of all the programmers striving to learn every gram of information and improve. The game had many challenges.


    -No doubt, although we can still edit some parts that deserve better treatment, - commented Dave D. Taylor.


    Group one consisted of the Riley spouses, Camil, Coleman, Dave D. Taylor, Jessica Roman, and Andrew Fisher.


    -Let Pixar take care of it. They''ll facilitate a smooth transition that our designers have projected and it''ll take them much less time. Just make sure to note all the important details that our game has begun to develop, - said Alexa.


    As a team leader, along with her husband Brian who followed orders diligently, Alexa constituted the most creative part of the program, but Brian was the force to be reckoned with his keen ability to detect the slightest flaws, patterns, clues, beginnings, and analysis form, from the finest details of the work to the essential intricacies.


    -This was a challenge in many aspects, - Alexa commented aloud to the members of her group. --The game is smoother, with space enhancements, more details, and new tools the game needs to use, like establishing contact with cars, motorcycles, different types of electronic equipment, weapons, campfires, inventories, and more. Animals with artificial patterns and villains with more tactical intelligence. Puzzles and scaled, giant maps that shone and had to be solved perfectly. -


    -I don''t doubt it, I even think the car game will be much simpler. Accelerate, brake, crash. What could go wrong? - questioned Camil, a computer engineer from the University of Massachusetts.


    Alexa sighed. They still didn''t know their boss, a person who only knew how to do two things and one of them was to exceed the creative limits of the company, from new gameplay profiles, maps, aesthetics, designs, and graphical improvements.


    -Electronic Arts has a car game. We''ll study how they designed the cars; however, we might face another 3D challenge, - responded Alexa.


    She wasn''t wrong. The first challenge was the graphics, the second step was to compose numerous cars. They hoped to form alliances with different car brands, focusing on commercially successful brands. The second step was the complexity of the tracks and the game''s artificial intelligence and competitors.


    ...

 246. back to Lux Animation.

    October 26.


    During the three months Billy has dedicated to his performances in Vienna, the unfinished promise of participating in the Berlin Film Festival, being part of an interview in Germany, and showing up in December for the audition of Seven Linger.


    At Billy''s company, the climax has been vast: from the completion of the Crash Bandicoot game, entirely autonomous and created by the creative team of ID Software and Pixar, in terms of levels, to the proposal of Crash Bandicoot 1, which has already started to be part of the deliveries; the delivery of Tomb Raider; the negotiation between Capcom and Lux Animation for the deliveries of "The Lion King" and "Samurai Jack 2"; the opening and negotiation of the Lux Toons animated channel, which has begun broadcasting throughout America and parts of Europe; the expansion of the film distribution company; the new negotiations to broadcast animated films in Asia; the sale of merchandise in various countries; and the alliance with Marvel to portray more animated series, sponsored by the Marvel network, featuring Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Shield.


    Unbridled licensing sales, plans for a new reality show, Raimon''s juggling with the five new companies Billy invested in, along with the real estate investment in the building he would use as his home, and the purchase of several nearby premises to create a square of elegant artisanal foods, attracting major food centers.


    The creation of the Hotmail email company, which has already begun to take its first steps, all with the help of Stanford University.


    The beginning of the film "The Iron Giant" and plans to establish the Ice Age as the third title with 3D technology; the covert purchase of Marvel company shares; the alliance with Lucasfilm; and the project for a Star Wars animated series, along with comic deliveries and the new series "One Piece," which entered without glory, and the quest to continue expanding networks throughout the technological universe.


    Plans to create an animation studio. S��ar?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s good to see you back, old friend, - said Raimon, striking a stylish pose with his hands pointing like pistols.


    -It''s good to be here. We have a lot to talk about, - said Billy.


    -Phew, it''s good you''re here. The company has grown so much that it''s unrecognizable. I''ve discussed many topics. The building is beautiful, and for now, most of the floors are finished. Some finishes are left, but we''ll probably finish the building by January next year, - said Raimon.


    -You haven''t told me the most important thing! - said Billy, smiling.


    -What? - Raimon asked nonchalantly. "Did I forget a sale?" thought the boy, following up on investments at Stanford, issuing invitations for the entrepreneurial project at Stanford, internships, and hiring for January, sorting out the actions, conducting research on the members who had shares to expand Marvel''s domain of influence, including five people, and one who has more than 4% of shares, an investment fund that sells shares for $6, but he''s convincing them to sell for $5.55, Marvel''s share price is $4.35, but Billy mentions an explosion.


    The Pokemon game is remastered, and the company continues with the next game, "Jenae and Darc''r."


    -"I don''t remember," said Raimon, his cheeks flushing.


    -Your preparation for the Star Wars dubbing, - said Billy.


    Raimon''s car swayed as he slammed his head against the steering wheel. Billy grabbed the handles tightly, preventing his head from hitting the glass. The honking of cars resounded as Raimon, oblivious to his surroundings, gripped the steering wheel tightly while lamenting his forgetfulness about being part of the Star Wars animated series dubbing.


    -You can ask Joe Murray and Craig. They do some dubbing for fun, - said Billy.


    -I''m the worst fan. God! I hate my life. I wish I could turn back time, but unfortunately, I''m an idiot, - said Raimon, totally disenchanted by the turn of events.


    -Don''t worry, you''re friends with the producer, - said Billy, winking. Raimon''s mouth opened wide.


    -You''ve changed, damn man! You''re a different person now. I''m dying to say you''re even more of an idiot than you used to be. If you weren''t my best friend, I''d tell you to buzz off with that stupid smile you wear. I''m naive to think you wouldn''t change, but... you''ll lose my respect if you ruin my Star Wars series by acting like an idiot. You don''t mess with the sanctuaries, same with Stark Trek, Evangelion, One Piece, Shaman King, Samurai Jack, Samurai X, Samurai Jack. I was watching Dragon Ball, and it''s on the list, with Knights of the Zodiac... ''You''re walking a fine line, friend,'' - said Raimon.


    -I''m confident; I don''t do the impossible. Star Wars is in Lucas''s hands, and well, sometimes people don''t respect the script, and it just drives me crazy, - said Billy.


    -But you excel at Lux Animation; they call you the almighty, and well, a lot of people respect your follow-ups. The same goes for Pixar; those people simply follow your stories to the letter, created and built in conjunction with the bosses of bosses. So don''t spout nonsense, - said Raimon.


    -I''ll make you my producer when we don''t have so many problems to deal with. Cinema is like a cunningly told story, with many wills, and creative personnel. But you''re right, I have respect, but not enough, and if I join forces with strong-willed people like John Lasseter, Saban Haim, Stan Lee, and George Lucas, I''ll have to give in. However, good work always wins over your team. Take it this way: if you''re in an investment group and your boss asks you to invest in certain companies, you do it, but you mention that certain companies have better profits than others. You do a study and present it. In three months, you were right. If you keep doing it repeatedly, you start gaining recognition. But then comes another person who does the same thing as you and contradicts you. Then there''s someone who''s the boss of bosses. Many wills, - said Billy.


    -I see. Curiously, things are that way. One would think that being animators and people of interest, they would be pleasant with everything related to creativity. But if you put it that way, they seek the same as everyone else, which is recognition, - said Raimon.


    They veered off diagonally, made a turn, a return, and they were at the company.


    -We''ve arrived, - said Raimon, parking the car.


    -How about we play Street Fighter? - asked Billy.


    Raimon rubbed his hands together as if kneading bread; his smile was bright. The loser pays for dinner? - he proposed.


    -Deal. Best of five, - said Billy, unfastening his seatbelt. Their gazes met in a spark.


    Billy''s favorite character was Ken or Dhalsim; he usually combined these fighters when competing with Raimon, who always chose Ryu, the protagonist or initial character, in shorter words, the one featured on the video game cover, with a story more familiar to the public. It was one of the most played and chosen.


    Since the purchase of the building, the open spaces for playing were larger. The living room now contained a console with all the cartridges and games of the company, several slot machines with different games, classics like Pac-Man, Mega Man, Street Fighter, pinball, Mario, and racing games.


    They entered quietly, heading to the second floor without anyone detecting them. They arrived at the second floor, to the left of the game room, and dedicated themselves to playing matches. What started as a best-of-five match escalated to a best-of-10, 15, 20, and 25.


    A record for Raimon of 11 losses and 12 victories; he preferred to play different games than Street Fighter, such as Mega Man and Mario Bros.


    The keys and shouts rang out as the game intensified.


    -My victory, - said Billy, celebrating, tying the score to 12 victories each.


    - And the last one, - said Anne behind Billy, her breath the warning both Raimon and Billy should know; she was furious.


    -Yes, I think the last one, - said Billy, lowering his voice with each word, and adjusting his tie and blazer.


    -Did you bring the new drafts? - asked Anne.


    Billy nodded.


    -Good, we have a lot to do. I hope you''re ready to make up for your wasted time. It''s been almost three hours since security was notified that Raimon''s car entered the company parking lot, - said Anne.


    -Don''t worry, Anne. I''ve completed nearly 24 new chapters; I had plenty of time to make progress. I also started the final episodes of Cowboy Bebop, - said Billy.


    The animated series that required the most work were Samurai X and Shaman King. Each was currently on episode 78, and Billy drew up the drafts ready for delivery up to episode 82, adding the 10 he did for each series, they have up to episode 92 planned for December, at least for each respective series.


    ...

 247. ID software

    Raimon walked behind Billy, while Billy followed Anne, who held all her resentment toward the company''s presidents and operations director. This could only be an excuse to throw at Raimon the tax review of fast food and hotel companies, perhaps... also the new payments to suppliers, after all, he did a great job when recommended, yes... let him take care of the restaurant simultaneously, the company''s new dining room, which featured an outdoor tent and two food carts, along with microwave service, taking advantage of the available green areas. They had almost 9 acres of unused land.


    -You''ll have work at your desk since you don''t have much to do, - she said Pointing at Raimon, who fled to his office, only to be met with Rachel''s disapproving look, who just crossed her arms and continued to talk about childish behavior, forgiving Billy because he must have been tired from his work as an actor.


    Raimon lowered his head, but inside, he was amused; it had been a long time since he had enjoyed himself so freely.


    -As for you, we have a meeting with ID software immediately about the company''s expansion. The year has been a boom for video games, and we are relevant, about the next steps we must consider. Our new official administrator argues for the purchase of a game studio or a software company, - said Anne, opening the door of her office. As a man sitting, wearing a leather jacket, tall, what caught his attention the most was the composure and coldness with which he behaved, he was a man to be feared. Unbeknownst to him, there was another on the balcony, wearing a tight combat military suit.


    -Who are these? - asked Billy.


    -Your bodyguards, let me introduce you to Mr. Erwin Kyle, retired US sergeant," pointing to the man in the suit, "member of the US Special Forces, served for seventeen years, decorated with two medals for his outstanding valor in combat, has been tested, knows four fighting styles, and is an expert in weapons," pointing to the next, "Douglas Sing." This is our chosen tough guy, again a member of the US Navy, who has been on the front lines in light combat units in reconnaissance, assault, and sabotage, where''s Leo? - asked Anne.


    -Mr. Hatcocok is doing rounds around the perimeter, identifying possible security breaches to solidify the company''s security system, - said Erwin Kyle.


    Billy felt like whistling. These guys looked tough. - I''m Billy Carson, nice to meet you, - he said.


    They both nodded in a military salute. - We''re here to serve you; for now, we''ll be entrenched in your security, we''ll be your shadows, - responded the US senior sergeant.


    ''He''ll ask Anne about this later,'' Billy thought, watching how these guys behaved. Sear?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, now that the introductions have been made, let''s get into the important stuff. You should know that Richard Boll is the new official administrator. Our company has an excess of income, and we''ve already discussed that it''s best to make some purchases of companies that have caused a stir in development. He made reports and pointed out the chosen companies, - said Anne.


    The folder listed twelve companies; interestingLucasArts was ly, among the companies to Arts. Old George kept expanding his company, albeit shortly in different games that, at first glance, seemed few, but they were bold and quick plays.


    The highlighted companies are Interplay Entertainment, Sierra Online, and Midway Games.


    What stood out most about Interplay Entertainment was the game Baldur''s Gate, a failure; the proposal was rejected. However, he knows that the essence is special for this type of video game, a game that would mark as one of the most popular RPGs in the world. Well, many lists of companies, all the gaming companies were present, even a new one that was not highlighted, Blizzard Company.


    -You''re right, acquiring a Parallax software company is one of the best purchases we can make if we want to expand our market. Let''s acquire the rights and codes of Baldur''s Gate. There''s Raven Software, which also caught my attention for its alternative approach to making video games. However, the real gem is Blizzard Entertainment; even though people may not notice, they have very innovative ideas, - said Billy.


    After a 30-minute read on all the US companies, which weren''t many but enough to talk about.


    -Why would you buy a company that reported losses last year? - Anne asked.


    -These guys have confidentiality clauses,  - Billy replied.


    -They''re on a trial period, - Anne said.


    -They have confidentiality clauses. What I''m about to say is trade secret, worth billions of dollars, private information, - Billy said.


    -We understand. But we have confidentiality clauses. Our work specializes in protecting big businessmen, public figures, politicians, and high-risk entities. We can step out if you wish, - said Erwin.


    Jim looked through all the companies and eventually asked for a favor from James Cameron, who connected him with a special security services company.


    -Alright, since we''re talking about the service they''ll provide, real-time strategy, they were recently acquired by Davidson & Associates. This seems like a desperate purchase from a company that distributes educational games, while Blizzard distributes war games. I believe they''re hoping to be bought. We have many war series in our game repertoire, but this one, in particular, can help us advance in online gaming. They''ll likely sell it again, - said Billy.


    -So, you want to buy Blizzard based on your hunch that it will help expand internet-connected games? - Anne questioned, still doubtful about making a purchase based on personal inductions.


    -I can bet my company that, with the right service, Blizzard will grow unprecedentedly. Along with the tradition of sharing information, we can analyze that ID software could acquire the tricks these companies work on. Send Steve Parks to purchase the company; there''s no one else I trust, and tell Davidson & Associates that we can provide contacts at universities, much more profitable than war games, - said Billy.


    -We''ll call Richard Boll; he''ll give you his ideas on what may or may not be particularly interesting to us. He''s an expert on video games, - said Anne, dialing a Texas phone number.


    The bodyguards simply stayed in their places, but now they saw the arrogant style of the boy, not much older than a nephew of Erwin Kyle. That''s why he needs protection; a great businessman always has some enemies along the way.


    Richard Boll was as prompt as always and picked up the phone in an instant. Anne didn''t have time to wander about more on the hows and whys. She got straight to the point.


    -Richard, I just spoke with Billy; he agrees to the acquisitions of Parallax Software and Raven Software. However, he mentions that he prefers the purchase of Blizzard Entertainment over Interplay Entertainment, - said Anne.


    -Well, these are things I still can''t quite grasp. But his reasons... I''ll pass them on to you, - said Richard, extending the phone to Billy.


    -Good morning, Mr. Carson, - said Richard over the phone.


    -Richard, good day. I hope to go to Texas in a few days to see the state of the company and discuss the reports. I''ve been closely monitoring the company''s progress; I hope everything is in order, - said Billy.


    -Yes, we have a very suitable working environment. You can come whenever you want, - said Richard.


    -I''m glad to hear that. Well, although Interplay has a keen eye for games, the composition of video games, in my opinion, is based on two main ideas: that they are fun, catchy, and entertaining, and that people are willing to play them. That''s why we ask you to expand the teams and create a marketing and sales team. Now, Blizzard offers real-time strategy games, meaning logical units that allow playing these games against a technological unit to be shared with different people worldwide, tactical units. Beyond that, from Doom, we''ve created an online gaming service. If we can duplicate this pattern in our games, in ten years, our efforts will be rewarded, - said Billy.


    -Online gaming, however, how certain are we that online games will be represented as important in the future? -Richard Coll asked.


    -A gamble, it''s a gamble. A hunch as Anne calls it, but you can bet a lot on something I believe to be so. I''ve already given the order to Steve Parks; he''ll handle the negotiations with Blizzard. You can sweet-talk Parallax and Raven Software, - said Billy.


    Richard, taken aback, could only follow suit. He hadn''t been in the company for long, and his proposal had already been heard. He didn''t have to fight against the tide; he knew that in the coming months or years, he could have a more solid opinion to deliver.


    -Yes, sir, I''ll handle all the arrangements for the negotiations, - said Richard.


    -Perfect, and have a good day, Richard, - said Billy.


    Anne had been listening to everything and realized that there was no turning back. The expansion of ID Software was planned in such a way that in the next thirty days, the expansion would be the decision that would shape the future of the gaming company.


    The new purchases made were necessary for the company''s future. ID Software had another monumental task: to perfectly execute one of the biggest games in history.


    ��


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 33,009


    Literature: 32,000


    Acting: 34,050


    Points: 000]


    ....


    Resident Evil �C 45 points.Before Trilogy �C 14 points.Forza Horizon �C 30 points.Star Wars �C 45 points.Ed, Edd, and Eddy �C 15 points.The Boys �C 15 points.Silent Hill �C 20 points.


    ...


    From his portfolio, he pulled out a small comic titled Resident Evil, with all eyes set on its publication.


    -I want you to publish this next week. No matter the cost, this comic will only have parts published in a non-specific order. However, the important thing is to make a video game. I''ll sit down to create all the models for the next few days, I''ll take a flight to Texas in two weeks, - said Billy.


    -Before that, you must head to San Diego. They''re waiting for you at Microsoft, and we can''t decline. They bought the largest subscription package, $14 million, for 250 teams from Pixar Studio, - said Anne.


    -Wow. -


    ...

 248. industry.

    Billy concluded the meeting with ID Software, a meeting that gave him much to ponder. Undoubtedly, he had underestimated the work of video games and the talkative profits that could be received. Subsequently, he saw Leo Roy Hatcocok. He was the youngest of the three, blond-haired, or so it seemed, with short military-style hair. He was a giant, almost two meters tall, no, perhaps 1.90 meters, his muscles were powerful, and he seemed like a mass of strength, filled with steroids, iron, cement, granite, and all hard materials.


    Douglas was in Billy''s office reviewing the perimeters, while Erwin took a seat in the office across, the marketing area and waiting room.


    He left the door open so he could have a view of the office; this was the most exclusive place in the company, and only one person was seen, captive��Raimon. - Why didn''t you pick me up at the airport? - Billy asked.


    Aloud, with that in mind, his head was buzzing.


    -Your CEO didn''t mention your arrival until he was informed of it, - Erwin said.


    -Alright, - said Billy, taking a seat. He needed an animated series to create; it had been a while, and he had delayed the promise to George Lucas that the series would start production by December. It was a goal to consider; he would start with the simple classic drawings of the first series of quick shorts, a two-hour movie with five-minute trailers, divided into parts. It would take time; he would expand the series to at least three hours so that each episode would have seven minutes of screen time.


    He did his drawing work for the next two hours, giving the outlines of the beginnings of a series while getting down to business. On his desk was a 15-page script dating back to 1976; it was a clear sign that in the coming days, he would have to delve into duplicating that script to at least four hundred pages with outlines of the main lines.


    When he got tired of drawing, he started writing in Word, Word 6.0 in 1993, it was a stable version that he liked. He kept writing, all the details of the script in his head while making drawings on a white notepad titled Star Wars. Not far away were all the comics that Star Wars had published to date. Anne, in a short time, would contact some ghostwriters, and the Star Wars series would begin to take shape and come to life once Billy started shaping the world alongside George Lucas.


    In his head, he had a total of 394 worlds, along with at least 10,000 characters. He started from the beginning. From the planet that unraveled everything, Naboo, and Coruscant, followed by some other planets more or less relevant to the Star Wars series. With prior knowledge, he refined the plots, and many of them took shape in different ways, instilling deeper dialogues among the Jedi.


    -It''s half past eight, sir, - Erwin said from the door.


    -Do you need to leave? - Billy asked, paying attention to his computer, continuing to take notes and draft dialogue.


    -We''re doing shifts, for now, both Douglas and Leo are waiting for you to settle in the appropriate area to rest in their respective places. I''ll stay alone as an emergency measure while we establish the danger zones and relevant security, -  Erwin said.


    -I see, - said Billy, taking note of the three men who were now his group of bodyguards. -- Let me finish with this idea; I''ll take everything and work at the hotel, -- added Billy, finally finishing his last touches to square away the first part of the saga. sea??h th�� ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had to take his Star Wars notepad; it was the only relevant thing he would do until the weekend. The building was calm; most of the workers were at home except for some animators who continued their activities, such as Anna Szymanski, who drew as she pondered all the memories of her country, along with some other photos.


    Or a Raimon, who continued to review the accounts of the hotel company like a bloodhound sniffing meat; meticulously, each account was observed to the smallest detail. - That''s it, guys. Let''s go get settled; can you let Raimon know? We''ll have dinner at the hotel; he has some accounts to update me on, - said Billy.


    Douglas nodded; Billy''s feeling was inexplicable; he felt like the mafia boss with three bodyguards by his side. They had devoted themselves to reactivating the technical commitments of all the company''s guards, drafted new rules, and requested that each employee''s data room be reviewed. The Pinkerton security company didn''t mess around. How much would it cost? But that was the least he wanted to know at the moment.


    Raimon arrived busy; lately, he dressed better. However, beneath the elegant pants and the button-up shirt, the Star Wars hoodie was as flashy as a lighthouse in the middle of the forest.


    -My truck, - Billy asked Raimon.


    -It''s in the garage; I''ve had the keys since this morning, I just forgot to give them to you, - Raimon said.


    -We''ll eat at the hotel; these guys have to leave soon, but a good dinner never hurts anyone. What do you say? - Billy asked, thinking about the orange chicken served at the hotel. The restaurant closed at 10, and he fervently desired a good meal.


    -I wanted pizza! Oh well, I''ll eat tomorrow, even though we didn''t finish our last game, - Raimon said.


    They left the office, just as Billy''s Toyota truck was there, a nice truck given by his grandparents and father, but he hadn''t used it in a while. Billy took the driver''s seat, again neglecting his three bodyguards, who got in. The vehicle had been checked by Erwin this morning and by Douglas in the afternoon; they needed a private parking space for added security, but that would be discussed later.


    Raimon''s car, with the bright Batman symbol on its hood, followed behind.


    -You can take the truck as long as you return it tomorrow, - Billy told his bodyguards.


    They nodded. Douglas took the car keys. The room was 205, reserved for some time. They set out to check for any security breaches. It was now understood why Margot had booked a double room for her beloved bodyguard. He chatted with Raimon long enough to get ahead of all the gossip; even later, he whispered something to him that no one else heard but Raimon. He nodded and bid farewell to Billy with a hug.


    Erwin was eating a turkey sandwich from a distant table, not too far, but enough for him to talk privately with Raimon. Another thing about having bodyguards is paranoia; only someone who needs security hires them. And especially from such a private list.


    -Thanks for waiting, Erwin, and I apologize for the inconvenience, - Billy said, calling for the bill and paying for everything.


    -We are the security service, one of the best companies in the world. It''s our job, - Erwin said.


    -I can understand that. Let''s go; I just paid the bill, I know the food here is expensive, - Billy said, heading to his room. Rinse and wash; he had to focus on drawing the animated story. The storyline was on point; he already had the faces of all the main characters and added some special ones like the short stories of Grievous, Durge, Severance Tan, and Asajj Ventress.


    The main idea is to keep arguing every immediate detail, a longer prologue that details the conflict of the clones, only as an introduction.


    ...

 250. the English patient.

    Saul Zaents arrived on time to initiate the entire procedure, with his dear friend Michael Ondaatje, and they carried out all the essential steps to bring the movie based on his dear friend''s book to life.


    The assembled team comes from a working group led by John Seale, who has worked diligently on the project scheduled to begin filming in May of next year, along with the production company Tiger Moth, contracted for 2 million dollars. Production expenses alone are rising; however, the majority of the selected procedures have already been completed.


    Mr. Saul Zaents contemplated going first and asking some questions to an acquaintance, Harvey Weinstein, but he both hated and loved the individual who was contemporary to him. Firstly, this production had already faced rejection from 20th Century Fox; the studio wanted to hire more recognized actresses to give a positive face to the film. Zaentz doesn''t want a film to be bogged down by a production that barely meets expectations, which is what both he and Michael Ondaatje desire for the movie''s development.


    Most importantly, the soundtrack has now been covered by a Hungarian group, Muzsikas, which has nothing to envy to those prominent names and acclaimed scenes.


    -I see you''ve done a great job, considering the hefty production fee. -  Billy remarked.


    -Well, I was hoping for a slight increase in the budget, perhaps between 25 and 28 million dollars. For now, the agreed-upon 24 million isn''t enough. - Saul replied.


    - It''s complicated to see it that way. For now, continue with production; I''ll send my accountants to conduct a thorough study. - Billy said.


    -Accountants? - Saul queried.


    -Of course, accountants. It''s in the signed clauses. As long as it''s for the film''s good and satisfies its interests, I can accept it. - Billy extended his hand.  - I know it seems costly; I could invest more, but I like to scrutinize how much money I spend and why I spend it. Please don''t make that face; it''s a gesture I make for public revenue. - Billy explained.


    One of the reasons why the film industry costs so much money is due to film production. Producers are in charge of making films, but they have one thing in common: they like to do favors, increase expenses, and cross budgets in a status of life, for everyone, for the crew, writers, or guests; everything is included in a budget, and that''s why it''s good to have great producers. For example, in "Little Women," the budget was valued at 15 million dollars, and they made interesting actor hires. They didn''t spend more than they should have or asked for. But "The English Patient" asked for double the money.


    This is the contrary; major studios hire their producers for different tasks in the film, such as sets, accommodations, and permits, and they prevent the producer from getting out of hand for the major studios.


    All of that will be itemized, not denied. For example, if Mr. Zaents spends 300,000 dollars on luxury hotels, Billy has no problem, but he will incur travel expense taxes, compensations, and royalties.


    Seeing Zaents''s doubtful expression, Billy continued.


    -Think of it this way: I want to know the expenses, and that''s it. I''ll itemize every expense, everything will be delivered according to tax laws. - Billy reassured.


    -I see. But the investment will remain the same, - Saul said. It''s not something new; independent films often do it when they invest in big productions because their money depends on the production, but Billy seems not to need it. Which now understands that money is necessary.


    -Of course, only business matters, although it may seem like investing so much money isn''t easy. - Billy affirmed.


    -Very well, filming will complement in the summer; we have many similar ideas about who to hire, and the hiring list has already been made, sending some castings, and of course, offers to certain individuals, for example, actress Juliette Binoche, is perfect. - Saul said.


    The papers about the candidates, their respective agenda spaces, and doubts, but one must understand that in production, it is a rigorous matter when the director is not an experienced person, for two simple reasons: they cannot help in the process of aiding and integrating the plot.


    -Can I have them? - Billy asked. Saul nodded, not giving it much thought. Later, Jim Gianopulus would comment on all the small decisions contained in this article, although he identified some, many of the administrative forms that Hollywood used to handle were still mysterious to him.


    The business conversation continued, not only about money but also about the company''s distribution capability. For now, they had a distribution network wide enough to cover Europe, America, and part of Asia. However, it wasn''t enough for the demand of major productions, for two reasons: the first was the number of films they distributed, and the second was the resources to invest.


    It''s easy to create a distributor; it''s difficult to maintain it so that it distributes, at least three to five films a year as a minimum, a strict distribution burden.


    **********************************************************************


    Luxtoons.


    The vibrant animation channel started with its original programs, not very flashy, but they began to capture children of all ages, from 6 to 7 years old to 15-17 years old. Even some adults joined in to watch, for two simple reasons: Marvel, seeing the X-Men, along with Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four comics, which they had seen since childhood, called out to a certain population. The audience doubled, and word of mouth spread through the school halls, universities, informal and formal jobs, and leisure places. In a burger joint, hotels, and the brand''s toy store, cartoons were playing most of the time when there were no important events, sports, news, or unexpected occurrences.


    In a house in western Illinois.


    Two children watched television engrossed, without taking their eyes off the screen. For adults, it would be a striking thing, the good animation that far surpassed animations from the 60s in graphic style.


    The laughter of the children could be heard as they watched the adventures of Billy and Mandy; the laughter didn''t hesitate to repeat itself, then with Dexter''s Laboratory, followed by the X-Men, Spider-Man, Knights of the Zodiac, Recess, and another episode of Rocko''s Modern Life.


    Were there too many original programs for the television channel? On the contrary, there were very few. S��ar?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Until a light sign appeared, a lightsaber, a short 10-second commercial, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, with bright green letters and the Lucasfilm logo. It was at that moment that the forums collapsed.


    -You should be doing your homework, - said the mother, arriving from work and standing in front of the television.


    -Mama! - shouted the 8- and 11-year-old children, respectively.


    -Your homework. Once I know you have it done, you can continue watching television, - said the mother.


    Grandma shook her head from her chair to go to bed.


    It wouldn''t be long before the father arrived, exhausted from work, an average 37-year-old man with two children, aged 11 and 8, totally exhausted from the workday.


    -Well, I''ll check your notebooks and guides, - said the mother, picking up the scattered backpacks from the floor. A typical American family.


    -Dad, - shouted the children upon seeing the man arrive.


    He was happy and hugged them, changing their thoughts.


    -They''re going to premiere a Star Wars series. I never thought it possible, but we''ve seen the commercial twice, - said the younger boy, nodding. The older one chimed in.


    -It''s true, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, - said the older boy.


    -I had no idea, - said the father, surprised by the series he browsed in his spare time, a taste acquired in his youth with the release of the Star Wars movies.


    ...


    Star Wars Forum.


    It''s official, there are new movements from Lucasfilm. Since Mr. Lucas expanded the company to produce video games and two video games about Star Wars were made, our hopes for a new Star Wars saga have arisen in our hearts. Will it be a continuation of Luke Skywalker''s adventures, or will they bring something new to the universe?


    November 1, 1994.


    A photo of the logo is seen, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, with numerous comments about the what, how, and where. Everything is on the new animated channel Luxtoons, below or above Cartoon Network.


    Leon34%: I think it''s about time!


    Frizteboom: Is this real, or another unfounded rumor?


    Sithbitt33:There are rumors that they are planning to create a new trilogy since it became public knowledge that negotiations between Lux Animation and Lucasfilm were underway. It''s not known what was agreed upon, but George Lucas gave an interview a month ago saying he was planning to expand his universe.


    Forc��-23xxt: It''s all a conspiracy to get us to buy the new LucasArts game.


    Below the screen, a man with long hair and multiple decorations read the forums and searched for possible truths. The internet wasn''t as developed, and there were only incipient communities online.


    ...

 251. farewell

    November 3.


    Ten days after he had returned to San Jose, he had engaged in multiple activities with such zeal that now he could only warm up and continue with what the day offered.


    As changes in the company were evident, the new secretary for Billy was a fact. Willa, 46 years old, had been part of the Lux Animation payroll for three days. Not far away, Erwin just nodded. For now, the security breaches have been repaired.


    -Sir, a Miss Alice is in the lobby, - said Willa through the intercom at her desk.


    -Alice Davis, - Billy inquired.


    -Yes, sir, - replied to Willa.


    -Tell her I''ll be down shortly, - said Billy, leaving his office, Erwin''s shadow trailing behind him. - I won''t leave the premises. Don''t worry, - Billy assured Erwin.


    Erwin nodded. The new client had a taste for privacy, and apparently, he only allowed himself to be guided by two things: having enough space so that no one would disturb him while he carried out his creative, administrative, or company-related tasks while avoiding all contact with high-end restaurants, nightclubs, gatherings, and yellow risk areas.


    Billy didn''t want to have that meeting with the woman he had deceived. Caught between a rock and a hard place, he could disregard Gwyneth, but if he did, there might be future consequences. So far, he had received two calls from Gwyneth in the last month; however, her attempts to rekindle their relationship hadn''t changed.


    -Alice, darling, - said Billy, but she only turned her face, receiving the kiss on the cheek.


    Billy didn''t want to impose or make the employees uncomfortable. Some were staring, and a fight in the middle of what seemed to be the company wasn''t a good way to start the day.


    -Come, let''s go to my office; we''ll talk better there, - said Billy.


    As the young girl remained silent, they both uncomfortably made their way upstairs. Erwin had discreetly followed Billy''s course since he left the office. Little Alice was in a melancholic state due to recent news. Although many words had come after the truth came to light, among them, the betrayal. Who was Billy? After three years, trust wasn''t enough; she was just a passing woman in Billy''s daring hands.


    Anne could see Billy with the beautiful blonde, who looked torn, like a lost bird in a storm. The door closed behind them.


    The silence was solemn.


    -Do you need help? - Billy asked, noticing the young girl didn''t seem to be very comfortable in the spacious office.


    ''A stupid question,'' Billy thought as Alice erupted fiercely.


    -Is it true, Billy? Is it true that you cheated on me with all those women? Maybe I''m exaggerating, but you cheated on me with some of them. Tell me it''s not true, Billy! -  Alice demanded.


    -I didn''t cheat on you with any of those tabloid women, but I did cheat on you, Alice. At a party... - The lost look in the girl''s eyes said it all. - I was somewhat lost initially, but I cheated on you with another woman. Maybe it was the drinks, my lack of experience, but it happened, - Billy said, approaching the girl. He reached for Alice''s hands.


    -Do you love her? - Alice asked.


    -I don''t love her, - Billy replied.


    -Then why, Billy? Why do something like that? You weren''t like this. You value people. You don''t deceive others. Why is something so painful? I thought... your Hollywood adventures were one thing, but... why did you hide that this was your company? Why did you hide so many things? Do you distrust me so much? Was I a fool to give you everything I had, Billy? - Alice poured out, tears escaping, large and fat, falling quickly, while she hyperventilated. Her brown eyes were so dull. Each sigh came with a hiccup.


    -I''m the fool, Alice. I was the fool. I didn''t want our relationship to change. I''m Billy from Notre Dame School, not the businessman. I''m sorry! - Billy replied, towering over the girl a few meters away, almost disoriented by what he should or shouldn''t do. A woman''s tears were never something he wanted to deal with. With Alice, it was a special connection.


    -Who is she? - Alice asked.


    -Gwyneth Paltrow, - said, Billy.


    -I see. I think it''s best if we end our relationship, - said Alice. It was something she had thought about for a long time. She knew it from the moment she saw it. He had deceived her. Billy had broken her heart into a thousand pieces.


    -To not fight for the relationship or to fight. -


    -Don''t go, - Billy said, approaching the girl a little closer. - Stay by my side! - he wanted to say, but another deception was something Alice wouldn''t tolerate. Slowly, he approached the young woman, observing her thin arms, and her intern uniform, blue. Her thin blond curls cascaded down.


    -There are so many things I wanted to do with you. But time prevented me. I have the time, but now I don''t have you. If you could stay with me a little longer, I promise to take care of you as you deserve, - Billy said, grasping her head and resting it against Alice''s stomach.


    A selfish request, very selfish on Billy''s part.


    -It''s best if we part ways, Billy. More deceit, I don''t see why I should suffer amid your indecisions. Just don''t call me again, - Alice said.


    The weight of her words hit like a hammer. Alice, who had grown so beautiful. It wasn''t necessary to say she was the most beautiful woman Billy had ever known, different from other women, lacking charisma, but so beautiful. He couldn''t help but caress her tears, provoked by him. This breakup hurt even more than the first, as hateful as a seed planted on a fertile field of corn, the weeds grew corrupting everything.


    -I''m sorry for this, Alice. For some time now, there were many things I wanted to say, but I kept quiet because I''m foolish, a flaw I share with my father. Sometimes, I don''t say everything I think, which is wrong. I''m reserved even with my closest ones. I see love as secondary, but I yearn for it. I hate many things about myself. You''ve taught me many things, and it may be the words of a liar, Alice, but I need you, - Billy said, holding her head against Alice''s neck. She only stroked his back. The end of the relationship was already a fact; like Alice, he hoped there was no redemption, only the end of the relationship.


    -You''re bad for me, Billy. These past few weeks have been very tough. It hurts every time your name appears in the newspapers. Our relationship must be forgotten; our life cannot achieve the harmony we both desire. I love you very much, but I also have to take care of myself. There''s something you need to know before we part ways. You must hear it from me and not from others, - Alice said.


    -What is it? - Billy asked.


    The silence was suffocating, but as if Billy''s infidelity paved the way for disclosure, for drowned and dark secrets.


    -I love you very much... When we started dating, Jessica, my lifelong friend who was also very close to Claudia, told me why you two broke up. Your father and her mother weren''t very discreet about their relationship; they lasted years seeing each other in secret. Claudia decided to break up with you because of her mother''s relationship... Ivanova has always been controlling, and she''ll vehemently deny that she was the reason for your breakup, but it''s true. The next few days are also the sign... Your father saw the end of your relationship and took it as permission to intensify, which only hurt Claudia more. I knew about it at the beginning of our relationship and kept quiet, -Alice said. S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I already knew, Alice, - Billy said.


    -What? -


    -My father told me not long ago. We discussed it. Claudia didn''t want to continue the relationship and gave up on it. Now, you''re the only one who matters to me, - Billy said, looking into Alice''s eyes.


    -I see. I must go, - Alice said.


    -Let me take you, - Billy insisted upon seeing her refusal.  - Someone will take you; they''ll do me the favor. You came by taxi. Let me safely take you home or to your university, - Billy said.


    Alice disappeared into the landscape.


    ...

 252. production of animated series.

    Raimon entered Billy''s office cautiously, the foolish expression on his face enough to bring a smile to Billy''s face at Raimon''s lack of impersonality, trying to blend in with the office.


    -Things didn''t go well with Alice, - Raimon said. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -They didn''t. Now I want to keep working, - Billy said.


    -Jim Gianopulus is reviewing the production teams; it seems he''s ordered to double the work. There''ll be a collective meeting in five minutes about which series to start, in addition to the ones already in progress. I came to see if you had time to attend the meeting, but... you were in a very antagonistic breakup, - Raimon recounted, avoiding looking Billy in the eye, focused on a script titled ''Star Wars Trilogy: The Phantom Menace''. His fingers itched to read Billy''s script, but until he had approval, he couldn''t indulge.


    Both left the office to finally finish the Lux Toons meeting. - So far, what are the series the animation teams are working on? -


    -Well, for now, it''s all about episodes of ''Cow and Chicken.'' Fourteen have aired, but a draft is being made for another 14 episodes. Meanwhile, another team is in charge of ''Samurai Jack,'' Anna is handling ''Train Souls,'' and, well, the collective team working on ''The Iron Giant'' movie," Raimon said, pausing. "Jim wants a small team to handle the production of ''Amy and Puffy.'' They have everything ready, including scripts and storyboards. At least three or four can focus on finishing the series by February of next year, under our parameters, - Raimon said.


    -About the programming issue, - Billy asked.


    -That''s right. It''s good to have extra episodes, although we have a 24-hour schedule, we often repeat programs. The summer season is the most anecdotal, and, well, he wants enough programs to have eight-hour blocks without repetition and to divide the programming into segments: superhero block, anime, and Luxtoons originals... He even values your idea of


    opening Cinema Lux, - Raimon said.


    -Why do they need me? - Billy asked.


    He organized the teams: five animation production teams, with team 2 being the largest, in charge of films; team 1 had the veterans; team 3, the enthusiasts; teams 4 and 5 were for the rookies, overseen by team 1. To relocate team 5 to work on the ''Amy and Puffy'' series without completely disrupting the animation dynamics.


    -Have we received good results? - Billy asked.


    -The audience continues to grow, but the fight is in the air. The last report had a peak of 120,000 viewers in North America, - Raimon said.


    -Speculative figure? - Billy asked.


    At Raimon''s confirmation, the eight group leaders, who were responsible for guiding and coordinating the creation of the series, and parts of the creative process, along with some others who likely had proposals for different TV programs, entered the office. This only meant more work for Billy.


    -Gentlemen, - Billy said.


    Raimon went to the game room, a topic that wasn''t needed; he didn''t need to be part of that team. The animators were silent, although there was a certain trust, the corporate figure grew limitlessly, and it was certain that the creative veil would continue to rise in the coming years, something that separated people.


    -Let''s get to work. First, you should know that manuscript submissions are graded by Mr. Gorman. Secondly, for those who surpass that proposal, you can give me and Jim a copy. He''s the head of the creative department, and he has a team that reviews all the dynamics of the new series full-time. However, I also take a look at hidden gems, - Billy said.


    Jim nodded. He was the new head of the animation team, and as he saw it, the company couldn''t meet the demand for animators. The growth mentioned could only be supported by animated successes in movies, which taught two important things: if they wanted, they could limit the number of animators to 80, and firing the remaining 30 would still allow them to produce the same amount of series per year. However, Billy advocated for quality above all.


    The two printed folders on his desk were the approval signal.


    -Well, we''ve decided to separate the entire Team 5, and reform Team 1, Team 4 will be in charge of the ''Train Souls'' series, which is quite sensitive for children, but we''ll push it as a project. However, this type of series needs better publicity to attract attention. Our programming category is +9 years old; such a deep and philosophical series can be seen in another type of programming, - Jim Gianopulus said.


    -I have plans to address this issue in the distant future. However, we''ll provide late-night programming for the series; we have connections that can place them on some well-known channels, - Billy said.


    -That''s what I thought. Now we have four teams; team four is divided into two groups, and the ''Amy & Puffy'' project will have a deadline for February. At the same time, team 1 will have to start the approved ''Hey Arnold!'' series. According to our schedule, in 20 days, - Jim Gianopulos said.


    -I don''t think it''ll be possible. I''m thinking of hiring a company to handle the animation for ''Hey Arnold.'' And I''d prefer them to take care of the ''Green Brothers Tales'' on behalf of team 1, - Billy said.


    Jim was surprised.


    -Who will you hire? - he asked.


    -Kalky Csupo, - Billy said.


    -I want them to produce three series on commission. For now, I want you to close the deal and submit the proposals, - Billy said, somewhat pensive. But he decided to drop the bomb. - Our idea is to have two animation channels, one for young people and one for adults. Limiting animators to their creations is just a shame. It''s not very conducive to the creativity of animators to have to create something because of rules. I hope we''ll hire more companies to fill the schedule of two channels, one for adults and one for children, - Billy said.


    Surprising the animators and, of course, Jim, who began sketching. At least now he had information about three channels: one to meet the demand for series, another for the adult or teenage audience, and a final one for children. However, even the production of films, including the latest from ''The English Patient,'' would only offer a different idea, about the proposal that would only create an animation channel.


    -Is that a yes for our series? - Sarah Kino asked.


    -It is. You can create freely, - Billy said.


    Anthony Fizzori, the new head in charge of bringing Amy Puffy to life, has a clear mind. This is just a carrot. He wants to test us; the better our series is, the more impressive our ratings will be.


    -I''m the team leader for the production of Amy and Puffy. Will there be a redistribution again? - Anthony asked.


    -There will be when someone else has to be a team leader and produce more series. It all depends on success. If we succeed, we can free up a lot of space and hire more people, expanding our series creation. The limit of that expansion lies in our success, - Billy addressed the room.


    The formal meeting ended, but both Jim and Billy had a closed space where they considered the projects to choose from. New ones are not yet approved.


    The first was "Astronauts," an animated series about space. A family of astronauts embarks on a space journey to all the planets in the solar system. It consists of 16 episodes, 3 on Earth, and the rest in outer space, but it''s a space quest. Very much in line with Arthur C. Clarke''s like-minded ideas. Something that fascinated both Jim and Billy.


    The second, "The American Revolution," is more historical and bibliographical, based on a book that tells the story of a mother with two sons fighting for different sides. They recount their lives in letters; one fought for slavery, and the other against slavery. The story was a textbook of many historical summaries but focused on the two characters. And the mother had a total of at least 40 thirty-minute episodes, which caught their attention completely. Apart from adding a sinister style, it included battles and wars, along with great fighters, historical names, and memorable events that marked a beginning and an end.


    -This one needs a lot of tweaking, - Jim said.


    -I like the project. We''ll give it the green light, along with $10,000 to conduct further research. And if so, hire history professors to lend more credibility. And well, add sword fights. We can include the power of God, a bit of magic, and martial arts skills to provide better ideas, - Billy said.


    Knowing that the success of these series lies in the grand battles, Samurai X style, that recount particular moments with slightly fantastical ideas without harming the story. Perhaps creating a comic on their own with the animator and turning it into a series.


    -But wouldn''t it be wrong to make the series fantastical? - Jim asked.


    -It might be, but that''s what sets animation apart from live-action cinema and television: the fantasy that can be added, - Billy said.


    ...

 254. Star Wars expandable universe.

    -They accepted. - said Billy to Anne the morning after, whenever you have the money, fame, or natural industry power, companies are willing to work. They prefer not to be paid and instead retain a larger percentage. It''s almost like earning without doing anything other than licensing, and Super Smash Lux Fighters is just that, a game they can''t develop due to their multiple ongoing projects.


    Both were seated in the backseat while Erwin Kyle drove, his eyes on the road, heading to the San Francisco Bay. A lengthy discussion with the marvelous George Lucas awaited them, and the approval procedures of George were high, a joint animated effort between Billy and George was the litmus test for the grand rebranding of the space opera franchise. Anne would ensure her presence for reasons of knowledge and administration, taking the reins when Billy disappeared from the company.


    -I fear you''ve made many moves in recent days. - said, Anne.


    -They are the fruit of labor. The day may come when we have to specialize in each job, perhaps separating the functions altogether and focusing on one area, for example, establishing an identity for Id Software and Lux Animation. - said Billy.


    -Correct, although the system works. - said Anne. The system functioned like a monarchy; Billy charted a course that directed an important part, and the other employees followed his orders based on his directives. For now, it was bearable, the burden became lighter as they grew, not the other way around due to the many hirings.


    Erwin took the direct route on the highway while observing the bosses in the rearview mirror.


    -We''re almost there. - said Billy, taking a huge backpack of papers. The work was arduous and long, hours and hours of carefully reviewing each word written, giving an identity to the work, polishing and wearing down every ounce of creative content.


    -Well...


    Different from other times, George seemed more anxious about the meeting, which would yield enough fruit for the next 12 years. He could already count the numerous ideas that Billy brought under an imperative scheme of enough promises to make his eyes shine like stars. Although it wasn''t at first, the franchise needed deep and generous ideas for the changing times, new special effects models, and more or less modern details without losing the previous content.


    -Thank you, Erwin, we''ll be here until noon. - said Billy.


    -I''ll accompany you, my purpose is to guide your well-being. - said Erwin.


    He again felt the urge to ask how good the salary had to be for Erwin to take it so seriously.


    Lucasfilm, always a luxury to behold, with its wonderful palm trees, resort-like atmosphere, and smiling employees who seemed like they were taken out of a toothpaste commercial, along with the gentle climate facilitated by spring, was perfect.


    -Good morning, sir. You can go into Mr. Lucas''s office if you like. - said Vicky, an old receptionist who had a certain history in what could have been the end of relationships.


    -Miss. - said Billy.


    Erwin followed them to the office entrance and took a seat near the door, just a glance, the security system didn''t raise any suspicions, and everything seemed in apparent order.


    -Mr. Lucas. - said Anne Hall.


    -Miss Hall. Mr. Carson. - assisting Billy, who shook George''s chubby hand.


    -I heard the company has given the green light, and we might be able to start shooting for ''96; what an ambitious project we have on our hands. - said George Lucas.


    -No doubt, I also see it as a very big project, which can be considered the cream of the crop for the coming years. Although, I see rivalries and creations that may bring us some surprises. - said Billy.


    -There''s something you''re not telling me. - said George Lucas.


    -Time will put everything in its place. First, I brought up everything promised, however, to facilitate Anne''s time, which is even more precise than mine, we''ll put our digressions aside and focus on the accounts. - said Billy. The sense of mourning for not focusing on what he had worked on.


    Not long ago, the planned strategy and why Anne was in the meeting, to be the handbrake, the minimum they could invest for the first Star Wars film was $90 million, including promotion. However, those values are suggestive; Anne will be the primary decision-maker and say no. Out loud.


    -Of course, we couldn''t make the movie without the numbers. - said George.


    Anne adjusted her position; she had to be tough.


    -In the negotiations we agreed upon in the board meeting of the previous quarter closed in October, the board decided to follow the outlined plans as follows: a total investment of $150 million will be made for the creation of a large studio for Star Wars in San Jose, in July 1996. The 15-acre property will feature production studio characteristics and a museum. It will include quality set features, a wax museum, history exhibits, a space for space sciences with NASA''s assistance, and recollections of previous films. Additionally, a further investment of $150 million is expected in 1999 for its completion and finalization. There are plans to build a space dedicated to the Star Wars series, with up to 8% box office share to Lucasfilm and 10% of the sales added within the facilities. Success is expected to program the construction of a second park in Florida. These studios will be owned by Lux Animation... - Anne recited.


    For the movie, the budget offered is $90 million, along with the potential involvement of a major Hollywood studio if Lux Distribution fails to meet the broadcast requirements. Therefore, an additional budget of $10 million is allocated for that eventuality. Along with subsequent investments of $100 million each for each movie, i.e., Movie 2, Movie 3... - Anne recited.


    For the animated series, the first animated series in 2D is in progress, along with spin-offs, a 2D Star Wars movie during the licensing period, and finally a 3D series with the best tools Lux Animation can provide. - Anne recited.


    -Well. - said George Lucas. What interested him was the quality of what would be done; the numbers would matter when renewing the license. - We have a more important plan to discuss. You''ve had me intrigued for almost a year about your plans for the franchise. You were arrogant; I hope you live up to your reputation. - said George Lucas.


    Anne sighed and signed the contract. Billy signed it next, and finally, George signed it as Billy handed over the scripts and used What Transparency to project the Star Wars galaxy. Anne left for Pixar; she had some chores there due to the expansion of the second 3D animation film team, a very risky move due to the doubling of costs.


    -George, think of it this way, this is the Star Wars universe, and many stories can be told in a galaxy far, far away. Read the scripts; my plans are as follows. - said Billy, taking a break. He should have sent the scripts before arriving, but time was tight yesterday.


    George read the first chapter of "The Phantom Menace" carefully; the story was almost what George expected from his next trilogy, the birth of a legend. After some time, when Billy decided to draft the animated series "Timon and Pumbaa: Animated Series", George moved on to the next script, this time reading much faster. By the time he reached the halfway point of the second script, he stopped.


    -It''s fantastic. Let me have them; for now, I can say they''re 90% approved. There are some things I''d like to change, however, I can''t speak when I haven''t read everything. But what intrigues me the most is your talent for shots. Do you want to be my assistant director? I could teach you how to handle the cameras. - said George Lucas.


    A decent proposition.


    -I can''t say yes because my schedule is very busy, but count on my help behind the scenes as a producer. - said Billy.


    Seeing Lucas''s impressed eyes, he only had to continue.


    -We have a trilogy; now we''ll make a second trilogy that takes place 40 years earlier. Through the series, we''ll fill in the gaps of those 40 years. However, I plan to continue even after the end. One of the most charismatic characters in cinema is Darth Vader; his appearance and sound inspire terror. I want to make five proposed series, all based on our ideas and the smart deal our planning can achieve. - said Billy.


    Charting a timeline on when and how to develop the characters, each with different moments.


    -This way, we have six movies in one trilogy, 1-3 and 4-6. However, we''ll tell intermediate stories during the period of 1-3 with animated series, such as the Clone Wars. Important events will be portrayed in small 2D films. And another portrayal of what happens between 3-4, focuses on the story of Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Resistance, and Han Solo. We''ll try to stick to live-action films for the transition to movies 7-9, starting from the moment Return of the Jedi ends. However, this is presumed to be 20 years in the future, or at least 25 years, all under Pixar''s technology. In 25 years, I''ll invest so much money in graphics and animation that reality will transcend animation. We have 25 years to plan the next trilogy. - said Billy.


    Awakening hunger in George Lucas, who now, counting on the ambitions of the young man in front of him, knew that educating Star Wars was a fact.


    -The principles must always be the same as I try to govern my companies for now: quality. Any project must be executed to the best quality, with good actors, good dubbing, and good graphic service. Only the best can sell as the best. The second step is the script; we need to not only capture action, fantasy, and space opera but also create storytellers, establish logic, and elevate the strong points of human questioning. The line between commercial and artistic, if I have to pay $30 million to hire Spielberg, then I will. Third, although making money is our main objective, the franchise is the most important. It should be for children, but it should also have dark moments. Only complementation makes work great. - said Billy.


    -In this language, I can understand myself. But is there a need for so many series and movies? Wouldn''t it be better to focus on specific projects and move on to the next one? It''s a very tough workload to undertake these kinds of activities. - said George Lucas.


    -I''ll take care of the scripts, and well, the hiring of some adventurers who will work for Lux Comics is already in progress. Along with Dark Horse Comics, we have plenty of material for the creation of many series. They, as writers, will only enrich our universe. Besides, the projects for 2D movies are for eras 1000 years before the canon or the present point. - said Billy. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The conversation continued, especially regarding the creation of species and biomes.


    The most difficult clause to establish with George Lucas was that the movies would have a special distribution to Lux Animation for at least 15 years after the end of the license. A clause that he hopes to extend in 2009 when the license expires.


    ******************************************************


    Honestly, Disney messed up the Star Wars canon in a horrific way with some additions that probably shouldn''t have been made. However, I won''t deny that there are some endearing stories and great sequences. I''ve been reading the comics and the stories about the early years of the Force are good. Different notions between good and evil, and rivalries are still fantastic.


    ...

 255. ID Software.

    November 7.


    Blizzard Entertainment was founded by three UCLA graduates, Michael Morhaime, Allan Adham, and Frank Pearce, as Silicon & Synapse in February 1991. It underwent several name changes during that period, but the goal was clear: to develop computer games, especially those based on real-time strategy.


    In January 1994, they were acquired by Davidson & Associates. Was this a na?ve move? This company specializes in educational entertainment software, with a strong track record in its creation. It was attracting attention from firms that saw the new field of education technology as a viable business option.


    The acquisition was driven by two simple reasons: Blizzard had generated nearly $40 million in software sales.


    This led them to invest in what they considered relevant. They hoped to sign on studios and resell them as their value increased. They just hadn''t expected a negotiation to come about so soon, only seven months after acquiring Blizzard.


    Steve Parks arrived wearing his classic hat and a light gray summer suit to battle the intense California heat. Blizzard''s headquarters wasn''t particularly impressive, especially in its early stages.


    Just sending him here indicated how much Billy valued the company they were about to acquire.


    -Good afternoon. I''m Steve Parks, here for a meeting with Bob and Jan Davidson, - said Steve, looking comfortable with his luggage, containing everything he needed for the meeting. What was in the suitcase? Only Steve Parks knew.


    He was greeted with the utmost attention, acknowledging the significance of the company that seemed to be at the forefront of the digital content battle. Doom was a technical marvel that surpassed anything created so far, setting a high bar in the industry.


    Five people entered an organizational single file, as expected, perhaps reflecting the company''s organizational structure.


    -Mr. Parks, you''re quite punctual, - said Bob Davidson.


    Steve Parks smiled as the negotiation began. He stood up and introduced himself: - I''m Steve Parks, Director of Sales at Lux Animation, and currently the negotiator in charge of acquiring Blizzard. -


    There was doubt in the room, apparent in the emotions of those present.


    -Mr. Parks, you''re quite optimistic. When we agreed to this meeting, it was only as a sign of respect for a friendly company in the market, - said Bob Davidson.


    -I don''t doubt it. But my offer is so irresistible that if I don''t change my mind, I''ll have to tell my boss that it''s impossible to seal the deal with the company, and it''s better to allocate resources elsewhere, - said Steve Parks.


    His statement caught their attention. He opened his portfolio, revealing numerous manuals from universities across the United States, England, France, and Spain. At least Bob and Jan were familiar with 18 universities considered among the best in the country.


    -What''s this? - asked Bob, who seemed to be leading the negotiation.


    -You''re in the educational software business. Can you tell me what you see here? - Steve Parks asked rhetorically.


    -Universities, - replied Bob.


    -Exactly, universities. It turns out that my company works with all these universities. Lux Animation, as the parent company, owns ID Software, which you gentlemen might be familiar with," he said, nodding. "We also own Autodesk, with different programs donated for practical teaching, such as AutoCAD, Pixar Studios, and the Engine, among other secondary products reserved for these universities. We have contracts with all of them, maintaining good relationships and listening to suggestions. For instance, if educational software comes into our hands, it''s not difficult to approach these esteemed universities that have agreements with at least 120 colleges and universities. I wonder, what benefit would a company selling educational software derive from this relationship? - asked Steve Parks.


    Principio del formulario


    Even the absent-minded Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham, and Frank Pearce understood the significance of this negotiation opening.


    -I see, it''s undoubtedly irresistible for an educational software company,- said Bob Davidson.


    He had it, and Steve Parks knew he just needed to push the right buttons.


    -That''s right, universities are a field that opens up possibilities, not just for sales, but also for feedback. But business is moving fast, with more people recognizing the importance of technology every day, - said Steve Parks.


    Bob Davidson, recovering from that time bomb, remarked, "There''s no doubt that Mr. Parks is knowledgeable on the subject."


    -I am. Here''s my offer: $7 million, a percentage of the profits from the games developed during their time in the company, and a recommendation to universities on the front list. If they negotiate in December, they could gain a good market share, - said Steve Parks.


    What followed was pure annoyance and protocol. They explained that they would wait for some time and consider the offer, which was discussed in finer detail over the next thirty minutes. As they bid farewell, Steve Parks handed three blank sheets of paper to Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham, and Frank Pearce. It only meant one thing: shared co-presidents. And then he left without further ado.


    Richard Boll found himself in a different scenario.


    The negotiations, transitioning Raven Software and Parallax Software into sales, were somewhat simpler in the case of Raven. Their alliance with ID Software was a given, as they were hoping to partner with a major computing company. Founded in 1990, they had some conflicts with ID Software, but all they wanted was money, at least $8 million, which was negotiated down to $5.4 million, along with a juicy contract to become the director of the company. Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had used the basic engines of Doom for Shadow Caster and Heretic. With an expanding library of innovative games, they were ambitious and possessed a certain talent for video games. Parallax was still tempted, but the bidding war was between Interplay Games and ID Software, depending on who could be more convincing.


    -It all sounds very nice, but what leverage do we, as Parallax Software, have if ID Software wants to push us aside? We have a healthy relationship with Interplay, and their proposals are not formidable at all, - said Mike Kulas, founder of Parallax Software.


    Mike Kulas, along with Matt Toschlog, had founded a company. Both were Car and Driver programmers and had some success in the market.


    -ID Software has broader concerns, with demands, but I do not doubt that Interplay demands quality for their constant work. Although it may not seem like it, our tentacles are massive, and our designs are prosperous. We receive offers for purchases or even mergers daily. You have programming talent and have worked on certain games that are frankly incredible. We propose opening an ID Software branch here in Illinois, with you as members of the core team. Success lies in trimming the game portfolio, releasing good games without focusing on the red numbers, - said Richard Boll.


    -Opening an ID Software branch here in Illinois? Do we know if that''s possible? Do they have a plan in place? - said Matt Toschlog, who detested the creation process and the workings of a company, always hindering his creative system with buts and obstacles.


    -Our hiring process involves contracting based on the number of projects, acceptable benefits, and financial support. We''ll be placing orders for certain games, but you can also work on your director do not doubt mergers daily times for the company. When you see the company''s latest game, which will be distributed in November, very few will understand the advancement, - boasted Richard Boll, referring to Tomb Raider.


    The contract was clear: creative freedom for games created by the branch, bonuses for games, the technology the company provided - including 3D engines, and 2D engines, along with the latest proposal for a great 3D engine, and the plan to launch a digital game distribution platform (Lux Games), akin to Steam''s proprietary gaming platform.


    -You would open up the game engines to Parallax, - asked.


    -I would open them up to ID Software: Parallax, - said Richard Boll.


    The $900,000 for the company was a small price as it was merely the hiring of a team of nine programmers. The investment was beginning, in Parallax and Raven.


    -This was told to me by Billy Carson, the creator and pioneer of ID Software, like many companies. What is the most important thing about video games? What makes people pay to play them? Why will people be crazy about video games in the next twenty years? There''s only one answer: because it''s fun! If you want to make games at ID Software, you must know that. What makes a video game fun? - said Alexa Riley, silencing the voices. The world of video games was beginning to take shape.


    The world was beginning to move, and another company working on 3D creation. Is it perhaps a monopoly?


    ...

 256. calculations

    November 9.


    The periodic investments made in Stanford University had paid off, and with partial assistance from Alvy Ray Smith, the company Nvidia, which previously only thought to give a 30% stake, decided to stretch that percentage to 40% for $2 million. It was a bold move, but Billy accepted $1.5 million, which was eagerly received. Despite being just a small company, they were beginning to manufacture processing boards and had secured a $3 million interest-free credit line. Billy wasn''t stingy when it came to investing in a company he knew would grow considerably in the future.


    Nvidia''s exquisite management in creating boards and their constant expansion with $1.5 million was the stepping stone for ordering 5000 processing units. It was the company''s first order, and with Billy''s money, they set up a small production industry, hiring staff and purchasing components.


    Meanwhile, Raimon was pouting. His workload had kept him so busy that he had fallen behind on his readings and was three comics behind. He parked at a "Toys and Comics" store and bought the latest volumes of Slam Dunk and four volumes of Cowboy, both old and new editions.


    -Sir, would you like to take a special Toys and Comics bag? - asked the cashier, packing the nine comics. The store was vibrant, with large piles of comics neatly arranged, including collections of Evangelion and Yu Yu Hakusho. The bag featured One Piece, and they still had some Evangelion ones left.


    -Are there any Evangelion ones left? - asked Raimon, considering grabbing a couple more bags.


    -No, - came the reply.


    There was an awkward silence. Raimon''s silly grin, coupled with his Toy Story t-shirt, might have made anyone smile, but the cashier dealt with customers like him every day��people who came to buy comics and boast about their knowledge.


    -I''ll take it! - Raimon resolved, avoiding embarrassment.


    As he was leaving, he received a call. Hotmail was evolving from a mere team and shared office space in the RPG Platforms factory. Its inauguration was beginning, with a team of nine boys who had completed all the formalities to launch an email service that would connect people worldwide through the internet.


    -Hello, - Raimon answered.


    -We''ve got it all set. In less than two months, we can launch the first version of the email service online, - said Aaron Walter, overflowing with excitement.


    -What''s left in the two months exactly? There are many analog examples in the project review about server development, - said Raimon.


    -We''ve designed the page as requested, took a copy from Word, and renamed many characters. For now, we''re testing the server to handle the delivery and receipt of email messages, as well as storing users'' mailboxes, - explained Aaron Walter.


    Standard SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) protocols were employed. Email was developed in the 1960s by Arpanet, the precursor to the internet, created by the US Department of Defense. It enabled users to send messages to others on different computers connected to a network.


    -Does Billy know about this? - Raimon inquired. S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Nope, it''s just a progress update. We''ll deliver the material and advances next month. The proposal closes in two months, but only the message delivery and reception network. We need to create a server that can collect and store data, machines to link servers, and assist in space modeling, along with more email-specific details like user identification, favorites, message anchoring, some... I don''t understand them, - said Aaron Walter.


    -No problem, I''ll review it tomorrow. I have some pending matters today, - said Raimon, taking a detour to the next company he needed to visit: Pixar. Anne had visited the place before and had reached an understanding, but Billy had invited him since Pixar''s growth was ridiculous. As major designers not only of TV commercials, video games, and films but now with a second team working on another movie, it was possible that the production time of two years per film could be reduced to one year or a year and a half per film. It could be a risk, but it could also lead to significant gains.


    The second building was marvelous, replacing the houses, all its walls made of glass with a tent-shaped roof, giving it a modern and updated architecture for Vivian''s time. This was the new home of the second team, a fresh environment for production.


    Billy was in a board meeting; the second team led by Peter Docter and James Conniganh was a reality. The first team, headed by John Lasseter and Andrew Statan, painted a bright future for Pixar.


    -Raimon, meet James Conniganh; he''s mostly in charge of developing our video games, known as the genius of scenarios around here, along with Peter, - commented Billy, pointing to both. They just nodded, happy to be the team leaders of the film. Although it had a director behind the scenes, for the post-production process, the team of 24 animators would bring the Ice Age to life. Official hiring of newcomers to focus on commercials, and computer games as a form of training was also a wonderful teaching move that allowed them to start with simpler tasks and gradually take on more complicated ones. The company had 69 animators and 13 software developers at their disposal.


    -Pleasure to meet you, - Raimon said effusively. He knew Peter Docter, who seemed like a pleasant guy. Now they were the ones making Disney movies. They weren''t the only ones facing problems; the developers had been struggling to replicate snow, hair, and, of course, humans. Developing humans was a complication that had pushed them to strive harder, with the help of Autodesk and ID Software, although this task had its limitations.


    -Likewise, you''re the Director of Operations and the one who attends our functions in cool costumes, - said Peter Docter, embarrassing and flattering Raimon at the same time.


    -That''s me. I just do what I must and show people how awesome Pixar movies are, - Raimon replied.


    The kickoff party allowed many animators to be delighted to complete their tasks. Billy''s plans were clear: first Ice Age, then Shrek, and third Madagascar. These films, aimed at an animated audience, would contrast with Pixar''s classic films, turning the 3D cinema classic into an unparalleled revolution.


    Peter Docter took the microphone. - It''s fair to say that in the coming months, we''ll get to know each other. We have a very talented team in the great art of making movies. The first team knows this, and at this moment, they are close to the release of the company''s second film. From today, not only the second team is created, with views and aims to improve creative space, the office has decided to create a similar system of script creation, opinions, and future projects. Anyone can create; they just need to have a good idea, - he said, receiving applause.


    James Conniganh was next to speak, followed by other animators who took the floor. Not far away, Billy sipped on some juice while Raimon applauded those who spoke great words. The celebration was undoubtedly wonderful.


    -What do you think of all this? - Raimon asked.


    -We''ll succeed, Raimon. We''ll invest money in voice actors specialized in dubbing. When we have enough funds, I''ll buy a dubbing academy. We need to improve the entire production process. It''s not just about good animation but also good voices, sound effects, marketing, and more. There are so many series we plan to produce that it''s best to invest in resources like these, - said Billy, surprising Raimon with his confidence.


    -You''re impossible, - said Raimon. - I spoke with Aron; he could have said that in two months, the email website will be mostly designed, and it''s highly likely we''ll have a messaging email in a year. -


    -Has Jim said anything about the production of the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Billy asked.


    -Not much, - said Raimon.


    ...

 257. kalzky csupo.

    November 9.


    -The party got a bit out of hand, - said John Lasseter, along with Andrew Statan, both finishing a long day of work. Pixar''s love for their work and the quality of their films, along with the initial rejection from the animation industry, has led most animators to have an outstanding relationship with each other.


    -Well, I''ll go say hi to Peter, - said Andrew, seeing Peter Docter belting out a Viking song.


    John Lasseter sat down with Billy and Raimon, who seemed to be having a very spirited and intense discussion about a topic that only they seemed to understand and wanted to explain with their hands.


    -Gentlemen, - said John.


    -John, a pleasure. I want to make it clear that Billy believes that in the coming years, we will see different 3D films from different film companies, but I have serious doubts about that, - responded Raimon.


    -I feel the same. When people see Ice Age and A Bug''s Life, they''ll be so distracted by the success of our films that they''ll want to imitate our successes. It was the same in the 1950s when Pinocchio was released, and in the subsequent years, Hanna-Barbera was an initiative inspired by Disney,  -said Peter Docter.


    -See, that''s why we need to expand to a third team, - said Billy determinedly.


    -A third team? - John Lasseter stammered at Billy''s audacity. How outrageous. Doing some mental calculations, the annual expenses for salaries, bonuses, and additional costs would reach an average of $40 million a year. Not to mention that every year, the movie required advertising, investment, and some extra details.


    -Why are you surprised? When I bought the studio, I saw an unimaginable future. I knew there was gold in the vicinity. I promised you that we would grow, make movies, and have the freedom to choose what you like. Even if I lose some money, it doesn''t matter. Pixar is a rising star. Plus, the demand for animators is increasing every day, - said Billy.


    His ultimate goal was to emulate Japan in 30 years, with multiple art studios across the country.


    -We''re all thrilled. ED Camult has a complete software development team, and your ideas have been unbeatable. From humans to space environments, metal imitation, and structures, they work diligently to keep developing everything to limits that seem unbelievable, - said John Lasseter.


    -Here''s to that, - said Billy, receiving an introspective call from someone he had forgotten about for some time.


    He answered, -Gwyneth, good to hear from you. -


    -Oh, I thought you disappeared. At first, I thought I was foolish for wanting to start something with you, but then I saw your news. You graduated with Uncle George and are expected to revitalize the Star Wars saga. I think you''ve been quite busy, - said Gwyneth. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m sorry, and yes, I have meetings every day. I''m flying to Kansas to deal with a matter with the video game company, along with some extra meetings with executives," said Billy.


    -Well... I must say, I''m surprised by the life of a director, but I''m on my way to San Jose. I decided to surprise you when I arrived. I changed my mind when I saw that you''re such a busy man. It''s not good for your schedule, - said Gwyneth.


    -How long until you''re likely to arrive? - Billy asked.


    -Two hours, I think, - said Gwyneth, laughing, realizing she couldn''t undo what she had done.


    -I''m in San Francisco; I''ll probably finish up until evening. I can send someone for you, but I doubt we have any available drivers. I''ll send you the address of my hotel, and my room number, and I''ll arrange everything for you to stay there. See you tonight, - said Billy.


    -No problem, I''ll catch a flight in an hour. See you, - said Gwyneth.


    This can only translate to one thing: trouble!


    -I need to move up my meeting with Randall, - said Billy to the lively table.


    Rachel was sitting in a taxi that took her to a small elegant restaurant in the city. She came on behalf of Billy and Lux Animation. The search for animated series, multiple animated series, has led the debate to end on two important points: hiring an animation company to act as their animation team.


    Most notably, there''s Kalky Csupo, an animation company that interestingly acquired the 2D animation studio promoted by Autodesk and Pixar.


    -Thank you, - said Rachel, paying the $17 taxi fare and entering the restaurant. At a table reserved no more than 7 days ago, there sat Arlene Klasky, the producer, along with her husband Gabor Csupo, both prominent figures in animation.


    -Good morning, Mr. Klasky and Mr. Csupo, - said Rachel, with all the courteous detail. As a director, she adhered to a dress code similar to Anne''s: a wide black skirt falling below the knees, uniform heels, and a matching button-up shirt with a red sweater.


    -Miss Sanders, - intoned the two founders of the animation studio.


    -Thank you for your warm welcome. As a representative of Lux Animation, I appreciate your generosity in agreeing to a meeting at such short notice, - said Rachel.


    -My dear, you were quite insistent and gracious, - said ��rpad Klasky.


    They ordered drinks and some appetizers, proceeding with the customary formalities of etiquette.


    -Well, as you know from the offer contract we sent, we would like Klasky and Csupo to produce two animated series: one that is already in the works with our animators, although we believe you excel in this type of series; and an original series created by you. We would like this one to be based on sports. For the second series, creative freedom is yours, as long as it does not violate the rules of the National Television Commission, - said Rachel.


    The format has been recently reviewed. As a private company, they couldn''t reject contracts. With their drawing styles and their ability to structure animated channels, producing a series of 60 episodes was considerably cheaper than producing a series at any other company. With the purchase of a licensing subscription, time decreased but costs increased.


    -We accept, my dear. These terms are very generous. As long as Nickelodeon continues to add series, and they decide to buy them, we won''t break the relationship. However, a second option is a marvel for the network of animators, - said Gabor Csupo.


    -Amazing. I''m very pleased that you can accept. Here''s the script, and you can review it. My boss believes that the key to successful series production lies in finding the right balance between storytelling and animation quality. He strongly believes that your talent lies in producing programs for children aged 6 to 12. That is, your ability to translate deep moral lessons into child-friendly environments is outstanding, - said Rachel, excited.


    -Well, your boss is quite remarkable. His cartoons are fantastic, even though I sense he likes a different kind of detail that the company doesn''t provide, - said Gabor Csupo.


    -Honestly, it was the Gargoyles series. It''s surprisingly sinister for an animated program, with ideas more Platonic than ours, - commented Arpad.


    Ordering a full meal, they exchanged thoughts with Rachel about animated content. The first contract between Lux Animation and Klasky Csupo began on November 9, 1994. They are the creators of numerous animated series that have triumphed on the airwaves of Nickelodeon.


    ...

 258. notes.

    -The moments with Gwyneth were clear, she was a very passionate woman, exuding a youthful air even under the covers, without inhibitions, just having fun. Both squinted their eyes after a warm night. Quick affairs are not much different from casual encounters that people typically have in common bars as carefree revelers.


    -I''m impressed by all your work, - said Gwyneth, lying beside him.


    -It''s hard to keep you satisfied, but I think I''m getting to know you a bit more with each encounter, - said Billy, stretching his arms. Gwyneth chuckled at his words.


    -I mean your animated channel. I saw a bit, and all people talk about is your new animation channel. It''s very well done, and the success is well-deserved. My father mentioned that your programs are a clear slap in the face to traditional animation, which tends to be slow in development. Now, you''ve proposed the advancement that people weren''t willing to give, even my godmother says the same, - said Gwyneth.


    -I see. I''m somewhat isolated from the Hollywood politics, and I can only see what''s obvious, - said Billy.


    -Bill, that doesn''t matter. It''s simpler than you think. Hollywood often tends to be complex, but it''s better to be informed than isolated. If you can express your opinions or build an intimate circle of friends to navigate through, many people are alone or exposed. Although I would advise caution. My father says there are always people who want to climb or seize opportunities; they can easily block your path, tarnish your reputation, spread rumors, or worse unless you have enough relationships to counteract them, - said Gwyneth.


    -It sounds disastrous, - said Billy.


    -That''s the world. You can distance yourself, but you''re an entrepreneur. It''s curious for such a young actor; many enter at older ages, - said Gwyneth. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Enough talk, - Billy said with a determined will. - We have to dine; the restaurant service operates until 10. -


    -We should order room service. Going downstairs is unnecessary, and you should be more discreet with your privacy, - said Gwyneth.


    He nodded in agreement.


    -Order the food; I''ll take a bath, - said Billy.


    Rachel''s approval of the new series from Klasky Csupo was a blessing. Now, he had to focus on the business related to ID Software and prepare for the meeting with Microsoft, which, far behind, was one of the companies in which he had an unimaginable investment in shares, which had dropped from 17% to 9% after the company''s expansion and the collective of duplicate shares. According to the balances, the group of shares nearly doubled to almost 1.6 billion shares.


    -What do you have to do tomorrow? - Gwyneth asked from the bed, her slender milky body a powerful sight, long legs, and a self-love that she exuded confidently.


    -Meetings with some people, I have to sort out some things to travel to Kansas and work on expanding the video game company. So, I''ll be working in the next few days, - said Billy.


    Although his work lent itself more to creative dilemmas than anything else, his sole goal was to finish the script for Forza Horizon and the script for Resident Evol, along with all its nuances.


    -Oh, okay, - said Gwyneth.


    -Is something wrong? - he asked, sensing her disappointment.


    -I was thinking of having a relaxing day, but now I feel like going shopping and seeing a bit of the city. I have something with San Francisco, but I know little about San Jose, - said Gwyneth.


    -We can go out for dinner. I have a fast food restaurant for the evening; we aim to make the best burgers. We have a fixed idea that the flavor surpasses the ordinary quality. There''s also a stone oven pizza restaurant that''s frankly delicious, - said Billy.


    That sounds good. I might end up trying a bit of this and that, - said the girl.


    ****************************************************************************


    November 9.


    Blizzard


    The acquisition of Blizzard was committed in a shorter time than expected, less than 15 days, but enough time to move on to the next target, the last one in the coveted expansion of animation that fit like a glove to the upcoming number of orders.


    A loan of $30 million was made in the name of ID Software for the purchase of one of the most ambitious companies, which was still not seen by many. Gaming companies observed the shifts in the industry and technological advancements. However, the capital still didn''t correctly gauge the profit potential. Although some companies were beginning to succeed, the risk was almost as great as in animation, movies, or other industries where profits weren''t valued or companies weren''t sufficiently developed to diversify into the gaming industry.


    Steve Parks walked the streets of Potomac, Maryland, anticipating the meeting the next day. Despite the aggressive acquisition, which raised doubts, he dedicated himself to conducting a thorough study of all of Epic Games'' activities, such as their software development process for creating video games.


    The United States was home to numerous entrepreneurs, whose skills were reflected in their pursuit of improvement, honing abilities to achieve their dreams, amass fortunes, expand their careers, and ultimately build companies.


    Steve Parks valued Epic Games at $5 million, no more, no less. However, companies didn''t operate in such straightforward manners; they were dynamic and different from what was initially assumed.


    The next morning, he found himself in a conversation with a man who was five times more stubborn than the average person, driven by his eagerness and insistence that his video games were superior. Steve considered this complete nonsense, as ID Software truly excelled above the rest, from their marvelous releases to their recent innovation, which was clear.


    -Well, my company does not buy video games. You''ve developed the Unreal Engine project; you''ve given some samples. I''d like to hire you to work on this project alongside ID Software. Since your company''s ethos is to remain a privately owned entity, I can accept that. However, I must say that the project must maintain certain qualities, - said Steve Parks.


    -Game development fund? - asked Mark Rein, Vice President of Epic Games.


    -I would call it more of a game development system, which will of course be transferred to ID Software. The purpose of this is to purchase said software, - said Steve Parks.


    -It''s complicated, - said Mark Rein, who was familiar with the founder''s unique character and his love for video games.


    -We can agree in the exchange of information, - said Mark Rein.


    -Impossible, - said Steve Parks. - We''re generous, not foolish. Our technology is superior; we can pay for it. You want a product we''ve been preparing for years, and our desire to buy another engine is due to the proliferation of video games. -


    -So negotiating is impossible, - said Mark Rein.


    -Well, then, sir, I believe we''re done, - said Steve Parks.


    Both bid farewell. Now, the urgent matter was the $30 million investment intended to unite the companies and proceed with the purchase of video games. But now, they had to explore different avenues, which were not part of the creative department: closed-off individuals and closed-off words.


    ...

 259. Alice.

    -What are you going to do now? - asked Gwyneth, standing at the entrance of the Lux Animation office, observing the different drawings by Billy, the uniquely new animation process. Numerous sketches were present.


    -Same as always, we''re flying to Kansas tonight. It''s been tricky paying attention to commercial flights with my recent popularity, and now the companies I''m allowed to travel with have fewer flights, - said Billy.


    -That''s true, very few options are available. You should consider getting a jet for such long trips; now you''re more detectable. Erwin has spotted at least ten paparazzi in different places, - said Gwyneth.


    Taking a bite of the stone oven pizza, she was genuinely amazed by the delicious pizza. Although it hadn''t gained much popularity in recent years, it was exquisite, with a deep and flavorful taste, and surprisingly light on the stomach.


    -There are many pleasures in life, but I love this pizza deeply, - said Gwyneth.


    -We''ll expand the franchises in a few months, with locations on the main streets of cities across the United States. We''re aiming to please people through food; the franchise can''t just stop at hamburgers and pizza. It can expand to other types of cuisine, like Mexican, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese, bringing elegant dining within everyone''s reach, - said Billy.


    -You should set one up in Los Angeles. If you do it in less than a month, people will line up to buy your pizza, I assure you. Just take my model friends there once; with the delicious food, the place will surely take off, - said Gwyneth. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''ll consider it, and I''ll probably get many... - Billy''s phone displayed a name he didn''t deem appropriate to answer. He stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. "Hello."


    -Look, I don''t think I should be doing this, - said a voice he didn''t recognize.


    -Why do you have Alice''s number? - Billy questioned, a tone of distrust in his voice.


    -Well, I''m her roommate, you jerk. Alice has been devastated because of you. You''re a cynic in many ways, but she won''t respond to anyone, and I know the only person she''ll respond to is you. It''s been a long time since she reacted, - said Laura, utterly and absurdly devastated by her friend''s state.


    -I see, - said Billy, now understanding that deceit was a cornerstone in relationships and that women couldn''t bear it. Along with many other outcomes, the most dire was that of a woman vanishing into thin air.


    -I have a trip in possibly six hours. Tell Alice to call this number, and I''ll come in two hours to discuss something important, - said Billy.


    -But... -


    -Tell her I''ll come to see her, and if she thinks of barring my entry, she made a deal with her dean recently, and if I want to enter, they''ll roll out the red carpet for me. Two hours. -


    He hung up the phone. Ironically, he couldn''t go to the meeting with Alice, but he knew someone who could go, a familiar face was better than the face of someone who had caused so much pain...


    -Who was that? - Gwyneth asked.


    -An acquaintance, - said Billy, with some doubt about what had just transpired, an obvious and overwhelming desire to forget.


    He ate some pizza to calm his nerves, watching the blonde in front of him, always with her usual calm demeanor, indifferent as ever. A desire to work welled up in his heart as he wiped his hands and continued with the final steps of Forza Horizon, while Gwyneth paced in the studio, walking back and forth. She wasn''t a woman for closed spaces, as she claimed.


    -I''ll be back in a moment, I have some chores with Raimon regarding the new internet project, - said Billy.


    Leaving his thick book behind, the Forza Horizon game promised challenging activities. However, Resident Evil finished to his right, which was sufficient. Both were feats; each turned a different game with high references to how it should be played. The first is a wide range of content, from car tracks, streets, asphalt, sand, and dirt. Each had many complicated driving forms that couldn''t be dismissed as nonsense.


    -I''ll read your comics in the meantime, - said Gwyneth.


    He crossed the hallways; Raimon was in the cellar, a name now common among the employees, with the RPG platforms and Hotmail groups. In an employee meeting, he sponsored his constant work of creating a likeness to dungeons and dragons, but there was Baldur''s Gate.


    They were creating a game that would complement the entire state, yet they couldn''t quite grasp the comprehension of creating a video game. The RPG platforms group continued with the creation of Jeane and Dar��c, which was a common challenge due to the demanding design, map requirements, and RPG gameplay, along with various events, now ten times more complex due to the year of creation.


    Billy entered the meeting. While Raimon continued to talk about the excellence of making a platform video game about the only Dungeon and dragons series that could revolutionize what people expected from fantasy video games.


    Billy felt like laughing; Raimon''s stupid face, when surprised, always brought him some happiness. He opened his mouth dumbfoundedly, his chubby cheeks were always amusing to see, by the way he behaved.


    -Your next step is to buy Baldur''s Gate and a game called The Elder Scrolls Arena, which is based on Skyrim. On one side, we can take the Gate series for RPG platforms, and the Elder Scrolls, to formalize an online activity - said Billy.


    -Do we have the money? - Raimon asked.


    -The company we were hoping to buy rejected us, and now we have an overestimation of money. We can buy games, don''t spend too much money; they''re not worth that much. Each game has something to offer, more than just novel ideas, - said Billy.


    -So, what do you think? - Raimon asked.


    -We buy the game and let them handle the next deliveries. I, on the other hand, can wait for us to organize the game. You can handle the rest on your own, the business, and you''ll have your series of video games, - said Billy.


    Raimon''s excitement was palpable.


    -Deal with this now, - said Billy, leading Raimon to the other room, leaving the members of RPG Platforms somewhat surprised.


    -Well, that was awkward. What''s up, Billy? You need something. Whenever you call me out of the blue, it''s for some new company idea, - said Raimon, expecting Billy to give him some crazy task.


    -I need you to go see Alice; she''s fallen into a state of depression. I need a friend, and you''re the close friend I know best. My presence can wake her up, but I have a trip in five hours that I can''t miss; I need to assess the state of the company, - said Billy.


    -But... -


    -Do me this favor; I''ll talk to Anne. You can take her favorite pizza or just your friendship, - said Billy.


    -Is the trip so important? I could go... - said Raimon dreamily.


    -I have to see my grandparents; it''s urgent from what I can see. My father has been going back and forth for me to visit my grandparents, - said Billy.


    -Alright, I''ll go. But it better be true that you''re buying the Dungeons & Dragons series, - replied Raimon.


    ...

 260. of friends and sorrows.

    Raimon cranked up the music, blasting a long classical Star Wars piece along with some of his favorite songs, like the He-Man intro, mixed with some current music. Now he felt like the bogeyman, the one who carries out acts for his mafia boss, who always turns out to be a dangerous and fearsome person.


    -Watch out, here comes the bogeyman! - Raimon yelled, feeling grandiose in his role as the bogeyman. His vehicle sped at 120 km/h on the highway, but he slowed down upon approaching the police zone, veering off the road for quick trips.


    The deep sonatas of classical music resonated energetically from at least a thousand hits.


    He sang along delicately until he reached the University of Berkeley. Fortunately, he had Pizza Box''s mobile number and, as a frequent customer, had four pizzas to go. Alice''s favorite was the Neapolitan with extra tomatoes. She liked grated cheese as an extra topping, along with the herb mix.


    He arrived content, his ridiculous Batman car and his shirts��this time, Superman made an appearance. He wore a long shirt and some worn-out jeans, with boots matching Superman''s colors, which contrasted sharply with the typical attire of a company''s operations director. He entered without problems into the women''s west wing, searching for Alice''s room, which he found after taking two laps around the wing.


    He knocked on the door. Alice opened it, her eyes like balls, red and swollen.


    -Raimon! What are you doing here? - Alice asked.


    -I came to see you so we can curse Billy together. The idiot couldn''t make it; you know how he is, - said Raimon, entering the room, surprising Laura.


    -I brought your favorite pizza with extra cheese, herb mix, and our favorite white chocolate with caramel filling. They weren''t easy to get; apparently, the brand has been facing financial issues. I''ll ask the company if we want to expand the branches to sweets, although I doubt it''ll work out that way, - said Raimon.


    Handing over a whole slice of pizza, Alice''s stomach growled, and although her pride was great, there was some truth in the fact that seeing Raimon, someone who was constantly called strange, made it easier to take a bite of what he brought.


    -For a moment, I thought you were Billy, - Alice said.


    -He''s not coming; he has a flight. Apparently, his grandfather is going to die, and he had to travel to Kansas. Thomas has been pressuring him to visit, but you know, the company has been quite busy, -said Raimon.


    Surprising Alice.


    -Richard is going to die? - Alice asked.


    -Something like that, maybe I exaggerated a bit, but he''s very sick, - he looked at Laura, who was observing Raimon. He added, - I didn''t know Alice had a friend, but I can share my pizza with you. -


    Laura, incredulous about the three pizza boxes on the table, thought to herself, ''Now I see why he''s so fat.''


    -Thanks, - Laura replied. - So, if Billy Carson isn''t coming, why did you come? -


    -Isn''t it obvious? Skipping work. I was bored of checking the most boring accounts for weeks. I''ve even lost my touch for Doom, so I decided to escape from the company with the excuse of helping Billy. Anne won''t mind; she has a lot of work. Well, Billy is taking a flight for tomorrow; no one will care what I do or don''t do, -  said Raimon.


    -Can you believe I never knew he ran multiple companies? Because he just didn''t say anything; nothing would change. I''d be more understanding with all the work he had to do, - said Alice, eating pizza with chocolates.


    -I feel the same way; he''s been hiding things from me that he didn''t want to say. He''s a complete jerk. He missed the premiere of The Lion King, and I dressed up as Mufasa to surprise the audience. He promised to come with me, but the perfect gentleman had things to do. I forgave him already, but one day I''ll stop playing video games with him, and he''ll see what the cold shoulder is, - said Raimon.


    Alice laughed. Raimon was one of the quirkiest friends she had ever had the opportunity to meet; the stark contrast with Billy made them opposites!


    -I never thought you were the operations director, - Alice said.


    -Wait, you''re the operations director of Lux Animation, - said Laura, surprised, as the company was among the top 20 successful companies in California during the 90s, along with exponential growth in logistics and operations��a case study in constant growth was made public just a month ago.


    -Well, yeah, but the position isn''t a big deal. In fact, I''m co-director since I share the position with someone else, - said Raimon.


    -Forget it, I''d hate to be employed by that jerk, - Laura said.


    -He''s a good boss. Our salary might not be the best, but we provide other benefits like health insurance, pension, paid vacations, yearly raises, disability benefits, employee discounts, flexible hours, and year-end bonuses. Although Anne is the one who makes sure everyone does their job, she''s strict; she''s almost as lenient as Billy when it comes to family matters, workplace support, and health, - Raimon said.


    -Boring, - Alice said.


    -Sorry, it''s my habit to pitch the company, - Raimon said. Adjusting for the day''s final surprise, he pulled out a DVD of  -The Phantom of Love. -


    -I brought something you''ll like, - he said, showing the DVD.


    -We don''t have a DVD player; we use VHS, - Alice said.


    -I already had that in my plans. I''ll be right back; I''ll bring the Sony equipment I have in my car. You never know when you might want to watch a movie, - Raimon said.


    **************************************************************


    The legal arena has been completely crowded with multiple lawsuits��some ridiculous, others more serious, and some despicable ones that lacked any legal sense and seemed more like a mockery. Counterclaims were swift, and when the law firm Roy & Associates from San Jose filed a counterclaim that bankrupted a small comic house, lawsuits for intellectual property theft ceased.


    Then came the troubles with Warner.


    -They canceled the conciliation process, claiming they''re going all out. They''ve documented all the paperwork, and it''s better to negotiate, - Larry Morrison, the lead lawyer on the Warner case, said. He had been working on the case for two years but had been relentlessly used by Lux Animation. The hiring of two firms dedicated solely to the case had surpassed common barriers.


    -Yeah, withdraw the lawsuit. We don''t need it anymore. Let''s pay damages; it''s just money. Now we have other things to worry about, - Grum, from the entertainment department, former assistant to Bob Daily, commented. However, he wasn''t promoted due to what he called nepotism and remained as a director''s advisor. The love for the company was lost in that move, unaware that Bob Daily couldn''t choose the people who were appointed.


    -Are you sure? - Larry Morrison asked.


    -Absolutely, or else we have minimal chances of winning the case, - Grum asked.


    -Minimal, - Larry confirmed.


    -It''s better to end now and focus on the money we can make by making a deal, - Grum said.


    -Alright, we''ll negotiate and pay, - Larry said, concluding the case. He still doubted that by paying damages, the Lux Animation company would earn more than what it spent on legal fees. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t a lie. Legal fees in the trial amounted to six million dollars, and punitive damages were assessed at 4 million, with the attorney''s percentage factored in; it was simply a disproportionate expense.


    ...

 261. change of environment.

    Raimon continued chatting with the three girls about some irrelevant things. The first topic was a promise to take them to a premiere gala, which he neither confirmed nor denied, but took a step towards making it happen. The second, and no less important, was discussing how foolish Billy had been with Alice. Raimon agreed, only omitting the fact that he had traded one beautiful blonde for another. Raimon''s jealousy only surfaced when he witnessed Billy''s cynicism, something he would address at some point.


    -Ladies, I have to leave. Tomorrow, I have some urgent shopping to do, and if I don''t do it, I might run into some problems, - Raimon said somewhat reluctantly, as everything was for his benefit, a legendary Dungeons and Dragons game.


    Without wanting to hinder the already busy entrepreneurs, he quickly made a call to Steve Parks, who was in Maryland but happened to be in New York. Steve informed him that he needed to return to negotiate the purchase of a game called Elders Croll''s, a conversation that lasted a car journey. Raimon would take care of the preparation and purchase through Interplay. "The budget allocated by Billy, 1 million dollars, no more, no less, - Raimon overheard the treasury say, feeling somewhat uncomfortable due to the tight budget. However, this did not discourage Raimon; in his mind, he saw it as a challenge to achieve his goals, much like his father, who insisted he wouldn''t pay for any university outside Boston. He won a scholarship to Stanford and distanced himself from his father. He just needed to be persuasive.


    The information was provided by Joseph Blinkey, who, along with others, was conducting research. Raimon was just one step ahead of Blinkey, who held some power on the board, especially after speaking with Billy, who credited Raimon for the company''s success. Considering the situation, if the company could expand with a team of 12 people and make more money, he would be happy. Therefore, if the company had another project, expanding to two teams would mean success, more bonuses, and perhaps a better position.


    -Unfortunately, that''s what I heard from the treasury. However, as an RPG platforms company, we follow the work provided by Billy. We cannot deviate from the group due to the technological level and resources we offer. But Baldur''s Gate fits our development, - Joseph said.


    -We''ll take care of it. With Steve Parks, we''ll present a good plan and win the second game with some clever tactics that I know they''ll find interesting, - Raimon said.


    -So, we''ll negotiate with Interplay, - Joseph asked. -Consider it done, but we''ll do it as an independent company, - Raimon said, pondering.


    -Starting from ID Software would only cause problems for our financial capabilities. That''s why we''ll create a brokerage company to acquire more titles, - Raimon explained. - What are you planning? - Joseph inquired.


    -To get games. Billy challenged me, and we''ll create a great game, - Raimon declared.


    His love for Dungeons and Dragons was undoubtedly a great passion that he couldn''t ignore. He used the work''s data libraries to learn more about Interplay.


    ********************************************************


    For Billy, everything was rosy. The honeymoon with Gwyneth was indeed alluring; she was passionate in every sense. They exchanged indiscreet kisses in first class during the trip. The petite blonde boldly slipped her hand under Billy''s pants, emitting soft moans every time she felt him tremble. She loved this long-awaited freedom. With the lights off, the flight took off at 10:00 pm, delayed and empty, with the flight attendants not bothering them; it was the perfect opportunity. She adjusted her head, burying her lips on Billy''s bulge, teasing the tip, eagerly sucking the preseminal fluid. She felt Billy guide her head to take it all in, and she accepted it with desire. The taste was unpleasant at first and remained so, but now she enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done. She could sense he was close to climaxing.


    -You''re getting bolder every day, - Gwyneth remarked. She enjoyed seeing a man succumb to his desires, especially a man from the high table. She had learned something in recent days; powerful men who projected an air of restraint were weak to feminine caresses. They, more reserved and focused on money, were so repressed that it was charming to see them yield to their pleasures. She felt a slight excitement, Billy''s warm skin almost like a spark, tempting her to be sinful.Principio del formulario


    -You''re quite rebellious, - Billy said, his heart racing, as he caressed Gwyneth.


    -So what are we supposed to do in Kansas? - the girl asked.


    -You''ll meet my grandparents, but first I have some things to sort out with some people. I have a video game company, and well, the company has always been known for being outstanding, with fresh new ideas, - Billy said.


    -You''re not going to leave me walking from store to store every day, are you? - she asked.


    -We''ll go out to eat. I know some places where the meat portions are juicy and melt in your mouth. Isn''t that great? - Billy asked.


    -Sounds great.


    -Plus, we''ll spend a few days with my grandparents, sitting on the porch, waiting for food, riding horses, or having barbecues with them. They always have events when I come, - Billy said. Anne sent gifts every Christmas, birthday, and special occasion without fail, from chocolates to books, and sometimes plane tickets with no destination for a trip.


    -I feel fortunate. I didn''t think you''d introduce me to your family in our second week, - Gwyneth exclaimed, with admiration uncharacteristic of a reserved woman.


    -Be careful with my grandmother; she''s a very strong lady. She adheres to a more classic education that leans towards a strict sense. Beware, the matriarch of the clan is not a very patient woman, - Billy said, recalling the time his grandmother met Alice and Claudia, how she hated Claudia, and how she loved Alice, the perfect little flower for her grandson.


    -I''m sure she''ll love me by the end of the day. I have all the secrets to winning over older people, which will be beneficial for me, - Gwyneth said.


    They continued their flight, carefree, but Gwyneth''s eagerness was already becoming commonplace. After a chat, she only worried about pouncing on Billy. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 262. Richard Boll

    The days in front of ID Software''s office were filled with specific tasks. Designing the levels for Crash Bandicoot 1 games, and continuing with the Mario World copy, but updating the levels with specific worlds and different stories in Crash, all in a 2D screen used to train new animators in series production.


    The delivery of the new formats for Resident Evol, Tomb Raider, Forza Horizon, and Doom, each with their friendly details and a complex relationship of luxury. Not many companies would undertake such complexities. ID Software''s goal was to use these games to modify, improve, and prepare a series of classic enhancements that were fresh in Billy''s thoughts. Two games would use the co-authorship of two recently acquired companies. The challenges were in the air, challenging the companies not only to present a game franchise that would be above others for the next twenty years but also to advance technology.


    -I don''t think we can make a game with such proportions, - Brian Riley said, sitting in the company''s board meeting, the game was a challenge from the start. Even the crazy Carmack and Romero were dumbfounded by Billy''s demands, new sound improvements while playing, camera movements, different projections, and game quality as a mandatory requirement.


    -It''s a challenge. Accomplish it as best you can. I''m not asking you to implement everything immediately, but you can gradually add things to the games. However, if you can structure the key points that stand out, there''s no need to bother. Within a year, I would like you to complete all my demands. A game can only get better each time, from gameplay, visibility, interest, order, origin, and execution, - Billy commented.


    -We need more staff. Our work teams are developing their projects and engaging in different activities. I don''t think we''ll be able to shoot the first game like this in a year without more resources, - John Carmack said.


    Richard Boll intervened at that moment amidst the heated discussion in the room. They imagined a year filled with work ahead, believing that what they were doing was above the market, now they were being told that they lacked development in many areas.


    -We acquired two companies, each with its team. Parallax Software will support joint efforts with Group 1, and Raven Software with Teams 3 and 2, to develop Resident Evol, - Richard said from his position, with a folder outlining the team formations. - We''ll also hire five new developers to add to the groups. The task continues to surprise us, but there may be a sixth and seventh development team to fill the company''s needs in the coming months. -


    -Seven teams, - Alexa Riley whispered, totally admiring the company''s growth.


    Even Billy was surprised by Boll''s boldness, as he was aware of a software development team for the project of creating their game engine that would encompass the creation of both 2D and 3D games in a single mega-engine, with all the tools needed to make the best video games.


    -Are there any additional questions anyone wants to know? - Billy questioned after the discussion about the company''s new projects. The game formats were guidelines that captured all their thoughts. For example, in RPG platforms, they had up to the third generation, which was a journey through the Orange Islands, containing the first Pok��mon from other regions, with evident differences, such as the Ice Onix, a regional variant, expanding the franchise, which would feed not only into the future series but also into the movies.


    -We''ll get our Rock songs for the Doom game we''re planning to release to the market, - John Romero said, with his alternative character. He believed that the essence of bullets was rock music with all its force and a combination of terror.


    -Yes! The problem is that I don''t get along very well with record labels, and the prices they quote are ridiculous. It would be easier to create a music agency and hire them. At least then the price would be fair, - Billy said sarcastically.


    -I think if the boss tries a music agency, it wouldn''t be too difficult for him. What''s a few million to set up the drumbeat and set the pace? - Romero said. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''ll think about it, - Billy replied, not wanting to disrupt the music world, and buying a renowned record label was not economically feasible. Jim Waitt might have answers for that task, some contacts, or know the band members perfectly. But getting those singers had brought some headaches.


    -Damn right! Doom with metal rock will be one of the best games in history, - John Carmack said.


    -We, the second team, will take into account the Crash franchise to continue improving the game''s playability. But I would like to create our own video game. I have plenty of materials that are enough to come up with the creation of a video game, - Tim Willis said.


    -Everyone can create their video games, and teams can ask for help from each other as long as people agree, - Richard Boll said, echoing Billy''s thoughts. He has spoken numerous times on the phone with Anne and Raimon, working almost to the point where he has achieved a complementary vision of what Billy desires for the video games and the company he is forming.


    This gesture completely surprised Billy.


    -As long as it aligns with ID Software''s three values, - Tim Willits added, who is a gaming enthusiast.


    -Are there any more questions? - Richard Boll added one last time. He was certain that in the coming months, he would have to do a lot of fieldwork. - Very well, for now, I adjourn the extracurricular meeting. -


    The room began to empty, except for Richard Boll, who had to address some hidden issues of the company.


    -Our meeting ran a bit long, - Billy remarked.


    -It''s necessary. Many of the teams need to see the big picture to be able to draw it in their respective work. Your design guidelines are the best I''ve seen, and frankly, I can''t find better ideas to continue making video games, - Richard Boll commented, amazed by the progress of the video games that still managed to cross his mind like raindrops.


    -You have many future ideas. Anne has a good opinion of you. She speaks honestly, - Billy said.


    Richard Boll was moved to be recognized. Years of work and climbing up from the bottom of society had brought him to where he was.


    -Well, the first thing is a somewhat risky proposal, but I would like us to have a gaming console. The company can strengthen and creating a gaming console can double our profits in many ways. This idea is ambitious, but it''s perfect for us as a team to diversify our products��a somewhat revolutionary idea. I''ve noticed that there isn''t a single American machine that competes against the Japanese market, which has a significant advantage over us, - Richard concluded.


    -We don''t have adequate funds, but we can collaborate with some companies that have the same ideas, split the project, and limit financial expenses, - Billy said.


    -I''ll leave some of my ideas and research at hand. However, the second one is the most important. By expanding our software development companies, we can seek a game that fulfills the same functions as Mario has done for Nintendo. If we manage to create a versatile game like Mario, we can give birth to a guaranteed gaming company, - Richard Boll commented. His ultimate idea was to find a game like Mario, a game with the same level of guarantee as Mario, which stood out like a thumb among other video games.


    -What do you propose? - Billy asked.


    -To invest in more video games, or to buy them, - Richard Boll said.


    -For now, it''s better to create our video games and focus on what we have. We''ll decide our destiny later, but I firmly believe that opportunities will come when the time is right, and we can buy video games. Our goal should be to partner with universities in the United States and cultivate the world of video games for ourselves, as well as for future entrepreneurs. From there, buying a game similar to Mario is just�� - Billy said.


    -A brilliant idea, - Richard Boll murmured. - But it doesn''t guarantee anything. The investment may be lost or taken advantage of by others. -


    -That doesn''t matter. Let''s continue with our work; time will tell everything, - Billy said.


    ...

 263. family life.

    Richard Carson didn''t keep Billy waiting, but his arrival was unmistakable when Jeffrey Carson, his uncle, appeared alongside Helen Carson, who was distinguished by her gray hair and dominant attitude over all her children, grandchildren, and relatives. Gwyneth was still there, somewhat nervous but happy with how things were unfolding as she met Billy''s family. Helen Carson''s prolonged gaze was just the beginning, even though she didn''t speak aloud.


    -My dear boy, you''re so tall and mature now. I can see you even have a beard. I recently watched the Stargate movie released in June. My grandson, although shy, did a great job, - Helen Carson said, still in disagreement with Billy''s acting aspirations, although she didn''t want to scare off the boy who had so much of Thomas as well as Richard in him, who would most likely shut down in the face of objections.


    -Grandma, what a joy to see you, - Billy said.


    -I''m glad to see you too. I visited twice last year, but all your projects kept you busy. I hope now that your father is married, we can have more time together as a family, - Helen said.


    -Of course, Grandma! - Billy exclaimed, somewhat mindful of his grandmother''s jabs.


    Jeffrey was there with his rough appearance; the way he behaved resembled the tales his father told about his brother and the contaminated upbringing under their grandmother''s influence, which caused a division in his childhood. His father rejected this to the point that he decided to cancel all the rules set by his mother and move from Texas as far away as possible.


    -Jeffrey, - Billy said, receiving a grunt. Both got into the car; three hours of driving awaited them. Gwyneth was close to him, gripping his hand tightly, feeling somewhat timid as all her practices went out the window.


    -Is everything okay? - Gwyneth asked, feeling uncomfortable seeing her grandmother''s hostile demeanor and now her uncle''s hostile gaze toward Billy.


    Billy felt a desire to see Patt, his grandfather''s friend, a man who always made him laugh with his laid-back attitude towards all sins, diverse as they were, like his excesses in activities.


    -They''re somewhat complicated, they''re as they should be, and we''re as we should be. Our activities will always be judged by my grandmother. She''s somewhat closed-minded, - Billy said, in a slight whisper.


    -That sounds rather harsh. My parents are hippies; family shouldn''t be like this - Gwyneth said, surprised by the cold atmosphere enveloping the air.


    The journey continued swiftly and without remorse. Many times when the Carson family gathered, it was usually only Richard Carson who was genuinely happy with everyone, except Jeffrey. However, the battle between them was a given due to Jeffrey''s behavior towards Thomas, which displeased him. Now everyone was closed off, thinking they should follow a course of action: one was to accept the burdens, and the other wanted to resolve the issues.


    The house of their grandparents, a small house near the city, had been replaced by two significant events. First, Jeffrey Carson was bequeathed the family estate, something advised by Helen and opposed by Thomas, but eventually fulfilled��a small house in the city due to their old age.


    -Your bed is on the same floor as always, although unfortunately, we didn''t expect you to come with visitors. There''s a mattress you can use, - Helen Carson said.


    -Where''s Grandpa? - Billy asked.


    -He''s getting his medicines and medical check-ups. He''ll be here by noon, - his grandmother replied.


    -Thanks, Grandma. We''ll make do, - Billy said, bringing Gwyneth along with him, both laden with two large fabric suitcases. The bed wasn''t what they expected, bought for a thirteen-year-old.


    -Well, we''ll probably learn to sleep on top of each other. The idea of sleeping like teenagers seems romantic, with a hint of secrecy... Did you bring that girl, Alice, your ex-girlfriend? - Gwyneth asked, as Alice was more alive in her thoughts than usual. She had heard all kinds of rumors and, finally, the conversation with Billy on the balcony about Alice had piqued her interest. Billy had left worried, thinking he would go straight to see her, but he returned as soon as he left. She had that vein of knowledge.


    -Yes, - Billy replied, wanting to close the conversation without lingering.


    -I''ll go get some fresh air, - Gwyneth said, closing the conversation, feeling the ex-girlfriend gaining more and more power.


    They spent half a day in the shade, although the air was warm, occasionally cold winds blew, chilling Texas like snowflakes, bringing many problems as the frost tended to damage crops and occasionally kill cattle. The seasons were always as volatile as expected. When his grandfather entered with a cane and a bald head, old age had taken its toll. He looked worn-out, his eyes more squinted, much sadder. Time had been ordered like the precursor that wears life down and ultimately condemns roles to the brief day of men.


    -You look worn out, - Billy said.


    -Bah, what hurts me the most is that your grandmother is now on my case. She sold and gave away all my alcohol reserves, but what''s important is that you''ve been living a happy life. Hahn, you remind me of myself in my prime, - Richard said. S��arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Grandpa, it''s great to see you again, - Billy added as he approached, noting all the times his grandfather brightened his day and supported him.


    -I thought I''d die before seeing you, you damn ingrate. It pains me to see that my grandson only chases after women and not his constantly ailing grandfather, - Richard Carson said, looking towards the kitchen and shouting, - Helen, bring me two oranges and something for the boy. He hasn''t eaten anything since he arrived. -


    -I''m fine, Grandpa, - Billy reassured him.


    -Bah, you''re a fool. Since you''re a guest in my house today, there won''t be a barbecue, but we can go out to eat at the restaurant, Richard said, savoring the sweet food dishes. They both approached, with Gwyneth willingly helping in the kitchen alongside Helen, who closely observed her guest''s actions, from cooking to preparation, order, and if she could serve Billy.


    Something ingrained in her blood.


    -Where did you learn to cook? - Helen asked.


    -In Spain. An exchange program. I did my best to learn some dishes there, but overall, my mother taught me how to cook, - Gwyneth replied.


    They had a traditional lunch��beans, tortillas, roasted chicken, kimono, and corn balls��all lovingly prepared, with classic salads made to complement the meal, though it wasn''t traditional. Everyone ate with great gusto. As the conversation at the table continued more calmly after Richard''s humorous interjections, even Helen softened, seeing Richard so happy that his previously stern words were now cordial, gentle, and full of promises.


    -Billy has always liked them slender, - Richard said.


    To the surprise of the blonde, who couldn''t help but laugh, Billy blushed, and Richard''s hearty laughter didn''t keep him waiting either.


    -He''s been very decent in showing how much he appreciates my charm, - the blonde said.


    **************************************************************


    The next day, both were already situated nearby. Each of the present family members had a meeting. Jeffrey''s wife was undoubtedly a different woman from Jeffrey himself�� a homemaker with five children, she held Billy in high regard. Even though he didn''t have a very strong relationship with the family, he never forgot about Christmas and birthdays.


    Even if he got his youngest son Aaron''s birthday wrong by a month, it was still a nice touch.


    -Savannah, have you seen my meeting shirt? - Jeffrey asked from a distance.


    -I ironed the gray suits you bought for last Christmas, - Savannah replied.


    Jeffrey shrugged and grabbed the suit hanging in the bathroom. It was better this way; he had to leave to pick up his father and mother. Savannah, who knew his intentions, knew he planned to go get the grandparents.


    -Billy will take them there and bring them back. I hope you help Colton organize the tables. Your friends will be here soon; yesterday you mentioned setting up the tent. I don''t expect people to arrive and do all your chores, - Savannah said.


    The barbecue day was approaching. The Carson family had one last gathering before joining Thomas''s wedding.


    ...

 264. barbecue

    Jeffrey Carson was large, much like his sons, a cold and hard man who always behaved in inappropriate ways. He used different methods to test people, one of which was not saying a word; even though he didn''t say it, there was a time when he envied Thomas Carson, who, in his eyes, was an idealist��something he both liked and disliked. However, his son was a force to be reckoned with; he religiously read the Sunday newspaper every morning and didn''t mind seeing that his nephew had enough money to buy fifty ranches. He had a preference for the entertainment world, but the birth of someone famous didn''t impress him much. It was a different story for his incredulous sons, who now looked at everything with different eyes.


    -Sir, - Billy replied.


    -Ma''am, - Billy responded to Savannah, attentively. At least he had humility, but of course, as a businessman, he must have been an expert at reading people. He observed it in some experienced ranchers��the clean face, almost unflappable by emotions. When he raised his eyebrows, Thomas''s face appeared, only Billy was more tanned and confident at Thomas''s age.


    -Come, I''ll introduce you to the boys, and you, miss, it''s nice that you''re with us, - Savannah replied, making a conciliatory gesture as she greeted Gwyneth with a kiss, with some particular interest in how everything unfolded��only the women somewhat included the petite blonde.


    -Thank you, Auntie. This is Gwyneth Paltrow, my companion. She wandered away from home a bit and decided to tag along with me, - Billy replied.


    -I just follow Billy, who usually has many important things to do every day... I can''t keep up with his schedule. I like following him now that he has the decency to relax, - Gwyneth said.


    -Don''t even mention it, honey. They always embark on tasks until nightfall, dawn, dusk, and night again, always busy doing many things they shouldn''t be doing, - Savannah said.


    Introducing the young children of the Carson family, the eldest was working and couldn''t join, but he hadn''t been home for a while. He followed in his father''s footsteps; he was a rancher, cowboy, and the strictest of them all. Next was Colton, who was nineteen and would be going to university next year, followed by Cassidy, the woman and darling of the house.


    The youngest was Aaron, who was still a baby. Very tender. Colton managed everything that needed to be done for the gathering, while his father tried to get him to mingle with the people Jeffrey put in view. The barbecue began as the guests arrived; the interest in talking to Billy was obvious, and many of them were present only because of Billy, who wanted to establish some connections. He responsibly answered all the questions posed by the people who approached him.


    Among them were some town councilors, smaller-scale businessmen who focused on state-level sales of livestock products, and ranchers concerned about their land, but most were businessmen who played at being cowboys, according to the words of his grandfather, who had joined the words of those businessmen and descended into the multiplication of his income years ago, now dedicated to agriculture, livestock, and shares in leather materials sales, a special garment company still owned by Richard, supposedly to be handed over to Thomas in his lifetime, something Jeffrey disagreed with, as he wanted it for his family.


    -We''ll adjust, - Billy said, observing the circles forming around him.


    -No problem, let''s have a drink, have some of that good beer your dear uncle is serving, and lighten the mood. I see you''re still talking business in a family setting. My father says that happens when people can''t understand each other and prefer to find a middle ground to solve the absent space of words, which is business��you must know that many people just want to continue with the family gathering, but talking with you is somewhat complicated, - Gwyneth said, alongside Billy, trying some spicy meat skewers.


    -I guess I''m complicated... I try to be as open as possible. I don''t see why things started shaping up that way, - Billy said.


    -It''s the demeanor. My father always says that demeanor makes people retreat. Try to smile at them a little more and calm down. Have you tried, or do you want us to step away for a while and relieve your stress? We couldn''t relax you yesterday, -  Gwyneth said, stroking Billy''s forehead. She had long hair, due to her previous roles that required long hair, and she hadn''t cut it, but the detective profile required her to cut it.


    -Simple solutions, - Billy repeated, a word he heard from Kurt Russell. Relationship problems often have basic roots, like people''s tendency to bond when meeting others repeatedly. He used small gestures to support his reserved behavior.


    -Simple solutions; your father is getting married soon, - Gwyneth said.


    -Yes, on December eighth, two days before the ''Seven'' casting. Have there been any updates on the movie? - Billy asked.


    -I''m not really up to date, but apparently, many people have turned down the role, - the blonde replied.


    This role was ignored by Sylvester Stallone and Denzel Washington, both for more or less reasons. To Billy, it was a dream, but others were present, and many probably saw the charm of the script, though it wasn''t particularly unique or noteworthy. Like many movies, its success or failure would only be evident in its execution, and only then would the outcome be seen.


    -Billy, let me introduce you to Robert. He''s a councilman and an old friend from high school, - Richard said, presenting an older, gray-haired man of the same age, who appeared more well-kept.


    -Robert, come here. This is my grandson Billy, the entrepreneur, - Richard said. Robert was tall but hunched, wearing a suit that even hugged his neck tightly. He sported a dark blue suit with a vest adorned with brown designs along the edges, exuding elegance. He came from a long-standing family tradition��they owned a large ranch that accommodated 4,000 to 6,000 head of cattle per year, along with a small lot for celebrations. Their children ventured into politics and veterinary medicine. A clan, that''s what they were.


    -I see. He''s the one with the gaming company in Dallas, - Robert remarked.


    -Yes, sir, - Billy replied, well aware that he might have been the friend who helped his grandfather with the building purchase, given the number of friends he must have had after 30 years in politics.


    -How''s the company going? I''m not particularly knowledgeable about gaming companies, although yours is among the most successful young companies in the county, - Robert replied.


    -Everything''s been fruitful. We continue to expand, and I believe next year our sales will double compared to this year. The gaming sector has grown considerably, and in a few years, we''ll see gaming companies becoming more prevalent in some areas, - Billy said.


    -Technology has begun to be a significant part of the country''s GDP. There are new inventions that have made a lot of money. As Richard was saying, we provide essential goods, but we''ll continue under the same guise. I''m surprised things aren''t aligning with our perspectives, and before long, we may leave or be consumed by these divergent industries, - Robert commented.


    -I don''t think that''s possible. While it''s true that they''ll change people''s lives, I don''t think that order can be simply rearranged. Investments may shift elsewhere, but meat will remain a fundamental part, as will raw materials, agriculture, and other needs of suitable places, - Billy remarked. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Relegated to a corner to box on our own, - Robert said.


    -A very spacious corner, - Richard replied, oblivious to Robert''s digressions. The young ones will make their way as best they can, excelling in their fields on their terms.


    Jeffrey joined them and spoke quietly with Robert, while Billy watched Colton, who seemed more concerned with getting close to a young woman who had come than paying attention to his surroundings. They danced for a while and played cards in the evening, both leaving early to prevent Richard''s occasional bouts of strong, dry coughing that choked his chest.


    -I can''t believe how much you love meat. You''ve got two kilos of just meat, - Gwyneth said.


    ...

 265. trust.

    Between two vital spaces of people, the days with the Carson family were connected to two entities: the first, the material union of both and the ties of blood, while Billy performed some martial tasks and Gwyneth prepared meals for the household.


    -Your father never wanted to do tasks like this. He always argued with my father for forcing us to work so intensely after school - Jeffrey said.


    Both were in what they would call a light afternoon, which consisted of patrolling the ranch on horseback, repairing fences, moving cattle to different fields, branding them, and organizing the next day. They carried molasses for the cows'' feed to small troughs, as the cold had damaged the grass, and in case of frost, it was best to transport them to a large pen with some heaters to prevent them from freezing.


    But the decisive factor was that, during this time, they selected the old cattle and prepared them for sale. The Carsons had contracts with three small butcher shops and a large meat producer.


    -I''d like to use these elements for my burger stands. The meat would have a juicier flavor, - Billy said.


    -How would you do that, boy? If there''s intent, there''s a way, - Jeffrey responded.


    -It''s complicated, but for such small businesses, it''s better to start agreements with large meat companies and establish supply contracts with minimal profits. Wasting important points of meat sale is less or more complementary to the business, - Billy replied.


    -Simple, simpler, - Jeffrey responded.


    -Not everything has to be a contract. You can approach some ranches and simply ask for it out loud. You''ll agree with them, and they''ll agree with you, -  Jeffrey said.


    -That could bring me trouble, - Billy said.


    -No. Jeffrey replied, "There will never be trouble if you fulfill your part of the deal.  -There are other ways to do business, things not akin to youthful or city-dweller thoughts about negotiating, as many negotiations are better transferred to more essential states: you pay, I sell; I buy, you give. It''s a law of life. -


    Both continued with their work after the silence settled. Their grandfather was sleeping on the couch while the TV was blaring in the living room. Aaron ran back and forth while Cassidy tried to follow Gwyneth like a puppy, as she had given her a luxurious set of makeup from Victoria''s Secret. S��arch* The ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both Carsons arrived sweaty and congested from their work, which, although done since dawn, already left their bodies exhausted to continue working. The farm had no days off.


    -You can wash your hands; dinner will be ready in 20 minutes, - Savannah said, organizing everything necessary for the meal. Meanwhile, the flicker of the TV caused some discomfort until Jeffrey turned it off, waking Richard Carson.


    -Son, what are you doing? Leave it on, - Richard said.


    -Dinner is ready; get up and wash your mouth, - Jeffrey said, in his usual tough tone. Richard got up as quickly as an 85-year-old could, with his cane in hand, each step carefully taken without paying total attention to his grandson Billy''s gaze. He went straight to the bathroom, and Richard''s once steady gait now seemed dimmed, raising a protest in Billy''s heart for the affection he had for Richard.


    ***********************************************************


    -Working from dawn till dusk for five days in the cold, now I can truly call you a cowboy, - Gwyneth said from the room below, the small room provided by their grandparents. Both were changing to sleep and for a few days now, she had been sleeping with her arms around him, something that shone with the delicacy of her body. Every day, she would place a palm on Billy''s chest while making a sound with her lips at bedtime. It was affectionate, and she tended to stain his shirt on some occasions, but the family atmosphere calmed his carnal desires. However, things remained the same, as women paid attention to different rhythms of life.


    -I only establish relationships with the family. It was easier when I was young, but my cousins have changed, and well, Savannah remains the same as always. She''s as present as she was years ago; her radiance has diminished, but her patience is admirable. I don''t think I''ll be back for a long time, and my grandfather likes me working on the farm, even if it''s just to bombard my uncle with questions, - said Billy.


    -I''d like to live in a wilderness like this, have a garden to grow my food, a place that belongs to me, even if only for certain days. It''s almost as if quiet and remote places call to me, away from many things. I forgot how much I enjoyed myself in Spain and how similar rural life is to high school life, albeit with money, it''s easier, - replied Gwyneth.


    -You''ll do it after succeeding in Hollywood, a spiritual retreat for your life, - Billy asked.


    -Before that, I''ll make a few movies and disappear for half a year into a garden, or perhaps a party in Italy. I don''t know what will happen first. Have you been to Italy to party? It''s the best place to have fun if you know that the people there tend to go wild, but it''s all night long. I don''t know of many places as lively as Italy... or Spain, - said the blonde, reminiscing.


    -I''m not much of a party person; apparently, I pursue other ideals. Perhaps sometimes I''ll have to attend parties, but it''s not something that particularly interests me, - replied Billy.


    -Let''s go together; I''ll look after you, and you''ll look after me, - Gwyneth said.


    ******************************************************************


    Raimon continued his conquest of bringing Dungeons & Dragons to the video game market. He was cheerful; the negotiations with Interplay had gone quickly, and in less than five days, he already had a general idea of what Interplay wanted as the owner of the rights, under his representation. The deal was delicate and subtle because Raimon had not lied; the entire purchase transition was in his hands.


    -We''re surprised to hear that someone is interested in our Dungeons & Dragons game, - responded Claus, sales advisor and part of the game development department.


    -Well, I''m a fanatic. I heard rumors that you guys were considering giving up the franchise. Honestly, I can''t wait to make the game. My recent days have been filled with dreams of a game that captures the essence of D&D, - replied Raimon.


    -Yes, our game is wonderful. Unfortunately, the company decided to focus on other games with better prospects, - replied Claus.


    -I can see why. Sometimes companies prioritize their interests over their desires, something logical that happens in any entity, whether private or public, - replied Raimon.


    -How wonderful that you guys do what you love, - Claus responded.


    The contract was ready to be signed, with the value of $200,000 for the rights to the Baldur''s Gate game.


    -Very well, I''ll hand everything over immediately, - said Claus, skillfully pulling out a stack of white papers with a clip. Raimon took it, not realizing he had been duped. The Baldur''s Gate proposal sold was just a small script that Interplay had registered. It was said to be a dungeon and dragons game, but it was only a random collection of ideas about dungeons and dragons, something Raimon discovered upon seeing it. He could almost see Claus''s lips trembling at the scam he had pulled on the novice.


    Raimon, who was clumsy, ingenious, and good-hearted, just smiled. - I hope you don''t regret it, - he replied, completely angry at being duped.


    It was a hard blow, as it was Billy who had put the idea in his head.


    ...

 266. Seatle

    November 26.


    Several events were decisive for people to be able to develop among them is the use of key moments that can develop unseen joint ideas that are outstanding above common items.


    Since 1983, Bill Gates has been closely watching the video game companies. His idea became stronger when Atari faltered, and he has had the idea of ??creating a video game company for some time now. He has encountered many problems lately, and one of them is the fact that constant business struggles have ended up distracting his time, with the advance of Sony, a company he fears because of its great infrastructure that already shows signs of being a video game company and is fighting to expand its uniformity in all aspects.


    But, they can enter the computer gaming business, something they have been doing in recent years. Creating computer games to help develop people''s gaming skills, such negotiations are urgent on two fronts.


    Then there is the fact that one person owns 9.8% of the company''s shares and has a video game company. For Bill Gates, this is a sign. If he wants to expand his business, he would first enter the board of directors and propose a special list to create a gaming subsidiary. The guy who wants to carry out this activity is a guy who does not know much about prudence and sensitivity.


    However, they were very clear. They needed to talk to the kid and part of the company''s shares. At this point, he was the fourth-largest shareholder. Bill Gates and his partner each own 30% of the shares, and soon those shares will grow again due to the momentum. At least another 300 million shares.


    Seattle was beautiful, and it could be called Microsoft''s lair. Billy went out to breathe the warm air that still existed in the city, despite the inherent problems they had in the unnecessary cold.


    -Do you want to wait for me at the hotel? - Billy asked Gwyneth.


    -Business meeting? - she asked.


    Billy nodded. - This meeting is serious, proposed not only by a great future entrepreneur but also for his interests in the future. -


    - But we''ll stay for three days and take some walks. I don''t think I''ll have more than three meetings, but several topics will be discussed. For now, we can sneak out at night and do some activities, - Billy hugged Gwyneth. - How about you find a good restaurant while I take care of business until night? -


    -Well, sounds like a fair deal, - Gwyneth said.


    At the negotiation meeting, Staya Nadallea, along with Paul Allen and Bill Gates, listened to Billy''s words with quite impressive pride. Less than ten minutes ago, Billy proposed the creation of a video game company, and until they sign a business agreement, Billy won''t say a word to resolve its negotiable aspects.


    -Do you want to sign a company creation agreement? - asked Staya Nadallea.


    -Yes, as long as it is about Microsoft. You already know my thoughts on the company, the path you choose is the right one. I have great faith in the company, and you are on your way to becoming a much larger company with your technology, software, and hardware; you are the company that will dominate the future. Although I have ideas with some companies that can make them compete if they can behave against you properly, - said Billy.


    Braim Chard remained incredulous at the young man''s very sagacious words, which were different from most people. Like his bosses, they took the direction of a company and trusted that such direction was the right one. They didn''t look back, only forward.


    Billy Gates only lamented not having a daughter the age of the kid. He would raise the Gates surname to one of the great families of the United States. Arrogance was typical of Americans, as mentioned in a meeting once, however, it was forgiven for the youth''s vigor, which enchanted many entrepreneurs but made many enemies.


    -Braim, you can go and draft an agreement for the creation of a company, - said Paul Allen, seeing his partner''s nod of agreement.


    -In a moment, sir, - said Braim.


    -Can you bring me some sheets? I want one along with a pen, - said Billy.


    They didn''t hesitate, along with the shelf, a ream of sheets, and a pen on the desk. Twenty minutes had already passed in the meeting, first talking about all kinds of topics. Microsoft''s services were gigantic, and every part of the meeting contained numerous differences about all the services offered by the company, which expanded its services day by day. For now, the computer model, processors, and CPUs, offer work tools.


    Meanwhile, Billy quickly performed an activity from a black box with a blue X in the middle, kicking off the x-box series, with the colors of Lux Comics, and a brief identification of how the game controls should be, along with a plan of how to integrate into the gaming market, which in the coming years will be one of the best investments that can be made.


    Putting it in a certain way, it can only supply the company by 50% - 50%, as the company is allied. It''s the best way to put things; however, he believes that with great care and dedication, he can change that result. To invest in it, I must lay my cards on the table. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The contract for the creation of a video game company came to light, the reading of a simple contract, a promising offer that is enough for Billy. A contract for a video game company supported by Microsoft, along with it, the agreement also had terms of capital investment, such as the creation of a company for the creation of consoles, and video games.


    -Very well, to create a video game company, what do you think is the most important objective? The first one is to look at multiple companies and their commercial successes, the most successful company is Nintendo, they use a clear tactic, market updates, they usually deliver graphic developments, and technical developments of video game consoles, and year by year they are thinking of better ways to design the best video games that fit their consoles, on the one hand, such updates seem minimal, they set the standard of fashion for video game culture. - said Billy. knowing that this was nothing new


    -The next step is 3D gaming, however, if possible, these updates should be guided in a certain direction, and the right direction is the use of available platforms. I believe that in five years, we will see all kinds of video games developed on these platforms that progressively surpass the current ones. Not far off, maps, characters, and gameplay will approach virtual reality to seem as real as possible. The clear path to follow is a machine that can read games with better graphics, followed by one that can handle larger memory spaces. Thirdly, the machine must have development software of at least -  said Billy.


    -Our company that is getting involved should focus on another important aspect if it wants to stand out. The first is that we don''t have a video game cultivation market. Our North American presence is nascent; Japanese companies tend to outshine us. They have multiple companies that are creating video games year after year. If we look at the second success, it''s creating appealing games for kids. You can see that Nintendo has used its franchises to expand its dominance while expanding its video game dominion. They add companies nearby due to improvements in their machines. Both Sega, Capcom, and Konami, can be seen as dominated by Nintendo. However, with Sony''s entry, the development time is different. Still, they have an obvious advantage because they have started to exploit their series as activity markets, i.e., Mario. Using Mario as the main source and creating multiple games based on this series. Nintendo''s face is Mario, and with Mario, they can be called leading companies. At one point, Sega tried the same with Sony, but they lost disastrously. - said Billy.


    He handed them the blank sheet with the square console; there were two special points: 128 MB RAM - 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit game reading. The next point is a 3D image reading graphics processor for exclusive games, and quality control terms, any game cannot enter without a filter to avoid disappointing buyers, marketing proposals, and custom design.


    -You have a very interesting insight into game development. But even we don''t have such insight for our computers, nor such complex readings, - mentioned Bill Gates.


    -It doesn''t matter to do it now; for now, it''s better to focus on expanding software companies and contractual agreements, investments aimed at buying game companies, along relevant research. Next year, there are rumors of big game machines being released to the market. This presupposes an indiscernible leap about the path video games should take. Let''s make money in game sales while we await the growth of our companies. We can start with consoles of 8 bits - 64 MB, but I would recommend making them for portable consoles. - said Billy.


    -Do you believe in the company''s success? - asked Bill Gates.


    -Yes, but not now. We need examples and a plan from there. For now, the game company can start making joint purchases of software companies. However, let''s partner for now; much later, we can start a company when they see the achievements. For now, as an alliance, I can create some special games that can be sold with the next Microsoft software as a guarantee. - said Billy.


    -The next Microsoft software? - asked Paul Allen.


    -You''ve made updates every 3 or 4 years; I believe that next year or in 1996, you will make a new update. If you allow me, I can create a game for the next software as an alliance. Of course, I won''t give you the game for free, and I''ll license it for two software updates, totally free as a gesture of goodwill, - said Billy.


    -A very good talk. In the next ones, you make assertions that are not yet true, like our software, which is very accurate, and I suppose you''ll also hit the mark with Nintendo. Sony is a question mark? However, it is correct to wait and see a development sample is the most important thing for us, - said Bill Gates.


    Paul Allen, seeing all of Billy''s proposals, could see that Bill''s test was to wait, to wait for the coming years, and to follow the boy''s predictions.


    -We''ll add special clauses; if you hit the mark and your projections are correct, you''ll be welcomed into the game company we want to create, - said Paul Allen.


    -Very well, then that will be all, - said Billy.


    Seeing the uncertainty between the two individuals, the reference pen was clear; with fairness, I understand that these gentlemen partially believed his story.


    ...

 267. video game market.

    November 27.


    Raimon found that the sale was just a poorly written script, with random ideas and a folder of Dungeons & Dragons games they had organized for some time. The mistakes were clear. And Raimon felt that he disappointed Billy, by all his actions. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I got the game, - he sent a message, still disappointed and worried about the poor imitation. He hadn''t counted on things developing in this way. He sent the data to RPG Platforms and looked at his next purchase. He would have to travel to Maryland to meet with Steve Parks, but now he had much less confidence in what he could and couldn''t do.


    He continued his journey to Lux Animation without first going to the area being developed for Billy. There, he would have an apartment all to himself. The building housed 14 apartments, each 90 square meters, along with commercial spaces on the facade covered by expensive clothing brands. There was the plaza, the museum, and another famous restaurant in the area. Two acres were reserved for a fast-food area, with the best locations that Billy wanted for his food company.


    -I expected you to take much longer than expected, - said Joseph Blinky.


    -Well, it was a folly. Interplay got the better of us. However, now I think it''s best to wait for Billy. He''ll know what to do, - said Raimon.


    -It doesn''t matter. If Billy sent you to buy them, it was for a special reason, and I don''t think he''s telling us everything he should. However, Steve Parks has already made the deal for Elder Scrolls. He exchanged a license for the engine developed by ID Software for the sale of their video game and paid $800,000 for them to continue developing the game, along with sales percentages. He mentioned that as long as they can keep doing the work well, they''ll have ownership of the game, and he even left negotiations open, - said Joseph Blinky.


    -From now on, let the negotiators do things for their own business, - thought Raimon, while taking a seat. Being swindled, the anger in his heart could not be calmed. For the first time, he went up to the fifth floor of the company and started sorting out the accounts, from Lux Animation, Lux Distribution, and Lux Comics, to stocks. Over the next few days, like a hunting dog, he concentrated all his anger on his work, along with long conversations with Jim Gianopulus. They began to lay out the first steps to develop the television program, which already had a video game for sale but hadn''t caused much sensation, as it was an online game.


    Joseph received the task of expanding to a second team by Billy. He had to make a game according to his specifications, and later he would assign new and different tasks.


    Billy now had no negatives. He would consume all the great RPG platform games he knew and expand to a third team. For now, the Pok��mon, Baldur''s Gate, and Fate series franchises were enough for games in the next twenty years.


    The Fate series was a historical RPG game featuring great heroes of history, starting with Joan of Arc, followed by Arturia Pendragon, Gilgamesh, Sigfrid, Achilles, the Fifty Thieves, and the story of Emiya Shirui. Additionally, Divinity, Triangle Strategy, Valkyria Chronicles, and others could fit into animated series, similar to X-com.


    ***********************************************


    During the following days, he had many talks and schedules, although he stayed in space if Billy''s assertions were true. He only smiled at the time of departure for him. It was 1997 when he could use his constant source of income that was beginning to earn. The extra income from advertising and toy sales added at least 3 to 4 million dollars monthly, along with video game and comic sales of at least 9 million dollars monthly. The monthly profit was enough to continue his extracurricular activities, such as buying shares in Marvel and investing in technology companies.


    Autodesk''s revenues were generating extra income to continue investing in the company, and now they were sufficient to invest in 3D software development. However, what paid the bills were the high revenues from movies. In December, they would receive royalties from The Lion King, with international box office earnings and some domestic, totaling $243 million, of which $90 million remained after paying off some credits and debts. The company was now focused on one thing: the Star Wars franchise. Scripts had been approved, and by the end of 1995, filming would begin, with a probable release date in 1997. The next film would start production in 1997, with a probable release date in 1999, and the following one had no fixed date yet. However, expenses kept increasing due to the studio they wanted to build in San Jose. The investment for the construction of the entire studio began at $12 million, dedicated solely to Star Wars for now.


    Microsoft assigned a special employee for the development of the video game company. They appointed Phil Spencer as the official developer, and together they planned the sale of the various loans they made.


    -Well, you were right. Seeing the contract you have with Sony and the clear facts that they''ve created a video game company, it''s evident they''ll enter the video game market. But what gives me more clarity is the news that on December 6, the PlayStation 1 will be released, a console by Sony, - said Phil Spencer.


    -in that case, I think I''ll make the licensed game for Microsoft, as promised. It can only be used for two updates of the company, then there''ll be a price for its use that we''ll set based on the success of the game, - said Billy, finishing the final test of his game, one that would be hailed as one of the best of its time, Jewel Blitz, and then he would immerse himself in Candy Crush development.


    The licensing terms also did not exceed six years, which was a crucial piece of information, as lengthy developments often falter. It was clear that the company would be under allied video game corporations, each developing their own game houses, and both investing in console production. Profits would be higher than with other consoles because the games sold belonged to each company, and console sales would be split evenly.


    Each contract was evidence of an ongoing negotiation, such as the license. All terms were binding. Billy''s capital was both industrial and social, as he would provide the extra products for the gaming console, along with the roadmap and funds.


    The investment money from each party was $50 million, but Billy would have to invest $80 million since Microsoft''s technologies and factories would be used. Billy was the creative director and co-president. The list of options for the company''s birth required all the assertions he mentioned to be fulfilled in the coming years.


    -Well, let''s hope for your game. If you can make a game for February 1995, which is when we''ll launch Windows 3, - Phil Spencer mentioned.


    -Don''t worry, we''ll have it ready. However, you should know that these kinds of video games are not so easy to make. I might make updates to the game in the coming months, - said Billy.


    -We understand. For now, let''s focus on the routine details of game delivery, - Phil mentioned, concluding the meeting. The four three days of constant meetings had many things that were important in their way for both companies


    ...

 268. preparations.

    The farewell of Gwyneth, who decided to skip the wedding of Billy after spending a week in Seattle, the blonde woman decided to get ahead to test the waters. Nevertheless, the main ideas from both parties were that Gwyneth would graciously take advantage of the situation in the next five days to secure the audition and formalize the relationship with David Fincher, her agent. Similarly, she had a general idea of gaining the director''s trust by using some of her knowledge. She let her beard grow, got her hair cut as best as possible, and adjusted her style to that of a rookie detective. Currently, she doesn''t have a script reading, but she knows the movie and will have a formal meeting in two days with a detective and some lengthy conversations with her bodyguards who have given her advice. The first issue is Billy''s physical condition, which he has started to train slowly. Although not very present, they still follow him from afar. In Kansas, they received reports from Billy about his condition to respect his privacy. But in Seattle, his support remains as thorough as ever.


    -We''ve arrived at the destination in twenty minutes, sir, - responded Leo Roy Hatcocok, who maintains a friendly relationship with many aviation personnel. When traveling in first class as part of the security service, only three companies allow this level of security. Therefore, only special companies can often be contentious about these matters. However, for these reasons, most wealthy individuals buy a jet or rent a private plane for such situations.


    -Leo, take a seat; for now, there''s nothing more to do, - said Billy, fully awake.


    His progress in this area stands out above the others; he has secured many TV programs and has also gathered plenty of ideas to continue making money.


    ..


    Billy Carson: S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Drawing: 33,009


    Literature: 32,000


    Performance: 34,050


    Points: 000]


    [Drawing store


    Purchased:


    Samurai Jack 15 points.


    Hellboy 22 points. 1993.


    Slam dunk. 30 points 1990


    YuYu Hakusho. 40 points. 1992


    Dexter''s Laboratory. 21 points 1994


    Pinky and the Brain 15 points.


    Animatics 1992. 15 points.


    Johnny Bravo 15 points 1994.


    Rurouni Kenshin 25 points 1994.


    Neon Genesis Evangelion 20 points 1994.


    Doom 15 points. 1993.


    The Lion King has 30 points. 1991.


    Hercules. 15 points 1997.


    Shaman King. 1997. 20 points.


    The Iron Giant. 15 points.


    Power Rangers. 20 points.


    Trigun 15 points. 1995.


    The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 15 points.


    Wolfenstein 3D. 1993, 15 points.


    Toy Story: 1995, 25 points.


    Recess: 1995 10 points.


    Game of Thrones: 1996, 30 points.


    Ice Age: 1997 25 points.


    Serial Experiments Lain. 1998, 15 points.


    The Walking Dead, 1995. 20 points.


    The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, 20 points.


    Hey Arnold!, 20 points.


    Gargoyles, 15 points.


    Whatever Happened to... Robot Jones, 10 points.


    Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, 10 points.


    The Wild Thornberrys. 8 points.


    Pok��mon. 55 points.


    Tomb Raider. 25 points.


    Crash Bandicoot, 25 points.


    Cowboy Bebop, 25 points.


    Fate series - 40 points.


    Jeanne d''Arc 10 points.


    One Piece �C 60 points.


    Resident Evil. �C 45 points.


    Before trilogy. �C 14 points.


    Forza Horizon �C 30 points.


    Star Wars. �C 45 points.


    Ed, Edd n Eddy. 15 points.


    The Boys, 15 points.


    Hellsing. 20 points.


    Digimon. 25 points.


    The Proud Family has 12 points.


    South Park, 30 points


    Purchase series and continue organizing animation projects so that they don''t stop; that''s Billy''s rule. Many of these programs aim to rely less on series from other companies. The Woody Woodpecker license lasts for 4 years, along with other programs. Currently, the channel repeats the same series 5 to 6 times in a schedule, which is fine, but it should reduce these repetitions to 2 to 3 series to avoid senseless repetition.


    Now, if an extra channel can be had, one that caters to a much more mature and teenage audience, it can capture all kinds of viewers. That''s why he needs to start thinking about multiple channels and whether he can use these channels to improve his future TV programs.


    For instance, a channel with more adult programming, along with another channel catering to a more feminine audience, or a junior channel for babies; one of the most promising is children''s programming.


    -Over here, - Leo Roy pointed to Billy''s van, driven by Erwin, who arrived much earlier. With some surprise, Billy got in, expecting to be taken to the company, as he now had an itinerary set by Anne, and Billy was used to having his security work done for him.


    The first thing he had to sort out was the problems assigned to the RPG platform game development. Though Raimon didn''t directly mention it, Joseph Blinky hinted at a bluff, as the entire game started to become just a compilation of Dungeons & Dragons entities. He could see that the initiative had to be postponed for at least four years due to copyright issues, as Lux Animation owned the gaming store that was earning enough to sustain itself after the subsequent merger of two video game companies, Tactical Studies Roleplay and Workshop Games. The clientele evolved as much as the video games.


    The factory brought back memories for Billy. For now, the third floor was used for RPGs, but they could easily accommodate at least six study groups, and beyond, the second floor only housed a small part; this could expand to another video game company that could help expand their games, either to make sports-related games or an additional animation studio dedicated to films or a Pixar branch.


    -Good afternoon, Mr. President, - said Sonia, a video game designer who was responsible for designing the structures of the video games and was currently working on all the structures of Pok��mon. Based on Billy''s improvements, she had spent the last few months drawing by computer and by hand all the Pok��mon worlds, along with all the backgrounds of Jeanne d''Arc.


    -Sonia, it''s great to see you. I''ve heard very good things about you, especially your work with Pok��mon, - said Billy.


    Leo followed closely, taking a seat in a nearby lounge, while the conversation was observed by some people, notably Joseph Blinkey, a Stanford University graduate who met Billy through Raimon. He studied systems engineering and specialized in software development, but he also has half a degree in business administration, which he left unfinished.


    Joseph approached, along with Gregory, Kenneth, and Teresa; they were all currently the masterminds of the company. Billy''s arrival marked the day when the second team would start their activities for the new video game and expand their game creation process.


    -Ah, yes, you can come to the meeting; there are many things I want to define with you, - mentioned Billy regarding the future of the company.


    ***


    Anne listened to Billy''s arrival with a raised eyebrow. She heard that he had expanded RPG Platforms to two working groups and conducted a new development test to hire an animation studio in Japan or purchase a 3D animation studio. His idea had many revolutionary factors that tilted the balance in favor, as studies showed that Japanese animators'' salaries were half of those in the United States, and globally, these salaries were also half, even for veteran animators.


    -Margot, please send a call for Billy to come immediately. Lately, we''ve been involved in many activities for which we still haven''t received responses. Billy should have some extra ideas about what we need to do or not, - murmured Anne.


    -Yes, Director, I''ll send a message to Joseph to attend, - said Margot.


    Anne devoted herself to organizing the numerous folders for the purchase of Japanese companies through an intermediary company that charged 10% and provided a guarantee. For now, the problem was a language barrier.


    Firstly, was Toei, not just an animation company but with a value of $550 million, which was significant for a Japanese TV company. However, according to reports, this company was of high importance to the Japanese government, which guarded it closely.


    Toei has several contracts at the moment. The company had multiple licenses with Lux Animation, and the relationship was partially good. They had numerous agreements with multiple companies.


    The second animation studio, Studio Ghibli, was not for sale. Next was an animation company called Gainax, dedicated to producing science fiction works. Its main relevance was the price, not exceeding $900,000, which equated to 90,000,000 yen. The purchase included numerous animation contracts, an animation library, and a building. It seemed cheap, but the studio had a small library, with two movies, two anime series, and five OVAs.


    Added to the monthly salary values, each worker received an average of 300,000 yen per month, with higher ranks receiving values from 400,000 to 600,000 yen. That is, $3,000 monthly, an annual salary of $30,000. Animators earned a total of at least $70,000 monthly. It''s not a bad company by any means.


    The next company was Sunrise, valued at $10�C20 million, which was too expensive. Followed by Madhouse, with costs ranging from $2 to $10 million, TMS Entertainment with costs from $35 million to $40 million, ICG, with prices ranging from $12 million to $15 million.


    It was clear, Gainax was the chosen one, along with perhaps Madhouse. It all depended on the desired expenditure, although the recommendation was only Gainax, and investing in its expansion and studio development.


    ...

 269. settings.

    December 7.


    In the following days, the almost immediate purchase of Gainax began to be negotiated through an intermediary, with numerous ideas on how they should develop, but for Billy, the price was a real steal. He reviewed the movies and OVAs, they''re nothing to envy. For now, the studio prefers to produce OVAs in partnership with other companies; however, with the purchase of the company, they can expand and undertake different projects for some series that he has used, drawn, and produced.


    -I didn''t expect Japanese animation studios to have such affordable prices, - said Billy, surprised by the value and visual skill. And the eagerness to seek out some extra studios, as is the case with Korea, known for producing some animated series. However, it would only be an advantage if Korea can produce its series like Japanese companies. The Korean Boom is just beginning, and South Korea''s economy is poorer than it seems, with its expansion and growth in the coming years.


    -Me neither, with half the money of the American value. Plus, the yen-to-dollar exchange is always a considerable advantage. I''ve reviewed your offers, and you''re right, in Korea, there are some animation studios we can buy to produce some TV series, - Anne responded.


    -Akom Productions Studio has a decent track record and is accustomed to producing high-quality series. I even have many things to say; who would have thought that the acclaimed Batman animation was done in collaboration with Hanna-Barbara? Now I understand that they even do the same activity with YuYu Hakushu, - Billy replied cheerfully, facing the potential future market, all in awe in a way that he still can''t fully grasp.


    -Worse yet, our intermediary says that if we manage to connect with various universities in Japan and Korea, our economic movements will be easier to carry out, - Anne said.


    -You''re asking for my permission, - Billy asked.


    Anne blushed, entirely due to the way Billy said things.  - Stop being insolent! I''m just contemplating the situation. We can''t just give out our licenses like that, - Anne replied.


    -They say they''re a very educated culture; we can donate licenses to at least two or three more representative universities in the country. It''ll only bring us benefits, especially if they are public institutions, - Billy replied, sitting on Anne''s desk, something that for anyone else would be a disrespect like no other.


    -Two universities; the University of Tokyo is the most recognized and has an outstanding program. We can negotiate with Kyoto University and Osaka University, - Anne muttered, her thoughts running through her head for two important reasons: donating licenses doesn''t cause excessive money spending, as it''s just a cover for animation licensing. However, many problems could arise in animation. Anne''s doubts, in the face of Billy''s words, still caused some discomfort.


    -I have many doubts. Is it possible that many companies that buy our license only do so for a year and then start their animation studios? - Anne said.


    -At Autodesk, we have a rather ugly defense code. However, someone with brilliance in the group could discover the code. But our services go beyond just that; we provide technical support, user manuals, updates, and tutoring services. Furthermore, if someone wants to surpass our technology, they have to spend a lot of money, at least a team no smaller than Pixar''s, - Billy said.


    -I understand that, however, the theft of our services is likely. The services offered by Autodesk are short-lived without a large group of competition. But animation has led to many making fair investments, - Anne said. Although the price seemed excessive, many animation production studios, game companies, software firms, marketers, and technology companies paid for it.


    -It doesn''t matter, Anne. Many will likely rely on our subscription licenses, and in possibly six years, they won''t need the service anymore. Therefore, we''ll change the sense of the license from a corporate animation group to personal and individual. A license for $260 annually or $30 monthly. But if the monthly subscription is bought by wholesale people, and at least 2 million people buy that subscription, the money will be incredible. We''re thinking of implementing it in four or five years, personal licenses, - Billy said.


    A trick that, although used, is not so thought out, the main problem for people is just a fair idea; there are no computers that can deliver such good capabilities for production licenses. With Billy''s ideas and his future, he already has fixed ideas for the coming years on how he should move forward.


    -However, our purchases are because animation companies can personally buy large computers that condense such large programs, - Anne said.


    -Just leave the future to me, Anne. I have a plan to implement this service that will not only create a qualified presence to sell our products but also mark the beginning for our next plans, - Billy said, particularly pleased.


    -Tell me, I deserve to know, - Anne said.


    -You''ll be the first to know. For now, I can''t reveal anything; it''s just a hypothesis of mine that I''ve been thinking about for the past few years, but I fear it''s quite complicated to execute, - Billy said, under Anne''s insistent gaze. Billy could only sigh. - I plan to buy Apple. Currently, Apple''s stock value is almost $800 billion. I want to buy more than 50% of the company. If I can purchase at least 300 million shares that are for sale, I can take over the company. -


    -Well, I understand now why you say it''s impossible to reach that value, - Anne said, knowing that it would involve paying double for shares, a costly price, and an admirable investment agenda. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Let''s buy Akon Productions. They are, in many ways, one of the best animation companies along with Gainax, - Billy said, closing the deal and the conversations.


    The minimum prices of $900,000 for Gainax and $1,300,000 for Akon Productions, and the maximum for Gainax is $2,000,000 million and Akon Productions $2,500,000 million, it is and will remain sustainable even with all the money at hand. Using the remaining $30 million from ID Software, he decided to invest extra in the Star Wars studio, so that by 1996, the mega-production studio, which will most likely be converted into a museum at a later time, could be seen, and could also be used as a recording set.


    -Let''s finish for today, - Anne commented, opening the office door to let him out. Everything is already recorded. It''s next for Anne that the accumulation of studios isn''t entirely a good thing; however, Billy''s mention was clear: for now, depending on other studios isn''t advisable, even a single commission to Klsky Cuspo is costly, the same value as buying and annexing a Japanese studio.


    -There''s nothing to worry about. ''The Iron Giant'' will be released in May, and ''A Bug''s Life: An Adventure'' in December. We just need a little time, and all our investments will be healthy, - Billy mentioned, seeing the numbers in red again.


    Despite the three large loans and numerous investments, ''The Lion King'' remained a powerful movie. With DVD sales, the value would only increase. He would pay off the first loan, and most likely with the sale of video games, he would pay off the ID Software loans. With license sales, the money for Pixar was secured, and advertising revenue for the 2D animation studio even covered financing for some films. Toy sales allowed for expansion and investment of all kinds, while comics only diverted attention because it was the most established company that paid administrative expenses and allowed for the purchase of shares.


    He walked through the fifth floor, seeing Raimon focused on his papers. According to Anne, for a week now, he had been studying and working tirelessly. Billy was very busy, but after four days without checking in on Raimon, he had to be the one to speak first.


    I have many implications, but I must continue buying shares in March. My dividends now amount to $10 million. Investing all that in Apple and Marvel shares is the best move for now. Investing more in shares that I''ll only sell would be a senseless expense when I can earn ten times more by creating companies from scratch.


    ---

 270. Baldur’s game

    -Rachel, for now, our operations are at a standstill. However, the distribution company has some strange figures. We can consult with Felicity, who is in charge of the entire distribution process, - Raimon said.


    Rachel was surprised by everything that was happening. It was unusual for her not to detect errors. Here, the mistake was clear: there was an overcharge in distribution with some companies, which couldn''t be determined with just a few numbers to pay. Curiously, when reviewing the entire balance, many figures seemed fixed, and in the end, the result was different. Nobody would notice because the numbers were positive.


    -I''ll ask Felicity. You''ve been very committed. Let me look into this matter, and you focus on the entertainment sector, which is what you enjoy, - Rachel mentioned, taking the notes folder.


    Felicity was, among many things, a rich girl who always got her way. She was difficult to deal with and constantly devoted herself to painting her nails. For Rachel, a person with such vanity was not fantastic.


    -Are you going to talk to Felicity? - Raimon questioned, surprised by Rachel''s words.


    -Just this time. You need to help Jim Gionupulus with his activities as the entertainment director, - Rachel commented, dismissing him. However, when she saw Billy arrive, a small gasp escaped her lips as she lowered her head and busied herself with her accounts, her hair covering her face. She couldn''t understand, but there was Billy, looking so handsome with his short hair and perfectly trimmed new beard. He looked charming, very charming.


    She glanced at Billy out of the corner of her eye.


    -I heard you''ve been somewhat different, - Billy said as he entered, addressing Raimon.


    -I don''t feel like talking, - Raimon said, still visibly upset.


    -Well, I have a series that might fascinate you. It''s amazing��one of the best RPG series ever, and people will love this series as much as they love Dungeons & Dragons. But I''ll have to work with Lucas, even though he''s not a die-hard fan. Without a doubt, he''ll want to help me with this project, - Billy responded temptingly, despite Raimon''s refusal.


    Raimon''s eyes widened.


    -What are you talking about? - Raimon asked.


    Billy had bought Baldur''s Gate for 10 points, although it was only the first series of two games. The other files were different because the game had three additional deliveries, each one different but containing one common thing: they were incredible games that surpassed the ordinary. The deliveries were made by a different company than Interplay.


    The thick stack of papers spread in his hands��120 pages of pure spaces, characters, introductions, and drawings in multiple different forms containing everything they needed to know about Baldur''s Gate.


    Raimon couldn''t stand it and snatched the script from Billy''s hands with serious determination. It was amazing to see. In less than three minutes, he began pacing back and forth with the script in his hand. Even Rachel, who was watching Billy, began to feel anxious because Raimon was no longer the polite one; he was gesturing wildly about how incredible the series Billy had made was.


    -It''s... everything I ever wanted, - Raimon said, flopping down on the floor.


    -I thought since Interplay cheated us, we could use the name. I''ve checked the legal contract; we have 100% of the rights. We can use the name and shut the seller''s mouth, making a lot of money. Besides, I tried to add some extra things, but you and your friends can add parallel stories and more content to the game. That''s all I could do. However, if you can add more levels, more missions, and more worlds, go ahead. I''ll be glad to receive help from experts like you. But you must sign a confidentiality agreement and agree to be promoters of the project to reach everywhere, - Billy said.


    -Oh, we''ll do the promotion, without a doubt. We''ll take it to all our groups, even to the special conventions held in February, May, and September, - Raimon responded, again with happiness.


    -Come on, let''s talk about some things. The new series has already been extended, but I still have no idea how to proceed with my work, - Billy responded, pondering his next moves, sorting through numerous guide papers��the special guide for the last five series he bought.


    One positive aspect was that Baldur''s Gate''s graphics surpassed even Bioware''s three years later. However, Bioware''s graphics were not profitable compared to the cutting-edge technology enjoyed by ID Software, which was the best in the market. The graphics would be above all standards, even if they didn''t intend it to be that way.


    The player assumes the role of a young orphan raised by the wizard Gorion in the ancient library of Candlekeep, after creating a character from the same Dungeons & Dragons games. Depending on the character chosen, the range of abilities can be greater or lesser, similar to Dragon''s Dogma in the future. One night, without explanation, Gorion urges us to leave the city immediately, but we fall into an ambush, and Gorion is killed, starting the main story in a small enclosure.


    The next morning, we find Imoen, a childhood friend, also an orphan. Since the city no longer seems safe, we decide to leave together. In the Nashkel Mines, where most of the region''s iron is extracted, there is a horde of kobolds led by an orc causing a severe shortage of ore. Our group sabotages their plans to take control of the iron market and discovers that they are allied with several important figures in the city, including Duke Eltan, a high-ranking aristocrat.


    However, that is just the beginning; the story delves into a world of multiple gods, epochs, and prophecies��all the gods, both good and evil, together in a deep narrative. The story is magnificent, there''s no doubt about that.


    The story already had appeal for Raimon.


    -Don''t change the gameplay of the game. You can add characters, storylines, and events, but not gameplay, - Billy said, watching as Raimon left the office, presumably to speak with Joseph Blinkey, with renewed intrigue for the story.


    -Raimon, wait for me! -


    -We need to present the project to Joseph as soon as possible, - Raimon said.


    -That''s not it. First, talk to your teammates and add common stories to the world. You can add some ideas so that the game never ends. However, according to the engines, I don''t think we can add improvements to the game right now; our engines need to be improved, - Billy replied.


    -I have many ideas to expand the story. First, we can expand the hell race. Additionally, we can expand different realities and add dungeons, - Raimon said. S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both changed their course to the office to discuss important matters, such as the acquisition of Gainax, to promote their anime series like getting them to produce major anime series alongside them. One starting point is Evangelion, Berserk, Rurouni Kenshin, Slayers, and Cardcaptor Sakura��those are the anime that have a focus for the company.


    Meanwhile, KMO can handle the Hercules series and Timon & Pumbaa. Most of the scripts are about to be finished. Especially for the Hercules script, someone with knowledge of mythology was hired to structure a story of the twelve laborers. There are 20 animated chapters of at least 30 minutes each with the best animation.


    -A secondary main event, part two, can be an elf-lost war, - Raimon mentioned.


    -Anything you want, as long as it doesn''t harm the main story. I can even be the game''s designer, but for that, you''ll have to do a good job, something that inspires me. If I''m the illustrator, it will be the best game ever, - Billy mentioned, who, although very good, still hadn''t increased his stats in score.


    ...

 271. wedding day.

    December 8.


    The video game discussions were left in the hands of Raimon''s team, as well as Joseph''s; each had a lot of work to do, such as the Jewel Blizt game.


    The Carson family''s guests arrived a day earlier in the evening; everyone was present there in one way or another. The hidden thoughts of people were somewhat paralyzed by the events; Thomas was marrying a foreigner. This wasn''t a problem for most members, but for his grandmother and his brother, it was almost like proclaiming communism. Above all, the important thing was that she was pregnant with twins; at six months pregnant, her belly was chubby.


    In a popular church in San Jose, a large gathering could be seen. Some of the early Lux Comics workers were gathered there, along with some workers, partners of the firm, some extra friends, and of course, close and distant family.


    -Is everything okay? - Alice asked Mrs. Carson, breaking the silence. Even Claudia didn''t want to disturb a pregnant woman. Both girls were in a truce of results due to the distressing issue of being part of the repressions carried out by Ivanova.


    -Yes, dear, I don''t think I can get married in heels; I''ll wear sneakers. My body hurts, and I have terrible back pain, - Livy murmured, totally desperate about what had happened. The disastrous outcome of bearing such weight was frustrating for her.


    The girls were dressed in light blue suits. Alice was one of the bridesmaids along with one of Livy''s friends, a female photographer, most likely one of Ivanova''s closest colleagues.


    Claudia read a fashion magazine at her station. After transitioning to photography, she would focus on the fashion industry, something she began to like thanks to a French friend who taught her many considerations. Above all, the main consideration was the Gala festivals; she attended some during her time in Europe when, with a backpack in hand, she traveled all over Europe by bus.


    Alice was there, along with Alice''s sister, Melissa. Both were childhood friends of Claudia''s, and as Alice was dating Billy, Ivanova invited her as a lady-in-waiting, much to Thomas''s surprise; Claudia agreed with her mother''s choices.


    -Come on, Thomas must already be at the altar, - Livy replied. Five minutes of delay was all the time Thomas could wait for; a man of his taste wouldn''t expect anything less. Being part of that club meant following his punctuality requirements.


    All the women headed towards the altar; it was a Catholic wedding in every sense. Livy wasn''t particularly religious, but love was sealed in a way she didn''t know.


    To everyone''s surprise, Thomas hadn''t arrived. The surprise was that Thomas had a moment of nervousness uncharacteristic of his attitude. A second wedding, 12 years later; the inconceivable thing was that the nervousness was present, even Billy noticed it wearing a black suit, his grandfather with a cane, his uncle Jeffrey, and of course his cousins Aaron and Colton.


    -Father, have a drink, - Billy replied. Aaron spoke quietly to Colton while giving a slight glance at the two giants, both in height and width. Without giving any more attention, Thomas took a long sip.


    -It''s very unusual for me to feel this way, - Thomas replied.


    Knowing a little about his father, Billy discovered that most of the time, it''s best to refresh the conversation. Something he learned from Julie was that when he felt exhausted and detached, he always talked about things that weren''t relevant at the right time.


    -How did the lawsuit against Warner Animation end? - Billy asked quietly, gaining some attention. Everyone knows Warner, and everyone knows that Warner is a major media company.


    -The court took our evidence; it will rule again in February about the errors that may or may not occur. I think we''ll compensate for the legal expenses and approval of the repurchase clause. With what I''ve seen, I organized a motion; we''ll investigate all forms of tax collection. By an accounting firm, we''ll sue those accounting expenses in January. They think they have a lot to gain, but most likely in the accounting expenses, we''ll scrape off a few million, and the interest can be taxed at 14% annually. That is, since 1991, plus the investments we missed out on, that time you bid to buy the film studio, but we were short $15 million. Well, we''ll even ask for a loss for their shares; that''s the big hit, - Thomas said.


    -It sounds interesting; we recently hired an intern; his name is Justin Fletcher from your firm. I don''t think I''m mistaken, - Billy replied.


    -A hard blow for your father, but necessary, - Thomas said, sighing at his son''s move; it was clear he didn''t want to interfere with family and business.


    -Don''t get me wrong; we have a lot to do. I''ll create a food court; our next branch is again in San Jose, near where I live. There''s enough distance, almost about 4 kilometers per booth. We''ll add a high-quality Japanese food booth. We hope the addition to the franchise will bring new programs, and of course, our pizza will start competing in Chicago and New York, in other locations, as well as create a space for Texas, - Billy commented.


    -A risky attitude, - Thomas responded, thinking about the franchise expansion.


    -It was Raimon''s idea. He''s been very proactive. I think his bonus will be substantial this year. I''m even thinking of giving him coupons, like about a hundred, so he can eat. He''s the one who mostly eats our products, - Billy replied.


    Even though he wished Raimon would eat better, it was part of Raimon''s culture. His body was robust, but that didn''t matter.


    Father and son exchanged stories with a whiskey in hand, while the others waited in silence for the conversation to end; it had been half an hour, and Thomas should have been at the altar.


    -It''s incredible, everything that kid can do, - Thomas said.


    -Likewise, sometimes I think he just wants a place to belong. He doesn''t care much about money or material goods other than action figures, - Billy replied.


    -Well, let''s leave that for later, - taking a deep sip, he opened his eyes, somewhat more awake. He wiped his lips with a napkin and then took some fruit-flavored gum to freshen his breath. Ivanova couldn''t stand the smell of whiskey, and it disgusted her, which unknowingly was one of the triggers to reduce Thomas''s drinking. He hadn''t taken a sip for five months.


    They walked to the altar through the back door. Livy''s face of anguish and anger was evident; he just smiled at her, to which Livy raised her eyebrows with absolute hatred, a sneer of contempt was there; she was somewhat furious.


    -I''m sorry, my love, - Thomas said.


    -I thought you had left me at the altar. The worst thirty minutes of my life, - Ivanova murmured.


    -I would never do that, my little Matresse, - Thomas murmured.


    The father began to officiate the ceremony that would unite two souls, two bodies as one.


    ... sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 272. ceremonies

    -You should stop staring at Alice''s sister, - Billy said to Raimon, who was eating a gelatinous dessert with blackberry sauce. He blushed upon hearing such words.


    -What are you talking about? I''m looking at the DJ, - Raimon said, stumbling on the last word.


    -Have you ever thought about getting married, Billy? You seem like the type who enjoys being free and clearing the path, - Raimon said, followed by a silence. Both were sitting at a table eating dessert, while Raimon felt shy about standing up and talking to many other people, socializing and saying how much he wanted to. Billy didn''t feel like starting anything that might further discomfort the ceremony, or maybe... that''s what people expected.


    -I''m not in the right mindset for that, Raimon, - Billy replied.


    He was thinking about work; tomorrow he had the casting. The script reading was just a quick side; he had to speak in front of a camera, quick scenes, or perhaps they might take long shots. Auditions always involved strange periods of preparation for the parts. For now, the indecision of both producers, directors, and relevant actors, nothing was set, and the play wasn''t particularly enthusiastic. It didn''t have that common sparkle that many other plays had. The script was bold, nothing beyond that.


    If he regretted something, it was not being part of perhaps one of the plays that interested him the most as an actor, "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Pulp Fiction." He wanted to participate in those projects, but the recording wasn''t even received on his resume due to his age, perhaps due to other actors, many factors that he couldn''t detect. But he missed those projects, which were closed to the public, and even with the ease with which his agent acted in the tangle, he wasn''t granted those roles. He hoped that by 1995 and 1996, he could be part of those films he wanted to shoot.


    -I wish I were as lucky, - Raimon said, listening closely to his friend''s distress.


    -How was the game development, even though it''s only been a day, have you been able to make any progress? - Billy asked.


    -Nothing at all, and that''s what bothers me the most, - Raimon replied, ordering more food from the waiter. "I have doubts, but my friends are busy with their projects. For now, I focused on adding some Elven wars and other wars across the continent. I copied a bit from the book ''The Huma'' and a parallel mission with a character who governs a band of mercenaries hired by a great city. They fight against an army of demons. Although it''s tough, the result is still great.


    -Sounds exhausting, but the game has to establish itself as one of the best RPGs, - Billy responded.


    -Your grandmother wants to talk to you, - Raimon said, watching as Helen Carson stretched her hand as a call sign, softly calling, beckoning, and looking while pointing to the chair beside her.


    -I''ll be right back, Raimon, - Billy responded, as Raimon watched Billy cross to his grandparents'' table, even Anne was dancing ''what a nightmare.''


    ***


    For Jim Gianopulus, festivities weren''t even a form of escape; he had many tasks to digest since joining the Lux Animation team under the command of being the undisputed animation leader, only under Bill Carson, the owner, and Anne, the reviewer. Everything else could be accomplished. With the idea of ??buying the television rights for "Rex the Commissioner" for the entire United States, along with a close relationship in investment for production on the Austrian channel, his barely established line of contacts was beginning to undergo noticeable changes. More respect, more people available to work, and even comings and goings with his former bosses. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jim was the tireless third at Lux Animation. The company prioritized two things in general: first, catering to a young audience, and second, quality over quantity. The acquisitions of Kmo Productions and Gaimax, both animated production studios from the East, were evidence of the expansion into television series for the young audience.


    -We have everything available now, - replied Jim Gianopulus, concluding with the general details of the production of - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - The most important thing was to choose a host, and they decided that the person who would perform that role best was Tom Browka.


    -Luckily, Tom decided to participate in the program; it''s a shame he didn''t want to sign for three seasons. I must say he''s smarter than he seems, - said Michael Davis, along with Foster Brian, the two television producers of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The program would be produced in a small town in Oregon and Tennessee to reduce taxes, a move that would save them a lot of money, although it posed some unforeseen challenges for the program members. Why such a remote location? They considered using a mobile set, but it was too costly. After all, they would only film once every Sunday for the next three months.


    -It''s been an interesting job, - said Jim Gianopulus, who observed everything in detail, how a production was carried out, why it was done that way, and what the most essential ways to carry out these activities were.


    -Well, let''s just hope for success. If I''m not mistaken, your boss has developed a virtual video game that has started to gain popularity nearing its release. I reviewed the marketing strategy, and I was impressed, - said Michael Davis.


    To which Jim Gianopulus nodded. However, he received an extra call on his third phone, the phone he dedicated only to purchases, and capital investments. The caller ID was clear: John Wells (ER). The participation in the NBC network was an important call, due to two important titles that were not yet associated. NBC belonged to General Electric, an energy company, and therefore somewhat outside the media politics. It was a gray area, which helped Jim work. His dealings were close to Vivendi and Universal, a strange story of multiple acquisitions among companies, the maze called NBC and CBS, was an unprecedented giant network with much to see.


    -Jim, everything has gone through. We decided that you can come to invest in the company with two favorable deals. If you can come to the United States, we can make a deal, - said John Wells.


    -Very well... the deal, can you give some outlines? - Jim asked.


    -I can. They want to sign a long-term contract for at least three series and form an alliance for your children''s programs in the Sunday section,- said John Wells.


    -I''ll relay the message, John, - he knew he had to end the call on a better note.  - You won''t regret it; we''ll work from our best starting point. -


    Jim''s job was a daily struggle, but Billy''s idea held promise, an idea that was starting to follow a more detailed and formed path.


    ...

 273. a priori.

    Jim Waiit was in the midst of the recording process, engaging in political acts. For instance, with the unexpected help of Gwyneth Paltrow, there was some animosity among the attendees, including Paltrow herself. Initially, she denied the main agenda of being part of the movie, as she wasn''t very familiar with the ending. Many of her dialogues were brief, not very lengthy, mostly small performances in short scenes. However, Billy liked the movie a lot, which ended up convincing him to participate.


    At another table, Gwyneth was the favorite of director David Fincher. She spoke fervently about the role that Billy could fulfill during the movie, as he had ample experience, having starred in two movies and done numerous voiceovers for his animation company, voicing many characters in the films.


    -I didn''t expect to see you here, Jim, - greeted David Fincher, to Jim Waiit, who was chatting with some acquaintances of David Fincher, very confidently.


    -Likewise, I didn''t expect you of all people to be at this gathering, - said Jim Waiit, with a hint of incapability, as he only came here to have a casual chat with David Fincher, completely ignoring many people just to stand out in David''s eyes. Two situations could justify this move: David rejecting Billy or simply considering him above all the others present. Jim was aware that Brad Pitt, John Travolta, and Nicolas Cage had auditioned for the role. S~ea??h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s been a long time, - replied David Fincher, after the spontaneous snub by Michael Ovitz at CAA. The previous situation, instigated by some people against Jim Waiit, had been diminished, but the damage was done. Many filmmakers, who could or could not have been represented by Jim, ended up in the hands of others, which not only caused some discontent among certain individuals due to the internal warfare in what appeared to be an impartial terrain but also led Michael to indispensable success, as he won the presidency of a major company and forgot about CAA. The moves made by Jim that harmed the company were taken into account by the social group, which, although faithfully supporting Ovitz, now leaned towards a much colder and harder side.


    -Not too long one of my clients is participating in an audition for a role. I think he''s on the waiting list. Have you had any trouble with casting? - commented Jim.


    -As always, filming always brings some inconveniences, as does cinema, a career of wills, - said David Fincher, with some caution. Initially, he thought he was wise in using these intricacies of the industry, but now he could say that it only brought problems upon problems. It was difficult to work under film companies that imposed opinions outside of helping popular ideas, sometimes even acting on ridiculous hunches.


    -I''m aware that your last project had some harsh clashes with the producers of ''Alien,'' and that Peter even left the set after a fight, - said Jim Waiit.


    -Don''t even get me started on that. -


    -You misunderstand me; I''m just saying that it''s common. I''ve been involved in fifty projects, and in all of them, there were always different opinions from many people. Some wanted to deviate from the script for unreasonable reasons, others just to please a general audience, - said Jim Waiit, taking two glasses of Champagne and offering one to David Fincher, who declined the alcohol.


    -What are you doing here? - asked David, taking a seat with a Coca-Cola in hand.


    -I''m here because one of my clients came, she''s not very new to the industry, and I''m taking care of her. You know how young people are these days, - replied Jim Waiit, pointing to a 24-year-old Thandie Newton, chatting calmly with some actors in a corner.


    -A costly job, - said David Fincher, acknowledging the agent.


    -Not at all, just a job. We''re part of the Hollywood chain. However, how are things going? I heard you left the representation company and took the path with ''Management 360'', - replied Jim Waiit.


    -That''s correct. I didn''t realize it until later, but for a long time, CAA promised broader participation, and sometimes I was on the lists, but they were just illusory clouds. It was all a big circle I escaped from. This agency is more personal, and I have more opportunities that I wouldn''t have had otherwise. They laid the groundwork for the opportunity with ''Seven,'' - said David Fincher.


    A little more focused, bad streaks had been a problem for him for a long time, from unforeseen issues to even matters of love, he had been affected by the state of his career.


    -It''s a good opportunity. If I may give you some advice, do a good job. This movie could be what you''ve always sought as a director, - said Jim, slapping the young man''s shoulders confidently. With the seeds already sown, Jim took his leave after finishing the conversation. He went straight to the bathroom to clear his head of alcohol, waiting for Thandie to socialize with the crowd.


    ***


    -Thanks for bringing me to the airport, Raimon. Well, bringing us, - said Billy with some sympathy, now his small apartment couldn''t be considered a safe zone for him.


    -I have to sell it, - thought the young man. The small jet wasn''t far away, ready for departure, a jet specialized in these business trips. For now, his needs were becoming a bit more visible as the money in his pockets increased.


    -No problem, remember that the building will be handed over in January. Your father might help you with moving your things. I''ll talk to him to get everything sorted out. Besides, by the time you arrive, the food court could be the start of our big business. The way it''s laid out, many interesting things can be done in that space, - said Raimon.


    -Alright, I''ll take note of that. Maybe I''ll do some shopping when I get there, - said Billy.


    Raimon nodded. The entourage of guards got out of the van, which was now black and used as a protection vehicle, a bit distant from the previous flights. This one was private and cost $7,000. The small trip to Los Angeles was increasingly inconvenient. But the central life of Los Angeles would only bring two extra things: paparazzi and gossip.


    -Good luck, - said Raimon, sending his Batmobile on its way to Lux Animation with circumspect fantasy, as he had many things to do, all related to his great loves: Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, and, last but not least, video games.


    Lux Animation, together with Lux Comics, was more alive than ever. The sale of many comics on one side and the growing popularity of the channel, as Lux Animation cartoons began to win the affection of children, were now concentrated in these two chains, comics, and animated series, from different perspectives.


    The boom of animated television channels was only just beginning. Raimon would compete head-to-head with the best-animated channels regardless of the cost.


    Leo Roy Hatcook accompanied him. It was logical that he was the one, the only one who could pilot a plane, along with Erwin, while Douglas took care of strengthening the security systems of the new home and took a well-deserved break from the rotation.

 274. s7ven.

    progressing rapidly, encroaching on each other''s intimate space and making small advances.


    That sounds good. Although it''s odd, according to my agent, you should prepare. The filming will be in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Since I don''t have a lead role, most of my scenes will be in Los Angeles and San Francisco, whereas you''ll have to visit Philadelphia, - Gwyneth said, with a slight hint of envy on her face.


    -You can accompany me to Philadelphia if you wish, - Billy replied.


    -I''ll wait and see, although I might have some space for me in some activities. I might visit Philadelphia with you; just know I won''t let you out of my sight if I do accompany you, - Gwyneth said.


    The method by which people would ultimately be judged was a continuous struggle alongside two actors. Brad Pitt had his interview in the afternoon, while Billy would have his interview in the morning. Due to the constant rejections from many of the characters who were turning down the movie, the last one being Sylvester Stallone not long ago, only two surviving candidates remained who genuinely desired the role. Since the movie didn''t have a public call for specific roles and desired experienced actors, they contacted advertising agencies and producers to outline potential profiles.


    This was a good thing, albeit counterproductive.


    Billy followed all the costume images, wearing black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a discounted tie with colorful patterns that suited the movie well, although it wasn''t necessary. However, Billy was already adept at such activities, along with a long leather jacket reaching down to his knees. He had grown a beard for almost a month, with some slight touch-ups to give it a disheveled appearance.


    He kept his hair short, once again copying Erwin''s style, leaving it slightly longer to avoid frequent trims. He could look formally appropriate with a bit of gel and a touch-up since the movie spans no more than two weeks.


    David Mills is just a person doing his job, and although it may seem easy, it can be seen in two shots that it has complexity due to his motivations to clean the streets of villains. The way he acts, and his motivations are to be someone who contributes to society.


    He must represent not only an impulsive person but also a fair person. However, that zeal makes him tenacious and committed to what he does. The good part is that he changes the role as desired. With the majority of credits invested in acting, his work and experience are enough for him to fight for that role.


    -Mr. Carson, you can proceed to your audition, - they replied, leading him to a small room, no less than a three-meter room. The director, David Fincher, and Arnold Kopelson.


    Interestingly, the script depicts the death of David Mills. David Mills dies in the game against John Doe, and Somerset ends up finishing him off after seeing his partner''s death. Therefore, it''s surprising how the initial script and the end of the movie are detailed.


    -So, - Billy inquired.


    -Act out a silent form, envision an office; your actions should unfold appropriately, - replied Arnold Kopelson.


    Billy nodded as he adjusted his posture to the best of his ability. Mills was supposed to have a good posture due to his physical athleticism, confident stance, rebellion, and a hint of mystery in his way of expressing himself. With great detail, he fixed his posture to resemble Leo Roy, a military man, imitating his deliberate gestures and steadfast glances, embodying the intensity of his character. As a detective, he must have that reflection imprinted on his face.


    After a while, he was handed a three-page script. As he studied the script, he immersed himself in his role, not taking note of what he was doing. He had been thinking like a detective most of the time; the imitation led him aside, but his presence ultimately shaped the end of his character.


    It''s the scene where Joe Doe turns himself in at the police station, following a foolish idea of evil in his heart, a plan he had been plotting for a long time.


    Lines with William Somerset, David Mills, and John Doe.


    Scene outside the street, police station.


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    ***


    -I''m not sure if my performance was outstanding, - Billy replied.


    -You shouldn''t worry; you probably did a great job, - replied Jim Wait, heading with Billy.


    Both got into a black van that would take them to the CAA studios. The most important time was approaching, Jim Wait''s and Billy''s contract renewal. The wait for a contract, although negotiable and good for both parties, had to be fruitful over the next few years. A four-year contract negotiation, somewhat lengthy. Jim knew about the fortune; now the actor Billy Carson was a glorious asset and couldn''t let him go. The takeoff to be considered a great ally; now Billy is what one would call a shuffled actor in big productions, a first-class producer, and an entrepreneur above the average American.


    ...

 275. Creative Agency for Artists. (CAA)

    In the luxurious building in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, a small group of agents was finishing their semi-annual meeting when Billy and Jim Waiit entered.


    Among the attendees, the important figures included Rowland Perkins, William Harber, and Ronald Meyer, along with Carol Sawdye.


    -With Michael gone now, we hope Ronald can address the issues related to the many losses the company has suffered, - murmured Kevin Huvane, a respected member of CAA who has gradually risen but harbored resentment towards the agency''s founding members. In recent years, the agency hasn''t distanced itself from what William Morris Agency is doing; they play the same game, winning their rounds with tricks here and there, which undermines two main ideas.


    Once everyone retired to their respective offices, the wave of whispers began to spread throughout the place. The triarchy through the power of the three founders, the most lax undoubtedly from Carol Sawdye''s perspective, preferred to focus on other activities, along with Michael S. Rosenfield, who favored film.


    -It''s very likely that many people will dismiss the agency in the coming months, year, or fiscal calendar. I firmly believe we should rebuild the agency and adjust our profile. New agencies, and new companies, may be created. I have many doubts, - Kevin Huvane expressed to David O''Connor as they reached the office. The atmosphere among the top executives was heavy, and it spread deeply throughout the company, from founders to executives, presidents, managers, junior partners, senior agents, junior agents, rookies, and assistants; the atmosphere surprised both Jim Waiit and Billy Carson.


    -I''ll adjust my represented clients as much as I can. And I''ll tell my associates that if they can sign new contracts with their servers, they should do everything possible to get ahead, - said David O''Connor.


    Meanwhile, Jim Waiit arrived at his office with Billy, something Billy hesitated about for a second, but then considered that many of the mistakes CAA had made at the time were closing doors on great agents, like Jim''s members, who ended up in the hands of other respective agencies, not CAA.


    -We need to talk about our new agency and representation contract. You and I need to keep working together, - Jim Waiit said.


    -I don''t mind working together, but we have to keep in mind that CAA isn''t supporting us. Furthermore, behind my back, I have many companies that just want to mess with me, - Billy said, carefully weighing his thoughts. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - How much do you make a year in this company? - Billy asked.


    The shrewd questions surprised Jim Waiit, who didn''t expect Billy to ask things in that manner, a questionable way to start a negotiation. - He''s greedy... - thought the representative, not knowing what to discuss, he responded as he would in an interview or a university speech, "Close to 5% of the income of my represented clients, not counting that many times, I have to invest some money from those earnings to build better relationships, - Jim Waiit replied.


    -CAA is crucial for our relationship to work, - Billy questioned.


    -What are you talking about? - Jim asked, catching on to Billy''s underlying suggestion.


    -It''s simple, you need CAA to work for me. I don''t like this company much, and I prefer you to take care of the preferable, I even understand that from the 15%, they take 10% of the money. You can skip that step, - Billy asked.


    -Well, it''s a matter of substance; many scripts are sometimes sent to top management, I don''t have contacts, and our relationship was stifled with agencies like Warner and Disney, while Sony is only a slight amount of support. I even doubt they''ll join in supporting me, - Jim Waiit said.


    -Do you think that will change in two years? After all, now we have fewer levers, and you mentioned there''s a power vacuum in the elevator. Can''t you climb? - Billy asked.


    -It''s not that simple, as a senior agent, and with minimal help, I can''t become a partner. Many people need powerful relationships to bring deals to the company, - Jim Waiit said.


    -And if you go to another company? How much money has Pixar and Lux Animation not brought to this company? Recently, a brief recount, at least the representation expenses in the last 3 years amount to eight million. We''ve made many deals, and the company has brought in money, ridiculously, because you still haven''t been considered a partner, - Billy asked.


    -You suggest I change companies; it''s complicated, but I only know two companies that can provide me with all the assurances that many other companies can, namely William Morris Endeavor and United Talent Agency, - Jim Wait replied, with doubt in his face.


    -They''re just positive and negative ideas I may or may not have, but I want to screw CAA as much as they screwed you. They simply crushed your career, - Billy said.


    -So what do you propose? - Jim Waiit asked, somewhat unsure of where the conversation was going.


    -Let''s make it easy, sign a two-year deal with CAA, and a four-year deal between you and me, without CAA. If by 1997 we''re not happy, we can renew the contract, but if I grow enough in two years, we can kick CAA to the curb and join another agency as partners, - Billy said.


    -That''s a bold idea, but I have to think about my other clients, Billy, - Jim Waiit said.


    -Just think about it. I''ll sign the contract for two years. As long as you''re my agent, I''ll follow the steps we need to take. However, if you change your mind in two years, we have an extra contract that could be favorable for our relationship, - Billy said.


    -Right, we''ll keep thinking about it. I''m glad to know I have your trust, - Jim Waiit responded to the signed two-year contract, along with a key variable, a hidden contract.


    -We can talk about how much you expect for your role in Seven. Even though the production doesn''t have much money, as the lead, you might receive a good salary. -


    He opened his palm. -Five million dollars. I don''t want more, I don''t want less. It seems like a fair price to me. Besides, I heard that the salary planned for Sylvester Stallone before the rejection was 10 million. Half is fine with me. -


    -Who said that? A blonde who is very friendly with you. -


    -I hope this time isn''t as long and grueling as the last shoot, - Billy murmured.


    -No problem, kid. David Fincher''s shoot is nothing like Richard''s. He learned that time is money. Most likely, in two months, with your good performance, they''ll finish shooting all the scenes. Besides, it''s an ''independent'' film. Extending the production would only result in losses, - Jim Waiit said.


    -I hope so, - Billy said, hoping that time would be enough to shoot, which by the twist of fate would be advanced to January 15, and not the previous time in March 1995, which not only helped to continue the work.


    -They sent a request from Ronald Emmerich himself, asking if you''re willing to participate in another movie, ''Independence Day.'' They started producing it, but they sent a script. They might start casting in March or April, - Jim commented.


    -Of course, it''s perfect for us. ''Little Women'' premieres on December 19, while ''Before Sunrise'' premieres on January 12, adding to your actor profile a bit more. Even though it was just a call, it can boost your position along with ''Seven.'' Certainly, we won''t lack offers for a good while. Plus, being a voice actor in ''A Bug''s Life.'' I''ll take a supporting character, but the work continues there, - Billy said.


    Once again, Jim saw the businessman and not the actor. Even acting is a business, in economic terms, and as an agent, that brings benefits.


    ...

 276. dust off.

    December 12.


    Raimon was thoroughly pleased with all his decisions, including Billy''s guiding hand in the creation, which was just a hurdle many had to climb. The latest Cowboy Bebop series was a stratospheric magnificence. Billy had been drawing the comic for a year, and the result didn''t disappoint. The artistic quality surpassed anything seen in years. What made this comic so interesting was that Billy''s stories began to create darker atmospheres, stronger psychological pressures, and, on the other hand, an immeasurable amount of ideas approached from different perspectives.


    -I have to say, the Baldur''s Gate game is more ambitious than we''d imagined. Are you sure your boss will allow such a monumental game? It seems challenging to pull off, - Angus, an electronic engineer, and Raimon''s right-hand man in Dungeons and Dragons matters responded. They were both sitting, paving new paths for the Baldur''s Gate game, while Edward continued to expand the Elven War crusade, adding different types of elves like forest elves, dark elves, sea elves, and nomads.


    -Yes, he''ll allow it. He even mentioned that we''ll be sponsored, from clothing, games, activities, convention plans, and everything for free. Our job is to promote the game and incredibly finish the story, - Raimon said. Their small task force was located in the factory. They had even created maps, and drafts, and perfected NPCs. With Joseph''s help, Raimon dedicated himself to creating different characters, each with their own characteristics. The world of Dungeons & Dragons was immense.


    -Sounds incredible, - Angus said, who despite working at a company from Monday to Friday, spent his Saturdays in an office, alongside Edward.


    -It us, I''ll soon ask Billy to offer you jobs at Pixar or some other company. We must stick together and propose a combat game with the animation team. They have their group and are a bunch of cheats. We need to outdo them, - Raimon said, with a competitive spark.


    -I''ll be right back. Just wait a moment, we''ll work and then we''ll go for pizza, - Raimon said, running with his short legs. This time, he was wearing a wizard''s cape, along with an image of the glorious He-Man princess.


    Hearing his timer, he sighed and went to where Anne was waiting, a meeting that only caused him more trouble. But he hurried across to Anne, as everyone wanted to go on vacation, and most of the executives would leave on Tuesday for vacation with Raimon, who wanted the beach and to unwind.


    -You''re late, - Anne said, completely exasperated, eager to go on vacation immediately.


    -Well, although this meeting is just informational, and unfortunately, Jim is excluded due to the program''s instability, the entertainment team will enjoy their vacation in June, along with the Pixar team, - Anne said to Jim Gianopulus, who nodded, supported by three hires he had made, each crucial for the operation. However, Jim saw that the company was functioning so well because of its focus on one subject. Billy handled Lux Comics and Lux Animation with his proposals, and the creation of a documentary channel was just the beginning.


    Jim nodded with joy.


    -I''ll start by giving a summary of the day''s agenda. Point 1: annual financial status, point 2: annual employee status under Director Jolie Cartes, point 3: Lux Animation treasury status, point 4: the purchase of new companies under Trading Corp, point 5: film productions, point 6: series production, point 7: ideas under the director of operations, point 8: new hires, point 9: new documentary channel... - Anne said, reading through various points, 1.1, 1.2, and so on until Point 9.


    Raimon wanted to bang his head against the desk upon hearing the lengthy meeting. In the general financial status, many things came to light, like the excess comics sold in recent months, which had started to double. In November, they sold nearly 2.6 million copies, fitting into a comic sales marathon. The new Lux Animation series began to gain recognition, along with the increased sales of games. The unprecedented exposure of the Pokemon game capitalized on the increased sales, like the new employees of the company, the expansion of the RPG software team to three groups, much bolder than just two groups, and even the expansion of a sixth group of interns to create more animated series, all of which fell into the uniquely complex category of being out of step.


    -The film productions for the next year are three, however, the partnership with Amblin Entertainment and the possible acquisition of DVD distribution rights, and on television, along with the possible purchase of the movie, suggest that Billy may make some additional purchases, like the previous bid for The Addams Family for 7 million dollars, recently, along with the August Meteor case for 1.6 million, - Jim Gianopulus said, finding it excessive to buy the film rights and two movies, already exploited.


    -So, on my predictable list, I started researching children''s movies that may or may not be part of our acquisitions. However, the desire for new successes, coupled with the expansion of our documentary series, may consume all our earnings. So far, we have six documentaries in our possession, but approaching production companies could escalate the expenses, - Jim Gianopulus said.


    -From the treasury, we have a proposal from Billy to buy The Grinch and the Transformers franchise from Hasbro. The purchase of these toys exceeds 40 million in franchise value, which, although risky, is a great investment according to Billy, - Jim pointed out, aiming to adapt them into comics and later animation.


    -They constantly want to negotiate with our toys, - Steve Parks mentioned with a smile. -We can mention a close relationship, as long as they sell us the franchise cheaper. We can even allow them to continue producing toys with a slight percentage. As I see it, Billy''s ideas are about working for the future, no matter losing now or winning later. -


    -You can take care of that, - Anne said, knowing that Billy would agree to a business deal for a game franchise. Billy''s stance in many meetings was clear: franchises are the best way to make money, and the purchase can only improve that aspect.


    -First, I would talk to Billy about which series he''s willing to license, - Steve Parks said, nodding to Anne.


    -Excellent! - Jim responded, noting in his thoughts the idea of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, another franchise that seemed destined to be a great purchase.


    The meeting continued with the topic of animated series. The charm of the series continued to the point of endorsing different viewpoints. Many people, especially animators, sought to purchase their favorite animated strips, such as many series that could be given to them. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Point seven, - Anne said, introducing Rachel, who was most involved in the acquisition of Korean and Japanese animation studios. The mere idea of purchasing was already struggling due to the government''s protective stance, and permission had to be obtained from their perspective.


    Rachel handed over a list of many things that still needed to be done, primarily emphasizing that Japanese animation companies had very low costs and it was possible to consider expanding these animation studios to make movies directly from Korea. The idea of ??transmitting Treasure Planet or sequels to movies is just a fact, something that Disney has partly achieved in the production of its ongoing series and films.


    -The main reason why oriental companies resent the entry is the possible economic imbalance that we can bring to Japan. It is not very common for American companies to settle in these spaces, except for China, which, on the other hand, has a considerable expansion system for foreign industries. However, these prefer to raise their own companies, even with economic assistance, as a way to exploit this market, which provides a better animation course and takes advantage of the drawing talent of these cultures, which is essential for the state of government. However, we believe in exchange options and developing a business future, such as influencing universities, creating animation schools, and sustainability commitments. Although the operation is cheap and the saved costs are economical, the investment can be significant, - Rachel said, followed by a motion from Jim Gianopulus and Anne, who were the most concerned about the purchase of Gaimax and KMO, with Lux Comics sales on the rise and Billy''s upcoming salary, it is very likely that he will buy another oriental animation studio.


    ...


    Hello everyone, this is chapter 276, and we are at 318 on Patreon, I have tried to make chapters a little longer. Good start to the week, I was very busy this week, and I think I will have less busyness.

 277. party

    Occasionally, people throw a party before any commitment, be it an official meeting, an unofficial gathering, an event, awards, or movies. Once again, this party is promoted for two important purposes: the European community needs to connect with Hollywood, and some producers like Denise need to extend and strengthen their relationships with outstanding individuals.


    Among them, many people showed up. The festive atmosphere cannot be missed, and even relevant figures from the industry lined up to participate in such events. The party contains everything it should: music, women, various substances, and an abhorred way of getting lost. In a mansion outside the city limits, many people began to interact in different ways, each in a different manner that didn''t quite fit into Billy''s aspect.


    -I didn''t expect to see you at a party so cheerfully, - Gwyneth said, embracing Billy from behind. -Don''t worry, your agent called me and mentioned that he caught you in a meeting you didn''t want to attend. -


    The scent of the blonde, along with her voice, was all he needed to know. He turned his face and looked at the blonde; she was a beautiful woman.


    -You''re right��I''m giving it my best shot! - Billy replied.


    Gwyneth just smiled at him, taking him by the arm and leading him to a group of women, all slender with their legs exposed. Some were even wearing dresses that barely covered the essentials.


    -You''re not trying hard enough, - they arrived at a quiet circle of drinks and cigarettes, a small crystal ashtray filled with ashes. Everyone was completely relaxed. He could see a dark-skinned singer; he was unique. He only realized he was a singer by his features; he had seen him somewhere before.


    -Audrey, darling, - Gwyneth said, giving a quick left-to-right kiss.


    -Gwyneth, you bitch, I missed you so much, - said Audrie, the thin blonde who, by counting her arms and legs, must have been the smallest size in the store. People cast a powerful glance at Billy; he simply greeted them with a nod.


    They moved on to a dance hall, completely dark. -Let''s dance a little, no one will notice the lone cowboy attitude, - the blonde responded. She was right; the room was only partially lit by a flickering light grid. Only the music distracted them for a while. If you don''t want to sit and talk, you just have to find a secluded spot and get some privacy.


    A woman arrived; her short hair was there, black. - Hey, I didn''t expect to see you here! - she said, hugging Gwyneth. Billy could see Winona''s eyes landing on him, with a pristine strength; her eyes were big, which caused a certain surprise.


    Next to her were Trini Alvarado and Claire Danes, both standing on one side extending their hands in greeting. He approached to greet them; they were just friendly women. He could see that both of them were somewhat innocent compared to the industry, and among them, a noticeable difference could be seen.


    -Why are you with her? - Claire asked.


    -Well, my agent called her, and we''re particularly acquainted. How''s the party been for you? I heard you have new projects, - Billy asked.


    -Nothing new; I''m a newcomer, but they''re a series on ABC. Soon I might have to focus on other activities; I hope to do well in my castings. You seem to be doing better; I heard you''re premiering a movie and that you''ve had some relationships for multiple films. The rumors about you haven''t stopped, - Claire said.


    -In fact, we''ll be working on a movie together; the script is impressive, - Gwyneth said.


    -You''ll be working together, - Claire Danes said, frowning. She couldn''t help but notice Gwyneth''s proud womanhood.


    -In fact, we''ll be working together for some time; I hope it becomes recurring. I can''t deny that I have a slight attraction to film projects. As long as the script is good, I''d like to participate, - Billy said.


    Very measuredly, always approaching two key words: supporting Gwyneth, who proudly asserted her womanhood, and echoing the words of many others about gaining opportunities over others, whether through colleagues or people connected in the industry.


    Taking note of the conversation, the women leaned in a little closer to whisper some things.


    -Do you prefer art or business? - Winona asked.


    -Both things. We have to strike a balance that cannot be denied, - Billy replied.


    -The charm of business is that it''s win-win. Businessmen hate losing money, that''s why my godfather is so close to him, - Gwyneth said, embracing Winona. The mischievous look she gave Billy was enough to know that everything reported in some newspapers wasn''t a lie. Even when her friend denied it, her demeanor was as clear as day.


    -Men''s stuff, -Winona said. S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a break, Billy danced a bit with Gwyneth, who took a few drinks along with Billy. Both of them were seen leaving the mansion for Billy''s room, followed by an apartment. Erwin left in the afternoon to rest.


    ***


    The next day, the announcements didn''t wait. Multiple photos of Billy holding hands with a blonde, wearing flared jeans and a sheer white shirt, emerged in the media. The paparazzi didn''t stop bothering with their actions.


    The announcement was clear and a painful blow: - Bill Carson''s New Partner. - Obviously, his nickname didn''t work at all, and everything he had done, to put it paraphrastically, was just a forgotten fantasy. He believed he could hide his name, but the articles themselves prevented the use of his nickname from working at all.


    -The media is quite sensationalist, - commented Jim Waiit, looking at the article from his office. Many of the things that have been happening are relevant to the parties involved. Even the relationship with a renowned actress has warranted some exposure. As long as they are just rumors and not facts, nothing can be considered excessive, and they will quiet down over time.


    -Your client sounds quite popular, - said Thandie Newton, a charming brunette who made everyone sigh with her incredible beauty; her curves were magnificent.


    -He''s just having some issues with the media, but he''s a great actor. I''ll introduce you, just try not to seduce him. He''s not one of those people, but he can lend a hand when needed, - Jim Wait remarked.


    -Thanks, but I have you for that. You''ll do that for me. Otherwise, I''ll learn everything I need when necessary, - the brunette said with a hint of mischief. As a Brit, her many connections are in Europe, but being part of CAA allows her to acquire scripts she wouldn''t otherwise have access to if she only limited her scripts to England. This was beneficial for Billy, who, as a young actor, had some roles in his projects that could help him refine his acting method. In England, there is a certain trend, and British actors are lovers of art.


    -Just don''t give me trouble. You have to attend three auditions, but you''ll have to travel a bit. They''re good opportunities for you, - Jim Waiit sighed. - You can participate in an animated dubbing; the pay isn''t much, but it''s a good $500,000 and a deeper relationship with Billy. If you pave the way with relationships, you might always get some roles, even if they''re just supporting roles or in dubbing. -


    -Dubbing? -Thandie asked.


    -That''s right. Good chances. I have a feeling that Billy will make at least 20 movies in the next 20 years, -Jim said.


    -Maybe I''ll do one, - Thandie replied.


    -Don''t expect any raises; the price doesn''t change even for Billy. Resources are limited, but they''re quite good, - Jim concluded.


    ...

 278. own ideas.

    -No worries about that nonsense, - Gwyneth said to Billy.


    -I''m not worried, I just have a lot to do and those things are just a nuisance to my business. However, that justifies that even with my slightest distraction, people will be watching me, - Billy said.


    As he flipped through the drawings, he had been on a streak with animated series, but the latest Hellsing project was a drawing done in ultra-realism, the drawings were frankly a work of art, the details, the incredible events, it took him four days for the first volume, six days for the second, and five days for the third, and he was exhausted. He remembered a manga, Berserk, which was one of the masterpieces of animation, but in general of the comic, with its detailed designs.


    -I''m not worried about those things, but it still surprises me that you''re so good at drawing. I don''t think there''s anyone who can match your drawing skills, among all the artists I never expected there would be someone with your talent, - Gwyneth said, looking at him with a playful smile.


    He settled under the table, luckily this room was free of any interruptions, unlike what happened in Billy''s company. He opened his pants and delicately took out Billy''s member, he could only stop when he saw the blonde rubbing her cheeks, he went crazy and she smiled and gave him a strong blowjob, something that continued to excite him.


    -Someone is happy to see me, - the blonde said, from below, with her hand she gently played with Billy''s balls.


    -Grrr, - Billy''s growl was key, for Gwyneth it was a product of his excitement, she tasted the salty member, and although she didn''t get used to the taste, she ended up liking it somehow, she tasted the head, with pleasure, from top to bottom. She felt Billy''s caresses on her ears, something she liked very much, she always liked to do those acts, caress her hair, hold her, if she managed to get ten minutes. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Almost finished, but he didn''t let her, it was a pleasure she loved, only then, he would take care of knowing that he also had to excite her, she had been wanting Billy to carry her against the wall for a long time. She stood up and pulled down her short pants, Billy entered her, and she only felt glory, as the two joined in a sex act, she knew it was time to continue experimenting, but the slight bite on her ear by Billy to Gwyneth, caused her slight spasms, as an erogenous zone of the blonde, she always melted with the light bites she felt when she was stimulated in that area.


    When she felt herself being carried, and he didn''t stop, when she saw her making a slight attraction, of what was about to begin, she could only nod as she saw him take her to the sofa, and allow herself to be taken from behind Gwyneth, she could only sigh at the desire she had, with great ease, she could adjust her hips and lower her head, almost asking for what was about to happen. Billy''s gentle penetration caused a slight action of joy, a joy, that she had been experiencing for the last four days, in which Billy yielded to his impulses. Billy continued to do so with great force, one and another the pleasure came to both.


    -Faster, -


    It was a plea, that she needed something that she wanted since the morning, but she was interrupted by an empty bed, Billy continued one and another, with great pleasure, the rhythm between the two was established, it had to be fast, as fast as he could, the more he hit her powers, the more pleasure he caused, she was wet, and she began to wet her legs and part of Billy''s abdomen.


    He finished without reservations on her back, feeling a hot liquid that dripped down her back like a drop, it gave her chills, now Gwyneth just had to continue with her work, she stood up without caring about her blouse, and put Billy''s member in her mouth, with evident desire, she wanted a second, third or fourth round. They continued to the bed.


    - You act like a real slut, - Billy whispered to her, as he pushed his penis in again, she only tightened her walls, at his words, the stimuli were at a hundred, Billy continued to bite her nipples, he liked to bite her, while he guided his hand for her to play with her small mound, he needed the pleasure to continue, with the second round, he gave a soft caress, that produced spasms in her legs, she was sensitive, about to come, she hadn''t come for two days, she needed a release, another touch, soft, made her tremble again, she was about to come, one more touch, but he stopped. And he only continued to penetrate her, she looked at him with bad eyes and started to play with her, but, her hands were not enough to make her feel the pleasant pleasure she expected.


    -Please! - Gwyneth said, stretching her back trying to reach the point she liked, but Billy didn''t let her. It was so tempting, that she started to drip, and she kept dripping, Billy gave another touch, and she rolled over again, but she didn''t reach it. She continued the game that didn''t let her reach her release, she needed to be free, she needed the pleasure she so desired. Another light touch made her unable to avoid shaking in every possible way, her eyes were watery, she needed to come, another light touch, and she was about to come, but Billy stopped.


    -No, - Billy approached her, and his tongue reached from her collarbone to her earlobe. Seeing Gwyneth''s golden hair disheveled on the carpet, he couldn''t help but be happy. He gave another tap on her clitoris, to drive her crazy with pleasure, but again he didn''t let her reach her release. The playful smile was enough for the blonde to pout, she turned her body, she felt Billy''s fingers on her hips, and the electricity ran through her, she knew what was coming.


    She started to use her hands to open her ass, she had kept it clean since she saw the pleasure of Billy penetrating her. He inserted his cock in her anus, and she moaned again, the movement was slow, slower, gently, he continued the activity, which caused a tremendous thrill for both. She clenched her teeth, she wanted to come, but she couldn''t. When Billy took out his member, there was a faint cry from the blonde, who came, without realizing that in a moment she urinated all over the carpet, as pleasure ran through her entire soul, Billy just nodded a little when he saw her tremble and lifted her again to the sofa, and continued to penetrate her, her sensitivity only caused her to come again in a few seconds, with Billy a moment later. Feeling Billy''s chest on her back, was enough for her to turn and kiss him.


    -It was amazing, you''re getting better at this, - Gwyneth said.


    -Someone has been very demanding, - Billy said, both were sweating, while they continued with a section of kisses.


    -How did it go yesterday? - Gwyneth asked.


    -Good, I was surprised, I didn''t think Brad Pitt was a good actor, I''ve only seen him a few times, but he seems more like a casanova than an actor, however, I was wrong, he has his style and it appears that he is quite committed, - Billy said.


    -You did well, they will hire you, my love, I called David and he said he wants you to act, I told him I wasn''t very motivated to participate, but he said you would be chosen, so I ended up agreeing that, for you, I could make some sacrifices, we will go to the last test, you just have to keep doing what you have been doing, they can''t extend the casting any longer, and it would be inconsiderate to Brad, - the blonde said, kissing Billy''s mouth.


    ...

 280. lux – making.

    The Lux studio �C Making of Star Wars, guided a vast collection of everything that could be needed for the first Star Wars work. They recreated simple spaces, such as the terrain of the planet Tatooine, around a sandy plain with various bumps. The work was certainly just beginning, but the biome created from scratch, with elements like clay, wood, sand, and cement, left nothing but a grand view of how the recordings should be done. The building contained at least three floors, each with a ceiling of at least four meters.


    Some parts were simpler than what was considered the Galactic Senate, Jedi Council chamber, spaceships, armor, equipment, free zones like sewers, buildings, and halls �C it was a museum, a more particular frame. Compared to the cinema, it was just a quick view of how much effort they had put into creating the different environments in small realities �C some with meters of length, others small rooms, and some with their setups from previous films, along with small movie theaters, a planetarium.


    The third floor boasted a special glass, along with some wonderful terraces; it would be the food court. Of course, their food franchise would be the first present at these stalls.


    -We''re still lacking some approvals, but we''ll try to shape what they call space navigation. At least there are educational parts for the kids. We hope to create some mystical journey of our own from Star Wars, - said Billy, thinking of a 4D cinema, anticipating an era.


    -I''m surprised you put in so much effort to achieve something of such magnitude, - said George Lucas, still lost in his thoughts.


    -We''ll be filming three movies; many of these rooms need approval, and we''re trying to implement some reality with giant screens to display a copy of some other things, and some not. But it''s all an investment. When we finish the movies, we may have a lot of material for a Star Wars series; at least the costs will be lower if we use these rooms. And when we don''t need them, we can open them to the public. I know at least thousands of people who would pay for a tour. Come on, I''ll take you to the old section. With clearance, we took some wax statues of some characters, a slight copy of Madame Tussauds, - said Billy.


    The wax statues from the first part were marvelous, and George Lucas just raised his eyebrows at the money invested by the young man. - I don''t think anyone would do something so wonderful just for money. Am I right in believing that many of these works won''t make enough money and that you''ll recover the investment over a long period? - replied George Lucas.


    -How wrong you are, Mr. George. I just copied others, - Billy thought.


    -Well, what did I say the first time we met, Mr. ?Lucas? - Billy asked.


    -Ah, the wonderful dream. You have everything but the vibe of a dreamer. At one point, I thought you were just another rude businessman. You see, Star Wars is my biggest dream. I didn''t think anyone would give me such a big opportunity. What you''re doing is just what I always dreamed of doing, but I didn''t dare to do it. I could have done it, but I backed out. Maybe I''m just a fussy old man, - murmured George Lucas.


    -Support me! I have many detractors; big companies and studios want to consume my company. I''d join them, but when capital speaks, they clip wings and impose their will as if they were the creators. Their high egos, their ties, and perfumed behaviors. I know it''s unlikely for a young man to accept advice from an old man, but it''s regrettable how they behave, - said Billy, again a very risky political maneuver. The skeptical look George Lucas gave him was all he needed to know; he believed him very little, but he understood that for George, actions speak louder than words. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I do, of course, I do, but you''re giving me too much credit; I''m just a small producer, - Lucas mentioned.


    -Two heads are better than one. Plus, I''m just asking for support. Many of my moves are questionable from classic perspectives; what I''m doing is madness. Even my director might have been reluctant, but I made some money with The Lion King and I''m still making it; everything went into this, - Billy thought.


    ��Also, to pay off debts, but it''s not something you need to know,�� Billy thought. He just wanted Lucas'' support to avoid conflicts in the series; it was the only thing he hoped for, and goodwill was better than bad. The idea that Billy risked everything for a Lucas series was enough for Billy.


    -Let''s continue the tour; next are the shops and the game room, with a space theme, but unfortunately, the machines haven''t been found, and my communication with Capcom hasn''t been very good. For now, we only have classic games that we''ll use with Star Wars themes. For now, let''s focus on Namco, Taito, and Raw Thrills, - said Billy, once again surprising Lucas with the boy''s foresight.


    As Lucas reviewed the data, much of it was classic: entries, costs, prices, number of visitors, maximum capacity, student tickets, and holiday zones. For example, the maximum number of available entries for people was 3000, and they could make reservations for a fee. However, Billy planned to create additional zones around. Even with the imposing building, there were many vacant areas around. This particular piece of land was free for nearly a mile in any direction; the nearest attractions were a hotel and a water park.


    Now, several of these strips of land were his. Meanwhile, he continued to buy land in many other places with the vain idea of establishing the comic shopping mall, museums, and venues open to the public, along with some of his companies. The sole idea was to keep commanding his ideas. Media zones were created for two simple reasons: to attract the public.


    -Let''s go to your company; we have many appointments to make. I want to see that new series you''ve been talking about �C a series based on Darth Vader. I can see the value of such a series; it''s sure to promote what we''re looking for - said George Lucas, finishing the tour of the Star Wars museum, thinking of the many designs Billy must have up his sleeve.


    -But first, let''s grab something to eat. -  It took them two hours to complete a quick tour of the entire area. Some areas were just glanced over, and many of those places were still under construction, which disappointed George, who was still completely impressed by all the design and the mazes of some floors.


    ***


    For the past three months, since the media became active, many of the small ways in which Lux Comics faced issues were the subject of numerous claims generated daily, as if a simultaneous jurisdiction of many claims were present. Why didn''t they reveal this to the media? Because no one could imitate what Billy was doing and had been doing for so long. The artistic quality was simply superior to any previous drawings, along with the various plots, and with the support of many industry men, through implicit help and different relationships. It was particularly difficult to compete for those rights, but some accused even a mere image, to the point that counterclaims were becoming more furious every day. From high expenses, high interests, compensations, penalties, and punishments against the companies, initially, they wished to avoid such activities, but only a good example can make it clear that these actions have consequences.


    -I''m disappointed, - said Thomas, facing the podium. - Disappointed that people use the law as a proactive means to make money. How many people seek the law for a just cause, while others only enrich themselves with clear subterfuge? This company, gentlemen, lacks integrity; the evidence is clear. -


    The podium was there, as flashy as ever. Everyone wanted one simple thing: to end the process, which has been shameful for many people as they found themselves facing a cover-up. The lawsuit had begun, and many comic agencies had even surrendered their small factories or assets to pay for the counterclaim.


    -Thank you very much. We''ll take a break, and I''ll announce my decision in the next hour, - replied the judge, using his gavel to finalize his decision.


    The courtroom went into a lull. Thomas left, focusing on the next meeting, a family one to his surprise �C his parents would attend, along with Billy and his new Slavic family.


    -Great trial, Thomas, - commented a partner.


    -They''re charlatans. They don''t even know they''re being manipulated. We''ll continue with the process, and we''ll sell the properties. We''ll keep the ones from the US companies, - Thomas replied.


    ...

 281. those who remain.

    December 29.


    While many employees decided to go on vacation and head to their places, the whole place focused on two essential details. The first detail was that many of them wanted to develop as animators and create their own series. The second detail was that Lux Animation''s payment method was somewhat different from other animation companies: fixed salaries with bonuses at the end, plus extra performance bonuses. Though it might seem somewhat unfair, the bonuses were enough to catch the eye of some people. Moreover, rudimentary creative freedom was allowed since animation was mainly directed towards a young audience, and works for adults or an older audience were not yet firmly established, only in expectations.


    Such was the case for Greff Lomz, Jozz Stokman, and David Jill. Each had a series to work on and strive for publication, a series created from their ideas, to have a working group, a team that would allow them to join the company''s series creators. At this point, very few were in a hurry, and they were all surpassed in experience in many ways by Billy''s cartoons.


    Greff Lomz created the series "Astronauts," adventures in space with a cartoonish style but based on a more particular idea, a bit more mature about a family traversing space in search of their civilization after falling into a black hole and being lost without any way out.


    Jozz Stokman worked on the idea of a garage band seeking fame and becoming big rock stars. The problem was that he couldn''t come up with solid arguments to fill all the spaces, and for now, his idea, approved on paper, needed numerous ideas and developments. The rich anima and the different proposed scenarios of a teen show different facets like fear, loneliness, happiness, love, anger... His challenge is crafting a script for at least ten episodes, promoting a series with a high-quality linear story.


    Meanwhile, David Jill wants to propose the American idea of superpowers, a period ranging from the 1700s when people still fought in the Indian wars, an idea of shamanism, the occult, naval battles, and warfare tactics. Billy suggested creating a graphic script, which he did, but the complexity implies a task that has taken him at least two months. From the 100 characters he has as potential to the battles he wants to portray, everything has an idea of culturalizing his story.


    -You''re still working on your graphic novel activities, - replied Jozz Stokman.


    -Always. I like being part of this new project. I''m basing it on the ideas of Dragon Ball, but I want to add some myths and legends I found on the internet, - commented David Jill.


    -I heard they''ll be approving some for the 1995 season in the next few days. We have to produce at least 7 series a year, - murmured Jozz Stokman.


    -Don''t remind me. My work seems tailored to a vain idea of fear. I don''t think I''m enough for my series. I just hope to continue supporting the production teams, - replied David Jill.


    -I''ll prepare some coffee in the office. Do you want to join me? - asked Jozz Stokman, with large black bags under his eyes, exhausted from the many efforts.


    -Thanks, coffee, - responded David Jill, fitting his series on the American Civil War. The principles mentioned by Billy were to choose a path between dark and light, hero or antihero. Different attack powers, big bosses, mini-bosses, people with their interests, nationalists, religious, mercenaries, Africans, British, Islamic, Indians... everyone must be represented.


    �䡯How difficult�� he thought.


    ***


    -We desire to be part of the production of the series ''Her'' and ''Friends,'' which is still in production. From investments and logistical support, our wishes are outlined in the contract page, distribution after three years, - replied Jim Waiit. They only wanted a non-exclusive permanent distribution of both series for their future television channels. However, it imposed a quick assignment clause to test the waters. Many entities did this to sell; if the series became very successful, they would sell the rights paid for a price. Payment only occurred for valued series, but a portion of non-exclusive broadcasting rights was sufficient for Billy.


    Under the NBC program, better known as the production part, as NBC made multiple series, they usually relied on different companies for their realization. All of this helped provide a logical guarantee in case of failure.


    -We''ll sign, but you must be aware that you''ll have to share 35% of the production costs, -commented Richard Allen, the general manager in charge of NBC, now under General Electric''s hands. The calculations for purchasing 94% of NBC''s shares are currently around 3 billion and some, with the price increasing.


    -We''ll do it. You can send me the promissory note, - replied Jim Gianpulus.


    -We promise. I just hope that by the end of the first season, you can recoup the costs of the first season and the payment for the second. Our 35% is rising to $120,000, - Richard Allen replied somewhat casually.


    -Gentlemen, it''s a good day. We''ll talk about future negotiations, - Jim responded.


    As if it were another common negotiation, the series was a necessity for purchase. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Continuing on their path, the two series were a good idea to expand the catalog, but not enough to set up a television channel. For a television channel to succeed in programming, you need a library of at least 13 TV series and 50 movies. It cannot be denied that this is the minimum expected of a television channel. Depending on preferences, this difference can be overcome. However, I must produce at least 10 new films every year to maintain the channel''s freshness or at least ten great films that bring in a regular audience.


    Jim Wait took a traffic-filled route for his next program, the practice of ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,'' a quick exit that lasts between six to nine months. It appears that the availability of new reality shows will be seen for the next few months, which seems to be profitable due to recurrent computer use. It''s a plain quick exit.


    He took the route to speak with some members of the NBC network. It was such a large company that they made at least 20 series a year. Each of the series was only a big bet that greased the wheels for its sale, distribution, or channel positioning. Often, networks as large as CBS, NBC, and ABC had so many productions that the six or eight television channels were not enough for all their television programs.


    On the positive side, traffic always creates a connection for some fans about certain series. Lesser-known companies fought for some of their programs, resulting in great collaborations with a solidified group, different media, different national, international, and foreign channels, coordination, and social standing.


    -Matilda, everything has been settled in an agreement. We''ll share the 35% production costs and most likely have some relevance in advertising. We may also vie for rights as a preferred party, - replied Jim Waiit to Matilda, the entertainment director''s advisor, close contact between animated projects, except for movies, recently hired. Her secondary job was logistics for the channel and programming. She was an expert in this field with four years of experience.


    ...

 282. great productions (part 1.)

    December 29.


    -You''ll have to arrive tomorrow at the latest; your grandparents are asking for you. You promised not to be late! You embarked on a trip with tight deadlines, and now I have an irate Texan and a father asking for you, - replied Thomas upon learning of Billy''s new trip to New York, with Marvel as his sharp objective.


    -Why did I participate in such an unforeseen trip? - asked Ronald Perelman.  The only person I needed to buy Marvel was that lunatic who owned 92% of the company, a company with a series of advantages. Firstly, they had a toy line; secondly, they had a small animation company, promoted by two people, Sahin Saban and Avi Arad, who were in the toy business and interested in taking over Marvel. Along with Isaac Perlmutter, another entrepreneur, they all wanted one thing: to replicate the continuous success that Billy had with the X-Men and Spider-Man series. Unlike before, he modified and improved the drawings with his techniques, and the visual quality increased by 10%. However, that doesn''t detract from the fact that everyone was very excited about the meeting.


    Series that Billy knew to be fantastic; his mere presence doubled the number of viewers. The November statistics were revealing: 895,000 people on screen, comic sales doubled, and even stalwarts like Stan Lee not only congratulated Anne but also saw how she helped boost sales.


    -An opportunity arose, father. I don''t have to explain it to you. Send my apologies to Grandma and Grandpa; I''ll arrive on the 31st in the morning. I spoke with Margot; she''ll help me with the New Year''s shopping, - replied Billy, walking through the long airport tunnel, numerous flashes began to assail him.


    He could hear Thomas''s voice. - I have to hang up, - said Billy as the shouts became louder, and Thomas simply hung up; his father was looking at him with total seriousness.


    -You heard; he''ll arrive on the 31st, - said Thomas.


    -That''s how things are, son. Don''t expect much when your son is a millionaire businessman acting on a whim; he probably won''t need you until he divorces, - said Richard Carson.


    -Let''s get back to what we were doing! - replied Thomas, a bit exasperated.


    Ivanova chuckled from a chair near the window with a cigarette in hand. - Darling, Billy will come on the 31st. His employees start working on January 3rd. I think if we leave him alone to do his thing, it''s easier for us to have the family plan on January 2nd, - replied Ivanova.


    -Great example, always letting the kids do whatever they want! - retorted Thomas, more exasperated. Livy ignored his outburst and closed her eyes; they were getting little sleep with the new baby.


    ***


    For Billy, it was different; he was bombarded by relentless flashes, everyone talking about this or that. ''Little Women'' had received $14 million in its first 8 days; the approval spelled triumphs for Sony. The company couldn''t enrich their desires even more to carry out promotions; tomorrow the news that Winona was seen arriving in the United States would be out.


    -Trouble in paradise. -


    -Mr. Carson, is it true that you''re in a polyamorous relationship with four of your cast members? -shot a journalist.


    -Mr. Carson, can you tell us about the recent acquisitions of ID Software, Raven Software, Parallax Software, and Blizzard Entertainment? Is this a new expansion of video games? Your recent meeting with Microsoft left notes indicating a possible partnership, - another commented.


    This question made him pause. Surprised by the exclusivity.


    -Is it true that you''re a Christian Catholic? - asked another. Still, too fast, the questions kept coming one after another; now he understood the importance of on-air interviews. He had a career without interviews.


    -To the ID Software guy. Which outlet are you from? - Billy asked.


    -I''m with the New York Post, - he quickly replied.


    -It''s true; we acquired those three companies. Our goal is to continue creating the best games on the market. Innovation must go hand in hand with investment. Expect one of the most sensational games of all time, Tomb Raider. Our last game is great, I affirm, but ID Software''s next megaproject will compete to be one of the games of the year, - Billy replied.


    -Why were you in Seattle? - the journalist asked bluntly.


    He tried to speak as loudly as possible, but everything was drowned out by the constant shouting.


    -I''m part of the board, well, a small percentage of shares. Just a coffee chat, nothing serious for now. We might collaborate in the future, - Billy replied, continuing on his way as his security guards shielded his coming and going. He managed to get into a waiting black car, with the skilled Douglas Sing nodding as Erwin got into the back seat with him.


    -Who leaked the information? - Erwin asked Leo Roy.


    He shook his head. Billy wanted to untangle himself from New York traffic; he invited him for an hour-long ride through the streets of Manhattan.


    Exhausted, hungry, and with a headache, his destination was the offices of Wall Street, first a quick meeting under the table with Ronald Perelman, a man many called foolish, but the man was lining his pockets with Marvel and now planned to sell it to Billy for no less than the value of his purchase in the ''90s. He was a vampire, after all; if he didn''t follow the rules, he''d likely go after the toymaker.


    Parked in front of Wall Street.


    -Erwin, you''ll come with me. Meanwhile, you guys can take a spin or just find parking. We can walk to the Marvel building; we have the meeting in an hour and a half, - Billy replied before opening the car.


    -Yes, sir, - Erwin replied.


    Taking an elevator to the 38th floor, he took a calm breath; he despised business, but he was facing a man who couldn''t be underestimated. Likely, Ronald doesn''t have much time left.


    In his previous life, he could determine that one of Ronald''s big mistakes was that he didn''t care about a comic book company that could wait; the bankers wiped their backsides in 2008 with taxpayers'' money, as long as they received money, no problem. Everything is important as long as they have money.


    The comic book bubble was the first strike; the Major League Baseball strike massacred the units of Fleer and Panini, which are part of the Holdings group. For now, it''s a union between Grupo Andrews and Marvel Holdings Inc.


    Marvel starts talking big about the many projects they have, but in reality, they''re under Ronald Perelman''s control, who has done several investment tricks, sorted and distributed. To counterbalance the spending and not allow the entry of other capitals, they have issued bonds to sustain themselves. Bonds that he buys for a lower price after a vicious circle between his companies that distribute spending and loss.


    For now, Billy bought the rights to X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Iron Man.


    -Good morning, I have an appointment with Mr. Perelman, - Billy replied to the receptionist, a blonde beauty with a neckline that left everything to the imagination, due to the leopard pattern peeking through.


    -I''ll ask, - the blonde said with a smile.


    Erwin remained seated, taking out a small Bible and starting to read, while the blonde played with her phone, maintaining a somewhat stereotypical American movie attitude, though not so clich�� anymore.


    -You can go in; it''s to the left, three doors down, - the blonde replied from her desk.


    With his experience, he could detect two important things: he needed to negotiate quickly, but he couldn''t point out Ronald Perelman''s mistakes. He could buy shares from the New York Stock Exchange; meanwhile, he could acquire 35% to 40% of the company. Additionally, the shares, which had dropped to two dollars, had started to rise again and stabilize at eight dollars.


    However, they were certain that the price would drop as soon as the greed of some began to affect the employees. If you take a brief view of what Ronald Perelman wants or doesn''t want, it''s to create a large corporation through Marvel. He has bought video games, stamps, trading cards, and toys. They have an enthusiastic plan to acquire numerous related companies, which may result in a good investment. However, they have distorted the parent company, creativity, and characters, with the many comics that have created endearing series.


    -Mr. Carson, come in, come in. Don''t worry about my friend here; this gentleman, Mr. Oswald, is a respected person, a client of mine, - Ronald Perelman replied.


    -Mr. Oswald, Billy Carson, a pleasure to meet you, - the young man replied, deeply aware that if he was esteemed by one of these sharks, he should be part of a very large company or another shark.


    He wasn''t wrong; it was Oswald Mars.


    -I''ll leave you gentlemen to sort out your business, but young man, would you be up for a meal? - Oswald asked.


    This caught Billy off guard, and with much to do; he debated whether to decline or accept. - Mr. Oswald, I wouldn''t want to disrespect you, but I have a workday until the evening. I''m staying at Plaza; if you could come there, I''d be pleased to dine with you, - Billy replied.


    -Oh, unfortunately, my helicopter leaves in two hours. I see it''ll have to be another time, young man, - Oswald Mars, the first son of Forest Jr., one of the owners of the world''s largest chocolate company, responded.


    -I regret not being available, sir. I''ll come to New York on some occasions. I don''t think I''ll go unnoticed, - Billy commented with a smile after the man departed, without a second glance. Ronald then commented aloud,  -You dodged a bullet, girl. -


    -So, let''s schedule a meeting to discuss something relevant. I can''t help but want to guess why you want to talk to me, - Ronald Perelman replied, who also had a thorough list of Billy''s status. As a wholly private company, it jealously guarded its company. No offerings in the stock exchange and the purchase of 2% of shares was enough to add that the kid was buying shares here and there.


    To the point; he would throw out the hook.


    -You already know, I''ve produced television series. I believe the Marvel market has a lot of potential. If we can continue producing television series, we can earn a lot of money. TV ratings soar, but it requires investment. That''s what I''m looking for; only outstanding series can catch consumers'' attention, - Billy replied, spouting nonsense. He wanted Ronald Perelman to spend money, whether it was with him or with others. Even if they made a movie, given how mediocre the superhero film industries were in the early years, they would likely make a grave mistake.


    Ronald Perelman smiled like an idiot. A child; he was a child who came without advisors. He was probably only good with character design, comics, and cartoons. Youth-led them to make many mistakes.


    -Television series, young man? - Ronald Perelman asked, with feigned surprise.  - I don''t think they make much money. Producing some series, and distribution is just a meager detail; often, distribution companies take all the money. I don''t think Marvel would embark on such an enterprise. - S~ea??h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Of course, of course, sir, but thanks to the series, we can revitalize old comics, the stamp industries can revive forgotten characters, and even better, toy designs can vary. I have a channel, and my comic series has increased in sales. Kids love seeing their superheroes on the screen, - Billy commented, using his acting skills to create an aura of anxiety. All Ronald would see was what he wanted.


    -I understand, but we''re not interested in shows. We want to focus on our toy sector, - Ronald Perelman replied.


    ...

 283. discussions. (part 2)

    Ronald Perelman didn''t disappoint; primarily, this type of negotiation was seen as a joint development by people who always spun everything to their advantage. Nationality, origin, and company didn''t matter��even if the money wasn''t theirs, gaining something always drove people''s actions. The more they gained, the more satisfied they felt.


    -Your words align well with our interests; we could create a great animated series. My investment has helped offset expenses. Moreover, products related to the X-Men have started generating revenue. If we collaborate again, our animated channel, like Marvel, could benefit, - Billy remarked, playing along with the highlighted ideas of cooperation. However, he knew they would dedicate all their work potential to Saban.


    "I don''t think it''s healthy for Marvel to invest in animation. It''s a business with few benefits. As an expanding company, we should seek other profits," Ronald Perelman commented, sticking to his forced viewpoint, one he wanted to push above all else.


    -I underestimated them; perhaps he doesn''t care about producing series. He probably won''t support any television show, and it''s just a coincidence, or if someone offers money to motivate him, - Billy thought.


    -In that case, I hope everything unfolds as Marvel has projected for the coming years, - Billy replied.


    -It''s business, and we all abide by the goodwill of the company. I can''t risk my company for a likely cause, - Ronald said, slower, more deliberately. - However, I believe I know what this is about��you want to negotiate a deal with Marvel. -


    -Not for now. I have things to consider, but opinions may change in the coming months, - Billy commented.


    Ronald Perelman merely nodded, giving it no more than a nod of importance, plotting to use his small animation studio, supported by Saban, the television machine branch.


    -I heard that you haven''t just succeeded in the world of animated series; video games are an interesting market to enter, and you are a status symbol for the market, especially with your latest video game, - Ronald Perelman responded attentively, knowing that a much closer involvement with video games would satisfy agreements. This channel could even profit from selling a video game. A game is easily more profitable than ten TV shows. Americans have started buying video games in droves. If only he could use such companies for Marvel.


    -You''re right, video games are three times as profitable, but their construction is costly. Our projects are expensive, and good video game teams aren''t what we expected. Sometimes it''s better to use third-party companies for certain games and share interests, - Billy commented.


    -I just need you to spend more money than you already have on hand, - Billy thought.


    -On the other hand, our main meeting is different... about the trading card market you''ve insisted on so much. Collectible special cards of the different animated Marvel characters, - Ronald Perelman said.


    -Well, though it''s an excuse to see you��to create different animated TV series, something I find endearing��I have a refined taste for television series. But the card market is fruitful. In my mistake, I decided to venture into sports leagues. To my error, I found a string of stoppages. I find that the athlete system isn''t as perfect as I initially thought. That''s why I want to collaborate, so together with some artists, we can create some designs, - Ronald Perelman commented. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I would do it; I have no objection to working with Marvel animators. We have a very good relationship. However, the contracts must have some creative freedom. For the cards to be collectible, they must be based on something that makes them valuable, - Billy commented.


    -We will proceed with the procedures with the specialists. -refuse


    A conversation that left a sour taste; many of the mistakes they both made were to avoid reading the room. On one hand, if Billy pressed more, he would convince Ronald to produce television programs, while Ronald fell into Billy''s act, which only wanted Ronald to remain engrossed in his aggressive expansion of Marvel, acquiring and making money.


    Those weren''t all the problems the company was facing; since 1999, it had received multiple copyright infringement lawsuits from Avid Arad and Ike Permulker. After the profits made during the cinematic era, these demands progressed. Stan Lee himself filed thousands of lawsuits over every character he produced. Subsequently, there were even lawsuits from Marvel for copyright registration by Marvel, gaps in contracts, and foreseen errors in previous years due to lax contract terms.


    Avi Arad is now just a Marvel rights hunter, linked to toy companies. The presidents and CEOs ended up being the company hunters. Michael Eisner himself has bought shares of Disney in his name; the stakes must be laughable, in a way that can only be called uncontrollable.


    ***


    Ronald Perelman''s arrival only brought political chaos to the company and called for many investors to join hands in their activities. Not only the ambition to be part of Marvel but also the ambition of some to use the Marvel market for their benefit. The goose that lays the golden eggs, only the different creation lines are in constant struggle, declaring that copyright is part of it. Both Stan Lee''s heirs and other great artists have bought the copyright of such companies. If you want to avoid an intrinsic struggle, you must at least invest $30 million, just in Stan Lee. For his possible copyright, Jack Kirby is on the list, like many other creators who never stop asking for more rights, no matter the character.


    -We''re drowning. Marvel is losing what we were made for. It''s no secret that the stock price was $35 in 1980. Now, the value of comics is overrated, and we make less money per creation, - Stan Lee disagreed with the creation of video games.


    -It''s detestable. For now, I have the copyright for X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Iron Man. You can work for me. However, your rights over comics, and merchandising, prevent me from attributing merit in that sector. I can''t help you. I tried to talk to Ronald Perelman about creating an animated series together with Marvel. His rejection is likely because he prefers another company that doesn''t invest as much money, - Billy commented.


    -A very well-executed series. I quite liked how you made an adaptable script of all the TV series and highlighted the important factors of each one, - Stan Lee commented.


    -Nothing like you old guys, although somewhat conservative, I still give credit to your work, - Billy commented.


    Billy''s entry was prompted by the artists who knew well that with Billy, they would gain the creative freedom they were seeking. It was a brief indication on many occasions; that artists filed lawsuits when they weren''t properly compensated or when their family took an interest and filed a lawsuit promptly.


    -I''m unsatisfied, but what more can I do? How could I be capable of leaving my company, one that has been nurturing me for a long time? The company is dear to me; I just want to go back to the ''60s when everything was simpler, - Stan Lee commented.


    -Old man, I know what you''ve been trying to do in recent years. I have the money to buy Marvel, but I don''t have the money to fight against them, - Billy replied to Stan Lee''s incident. After several conversations, he, along with Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Steve Englehart... all of them will join to buy, however, among them, they do not gather more than $5 million, and for now, they allow the purchase of Marvel shares.


    -It is, but I hope one of the new creators can continue our legacy, - Stan Lee commented, still curious.  - The shares belong to a finance company willing to sell us the shares. They have a 6.7% stake, and we set a price of $8.9 million. Do you have the money? - Stan Lee asked.


    -I have it, old man. I''ll buy the shares and keep buying shares. I''ll fight for Marvel and create an economic system. I can''t do the same system as Jim Lee; it''s not profitable. I may be in favor of increasing revenues, but don''t think so highly of me, - Billy commented.


    -I''m aware that Jim Lee wasn''t grateful. He did as he pleased, to the extent that he received reprimands from some people. He just wanted to start his company, and we''re grateful. We''ll reach a better agreement. The poor guy doesn''t know the mistakes he made; once the money runs out, he''ll likely form a union with Image Comics, - Stan Lee commented.


    -If you can keep introducing me to people, I can buy more shares. It would be interesting, - Billy commented.


    -You can only extend to 10%. I mentioned that Ronald Perelman made the purchase of the shares on his own after the bubble burst, but due to his bad actions, he has been planning a merger with Toy Bizt. His main idea is to share the load; this company is part of a relationship agreement with Ronald Perelman. We have just under 2%, you have 2%, and now acquiring 6.77%, the profits are better than expected, - Stan Lee commented.


    -You''re right. However, Toy Bitz has the same desire to buy Marvel, and Avi Arad has the same desire to buy, - Billy commented.


    -You mentioned that it would fall; they will fall, and through their fall, you will negotiate with the company. Let''s separate from Toy Bitz, and we will dedicate ourselves to being Marvel, as it always should have been. Your proposal to be a single Marvel entity is magnificent, - Stan Lee commented.


    ...

 284. New Year.

    December 31, 1994.


    Marvel was just a headache, a giant where opportunities seemed at risk due to the constant legal problems of the company. Likewise, mere friendship wasn''t enough for people; among animators, there was always a certain ambition, as demonstrated by Jim Lee himself.


    -The stock purchase must be made as soon as possible, - Billy commented on the phone, along with a drowning Raimon at his parents'' house. Since December, he has been


    -I''ll consider the purchases, but the situation is much more complicated than I initially thought. Moreover, if it''s part of Wall Street, I see very few reasons to get involved. I know it''s great, and the X-Men are one of the coolest series, but is it worth spending so much money to put out so many fires? It''s almost irreverent. I see complications; we already have enough with Lucas on the table, - Raimon commented, with despair, due to the many capital problems, faced with the many incidents he had ventured into between Lucasfilm and Lux Animation, just to negotiate.


    -You want to bet, I want to bet, - Billy replied perplexed, by the unprecedented occasion presented.  - How would you solve a possible lawsuit from artists many years ago? How would you gather the rights? -


    -In different ways, agreements, bonuses. If you have money, everything can be solved, - Raimon commented, stroking his beard, sitting at the kitchen counter while his mother baked a chocolate cake. With relish, on his left, he had a collection of Dungeons & Dragons magazines, working on the new Baldur''s Gate game.


    -We''ll do it; I agree. However, I want to buy Panini before the occasion. I have some magnificent ideas on how we can make money, - Billy commented.


    -That''s painful. However, I''ll only meddle; we need time to finish our investments with Star Wars. Marvel seems like the disillusioned girlfriend, - Raimon said.


    -I understand. You''re Team DC, while I prefer Marvel as a franchise. DC is impossible due to its closeness to Warner, - Billy commented.


    -It''s a shame you can''t be part of my team. Batman is invincible. No character can beat Batman, - Raimon commented.


    -I don''t want to hurt any feelings. Say hi to your mother, - Billy replied, jokingly to Raimon, who had an obsession with Batman in many stories. Buying DC is quite complex; within his range of possibilities, he can''t compete with Warner Bros., which has carried the franchise on its shoulders since 1969.


    Billy took a breath, from the office, he ended up drafting an essay on his new Digimon franchise, along with relevant ideas for Tamagotchi''s involvement. He wondered about the Japanese license, derivative work, along the union of another mega toy company. It''s not profitable; it''s better to follow Tamagotchi''s strategy, outsource production, and release the purchase in comic distribution stores, with minimal distribution.


    Digimon Tamagotchi, an economical product that doesn''t require much investment due to its simple design, can be sold at a good price. Production isn''t complex, and the selling price once it takes off is sufficient, along with a proprietary version of Pokemon Tamagotchi. Choose your Pokemon as a marketing campaign. For now, the illustrations and operation are being done on a thick number of sheets.


    The main brands are the three Kanto regionals, each Tamagotchi containing a unique type. Green ones have grass-type Pokemon, red ones have fire-type, blue ones have water-type, and yellow ones have electric-type, while Digimon contains other patterns or characters. They can choose between six to nine characters in one, but it''s a bit more expensive.


    Is it bad to compete with your products? It doesn''t matter; he just wants to promote his franchises. In subsequent years, the money from them will come by itself. For now, he hopes to document the growth rate in Japan and stick to creating different extensible series that are lengthy.


    He stretched his arms and finished his break hour. His faithful bodyguard was on stage with his arms in the air. This time, he was accompanied only by Erwin; the other two decided to take a well-deserved vacation from work.


    -We have a meeting, - Billy commented.  - It seems the grandmother can''t allow you to take a breath, like last time. Come on, we have a Christmas party. -


    -I..., - Erwin began.


    -You have something to do. If you want, you can tell me. I''ll take a nap at my parents'' house. I''ll be with them until January 2nd, - the boy said to Erwin on the side.


    -I''ll venture with my granddaughter, - Erwin replied.


    -You''re all set. The private travel company gave me their number. Curiously, they''re working today. They can schedule a trip for you, - Billy commented. It was noon, and he likely wouldn''t find the right spot.


    -I have everything arranged. I secured the perimeter, and I have a recommendation with the state police. The numbers are saved on your phone, and if you pay proper attention, you''ll be fine. I have a plane to catch in two hours, - Erwin said.


    -You''re going to see your granddaughter without gifts, - Billy asked.


    Erwin blushed.


    -Come on, we have a toy warehouse at the comic factory. We usually have many toys that haven''t been dispatched yet. The last order we placed was for The Lion King. We have a batch we were supposed to deliver, but it seems there was a problem with the shipments and requests. We have about 30,000 units in the warehouse, - Billy commented.


    Walking to the warehouse, both were lost in their thoughts. Erwin was like a cold canvas, but he had accompanied him during Christmas. He probably didn''t have the necessary time to perform. The warehouse was covered in many toys.


    -Look, we have a Woody, - Billy commented, handing it to him, looking for some Lion King plushies. -This will do, along with this and this, a complete collection of the three main characters, and a board game. -


    -Wow, this is... Quite something, - Erwin commented.


    -No problem. We place orders from time to time. We have a stable relationship with some factories in China, Thailand, and Malaysia, and it can be outstanding for us,- Billy commented.


    -Thanks for the gifts. It''s been a long time since I celebrated Christmas; I forgot about gifts, - Erwin commented.


    The military haircut for the first time was seen, illuminated by a slight smile, a small glimmer.


    ***


    Billy took the car and dropped off Erwin near the airport, taking a small detour to buy a personal-sized pizza to go. He needed to keep exercising, but he was exhausted. He felt some peace seeing that only a few streets remained before reaching home. He took a deep breath. Eating pizza while driving was a habit he learned from Raimon. Upon arriving home, he was greeted by Helen Carson, who saw him from the kitchen table, and Richard Carson, who was taking a nap in a kitchen chair.


    -Grandma, it''s good to see you, -Billy commented.


    -Where have you been, sweetheart? - asked the old lady with gray hair.


    -Working, grandma. I can''t afford to let my guard down for a moment, - Billy commented, grabbing some chips from the kitchen and receiving a smack on the hand from his grandmother.


    -Wash your hands; I''ve prepared something for you to eat. You must be hungry for all the work you do every day. Don''t worry; your grandma knew you were coming, - Helen commented.


    -Thank you, Grandma, - Billy said, looking at Livy with the twins in her arms. One was named Anne, and the other Andrew, a boy and a girl, the new addition. Anne''s bright blue eyes were so similar to Ivanova''s, how they illuminated the room.


    -Livy, it''s good to see you, - Billy commented. S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Your father is in the back having a beer. He got a call half an hour ago and stayed there. You''ll sleep on the couch, but your things are in the garage. You can pick them up whenever you want, - Ivanova commented.


    Billy took a short trip to the garage to freshen up. His drawing room was taken over by Claudia, and his grandparents took over his guest room. The small studio was for the twins.


    The door to the guest room opened, and slender Claudia emerged. She was different; her once crooked teeth were now straight, and her ridiculous hairstyle had been replaced by a fashionable one that accentuated her face shape.  -Billy. -


    -Claudia, I heard you got into photography school, -  Billy commented.


    -That''s right. I''ll take a course on human rights at the UN in June. It seems I''ll follow in my mother''s footsteps, though not as well as you, heartbreaker, - Claudia commented jovially.


    -Not something many know, - Billy said as he headed for the shower, feeling exhausted. He didn''t have time to deal with strange women anymore. As he was about to enter the bathroom, he was stopped by a slight murmur.


    -The Davis sisters are coming. It seems they want to greet your grandparents. They have a good relationship! You should just know, - Claudia commented, with some doubt. They were kids when they met, but now that was all in the past, and Billy saw someone opposite to how he knew her, more relaxed and calmer, than the furrowed brow when they were young. More imposing, filling the room. Everyone stopped to look at him; a force ran through his entire being, more intense than Mr. Carson!


    New Year''s festivities could never be calm. Now it was understandable why he wanted to keep working late. A quick shower, a sports shirt, a sweatshirt, and a newspaper in hand. Only the thump on his grandmother''s table "no newspapers on the table" stopped his reading of the year-end news, wonderfully, The Lion King was there as one of the best-animated films hailed by the public.


    -Son, I didn''t expect to see you. I thought you''d work until late, - Richard Carson commented, sitting next to Billy, holding a bowl of chicken soup.


    -I arrived half an hour ago. Even the employees wanted to go home! The best thing I could have done was close the company early, - Billy commented about the security guards, operatives, and some security guards who could only renew their energy when Billy sent them home. Many were Americans who didn''t celebrate these holidays, but... what a beautiful moment to be with family.


    -Your grandfather appreciates you being here today. You only lasted a week in Texas, now that you''re a doctor, you''re faithfully busy with your studies, - Richard Carson commented.


    -Don''t mention it; you two are always a priority for me, - Billy said. - You can move to my new house; it''s delivered in January. -


    Richard''s eyes widened. - Helen, dear, Billy has a new house, - he shouted from the kitchen.


    -A new house, how did it happen? - Claudia arrived to have lunch, grabbing a roll from the table.


    -Billy has a new house, - Helen said, happily.


    -It seems so, - Richard said.


    -Just a small apartment, nothing interesting. However, I think, in the coming years, I might buy another one. The apartment is just temporary while I settle in a convenient location, - Billy commented.


    -1200 square meters, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a Duplex apartment. I decorated it with your chubby friend. I got you some Batman curtains; I played along because of how stupid the superhero decorations turned out to be, - Ivanova commented, putting the twins in a high chair beside her. Both babies were tired, and their sleepy look was evident as they nodded off at the table.


    -Curtains... -


    -Curtains, rugs, beds. The walls were white, - Ivanova commented, gently stroking the twins.


    ''She looks like a mother,'' Billy thought, watching the woman. Claudia also helped, picking up Andrew from his chair and settling him on her neck while she combed his few strands of hair, tousled.


    The boy''s whimper didn''t take long. The whispers were quieted, and he stopped to open his big curious eyes.


    -They can''t sleep too much during the day. They take naps every five hours, but they''ve already been sleeping for an hour now, right little Andrew? -  Claudia commented.  - They need to get used to sleeping at night. -


    -I never thought I''d get another joy of old age, - Richard Carson commented, sticking out his tongue at Andrew. They both started playing in a staring war. Thomas arrived at the table.


    -I''m glad you came, - he mentioned as he sat down.


    The festive day began.


    ...

 285. film Festival

    January 14


    Among the many places Billy attended, the most curious was the Berlin Film Festival, held on January 9, after any party that could disrupt the festival''s performance.


    A small interview room was set up due to Billy''s absence; he met with the team five days later. For now, the international film festival has another connotation, and that is to present its films so that the festival can develop in the best way possible.


    Although it may not seem like it, the recognition of cinema, the Golden Bear, contains tangible love. For some filmmakers, participating in such festivals is a dream come true above some other awards. Each one chooses among the three major European festivals: the Venice Film Festival, Cannes, and Berlin. Each of them holds sentimental value for their respective communities.


    -We hope everything will be decided by the jury; there are a total of 25 films with their own advertising spaces. We all have to wait until February 2 for the verdicts at the awards ceremony, - Richard Linketer commented, after the gala of presentations and showing of multiple characters.


    Among the selected participants in 1995 were countries such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, Russia, Israel, and Canada. Producers abound here and there, while some people take note of the schedules and which films can be purchased for distribution in the United States for now.


    Richard bid farewell with a shake of his head.


    -We can watch some movies; I''m eager to see ''When the Night Falls'' by Patricia Rozema; it has a somewhat intriguing story, - Julie commented beside Billy.


    -Let''s go; although it''s not my style of movies, we can watch some films. Do you buy tickets for the next three movies, and I''ll get the food? - Billy commented.


    -Deal, but ask for water for me; the corn always makes me thirsty, and sodas only make it worse, - Julie commented.


    The place was crowded, with two small ticket booths to buy movie tickets, along with a small booth for popcorn and sodas. Curiously, they sold a wide variety of candies of all kinds, exhibited from local, national, and international traditions; it was a true candy shopping experience.


    ''I hate strict diets,'' Billy thought before ordering - "Three bottles of water, please, and two large salted corns, along with sugar-free chocolates. The ones you''re pointing at."


    The shopkeeper took the bill without saying anything.


    -Germans are somewhat uncooperative, - commented a woman with bronzed skin.


    -No kidding, - Billy commented.


    -You''re in the movie; I saw your poster recently, - the girl commented. - I apologize for the rudeness; I''m Ana de Alvarez, I also have a small role in ''The King of the River,'' a Spanish movie. -


    -No problem, I''m Billy Carson, and I might see your movie later; honestly, there are so many that the day is short, - Billy commented.


    -Good day, Billy, - said Ana de Alvarez, heading toward a black-haired man who shot her a glance; they both had a direction to the Chinese movie, "Red Rose White Rose."


    -I''ve got the tickets; we''ll see ''When the Night Falls'' at 10:15 am, ''Nobody''s Fool'' at 11:55, ''Butterfly Kiss'' at 3:00, and ''A Play for a Passenger'' at 4:45," Julie commented with the tickets. --Although there are many I''d prefer to see, they''re sold out, and well, we''ll get up early tomorrow to buy some extra tickets. -


    -I hope you have good taste, - Billy replied in jest to the blonde, dressed in a painter''s suit, perhaps down to her shoulders, a matching pink shirt, not much different from Celine; it was perhaps a publicity stunt or just another way to imprint herself on the roles she always took.


    -It leaves me perplexed. -


    -Let''s go before the paparazzi infest these rooms or some crazy person with a hidden camera, - Billy commented,


    as they entered the first movie, ten minutes early; the screen was still black. -They took the corner seats, four in total, and sat down as they prepared to take notes. �C said Billy.


    -Do you have any new roles? - Julie asked.


    -Yes, in six days, I''ll travel to Philadelphia to shoot; it''s a classic thriller. You know, two cops, a tough case to crack, and well, a madman who complicates the whole thing. Do you have anything new? - Billy commented.


    -Nothing particularly catches my eye; I just want to enjoy the Berlin Film Festival, maybe also Venice and Cannes if I get the chance, snag a role or two. Hopefully, something interesting comes up, - Julie commented.


    -What do you usually prefer? - Billy inquired.


    -Hmm... I like to develop my performance. If I can take on roles with challenging scripts, and characters that transcend my style, it''s just a pleasure for me. Some roles only sexualize women who have much more to offer. Don''t get me wrong; being the cute girl is fine, but sometimes, something more striking is more satisfying, - Julie remarked.


    The small cinema room began to fill up.


    ***


    -You''ll be going to Japan to clear up doubts. I''d prefer someone else to handle this, but after all, you''re the director of operations, - Anne commented to Rachel, who nodded, her first international business trip.


    -Yes, I''ll do my best to have dialogues with the companies, - Rachel commented.


    -With Billy''s new ideas, it''s highly likely that you''ll have to extend your visit for about two weeks. Raimon will handle Korea and China for our new toy orders. Now, with our line of credit, we can develop more toys without bothering with other relevant things, - Anne responded, taking note of the steps Rachel needed to take.


    -Thank you, I think... - Rachel was interrupted by Anne.


    -Before you go, I''ll go over the manual again to avoid some inconveniences. You''ll head to Tokyo Airport with arrival on January 17, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. Japanese time, where you''ll meet your work team, a translator, and a representative who will arrange your schedule at a hotel on behalf of the company," Anne got up from her seat, taking some papers from the table. "There, you''ll have some meetings the next day with Gainax representatives and deliver the Evangelion comic for their upcoming animated series. Their styles are perfect for what we''re looking for; they''ve kindly scheduled meetings with us. Next, you''ll have a quick stop with some mangakas to establish contracts for their animated works. In particular, we wish to establish a relationship with Kentaro Miura and the Young Animal editorial, - Anne commented.


    -Yes, Director, I''ll do my best to finalize the transactions, - Rachel repeated. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Very well, the second part is to head to the Madhouse studio regarding the injection of capital. They are a joint-stock company; for the moment, one of the partners is willing to sell us 30% of their shares, along with another 15%. We''ll be the main shareholders, along with Osamu Desaki and Yoshiaki Kawari. To wrap up, you''ll cooperate with some companies; your last days will involve negotiating with OLM Inc. Again, we''ll purchase percentages from four individuals to give us an 86% stake in the company''s shares. The negotiations are new, but given the success in December, the royalties we acquired are enough to make such ambitious purchases. Remember to negotiate the management agreements with some who wish to stay in the company, - Anne commented.


    January and December sales were unparalleled, from the statistical increase in viewers with series like Dexter''s Laboratory, X-Men, Spider-Man, Samurai Jack, Gargoyles, Recess, and Rocko''s Modern Life. New comic releases, toys, and sales are up in the air, and even the expansion of the Tactical Studies Role, with different tournaments, has caused accelerated growth that covered many payments in interest, loans, and new ventures. Treasury reports a profit of $43,678,999 million in the last two months.


    However, it''s Id Software that leads the growth; Tomb Raider was groundbreaking, selling three million copies in a month, along with stellar sales of Crash and the revival of Doom with tournaments, generating annual profits of $13 million.


    -Yes, Director, I''ll focus on expanding this new Asian animation branch, - Rachel commented, reviewing the statistical data and operation of the company, still somewhat surprised.


    In her thoughts, she was impressed by the aggressive expansion; they would spend the sum of $35 million on this expansion. Gainax offered $7 million, Madhouse $6 million, OLM Inc $8 million, and AKOM Productions in Korea $11 million, along with the juicy commissions from intermediaries, the price almost reached $35 million. A true madness.


    ...

 286. lux comics subverts.

    January 16,


    "The comic company that dethroned the giants," read Stan Lee in his workspace. The early downfall of Marvel began with a published ad and Ronald Perleman''s upcoming strategy to invest in toys and new comic series.


    It wasn''t just him; many people present began to read the front page of The New York Times, with a photo of all the animated series from Lux Animation. The poster was simply a creative marvel that continued to cause a stir in the entertainment world.


    "The comic company that dethroned the giants,"


    "Since 1900, no comic companies have caused such a sensation. The wonderful new series is cementing themselves in the hearts of Americans. Why did we never make a basketball series? Because only superheroes. Since 1989, when Lux Comics was founded, it marks the beginning of a new era of comics, the Renaissance era. A different graphic culture has been generated, with beloved characters, impressive stories, struggles, sadness, tears... I''m still reeling from all the ideas and comings and goings of Lux Animation''s comics. Its creator is none other than a young man from the city of San Jose. At just 10 years old, his more childish publications are starting to redefine his personal growth. Take a look at the images, from the best drawings to the animated quality, the American spirit of embarking on a new image that was forgotten.


    From the birth of Superman, the Golden Age of comics, the founding of Hanna-Barbera, and the great Disney films, they all have one important thing in common: they are pioneers of their creation. Impressive, isn''t it? Are we witnessing a new animated era that will call to the faculties of art? Children are dreaming of comics again, adults are reading the issues again, and sales are only growing for the blessed comic company. Our records in collaboration with the parent company Lux Animation (owner of companies like Pixar, the sensation of 3D animation) have far surpassed the reports presented by Marvel and DC Comics, by 13% and 15% respectively. Since the 70s, the tough blow to animation companies has caused a reassessment. These problems have been a prominent burden for the companies, which have suffered two bubbles in less than 20 years... Was it an economic problem? No. It has been shown that it was a change in forms. We''ve been seeing the same thing for a century; people were eager for new stories, not just more heroes. Stories that bring us the love we forgot, deep, challenging, and captivating stories.


    The new era of comics.


    By: Marcus Bowder"


    ...


    The reading was unpredictable for many; the connections only point to something changing. Even now, the smiles of many Lux Animation employees could give a toast to the air, like Phillip H. Knight, who, in his chair, realizes that the upcoming contracts for the Slam Dunk series could generate even more income for the company.


    Such is the case for a forgotten Paul Higs, who was the first person to guide young Billy into the world of animation in 1990, when the Yu Yu Hakusho series was in the process of creation, like Tony Benedict, Ed Benedict; they can say that the sense of achievement is immeasurable when they see the future with their own eyes. Even before, Billy advanced time, at least in drawing by 15 years, and in animation by five years and still rising due to investments.


    A James Cameron who continues to insist that Billy should be an animator, while he discusses everything with a new agent John Laduo, about Billy''s artistic talent. Billy Gates reviews the article again with early morning delight, even more so because, according to the data, a small company surpassing old companies in quality is just a slap in the face.


    Known actors now see Billy Carson in a different light; the measure of a multi-billion-dollar company cannot be joked about. How Mili Avital observes everything, how Kurt stands ahead of six months of gossip in two, like some members of the dubbing process; some continue to see the meticulous advancement of an animated world.


    Producers, directors, entrepreneurs, schoolmates, everyone is peeking in to see.


    Being part of The New York Times is a great accolade for anyone.


    -I can''t believe it, - Julie Delpy commented.


    Upon seeing the cover of The New York Times, and as he flipped through pages four to six, seeing photos of Billy drawing, including one taken by Anne five days ago that she said was for the company, surprised him.


    -Well, it''s a surprise to me too, - Billy commented, still somewhat incredulous about Jim and Anne''s trip behind his back.


    -Now I''m eager to see your comics. ''The Comic Renaissance, Promoted by One Man: Billy Carson'' is a fantastic headline. Being part of The New York Times is almost... a statement that your company is part of pop culture, American culture; you''re part of American history, - Julie commented as they both sipped coffee at the Vienna International Festival. Amidst the bustling day, with people once again seeking to classify the best films from their repertoire, young artists and some adventurers were guided by cinema, and there were fabulous movies, each containing an almost paradoxical taste.


    -Well, I think I would have gotten there sooner or later. You can see that in future occasions, I''ll take the path of animation ahead. Don''t you think there''s a world where both kids and adults can dream? - Billy remarked.


    Julie''s eyes sparkled. -Without a doubt, there are many places where we can express ourselves in such elegant ways. That''s why you have an animated cartoon channel, Lux Toons. It''s one of the channels, with a market share of 3%, meaning nearly 2 million people watch your channel in the United States, - Julie commented.


    -That''s true. You can take dubbing jobs in my company; we have payment rates for all newcomers, actors, and dubbing specialists. It''s always good to find polyglots for dubbing, - Billy said.


    Actors earned $500,000 due to their experience while dubbing specialists earned a little less but signed long-term contracts with the company. Newcomers received anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000, which applied mostly to films and primarily to lead roles with long lines. The only exception was Tom Hanks, hired for $1 million and a sequel for $4 million, but even that was only on rare occasions.


    -You know I don''t like being the center of attention, you know, because of my adventures. But�� - Billy started.


    Julie preferred to distance herself from the entertainment industry rather than let the media control her life, so her appearances in films sometimes leaned toward independent films from other countries like Canada, Spain, and France. She spoke three languages and excelled in French cinema, even frequently traveling to Spain. She was simply a forgotten talent.


    -I might participate someday, - Julie said thoughtfully. Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ....

 287. acquires.

    Rachel resumed her methodical work on what she had to do and what she shouldn''t, jotting down notes. She deeply hated long trips and hours and hours of irresponsible travel. She walked with a specific purpose toward Gaimax, a Japanese animation studio founded in 1980 by four university students. Despite the great series produced, art was the only place where the owners were dedicated to creating a studio based on different styles. However, they desired two main parts: seinen (suspense stories) and action, mecha, and of course, great stories. Hideaki Anno, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, Hiroyuki Yamanga, and Tajami Akai were among them, with Hideaki being the most involved in production. After many animators (mangakas) left in 1992 and many of the founders entered the depression, the studio was sold fairly quickly.


    -Focus, Rachel. The sale is closed; you don''t have to worry, - Rachel muttered to herself.


    -Next, I''ll have some conversations with some Madhouse founders who don''t want to be interviewed due to the pending animation world. It''s about injecting capital into a few series. According to statistics, 65% of animation studios go bankrupt, and 85% go bankrupt at some point but recover, - Rachel commented.


    Then, Olm Inc. also wanted to be under an American shelter. However, this studio agreed under a series of conditions proposed by four partners who decided to sell, and they agreed to follow the mandate of the one who was not willing to leave: Shoji Ota. But everything would be backed by incredible animation teams. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You have to do everything the director proposed, - Rachel commented.


    -I''m glad to see you, Miss Rachel. I''m Tomashi from Negotiations Ltd. We are responsible for handling the agreement, - Tomashi said with a slight bow.


    -You speak English very well. I''m Rachel Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of Lux Animation. Thank you very much for your efforts over the past month, - Rachel said with a slight bow.


    -Oh, Miss Rachel, you''re very kind. Allow me to take you myself; you''ll stay at my house, - Tomashi said solemnly.


    When a Japanese person invites someone to their home for business reasons, it''s usually a gesture of courtesy and trust. In Japanese culture, inviting someone to one''s home is considered a sign of closeness and respect towards the guest. This can indicate that the business relationship is progressing positively and that a more personal relationship is being built between the parties involved. Additionally, it can be an opportunity to discuss business matters in a more informal and relaxed manner, which can strengthen professional bonds and improve communication between the parties. It''s important to follow Japanese customs and etiquette during the visit to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the hospitality offered.


    -I''m surprised by the invitation, Mr. Tomashi. I don''t know what to say, but I deeply appreciate it, - Rachel commented. Negotiations Ltd. connects people to make purchases. They''ve been present on three occasions: first for toy factories in Thailand and Malaysia, second for the Japanese market and comics, and lastly, for the purchase of animation studios. All three times, these relationships, now mediated by Negotiations Ltd., had an American adverbial presence to sympathize with the culture.


    They quietly left the airport. A small gray car awaited them with a lady who greeted Rachel cordially in broken English.


    -My wife, Miss Rachel, - Tomashi said with a smile.


    -It''s a pleasure, ma''am, - Rachel said, amazed by everything she saw. Different but similar to the big cities, there was beauty in the view of these cities.


    -Don''t worry; we''ll have a meeting tomorrow with the contract already signed. We use an agreement in English to prevent misunderstandings, and another in Japanese; however, both documents are identical. You can expect that much of the progress made by my company is done to help negotiations. Links with universities have been provided, and we have arranged several solutions, as we discussed in previous conversations, - Tomashi commented.


    -Thank you, Tomashi, - Rachel whispered, still lost in her thoughts.


    ***


    Steve Parks, enjoying good health, found relief in cooler climates. The warmth often made him uncomfortable, but the city of New York''s Eastern side blessed him with its cooler temperatures.


    His destination now diverted to Rhode Island, where he had only one goal: to negotiate the Transformers franchise with Hasbro. Acquiring the rights to Transformers was a revelation, as there were many series Billy wished to obtain.


    Entering a restaurant, he ordered a glass of water and poured a small glass of whiskey into it. The deep flavor left a lingering taste, accompanied by chewing gum. Hasbro arrived promptly, three men in sharply tailored suits, elegantly described as "vampires" seeking to extract all they could from the negotiations.


    -Mr. Parks. Antony Dallas. I''ll be leading the negotiations, along with my accountant, Steve Starlin, and advisor, Jim Hangurberg, - said Mr. Dallas, a striking figure with black eyes, long hair styled with gel, and a red vest.


    -Gentlemen, a pleasure to meet you, - commented Steve Parks.


    -We have half an hour. Let''s get straight to the point: $25 million for the Transformers franchise, provided you grant us an exclusive license with your creations for 20 years, - Antony Dallas stated. Generous? Not really. They were merely following suit with the company that had surpassed Marvel and begun selling Star Wars comics. Why couldn''t they sell the Hasbro series?


    -I like your style. I want you to see some data on the franchises we''ve created in recent days. Prepare to be surprised. Once again, I''m astonished by the results, but for a small company, this is our achievement, -  Steve Parks remarked.


    The toy sales statistics from Pixar movies, after many deals, tax payments, and naturalization letters��the profits were staggering, comparable to those of major companies for just one franchise.


    -You don''t achieve all that by counting sheep. We''re facing the greatest animator of the contemporary era. Rumors suggest that Billy Carson is the next Walt Disney. Hollywood companies are stunned; they strike from the shadows but don''t attack because they know the young talent is the pinnacle of now. Let''s negotiate. I have a third option: $10 million, exclusive license for Power Rangers, Transformers, and Evangelion toys in cartoon form, provided we earn a 15% cut of toy sales. Billy Carson will support the creative process, and let''s strengthen our relationships. We keep our cards close to our chests, but these series will provide an outlet they won''t forget,-Steve Parks proposed.


    Transformers would yield returns 10,000 times greater than the $10 million investment, but Steve Parks was unaware.


    "12%."


    "14%."


    "13%."


    "13.5%."


    -Very well, we''ll do it. But I want more than just a licensing relationship. You work on other involvements; we want to be part of some other companies, - the Hasbro director commented.


    Steve Parks smiled and said softly,  -That can be negotiated. -


    Statistically, until 1995, the Transformers franchise hadn''t generated more than $100 million in its 20 years of existence. In other words, it averaged a profit of $5 million per year, not factoring in advertising, shipping, and creation costs.


    ...

 288. promptness.

    A company is a group of talented individuals who come together to form a common objective. In a company, many people fail to see that wasting their skills leads to numerous setbacks. However, with a proactive approach, everything can change for the better.


    In the hallways of Lux Animation, a five-story building, the approved application from Stanford University for a master''s degree in business administration and management, a doctoral program, lay on her desk.


    -Your son sent you here, - Anne questioned Thomas Carson.


    -He sent me here to inform you that the company will pay for your doctorate. Here''s a new employment contract with the new guy from the legal department. He''s a bit green, but it seems you still have a good eye for people, - Thomas commented.


    -How considerate of him, - Anne remarked.


    -Well, in defense of my son''s interests, he values your work capacity. With Jim Gianopulus gone, the entertainment department is empty. Now you have more time to pursue your doctorate. I believe you''ll be received with red carpet treatment. My son has several business dealings with companies there and with the professors. That''s why he wants you to sign here and here. The payment of your tuition helps with taxes. I''ll fill it with Mr. Gorman, - Thomas said.


    Reading the contract gently, Anne waited until the silence settled, unable to resist adding: Thomas was so similar to Billy in some ways that Anne could only sigh.


    -Are you going to ask, Thomas? I don''t have all day. I have a meeting in an hour with the directors who are returning from their business trips, - Anne commented, raising her head to observe the difference: Thomas had a longer beard compared to Billy''s always clean-shaven face, a slightly more pronounced belly, and a more robust physique.


    -You misunderstand, Anne. I''m just amazed by how much this company has grown in two years. Everything looks different to me: the people at the entrance, the ongoing construction... It''s all different. Some time ago, Billy mentioned that these were just the beginning stages, and his company would grow so much that by 2000, the market share competition would intensify. Well... I''m still a father, and I''m glad to have you here, -Thomas commented.


    Anne blushed out of decency and simply signed the contract. She was also happy to work in a company like this, betting on the future and herself. She would never forget that. She spent months without a job, attended a public university that wasn''t among the best and continued studying. Anne had no experience and had been working for six years, and even though Raimon, the enthusiastic one, was better, Billy still believed in Anne as his right hand.


    -I''m just doing my job, - Anne said.


    -We''ll see each other later, Anne, - Thomas said, taking the contract. According to Billy''s words, Anne needed formalities to back up her statements, although the contract was unnecessary; the solemnity of signing it was something Anne appreciated.


    She continued with her activities, marking the reports and pointing out the errors she saw or consisted of in some programs. For example, the animation team of "The Iron Giant" was in its final stages, and they had already started casting for the voices of the film. The budget for "The Iron Giant" was $19 million, but the actual budget was $11 million. If we add $3 million more for technology expenses, it is expected that with $10 million more, the film will finish production two months ahead of schedule, possibly premiering in March or late March.


    Reporting $31 million is possible for a film that didn''t cost more than twenty million dollars.


    Jim Gianpulus also noted that the script for "Lilo and Stitch" was already in the works, and they would likely start working on the film next month. He also assumed that by December, another film would be scheduled for the 1995 period. A complete madness! Two films in one year.


    -Madam President, you have a meeting in the boardroom, - Margot commented over the phone.


    -Thank you, Margot, I''ll be there in a moment, - Anne replied.


    Taking her agenda in her hands, the list was clear:


    Purchase of Transformers.


    Acquisition of Akom Productions.


    Purchase of My Little Pony.


    Report from ID Software: acquisition of companies (new series of Doom 2, Forza Horizon, Resident Evil, Wolfenstein 2, Crash Bandicoot)


    A small smile spread across her face; the contract was a long document, more like a letter than a contract... feeling appreciated was good.


    ***


    Hurrying through the streets of Philadelphia, the cameras seemed relentless. How did they find out he would arrive in the city a day early? What a mess. Taking a quick breath, he took shelter at the entrance to the recording studio, his bodyguards by his side. To his surprise, he saw Gwyneth.


    -You look good with that beard. You should keep it now and then, - the blonde commented, hugging Billy.


    -I have to play my part; the presentation comes first, - he replied. He was wearing a white shirt along with an old black tie and a simple, unadorned leather jacket.


    -How long have you been here? - Billy asked, still in the blonde''s embrace.


    -I arrived this morning. I came with David; he knows my dad. Well, they brought me on the production''s private plane, a loan from my father, - the young woman explained, approaching a little closer.  -The production decided to change the ending of the movie. Turns out, it''s not satisfying for David; he wants to give it a more closed and ironic ending. As you know, the script ends with your death in a final fight against the killer. Now it''s an open ending. They slightly modified the ending to give it a result... I''m not happy with the ending; it takes away many lines from my character. What are you going to do? I could talk to the press and complain... but? - Gwyneth laughed.


    -The press will only respond a bit; maybe they''ll say you''re good in bed, just to leave them surprised, - she added.


    -We''ll review the script, although I think the movie itself will be a hit. You need to find roles that fit female protagonists. I heard there''s a production of ''Sense and Sensibility,'' a novel by Jane Austen, - Billy suggested.


    -Who told you that? - Gwyneth inquired.


    -At the festival. The whole process is more British than anything else. Pay attention to the scripts. But if you have nothing else to do, you can gain some popularity in voice acting. We pay $500,000 for dubbing; we don''t have more resources. Your skills are acceptable; we have auditions for the lead role, - Billy explained. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She playfully punched him in the chest. - It''s not all about business, but I appreciate you caring about me. Come on, let''s see what those directors want, - Gwyneth said.


    -It''s not that; it''s just that we don''t have power in the production, and, regrettably, they''re cutting your scenes. It''s my concern for you - Billy clarified.


    -Silly! - the girl exclaimed, laughing.


    Morgan Freeman was watching him. Nerves invaded Billy! "Se7en" is his path to success. He''ll improve, and improve, and improve. It was time to finalize the script; the production was a breeze to be reduced to three weeks. They were shooting at record speed, and it was said that David learned shooting from Robert Zemeckis, who, in turn, learned from Steven Spielberg.


    ...

 289. stimuli.

    Different shots began to be taken, at least eighteen shots were taken from different angles, including wide shots or establishing shots used to provide context to a scene to the viewer, without the need for words, describing a location in the landscape or environment of the protagonists. Typically, they are seen walking, a shadow, not focusing on any subject; their grace lies in distinguishing the place where the events may or may not take place.


    For example, Woody Allen is known for quickly shooting all the locations at the beginning of the film, a wide shot that captures the essence of the city he is filming in.


    David Fincher uses both wide shots and the ? shot or American shot, highlighted by a framing of the setting, where the actor is only seen from the waist up, which began to gain recognition because Western movies narrated different stories in the 1960s and 70s.


    One scene is set in a church, and the second one focuses on Morgan Freeman, the detective of the case, from a different perspective, a ? shot, with a voice-over narrating the intricacies of the crime, more than just a crime, but the ins and outs of the crime, in a colloquial tone, as if narrated by an ordinary person recounting a situation, already beginning to create a suspenseful atmosphere.


    Morgan Freeman, or Somerset, walks towards a wall where the current wallpaper is peeled off to reveal a floral wallpaper underneath. He runs his finger over one of the pale red roses decorating the older wallpaper. He brushes off the dirt and highlights the rose more clearly. He pulls the edge of the wallpaper, carefully tearing off a roughly square section with the rose in the center.


    ...


    Cut to the next shot.


    Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    -Miss Rachel, this is Shoji Ota, the shareholder of Olm Inc., who will carry out the incorporation process, for now, he has the domain celebrated by the entrepreneurs over the animation rights, - commented Iwu Tomashi, acting as a translator between both parties.


    Rachel bowed and performed all the formalities offered. They shook hands, gently squeezing.


    -Can you tell him that my boss, the owner, and director of Lux Animation, has ordered numerous agendas for the company? - said, Rachel.


    The rules in the company are clear, both Gaimax and Olm Inc. brought flagship projects. On one hand, Gaimax will focus on the Evangelion project, fully, and later on Cowboy Bebop, while Olm Inc. will take care of the Fate series, Pok��mon, Berserk, and Detective Conan "Metentei Conan," which still doesn''t have its name translated.


    -Excuse me, Miss Rachel! - said Iwu perplexed.


    -I want to send him the orders from my boss, they''re not intrusive, they''re the future of the company, - commented Rachel.


    -Don''t worry, Miss Rachel, I''ll tell Mr. Shoji everything you tell me, - said Iwu.


    -Very well, the first thing is a thank you for working with Lux Animation. We are a company that wants to bring the world of animation to broader projects and enrich the world of cartoons, -Rachel replied.


    Iwu translated.


    -He thanks you for the welcome, he says he also extends his invitations to fulfill your dreams, - commented Iwu.


    -I will give him this folder containing Billy''s plans for the next three years already translated. Likewise, the guiding principles highlighted in the header are as described; we want a series that endures over time. Quality is our general rule, from the script, drawing, direction, and everything that composes it. Billy Carson sent scripts for the Pok��mon series, along with a small manga and storyboard of the characters, -  Rachel commented...


    Again Iwu translated, this time Mr. Shoji''s eyes widened, series with very high budgets, permission to hire talented animators, hire musical artists for Japanese and American songs, money to purchase film rights, fixed salaries, 35% higher than the Japanese rule, although still lower than in the United States, and the possibility of projects chosen by all members of the company, as long as they meet the quality and visions of the company.


    -America just throws money! - thought Shoji Ota.


    ...

 290. the dark world

    January 21.


    They had been shooting for five days, and everything was going perfectly. The people who started shooting, connected different ways of bringing the movie to life with different painters who portrayed each frame.


    Billy took a breath; they had just shot the scene of a murder, by Gluttony, a man who was forced to eat until he died. Death becomes a sinful form; that''s where Billy has to use all his brain cells. The shooting order was wrong, and they filmed everything in a non-linear way, unlike other films; they focused on all the recordings in the city. Yes! They recreated scenes in forgotten apartments, furnished them, and took the shot.


    -In this scene, you have to be tough, - David commented, pinching his chin. - Try to create a fight scene; you want to be part of something, and you don''t like being excluded. You have that, and you also have the air of a policeman. Now, I want a fight. Recreate the rebellion of David Mills, the one who fights for everything and against everyone, to follow his straight path of justice. -


    -Yes, director. -


    -Scene 24, take 1. -


    Exterior urban street with row houses. - Night.


    Billy walked down a sidewalk with a beer in hand, apparently transferred to Chicago, and on his first day on the streets, he encountered two car thieves. This rundown neighborhood lives in the shadow of a single, thick skyscraper. Mills walks and looks at broken refrigerators and pieces of garbage in the gutter. Further down the street, TWO YOUNG THIEVES struggle with a crowbar to get into the trunk of a parked car. Mills approaches. One thug looks up, doesn''t think Mills is a problem, and continues to interfere. Mills stops, calm.


    -Is that your car, man? - Billy/David Mills said.


    -What the hell do you care? - the first thug retorts.


    Mills pauses and switches his beer bottle to the other hand, shaking his head.


    -Does this car belong to you? -


    The thugs look at each other, assessing. They face Mills.


    -Yeah, it''s my car, okay? Screw off. -


    -Are you telling me that''s your car? -


    The second thug takes the long way around the car.


    -Well, for some strange reason, I don''t believe you, - Mills laughs as if to say, ''You''re not that dumb,'' and looks away... he sees the first thug sliding the crowbar to use as a weapon.


    -You can suck my... - the thug doesn''t finish the sentence.


    Mills quickly finishes that sentence by smashing his bottle against the first thug''s head. He falls and staggers blindly. The second thug moves aside and pulls out a knife.


    Mills dodges, swings, and hits the second thug''s face with the side of his fist: CRACK. Broken nose.


    The second thug steps back, drops the knife, and his nose starts bleeding. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mills turns around, enraged, breathing heavily.


    The first thug screams and tries to get up. Mills takes a step and hits the first thug''s head. The crowbar clatters away noisily.


    Mills is in the process of kicking a man when he''s on the ground when the second thug grabs him from behind and pulls him back.


    Mills grabs the thug''s arm, trying to avoid a chokehold. They both spasmodically fight. The thug is winning.


    Gasping, panting for air, Mills shifts his weight, kneels, and spins the thug, slamming him against the car. Mills lets go, grabs a handful of the second thug''s hair, and holds the man''s head against the car''s side window. Mills''s free hand hits the thug''s face: once, twice; the third time is the charm, and the window shatters. The thug faints.


    -Cut. -


    -That was a great take, the best of the last three. We''ll stick with this one. You have a car what to do; we''ll turn on the sprinklers, - David commented. They''re shooting at lightning speed.


    They continue with the quick shoot in the car; now they have to shoot a fruit stand, change from a black to a dark deep blue tie, a white shirt, and a black jacket, with a great hunter''s coat over their shoulders. They skip ten scenes and go back to the beginning, again, to shoot this time, details that complement the story, necessary for the final touch.


    "Cut."


    -You were amazing, - Billy says.


    -We have to redo it again, now from your angle. It''s not pleasant, - Gwyneth says.


    ***

 291. immersion

    January 24.


    Among the many visual resources an actor has, the most important is maintaining composure and sticking to a style, whether it''s a method of acting or a guide to discomfort.


    Immersing oneself in the role isn''t just something an actor does; a director does it through the lens as well, creating the world that engulfs them. They capture every inch of a story as they see it in their mind''s eye, guiding the film as they see fit.


    -We''ll need to take some shots with different lighting. I don''t feel like the frame can give us different takes of the same scene, - David Fincher commented, jotting notes with the producer, while Bill and Morgan stood nearby, apparently engaged in conversation. Not far off were some supporting characters, calmly awaiting the director''s shots.


    A very tender Gwyneth was expanded upon due to the chemistry, starting with a supporting role but subsequently gaining some significance in the game. The story was progressing, the script was good, and it helped the relationship.


    What was charming was a rose, dawned...


    Take 29, Scene 1.


    "Cut."


    Several shots will follow in the rooms. This one had a more established storyline, and subsequently, they would shoot all the scenes in the room of the couple David Mills and Tracy.


    -Too dark for my liking, - Morgan commented.


    -The story is hilarious, a simple plot, to a starting point that doesn''t stop delineating normalcy for the idea of suspending mystery, fear, suspense, or inconclusiveness. -


    ***


    January has been one of the most fruitful months for Lux Animation, which has reached agreements with four new companies in acquisitions. The series firm, a call to create at least ten series per year, was a complete and true madness.


    -We''ve got competition, - Craig McCraic commented. With what seemed like anticipation, a large group of animators gathered around him, taking note of the news delivered by Jim Gianopulus that morning.


    The acquisition of three animation studios is no joke; for many, who believe in outsourcing their work, the risk of being laid off is just the icing on the cake, adding to the fear of not being part of a company that openly hires rookies and trains them, helps them.


    -Here comes the one who clears up our doubts; apparently, it''s the boss''s plan, - Anna commented.


    -What plan could require the purchase of three animation studios? - Paul Schools asked.


    -A second animation channel, aimed at an older audience, - Raimon commented, interrupting the conversation. He couldn''t help but come to see the love of his life, Anna Sztmanska. The woman of his dreams was simply beautiful. sea??h th�� N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Raimon, come on, friends, now you can tell us everything that''s going on in management, -Paul German said, designer of Meteor, the precursor of the Meteor series and animator of the Meteor series, a purchase of $1.6 million for film rights, and $1.2 million for rights to works, complete rights over the exploitation of the work.


    -Well, Billy has decided to open up our animation portfolio; he wants to focus on a teenage audience. While Lux Toons targets an average age of 8 to 14, if we can capture the 14 to 21 age group, it''ll be good for the company. Our readers have an average age of 16, but the ages range from 13 to 34, - Raimon said, stroking his beard as he took a seat.


    -Are you talking about comics? - David Jill asked.


    -Yes, we are a comic company. We created the channel to drive the purchase of our products. For example, Samurai Jack has been on the air for two months now, and comic sales have increased slightly. We receive many orders every day, specifically for the early issues. It''s just a profit for us to have another animation channel. We did the calculations, and maintaining a television channel nationwide costs $90,000 per year. We can afford it, but for that, we must accumulate a series. Different programs, all converged into one... It''s more of a transition. The current channel wants to focus on series for children aged 3 to 8 and the second channel is for ages 8 to 21. The focus is deeper. On paper, it will be from 12 to 21 years old, while the first channel is for ages 3 to 8, - Raimon commented, somewhat confused about how they were going to finance the entire structuring process.


    -The only thing that matters to me is that my job is at risk, - Shem Cohen commented, something that everyone in the room was eager to comment on. Many people had apparent, well-founded doubts, in three things: they couldn''t afford to lose their jobs, the fear of losing their jobs. Being an animator is not easy, even in the United States; many remember their months without work.


    -We''re hiring. Billy is so ambitious that he only gives me headaches. He wants to produce another mega-production. Have you read ''Trigun''? - Raimon asked.


    -I''ve read it. Cowboys, dystopias, weapons, and epic moments, - Jerry Simmons commented.


    -Well, he wants that series by the end of this year, along with the Lilo and Stitch movie. They started with the Green brothers, the animated series Robot Jones, Train Souls, and Amy and Puffy are still in production. Star Wars, Meteor, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Pok��mon series, and there are episodes of successful series like Dexter''s Laboratory, Recess, Rocko''s Modern Life, Billy and Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Gargoyles, Samurai Jack, Cow and Chicken. There are so many series. The Star Wars trailer generated a wave of fans, - Raimon commented.


    -Now that you mention it, you make us look paranoid and stupid, - Buch Hatman commented.


    -Don''t be upset, I''m worried too, but the company is growing. The movies have generated income for at least another year of films. If we tighten our belts, we can extend the profits from year to year and a half, but it''s better to invest in quality, - Raimon responded. Still focused on Billy''s words about creating a gigantic company of animated series that can be formed as a sales strategy. How will he make money with a digital library? Licensing. He doesn''t know, and no one has guessed the truth about Billy''s merit.


    -A great library of great animated movies, Raimon, - said Billy.


    ...

 292. between cameras.

    The movie about the seven deadly sins continued to evoke fear, shaping the narrative with a terror deeply rooted in human emotions. While not explicitly religious, it contained significant symbolism, tapping into universal themes rather than a specific religious background. Amidst its simplicity, what was strikingly real were the fragile convictions, all intertwined with criminology, reflecting the fear born of the emerging notion that many truths are transient ideas leading to a desperate end.


    -It''s a palpable hatred, - Billy commented after finishing reading the script.


    -I don''t like horror movies. They''re different from regular films; they delve into things that shouldn''t be part of our lives. It''s gloomy and sinister, - Gwyneth said, visibly shaken by what she had read.


    In contrast to Brad Pitt''s behavior in the movie about a person on the edge, Billy''s portrayal was more nuanced. He characterized his recklessness in various activities but refrained from being overly dramatic in his scenes. Mills was depicted as affectionate, proud, noble, and brave, but nowhere was he portrayed as foolish as depicted in some movies. He was calmer, a bit more confident. Billy attributes this to his preparation for the movie "Twelve Monkeys," where Brad had to focus on playing a character confined in a mental asylum. Performances contain nuances, and a single nuance can change the perspective of the entire idea. In his memories, Brad seemed somewhat nervous, somewhat agitated.


    In contrast, Billy pauses, more subtle, behaving calmly, occasionally exalting aggressive behaviors, not specific to any occasion. Unlike other situations, where he appears aggressive, reckless, and impulsive based on the work of an older man, married and with behaviors of emotional blindness, this is the magic of acting.


    The original ending of the first script had David Mills dying, but it has since been modified. The new ending is more critical to the audience, with the way the music emphasizes all the scenes. It''s a detestable and tragic ending that has been revised five times and is now a secret.


    -Don''t worry; the movie is progressing at a good pace. David''s got a quick draw, - Billy replied, receiving a kiss on the lips from Gwyneth.


    -Let''s stop talking about the movie today. I just want you to be with me, to love me deeply, and forget about everything we''ve seen, - Gwyneth said, showering Billy with kisses, each one a curious form of cinematic intimacy.


    -I like the fact that we can keep acting together. You''re a great actor; it seems impossible, but you move with naturalness, nothing surprising, but I truly appreciate that we continue to advance with the movie, - Billy replied, taking a moment by Gwyneth''s side, resting his nose against her neck as she laughed gracefully. Through the intimate gesture they shared, he gently stroked the nape of her neck. They no longer had the long locks they once did; Billy preferred Gwyneth''s hair cut short; it made her look more serious, stronger.


    -You''ll draw tonight. You should stay with me, take a break. I have a feeling that when we left in December, you spent too much time at your desk, and it''s not good. You need your moments of joy, - Gwyneth said, pulling Billy close, planting small kisses on his lips, which were different from their usual affectionate displays. The unrestrained passion each engaged in was a far cry from the public personas they often portrayed. S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Work is always something bothersome to do. It''s not unpleasant, but at times, I wish I didn''t have to continue. A sabbatical year, free from all doubts, but it''s the responsibilities that bind me. I have plans and several people under my care, many employees, executives, fans, and well, what motivates every man, - Billy said.


    -My love, work should be subdued. You need to take a break. When you''re older, you''ll see that you need to take a breather. We can go to Zaragoza, a remote cottage in the countryside, for five days, just you and me, discreetly hidden, with only a select few knowing about our getaway, - Gwyneth suggested, placing gentle kisses on Billy''s chin.


    -You can do whatever you want with me. No one doubts that you''re a well-behaved person, - the blonde whispered slowly, lightly nibbling on Billy''s neck, as she often did.


    -Your words are so sweet; you''ve made me tempted. I think I have some time after the movie; I don''t believe there''s any event, meeting, or place I need to attend, - Billy replied, embracing the blonde who laughed.


    He could feel her laughter, how Gwyneth''s chest trembled beneath her shirt. "It''s a promise; let me take care of everything. The house is large, and a close friend will join us. We''ll bake cakes in the morning and wake up almost at noon. Don''t judge me; it''s a desire for us to be together."


    -If I commit to the trip, it has to be as private as possible. It would also be interesting to make some extra stops. What do you think about walking around Barcelona, going up to Lyon, and exploring some cities or towns? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, whatever you say. We can ask for the family jet, - the blonde said, lying on his chest. - As long as it''s a promise, although I have some work, nothing too demanding. -


    Both rested in each other''s arms.


    ...


    Early in the morning, they continued with the shots, still reviewing, searching for a possible criminal, located in an empty pizzeria that was subsequently filled with extras. They would make a deal to gather information about the red lists.


    The relationship with Morgan Freeman was mostly cordial; both operated from their perspectives. One is a married man, family-oriented, who takes life easy, without social pressures. The other is just starting; they are similar yet different.


    -Be careful, - a lighting guy commented.


    Billy sat with Morgan Freeman at the small table, both engrossed. In his thoughts, there was a slice of pizza in front of him. Who leaves pizza lying around?


    -You''re quite the great screenwriter, - Freeman remarked.


    -You''re right that I''m a screenwriter; I''m not sure how good I am at everything else, - Billy responded, helping himself to some pizza in front of him, satisfying his hunger. He hadn''t eaten since the night before.


    -The New York Times might say you''re a great screenwriter, a content creator. There was recently an interview with some Pixar members about you as the lead screenwriter for the movie ''Toy Story,'' - Freeman repeated.


    -You''re correct; I wrote a significant part of the script. Now everyone knows my life without me being present! �C said Billy,


    -I enjoyed it. I don''t usually watch movies with company, but this was what the family needed, something sweet and accessible. Great film. As for being part of the press or not, take it easy. You can either do nothing or be part of the press. I prefer to stay on the sidelines and mingle on special occasions. No one wants an old man''s life, although there''s curiosity everywhere. �C Morgan said.


    -We all have a story to tell; it''s just that we don''t know how to tell it. Sometimes it requires a certain art, a connection that channels all the content. I''ll look into the press stuff, but I''m not quite there yet, - Billy commented.


    -I agree... everything in its own time... -


    -We''re starting in 5 minutes; everyone to your positions. -


    -Billy, that pizza was for the team, - David Fincher said.


    -Oh.-


    ...

 293. secrets.

    At the Lux Animation offices, all animation development activities were fine-tuned. Now, the animation team is focused on a different aspect: the concrete production of ''Iron Giant,'' which is beginning to take shape with all the details for its staging. Unlike other programs, the main concern is to assemble a good cast of people to perform the dubbing roles perfectly. Billy will attempt to do the voiceover for the street artist who turns trash into abstract art.


    This is a refreshment, as Billy earns some dollars for his work and doesn''t bother hiring suitable actors, as the main goal of the movie is an outstanding delivery for children in March.


    Anna Washington was the woman in charge of reporting, bringing together, and coordinating most of the activities under Jim Gianopulus''s supervision.


    -We''ll hire some who wish to be part of our movies. As time progresses, the company''s popularity has led to a situation where most of the time, we have a queue of people willing to work. Three of our shot movies have grossed over $100 million with an average budget of $30 million, - Jim Gianopulus commented, sending the script and the commercial proposal to all agencies, and representation companies; each of them took the script to the side. The only issue was the $500,000 salary; people were expecting a higher salary.


    -Indeed, you''re the expert. Let''s aim to find the cast to start dubbing in the coming weeks, - Raimon responded, adjusting the recording studios to invite actors to perform the moments. At the moment, the songs were already being considered; some song rights and musicians contributing to the soundtrack were being taken into account.


    -In total, the expenses, which according to Billy, cannot exceed nine million, - Anna commented.


    -Will you take care of all the necessary activities? - Jim asked Raimon, who, along with Anna, was the one taking care of the production logistics. Raimon only did it as an excuse to participate in the dubbing.


    -Of course, animators also coordinate some scenes of the movies. However, I''ll need the support of an expert; there are still things that go beyond my understanding, - Raimon replied.


    -That doesn''t matter! We''ll work together. For now, we must be careful; George already knows about the release of our movie, but his involvement in the ''Star Wars'' animated series is causing some issues, - Jim commented, surprised.


    -Don''t worry, everything''s fine. I checked this morning; he and Billy worked on the script and characters. For now, he just likes to mingle with the animators; he''s somewhat possessive about his series... it may have happened in the past, but now I''ll work as part of the dubbing team, - Raimon said, trying to contain his excitement, but his soul was screaming inside like an enraged chimpanzee.


    -Dubbing, you? - Jim asked, causing Raimon to blush, while Anna Washington continued, following the conversations and relaying all the company''s comments to the two directors.


    -Well, I have a small role. I''ll only have five lines, but it''s enough for me to brag to all my friends, - he said, crossing his arms in front of Jim, who just sighed.


    Being part of the dubbing is a dream for Raimon; both of them took their respective roles. The company received the resources for the most profitable month of the year, December, in the morning. Sales from all offices doubled; comics, games, toys, DVDs, and restaurants gained some new customers, and sales doubled by at least a percentage. With the allocation of at least 15 million in profits in December, the investment in the new secret item Tamaguchi will revolutionize the plants in the United States.


    -I''ve sent the check to CBS for the production expenses for the series ''Friends'' and ''Er.'' As I see it, we managed to append the idea of long-term hiring for at least six seasons, but it was reduced to three seasons by the end of this year, depending on the success," Anna Washington commented, taking notes. "On the other hand, the ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'' program has a long list of audience participation; I don''t have the statistics for RPG platforms. But I do have the positive reports, along with some statistics provided by Mr. Gorman, - Anna said.


    -What''s the contract we signed? - Raimon asked.


    -It''s a joint production with CBS. The success of the program may extend our relationship. We plan to bid soon for CSI. It''s just an excuse to team up with companies, and Sony is involved. We receive 6% in advertising, well, our profits from video game downloads, but we don''t have statistics, - Anna Washington said.


    -What has Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird said about the purchase of the rights to their series, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which is part of Billy''s bonus for doubling our animation series in future years? - Jim asked Raimon.


    -What rights? I''m not aware of any rights purchase being made. I think Steve Parks should know; is it Billy''s order? - Raimon said, totally lost in his thoughts about what Billy was planning now. Confused by the mention of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Billy is hiding things from him.


    He tapped his fingers on the desk.


    -It''s something secret. Billy wants to continue expanding aggressively, but with the loan payment, we can''t commit to more purchases. But Billy wants to buy the Ninja Turtles, along with other series. I don''t even know which ones, but I have a feeling he''s aiming for Japanese series like Saint Seiya, Dragon Ball, or some other. Although it has high popularity in Japan, only Billy has invested in Japanese animation currently. We''re providing at least this year, - Jim said.


    -Oh, that''s not surprising, - Raimon said. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    In Philadelphia, they continued filming. An old image, they caught John Doe red-handed in his room, amidst an animated struggle. John Doe''s escape approved the villain of the movie, a man with strength, speed, intelligence, and sadism. How he fled, how he ambushed David Mills/Billy.


    -Kevin Spacey is a method actor. Similar to your performances, but you reduce the intensity of your acting with other nuances, such as appropriate gestures and imitation, while Mr. Spacey completely immerses himself in a result that is embodying his character, - Morgan Freeman responded, noting Billy''s inexperience in the way Kevin Spacey delivered his performance.


    -There''s no doubt he''s good, - Billy said. He had underestimated John Doe, and only Morgan''s words could snap him out of his stupor. They signed three consecutive moments with Kevin Spacey; the next shot was of him arriving at the police station bloodied, like a madman. Even the security guards overlooked him, reflecting another detail of the city''s state.


    -Don''t bother; Mr. Spacey is outstanding, among the best there is at the moment, at least when it comes to villains. He has a gift for portraying that dark side, - Freeman commented.


    -What technique do you use, Mr. Freeman? - Billy asked.


    -Naturalness, son. Every role should be part of... You just have to take things with simplicity. My method is to take my role and assert a position, from gestures to posture, everything communicates something. The trick is to know how to communicate it, son... It''s not something easy to acquire; it took me about 15 years, no... It''s taken me my entire career, - Morgan replied, providing a new idea of how to act, something that Billy had been trying to achieve for some time.


    ...

 294. interests.

    -Cut. -


    -Functionally, all the scenes we filmed in the city are now completed, - David Fincher commented, wrapping up the shoots. The entire scene was a bustling precinct, with many extras. They sighed with relief at how everything ended��a payday for many; for some, payment was daily. Some earned thousands for the whole shoot, while others only a few hundred for rushed contracts, all for their resumes.


    -The next shoots will be in San Francisco, - replied Arnold Copleston, a key part of New Line Cinema.


    The set nodded, many of them finishing their parts and now free to leave. The shoots were evenly spread out. They continued with studio shots at David Mills'' house, the morgue, some indoor spaces, and the final ambulance trip.


    Billy grabbed a towel handed to him by the assistants, giving a slight smile. To the public, Billy''s demeanor was like that of a boss��though not particularly open, he delivered the necessary formalities to all his employees, along with a splinted finger from his latest takes. Billy could only sigh at the accident that twisted his finger. Luckily, it wasn''t the hand he usually used for drawing.


    -Paul, I''ll have to go to Berlin for the ceremony on February 2nd, in three days, - Billy said.


    -We have everything planned; the itinerary has been set for some time, - Paul replied.


    Along with the filming crew, there was a brief space for people to participate. Among them was the way to bid farewell to the acting course. Three days were enough to give production space to tidy up all the sets and tie up some loose ends that had been previously planned.


    -I have a meeting in New York, and then we''ll head to Berlin. Would you like to accompany me? - Billy asked.


    -Hmm, my mom''s birthday is on February 3rd, and we''ll have a private meeting the day after tomorrow. I don''t think I''ll attend, but I can accompany you to New York. I''ll take part there, and we''ll go to the family house before everything is resolved, - Gwyneth said, in a quick gesture and question. In any case, presenting him to her mother and father was something that could entail a commitment, which Billy might take negatively��men tend to shy away from commitment.


    -I have the morning busy, but we can grab something in the afternoon and evening. My flight might be delayed until the next morning, - Billy said, next to Gwyneth.


    She nodded nervously at the commitment. In the small dressing room, her main function was to prepare for a quick shot. Among the worst chores was the bad reputation that Drew''s men had, a certain rivalry, and also a problem with Gwyneth''s significant jealousy of not participating in productions since she was a child, as did Barrymore.


    The young woman felt warmth in her heart.


    -Well... I''ll call Mom; I can take the shopping area while you do your things, - Gwyneth replied, clapping as she took a quick step to the small dressing room she shared with Billy. She said goodbye to Morgan Freeman on her way out, with keen interest.


    -See you later, sir, - Gwyneth said.


    -Until later, young lady, - Morgan murmured.


    ***


    In a grand mansion, a stern man, perhaps in his 60s, took a seat in a room filled with paintings and marble.


    -It seems the boy has a romantic relationship with Spielberg''s goddaughter, - the butler remarked on the side.


    -Let him enjoy his youth. I''m more than certain that in the coming months, they''ll have relationship troubles. We''ll use the media to intervene in their relationships. Singledom suits him well while we wait for Amalia to meet expectations, - the man behind the umbrella commented.


    -But sir... -


    -But nothing. The family is drowning. We have enough power, but the Waltons, Mars, Rothschilds... all have good heirs who meet expectations. The only outstanding ones are my grandchildren. And to my surprise, it''s all thanks to the education that adventuress lingerie model did her job well. Amelia''s brother will be my heir if Amelia can guarantee a marriage with a future magnate. The boy, according to all our investigations, is a genius. High grades without effort in school, started companies at 12, succeeded before 18, and survived the Warner brothers'' shenanigans and their offspring. Amelia will do as I say, or she can very well live on the streets like a beggar, - the man said, pounding the desk hard.


    -Yes, sir, but she''s a young girl, only 15, - the butler responded.


    -The boy isn''t old, he''s young, handsome, and intelligent. If he wants a better match, let him marry the Prince of England or tarnish her reputation, he''ll find me... I want constant reports from the Le Rozey Institute. Pay for tutors to bring her in, tell her she can ask for anything if she makes it onto the honor roll at the end of the year, - the authoritative voice commanded again, pressing. His voice was authoritative, and though the butler wanted to say something, he could only shrug.


    Le Rozey School is a school founded in 1880, over 100 years ago, as one of the world''s most important educational institutions in Sweden. It''s known as the King''s School because of all the royalty that has attended. Students must pay at least $120,000 a year, along with a special status letter, to enter. They are taught all subjects, with extensive studies in politics, diplomacy, economics, and rhetoric. For all students, they should be educated as leaders of the world. Studies even bordered on university-level, and graduating from this school gave a blank card for people to study at any higher education institution.


    -I apologize for my indiscretion; it was a bit hasty, - the butler commented submissively, the attitude may have been a bit hurried.


    -It''s minor. It''s good to hear your dissent. I suppose it''s still too soon to impose burdens, so I adjusted my position. Reward the girl for her accomplishments, punish her for her mistakes, and send her mother to me; she''s smarter than my son, - he said. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amelia''s mother was a beautiful blonde woman, Barbara Ozers, a smart woman in some of her ways, knowing when to speak up and when not to. She had a sense of family benefit instilled in her, which taught her to follow the rules when she needed to.


    -Right away, sir. -


    ...

 295. interests (part 2)

    The relentlessness of Marvel continued to play against them. For some time now, under Billy''s care, Ronald Perelman had spent a license for Autodesk, with the allied help of Saban Haim. Together, they embarked on the idea of creating numerous television series. They had already started investing in two animated films for DVD distribution: the Fantastic Four series. Although the rights lay with Billy, the initial negotiation allowed Marvel the right to recreate a series.


    Stan Lee and Billy were having coffee at Marvel Enterprises.


    -I''m filled with contradictions, - Stan Lee commented to Billy. Lost in thought, Stan Lee wasn''t a politician, but his ambition lacked the experience of Billy''s. Over the last six years, Billy''s crash course had been top-notch. Running a company, numerous entrepreneurs by his side, economic activities, an MBA course, lecturers, professors, and many others providing top-tier education had taught him some lessons. For example, he knew Stan Lee promoted his agenda, and Billy was merely a means to an end. If Billy failed, Stan Lee would turn to another medium.


    -I can see why. I offered to produce the series. I have a licensing agreement for the Fantastic Four. However, there''s a clause that as long as it''s a Marvel initiative, they can participate, as long as it''s not distributed as a feature film. By distributing it on DVD, they bypass the clause... I would have done the best job possible - Billy commented, doubting how many more series he would create for Marvel until they were entirely his.


    -That''s not the point. They want to make a Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Daredevil, and Thanos series. With minimal resources, they want to deceive consumers. Our fans are unhappy. I was at the Comic-Con last year; many people expressed their disappointment. I even understand why you started gaining popularity... Congratulations on your great work! - Stan Lee commented.


    -So risky? Even for me, coordinating the Spider-Man and X-Men series was quite challenging. It took two years, and I used the best animation technology. We reviewed the script with your help and worked based on all the comics. I can''t believe they''re making four series, - Billy commented, with some happiness inside. In his heart, he wished they would make more and more series. Pokemon trading cards would start selling, along with Tamagotchis. On the other hand, the X-Men and Spider-Man series used the best cartoons, the best graphic designs, along with thick scripts. The demand and cost doubled the value proposed by Saban.


    The next plan was to make Marvel spend more money. Even if he had to lie about the success of his cards, he wanted to highlight, like flies, although only throwing darts. He wanted a deep fall for Marvel; now he just had to play politics.


    -Let''s buy stocks. I think the stocks between you and me can generate great profits. The company has a future; it''s just going through a rough patch. I already have the money to buy the shares; that percentage will be ours. With 7.6%, we might make some profits, - Billy commented.


    -For now, Ronald has been in charge of injecting money and buying the remnants with the profits. We don''t have any more layers, but you must be careful with Avi Arad; he''s more ambitious than he seems, and I don''t like his way of doing things, - Stan Lee responded, taking a sip of his coffee. On the table where they sat, there were scattered papers of different Billy stories. The excuse for the meeting was a draft of Billy''s next comic. Both were tossing around ideas, with nothing more than the pleasure of savoring the space they had.


    Helssing''s drawings were one of the forms. The beautiful drawing highlighted by hyper-realism would captivate anyone, but Stan Lee, he liked seeing that they had the confidence to show him some progress on their series. For now, the nine volumes were the fantasy of the illustrators.


    -Keep buying. I''ll let you know of any moves Ronald makes. His recent failure with baseball stamps was just a setback. I see the next failure; the first three years sales went up, the layoffs, the departures of great illustrators thrown in the trash, the sale of rights, the deprivation of creativity. I just want the company not to go to hell, - Stan Lee replied.


    Considering their closeness, Billy''s words were only seeking to build full trust with Stan Lee. Buying Marvel wasn''t just buying it; he had to attend to numerous acquired companies, subsidiaries, employees, boards of directors, a publicly traded company with shares, and of course, satisfy the whims of some illustrators.


    -But you''ll have another boss, and I''ll try to separate companies. But many of the activities done by Ronald Perelman seem interesting to me... I want to create movies, invest in animated series, toys, and merchandising, and I want to own their characters... I also want more young people to work on their ideas. There are so many worthy characters to be, good stories, good comics, good movies, - Billy replied, deliberately needling Stan Lee. He just wanted the image of trust between them to be maintained.


    -Just as you do with your series, son, you exploit your series with gusto... Will you respect the decisions of the old? Will you humiliate people in our company? Will you fire people who have given their lives? Son, don''t worry; we''ll talk about business later, - Stan Lee replied.


    One response after another response... there was a struggle after Billy acquired the copyrights, after the exclusive success of Marvel''s movies. Many children, cousins, and surrounding family... filed numerous lawsuits against Marvel over copyright, some lawsuits were lost, some agreed to juicy prices that made those families millionaires, and others were left in the past.


    -For now, I''ll send the information to my manager. My only wish is that we can go as far as we plan, and I also wish to continue creating magnificent comic series, - commented Billy.


    In less than a decade, the world has moved for entertainment companies more than in the last fifty years. Since Sony''s purchase of Columbia in a bidding war, the revolution, the big productions, began to be eye-catching, with an increase in technology, novel ideas, and franchises, cinema was at a point of explosion.


    -More series, son? - asked Stan Lee.


    -Yes, I''ll publish a series called ''The Boys'' and another one called ''Hunter x Hunter,'' -replied Billy.


    ***


    In a distant mansion in a residential area of New York, Billy took a breath, exhausted from traveling and having meetings. Getting out of the car, his loyal bodyguards and a very unsuspecting Gwyneth greeted him with a smile. Nervous? Nothing far-fetched, but women are anxious.


    -Don''t be nervous, Dad and Mom aren''t ordinary parents. My mother prefers to have a glass of wine rather than live through an uncomfortable situation. She''s wonderful, she might overdo her confidence, but they''ll love you, my sweet cowboy, - commented Gwyneth, smoothing Billy''s hair.


    Once again, doubt arose in Billy. There had been a change in Gwyneth''s attitude for some time now, her closer attitude, her way of indulging his desires, and her concern for his food were simply different from the carefree blonde he met at first. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I haven''t had very good relationships with my ex-girlfriends'' mothers, but I''ll take this as it comes, - replied Billy.


    They both walked towards the Patrowl family mansion, nothing extravagant but outstanding for its difference, with an agricultural touch, somewhat distant from the city, surrounded by a fence and some security, nothing extravagant or out of the ordinary, but the wealth was obvious to anyone who approached.


    -Good morning, miss, - commented some employees of the family estate. Both parents are producers and actors; some work on other scenes and stages in theater, music, and cinema. Somehow or another, they were a united family. His parents had been married since 1968, had a long friendship, and relationship, and cared for two children, the second in line being Jake Patrowl.


    ...

 296. mothers.

    The house was large enough to accommodate ten people, with a spacious kitchen, a large living room, and more. Two caretakers, a husband and wife, who performed the household chores, were considered integral parts of the family, with a small child seen running barefoot with dogs back and forth. The garden was sizable, at least 10 meters, containing amidst it a flower garden.


    -Good morning, dear. I didn''t expect to see you so early in the morning, - commented Blythe Danner, wearing a white collar jacket and a necklace of transparent beads resembling a rosary. She was beautiful, very much like her son, albeit older, with well-preserved skin and the charm of a mother.


    Her gaze stopped at Billy, who was wearing a dark blue suit, walking briskly. She noticed his fine shoes, custom-tailored suit, the budding beard with a goatee on his face. He looked quite handsome, with a red tie accentuating his suit.


    -The pleasure is mine, ma''am! I''m Billy Carson, - Billy commented after his mother''s hug.


    -Oh, dear, it''s so good to see you after such a long time. You look even more handsome than on screen or in photos. You have the air of James Dean, with a mix of a businessman that melts people''s hearts. Now I see why Gwyneth fell for you, - Blythe commented with a giggle, receiving Billy''s handshake. The smile her mother gave to Gwyneth made her blush, and Billy too. The dogs barked not far away.


    -Mom! -replied the blonde, affectionately.


    -Don''t be nervous, dear. Our new James Dean must be exhausted after a hard day''s work. Let''s go, Delmeza is preparing the young man''s room, along with a nice hot bath. We''ll have dinner at 5:00 pm, but the young man can have some pastries, -Blythe commented, ushering them in while the bodyguards took a turn and headed to a nearby hotel.


    -Where is my brother and my father? - Gwyneth asked. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -They''ve gone to Los Angeles. They expected your recording process to take some time; we even thought you might skip the party. It''s a pleasure to have you! - Blythe replied.


    Both women delved into their adventures; they each had two-family homes, but New York and its surroundings were preferable to the hot west of California. One was smaller than the other; a clear example was the work that kept them separated and often only allowed brief visits. They seemed like friends; the way everything unfolded hinted at it.


    They climbed the stairs without further questions about rest; even so, Blythe disappeared upstairs as soon as she introduced the guest room. Billy took a breath, and though he wanted to sleep, he understood perfectly well that the blonde beyond the door at the end of the hallway wanted to spend quality time with her mother. And he was part of that equation. What do stars do when they don''t have much to do? Play board games, pass the time with card games, or conversations.


    His thoughts were devalued when the blonde arrived, hopping with joy. - What are you doing here? You have to take a hot bath and eat something. Dinner''s at five, and then you''ll meet Mom, - Gwyneth commented.


    -Give me a second, I''m just contemplating a bit, - Billy replied.


    She just sighed at seeing how tired Billy was, it was evident. It was always work this and that. -You''re exhausted. And it''s not normal. Come on, take a shower, and take a break. I''ll call you for dinner. Mom always leaves the towels under the sink; you can take one. You have to hang it up later. The hot one is on the right. And come, you can use some shirts; we have some we usually get from publicity. Your size should be L, - said the blonde.


    Billy took a quick shower with cold water to shake off the weight on his shoulders.


    ***


    In a dimly lit room, Billy slept peacefully as the daylight gently filtered through, still casting a dusky gray tone. Even when a young woman snuggled up in his arms, he remained deeply asleep. She breathed in Billy''s scent with a hint of disappointment, convincing herself that she wasn''t completely in love; she just wanted to spend time, have fun, and pursue her dream of becoming a great actress.


    -Hey, you need to wake up. Dinner''s ready, - Gwyneth softly whispered, giving Billy gentle kisses. Unconsciously, she savored Billy''s scent, finding it intoxicating.


    -Darling, you need to wake up! We have a lot of things to do, -the blonde replied again.


    -I''m awake, I''m awake. I think I need some sugar, - said Billy, feeling Gwyneth beside him.


    Blythe was sipping a glass of wine while listening to a slow ballad. The piano notes intertwined in a somewhat absent, desynchronized manner. Meanwhile, on the table, various dishes refreshed, including roast beef, salads, bread, and a soup served in a large porcelain bowl with a ladle. The plates were adorned with specific designs, white, and the cutlery was presentable.


    -Later, I''ll introduce you to all the dogs. We have a cat, but it usually hides on the terrace. Poor thing, it''s afraid of people and quite finicky. Mom doesn''t let them in, for obvious reasons, - a distant voice of two youngsters spoke as Blythe opened her eyes and they sat down at the table.


    -Good afternoon, - Billy responded as he took a seat not far away, reflecting the seating arrangement at the eight-seat table.


    -Don''t worry, dear, - Blythe commented. Dinner began, and fortunately, the atmosphere was much calmer than a family gathering should have been for Billy.


    -It''s a pleasure, Mrs. Patrowl, - Billy replied.


    -Danner, Miss Danner. Patrowl is my husband. If I prefer a surname, it''s the one I took as my own, -the mother replied somewhat haughtily.


    Both tasted the food, accompanied by the soft vinyl records played by the mother. The afternoon, though cold, was pleasant, and despite any underlying tensions, calm prevailed.


    -Wine? -Blythe queried.


    Billy shook his head, while the wine was poured for Gwyneth, who gladly savored the sweet and flavorful high-quality wine. A good wine was a desirable item, and after a while, the sweetness was captivating, surpassing a regular sip, much stronger.


    -How was the movie? - the mother asked.


    -Perfect, although there were several scripts, we ended up shooting more scenes. It''s just that the filming was smooth, and the crew was very committed, different from what I thought it would be, - Gwyneth replied, fixing her gaze on Billy.


    -It''s fantastic. I can confidently say it will be recognized as one of the classics of cinema. If done with quality work, although it might be subject to some thoughts, I can see that the movie''s image represents something profound and recurring. A good start, a good problem, and perhaps a good ending��all the ways the scenes develop are great, - Billy commented.


    -Ohhhhh... I can hear some very deep words, considering your status. It must be true. There''s no doubt that your skills will be tested upon release. Although I''m happy for you, a good project can be the stepping stone for new movies. All you need are pushes, - Blythe commented, taking out a cigarette from her purse and lighting it, taking a brief step toward the window so as not to interrupt the lovebirds.


    -Thank you, - said Billy, continuing with his meal.


    -Ahhhh... I don''t know why you''re being modest. -


    -He''s always like this, Mom. I think he''s only arrogant when he''s angry. For now, all he''s doing is being a hungry young man, - Gwyneth laughed.


    ....

 297. flare.

    February 1


    Among the many days spent attending the international film festival, the jurors had to carry out their duties, which included awarding the Golden and Silver Bears for the best film, best director, and special prizes.


    -It would be interesting if actors could enjoy a special award, perhaps a Silver Bear, instead of being relegated to the film and director, - Julie Delpy responded.


    -Maybe they''ll update it in the coming years, looking for some kind of idea. It''s difficult for people to establish different traditions. It may not be common, but often, they tend to update. The importance of the award isn''t to promote individuals but to promote cinema, which has an alliance with Cannes and Venice, - Richard Linklater said beside her.


    -Your complaints always annoy me, - Julie reiterated, annoyed by Richard''s advances. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We''re nervous. An award not only distinguishes the film but also draws attention to the actors in that film. Although it''s a tough competition, I could see an American film having the luxury of winning, - Billy responded.


    -Well, I think I''ll take a break. I don''t like the part of going from one paper-flying role to another. I mean, I do like it, but it''s losing the essence of what acting means. I believe if I''m careful, I can get better roles in my future performances, - Julie commented.


    -We should do a sequel to our film, with a much more pessimistic beginning and different duties than what would be expected of a happy ending, - Billy suggested.


    -Pay attention; they''ll soon announce the special awards, - Richard whispered.


    A short film passed, proposed for the chosen films, represented by five finalists. Richard Linklater feared that they made it to the top five. Previously, in the edition "In the Name of the Father�� part of a total ensemble of greatness, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Emma Thompson, there were no heavyweight names at the moment. However, the buzz and eventual development were different. Ethan Hawke was chosen, unlike Billy, who in recent months had been recognized as one of the great figures in entertainment.


    -Ignore him, - Julie whispered, seated in a cinema-like arrangement, Richard on the left side, Billy in the center, and Julie on the right.


    -We have the pleasure of attending such a series like this. Although it may seem simple to move on to the next place, it may seem controversial, but it''s absolutely difficult to be nominated for the chosen ones, - Julie commented.


    Often, people who act from the bottom of their hearts are undermined by slight changes. This is one of those changes. Usually, the number of winners is influenced by fame. It''s a game of wills, which by right can be detached from many activities, merits, achievements, exclusives, and desires.


    -The winner for Best Director, nominated for the Silver Bear, is Bertrand Tavernier, for his film ''The Bait,'' - the presenter announced, contrary to expectations as Richard Linklater won the award for his innovative direction, filming from different angles.


    Richard Linklater''s deep sigh was revealing, but nothing contrary to a loser who had much to yearn for a victory. It was a relief that he wasn''t being focused by a camera, being captured in that way. Julie''s sad eyes were all he needed; the distribution was already under Sony Pictures'' wing.


    -You''re a very talented person. We have another chance, - Billy commented.


    -What do you mean? - Julie asked.


    -I''m about to write a book about the film. With Richard''s permission, I want to portray a series of four books in a good way, covering all the periods through which relationships pass. That''s why the forms are: Infatuation, when two people meet and love each other for the way they live; Courtship, where feelings transcend and grow stronger; Engagement, but I''ll skip to Commitment, the way to solidify those feelings, and finally, Transcendence, the union of two souls, - Billy explained.


    Upon hearing Billy''s reasoning, Richard nodded. The book would be presented as a co-authorship, and the quality of both their writing was nothing short of excellent. Billy''s ambition was clear to Richard; any work he presented had to be challenging and complicated in a way that couldn''t be dismissed, for two main reasons: it had to contain a high sense of literature, philosophy, and comfort to be approved, terms agreed upon in a night.


    -Four books. What a surprise, - Julie commented.


    The speech by Bertrand, the French director, was finished, to concluded with a brief approach by the presenter.


    -The special Grand Jury Prize of the 45th edition of the Berlin Film Festival goes to... Smoke by director Wayne Wang! - the presenter announced, once again in a thunderous cheer. Unlike the Oscars, these awards are based on a single presenter for the 15-minute event.


    -Unexpected, the award going to an American could be problematic for each of us who were expecting a common award, - Julie remarked.


    The team''s mood was somber once again. Politics wasn''t a great ally for Billy, who felt thwarted by the way different ideas emerged. It was very likely that negative influence was again disrupting things. Second place was a recurring theme in all of Billy''s works��movies, comics, books��only among the nominees. Recently, his book "Game of Thrones" was nominated for the Nebula and Uranus awards, fantasy and science fiction awards. This has caused a slight downturn for Billy in terms of awards.


    What a tragedy!


    -For the Best Film award at the Berlin Film Festival��


    -Before Sunrise! - the presenter shouted, once again surprising Billy.


    ***


    In the Pawtroll family mansion, the family gathered to celebrate the matriarch''s birthday. Even some close friends from many years joined in, an old producer, a director, and some actors, all from the smaller circle of cinema. Laughter and teasing filled the air as everyone took their respective seats, while the festive atmosphere lifted some spirits.


    Later in the evening, over drinks, Blythe Danner and Bruce Pawtroll approached each other in an intimate moment of their longstanding marriage.


    -I met Billy Carson, - Blythe remarked.


    -Oh, it''s unexpected that our little girl kept quiet, - Bruce responded.


    -Well, it was my idea. I didn''t want the people at the party to know about anything related to Billy Carson and our daughter. It may sound traditional, but there''s no commitment, and from what I see, the boy isn''t very hooked on our daughter. They''re having an affair, and I don''t know how it''ll end, - Blythe commented.


    -Do you think... - Bruce began, trying to articulate the many potential pitfalls.


    -I don''t think it''s necessary to get worked up. I''m just saying... the boy is deadly serious, in a strange way he has an attitude that I see in mature men. Perhaps that''s what will end up driving him away from our daughter, who wants to have fun. But from what I see, he has a lot of business dealings. I found out that he''s currently in close relations with Marvel Comics, and well, also with some businessmen, which makes me very curious, - Blythe said.


    -He''ll probably negotiate with Spielberg, and he''ll most likely join forces for that venture, fighting for a major Hollywood company. It''s something that would even surprise me, but his animation channel is amazing, and his popularity only generates more curiosity and more buyers. An actor, handsome, who creates series, there''s no better publicity, - Bruce responded.


    -He''s smart, he deserves the same merit. He spoke very highly about the script development of ''Se7en'' that you recommended to our little one. He has a keen artistic vision surpassed by his commercial ability, - Blythe commented.


    ...


    335 in patreon

 298. Glamorous

    The victory was a defeat, Richard Linketer lost ground as a director but gained points for Best Picture, the Palme d''Or, without committing to an agreement, you see, he could have made several mistakes. The distribution rights were taken by Sony, and the money paid was enough to satisfy all parties. Sony wants a Valentine''s Day release on February 14th, an opportunity to bet, it will be launched a week earlier, on February 7th, 1995, in North America.


    Without a contract obligating them to be part of the advertising campaign, only relationships could generate some responsibility, for Billy and Julie, who incited a small participation in strange fortune.


    -We lost, but we also gained something. It''s not an opportunity I can refuse. I lost artistically, but gained a free pass to make future films - commented Richard Linklater, with a beer in hand.


    -Future sponsorships, - added Billy. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Some projects I never dreamed of doing. However, now with this new success at the film festival, I can attract some investors to sponsor my films. Ideas come and go, but I''m happy with the status quo, - commented Richard Linklater, who hoped to rest, for the publication of the books written by Billy and Richard, nine years until the next film, very likely released, directed, produced, and distributed by Billy''s company. In nine years, he will have enough money to take such liberties and shoot in better locations.


    -It overwhelms me, but I have commitments with Line Cinema already signed, I can''t be part of the premiere, we have to shoot the final scenes from February 5th to February 17th, - replied Billy.


    -How unfortunate, the way everything unfolded. Richard aimed for the director''s chair. -


    -Thank you for everything, we''ll see each other in the coming months, or the coming days, -commented Richard, bidding farewell to Billy.


    Many years from now, the dream of owning a film company will be just a failed secondary idea, along with a proposal to join a worldwide altercation, from a community that will only bring profits.


    ***


    The combination of dedication and effort that Raimon put into the stock season every year was a negotiation like no other. The purchase of Marvel shares at $4 was an excessive expense of $4 million. That was all the money Billy earned for his Sev7en film, in a way that couldn''t be deemed as a correct decision. The calculations and dividend accumulations began to rise and be reevaluated in different ways.


    The shares that Billy bought amounted to 21,484,470, until April 1994, during this time the account was around 17% of shares, but as it rose in rank, with the renewal, and growth, Softimage Inc. bought and valued at $130 million, with the purchase of another company, renderimage (3D) for $20 million. That growth was also seen in services and market expansion, that seventeen percent was reduced to 8.7%. The company''s value has doubled, meaning that before Microsoft''s value was $200 million, now it is $400 million. However, it''s not so exact and the company is likely valued at $800 million or more, without cutting the sale perspective that should be doubled.


    The purchases of Apple shares are also on the list. The downturn is estimated to result in a company value of $240 million, along with other purchases of Qualcomm and Cisco Systems. Surprisingly, with the purchase of other Walmart companies, their shares were at a lower price of $5, along with some other stock companies, which turned out to be perfect for short-term buying and selling, like Netscape, which wanted to sell at twice its value. For now, the money injections are set for technology stocks.


    -How much will you invest in stocks this year? I want to ask if you can use a percentage to invest in the companies that Billy participated in with Stanford, several of those companies still cause me some headaches, - said Rachel.


    -We can, up to four million. The extra income from Billy for participating in the film was great, in an extraordinary way, because it allowed us to expand our investments somewhat, - replied Raimon, seeing the next 17 million returns, together with the 4.7 million personal gains, like the 2.1 million from other dubbing salaries, for the term.


    -We can adjust, - commented Rachel, accepting it.


    -Fuuuu, - sighed Raimon.


    -With the income and purchases, I''ll ask for another loan in Billy''s name, at least we''ll make another loan to make some other investments. They could be in the land, or perhaps we''ll buy a building, - responded Raimon.


    -What do you suggest? - asked Rachel.


    -Buying a gas pump, at a popular station. We can invest in at least one, or perhaps set our sights on some other places. Buying land nearby, and in other places around, we can invest in a farm, or perhaps a vineyard. I have no idea, I feel that the purchases I make are insignificant compared to all of Billy''s properties, - commented Raimon.


    -Sometimes you''re so silly... Let''s buy the series that the animators are asking for. There are some proposals to buy copyrights or expand our donations to companies. We''ve neglected Mcmillan a bit, or we can organize events, like video game tournaments, board game tournaments, and even better, a new movie. With 10 million, we can upgrade a second team, - responded Rachel, aligning thoughts, one thinks about acquiring, and the other organizes the movies. McMillan, soon, would make a big move.


    -We''ll go with the publishing system. It''s important to reinforce... Billy values book publishing a lot. He recently asked me to look for a series for children, about magic, especially British... but I don''t quite understand if that exists. We''ll evaluate our options, - commented Raimon somewhat disdainfully.


    The purchase of Tor Books, a publisher focused on fantasy, the signing of numerous writers, along with the hiring of great new writers who seek to expand their catalog, currently there are 12 signed writers, and if he can buy the publishing contracts of some others, and reform a great fantasy and science fiction publisher, is of utmost importance. A seal that contains several publishers.


    -Now, you can address the bright problems we have with investors. There''s also the fact of that Gmail email, and it''s good to save some resources in case we need to invest in one of Billy''s new ideas, - commented Rachel, taking the problem of simply spending everything very seriously.


    She wasn''t entirely wrong.


    Many times Billy''s new companies tend to be questionable.


    -You can advance all the work. This afternoon the advance of the series is done, we''ve already invested in the series. Pok��mon, Berserk, Evangelion, and the Korean company will take care of the Hercules and Timon and Pumbaa series. Somehow or another, it''s been a good fit, everyone is eager to meet the standards of demand, and comparisons between one or the other are not important, - commented Rachel.


    In summary, the creation schedules. Pok��mon has a key story to follow the previous anime in many ways, it''s about improving the story, deepening characters, battle mechanics, and minimizing some events that seem repetitive but are necessary to lighten the program''s load, and finally, handling gym battles better that seem.


    ...

 299. Inferences.

    pokemon.


    The Pok��mon series is based on expanding the Pok��dex. The first two series from Kanto and Johto contain a broader Pok��dex of original Pok��mon. Each one features 140 species unique to each location, while the expansion of regional variants in the Orange Islands, with its map, prefers water, ice, grass, and flying-type Pok��mon. Due to each island''s game mechanics, like the Crystal Onix, which is rock/ice type, and later steel and ice.


    Meanwhile, Hoenn and Sinnoh share new evolutions and more original Pok��mon. It''s an expansion that felt sensitive after the advancement of generations, creating some other Pok��mon types like ghost, steel, poison, dark, fairy, and dragon. At least four types are needed in each generation, and a myriad of artists, including fans, can make each series look composed in some way.


    But the series was reforming the entire series. Many of these series need intermediate movies to provide answers as games can be released in rapid succession. Considering spaces of two to four years between games, considering spin-offs that deal with ancient regions, series that again tackle the old series, even recreating an Arceus series, about a young man from Earth who is isekai''d in Hisui, and follows the game series to a lesser extent, and lays the groundwork for Sinnoh, Unova, and Johto, and how everything could have developed is a spin-off, for later, to provide a great television series of better quality when the series develops well.


    Because they are a great series, with deep development that can be considered a great series, allowing scriptwriters to do deep series work with those details can move in different ways, deepening the series as a whole. Hence, twenty years to create specialized worlds.


    While games and series complement each other, you can rationalize sales with peripheral products that help complement the series, like Pok��mon Snap, Pok��mon Battle Arena, Tamagotchis, Pok��mon GO, cards, plush toys, and toys. It''s simply investing in great series, and being the main products of the series, games like the anime series, it should be taken with slight importance, only a high quality of production can be used for fans to decide to spend money.


    In RPG Platforms, the first step is fulfilled, delivering games with vast designs much better delivered, than the incipient designs that users usually see.


    Joseph Blinky, the administrator and main person in charge, must have a sharp sense of aesthetics. It must be visually pleasing and contain all the mechanics ordered by Billy, who delivered two games with different categories. The first delivery of the series is easy, and the second is difficult, with adjustments to gyms, encounters with trainers, and Team Rocket, the AI, which chooses the game design, uses type weaknesses to advantage, different types of events are added, like the hunt for Mew, battles against the main birds, the fight with Mewtwo, and Pok��mon contest events, only present in the later stages of the game.


    Modes of clothing, and Pok��mon breeding modes, which come with the immediate delivery of IVs and EVs. The connections of two people are still a nonexistent step, and the delivery of the game to different consoles is novel but not necessary. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Do you consider this sufficient? I''ve done everything I could, even the visual improvements are clear. I just hope that these games adapt to the market needs we''re looking for, - commented Joseph Blinkey, in a small and select meeting about future developments.


    The Pok��mon Red Fire and Green Leaf games are the ones delivered previously. Three games will be delivered this time with Yellow, a classic Pikachu stance. The appropriate release for PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 consoles is being awaited, along with the release of Game Boy, for color reasons, compressed, its placement is awaiting a release of a color Game Boy, or a more advanced product.


    -Well, I used all my talent to fix the flaws and color pixels on each map, and design each map, even the characters. Creating an avatar has been difficult. The 2D design, I can''t improve in quality. We need a better visual program. Maybe if we could create our game engine, - commented Sonia, Pok��mon''s habitual designer, one of the main sources of inspiration for new Pok��mon.


    -It''s perfect. For now, we can focus on the Fate series and the Baldur Gate series. We have two teams, but the distribution of these games is no ordinary joke, - commented Joseph Blinkey, breathing deeply at the end of the game''s remastering.


    -Ugh, I have some designs. Billy gave us numerous maps on how we should develop the characters. I have numerous designs, but we must consider that video recreations will be used, we''ll use the animators from Lux Toons, so I only focused on characters, - commented Sonia.


    -Don''t worry, we''ll move forward step by step. At the rate we''re going, we have many animation companies. From what I''ve heard, they bought three animation studios, especially for the advancement of television series, - said Joseph.


    And so, they began again to create great animation series.


    ***


    In Los Angeles, California... in recording studios located at Cinemaline, a small black production studio with a green screen, many of the scenes were evacuated. Firstly, the shots of the house and the final chase would take place on the outskirts of Los Angeles, in a desert area that could offer the scene in a pre-production agreed car, due to a much deeper and different ending than the one where David Mills dies, saving Somerset, dying at the same time as John Doe, both dying, completing the seven sins, and in that death, John Doe''s requirement is fulfilled. However, in pre-production, for David Fincher, it was a deep clich��, he wanted a powerful and crude ending, something that would happen in real life, something that would stir thoughts. Therefore, making a grim and devastating portrait of today''s corrupted society, of its continuous fear, and above all, of the monsters that arise and are fed by it, possibly a result of the lack of ideals in a society tired of having everything it wants, the old ideas of the shoulder is corruptible, and to what extent that madness leads people to have motives.


    The staging of Seven is impeccable, the whole story in Billy''s eyes has subliminal messages, generating a tense climax thanks to the rainy and dark scenarios, only broken by the beam of light from the police flashlights, even Mills'' house is not safe: every five minutes it shakes because of the passing subway. The care of the simple wardrobe is astonishing: Somerset''s hat, which makes us think of a good man, of the sheriffs of the old westerns; Mills'' wrinkled shirts and childish ties, which betray that under so much arrogance hides a naive person, a David Mills who is foolish and makes mistakes in various situations, it''s almost a certainty that everything will go well, but how the hero''s journey is highlighted, and how it ends up being designed.


    A disastrous ending.


    -Our scenes together are the best thing that has happened to me in life, - Gwyneth commented.


    -What do you mean? - Billy asked.


    -That you push and demand from me in a way that no other actor has done. I guess I never considered stopping to think about every detail, I even like how we both take into account the next scene, the little details, - the blonde commented happily.


    -I''m glad, and well, we can continue taking roles together as long as you get acceptable scripts. Your father has a good eye for scripts by the way he pressured you to accept the movie, taking his opinion as a veteran is a great idea, - Billy commented.


    -It''s a fact I would like us both to be part of another project, one that we can both perform in, - Gwyneth replied, imagining another movie, due to Billy''s growing popularity, they could aim for better productions, and with some connections, being part of something is not a necessary problem.


    -Let it not be romantic, I want to expand our perspectives... although if there''s no other option, we can take it, but it would be good to organize a movie where our relationship spices up the film. It''s not good to repeat performances over and over, - Billy responded.


    ...

 300. An ending.

    The final recordings of the entire film are now enhanced in an order that must be correct and firm, but usually, the final scene has to be taken as the last, for two important reasons. The first is the clear scene, how both start discussing fervently everything, soaking in care, each part has its ideology. On one hand, David Mills believed that things were either right or wrong, acting based on his morals, or it was right or it was wrong, with no middle ground.


    On the other hand, Somerset had an idea that good and evil didn''t matter, there are behaviors and actions, and understanding people and their behaviors is enough to discover a person, he knows that evil is not enough to condemn, and that law, internal situations, even politics are part of every situation, justice is found in different ways.


    While John Doe feels he must spit on society''s sins, and transfigures justice into a depraved way of looking at it, it''s not common, it''s just madness seen sharply as correct. His justice is retribution. Punishment and religious focus on his teachings.


    Scene 99, take 3,


    ...


    -Cut, scene over, - a voice sounded over the patrol''s headphones.


    They were close to the scene, in a desert, being chased by a helicopter, and following it, two trucks arrived, with recording equipment and makeup artists, all present.


    -We have ten minutes, the delivery van isn''t far away, we must organize everything possible, - David Fincher commented.


    In the shot, they were being made up, and there was a bit of wind, while John Doe continued to wear a crazy look. Engaged in a final plan.


    -We have five minutes, - a nearby voice shouted.


    Everyone positioned themselves for the final scene.


    Scene 100, take 1.


    S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut. -


    ...


    The scene was intense, but John Doe, the man got up with total contempt, and it was ordered, Kevin Spacey remained immersed in the role, but he didn''t ignore that it was all a long process, finishing the scene he could take a break.


    ...

 301.hotmail.

    February 27.


    On the savannah of Los Angeles, in a small improvised studio delimited by natural routes, the landscape of Sev7en ended with its rhythm, desolate, everyone ended up gathered at the entrance of the production studio.


    -That was anticlimactic, - Billy replied, alongside Jim Waitt, with a hint of disillusionment about how the entire recording ended, the detachment was unromantic, and everyone had to make their appearances.


    -You acted well. The director mentioned that even though you''re a complete rookie, like him, you have a spark. You know how to master your character to such an extent that Morgan Freeman''s intensity didn''t completely overshadow you. Without being irascible, you achieved a lot, - Jim Waitt commented, organizing his notes agenda. He now only had two people under his management, a prospective actress, and Billy, a guy who had been represented for five years and now had space for new talent, but the struggle at CAA continued, although Michael''s idea had created power vacuums.


    -I feel particularly tired, - Billy commented after numerous adjustments and retakes; he had to focus on the many roles he had to perform.


    -Come, I have some scripts for you to read for your upcoming awards season. There are some interesting roles, but I know it''s better to grab them now while you have the right time, - Jim Waitt commented, knowing Billy''s schedule inside out.


    Both arrived at the office, and a pile of scripts was on Jim Waitt''s desk to the left, along with blue cream curtains and a gray polyester carpet covering the entire office, more like a carpet. CAA offices are simply marvelous.


    -For now, you have 35,000 points, and according to your instincts, you should at least have the skills of any respectable actor in the market without practice and experience, - Jim Waitt commented.


    -Okay, but we should have other options. You can''t always wait to be alert. Often, a new face can step into the roles, - Jim Waitt commented.


    The next scripts they looked at were Nixon, where you act as a supporting character in the shadow of Nixon, Crossed Lives, Dragonheart: Heart of the Dragon (which interrupted a certain space with Independence War), Mighty Aphrodite, Crimson Tide, and more.


    -None catches my attention. Sure, interesting scripts, but I see that the scripts are particularly biased towards older people, - Billy commented.


    -You''re right, but the script isn''t chosen by age, kid, it''s chosen by talent. You could even take on the role of Nixon. However, that takes time, and preparation. What we need to do is give you enough time to acquire a more comfortable schedule, - Jim Waitt commented.


    Opening Billy''s thinking.


    -Let''s start with The Net, and then move on to an American President, - Billy said, seeing that the best way out was to take supporting roles and gain experience. This is different from what happens with lead roles, although on Independence Day, it''s the opposite.


    ***


    Later that same morning on February 27, 1995, the launch of Hotmail was announced, and they dictated the inauguration over the phone with numerous friends, creating email accounts in different countries and sending messages across distances. For those with internet access, the result was perfect.


    The plan was simple: provide a great service and sell it at a ridiculously high price. For a company of 10 employees, it was enough.


    -A toast to this, - Terry Banks, senior programmer of Hotmail, commented loudly.


    They had just launched the Hotmail page, an email service that works nationwide, available in all states of the U.S. Even Anne on the side couldn''t help but applaud the smiling youths who continued to rejoice in everything. A thoroughly interested Raimon in the development process toasted with the people, and members of the Hotmail team.


    -What a novel idea, - Anne commented, approaching the group.


    -Even more so with Billy''s wonderful idea of paying for proprietary business domains. Now a company can open an independent email network, attached to a work network. Honestly, Billy is a genius, - John Grew commented, one of the lead programmers and one of the first to set up the transaction network for sending messages and attachment details.


    -We already have a domain for our company, - Anne commented.


    -We have it now; we''re following the idea of creating two different emails, the first being Hotmail and a beta version of Gmail, which is much more complex and has different attributes. Billy wants to add it as a data program. However, to do everything Billy wants, we need more staff and resources, - John Grew responded, who, in Anne''s eyes, was the hidden boss and who should be raised above Terry Banks, who had much more experience.


    Why only in North America? For now, they limited the domain, to one month to see if they needed to correct errors. They''ll likely open it to the world next month.


    Anne led the conversation, standing in front of the meeting with her arms crossed calmly. She picked up a black phone and put it on speakerphone, dialing Billy''s number, who was still reviewing scripts with Jim Waitt.


    -Now we''ll hear the good news from the president, - Anne replied.


    The programmers'' faces cooled; the president only came to impose more work on them. In their hearts, the technical details of Blogger, the specialized blog application, along with the format were still fresh.


    The phone rang.


    -Billy, it''s Anne. These Hotmail folks managed to set up the email service, and now I see they''re conducting tests. We''ll likely need to hire technical staff to review the website and customer service advisors. Now, it''s up to you as the president to set the direction, -Anne commented. S~ea??h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without giving Billy a moment to breathe, that''s how Anne was, frank and straight to the point, just like Billy. It was a gesture learned from both, Thomas, and the circumstances.


    -Hire someone for that job, and let one person handle it. The rest can be addressed in different ways. For example, we can upload a tutorial document for people to review. They can create a frequently asked questions page with all the information. Want more solutions? - Billy responded.


    -Thank you, now... - Anne murmured.


    -Of course, they should continue with the Blogger project, an online blog with different functions. It can serve as an incentive for independent journalists, music lovers, whatever... Along with that, I''m reviewing our new joint project for online messaging, Messenger, the application for private remote dialogues, and instant messages. It''s a better idea... Wish the team good luck with their work and arrange a five-day paid vacation at the hotel in Hawaii for them. They can take their immediate family along, wife, and children. If they don''t have a wife or children, they can take their parents or siblings, - Billy commented, smiling at the good news.


    The employees'' smiles were both good and bad; more work, but also a break for a few days on the beaches of Hawaii.


    -That sounds good. I''ll send my regards to the folks; they must be excited about the vacation, - Anne commented.


    -The vacations are for... - Terry asked.


    -You have two months to claim them; we need to know if there are any errors in the network, and only you can confirm that for me, - Anne commented.


    -Yes.-


    -Yes. -


    The lively atmosphere continued; on the other hand, Anne left there, her heels resonating, but not before giving Raimon a dirty look as he continued celebrating with the team members. As she climbed the stairs, she now had to proliferate the website by sending recommendation letters about the license to multiple companies. The new online email was previously delivered on Independence Day, but now with different designs and better hypertexts, inbox anchoring, and reminders on a small calendar. For all intents and purposes, in addition to the idea of agreements with companies, it adds up to divine creativity.


    -Margot, organize my day. I need to have some phone calls with some universities, schedule appointments, and open my phone for some close associates who require new services, - Anne commented, already establishing a line of business. Billy might have mentioned that he only wanted an attractive sales pitch for a company and that he may buy the domain for $400 million to $600 million.


    For all the services they provide.


    ***


    -There''s news that Lux Animation is preparing to release another animated film, - Michael Eisner muttered seriously, beside him.


    -How do you know? Is this information trustworthy? - Michael Eisner asked, somewhat angrily, because in most situations, a Lux Animation film, comprising Lux Nation and Pixar, generates distress.


    The employee nodded, handing over a small, bulky script. Titled on its pages was "Beyond," along with a simple explanation that crossed Eisner''s mind. They''re doing the dubbing.


    -We''re releasing Pocahontas in June. But we don''t have a specific date set by them, and advancing the date isn''t good unless we can advance it for both us and them, - Michael Eisner murmured, still lost in thought.


    -Excuse me, - the employee replied.


    Michael Eisner took the script and made a couple of calls to his friends at Warner and also to some press companies. Anything to just ruin Billy''s profile. The first is to mess with the ratings, but he can''t be blatant for two simple reasons: these are children''s movies, and Universal, Paramount, MGM, and Fox will continue their agenda for profits. It''s not worth it to interfere if you have to pay favors, which will continue to cause problems because the relationship extends over time, again and again.


    ...


    Let''s go to chapter 340 of Patreon, have a happy week, I hope everyone is happy, have a good start to the week.

 302. iron giant

    Luxtoons was bustling with activity following Billy''s directive to be involved in the post-production direction and dubbing. Two crucial aspects framed The Iron Giant: first, the cost of the entire process had amounted to an estimated minimum of $23 million plus $3 million for advertising, including extra expenses for the soundtrack, voice actors, and production. This minimal cost would be followed by Billy, who was already a screenwriter and desired to undertake this activity in his upcoming years as the owner of the company, giving his well-deserved due to some individuals involved in the process. In contrast, Warner had spent $50 million on the budget for their previous project.


    However, The Iron Giant eventually became one of the most important cult films of its time. What makes The Iron Giant so good? Two things stand out: first, it''s a symbol, a nod to the 1950s when science fiction had its first popular surge in American culture. The use of the Deep Canvas technique, which Billy is employing��a combination of 3D and 2D rendering��had previously been used by Disney for the movie Tarzan in 1999.


    -It''s wonderful, this blessed technique, - Paul Schools commented, the main character of the animation series, possibly among the best animation techniques he''d seen in the last decade, he thought, observing such a subtle combination of elements. In many cases, such combinations were not entirely perfect.


    -It''s more than wonderful; it''s a work of art, - Roy Graham commented. Both were former Disney animators who had left due to conflicts or issues in 1989, having burned their bridges; no company wanted to hire them for four years, and the opportunity to be part of this new company was a lifeline.


    The team of 30 people had a fine-tuned structure on what should and shouldn''t be done. Among the many, new talents had been cultivated, and new people had been added to take charge of good animated movies. For now, only one person had crafted an acceptable animated script: Jamal Ferrosen, curiously an Indian with Bulgarian heritage. He created a marvelous adaptation of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, this time set in the 20th century, when many people sought architectural wonders, including treasures from the past. In this tale, the Pied Piper''s flute, which could manipulate all sorts of animals, pests, and people with certain melodies, is discovered by a scientist who uses it to manipulate laboratory rats. However, it requires great skill, which eventually disenchants him until the flute is stolen and used by a true singer who begins wreaking havoc. Parallelly, the story unfolds of a failed musician who earns a living playing on the streets, discovering the secret to avoiding the Pied Piper''s flute: deafness. Because he''s deaf in one ear, he manages to connect with his best friend, a deaf woman who can''t hear his songs but loves the way his soul dances. She can see that the Pied Piper''s melody is a flute that moves dark souls.


    -It''s amazing how we''ve managed to complete the series in our way, - Jerry Simmons commented, one of the important contributors. Although his progress wasn''t a priority, he was responsible for creating the series to the liking that was so desperately needed. He handled all the meticulous details, such as painting backgrounds, arranging characters, coordinating movements, and rendering, alongside a small team, which helped alleviate the burden of the division of labor. By delivering long, graphic scripts for most of his films, Billy was perhaps the person who had undertaken the most projects.


    -We have 120 minutes of film and reel. If we can reduce the movie to at least 100 minutes, we''ll consider the work perfect, - Roy Graham commented.


    -You guys are wasting time, - David Jill, nicknamed the security guard due to his long work hours, responded. He had to do his job as an animator for approved series and conduct his studies on the series, comics, and scripts, which led him to work shifts of 18 to 24 hours. He was a true workaholic.


    David Jill''s deep, dark circles were all the indication needed of his intense dedication.


    -We''ve finished assembling the film; now we just need to do production and dubbing, much to our horror. Jerry''s team has already begun putting together new drawings for ''Lilo and Stitch,'' a weary Roy Graham remarked.


    -Isn''t that impressive? You folks in team two don''t beat around the bush. Now you have a six-month delay margin per film, meaning you should have everything ready by August at least, or well, by November at most, - David Jill commented with some surprise.


    -I have no doubt it''s true; the boss will be here today, - Paul Schools commented, raising David Jill''s eyebrows. He needed Billy''s approval, who bought the original series produced by people. A clear example is Anna, for whom Billy bought her series for $300,000 and gave her the right to produce the series, although these dollars were distributed among some who helped, serving as a bonus for an extra series, $10,000 each. It was enough for Anna and for many who were delighted to present their ideas and be valued with money.


    -I must see the boss as soon as possible. Any idea why he''s not here? - David Jill asked.


    -They''re recording the dubbing; he has a crucial part in the dubbing, participating as the giant robot and as an artist from the dump, - Paul Schools commented.


    -I think I''ll go take my notes again. If the boss is here, he might give me some advice, - David Jill replied, still subordinate to the many projects animators were churning out one after another.


    There were at least five new series that had some guarantee, and indeed, all of them were great series. For example, Jamal ventured to be part of a movie; the purchase price for movie rights stood at $500,000, along with some extra bonuses, a ticket to success.


    -We all have a lot of things to do, - Paul Schools replied.


    Upstairs, Billy was doing all the necessary voiceovers, having spent two days on this activity, ensuring that once the animation process concluded, it would be done in two or three more days.


    -Here''s a glass of water, - Anne commented.


    -Thank you, Anne. The dubbing process has been more exhausting than I expected. At least in five days, we should be ready to take our positions, - Billy remarked.


    -You''ll participate in this premiere; your name will lend a lot of support, - Anne commented.


    -I will, and I already have some ideas to make some money... This movie, although modified, I don''t expect it to gross more than $100 million, - Billy commented, pondering what to do. - I want to sign a deal for tie-in games with McDonald''s while we can also make some foldable robots. - Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Is it just a hunch? - Anne asked.


    -Something like that, but I have some ideas to attract the audience. It''s just that the movie is more of a cult one; the script is excellent, but it requires a certain level of complexity that we haven''t had in our previous movies. It also lacks the flashy appeal of our other films. Being optimistic, the box office will settle around $80 million to $150 million, - Billy explained.


    -That''s your prediction, - Anne acknowledged.


    -It is. Why did you come? - Billy asked.


    -You have a meeting with Hotmail and with Jim Gianopulus. You need to pay more attention to the company, and there''s something else. This girl Gwyneth called; she will make a new movie and be busy. She asked you to call her back, - Anne said.


    -Thank you, Anne. I''ll take the meeting with Jim Gianopulus in the morning and then with Hotmail, and I''ll call Gwyneth later. My work here ends in two hours at least, - Billy replied.


    ***


    -You''re a very charming woman, Joanne, - Steve Parks said, admiring the redhead with a delightful figure. As a man of thirty-three, along with the charm of a young writer, he couldn''t help but show his admiration by kissing Joanne''s knuckles, who, for rare tastes, was very well dressed today.


    -Mr. Parks, - JK Rowling replied.


    -I apologize for the inconvenience, but your book has a particular taste in our agenda due to its appeal to children. As part of the Toor Books publishing house, a unique company, I want to sign a 20-year deal for your Harry Potter series and, of course, to start a scholarship for writers, - Steve Parks commented.


    Internally, Joanne''s heart was pounding upon hearing such good news, but as an adult, she managed to compose herself.


    -What does the writer''s scholarship entail? -she asked, not being very familiar with the norms.


    -As you can see, it''s a scholarship we give to our writers��a monthly salary as maintenance to write their books. We know that selling books is not that simple, - Steve Parks commented, adjusting his suit and handing over the brochure he usually gave to sponsored individuals with the company.


    To Steve Parks'' surprise, Joanna was the third person to read the entire brochure and contract. The last people were the Tolkien family and Orson Scott Card, high-ranking individuals who were accustomed to these legal affairs.


    The contract contained all the usual terms: 14% royalties, a 20-year term with an exclusivity renewal clause, a scholarship of ��35,000 per year, participation in the assignment of rights for animation, handling of peripherals, and advertising support.


    -It''s a very good contract, almost too good that it raises many doubts if it''s real, - Joanne commented.


    -You can send a lawyer if you prefer, but if you want my advice, sign it. My boss, though a capitalist, has the heart of an artist, and as long as the requests are reasonable, he can fulfill them, miss, -Steve Parks commented.


    -Taking it that way, it''s something I can''t deny. However, some things raise certain doubts for me, -.Joanne commented.


    -Well, I''ll be here until tomorrow; you have all day to review the contents of the contract, - Steve Parks commented.


    Joanne felt pensive. It was good that they valued her book, but the many ideas they had were empty because everything was ordered by Billy, who had an idea to improve the Harry Potter product a hundredfold.


    ***


    Believe it or not, Harry Potter, before its movie adaptation, had sold only 200,000 books between books 1 and 2, 3. This shows that without the movies, Harry Potter books are little more than a well-written children''s series. The thing is, the movies are special, along with the expenses Warner made for each film. The unexpected growth led to success, in my opinion, it''s a success story, a combination of hard work, luck, and media marketing.


    ...

 303. confidential

    Jim Gianopulus had been in office for less than six months, but the company trusted him as if he had years of experience. The way he hired his colleagues, who had been reprimanded after the alleged betrayal by Jim, hired by Anne based solely on the trust they placed in him, and how he allowed himself to lead the film projects, it was clear that his bet was not in vain. To win a position as director and to have some say in casting decisions is a great favor in itself. Along with Jim Wait and others, they can leverage this through requests for favors, agreements, and other industry niceties.


    Billy took the early morning route, arriving at the office before the sun rose, noting that spring was approaching, and he devoted himself to sketching some ideas he had in mind, to pay attention to the meeting he had later in the morning with his entertainment director.


    The purchasing system was straightforward, and the availability of series he had lost. But he still had time to pitch a movie and cause trouble in the Disney and Warner boardrooms.


    "Mulan �C 25 points."


    "Osmosis John �C 15 points."


    Through an operational idea, he would launch some teasers ahead of schedule, sponsored in a familiar manner, resources after time, and credits after the movie. Using Mulan immediately is just hitting Disney, and Osmosis John is hitting Warner. But if he can take away Harry Potter and Matrix from them, it''s enough to ease his grudges against Warner.


    -Mr. President, I''m glad we could meet. Congratulations on your film ''Before Dawn''; it won an award for Best Picture, and the reviews were assertive, mostly positive. It has a good outcome, - Jim commented, shaking hands with Billy as he entered.


    -Jim, I see you''ve been very active - Billy responded, reading the brief report Jim handed him.


    -I''m just doing my job. By the way, the success of ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'' is considerable. The revenues received have been substantial, and we have promotions to license the program in other countries, -Jim replied, revising only the advertising margin, which was at least three or four million in the last three months, as well as licenses valued at $700,000 in England, $400,000 in India, and $380,000 in Russia, along with smaller percentages in advertising.


    -Let''s accept all the country-by-country licenses, - Billy replied, surprising Jim! The last time he spoke with Billy, he mentioned wanting to make money, exploit the market, call in favors, and invest more money, and now, he only accepts some less relevant offers.


    -What''s your reasoning? Don''t get me wrong, I thought you''d squeeze people, or perhaps have a public offering, ask for favors, or go against people, - said Jim Gianopulus.


    -Reasoning, reasoning, this and that... you can give out all the licenses you want. Remember that the use of ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'' is a profit not only from the programs but also from games. If millions of people worldwide know our brand Lux Animation, ID Software, it''s enough for me. I''m establishing a lasting brand, something that invites many to think... I''ve seen this somewhere before. That''s why I want to make money; from a simple idea, we''ve made connections. You approached CBS, and I assume we paid for seasons of ''Friends'' and ''ER,'' two series we wanted, and now we can keep buying other series, like ''CSI'' or other new series, perhaps independent films to add to your lineup, - Billy commented, still doubtful.


    -Well, we only have a tentative offer for three seasons, - added Jim Gianopulus.


    -It''s true; we have a significant offer for both series... if you can increase the budget and improve the offer to buy them, do it. I can make some money acting and invest it in those series, perhaps bid for ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air''; it''s a perfect series for our company, - Billy replied.


    Jim sighed internally; Billy''s ambition and greed were refreshing and always made him question things. Accumulating and accumulating is bad; there''s no market to publish all the series, and it''s illogical to do so. Therefore, two series are more than enough, while he continues to buy movies and collect.


    A new program, a reality show, a reality show containing its drama, the idea is risky, and money is being thrown series after series. With at least six fixed series and 20 movies, it''s possible to launch a TV channel, with five to six movies per year and one good series, the channel can sustain itself for two or three more years.


    -I''ll do what you ask, as long as it''s logical. Our previous conversation gave me an idea to buy channels from the competition, - Jim Gianopulus replied with some wisdom, still having two ideas he didn''t want to discuss yet, but the questioning gesture, hand on chin, furrowed brow, along with the tic, clearly signaled his distrust of Billy.


    He took a long sheet, jotting down a short paragraph, then signed it broadly and took his pen. Handing the sheet to Jim Gianopulus, it read as follows:


    The sheet was clear, the information was top-secret, even more so than secret. The conversation continued, and Billy called Erwin, who brought a device capable of identifying recording errors, a large gadget that scanned the entire room, and even the technology equipment. Along with it, he took a vinyl record, and Elvis''s music started playing in the room.


    -Are you willing to sign it? - Billy commented, giving a nod to Erwin, who then left the room.


    Jim pondered everything, but there was something more, a fear creeping through his body in the face of the wonderful contract; it was undoubtedly a confirmed fear. His boss continued to act mysteriously. Jim took a pen and signed, as Elvis''s song drowned out the noise. In a minute, a woman arrived, Anne the CEO, entered the room with some fury. Seeing Jim''s serious gaze as he signed something, she feared the worst but remained silent, entering with her usual calmness, though with some fear, as Erwin ushered her in and stood at the door.


    -Close the door securely, Anne, and come closer, - Billy commented, writing another announcement, taking the pen, and quickly dialing a number for Anne.


    -Take a seat, dear. You once said you wanted to know the future of the company; now I can tell you, as long as you sign the contract, a mere formality for someone like you. But it never hurts to be cautious, - Billy commented, opening the window as the wind picked up and Elvis''s song filled the room. He disconnected the technology equipment, as Erwin explained, and continued with an attitude that caused distrust in both Anne and Jim.


    -I have a feeling someone is listening to my conversations, or at least has some idea that something strange is happening, - Billy commented, that after someone investigated his email company, the information could be relevant and gave him logical ideas about possible corporate fraud or a competitor''s ruse. He added cameras and tightened security with Erwin. sea??h th�� n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''ll sign, but I have doubts, you''re scaring me with all this, - Anne replied, quickly signing.


    -Now that we''re here, let''s take a closer look. For a long time, I''ve realized that the internet will develop in the next twenty years in a way you would doubt, but it''s true and we shouldn''t deny it, - Billy said, taking a sheet and creating a Netflix homepage from memory.


    -Before you know it, you should know that according to my analysis in the last year, I didn''t expect technology companies to start growing so evenly. Investments have skyrocketed, so I believe that by 1999 or 2000, the performance of stocks will be at 4000% or more. Where there''s money, there''s a will. And the development, with Microsoft, Netscape, AOL, and Next, it''s clear that in a short time, web pages, and virtual domains will be as important as many other domains. The internet will become an essential service; anyone who has the internet in their pockets will gain a service that will make them rich. Therefore, I''m aware that the more these services are delivered, the cheaper they will become, and it''s likely that in ten years, most households will have internet. People will start accepting different methods of delivering or receiving services. I want to create a website that contains a digital library with all kinds of digital content, at least 3000 to 4000 movies, great series, movies, and series, - Billy paused, letting the silence extend.


    -How many people are in the United States, China, Russia, India, and Spain? No... How many people are in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa? How many people are in the middle class worldwide who can afford $15 for a service? Don''t answer; I have the calculation. 100 million people can afford the service; with some modifications, we can get thousands of people to join. Multiply $15 by 100 million people; now, if we multiply that monthly expense by 12 months, we''ll make a fortune of at least fifteen billion a month, and over twelve months, that''s 180 billion. But if we add to that the fact that the movies we release first go through the cinema, through the sale of derivatives, we have the largest round business in the world, - Billy said, pounding the table.


    -I have some questions, - Anne questioned.


    ***


    Jim Gianopulus walked to Sony''s production; there, the producers from CBS were also waiting, or at least a team of many. After the meeting with Billy, he went to a meeting in New York to present the next program, both for CBS and for Sony, and a tentative one for Comedy Central.


    Billy believes in a new reality show program; it''s an example of "Survivor," a television series dedicated to having 40 people stranded on an island for a set period, where they must perform various tasks that push people to their limits, with a presentation and groups competing in different challenges.


    For now, the idea was heading for its presentation. A logo was created, and there were already different ideas about the tests they would perform. The program is revealing, and innovative, and doesn''t propose the classic idea of games of chance.


    But the conversation with Billy was different. Many of his ideas and his vision of the world were almost like that of a magician who sees the future. He showed signs and signals that he observed... in his mind, he could see a glimpse of the success of true geniuses, who see something no one else does.


    ...

 304. Audition for “independence day” galactic invasion.

    -Sweetheart, you''ll be in the angels, -Gwyneth remarked.


    -I will be, but I have a lot to accomplish. There''s a significant role I want to play. There''s going to be a major audition, and, well, I need approval... How''s New York? - Billy inquired.


    -I''ll be taking on a role my father recommended. I''d love for you to be a part of it, but if the project is important, we can postpone the role, - Gwyneth commented.


    Talking over the phone, sprawled out on a carpet, wearing shorts, and moving her legs, she was truly captivating. Milky skin and her flirtatious way of speaking. Something Billy couldn''t forget; Gwyneth could only be described as hot.


    -None of that, contact my agent. If I have to participate, I''ll have to participate. Plus, I need to improve my acting skills. We can learn some techniques along the way to help me improve, - Billy remarked.


    -No problem. I asked my father, who in turn asked some famous winners, about how to improve his acting skills. I was surprised. He asked Al Pacino, who recently starred in The Godfather. You know what he said? The best way to understand a character is by studying. The first thing you should do is understand the character and write a 10,000-word essay about your character. Once you perfectly understand your character, you can start experimenting with the role. You have to become the character. It''s best to act with people in the industry or interact with people who treat you like the character. The second step is imitation, copying the elements of the character... Third, rewrite a 10,000-word essay now with your experiences, - Gwyneth commented.


    Surprising Billy, there''s something strange. This girl helps him in so many ways that Billy''s face can only be slapped... This is how people feel when someone treats them very well. He just feels like taking a breather, but he knows good intentions shouldn''t be taken lightly.


    -Thanks, Gwyn, I''ll be there tomorrow at noon for the interview, - Billy commented, ending the conversation, as many things lay right in front of him. The first was to finish recording for The Iron Giant and to plan out the next steps to make money.


    Jim Gianopulus arrived yesterday and mentioned that Survivors wasn''t received well by Sony, however, he has different meetings scheduled with NBC, CBS, and ABC, which are not yet owned by Disney.


    But now he must get back to acting, in The Iron Giant, the robot''s sounds were constantly reevaluated in other shots. Guided by Billy himself, who took the lead in gesturing the robot''s habits, every word of the robot was taken with supreme delicacy. The robot has a total of 39 entries, each of which he handled on his own.


    Not far away, Thandie Newton occupied a spot nearby, she was taking on the role of the lead actress, and although she didn''t show it, she was a woman with great skills. As a British actress, she had a powerful performance and many skills of her own from her acting academy and method. Her olive skin and model-like figure were wonderful. She wore a green dress above her knees that accentuated her figure in a way that defied logic.


    Billy walked to the studio to continue with the acting, as much as he could. He had to make the robot sounds.


    ***


    Independence Day is one of the great films of the 90s, although it may seem outdated and not very developed, it''s one of the best commercial movies, a huge blockbuster that, despite what many may deny, touched the hearts of many. Its epic nature, the raw depiction of the Martians.


    For the second time, he saw a long line. They called for a massive casting to choose good actors, unknown ones. They had a small budget, much less than they had previously, big breaks are common, however, what''s uncommon is the triumph of an unknown, when the struggle is against big names, it''s just a blow to all the titles of people who don''t have connections.


    The hallways were sharp as he pondered on the performance ahead, mimicking a soldier, mimicking a pilot, a man who must behave, in love and eager to have a family, above an ordinary person, he''s a man who has a certain joy, his work is a brief model of an actor, Billy desires, above comic relief, to portray someone who has a soldier''s dilemma, between loving, tender, tough, serious, cold, and cheerful, the idea is to portray a hero''s sign, who lives under the rule''s yoke, capable of love.


    Billy walks down the hallway, although the producer isn''t famous, they''re related to Fox Century and the relationship is close as it will be distributed by Fox. Curiously, in Independence Day, Billy''s scenes aren''t big, and there''s almost a series as if the characters were divided, each with a role to play, and Billy''s role as Captain Steven Hiller.


    Billy has a problem. At 18, although he doesn''t look older, he can use small tricks that give him an older age, such as a beard, hairstyle, makeup, and graying hair, it all depends on perspective.


    -Stay calm, many of these people are modeling for performances of other characters, - Jim Waitt commented, accompanying him. Not far from him, he saw two important details.


    -Billy, - a girl not far from him commented. It was Mili Avital, one of the women he gets along with best.


    -What are you doing here? -Billy asked.


    -It''s funny that you ask when it''s your fault. Your agent spoke to Ronald, and well, in turn, they spoke to me. You need a wife, - Mili commented, kissing Billy on the cheek.


    -Practicing for the wife of Steve Miller, the airplane pilot, - Billy asked.


    -That''s right, and well, here I am. Although you''ve been active, I''ve only had small roles in ER, and you''ve had two extra movies, and well, your things in the press, if I didn''t know you were a sweet man and not a playboy, - Mili said, her green eyes still as beautiful as ever, large and lively.


    -You''re right, the press has killed me, and sometimes I think those bastards are looking to laugh about my life, my work, my company, and my family, - Billy responded disheartened.


    -It''s okay, those who know you know you''re not as cruel as many say, and well, Ronald calling you also proves that - Mili responded, getting closer to Billy and lowering her voice, many ears could try to listen, and if she spoke too softly, it could be worse, as they wanted to eavesdrop, Billy is a great specimen for the news.


    -I have my audition coming up soon, my profile is just to look sexy. Should I call you for dinner? - Mili said, smiling. Now that Billy saw her, she was wearing deep red heels, along with a short white skirt and a snug crop top that showed off her figure.


    -Of course, - Billy said.


    -Women, either run from them or be strong, Billy. Usually, women are the hottest topics in Hollywood, they can destroy a man''s career or elevate him to heaven, be careful!"- Jim Waitt responded.


    -Thanks, Jim, - Billy commented.


    Two hours passed, and amid that place, he visualized that many people were still there. When called, he entered the casting room, a small room where Devin Debli, Ronald Emerich, and Patrick Jonaha were seated, all members of the production team. For now, Billy''s attire was a white shirt, military pants, and boots.


    -Good morning, - Billy greeted.


    -A pleasure, Mr. Carson, - Patrick commented, then whispered to the others. "He has three movies under his belt, he''s considered a mid-tier actor, he has good recommendations, and he''s a master of dubbing, -he said softly, Billy didn''t catch the whole story.


    In front of Billy was a chair, red, resembling a racing seat, however, this chair was only in front, nothing surprising.


    -Use the chair as your portrayal of Steve Hiller. You must represent a military figure, - Patrick commented.


    The nod was a simple acknowledgment. No words were exchanged, the order was clear, basic performances were required, no fuss.


    ...


    ...


    -Hold, - Devlin commented, taking notes. -Take note, give me some comic relief. We need a military figure to kick off the series, which, above an art film, is a science fiction movie, - Devlin, the screenwriter, and producer, remarked.


    -No problem, sir, I''m an actor, - Billy said, sighing inwardly. Comedy can be approached from tragedy or simplicity. There are secrets to appearing funny.


    But being funny is just a silly matter, something Billy doesn''t fancy. Seriousness demands better work. All for his plans!


    -Let''s take the script shots, page 24, - Devlin commented, indeed making the movie needs someone to add comedy.


    ...


    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -Very well, that''s all, - Devlin commented.


    ...

 305. relationships.

    March 2.


    As he exited the recording studio, at least a dozen blocks away, there stood a blonde with fair skin, laughing. She wore jeans and a red shirt that accentuated her slim figure. Not far from her, a chubby man with curly hair was laughing with her, accompanied by a woman of the same age.


    -Look who''s here, he was at an audition, - Gwyneth commented, standing up and embracing Billy. - These are good friends of my godfather, Richard Attenborough, and his wife Sheila, - Gwyneth greeted.


    -Nice to meet you all, Billy Carson, Mr. Richard Attenborough, and Miss Sheila, - Billy commented, shaking their hands, earning a chuckle from Gwyneth, who enjoyed Billy''s seriousness.


    -I fear that little Gwyneth here only brings trouble, -Richard commented upon seeing Billy taking a seat, unaware of the hour-long conversation they had before everything happened.


    -He''s a well-known director, he''s producing his next movie, they might start filming in December, it''s about the life of Ernest Hemingway, - Gwyneth said.


    -Oh, we''re in an audition, - Billy commented.


    -Hehehe, correct, we''re behind the scenes, -Gwyneth commented. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I apologize for the improvisation, for now, there hasn''t been a casting call, just adjusting potential candidates, - Richard commented, his British accent standing out. The movie "Passion in War" holds a certain significance, first, it''s an event by New Line Cinema, and second, due to Billy''s inclination towards romance, it might catch Richard Attenborough''s attention. Despite preferring artistic quality, for a woman like Gwyneth, certain arrangements can be made, and the work he did in "Sev7en" was outstanding.


    All thanks to Billy, who forced the blonde to do the scenes numerous times.


    Billy didn''t have a perfect understanding of what he should or shouldn''t do. In many of his activities, these impromptu meetings, he didn''t know the parties well, and he had nothing but the accumulated tiredness of the weeks. He had known Richard for some time.


    -Tell me, Mr. Richard, what is this movie you want to produce about? - Billy asked.


    -A love story, with Ernest Hemingway as the main character, a glimpse of life in a separate world. I don''t want to delve too much into social and political stances and shed light on a person''s own, I very much like concrete ideas from special periods. If a long biography is done, it only generates doubt due to the poorly told story, it''s better to avoid complex and deep subjects, - Richard murmured. Conversations about thoughts began, and sometimes directors seek like-minded ideas to complement their films, much of it depends on the actor''s personality, an example being Jim Carrey, whose personality can be intense and exaggerated, perfect for comedy.


    -He has always been very powerful, but a story like that needs something stronger than just love. It needs the force of Hemingway''s works, something human, something tragic, - Billy commented.


    ***


    -It was an intense conversation, -Billy commented to Gwyneth, who nodded in agreement at what had transpired. Mr. Richard discussed Hemingway''s entire work, down to the quick details.


    -It was. Are you staying in Los Angeles? - Gwyneth asked.


    -I am, I have a few auditions, at least two or three extras. How about you? How''s everything going... I''ll be meeting a friend shortly, I think, for dinner, once she finishes my audition, we''ll dine. And yes, don''t give me that look, she''s invited, you shouldn''t be like that, - Billy commented, seeing the blonde''s furrowed brow.


    -Perfect, that sounds good to me. Lately, a guy named Leonardo DiCaprio has been bothering me. If you don''t help me, likely, that guy won''t stop bothering me, - Gwyneth commented.


    -You''re a grown woman, Gwyn, I trust you, - Billy commented, getting into the car, Paul, his bodyguard, was in a distant place.


    -You''re despicable... You know, sometimes I think age for a woman is the worst thing that can happen to a person. I''ve been rejected for being too young, and my mother says, ''Enjoy it, when you''re 30 or older, they''ll accuse you of being too old, and you won''t be able to be the sexy girl anymore,'' - Gwyneth commented.


    They both made their way to the hotel room, with some gentleness. Gwyneth was falling into a spiral, seeing how calmly Billy seemed at the mention of the cute blond guy, the party guy. There was a small group in Hollywood, everyone took a cue from these guys, they spent all their income on small salon parties, little ceremonies, or hunting for some nightclub. It was a large group of small actors who wanted to be part of the wildlife. Gwyneth attended some gatherings, but it wasn''t common, even for older people.


    But Billy was different. At the same age, he was older, almost an adult in the body of a young man. He had grown, and his features were sharper, especially his handsome chin and straight face, along with his centered eyes, military-shaped eyes, angular and strong, straight eyes, and of course, his charming smile.


    -I don''t think it''s a good idea for us to have dinner tonight, - the blonde said.


    -Stop being silly, babe. It''s just a friend, and although most of the time I''d decline, we have to adjust everything accordingly. I can''t come off as a jerk. It''s all about public relations. You know as much as I do about the importance of being a Hollywood man, - Billy commented.


    -Perhaps, - Gwyneth responded.


    Throwing herself at Billy to kiss him, she was a slender girl, her skin was white, eager to please, and she had a submissive streak that came out when ordered to do something.


    The kisses were brief. "Tonight," Billy replied.


    -Yeah, for dinner. I think I brought a dress, - the blonde said, walking. The jeans fell down her legs, her slim legs, and the small black thong made an appearance on her petite buttocks, smiling at him. The shower soon sounded, in the time that passed.


    His phone rang.


    -Billy, we have new auditions. One is for ''The Jury,'' ''City Hall: The Shadow of Corruption,'' ''Death Penalty.'' These roles are fantastic. For next week, there are a few other roles and ''Memories of Past Loves.'' This is a supporting role you earned, thanks to your efforts in ''Little Women.'' The problem is that the money is little, like an art film, the budget doesn''t exceed 7 million, - Jim commented.


    -Sure, I''ll do it. I need roles," Billy replied.


    -Lastly, Balto, another dubbing. The salary is minimal, 300,000 dollars. They had a problem with the actor; apparently, he had an idea from ''Apollo 13,'' and he''s finishing the movie. Spielberg decided to drop him. They''re looking for someone with skills, and well, you''re an expert in dubbing. You''ve even learned to make sounds, - Jim Waitt argued.


    -I''ll do any movie. As long as the script convinces me, - Billy responded.


    As they exited, Gwyneth arrived, with wet hair and a white shirt that reached her knees.


    -More scripts. You guys are hard workers, - the blonde commented.


    -We have to be, for now. Landing roles is a challenge. I must work; I have to strive. It''s the actor''s challenge. When scripts come to you, as a great actor, you can accept any script. But it will also be harder. The name is obvious, - Billy commented.


    ...

 306. Oscar′s.

    march 4.


    Billy had just finished his fourth audition of the day. All the auditions he had taken in the past few days were quick snapshots, using most of his time to catch up on episodes of "One Piece" and "Slam Dunk�� each episode serving as a break during production days.


    The news came in: initially, "The Lion King" had been nominated for Best Original Score, and as a guest of honor, it wasn''t Billy''s concern. His participation was common and undignified, a consolation prize. However, an unexpected visit awaited him.


    Ceremony parties before the Oscars were of all kinds, from small gatherings to cruises, parties, galas, and wild parties.


    For now, thanks to Gwyneth''s credit, he would have a small lunch with Spielberg, the golden man, the Midas touch, the man considered one of the most important directors in the history of cinema.


    -It''s just a lunch. I''ll talk to my godmother, and you''ll attend. After lunch, the meeting, - Gwyneth commented.


    -Don''t worry. We have something to do with Dreamworks. Your godfather wants money, and he''s afraid to get it from a normal entertainment branch, Universal... or any other company; it will only cause trouble. If he invests in a young man like me, he can give fewer explanations, - Billy remarked.


    -You''re the businessman. Besides, he wants to negotiate with you. You''re a man with many skills, and all those skills are valued. Dad says many people admire you, - Gwyneth commented.


    Both had many things to do in the coming days. First of all, most of the films they had auditioned for were different from the films of the 2000s era, different in three ways: the first was the flat shots, the lack of CGI use, and course, real-life shots.


    On the small table, a pile of scripts, all highlighted in a single filter, contained many designs, each from a unique series. Since the company hired a colorist and an editor to organize the scenes, he could make ten episodes in a week; his record was twelve episodes.


    -We have to go, - Billy commented. To his surprise, Gwyneth''s clothes were scattered all over the place. The little girl couldn''t stop making a mess.


    -It bothers me too, but what can I do? I have nothing that fits me well. I need to go shopping; I have very few clothes, -Gwyneth exclaimed.


    Billy could only nod as he picked up a small blue dress. "Put this on. I like how it looks on you," Billy said, handing it to her.


    -I wore that two months ago. -


    -Then why do you still have it? You look beautiful, and we''re running out of time. If you want, we can go shopping tomorrow. I saw a gorgeous cream-colored dress that would be perfect for you, - Billy commented, giving her a light kiss.


    Gwyneth''s cheeks turned pink as she nodded slightly, leading them both on a quick trip through the luxurious areas of Beverly Hills. Not far away, the grand mansions led them to a black gate, with a slight hill in the distance, a white mansion with colors, white, plaster, bone, and cotton.


    -Thank you, Paul. You can take a tour of Los Angeles, and grab a bite to eat. Come back after dinner. If anything unexpected happens, I''ll call you, - Billy commented, handing him $100. "For gas."


    Exiting the car, a butler was far away, guiding them with a hand on his abdomen and a small towel, a handkerchief he used on his hands.


    -Gentlemen, please come in. Lunch will be served in half an hour, - the butler commented.


    -Come, let''s greet my godmother. She''s the funniest woman in the world. I wish I could live in the 70s, - Gwyneth commented.


    -I have to make a call. Give me a second. -


    The meal was the usual affair, a bustling place where everyone was engrossed in their performances, a small gathering not so private with Kate Capshaw, Spielberg''s wife, and on the other side, a serene friend of Steven, his ex-wife, along with him, David Geffen and a busy Jeffrey Katzenberg digging into the potato salad.


    -I heard not long ago that your company is producing a movie, - Kate Capshaw commented softly to Billy, within earshot of him and the others.


    -I owed a favor, but yes, ''The English Patient,'' if memory serves right. I haven''t been keeping track much, ahhh, there''s also George Lucas''s trichology. So, yes, I guess I inadvertently started a film company," Billy responded.


    -Starting a company unintentionally. Life''s irony, - Kate remarked.


    The wind rustled against the wood, the weather allowing for an outdoor meal, all arranged with a white tablecloth. Not far away, some dogs roamed the neighborhood, sometimes begging for food.


    -Opportunities are like that. Sometimes when they come to you, you just have to unwrap them, and once you understand that they are often fruitful, you just have to know what to take and what not to take, - Billy commented.


    -Congratulations on the awards, Anne, - Kate Capshaw commented, catching the attention of Drew and Gwyneth.


    -Anne Awards? What''s that? - Drew Barrymore questioned.


    -Oh, that''s right. Lux Animation was one of the big winners at the Anne Awards, - Jeffrey Katzenberg announced loudly, the former head of entertainment, dismissed by Michael Eisner in a power play. The competition, at the time, managed to anger some competitors.


    -You work as an animator? - Drew asked, picking up a glass of juice. Alcohol was strictly off-limits for her, having just completed a lengthy rehabilitation.


    She was interrupted just as she was about to respond.


    -Dessert! - Kate exclaimed. The drinks had gotten to her, making her a bit dizzy and not very congenial. Gwyneth was chatting politely with Drew Barrymore, both as good as they were, holding a special place in their godfather''s heart, and trying to follow mostly everything he said.


    Two waiters arrived again, to clear away the desserts. Shortly after, they returned to serve ice cream cups, as well as some berry, strawberry, and banana muffins, along with some chocolate chip cookies. Nearby, everyone continued with a leisurely meal. Gwyneth''s displeasure was evident; she didn''t get along very well with Drew, who used to be a rebellious woman in many ways, often making Gwyneth uncomfortable. Billy was not at the head of the table; it was set in an L-shape.


    -Well, I think I''ll go soak up some sun by the pool, - Kate said, taking the girls to the pool, and inviting the women to the table to enjoy the mid-afternoon sun. Not far away, Billy grabbed some cookies and another glass of milk; curiously, the dessert table looked like the spread at a children''s party.


    -I think now that the ladies are off to the side, we should continue our conversation, - David Geffen commented, somewhat anxious at certain times.


    Amidst numerous misunderstandings, there were many things he had to address, such as the fact that he had a small production company, and in the same way that Billy carried himself, the discussions were clear. His new production business would mean a detachment from Billy''s new project. Was it a mistake to leave the company?


    Steven was a child with an adult voice, of course, he had a distinctive, traditional way and certain values, but he still had the soul of a child that normally characterized him.


    -I''m in. I love movies, - Billy said, not refusing Steven''s offer.


    -That''s satisfying, but it leaves us with some doubts, - Jeffrey Katzenberg commented.


    -I don''t want to be part of the animation team. I can support them from some sectors, but I want to be part of the video game, film, and series team... I have four animation studios, and I think I should separate animation from the DreamWorks company, - Billy said.


    -You want to work under my guidance, -Steven remarked.


    Under his guidance, if he took the animation course, he would be free and would share the direction with Jeffrey. After all, Billy was already proven and even had a considerable reputation in the industry; it was an open secret in high circles that he was the producer, screenwriter, director, and graphic designer of most of the works.


    -Yes, I want to work under your guidance, sir, - Billy replied, earning a smile from Steven at the boy''s comment.


    -I thought you''d choose animation, - Jeffrey Katzenberg responded, still hesitant; he wanted to work with Billy, but Billy wanted to work with Steven.


    Though very formal, calm, and respected, he would follow a course not much different from what he had to do in most situations. Jeffrey was someone to be feared, Steven Spielberg was too, as was David Geffen. Nonetheless, Billy calculated that if he lost money, it was better to learn from the best.


    -, yes, I don''t have a knack for music. I''m unfamiliar with the market, and I prefer to leave that to the experts. I''m talented in animation, but I have a company dedicated to that, and my opinion might differ. About creating movies and series, Steven''s guidance is the best for me. I don''t want to offend, but there''s nothing I don''t know about animation, but there''s a lot I don''t know about production, direction, and the industry. However, that doesn''t mean I don''t have something to ask for being part of the company, - Billy commented.


    The elders smiled at Billy, impressed by the power of his words, how he articulated things, his confidence, his way of presenting himself and accepting, and then putting forth conditions. Some more experienced individuals would work for free, but here was the young man, the fourth member of DreamWorks, a member from whom they only expected capital. It pleased them to see the youth.


    -What is it, young man? - Steven asked.


    Billy looked at them carefully, feeling out areas. He would start with the most artistic aspect and then move on to other points.


    -The Academy... although there are famous moments when the Golden Globes and the Oscars occasionally enable the Best Animated Feature category... I would like to see a category for Best Animated Picture opened, - Billy commented.


    Everyone''s eyebrows shot up; it was something Disney had requested at one point. But now, it wasn''t on people''s radar... and with Disney''s decline in the 80s, it was thought that the idea wouldn''t resurface. Billy''s suggestion prompted a sharp laugh from Jeffrey Katzenberg, indicating his position.


    -Why do you want that? If we have an animation branch, we at DreamWorks will fight for the Oscars. It will be a conflict of interest, - Jeffrey commented.


    Billy smiled, showing his white teeth. Ah, Steven could see the lucidity of the child in his next words.


    -Lux Animation won''t spend a penny lobbying or fighting for the Oscar. I won''t invest money in that. It''s an award... with all due respect. But it''s for the good of animation. I want companies to be interested in winning it and to create their animation studios, just as you want to create a great film company, - Billy commented.


    There was a brief silence; the proposal had been previously floated by Michael Eisner. sea??h th�� n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s going to cost you, kid. It''s not free, - Steven murmured.


    -You could talk to Michael Eisner; he cares a lot about your company. If you propose the idea to him, the weight of Disney, with your friendly hand and that of other companies, might force a different path, - Jeffrey suggested.


    -Could you give me his phone number? I want to talk face-to-face, - Billy asked.


    Surprising Jeffrey with the directness of the question, going straight into battle. What bravery, to confront someone who constantly fights against you. Billy understood long ago that business warfare is business warfare.


    ...

 307. Oscar party.

    The lively conversation among the three great future minds of DreamWorks, now four, was filled with various twists and turns. It was nearly mid-afternoon, and they continued to share their ideas, their deepest ambitions, and even the notion of absorbing emerging companies with great potential. These companies had survived over the years, such as the recent Caralco Pictures, which had caught the attention of those around them. Yet, acquiring a conventional company from the six major studios, those with over 50 years of history, remained impossible. These studios were under the watchful eye of the entire world, represented by symbols like the roaring lion, the illuminated title, the castle surrounded by fairy dust or stars, the Statue of Liberty, the mountain, and the shield amidst a tangle of clouds.


    -The right investment is enough to get each industry up and running, - commented Steven Spielberg, relaxing in his chair.


    -Very well, everyone is responsible for their position, though I''m interested in knowing when we''ll start the investment, - remarked Billy.


    -This year, I have some collaboration projects, and the investment will likely come from some individuals'' pockets. For example, David plans to equip his studio. We''ll use Amblin Entertainment as a starting point for many other ventures, - stated Steven Spielberg.


    -That''s logical. Amblin already has some credibility. We can divide the project into four areas: film, video games, music, and animation. Four companies that together form DreamWorks, - responded Billy.


    -Can you start the investment from next month? - asked Steven.


    -I can, starting in early June. I have two investments in different projects that have been consuming my cash. Maybe around 40 million to get into the business. From there, we''ll see how necessary these new attempts at success are. But... risks should be minimal. The greater the investment, the greater the risk and there''s a frequent sense that the cinema is changing. The timing is right to start making changes, followed by the creation of the video game branch, - replied Billy.


    This idea might seem dubious to some, but it''s not incorrect to say that the 90s were a vibrant change, with magnificent soundtracks, high concepts, fantastic exploited stories, new styles of thematic filming, eccentricity, and universality in films for all audiences.


    -That could be beneficial for us. We''ll provide the information about the company''s creation to their offices for a quick review of what we should or shouldn''t do, - commented Steven.


    -You can use my distributors. I have broad distribution participation across different countries. We already have a wide reach in places like North America, Europe, and part of Oceania. Perhaps this year, there may be some impact in Asia, - replied Billy.


    -With a good distributor, we''ll reach different countries. Do you have relevance in the market? - asked Steven.


    -North America and Europe. My distribution channel is new, and I don''t have the contacts, though I made a good hiring with Jim Ginaopulus, an expert in distribution who has some knowledge of how the international business works, - said Billy.


    -I''ll help you a bit, but our idea is to have our distributor that covers all of North America. Though expenses can sometimes be unofficial, we need our market, - said Steven. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It doesn''t matter, we''re creating a mega-company, and we must be ambitious. I''ll get in touch to create a video game studio that focuses on games based on movies, TV series, real-life characters, or events, - said Billy.


    -That''s the way to go, kid. You have ingenious ideas, though the idea of trying to acquire some music entities from scratch is great. Starting from scratch might be more costly. I''ll take a deep look, - said David Geffen.


    At the moment, according to the purchase ideas discussed by the three, they''ve invested a total of 125 million dollars, with Steven Spielberg as the principal shareholder. Jeffrey Katzenberg promised to invest the money he received as compensation from Disney, and David Geffen had just begun the creation of his own music production company and was recruiting some individuals he deemed necessary for the establishment of his record label.


    All this is based on the romantic union of individuals who want to use their cinematic creations to touch people''s ideas��a romance that goes beyond mere creation. It''s the passion that gave birth to the film industry. Everyone had wonderful ideas about how or what the creation should be. Billy''s perception changed completely. Jeffrey Katzenberg was sweeter than he thought. The story of how he joined the marketing team at ABC in 1970, rising to television with Michael Eisner, and how this person always gave wings, infused him with the spirit of bigger projects. From being creative to his constant work as an executive producer, he had nurtured numerous ideas he considered marvelous. If there was something Steven and David Geffen agreed on about Jeffrey, he could see the ideas that needed to be seen.


    -Your contract says you''ll have a 2% share of the profits from all the Disney movies made, - asked Billy, perplexed.


    -That''s right. He motivated me to leave ABC and take charge of the animation division. He promised that the contract would be paid upon the termination of our relationship. However, he doesn''t want to pay what is considered fair. He argues it''s only 80 million dollars, but I say it''s more than 400 million dollars. I''ve handled projects from Roger Rabbit to The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast... oh, the one that beat you to the Last King, by the way. Your idea of The Lion King was inspiring, - commented Jeffrey, still with a bittersweet taste due to the situation. The cicadas were in the sky, along with the crickets and the sky.


    For Billy, the rumor still circulates that most of the ideas are ones that Disney itself set aside, but that can''t truly be accurate.


    The arrival of the women was the definite point to signal the end of the conversation. Six hours of various discussions, Billy''s signature, and their mutual assurance that the investment would hover around 1 billion was a revealing blow for Billy, who believed the investment to be minimal, but it made sense nonetheless. How much money have these men made? He had a party to attend.


    -You could go, kid. Many members of the academy will be present. You can promote the idea of an Oscar for animation with some members, - commented Steven Spielberg.


    -Many people will be there, - Steven remarked again, weighing your ideas.  -We must form a united front, kid. -


    -I''ll go, no problem. Can you give me the address? - Billy asked.


    "It''s great that we''ve been invited. Last time, only the old folks were there, now we can surround ourselves with the upper echelons. You know, they always say you have to earn it. If we''re lucky, getting roles for the next few years will be easy," Gwyneth commented, her black evening dress and wide gloves animated by the invitation''s relevance. Often, invitations are not common.


    -Sounds fantastic, - Billy responded, with a total sense of torture from the meetings, viewpoints, bosses always looking to intimidate him, or the whispers, political games that only paper parties play.


    A large, spacious hall, almost castle-like and cinematic, could be seen in many ways. The old folks all gathered to talk, with some serving drinks, snacks, and small cups of sweet wine.


    There, Billy could only sigh. Though he wasn''t nominated for the Golden Globes, the special mention for The Lion King and Best Soundtrack were just splendid.


    The familiar faces were just a magnificent backdrop of numerous industry bigwigs. It was evident that all the major producers from North America were there, scattered about. Any person present could be considered important; politics are more nuanced than one might think. Known names like Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Kathleen Kennedy, Ivan Reitman, Wendy Finerman, Richard D. Zanuck, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and Frank Marshall were all present.


    "Billy, that one over there is the former president of the academy, Karl Maiden. He resigned from his position in 1992," commented Steven, very close with his partner. The attitude was clear: they should promote DreamWorks discreetly.


    His first greeting was for the members of Albim, a quick meeting about the new co-foundation. The fact that he was attached to a section as a member of the video game circle and a member of the team was the new gossip of the season, spreading with the typical speed of rumors.


    It bears repeating that, although Spielberg only wants money from Billy, he is not ungrateful, much less so with an industry enthusiast who has much to learn and is entirely comfortable.


    There, in a much more relaxed atmosphere, Billy engaged in small talk with some members of the Disney circle, well-known animators from many eras.


    Frank Marshall and Steven Spielberg had a slight conversation.


    -Why did you allow the new kid into your new company? - Frank Marshall asked.


    -The kid is one of the few willing to invest. He has the money, the vision, and the desire to learn. He''ll be my prot��g��, - Steven commented.


    Frank Marshall fell silent. He had a constant fear of how the situation was developing. He was one of the invitees, along with Kathleen, but they declined. Who in their right mind invests $200 million in a film company? Ambition is just one side of a coin.


    -Frank, what do you want me to do? Even the most acclaimed directors believe that challenging the industry is impossible. I see that we''re not offending anyone; we just want to do what we dream of the way we dream it. And that way is to do what I love most without anyone telling me otherwise, this time doing it big, - Steven commented.


    -You know how it is, even if they''re not the owners of the companies, the competition is fierce. Everyone wants their piece of the box office, - Marshall remarked.


    -It''s surprising. But the kid has been in a cold war with two companies, and he''s standing firm. Have you heard about the numerous cancellations, behind-the-scenes lawsuits, publications, rejections, and enacted laws? - murmured Steven.


    ...

 308. English patient.

    After the political meetings came the entertainment, back and forth, the gathering became lively, and one could see many of them drinking, while the wives engaged in quiet conversation, as if it were common practice. At all times, each of them continued to stand out.


    One Gwyneth was slightly flushed from the drinks, while there in the distance, Billy got up from his seat, feeling overwhelmed by the drinks too. Those old folks drank like fountains.


    -Billy, come, let me introduce you to my friends, - commented Gwyneth, happy about everything that had happened.


    -Girls, this is Billy... Billy Diana Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Jane Fonda, - she approached slowly.  - Jane Fonda is Ted Turner''s wife, the founder of CNN, and unfortunately, your archenemy, - she whispered secretly.


    -Wow, what a handsome young man, " murmured all three women in their forties or older. These women, what they call seasoned, knew all the ins and outs of the film world, were positioned as actresses in their youth, then directors, producers, and others married to magnates.


    Diana Keaton, a blonde woman with a distinguished appearance, wore frame gl, blackblack lenses, and a bowl-shaped hairstyle, and later adopted a fresher style. On the other hand, Goldie Hawn was a blonde woman with chubby cheeks and a round face that showed her age, which suited her.


    -Hahaha, it''s true, look at those shiny eyes standing out, - commented Gwyneth.


    -Ladies, it''s a pleasure to share a table with you, - Billy responded politely, kissing each of the extended hands of the women, who smiled flirtatiously while Gwyneth kissed his cheek.


    -Oh my God, how illogical and unfair life is to poor men these days. It''s nice to meet you again, young man. I recently saw one of your movies again with Kurt, and I must say, you keep getting better, - Goldie Hawn commented.


    -Oh, which one specifically? - Billy asked.


    -Before Sunrise. We were in Berlin less than a month ago, - Goldie replied.


    -What a surprise, Billy was there for the Berlin awards, - Gwyneth responded.


    -Oh, you have a new project, dear? - Jane Fonda inquired.


    -I hope so. I''ve done some auditions, but everything is moving at life''s pace. For now, I have good prospects with three films. If all goes well, I''ll take two supporting roles and most likely a voice-over, - Billy commented, taking a seat in the small circle. Gwyneth followed suit and took her seat.


    -It''s promising, but not as promising as that movie you''re investing in. I heard you worked with Saul Zaentz and Michael Ondaatje, the writer... a love story for more interest, - Jane Fonda replied.


    Even in her fifties, she still had a magnificent presence, and her demeanor explained one of the reasons she''s considered one of the most beautiful women in history.


    -How do you know? - Billy asked.


    The three women smiled, with an almost youthful daringness, and Gwyneth could only shrug. Moments earlier, she had stressed that Billy was a bit straightforward and lacked some political acumen, which he balanced with his business savvy, vision... charm.


    -Dear, everything is known in Hollywood. People hear the gossip, but here, everything is known. We know the truth and the reason behind that truth. Kurt might have mentioned it to you, but he''s not much different from you. He hates sitting down to talk about these things; he''d rather play basketball with his group of friends, - Goldie Hawk commented. She has been in a stable relationship with Kurt since 1983, and it''s rumored that she was the reason Kurt cut ties with his wife, quite the opposite, it was because of Kurt.


    -Playing basketball wouldn''t be bad, - Billy responded with a smile, ignoring the fact that if everyone knows, especially why don''t I know? These thoughts kept Billy entangled in a series of cycles about what to do or say, and how painful it is to think about anything you say.


    -They''re expecting you to say something about The English Patient, - Gwyneth whispered to his right, while the women gossiped.


    This earned a slight chuckle from Diana Keaton, which halted the overheard words. - They''re not pretty, - she said.


    -Oh, they are, -Jane Fonda replied.


    -The production is in progress. I think we''ll start filming this summer and it will be released by the end of the year. We still have a lot to discuss, but Jim Gianopulos is in charge of the entire process. He''s my entertainment director, - Billy commented.


    Raimon is forgotten, but he is the one who checks the finances of the entire company. In this case, he acts as a financial director, along with Rachel, but it''s just a control, provided by Anne, who checks the accounts three or four times every four months.


    -Jim Gianopulos, I know him. He was in charge of the small independent company... mmmm from Fox in the distribution sector. What led you to hire him? - Jane Fonda asked.


    -A gut feeling, - Billy replied.


    -You hired an entertainment director on a gut feeling, - Jane repeated, somewhat incredulous at Billy''s words.


    -There were surprising candidates, but he met the conditions of the offer and gave me a gut feeling that he was the right fit for my company at this time, - Billy commented, still carefully choosing his words.


    ***


    By March, there were still two long months��no, three long months��before the start of The English Patient. There are three main issues: the film is being made a year earlier than planned, the script, like the book, has been ready since 1993, but the timeline has been extended to 1994 to allow for sponsorships. At that time, the rights to The Lord of the Rings were purchased by Miramax in late 1995 for $15 million, which kick-started The English Patient series.


    Additionally, Miramax itself was there to support the production, contributing an extra $12 million, $3 million of which went to advertising. Thus, the money provided by Billy is perfect for the series, totaling $23 million. They''ve tightened their belts; the lead actor, Ralph Fiennes, is filming another movie, and actress Juliette Binoche did a similar drama less than a month ago. She''s hesitant, while the next actress, Kristen Scott Thomas, was chosen for Mission: Impossible, a mega-production set in the same period.


    -Why don''t we choose Billy? He''ll act for $500,000 if needed. He''s a good actor. Mr. Magnelia can see it; he''s incredible. It''s just that he''s had issues standing up to Warner, and some projects have fallen through. But he acted recently in Little Women, and I watched the whole thing��it''s good! Better than I would have expected from a love movie, - said Raimon. Little Women grossed $99 million at the box office.


    -He''s not British, and he''s very young, - commented Anthony Minghella.


    -Please, he has known how to do a British accent since he was 12. He has studied at several art academies, - said Raimon, producing some papers��Billy''s resume��a sheet listing the four art academies he attended. His chubby fingers handed over the papers, along with the movies and his brief appearances in commercials and small miniseries throughout his life. Three films, four voice-overs, three commercials, and three miniseries, all in supporting roles, with the miniseries shooting no longer than 45 minutes.


    -He has a good resume; he''ll surely act for so little. It''s almost a salary for a low-tier star; his last salary was five million, - commented Anthony Minghella.


    -Oh, he''ll do it, but don''t be stingy; his time is worth gold after all,  - said Raimon.


    For the three individuals��Anthony Minghella, Saul Zaentz, and Michael Ondaatje��this reality emerged in 1992. They wanted Daniel Day-Lewis, but he rejected it, saying the script was bland and repetitive, something he didn''t like. Even Bruce Willis wisely decided to stick to British actors only. Juliette Binoche is still tempting, but she doesn''t want to.


    -You know, Billy is friends with Steven Spielberg, he''s friends with Winona Ryder; I''m sure they had a romance, - said Raimon, commenting on something that would only cause more chaos for Billy.


    -Ohhh, - said Saul Zaents.  - With Spielberg, they can attract many interesting people. -


    -I can convince Juliette Binoche, but we need to finish casting as soon as possible. I''ll improve the script a bit to give Juliette''s character more drama, and she''ll decide to act; she likes art films, - said Anthony Minghella, storming off.


    -You can convince Winona Ryder to play Katherine Clifton, -


    -Sure... but it''s Billy, - said Raimon, sweating over the problem he''s dragged Billy into. If they have a relationship, the chemistry must be good. Director Minghella rushed to see Little Women to determine the truth of the romance between them. Similarly, Saul Zaentz went up, smiling inside. If Billy acts, they can raise the budget a bit for better promotion, and if Spielberg is there, he can help with Oscar promotion; it''s perfect.


    Confirmation isn''t needed, as there have been rumors for some time that Billy Carson will be invited to Steven Spielberg''s new company. The lines start to blur, and Raimon might be in trouble, but Billy, can take on this major role.


    ... S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 309. unrelated.

    March 6


    Three days later.


    -Billy, you have to believe me, the script is subtly violent. You can gain the recognition you desire in the role. Talk to your agent; he thinks the same. The English Patient is a great movie. You should know that what I''m saying is not a lie. You''re in Los Angeles, trying out for roles. You can audition there. The movie will be dedicated to the end of July. You can tighten the schedule and start filming in early July. Two months are enough, - Raimon remarked.


    -I''m in for Nixon, and filming starts next week. I''ll take the studio. Besides, Winona isn''t exactly a friend of mine, - Billy commented.


    -Please, Billy, stop making excuses. You''re an adult. Contact her through your agent and pitch the idea. Don''t disappoint me. Also, I have good news about the stocks. We''ve received good interest in the stocks, except for Apple, which unfortunately plummeted to less than fifty cents, - Raimon replied.


    -I''ll fix the matter as soon as possible. Just be more careful what you say, Raimon. Don''t think I''m not aware that you said it would be easy for me to participate in the movie and attract Winona, - Billy commented.


    Raimon laughed, more of a nervous, wordless laugh.


    -Sorry, alright. The movie is still great; I think it''s a great project that''s being handled, - the COO replied, his voice softer as he went, almost muted at the end.


    -I''ll try to do it. For now, I''ll have a small role in Nixon, and I''ll talk to Winona. In the meantime, keep buying stocks. For now, let''s stop at Apple. We already have a seat on the board, and we''ll buy stocks and stabilize the situation later. I''m sure Apple won''t fall as long as Steve Jobs is alive, - Billy commented.


    -Sure, I''ll do my best, - Raimon sighed. Billy was becoming more intense every day, and now he had this air of not admitting mistakes, although Raimon knew it was just a fa?ade; it still surprised him.


    In Billy''s dining room, not far away, Gwyneth was baking a carrot cake and some diced chicken. Along with a fruit juice, while watching her diet, Billy was sweaty, working out with the sole purpose of keeping his body fit for future roles, but he couldn''t help but hear the voices. Billy mentioning Winona again churned her stomach.


    Billy hung up the phone and looked towards the kitchen, hearing the oil dancing in the pan. Sweaty and tired, he ended up back in the blonde''s apartment, usually the routine involved some time at a nearby hotel, then ending up at the blonde''s house, and from there... they continued a somewhat strange relationship.


    -Who was it? - the blonde asked as she served the food on the table.


    -It was Raimon. He mentioned that for The English Patient, they''re hoping to hire Winona for the role, but the actress who could play the character isn''t available due to scheduling issues, and they asked if I can connect them with Winona, - Billy said.


    -Oh... well, I made boiled eggs. Do you want one? - she asked.


    Billy nodded.


    -So why do they want to contact Winona? -Gwyneth asked.


    -You can put them in touch with her; you''re friends and have a certain relationship," Billy questioned, not believing for some time that their relationship had cooled down, and between them, they somehow cut off certain conversations they used to have.


    -I can, but I''m not sure if she''ll listen, - Gwyneth said.


    -Invite her for a meal, tell her it''s me who needs her, - Billy commented.


    -I will, - Gwyneth said, calming the anger that rose from her heart. Although she liked her friend and was a happy, tender person, she knew she had something mysterious with Billy. At one point, she took it as a game. Now it bothered her that he was talking to Billy.


    They both ate calmly. Billy''s role was the brother of the president, Harold Nixon, a simple role with a few scenes, on the contrary, it had to have a particular cut of the time, styled according to the era.


    The next nail in the coffin was this.


    -Billy, they accepted your small role in ''How to Make an American Quilt,'' - Jim Wait commented.


    Hesitant, in the face of new demands, the schedule overflowed a small, number of deliveries. His supporting roles were small but enough to keep him busy for a certain period. Two films with a certain vibe, on one side Nixon is a Fox film, while ''How to Make an American Quilt'' is an Amblin film, and Jim Wait fervently knows that sometimes a small role can gain some opportunity, be it with the casting director, the director, or producer, and improving skills is always a positive point.


    -So, what role will I be playing after all? - Billy asked.


    -You''ll be taking on the part of Leon. Your bilingualism was a plus. You''ll have four shots. The movie has started filming, but they''re still in the early parts. As for Nixon, your role as Harold will again be brief. The important thing is that you take the role Raimon talked about. It''s just what you need. If you take it, the supporting roles will follow, - Jim replied.


    -But...-


    -What we want is for you to continue honing your skills and gain recognition in the public eye. Lead roles will come gradually. You just need six minutes on screen, no more, no less. You can captivate the audience with little screen time, - Jim Wait commented.


    Three quick roles for Billy to take scenes in multiple films, already fitting into a useless schedule, not making money, not even advisable, but now their joint commercial strategy is to move forward. For now, Gwyneth and Billy will take a breather. She has a series to finish, Women under the Moon.


    ***


    March 8th.


    Billy hurried to the scenes of "How to Make an American Quilt." On his journey, he arrived at his studio, a little house far from civilization. The studio was small, not very big in any way. He saw nearby locations that would be used to shoot, a small private pool that was taken as part of the audition. The first scenes filmed were the flashbacks. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sweat trickled down his neck. Upon entering, he saw the whole Hollywood setup, albeit not as elegant. They were all in their positions.


    -It''s quite hot for filming, - Billy commented. In Baja California where they were filming, near a desert, the heat was intense, to the point of being suffocating, even interfering with some scenes. The heat was on, as the camera crew and set crew dealt with the total warmth.


    They took the direction to the final filming locations, a small event of less than 20 minutes. His relationship will be the turning point. Leon is the handsome man who only seeks to drive the protagonist crazy.


    -We have a few shots of you. For now, we''ll do some shots in the pool. Mr. Carson, are you sure you''re ready to film with such short notice? - the organizer commented, noticing many differences.


    His tan skin was good, it was a pity he didn''t have enough time to participate fully, and he had to get a slight tan to match his face with his body.


    As he arranged things, he saw everyone bustling around. They handed him a red pair of shorts and did some light makeup on him. After all, he was wet in the scene.


    -I didn''t expect you to take the role just to see me, - Winona commented, intervening.


    -What are you talking about?" Billy replied.


    -You know, you want me to participate in the movie that''s about to start filming," the young raven-haired woman commented. She was wearing a swimsuit, a one-piece with a dress. Her shoulders were fair, and she still had her delicate, fine features that made her look like an angel.


    -That''s not why I took this role. We''re doing a small format to continue polishing my skills. Although I''m not as muscular as the other cast members, I make up for it in acting. And it''s because The English Patient is fantastic. It''s a story like no other. I heard you''re aiming for the Oscars, - Billy commented.


    -Everyone talks about the same thing, and it''s never true, - Winona commented, particularly calm.


    Billy already had a measure of Winona, who, according to Gwyneth, would act for even less if she liked the role. She was sensitive, and to convince her, one had to flatter her, for she was a woman with defined tastes. Her demeanor was rather cordial.


    -I''m not lying. It''s a gamble, and if you don''t want to participate, others are auditioning. They''re looking for someone with gentle features, a beauty. I give way to you; you''ll be better than in Little Women. You''re perfect, - Billy commented.


    -You''re lying, - the woman commented, ready for another quick take.


    ...

 310. beginning of everything.

    Scene 18, take 5.


    ...


    All the extras breathed calmly; being immersed in the role was more complex, especially because sometimes they were asked to do activities that were questioned by the filming team.


    -This is the shot, - director Jocelyn Moorhouse commented. Setting up each shot from different angles, each shot had six cameras from various perspectives. The work was meticulous; none of the cameras could be seen by the others, with blind angles and short takes, the director needed to keep a quick track of each activity.


    -You''ve improved noticeably, - Winona commented, surprised by Billy''s focus. She now doubted her level of acting. Perhaps that''s why she hadn''t won the Oscar that Billy had mentioned so much in the last three days.


    -Thank you. You always have a deep insight into acting, but you need to keep improving, and that''s only achieved by competing with good actors. I learned a lot from Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, and Julie Delphi; they taught me different acting techniques. I asked, and, well, I challenged myself a bit, - Billy commented.


    -What do you mean? - Winona asked, on the verge of exploding. She hated being underestimated. She had had great roles with multiple people, with great performances. For example, now, she has decided to act with genuine legends.


    Pretentious!


    "You''re misunderstanding my challenge. I mean, let''s act together, practice, and challenge each other in the program. Let our talent be exposed by the way we act. I have the script in my briefcase; do you want to take a look?" Billy commented.


    -We''ll talk later, -Winona said, cutting him off completely.


    The extras ran back and forth, making some adjustments to the set and getting the thumbs-up from the assistants, while Billy took his position in the pool. The idea was to smile confidently and move with assurance. As he took a step, the next shot began to roll.


    Scene 19, take 1.


    S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -You''re just shameless, - Winona commented, somewhat furious at Billy''s behavior. He was taking advantage.


    -What are you talking about? I''m just doing my part. If you''re angry at my acting style, you should know that the role calls for Leon to be a passionate, charming, and somewhat shameless young man, - Billy replied.


    Among all the actresses, there was something she liked about the black-haired woman above Gwyneth or Mili Avital. The way she fascinated the woman was different, beyond something trivial. It was her way of being that amused her; the readiness to get angry in such an innocent way was magnificent.


    -You''re impossible. I can read the script; I just hope it''s as good as you say, - Winona commented.


    On March 8, 1995, there was a significant drop in Marvel''s stocks. The constant problems and the February closures with negative sales published a painful newspaper indicating that Marvel sold fewer than 100,000 copies in February. The blow to Marvel''s stocks was a progressive fall, just as Ronald Perelman found a trick in his finances, and the board pressured Ronald Perelman to act graciously about it.


    The arrival of poor sales, along with the egregious errors of the collectible cards, the athlete strikes, and at the same time, overproduction as investments in numerous bets, the pins started to fall.


    -You shouldn''t worry; we''ve received some good news. The bank is willing to lend me money to sustain the company. I already have a viewpoint on what we should do in the coming months. This is just a minor setback. If we have faith, we can triumph, - Ronald Perelman commented, not denying the unwillingness of each of the partners. He lost Stan Lee when he let go of all the artists, but they were ungrateful, demanding more and more money. He lost Avi Arad when he showed weakness.


    -We have faith that things will improve, - Isaac Perlmutter commented, the true juggler of the company.


    On one side, two people were eagerly awaiting the opportunity they were waiting for, while one advocated for creating a Marvel that followed the basic schemes, Avi Arad, who only saw a more measured way to enrich himself. As CEO, he had made some money through his contracts; if he could bite more shares, it was just something he wanted.


    Meanwhile, Stan Lee notified Billy Lux Animation of the situation. Avi Arad informed Karl Icahn to track Ronald Perelman''s actions, who, despite having blind faith, was not foolish. He held onto how he would revitalize the company. For now, they weren''t bankrupt, but most likely, the suffering would be more painful in the coming months for all involved.


    However, Avi Arad considered Karl Icahn''s involvement as an outside investor, and his first plan was a merger with his company, Toy Biz. But with Billy''s counsel that Toy Biz was just another flaming wheel, it''s possible that Stan Lee would warn against the bad deal with Toy Biz.


    ...

 311. south Park.

    march 7.


    Billy left a relevant script about an adult TV show, tossing it in a key way; a comedy script based on the union of three people. Billy had already established the method that would make the series famous, taking small, low-quality movements from ordinary short films.


    The call proposed by Jim Gianopulus for the creation of a short film first involved buying the copyright, along with a job request to make a long series. Newcomers Trey Parker and Matt Stone readily accepted the offer of $15,000 for the copyright and work on a large series production of at least 30 episodes.


    -It''s fantastic how a small series can be taken to a big series, - Trey Parker commented, visiting the entertainment office of executive assistant Anna Washington.


    Trey Parker, a big man, writer, screenwriter, and comedian, has enjoyed some success over the past three years in some small and short productions. His raw sense of dark humor could be quite catchy for some people.


    -We want you to try to run this company, of course with someone''s help. Likewise, we invite you to be writers for the series if you believe you have the capability. However, our screenwriter has written 200 episodes. For now, the comedic aspect is enough for us, - Anna Washington commented.


    Both of them were speechless, though selling the rights wasn''t their thing; letting go of something of their own left a bad taste in their mouths. However, the invitation to direct, as well as the support to formalize their role as directors, was appreciated.


    -Thank you, Miss Anna, for this great opportunity, - Trey Parker said. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Business, the company''s business seeking new forms of animation, and new ways to conceive characters, now with computer stop-motion technique, and through the 2D program, is just another way to enhance the technical team''s capabilities... On the other hand, we''ll make a deal with Comedy Central. They''ll help in a small part of the production, and well, the show will be distributed on their programming. However, that negotiation must come to fruition, - Anna Washington commented, pleased with the way Jim had left his position in production; it was evident that she too was being tested.


    -Very well, Miss, I''ll notify Matt so that we can assemble a production team with Comedy. We''ll shoot the pilot in the coming weeks, - Trey Parker said.


    For the leaders of Comedy Central, their involvement with Lux Animation was a mystery.


    -Keep me informed; negotiations are progressing with Comedy Central, - Anna responded.


    ***


    The endless journey to acquire children''s programming, and the inability to find children, highlights the need for a specialized channel committed solely to children''s animation. For now, Hit Entertainment, along with Sesame Workshop under Disney, has its own kids'' channel app.


    Once again, Jim Gianopulus, with the help of Saban Haim''s production, is spearheading animated channel production. Additionally, Sherly Leach, with the use of public television, has developed Barney programming airing on PBS, a channel that dominates a significant portion of children''s television.


    -I still think it''s not a very smart idea to delve into different time zones on different TV channels, - Jim Gianopulus commented.


    With a smooth smile, Saban Haim gladly accepted the fact that Saban''s programming was so refreshing and provided a clear stamp on children''s television production, which had flourished by taking on assignments. Lux Animation requested at least three fully animated children''s programs.


    -It''s Billy''s idea. We''ve requested to buy PBS and create a public channel for kids of better quality. Acquiring PBS Kids isn''t something we desire, as the channel aims to be freely distributed on public television, although some revenue can be collected from advertising services. It all depends on whether they''re willing to hand over the channel for Billy to expand educational television nationwide, - Saban commented.


    -I used to think the same until the National Television Commission reviewed our proposal. They support the channel''s use as long as it participates in public television. Billy will annex the channel to both public and private television. PBS didn''t reject the purchase of licenses and the maintenance of the non-profit channel publicly, and a private channel that delivers similar programming, - Jim Gianopulus commented.


    -Will there be any opposition? - Saban asked.


    -Not at all, as long as it follows the structure of a children''s channel and maintains the agreement. Everything else is just a matter of interest for some parties. Maintaining a channel is a cost, but children''s animated television is cheaper due to its simple educational elements, - Jim, a total expert in the field of animated television, now working with Billy, whose main task is to organize everything related to channels, movies, and distribution. It''s the biggest fight in animation, and while it initially competes with Disney, it''s Warner that stands in the way of Lux Animation. This is due to the massive merger between ABC and Disney not yet completed, the union of multiple companies and their corporate positioning, along with the loss of Frank Wells. Now, Jeffrey''s position has disrupted Disney''s stance in the fight, and they only have the resources to continue with their animated group.


    -Let''s take a look, - Jim said.


    Children''s series need two things: neutral colors (bright colors cannot be exposed to children due to their early development), and simple scripts, with words spoken as fluently and slowly as possible.


    They need something attention-grabbing beyond the spectacle, whether it''s a bear, a dog, a dinosaur, a bird, or a man dressed in a certain way. Fashion conventions are simple, with colors like blue, green, pink, or yellow.


    The first series consists of 25 episodes and is an animal series. Using 2D animation, animals from a part of the jungle have animated adventures, like searching for an oasis, a lost animal''s mother, delicious food, or forest phenomena.


    The next series features children in a school setting, where they attend classes that lead them on adventures. For example, colored doors, geometric shapes, and their faithful friend, an endearing puppy, used as a companion, where the children must give it instructions.


    Another series is a live performance teaching everything there is to know about planets and stars, a slightly lower-grade documentary that''s more educational than anything else. Still, it has cute animated drawings that make people laugh because of the presenter''s humor. Each series has 25 episodes.


    ....


    I published a series that I have been writing for six months at a time, it is about Kenichi and Kengan Ashura. a crossover, that contains all my wishes about the series.

 312. assistance.

    March 10.


    -I have to say, it''s a very good script, - whispered Winona, taking note of the powerful script. It was a touching love story, along with a small book that had been released not long ago.


    -It is. See why I say it''s perfect for you? Even the first time I saw it, it was great. A second read made me realize it''s a wonderful piece, - Billy commented, not lying. When he read the script, he didn''t realize it had been read before, but he briefly remembered how magnificent the series was, one of the best films.


    -You''re an impossible man, - said Winona, throwing herself onto the grass next to the set, and looking at the blue sky. - I''ll agree to the script, I''ll do the movie... however, you should know that Gwyneth won''t like us doing a movie together. Besides, I had no idea you two were dating. -


    Billy relaxed next to Winona, took a deep breath, and rested in the sun. Yesterday, they had done numerous scenes, one of which was the night date. Due to his more emphatic performance, the director gave him a bit more screen time, and he was able to solidify the contradiction of the boyfriend against the bright and sunny fianc��.


    -We''re not dating, we don''t have the relationship you might think... she has taught me a lot about women, about people, and has helped me navigate different waters, - Billy said calmly, taking a spot on the grass. The tree''s shade allowed them to cover from the sun, but there was no doubt the days were quite long near the desert, and the nights warm, contrary to what was thought about the cold. He had acted foolishly, like a complete novice, something that still disappointed him. His emotions were out of place, his actions out of place, living in a world that annoyed him.


    Doubting how to repay Gwyneth, even if he wanted to, he loved Alice much more than he did Gwyneth.


    -We''re not dating. She is a willful woman, jealous, sometimes superficial, and possessive. On the other hand, she''s sweet, loving, permissive, lively, and homely. We have an understanding. I''ll explain the situation to her. Besides, we have a promise to act together. Sometimes, she is an excellent actress, and other times, she''s nothing more than a spoiled child, -  Billy commented.


    -Gwyneth can be very reasonable when she wants to be... besides, I''ll do everything possible to reach an understanding. It''s not my intention to cause fights between you two. She is a good friend, - Winona responded.


    Both found comfort in their friendship, not without annoying each other, but understanding. The next take they were filming would be the last of the movie, the moment when Finn''s thesis pages fly all over the place, the moment to provide some conclusions and pave the way for an ending, chosen by myth and superstition, but representing love, a love that helps.


    Billy took note and continued with his course, the last scene a brief moment of handling, while continuing with his performance.


    ***


    Billy left the set in the mid-afternoon with a sense of urgency; his interaction with Winona had proven more beneficial than he initially thought. Taking the route to Los Angeles, he faced a long drive to the Fox studios for the filming of the new and challenging Nixon biopic. This film, with a raw and firm portrayal of Nixon��s life, promised to be a worthwhile watch. Anthony Hopkins'' performance was magnificent, albeit somewhat lacking in certain parts. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy was to perform a minor role as Harold Nixon, the brother who died of tuberculosis. Harold��s death haunted Nixon, marking him deeply. His brother��s passing, after providing Nixon the opportunity to attend university, influenced Nixon''s rise in politics, ultimately leading him to the presidential race. The film uniquely oscillates between Nixon''s past and his future presidency, underscoring the importance of his early experiences.


    -Come in, Mr. Carson, we''ve been expecting you, - said an assistant. Billy, now clean-shaven with slightly longer hair and loose clothing, looked like a teenager after a few touch-ups. The black-and-white filming was set to contrast the past and present.


    -Thank you, - Billy replied. Accompanied by his bodyguard and a newly hired assistant named Rosa, who was appointed by Jim Waitt. Rosa, a 34-year-old woman with large round glasses and a traditional dress, was his new secretary.


    Billy navigated the recording studio, noting everything he needed to do. Rosa stood in a corner, watching him with apprehension.


    -Rosa, can you contact Ian McCalle''s assistant to inform them of my delay? Also, call Anne to arrange the next meeting with Apple. You have until 5 PM when we wrap up filming. I won��t need you for much more today. Speak with Anne for any further questions, and be ready to study all the companies and my contact list with me tomorrow morning before we head to the studio, - Billy instructed.


    -Yes, sir, -Rosa responded, ready for the opportunity.


    -Good. Make sure to call Anne; she will talk to Margot. You''ll be communicating with Margot often, - Billy added.


    Without further delay, Billy immersed himself in his work, focusing on his script and preparations. Working with child actors made filming more complex and required short, efficient takes. Adult actors often had to adjust their performances to support the children, who might need several takes for the same scene.


    The first scene was set in a house, studio, and convenience store owned by the Nixons. Filming is primarily centered there. With a child actor in a supporting role, filming was more challenging, requiring patience and multiple takes to capture the right moments.


    Billy finished his scenes exhausted. The day had little to no breaks, and Anthony Hopkins was notably absent, leaving the crew to focus on other scenes.


    ...

 313. participation

    March 14.


    At Apple''s annual board meeting, the dire state of the company was evident, placing Billy at the forefront with an estimated 17% share of Apple, making him the most significant shareholder. The discontent among the board members was palpable, with the COO and other members having held their positions for five years amid increasing chaos.


    -We must acknowledge that the company is in a dreadful state and will likely go bankrupt within two years. Tell me, Mr. Director, what measures have you proposed to resolve these issues? I see nothing but incompetence, - Billy stated, rereading the ethical spaces.


    -Ah, Mr. Carson, it''s not incompetence, - Michael Splinter responded. "We''re simply following the market flow, adapting to it, but the company''s problems are exacerbated by fierce competition."


    -You''re completely wrong... You''re not following the market trends. For the first time, I question your capabilities. The alliance with Motorola and the production of McIntosh show a complete disregard for the company''s vision. This grave error will continue to erode our market share. If we keep making these mistakes, the company won''t survive, - Billy retorted.


    The board members fell silent, stunned by Billy''s directness. His financial backing gave him significant influence. Many of these errors were well-known to Billy, who, with Raimon''s help, had conducted a thorough analysis of Apple. They aimed to acquire more shares and make a substantial investment to resolve the company''s cash flow issues, focusing on digital support.


    The future lies in quality over quantity.


    -Well, do you have a suggestion then, Mr. Carson? Given your fervent desire to contradict the CEO, you must have some magic formula, - Gary Stranden, an executive who had been with the company for five years, commented.


    -It''s obvious. By allowing other companies to copy our models, they sell them cheaper. As our CEO lets these companies carry our models and sell them at rock-bottom prices, what''s the use of having a superior model if it''s copied and performs the same function? If it were about quality, we''d still be in the market, but new companies have emerged, ruining our position. The so-called future of this company is in the hands of incompetents, - Billy responded sharply.


    His investment in Apple exceeded $27 million. Given the plummeting stock prices, he planned to buy at least another $10 million worth of shares to solidify his position, mitigating the risk of a more significant crash.


    His words were cutting.


    -Can you prove it? All I see is an angry child with no vision, - Gary Stranden, who owned 11% of the company''s shares, replied.


    -Let time prove me right. It''s easy to talk like a plague. A plague that will likely beg for another stupid action days later. Mr. Stranden, I invite you to walk the halls of Stanford and take some business courses. My suggestion is clear: limit the copying of our devices, continue developing Apple software and its components, take note of Microsoft, which is creating new services, and keep updating our equipment. We have 45 devices; reducing them by at least 10 would be beneficial, - Billy stated.


    -I dislike your approach, - Tim Plizt, another board member and a well-known food magnate, whispered.


    Michael Splinter was completely taken aback by Billy''s fierce demonstration. According to his experience, these shareholders were the toughest to handle, those who expressed their displeasure imprudently. As it was the first meeting for many, they had different ideas, but Billy focused on highlighting the inefficacy of the company''s business line and the lack of development and innovation.


    The board meeting ended, but Billy''s purpose was clear. He would buy more shares, and when the time came, he would take control of Apple at a bargain price due to its bankrupt state. If he could secure more than 60% of the shares, he could privatize the company and implement his ideas and rapid changes.


    Shortly after the board meeting concluded, everything was set for the Independence Day filming, which began in August 1995. Billy took advantage of this time to start The English Patient, planning to begin filming in early June after organizing the shooting schedule.


    "System," Billy whispered with some anxiety, as recent successes were beginning to accumulate. Movies, comics, and video games were adding up, and now the interpretation units were in the thousands.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 34,009


    Literature: 32,000


    Interpretation: 35,500


    Points: 4300


    Drawing Store Purchases:


    Samurai Jack: 15 points


    Hellboy: 22 points (1993)


    Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)


    Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)


    Dexter''s Laboratory: 21 points (1994)


    Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)


    Animaniacs: 15 points (1992)


    Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)


    Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X): 25 points (1994)


    Evangelion: 20 points (1994)


    Doom: 15 points (1993)


    The Lion King: 30 points (1991)


    Hercules: 15 points (1997)


    Shaman King: 20 points (1997)


    The Iron Giant: 15 points (published)


    Power Rangers: 20 points


    Trigun: 15 points (1995)


    The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 15 points (1996)


    Wolfenstein 3D: 15 points (1993)


    Toy Story: 25 points (1995)


    Recess: 10 points (1995)


    Game of Thrones: 30 points (1996)


    Ice Age: 25 points (1997)


    Serial Experiments Lain: 15 points (1998)


    The Walking Dead: 20 points (1995)


    Billy and Mandy: 20 points


    Hey Arnold: 20 points S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gargoyles: 15 points


    Whatever Happened to... Robot Jones?: 10 points


    Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: 10 points


    The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper: 8 points


    Pok��mon: 55 points


    Tomb Raider: 25 points


    Crash Bandicoot: 25 points


    Cowboy Bebop: 25 points


    Fate Series: 40 points


    Jeanne d''Arc: 10 points


    One Piece: 60 points


    Resident Evil: 45 points


    Before Trilogy: 14 points


    Forza Horizon: 30 points


    Star Wars: 45 points


    Ed, Edd n Eddy: 15 points


    The Boys: 15 points


    Hellsing: 20 points


    Digimon: 25 points


    Baldur''s Gate: 10 points


    Bob the Builder: 10 points


    Jay Jay the Jet Plane: 10 points


    Thomas & Friends: 10 points


    ��


    Taking a black Audi with tinted windows to his destination, Billy watched the increase in his points, a growth that was always satisfying to see.


    In the car, he received a call from Jim Waitt.


    -We have a second audition. You passed the first film for Independence Day (Martian Invasion), - said Jim Waitt.


    That sounds good. Did you meet with the people in charge of The English Patient? - asked Billy.


    -Yes, I requested an advance. Filming could start in June, maybe even May, but they��re still dealing with some issues. Responses will come in gradually, - said Jim Waitt.


    Taking a breath.


    -The most concerning news is from Warner. They��ve used their newspapers to run a smear campaign against your animated series, calling some of them satanic, - said Jim Waitt, with a worried tone.


    -What did you say? - exclaimed Billy.


    -Exactly what you heard. They��re claiming that some of your series promote satanism and that they encourage children to act in cruel and demonic ways, - said Jim Waitt.


    Billy took a deep breath against Warner. These guys would never stop acting deceitfully.


    -I��ll take key actions, - thought Billy, considering the entire situation. He didn''t know which company was involved, but he wouldn''t be merciful against the one behind these actions.


    Shortly after, he reviewed some of the news articles labeling Lux Animation��s content as indecent. He saw how Warner used vague language and replicated it in at least five low-class newspapers. The attack could be managed, but legal and public relations expenses would be necessary to turn the negative image around.


    ...

 314. lux animation.

    Lux Animation boasts a beautiful business complex, a five-story building with an 80-meter front, enough to house five animation teams. Each team has its facilities on the second floor, alongside various other departments throughout the company.


    Billy used his spare time to input scripts, drafts, and comics. It wasn��t uncommon to see him directing a small group in the comic composition area, the only way to ensure weekly releases and sustain the successful animated series that captured audiences.


    A comic and a half old, ha comic production factory each series now boasts over 180 chapters, approaching 200. Sales were progressive, with last year''s total reaching 25 million copies, and the first two months of this year alone seeing seven million copies sold. Slam Dunk''s popularity grew daily, with many children eager to buy their volumes.


    The factory''s monthly output of three million copies ran smoothly, with sales continually surpassing expectations, encouraging fans to keep buying.


    From the third floor of the factory, painted in Lux Animation��s signature deep, brilliant blue, there were small dubbing studios, music recording studios, and the necessary machinery for channel operations. The programming had now stabilized.


    -Rosa, can you ask for the publication statistics? There are many series today under our company, and some distribution companies are not making the necessary calls, - said Billy.


    Today would mark a different day, initiating home delivery of comics as a subscription service. Orders over $50 would be delivered across North America. Advertising would be done within the comics, and an app for book distribution was in the works, with hopes that both eBay and Amazon would rise and capture large portions of the official book market.


    Billy discussed the idea with his directors. - If we can form better relationships with different shipping companies and reach new buyers who can''t get the early volumes, it will solve a problem for many. Our catalog should be displayed so people can see what they need. To mitigate risk, we can set a minimum price to enter the market, - said Billy.


    -We''d need to review the costs of this new venture. Although we can distribute a good number of volumes, shipping would be an issue due to our lack of personnel in that area, - said Steve Rock, the 39-year-old Director of Business Development with a PhD in business management.


    -No need. Let national shipping companies handle it. We just need to define the range and contract the right companies. For now, use the major shipping companies, and eventually, this will help us organize all our shipments, - said Raimon, taking a firm stance.


    -But we''ll do it slowly. As Steve said, we need to evaluate and implement the idea gradually. Raimon is right; we''ll work with some companies to adjust production costs to a reasonable level, - said Billy.


    -Approved, we''ll take note. Now, as the final point of this meeting, we''ll continue with the summaries from the animation company, - said Anne, taking the agenda.


    Anna took over as Jim Gianopulus was handling the necessary activities to organize the new production "Survivor" and business with CBS for the programming of "ER" and "Friends," along with other popular teen series. The entertainment company had a busy few months, with multiple agreements with production companies, the creation of Lux Films, the acquisition of the "Before Sunrise" saga, "The English Patient," "Idaho: The Road of Dreams," and deals with Asian companies for a series of new productions. Some were real bargains, with films giving away their distribution rights due to a lack of offers.


    -The production agreement with Comedy Central is pending. Agreements for new productions with CBS and NBC are also pending, to fill series formats. ''ALF'' has marked a certain level of satisfaction, - said Anna, taking notes. - Similarly, we should deepen our relationship with Fox Television, as sharing our ideas can form different relationships. - S��arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They discussed various ideas for the animated channel and the recent media battle, proposing to counter-attack the third-party companies involved and provide rebuttals through the television commission.


    -No reconciliation, attack this company to the last point. I want the lawsuit to be decisive, - said Billy.


    ***


    -A tough attack, - commented Michael Ovitz, observing the secret battle between Lux Animation and Disney.


    -It��s common practice. We saw a slight oversight from Lux Animation. They don��t control media outlets��they lack a vast network. We have radio shows, newspapers, news channels, reality shows, and they neglect their position by growing in only one direction, - said Michael Eisner.


    -Interesting. What an intense struggle. For now, let��s wait for Warner to bear the next burdens. But targeting the release of ��The Iron Giant����there��s no better time to strike, - added Michael Ovitz.


    Michael Eisner frowned. Although the attack was necessary, dividing Lux Animation��s focus was critical, especially since they had released in both March and June, while Disney��s ��Pocahontas�� would also compete in June. Both films were set to clash on June 8th, creating an animation showdown.


    For Michael Ovitz, it was different. Recently, they received a letter from Lux Animation promoting the first animated Oscar. Although it seemed like a collaboration, Eisner viewed it as a challenge, essentially saying, "I can make better movies." Despite the clear message of the letter, the possibility of it being a trap raised doubts. Unlike CAA, which operates behind the scenes, major entertainment companies engage in direct battles and social negotiations. Every action is scrutinized, requiring quick decisions, constant updates, and detailed market tracking.


    Unlike CAA��s quick projection and management, success in this era for an entertainment company requires progress.


    ***


    Billy and Raimon ended the meeting, each taking a seat nearby. The rapid discussion about 1990 stock actions continued. Buying shares in Microsoft was outstanding but complicated. Stocks of AOL, Cisco, Intel, Oracle, and Nokia were skyrocketing, making selective purchases more appropriate. They added a new company, Pfizer.


    -Stocks have risen significantly. Previously, shares were worth pennies; now, they��re dollars and continue to grow. But we can invest in some of the lesser-grown companies, - said Raimon.


    Nokia��s shares were valued at $2.71, Intel at $4.83, Microsoft at $4.09, Cisco at $2.92, and AOL at $4.56.


    -Good, we��ll buy shares in each of these companies. I want you to issue a power of attorney, which I��ll provide, naming you as the group��s share representative. Except for Apple,�� said Billy.


    -What do you want? -asked Raimon.


    -I want no company to know I��m behind these shares or at least conceal my position under the effective name of an investment group. My small fund will name a company where you��ll be the representative, and in turn, you��ll empower these companies to manage their resources without my presence, - explained Billy.


    -I��ll do my best, considering the laws and how they allow this arrangement, - replied Raimon, nodding slightly.


    -Good,�� -sighed Billy. His plan was simple: AOL would merge with Warner. If they could bypass the name and enter Warner��s official point, they could stir up some chaos within Warner. From there, Billy would buy more Warner shares or perhaps push for the purchase of some prime Warner properties with the board��s support.


    -By the way, I��ve been practicing my dubbing, and you should know I can now consider myself one of the best cast members, - Raimon commented.


    -You��ve done dubbing? - asked Billy.


    -Yes, small roles, not more than three lines, but it��s good for me. However, I couldn��t be part of the small ��Star Wars�� saga because it mainly contains few dialogues. Maybe next time, for the series ��The Clone Wars,�� - Raimon said.


    -You can do it if you want. The red carpet for ��The Iron Giant�� is in five days. Will you participate? - asked Billy.


    -Yes, but this time, without a costume, - replied Raimon.


    ...

 315. investigated

    The Iron Giant fulfills three important premises that every animation should have. First, it aims to appeal to multiple genres, featuring endearing characters like a boy, a robot, and some humorous moments for kids. Second, the artwork��well-done drawings are appreciated for their technical quality. Third, it has a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a script that can evoke emotions in the audience.


    -It''s a small red carpet,- murmured Thandie Newton, part of the voice acting team and the main cast. Experts in voice acting were used instead of famous actors to ensure high-quality performances, especially under Jim Waiit��s guidance.


    Billy''s investment in the dubbing markets and hiring skilled individuals through a curriculum-based school has helped attract better talent and cultivate actors.


    -It''s a children��s movie with a modest budget. We brought everything necessary and did everything required,- Billy commented. Seventeen million dollars were invested in the film, plus another two million with somewhat inflated budgets in some areas. Artists'' salaries were fixed and unchangeable, and additional costs included purchasing some equipment, as some scenes were a mix of 3D and 2D. Agreements for editing, assistants, good coordinators, and some extra dedicated to cinema promotions, such as cups, toys, and small figurines given to children to highlight the movie��s image. Often, a toy attracts more kids than posters.


    The cost of 3D is complex, and as new machines were tested, the price increased. However, it is expected that costs will decrease for future projects, although it��s a shame that these costs will only remain stable for about five more years at most.


    -I��d like to spit on that comment. Twenty million seemed excessive to me; you could launch six independent films with that,- Thandie Newton remarked.


    -You underestimate the production. Even though it seems different, the workers'' salaries for an animation of this scale required more than 25 full-time animators working for five months. We also renewed equipment for the film and handled publicity, distribution, dubbing, administration, promotion, and favors here and there. We paid Amblin Entertainment as a link with Universal, supporting us against the dirty tricks of many companies trying to restrain us in every aspect of cinema. However, little by little, we need less stability,- Billy highlighted some background details.


    Thandie was petite, slender, almost unreal, wearing the smallest dress size a healthy woman could wear. She had chocolate-colored skin and a slight British accent, a complete beauty.


    They entered the screening. Previously, the +7 rating was debated; only one other movie, The Lion King, managed to get an all-audience classification.


    In the distance, some Lux Animation employees attended the event in Los Angeles, some being animators. The Iron Giant is set during the Cold War, a not-so-distant period, with material that satisfies that era and a nod to what it means to be human.


    The protagonist is a boy named Hogarth Hughes, who lives with his mother in a small coastal town. One day, while exploring the forest near his house, Hogarth finds a giant metal robot that has fallen from outer space and ends up damaging the town��s power sources.


    Despite initial fear, Hogarth befriends the giant robot, teaching it about kindness and humanity. However, they soon discover that the government is searching for the robot, fearing it is a national security threat.


    The movie follows Hogarth��s relationship with the Giant and the government��s efforts to capture the robot.


    As tension mounts, Hogarth and his friends try to protect the Giant while the government and the army prepare to confront what they see as an unknown threat. The Iron Giant explores themes of tolerance, compassion, and the importance of choosing good over fear and violence.


    The preferred image starts with the robot, a ten-thousand-pound giant, depicted in a powerful storm. Billy smiled at the animation quality; the company has improved significantly. Since 1993, it��s been on par with Disney, and the process has been refined since Gargoyles. Now, they can be considered among the best in the world, combining American animation''s 15 to 20 frames per second with Japanese animations�� 5 to 10.


    -What do you think?- Billy asked Thandie.


    -It��s fantastic. It��s beautiful. It��s the first movie of this kind I��ve seen,- Thandie replied. S~ea??h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You should see more; we have many fantastic films. We try to make them for all audiences,- Billy said.


    -Brilliant, but in the UK, they haven��t successfully filled the market,- Thandie responded.


    -We��re getting there. We just don��t have Disney��s magic yet. A seventy-year brand is far beyond a small four-year-old company,- Billy whispered.


    They continued watching the movie calmly. The critics rated it a smooth 4.2, with few detractors. However, such criticism cannot be overly biased; a more reasoned critique can be challenged. Even if they attempt to give an exaggerated critique without enough veracity, they can be punished. Journalistic impartiality must be clear. For example, it cannot go against certain ratings. Billy has already initiated a lawsuit on these matters. On television shows, harsher criticism is more common, but such critiques cannot be blatant. A newspaper sued for damages is a fair offer, but a newspaper sued for 10 or 11 million in bankruptcy.


    ***


    The next morning, Billy was sipping an espresso, a black coffee, while reviewing notes for his upcoming comics, followed by his exercise routine. He got his suit ready and prepared for the second spatial shoot of Independence Day. Many people were turned away because of their salaries, but without a lead, there''s not much to do or not do.


    The summer streets of Los Angeles, all located in a typical American cityscape, shone in a regal morning light as many people went about their day. Billy entered the small building for his next meeting, with a verbal complaint, trying to avoid less present stares. A total of thirteen people were lined up, all set for the next script. There, Mili Avital took a seat, wearing high heels resembling sandals and a form-fitting dress.


    She extended her hand in greeting, and everyone fell silent as she was about to leave, waiting for her agent not far away. Billy had an appointment in 40 minutes; he arrived early to relieve some stress and take a breather. He was still nervous about these events, even now that he was better positioned. He signaled her to move a bit further from the place, which Billy agreed to without much hesitation.


    Billy took a quick seat as she made a swift escape.


    -It''s good to see you again,- Billy said near the stairs, receiving a friendly hug.


    -How have you been? I''m close to getting the role, but there are things I still don��t fully understand about what they want or don��t want�� ah, I still hate these things,- Mili said, smiling.


    -Try not to worry too much. These things are strange; sometimes, they just need someone who fits the role�� I saw your performance on ER. Great job playing a doctor; I see some success there,- Billy commented. He had suggested she try out for ER, and unlike the general profile, she had taken his advice without hesitation, which surprised him.


    -You''re right. Filming is in Chicago, and it''s been a hassle with some of my classes, but I��m doing my best,- Mili replied.


    -Have you taken on other roles?- Billy asked.


    -No, this was a request from Ronald. I take it as it comes, and if it��s good, I do it. I''m still indifferent to some roles. I wanted to take a role not long ago, but the audition was bizarre. They took me for an idiot. A producer was abusing his position, and I found out they already had someone lined up for the part,- Mili said, making a face.


    -I still question the uselessness of some producers who lead us down a dark path. They justify it by saying it''s always been that way, which seems like nonsense. You should know how undignified this industry can be,- Billy commented.


    -Let��s not talk about that!- Mili said.


    Billy raised his arms in surrender, seeing how bad the experience had been for Mili.


    -I��ll shut up, but I hope in the coming months we can do something about that idiot,- Billy said.


    -Just leave it,- Mili replied.


    -Okay, noble lady. I��ll call you when I need you. I tend to be a bit shy around these people,- Billy joked, receiving a playful punch from Mili.


    -Deal. Make sure to run into my arms,- she responded.


    -I have your number,- Billy said.


    -Bah, I must have given you the wrong number. You��ve only called me once, and that was for my birthday,- Mili said.


    ...

 316. immersion

    March 23.


    -I have the initial approval, but I still don''t have a concrete response from the producers. There''s a lot of magnetism, - Billy commented in a restaurant, as they settled in for dinner. The place was elegant, offering ample privacy.


    Small seafood appetizers were placed in front of the two men. Jim Waiit, true to his custom, had neatly trimmed black hair, wore a well-tailored suit, and had a tie fastened tightly around his neck. His prominent hairline framed his oval-shaped face.


    -Your work in ��Nixon�� was appreciated, just like in ��How to Make an American Quilt.�� It��s fantastic how you take on these small but significant roles. If you can establish your other lead in ��The English Patient�� similarly, and if you can take on that movie ��Independence Day,�� we might get you on a sought-after list, and people will come to us with new roles,- Jim Waiit said.


    -Well, we do have advantages,- Billy replied, savoring the seafood with each bite. The seafood was satisfying.


    -Satisfactory advantages indeed. Recently, there was a commission to resolve the issue of Michael��s departure. The company is now divided, and everyone is fighting. CAA took a hard hit; some top members have moved to other agencies like William Morris,- Jim Waiit commented.


    -I��d call for neutrality above all,- Billy said.


    -I have some good suggestions, but nothing notable that aligns with my plans as they should,- Jim Waiit said as their main courses arrived. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They continued eating, and although their relationship was purely business, Billy could call him a business friend. Jim rarely smiled, but he was happy now. Cultivating an actor as an agent symbolizes a shadow of projection that stands and shares stories of failure or triumph with the actor.


    -I��ve been thinking a lot about establishing an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. How much can we promote that from CAA?- Billy asked.


    Interrupting the evening, melodic songs played at 30-minute intervals, giving people enough time to adjust to their meals. The 30-minute song break provided a new rhythm��


    -I can, but it��s not very effective. Although the representatives have power, it requires many favors, and the political figure with such power was Michael Ovitz. It takes a lot of political capital to make that happen. For now, you can play with the industries, but while you''re fighting with Warner, it��s complicated. However, with time, new companies might help resolve everything,- Jim Waiit said.


    -I feared you��d say that, but there��s no other way than to wait for people to question why there isn��t an award for Best Animated Feature,- Billy replied.


    ***


    Raimon was reviewing the accounts while Star Trek played on a small screen beside him. He wore headphones because Rachel, who shared the office, couldn''t tolerate noise during her work. The office was a sacred space.


    The stock market was booming, and Raimon was making some calls. Soon, he would have to go to New York with his father. He had saved $10,000 to invest in stocks and decided to put it all into Apple, following Billy��s lead, his little goldmine. Raimon had also bought some shares in Microsoft and Oracle, seeing their strong potential.


    He held 2,340,000 shares of Cisco Systems, each at $1.91, totaling $4.4 million. Oracle shares were at $2.73, and he bought $4.7 million worth, approximately $9.3 million in total. Sun Microsystems shares were $1.23, AOL shares were $4.43, with a purchase of $12 million, and Qualcomm at $2.66, totaling $3,023,349. Billy''s dividend income was sky-high. Raimon thought Billy might manage a fund exceeding $200 million in stock purchases.


    Accidentally, Raimon dropped his microphone, which started to buzz. Rachel''s glare was enough to make him try to turn it off quickly, but in his haste, he banged his head against the desk.


    -Damn it!- he muttered, rubbing his head.


    -Raimon, turn that off,- Rachel commanded.


    As he turned it off, Raimon whispered, -"Billy doesn''t like neurotics."- Rachel''s stern look made him flee to Anne Hall, the second in command at the company, who needed to be part of Billy''s strategy of using a representative to transfer ownership to company heads, except for Apple.


    Anne Hall noticed Raimon in his childish Lion King shirt. -At least he��s wearing company property,- she thought. Raimon��s presence suggested something important since he usually avoided her office.


    -What do you need, Raimon? - Anne asked.


    -Billy asked me to arrange a power of attorney for the company owners. He gave me power and representation, but he wants you involved too, - Raimon explained.


    She agreed but questioned Billy''s new maneuvers. It made no sense for him to take over the company��s statutes, naming Billy Carson as the shareholder. It was complete stupidity; there had to be something more.


    -Did he say anything about this? - Anne asked.


    -Not much, but I think he��s annoyed by wasting time and trusts these companies'' growth, except for Apple, which he believes can be used for disproportionate growth. It��s valid but entertains certain mistakes. It��s mysterious. When he ordered me, he said it with that smug smile he uses when he knows something no one else does, - Raimon said.


    -You have no idea, - Anne thought, recalling a meeting with Billy about the company��s future. His exact words on the company''s vision, growth, and the idea of creating a special conglomerate. A way to navigate people''s ideas and the belief in success��it was almost a trap.


    -I don��t know why he��s asking for this now. There must be a reason,- Anne said. The small fund was in Billy��s name, with three representatives: Anne, Rachel, and Raimon. Raimon was the principal agent, using Billy��s private fund director authority for other businessmen.


    Even the common name Lux wasn��t used; a similar name with slight differences was chosen, a generic name ��Investments In, S.A.�� It subtly changed the tone of the task.


    -Come, let me review those documents, - Anne said, giving Raimon a seat.


    ...

 317. Hotmail.

    May 3.


    As time passed, March went by without much notice. The Lion King''s victory over the Disney movie at the Golden Globes managed to create a silent triumph at Lux Animation. The small competition was enough to show some dignity, much like the victory for best soundtrack at both awards. Its overwhelming future at the awards was undeniable to Anne.


    She used the rest of her time to work on creating comics and pitching different ideas. Some of these ideas started to take shape more intelligently, such as the series Survivor, which was picked up and rebranded by some writers who quickly developed a script. Beyond that, Lux Animation began to extend its reach into children''s animation and adult animation, drawing the industry''s attention. It was a rare tactic since very few people invested in television so opportunely.


    Starting with an animated program, the competition was minimal, and many channels had yet to become competitive. In the ''90s, some were toying with the idea of animation, while others believed the market was too expensive for creating series. Now, people take Lux Animation''s success seriously. Even major companies approached Warner to inquire about issues with Lux Animation, whose rise was meteoric. Steven Spielberg watched from afar with delight.


    -It''s something big,- Anthony Dallas said, hyperventilating. The offer for the Hotmail application had arrived��$50 million for an idea conceived less than five days ago. It was the opposite of what they had anticipated; the idea was genius, but they didn''t understand the strength behind it.


    It''s pretty big. It��s insane. Billy mentioned the idea would sell, but I didn''t think people would be offering to buy the company within two months. It''s crazy,- Terry said.


    -Come on, it''s just the beginning. We need to keep improving the system and soon launch a new organization,- Anthony Dallas added.


    -It''s so much money, it amazes me,- Terry said.


    -I want to wrap this up as soon as possible. I posted on the notice board that we would solve all issues by May. We''re not done yet, and launching it in Europe complicates my potential June vacation,- Anthony said.


    -If we sell the company, we''ll get a commission. I already dream of buying that new Porsche convertible, a great car, in emerald green, shining like a firefly on the highways of Los Angeles��the dream of every man,- Terry said.


    The offer went public, triggering alarms in many companies within days.


    ***


    -It''s ridiculous to consider selling for $50 million,- Billy said to Anne, who was sipping a cup of green tea. Without wasting time, they both reviewed the offer. It was a quick game.


    -It''s likely we''ll receive new offers in the coming months. I might have mentioned we wanted to sell the company at a good price, but it��s still not there yet,- Anne said.


    They were having a small private meeting. The tech company requested the email application and the website, which started to communicate with various companies, both academic and legal, as well as administrative.


    Slowly, the email service between companies, equipped with a series of tools that enhanced business operations, attachments, page design, and organizational features, gained strength due to its free and secure service. Its originality in presentation and soft palettes stood out as few companies invested in such fine design.


    -Next comes the aggressive marketing campaign. We need to attract everyday clients,- Billy said.


    -We have some time, but the fact that it��s free is a guarantee in itself. That''s where we find the selling price for our platform,- Anne said, following Billy��s plans step by step. It was a good offer, which began to be broken down into an attractive sales plan. The money earned from offering the email service was used to advertise, and provide free email to universities, and the delivery format was designed to reach a larger audience.


    -So we have this giant sales app, with an audience of at least 5 million people. This service will be well-received in cities and other states, making communication easier everywhere. In a few months, the $50 million will double or triple, - Billy said.


    -It''s untrue. The situation is even bigger than you think. We''re expecting double the number of people and at least a traffic of thousands per day, - Anne commented, smiling at the fact that even Billy underestimated her idea and calculations, tripling their performance expectations.


    I doubt it will be tough. Not many people have internet access, and accessing the service is quite challenging for these kinds of activities, - Billy remarked.


    -We''ve already crunched the numbers. Thankfully, the idea of cooperation can open the gates to thousands of students, teachers, and office workers, and we''re even targeting Wall Street, - Anne commented.


    -You guys are quite bold, - Billy said, totally surprised.


    -From Microsoft, they congratulate us on the game we delivered and say they''re on board with creating a gaming company together, - Anne commented, taking another note. Billy had been lost for two weeks in a Spartan schedule of drawing and meetings with George Lucas, as they were still working on the script for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, with full force.


    -What did they say? - Billy inquired.


    -Specifically... -


    -Yes? -


    -They took the opportunity to point out that Nintendo hasn''t released a console and doesn''t seem worth following for a dull market. But they mentioned they would open a small branch if you''re interested in exploring that, - Anne said.


    -I don''t care. Let''s wait for the new consoles. I''ve already fulfilled my obligations to PlayStation. Let''s create a small company when we have the money on our own, and I''ll make suggestions for bigwigs to join us. Once you have gold in your hands, everyone wants to grab a piece, - Billy said.


    Taking a pen in hand, Billy''s office remained alive and vibrant with various awards, along with a diverse library of graphic novels, comics, and other things that would widen children''s eyes. Not far away, the entrance door opened, Erwin pointed to the clock as Anne handed him a five-page report, summarizing the progress.


    -I''ll be in your office later, - Billy said, waiting for Anne to leave.


    Leaving the office, it was noon and marked the important meeting. Paul Allen was there, one of the pioneers of Microsoft, dressed formally in a yellow cashmere sweater and a vibrant blue shirt, leaning towards white, giving him a colorful yet elegant look, unlike Bill Gates, who preferred suits and formality in his attire.


    The meeting room only accommodated four people.


    -Thank you for seeing us so promptly, -Paul Allen said.


    -We''re partners; we must consider it. I''m also interested in the gaming company, - Billy said, subtly stroking Microsoft''s ego. They desired anything but starting a gaming company, but with another company, the situation wouldn''t be as profitable. It wasn''t about Microsoft; it was about its leaders who had a strong belief in the market''s potential and could see how it could develop.


    -Ah, gaming. Let''s hope that the much-lauded console goes into production. For now, the promise is more than enough for us, - Paul Allen commented. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -In that case, it doesn''t matter, - Billy said, adopting an indifferent posture.


    -Recently, we saw your new email system. You''ve done a wonderful job. Knowing you''re a man of firm points, we wish to have a stake in the email, Hotmail, - Paul Allen said.


    -We''re not giving out stakes. In a few months, Hotmail, which you created, will be in most companies, universities, and academic communities. Then it will move on to office workers and personal use, - Billy said.


    Paul Allen sighed, always so astute, highlighting the good things about his companies to create a policy of profit and triumph over people. It was a fantasy that made one think the value of companies exceeded the current value of any company.


    -Yes, yes, but you must know that in our company, an alliance is most recommended. We have many channels that would ensure the growth of our company. From MSN, we can bundle the internet. A stake on both sides is most necessary, - Paul Allen said.


    Recently, Microsoft had been in a silent war with Napster, and some people had become aware of the dishonorable behavior the company exhibited��copying models from other companies or buying them. The aggressive acquisition of at least nine companies in recent years was just a glimpse into how capitalism works at its maximum expression.


    -We''ll consider reaching a constructive agreement, - Paul Allen said.


    -That''s true, but I have faith in my company''s plan, - Billy said.


    -You''re not willing to negotiate. We can take this as a strain on relations. Even the gaming plan can be considered, - Paul Allen said.


    -Sir, in ten years, gaming will be such a profitable market that it will tell people you always thought about the future of gaming. Long ago, you saw that the gaming business was growing. If you just satisfy the idea of acquiring Hotmail, it''s a bad idea, - Billy commented.


    -You''re mistaken. -


    -How much money my company is worth, $350 million, - Billy said.


    ...

 319. phantom menace.

    may 5.


    In many instances, George Lucas has shattered Billy''s hopes, as well as those of Lux Animation. Each time, Billy would sit and ponder for a while. The slowness of Lucas''s decisions could drive Billy mad because it always left him feeling exasperated.


    Firstly, many of the ideas for the script, originally written by Lucas in his earlier days, have been reworked three or four times. Billy renamed some scenes to improve two aspects: action sequences and the inclusion of more political plots. The character of Palpatine and his alter ego, Darth Sidious, can be used in various ways, all of which could create an explosive impact.


    Billy added a more serious and darker tone. When the films were released, people failed to notice two issues with Lucas''s approach. The fans had grown up, and many moments in the movie did not satisfy those die-hard fans. However, Lucas aimed to attract new children to the franchise, and he succeeded in that regard.


    Secondly, the actors needed to convey the depth of their characters, an area where Lucas often fell short. He was frequently criticized for the lack of depth in significant characters like Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padm��, preventing them from achieving the artistic touch that was desired.


    Lastly, improving the special effects was crucial. To this end, a mega studio was built to accommodate nearly 20,000 people, featuring the 20 main sets from each film, along with additional sets for future and past sagas. Whether they use miniatures, effects, or reality, the cost has already exceeded $180 million, but it''s a risk Billy is willing to take.


    Small changes are minor adjustments: an extra fight, a stronger scene with some edited dialogues, and more subtlety in each word to enhance each scene with better actions.


    -So, you think the script lacks the power to draw the audience to the theaters? - Billy commented, still disbelieving what George Lucas was saying. Sometimes people fight with everything they have, making others doubt.


    -It''s true. I''ve seen some issues with the development of all the scenes. I feel the character of Jar Jar Binks is overrated and used ineffectively, - Lucas replied.


    -Overrated, - Billy commented.


    -A bit. While he provides comic relief, we need a stronger character. The characters feel too strong for the film, - Lucas said.


    -I see what you mean, - Billy sighed over what had just happened.


    -You understand, - Lucas commented.


    -What do you want to add? - Billy asked.


    -Rather, I want to remove some scenes. For instance, in the beginning when the Jedi arrive at Naboo. We need a more basic start, one that says nothing, and I want to begin with Naboo and develop the story from there, - Lucas said.


    Billy had an epiphany. The figure of Darth Vader is monumental, marking a before and after in the realm of epic movie villains. His presence weighs heavily on the viewers.


    -What if we start with a lightsaber duel between two Sith? Each fighter has a red lightsaber, and one could be Darth Plagueis, the master of Darth Sidious, having a master-apprentice conversation. Darth Plagueis''s face could be visible, but not Sidious��s. Here we can humiliate Sidious, showcasing his master''s mastery of the Force, then��boom��we switch to a scene on Naboo, followed by a space battle. The first twenty minutes would be a strong impact, leading to the common scenes, - Billy suggested. sea??h th�� Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We can add some elements, - George Lucas commented.


    -However, I would like to hire an art director to help convey the actors'' emotions, perhaps as an assistant adhering to your ideas, - Billy said.


    -I can accept that. Anyway, I don''t want to film an extra Star Wars movie. I have a hidden viewpoint and feel prejudiced about making the film. We need a great director. Who would you hire? - Lucas asked.


    -I''d like to hire David Fincher for the trilogy. However, I also thought about dividing the work: Steven Spielberg could handle the first and second films since he''s a genius at narrating youthful, artistic, and commercial stories. Meanwhile, David Fincher could direct the third, which has darker tones, - Billy commented.


    -It would be very expensive, - Lucas remarked.


    Calculating that Steven''s salary would be at least twenty million dollars, or even more if he didn''t ask for a share of the film''s profits.


    -I thought the same. Even if I call in a favor, it would be very costly. I want David Fincher to handle it. As a second option, we have Anthony Minghella and Robert Zemeckis... I''m not good at picking directors, but I know from a good source that these are excellent directors, from my own experience and their latest films, - Billy commented.


    They paused in silence.


    -What about the character of Jar Jar? - Lucas asked.


    -Let''s keep refining the script. Along with the visual script and color palette, it should be enough, - Billy said heavily.


    Lucas took his time to correct each part of the script in a way that wasn''t encouraging. From the way the characters move to the description of new technologies, a special touch is needed for the scenes involving special effects.


    -How did you build those robots? I like them. We need to be more meticulous with the negotiations depicted in the movies. We need to create a new culture, and I feel you''re neglecting the culture of our Jar Jar, - Lucas commented.


    -Let''s do it. We have writers; let''s create a culture for even the smallest details. Every detail needs that touch of love. We barely have weapons, lifestyles, and small political languages. We need better ideas, and I can''t believe it all ends there. For the final battle, we need a better infantry strategy, among other things. People need to know ways to defend themselves, - Billy commented with some discontent. The trick to working with Lucas is reevaluating everything, one stone at a time, without getting bogged down by minutiae.


    -The final battle needs to be simple, -Lucas said.


    -No, they are warriors. They need to have great warriors, with Jar Jar being a charming, comic character, but with someone serious above all, - Billy said.


    -I see the logic. Very well, we will have complex tactics, while the clones will have simple tactics, - Lucas replied.


    The following hours were spent consulting their work. The most important thing is to define a complete audition that would allow them to have a strong idea. Actors with strong acting skills and others to align with the characters visually conceived or developed by Billy.


    ***


    Anne Hall was furious with Billy Carson. His behavior could drive her insane, especially his recent refusal to deal with the heads of Microsoft.


    -Yes, sir, we can arrange some meetings, - Anne said, handling the entire negotiation process for the email, which was a top priority for everyone.


    -Don''t worry, we will keep an eye on it. Billy''s behavior may seem excessive, but he does not lie. If he says the company''s value will triple, we''re not ready for stock participation, - Anne commented.


    She hung up the phone and sighed. Anne was deeply stressed and exhausted. But a strong stance was as necessary as the precise sales opportunity, which was at least two months away, with the launch of updates and renovations to the email, along with the new constitution and purchase of computers.


    Anne picked up the phone and dialed Margot''s number. Without giving more details, she needed to order Raymond to promote the small company in many businesses and perhaps attract the banking sector to adopt this technology. However, the success of attachments was a necessary request.


    -The director has a meeting with Billy about Star Wars, - Margot said.


    -Let him wait an hour. I''m cleaning up his mess, and if he has a problem with me, he owes me an apology for being rude. And no, I won''t accept the bonus or any other nonsense, - Anne said.


    -I can''t tell the director all that, - Margot replied nervously.


    -Tell him to go to hell! - Anne shouted from her office. Billy, who was listening through Margot''s phone, could only smirk.


    Billy moved his mouth in a familiar gesture when thinking, in a way he didn''t quite understand. However, it was necessary to be tough. More than tough, his role as a young, arrogant person with power, being direct or obtuse around the edges, was his way of negotiating. It was to avoid political tricks. His passion and strength were his policies. In a way that is strange and questionable, it''s his method. Everyone has their way; this helps him play gently around the edges and make subtle maneuvers. For now, he asks for others to find certainty in his words.


    ...

 320. jealousy.

    Pov Gwyneth.


    The slim, classic blonde had recently gained stratospheric popularity with her skills. As a savvy woman, she knew she had to be by Billy''s side. But the cold businessman facade he wore was tough to crack. The respect he commanded in the company was no less than that of anyone who had been in the Hollywood industry for many years. The blonde had sought out some of the people Billy associated with��big businessmen, even her godfather was on the list.


    The blonde pursed her lips at the thought of Winona, an upstart who wormed her way into others'' pants like a third-rate lady, knowing that Billy was hers by right. The beautiful actress''s furrowed brows gave her a sweet appearance as she paced, knowing that as long as she was in the company, she wouldn''t do anything risky. However, the moment Billy decides to act, her adventures might become material. Her godmother had been clear: if you want to cheat, just close your eyes, use a condom, and don''t bother. Men at that age flutter around like lost butterflies.


    The tapping of her heels echoed through the company. She had gained some fame in California''s circles and a few other cities. She wore a miniskirt that barely covered her thighs, leaving nothing to the imagination, paired with a white blouse that matched perfectly in length. She approached the reception.


    -I''m here to see Billy Carson, - Gwyneth said.


    The receptionist looked at the blonde, totally surprised by the splendor and force she exuded just by walking.


    -You can go up, miss. It''s on the fifth floor. -


    -I know where it is. Have a good day, - the blonde said, putting on sunglasses. It seemed like disdain, but it was different. The celebrity aura she exuded was just a classic acting style. Her demeanor... fiery. sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy was in a meeting with his entertainment team, as they were responsible for handling all the logistical issues for the English Patient, as well as Star Wars and Lux Animation. It was a large group, but a small company, Matrix, had been separated. Lux Productions and Lux Distribution were also included as film companies, buying small films, acquiring catalogs, and producing movies.


    -You''re quite spectacular, - a voice sounded in the empty office. The cluttered desk and a square desktop computer were the only things on the table. He had tidied up enough to grab a couple of books from his nightstand��all of them were drawing books, comics, or graphic novels. He picked one that was numbered; they were the ones she had seen him draw.


    -Billy was truly talented, - the blonde thought. - My grandmother''s words rang true: it was very likely he would become a great director, given his creativity and graphic model. Many directors imagine scenes before finishing their movies, each scene running through multiple forms in their heads, with makeup, special effects, color palettes, and shots, all imagined beforehand, in sketches, and basic drafts. -


    The blonde''s phone rang. A new friend, Kate Hudson... well-known, but they had been talking for a long time. Billy found her talking, lying on the couch, her long legs so visible that not even Billy''s security guards could avoid seeing them, along with the suggestive position.


    -I have to let you go, - the blonde said, nodding with a few words, to smile at Billy.


    -I wasn''t expecting you here, - Billy said, a bit terse.


    Gwyneth just looked at him impassively. - You''re a headache when you work, - the blonde commented, approaching Billy. She didn''t hesitate to caress his cheeks and plant a kiss on his lips. Her mouth was quick, and her tongue eager. Both played with their tongues, and the kiss stopped, but she rubbed her face against Billy''s and continued with another kiss, this time much deeper. Their hormones were in full swing, with Billy''s hands gripping Gwyneth''s waist. She stopped, looking out the window with a slight nervousness. Her hands trembled, but behind the blind that gave a glimpse of Billy''s office, the door lock was just another hint.


    -We don''t have time for that. I have to read some reports. I have to go to Stanford in the next few weeks to check out projects and business fairs, - Billy said.


    She just smiled, deducing his weakness with just one long look. She waited for the moment Billy took a seat at his large desk, then approached stealthily. Taking a seat on Billy''s lap with some serenity, she wanted to be used. It was so hot that it made her uncomfortable to see him so serious, with his neatly worn blue-striped tie.


    -You need to loosen that knot, the blood isn''t quite reaching your head, - he said, undoing his tie and running his cold fingers over his neck in a smooth motion that unbuttoned two buttons.


    -Alright, you can breathe easily now, - said the blonde, following up with a brief kiss on the lips, the previous game had been intense, with nothing but anticipation, everything was becoming intense as soon as Billy adjusted his body, allowing her to move closer to feel Billy more, she loved the fact that he was willing, due to the slight bulge hitting her thigh, moving with a hint of mischief, while biting her lip.


    Billy raised the budget report just as Gwyneth knelt to unfasten her pants with a near-desperate urgency, the belt released, and she slipped her hand in to feel Billy, the warmth enveloped her cold hands, they sighed at the moment of contact, and she could see the blonde closing her eyes and inhaling his scent, while playing with her own body, she needed to stimulate herself, felt her thong, which was slightly damp, inserted a finger, and it was wet, at the moment when she sucked with urgency, her lips tasted, while her hand played with herself, two fingers, and began to lift her backside to better position herself, at the moment when she felt a thick hand grasp her head, she let herself go in a feeling of abandon.


    The blonde, happily, opened her entire mouth, trying to occupy as much space as possible, a small and diminutive space between the arches and pleasure. While playing with her, and rubbing her small protuberance, small currents moved her from side to side, to the point where she had to stop her fellatio and release a long sigh while her saliva mixed with the seminal fluid. The small thread of saliva and other fluids from Billy''s member to the blonde''s mouth.


    Billy caressed her ear, while she continued to dedicate herself to every sensitive part of him, so focused that she couldn''t prevent his ejaculation, now when he swallowed, another thing she used to drive Billy wild, their brown eyes met the blue eyes. A deep happiness, in the way both continued to love each other, the blonde had her skirt higher up her hips, while her wet underwear was only an effort to keep it from falling to her ankles, the blow was light.


    A sequence of light blows, but provocative, like between them they were pressing hard enough to cause light gasps, to avoid any lost noise in the office. They continued with sex filled with speed and morbidness so that for both it was delicious, it was a dish ordered for pleasure, Billy lasted much longer being his second time, he could play harder with the sensitive parts, the ears, and under the collar, each light kiss or line of the tongue caused the blonde to press harder, even escaping light murmurs that filled the atmosphere.


    ...

 321. imprint.

    may 9.


    The blonde''s rosy cheeks were vibrant like two red apples, complemented by her slightly wavy hair, juxtaposed against Billy''s fresh work attire without a tie.


    -I don''t want you to involve Winona in the movie, - Gwyneth remarked.


    -I can''t cancel; the movie production is already nearly underway. We''ve fast-tracked all the details to start shooting in June. She already signed off on it quickly, and I can''t go against the producers, - Billy replied.


    The furrowed brows and slight pout of the woman, who was completely dismissed by the way things were portrayed, reminded her of how they used to strengthen their relationship, known by producers, friends, and the film circle they used to gather in. The reserved look and the diminishing of each other in meetings, adding their personalities, which often led to private conversations, were entirely characteristic of another time. It would lead them to be a strong pair of friends who would overcome a struggle, a script that divided the relationship, like public statements.


    -Business is business, precisely. Winona is a plus for the movie. Her face is publicity, along with Bionoche; they are the actresses I need. If I can sustain the relationship and hope they support the movie with their image, it''s a win for me, - Billy commented.


    -But... it seems like you''re making a movie just for her, - Gwyneth commented.


    -The movie was another business. Saul Zaents, along with the writer, made a statement that they would sell the film rights to ''The Lord of the Rings'' if we made the ''Lord of the Rings'' movie. Steve Parks, my acquisitions and purchasing director, now named the sales department, was clear and expressed that he wouldn''t sell without our movie. Hollywood''s dream is always to seek investment, and well, I want the copyright to ''The Lord of the Rings,'' -Billy said bluntly, continuing with his work, completely ignoring the resentful look from the blonde. Billy felt her gaze strongly.


    -I''m sorry, okay, but I can''t step back. Your behavior is childish, - Billy commented.


    -When you sleep with that tart, I hope my childish behavior still echoes in your words, - Gwyneth said, crossing her arms at the foolish way her thoughts were minimized.


    -You found a movie for both of us! - Billy asked.


    -Not yet. My dad is reviewing the scripts, but I can''t find anything outstanding, and I think you must find something great for me, as for you, - the blonde commented.


    -I''ll look for something that fits. I can''t promise anything; my agent usually reviews scripts for me and chooses them, as I''m one of the few represented, - Billy said.


    The capricious woman watched Billy''s process. No one had ever been so indifferent to her; it was an indifference she once wanted to suppress, wanted to spit at the women who crawled to men. But now she was stuck with a workaholic who had all the lights to have many women at his feet, even the temptation that Billy was cheating crossed her mind every day.


    Without paying attention to what had happened, she tried to relax. It''s never good to be the intense woman, the blonde thought.


    Billy worked on the cartoons; the deliveries of his series continued to resonate. He now had in mind to produce separate volumes of Digimon, The Boys, 300, and Resident Evil.


    300 is a comic, with four long issues compiled into one volume of different stories about the history of Greece, from the birth of Spartan and Athenian nations, the Persian Wars, to the wars between Spartans and Athenians, ending with betrayals and twists of fate, concluding with the downfall of Greece against Macedonia.


    -You''re impossible when you work; you''ve been working for a long time, dear, - Gwyneth said.


    -I''ll be done in half an hour. We can go for dinner. I have my apartment; it was delivered last month, and it''s likely that in the following days, you can stroll around San Jose. I have two cars, the gray van my grandparents and father gave me, and the armored car I use to transport myself around the continent, - Billy commented.


    -That sounds great, taking a stroll in San Jose. I heard there are nice places in San Francisco, - Gwyneth said


    ***


    At Microsoft''s offices, Bill Gates was seated with crossed legs and a slightly slouched posture. -That''s what she mentioned, that they have enough plans to anchor different companies, - he commented.


    -They do,  - said Paul Allen, who met with Bill at least twice a month.


    -It''s a complete and undeserved lack of respect, his attitude, - Paul Allen continued, rubbing his forehead, something he did every time something bothered him greatly.


    -He''s just a precocious twenty-year-old, Paul. At his age, I was in college with doubts about the direction of my career  - Bill Gates remarked.


    This earned a heavy sigh from Paul Allen. Not far away, all the directors were listening in respectful silence to the conversation between the two big bosses, with some nostalgia in their memories for the young man who promised to make a game for Microsoft in 1995, which turned out to be a total success. The same young man who sat and spoke with the power of a businessman, with the arrogance that none would have in front of their respective bosses who imitated sleeping tigers.


    -The fax came in recently, - Billy Gates responded.  - Anne has been holding back Billy since your last meeting. They''ve given us an ultimatum. Even the young lady has some teeth. She explained that they''re willing to sell their Hotmail service and all its services for 300 million dollars. They''ll receive shares and money, as long as the shares don''t exceed 40% of the price. She sent privileged information again. Billy Carson will take 2% of the company. -


    Braim Chard organized the papers.


    -Yeah, we''ve had numerous conversations. She sent the statistics along with their steps, which have led them to where they are. Hotmail has been building relationships with multiple organizations since 1994, including various charities. Similarly, they''ve made connections with universities worldwide. They have strong business relationships with Stanford, and Stanford has accepted a lot of investment money from them. In February 1995, the feature was ordered for all of the United States. A few days ago, they stabilized their network worldwide and established languages in seven languages: Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Indian. However, their contracts from February to May have increased by 1300%, - Braim Chard paused briefly, a pause that was visible to everyone in the room.


    -This phase is called the first phase of Hotmail. As I talked to Anne, they''re planning to launch a national and European advertising campaign, diversifying the company''s services as their third phase. Anne implied that the price for August 1995 will double; however, she claims that the merger with Microsoft is not a loss, - Braim commented.


    Bill Gates'' posture changed from the old man to the straight-backed businessman. Paul Allen''s eyes widened as he listened; with the development plan and other statistics, they began to understand Billy, a man of bets. Why sell so quickly? Wouldn''t it be better to wait and sell? Another deception?


    -It must be a trick, - Paul Allen commented.


    -I agree, it''s a bluff, - Bill Gates commented.


    It was totally what he expected! The complementation of the service, the MSN chat, which was so famous in the 2000s, was a chat that would use Hotmail emails as IP sources to connect people. For now, everything was in its infancy, but the business side would invest in another team of ten people to create said chat, spreading across the United States, and the multiple patents, designs, and market positioning were not the only company there; they flirted with technology companies. IBM, and Sun Microsystems, had certain relationships, with companies specializing in software development, but the ones with the best opportunities were AOL, NBC, and Intel.


    -But we mustn''t neglect and wait. We can start conducting our research on emails, - Paul Allen commented.


    Competing against a reincarnated person is a problem that not just anyone can face. The way everything was starting to resolve and the way information tends to be the greatest asset in some companies.


    -This kid is a complete headache, - murmured Bill Gates, noting a conversation he had with Steve Jobs about the blunt way of doing business and his wise-guy way of contrasting people, with different contributions about the company''s future due to his deductions or the emergence of different companies. Microsoft''s analysis was simple; the kid had an innate ability for storytelling and graphic models, which had earned him growth in the entertainment industry, but in other companies, it depended on like-minded people.


    ***


    "Is it your new Iron Giant movie? - Gwyneth asked. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It is, it''s my new movie. There was a big sale, - Billy commented, happy to see that revenues had doubled, The Iron Giant was treated differently some time ago, as it was a failure and only remained a popular star in culture.


    -They did well; I didn''t know you had released a movie since your company, - Gwyneth commented.


    -Yeah, in March, it''s been a month, in theaters, and box office revenue surpassed 80 million dollars, enough to cover expenses, make a profit, and expand globally, along with other peripheral earnings, - Billy commented. The cost was 34 million, so the total profit of 50 million could be the baseline cost to step into the Star Wars business. Notice has been given, and a large villa was bought in Italy to imitate the planet Naboo, a total of 65 acres, in a secluded villa, with a beautiful river, imitating the cultural landscape in Billy''s name. If some things can be built, it can help for the multiple movies and series he wants to make.


    -Wow, you made a lot of money! What are you going to do with the profits? - she questioned.


    -Invest, pay off some debts, and prepare for the June sales. We''re releasing A Bug''s Life; we can use it to leverage my ongoing series. I want to create a channel for kids by the end of the year, - Billy commented.


    -Will there be a worldwide premiere? - Gwyneth asked.


    -Yes, we''ll grant rights to some companies that will pay percentages of profits and other values for distribution. Our distribution has a good percentage in Europe and part of Asia, but that''s not enough to bet on a movie that doesn''t reach 100 million. It''s better to agree on shares and rights sales,  - Billy commented.


    -It sounds painfully complicated, - the blonde remarked.


    ...

 322. features.

    Lux Films production company was starting to go through all the necessary procedures to move forward with production, while producer Saul Zaentz pulled the strings, making his vast experience known. Many times, when a person with experience took charge to schmooze and acquire what was necessary for a film production, it was just the right moment. Billy''s stroke of luck was that this time he had certain friends.


    -I don''t like socializing so much before a movie, - commented Anthony Magnolia.


    -We''ll meet the necessary people to make the movie happen. For now, I''d like you to talk to Billy Carson. He''s been the cornerstone of everything, he''s a handsome, lively young man who fits all your characteristics. He''s made several movies, - said Saul Zaentz, a politician through and through.


    -Bah, a waste of time, - Anthony commented.


    -He''ll be your actor, he''s an investor, and he''s allowed us to make the movie the way we wanted. Trust in the script, and he''s brought Hollywood''s angel to our side and paid her salary without dipping into our pockets, - Saul commented.


    Anthony just closed his eyes. He wasn''t a great director like those who had thousands of movies under their belt; he did his job methodically, doing everything as it should be done. But he couldn''t seem to achieve the success he felt he deserved. This movie had good actors, good investment, and a good script; it was a recipe for success.


    Lux Animation was excited, and the prospect of traveling to Tunisia and then to Italy for filming only increased their eagerness to immerse themselves in the role.


    -It''s the second time we''ve come so far for small meetings, - remarked Saul.


    -And now you''re complaining, -  responded Anthony, smiling at Saul''s character.


    ***


    Winona was having breakfast, reading The English Patient, a love script that moved her. It was sweet, tragic, and romantic, just as it should be. Her mansion in Beverly Hills was just another of her rich properties; she had a total of three of her own, located in specific places that she used for travel on certain occasions.


    She was somewhat indifferent, but there was a broad plan of friendship between Winona and Gwyneth that hurt her deeply. Since when were they as cold as friends? The conversation they had less than a week ago was something that still churned her stomach; for now, everything was in a dark light.


    Flashback.


    ��.


    -Thank you for everything, Patrick, - said the raven-haired woman.


    -It''s my job. They were more cooperative this time. Well, you have to be in Italy by May 29th; filming your parts will start first, - commented Patrick.


    -Well, I''ll wait for you to let me know everything, - said Winona. Now, out of vengeance, she felt like sleeping with Billy, even introducing him to many of her friends, women, and models. Using her contacts, she called Monica Bellucci; if she was in Italy, it wouldn''t hurt to tempt one of the most provocative women in the industry, whom she knew and had a presence.


    -Maybe I can also do other things to annoy Gwyneth, - Winona thought. Before feeling deeply disappointed with herself, being a bad woman, and a headache for people wasn''t something she wanted to do, even though her friend''s behavior wasn''t good, she had to be better.


    -I have other movies lined up; your friend Daniel has signed on to do the movie ''The Witches of Salem'', - Patrick replied. The acting calendar was fully booked, and Patrick kept presenting script after script, leaving a clear mark on the work and effort Winona had to put in.


    Winona noticed the blue sky painted with small clouds above, taking Patrick''s farewell as a signal to get up and resume her daily routine. She paced around her apartment to organize her thoughts. She felt somewhat lost when a beautiful blonde arrived for the meeting; contrary to expectations, it was Michelle Pfeiffer, an intimate friend of Winona''s who had filmed "The Age of Innocence" with her in 1993. Despite her years, this blonde was profoundly beautiful.


    Her prominent cheekbones framed an angular, oval face with greenish-blue eyes that would captivate anyone who looked into them. It was her style; her mere presence stopped everyone who laid eyes on her at thirty-six years old; she was the delight of any man.


    -Darling, - Michelle Pfeiffer said, kissing Winona on both cheeks.


    -Michelle, it''s so good to see you. I thought you''d still be working on your movie, - Winona commented.


    -Not at all; I always have time to greet a good friend. I thought you called me over more to chat about trivialities. You sounded a bit neurotic on the phone, dear, - Michelle commented.


    -I can never lie to you. Sometimes I''m just a nuisance, - the young woman said, sighing deeply, which to Michelle''s mature eyes meant only one thing: problems with men. Oh, these handsome, intelligent men who always used every means at their disposal to break the hearts of unsuspecting young women.


    -Ah, dear, it was a man. Only men can make an angel like you sigh. I hope it''s not Deep again with some of his incessant craziness, - Michelle commented.


    -I wish it were! This one is worse, but he managed to hold on to me, - the raven-haired woman commented, ready to tell one of her friends everything, seeing her as her advisor. They both took a seat on the balcony while sipping some wine. Shortly after, Michelle managed to uncover the root of the problem and became furious upon discovering the manipulations this young man was engaging in��his coming and going, being attentive and then inconsiderate, always giving a tantalizing hint of affection but then pulling away, causing the girls to go crazy. Michelle even blamed Gwyneth for what had happened.


    -You accepted the movie. God, how could you do something so foolish? - Michelle remarked. S��arch* The ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wide eyes just observed everything that was said.


    -I didn''t know; I couldn''t refuse, - Winona commented. Michelle rolled her eyes at Winona''s words, wanting to hit her on the head for her foolishness.


    -You have to try to be as professional as possible. He probably wants to get you into bed, dear. God, men, are always acting in rather twisted ways. On the other hand, you can have fun at his expense, - Michelle laughed heartily. She would have done that��take the bull by the horns and make him understand that no one could make her look like a helpless woman.


    -Don''t pay attention to the last part; just focus, do your job, and leave, - Michelle commented.


    ...

 323. English patient.

    june 4.


    "The English Patient" begins with a love story, an impossible love. The entire work is a perfect narrative, a tale tailored for consideration of what the Oscars should represent: a love story that can be called the epitome of tear-jerking romance.


    Billy acts as a Turkish mapmaker, part of an expedition team. The journey started to head to Marrakech. Both people wanted to keep their distance from the cold farewell from Gwyneth upon seeing Winona with the traveling team, the team that carried him, the team that was at a distant reach.


    -It was somewhat uncomfortable, - Billy commented to Winona.


    She simply nodded, feeling a bit uneasy. Everything was unfolding in a way that bothered her. The issue turned out to be a noticeable change: Billy''s hairstyle is now short, with spiky hair. He''s thinner but more muscular. A strict one-month diet has shed almost six kilos, coupled with exercise to give him the appearance of a well-traveled man. Billy''s beard, along with other details, makes him look much older, a few years older, with a few tweaks.


    -Don''t worry; we''re making a movie. We have to make the movie... we must immerse ourselves as much as we can. You must be the woman that ''Katherine'' should be, and I must be Alm��sy. We must perpetuate our emotions in the film, - Billy commented.


    For Alm��sy, someone serious, strong, who represses his emotions, who forgets everything and devotes himself to deep, expressive but subdued emotions. The way everything unfolds... the fear, the dread, and the dark way love is sustained. Love is filled with betrayals, full of deep, remembered emotions, over time and the end, a world that blurs the line between good and evil in a disturbing pulse of madness.


    -A perfect movie, - Winona murmured.


    -More than deep love, we must play with denial, deny, prohibit, but we must be passionate, deep, sublime, - Billy said.


    Despite everything, the screen of his system was more than anything else; the points invested in interpretation, the skill dedicated to improving his acting abilities, reached into the thousands. The way up, the way to add and continue improving, was the intrinsic ability that any actor must have. Perhaps now, it was necessary to surprise them with his performances. It was fair that he continued to act, fair that he continued to take the spotlight in his movies.


    ��


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 34,009


    Literature: 32,000


    Acting: 35,9500 �C 36, 0000


    Points: 8450


    -We''ll do the work as much as we can, - Winona commented. Without paying attention, many actors were already arriving in Morocco. The cast was undoubtedly admirable, mostly British, and Alm��sy, Billy, was one of the few Americans, with a young William Dafoe, widely known for his many roles but forgotten and remembered on certain occasions.


    -I know you''re talented; many considered various actresses, but everyone decided that you were simply the best for the role. It''s all your qualities that make you a star, - Billy commented, pondering how to win the Oscars for Winona. His desire to perform was so intense that Michelle''s advice was beginning to wane. Billy''s dedication melted anyone; now he could even be considered a world-class actor. Overall, it was a culmination of so many things, seeing deeply into the character, the infamous English patient, now present.


    -You''re inviting Gwyneth; she seemed angry, - Winona stammered, guilt weighing on her shoulders. She had seen how Billy interacted and practiced with the blonde, and it was intense.


    -She has a free pass to participate; it''s just that her schedule is booked, - Billy commented, sketching on the plane. He was estimating the end of the first arc of One Piece, originally expected to have 100 episodes for the beginning of the East Blue arc. However, Billy, knowing many situations beforehand, expanded the story by adding more mysteries that would be answered in different timeframes. He included subplots about Trafalgar Law and Kid, stories about the Marines but concealed and unexplained, and tales of other characters from the worst generation and Kaido''s crew. Adding mystery upon mystery, different timelines, and evoking new characters.


    Winona observed everything with growing discomfort. - Why are we sitting together? - she thought. - First-class had nice seats, and the production team mostly traveled together on a first-class flight with the best airlines available to Morocco, a city different from all expectations. -


    -Do you have a problem with that? - Billy questioned, taking note of his drawings.


    -It''s just that I thought we weren''t on good terms, but you''ve acted as if nothing happened, and it''s scaring me, - Winona said.


    -Are you afraid that we''re together? Or are you afraid of the cat getting your tongue? - Billy teased.


    -No, idiot. Stop misinterpreting everything, - Winona retorted.


    -Well, I did it on purpose, - Billy admitted, to Winona''s astonished look. - Don''t blame me; it''s just a way to confront you. You''ve been very prickly during rehearsals. -


    -It''s because I already know your game; you''re everything I despise in a man, -  she said, closing the deal. Long chats with her friends made it clear that she should steer clear of Billy.


    -As you wish, - Billy responded, focusing on one thing, wanting to disdain and free himself from burdens. He understood clearly that, for now, women would only be a problem, and it''s better to focus on his career. The departure of Alice, as his only partner, was his expectation. There was no one else who aroused true interest. Gwyneth was just a passing interest; the chemistry lasted less than two months. Now he understood how special his relationship with Alice was, above his other relationships. In two lifetimes, Alice was his best relationship.


    Scene 5.


    Take 9.


    EXT. BASE CAMP AT POTTERY HILL.


    sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut, - director Anthony Magnolia responded.


    Billy wiped the sweat from his forehead; the concentration of his mind continued to cause a series of disconcertments, and his method of carrying out activities was to proceed with extreme caution. He didn''t deny that the director was disconcertingly strict.


    -You were great, - Billy said, handing Winona a glass of water. The director stopped her three times because he considered Winona''s performance insufficient. She lacked expression or exaggerated on the edges.


    -Not at all; I''ve never felt so questioned,- Winona commented.


    -We can practice tonight. In recent instances, I''ve noticed that you handle things with mystery. Be soft on the edges, be happy. Katharine is a happy woman, and she has her charm. We''ll do everything tonight, - Billy commented.


    -That sounds good. I hope I can measure up, - the young woman responded, lost in her thoughts about what had happened. Had she become complacent with her abilities, and now she was being questioned in different ways than before? Was she just a pretty face?


    -Just keep acting. I think if we take on more challenging roles, you can improve your skills. You already know how to act; it requires great skills to embody roles. Some require you to be musical, others require you to be a killer, a fighter, or a chef. It depends on the role and the intensity, - Billy commented.


    -Alright, let''s go to the trailer and continue practicing, - Winona said. The attention of Anthony Mignaelia had thrown her off. Instead of being treated gently, as she was accustomed to, she was treated harshly. She couldn''t open her eyes because it was improper for the role. She had to be smiling and stop portraying drama with a blank face.


    They were joined by Mr. Clifton, a man portrayed by Colin Firth, who had graduated from the drama school in Great Britain, and his skills were magnificent for his relatively short experience.


    -You indeed have very big eyes, - said Colin Firth.


    -Hey, you cheeky, - Winona replied, playfully hitting him.


    -It''s good that you have big eyes, but you repeat the gesture too much, and it becomes a tic. The director saw it and wants to correct it. When you make expressions, it will stand out the moment you open your eyes, - Colin commented.


    -As brilliant as always, Colin. I think I''ll take a break. We''ll shoot some scenes tonight, - Billy commented, stepping out of the trailer. Everything was ready to proceed.


    ....

 324. intimate

    -You''re distracted, - a voice behind Gwyneth commented. She responded differently; it was obvious she was still thinking about irrelevant things. She was on set and didn''t know how this character managed to unsettle her.


    -You shouldn''t be here, in the studio, - Gwyneth said, looking around at the people nearby. The atmosphere was empty, and there was a trailer nearby. They were in production, and for now, the attention was focused on the enclosed setting.


    -Miss the chance to see you looking beautiful? Ha, come on, we both know there''s more than chemistry between you and me, - the man said, trying to grab the girl by her arms, but she resisted, pulling away from his grasp. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Stop harassing me, Leonardo. I have no interest in being with a guy like you. You''re just a newcomer, - Gwyneth said.


    -Ha, the newcomer you yearn for. You think you can deny it, but you''re completely desperate. Something that wrinkles that cute forehead, darling, - Leo commented, invading the blonde''s personal space, taking her by the waist while burying his nose in her neck.


    Her green eyes sparkled as the blonde''s legs began to weaken.


    -What are you talking about? Leave me alone, - she responded, trying to step back, wanting to refuse, but she was more reluctant, unlike before. At that moment, the blonde started to give in forcefully to everything that was happening. It was a common occurrence, and the way everything unfolded was crucial because Leonardo started to cut off the escape routes. The attraction between the two was undeniable.


    -I brought some of the wine we drank earlier, - Leonardo commented.


    -Just go away and leave me alone, - Gwyneth said, freeing herself from his clutches, and running away with a feeling of distress. Every detail was photographed by the paparazzi, although it seemed hidden, Gwyneth''s relationship was not well-known in the newspapers but was known in the industry, as privacy only surrounded a few meetings that were under notice.


    ***


    -Ah, the girl... that actress is a real fool, - William Donner commented, the patriarch of the family, looking at the future photos that were beginning to circulate on a small scale, all for the sake and favor of the family.


    -Your predictions were correct, sir, - Charles, one of the young men who was always taking care of William, commented.


    -They were, and in such a way that I only hope my dear Amelia can accomplish what we''re planning. You can bring that model, - William commented, thinking it was time to meet this Billy Carson who had been in his thoughts for a long time. Little Amelia was turning 16, but it wasn''t enough; she was too young to be part of an arranged marriage.


    -I can propose everything, sir. Sometimes you can be very persuasive, although the young man doesn''t know it, he makes many mistakes that a future wealthy man shouldn''t make, as everything has been profiled, - Charles commented.


    -I like that she''s innocent. It''s in that unawareness that I see the mistakes many make: false happiness, foolishness, the oasis we show to the world''s people can make them embroil themselves in silly fights, - William commented.


    The door was knocked, and Charles began to put away all the documents on the table while William sat at his desk. There were topics of investment, metals, gas, oil, transportation, and communications; curiously, they held a 15% stake in Viacom, among other companies scattered across his desk. Ten minutes passed while the person at the door waited there patiently.


    Charles opened the door.


    -Thank you for seeing me, Father, - Shawn Weatherly commented.


    -Come in, my dear, and have a seat, - William Donner said, looking her up and down. She wore a long black dress, knee-length. Despite being 52 years old, she was still so beautiful��a good investment, he thought for his son, Agustus.


    -Permission granted, - the young woman replied. There wasn''t much formality, but there was respect. Although etiquette was necessary, people began to reject all the pomp and decided to establish basic etiquettes among the powerful and some social gatherings just to satisfy the ego of some individuals. Even now, he drifted away from those thoughts.


    -I hate it when things don''t go perfectly. That''s why I did everything possible for people to forget your name. Now I find a sufficient opportunity to stabilize the family, - William commented.


    -Father... -


    He fell silent, seeing Charles''s fearful look, who always used to help him. He took the silence that corresponded to him.


    -Is Amelia meeting upbringing expectations? - William asked.


    He could do nothing but nod. She had done everything possible to keep Amelia up to the demanding pace required. She paid for the teachers to be stricter and to grade her work with extreme demands. The promise of a higher average for any gift and the counter position that it is hard to earn. The long motivational talks so that his daughter wouldn''t give up, and the encouraging words, were a testament to her grandfather.


    -Good. You may leave, - William said, in a deep voice.


    ***


    -Cut. -


    -Wow, -Billy sighed, completely exhausted. The thick dark circles under the director''s eyes were a clear indication that he wasn''t the only one feeling the strain. Each take yielded barely 20 minutes of footage, composed of 40-minute sequences, and the plan was to double the capture time to at least two hours.


    -Don''t worry, we''re all in the same boat, - commented William Dafoe.


    -I beg to differ, - Billy replied, taking a sip of water and watching Winona, who was bouncing around with enthusiasm, seemingly contrary to everyone else around her.


    -We''re just mortals, she''s the flower in the desert that will bring the film to stardom, - commented William, particularly profound. He was a person with great knowledge of literature, poetry, and cinema, making him pleasant to converse with.


    -Your poetry is gaining traction; I can see she''s reading the book you recommended recently, - Billy commented, opening a beer from the small refrigerator in the makeshift production town taken over to shoot most of the scenes in the desert.


    -Ahhh, a good beer after work, - said William. - Colin, come on, boy, have a beer with these uncultured American men. -


    Colin lifted his nose in jest, showing a hint of his character, Geoffrey, before bursting into laughter in a not-very-decent manner, breaking the facade of a pretentious Brit and embracing his charisma.


    -I want one too, - Winona said, to Billy''s surprise, and everyone''s surprise, Winona befriended Colin Firth, the man who played her husband, and it seemed they were becoming great friends, along with a particularly talkative Willem.


    -My dear, you''re everything they say, - commented Willem, opening another beer.


    -Hahaha, please, we have to get up early tomorrow. If you keep flattering me, you might not finish your first beer today, - Winona commented, ignoring that Willem was someone who easily took Winona''s teasing and the way everything started to flow with beer, while the light from the street lamps accompanied them. Everyone was dirty from the sand, and a drink before bed was the perfect time.


    -I think it''s time for me to go, - said Billy, nodding about his business problems. They were on a fast track with his companies, creating the animated channel for children under 7 years old and the documentary channel, both aimed at expanding animation contests, telling stories, creating logos, and programs, and using CGI.


    ...

 325. offer

    Ohn Grew was utterly desperate about what happened as Terry Banks'' right-hand man during the company''s creation. They dedicated themselves to creating a basic email delivery system. However, as the company started gaining subscribers selling cheap domains, and installing and connecting a massive network, the small team of five doubled to ten, then to 20.


    -We have 15 million users overall, and the inactivity has worsened. Now, the average number of connected people per day is around 1 million, with active users at least 6 million, - Terry Banks commented.


    Meanwhile, Denver was busy with marketing. He reviewed all the forms, while Sarah Robles, the advertising director, looked at the data incidence. The big company now took over everything, with two details: Anne mentioned during the board meeting the sale of the company, and the heavyweights of the company began taking over everything, including corporate social responsibility, being mindful of all the details.


    -AOL has an interesting proposal; they offer $560 million for Hotmail, - Rachel Green commented.


    Draining the monumental spirit of people, the sale would be made public, but the hiring offer began to gain strength, and on the side, many companies were watching the process with giant eyes. AOL is a media giant that hopes to push aside its email, clearly aiming to unite multiple organizations under one company.


    -Let''s move on to Billy''s second plan, to start attracting attention from different companies. If we can create a constant flow, superior to the statistics, the commercial value will only increase, - Anne Hall said. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moving American capital.


    By: New York Times.


    ...


    On the first page, most people already knew firsthand about AOL''s move, but now it seems like people are starting to move.


    -We can''t predict the future; we can bid for the company, or create something similar, but it won''t give us the number of active users that page has. It''s aggressive to say there was an acquisition when there are only acquisition proposals, - commented the Microsoft vice president.


    -Let''s just keep bidding. We can twist our business if we use the video game company card, and we can help solidify the kid''s power at Apple, - John Frontman commented.


    -We might be wrong, but now we see that the kid''s got pride, the pride of work, - Bill Gates commented. Among the negotiators, there''s something indisputable, and it''s the talent to shape; if anyone can shape words with their power, it''s success, and nothing else is needed.


    -We can meddle, but with AOL''s growing investment and the dissatisfaction we have with services, we can invest, but it''ll be a long struggle, - commented Braim Chard.


    -We''re in the eye of the hurricane, - Anne Hall commented, pacing not far from the balcony. All activities were encapsulated in a white flag, while she was insecure and indecisive.


    -We can make more money, and set up the plans. Let''s start with the online chat process, Messenger. If we can link the device to email accounts and link to different types of emails, we''ll have a sale that exceeds the $560 million they''re offering for our email, - Billy commented, eager for the possible events about to unfold. The more money he scratches, the more he can focus on doing business. He wants to create a Pixar animation branch in Atlanta, which has great tax benefits if he''s willing to invest.


    -Always so repugnant; I hope you take this seriously, - Anne commented.


    -Wait, Anne, I do; it''s just that the idea is worth gold. I even think we can acquire significant shares for future sales. - Billy commented, setting his sights on the dot-com bubble. Either way, money was the vicious circle Billy was trying to catch.


    -I understand. I hope you''re up for sale, or at least give us a fixed parameter to work with. Your last deal leaves much to be desired, - Anne commented.


    -Paul Allen is playing with us; those old folks don''t feel like moving even when they know the gaming market is booming. For now, he just wants to scrape money off us somehow. I''d rather deal with AOL than stoop to Microsoft. Don''t let them intimidate you. If they ask for a lower price, mention that business is business, even with their favorability relationship. It''s better to invest everything on our terms, - Billy commented.


    ...

 326. bugs.

    June 15.


    The movie "" premiered on June 15, 1995, at the same time as . Both films are in a classic face-off that has become common in recent months: the battle between 3D and 2D animation is livelier than ever. On numerous occasions, some animators have argued that the world of 2D animation is what the market needs due to its development and tradition. Typically, such attacks come from people related to the industry. With a budget lower than its big success , the $32 million are competing against Disney for the third time. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd was spirited, and to the misfortune of many, the mastermind behind the scenes was absent. Billy Carson wasn''t present on the red carpet. The event, seen through different eyes, was full of people from his company, bustling back and forth, taking pictures of the various toys. It was a complete festival for children, but adults couldn''t help but admire the beauty of each toy. Along with the homage from toy stores, , owned by Billy, boasts five branches - one in San Jose, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco. Its sales are enormous, as it''s the go-to store for any special product of luxury animation. This has been a constant hit from numerous animation series, movies, and games that are starting to gain recognition in the market. Brand recognition is becoming public knowledge for everyone around.


    -Billy didn''t come, - murmured Raimon, seeing the carpet so crowded.


    -His work got ahead; he''s filming in Morocco, but he sends his regards, - Anne commented. She attended normally she only attends important occasions like big movies or meetings with executives, but today she''s filling in for Billy. Although known by some media, she''s not a face that gains as much favor as a good front page.


    -Even your friends are here, - Anne commented, seeing Peter Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Craig McCracken. Craig''s skills have been praised, and he''s even had slight brushes with Pixar companies to create some small things with the company. His role as a storyteller in some  situations is appreciated for his youthful character dynamics and good script reading.


    -I know, we''re going to the taqueria after the movie. Do you want to join? - Raimon asked.


    Anne didn''t even bother to respond; she continued her path as soon as she heard those words. Such a long day just makes her want to stick to her daily routine of going home and going to sleep.


    -I guess that''s a no, - Raimon said, with a light costume of a caterpillar, green and shameless, passing more as a hired person to test the waters with his caterpillar costume.


    The movie  tells the story of a group of ants oppressed by grasshoppers, a group of bugs with superior strength over all the ants. These ants have to pay tribute to them, regardless of each ant''s conditions, just as the ants are neutralized by an accident. It starts with the journey of a person who seeks out people who can help him save his village, what he considers warriors. From there, the staging varies to a series of different encounters.


    The cinema was silent, admiring the new elements, such as the use of water, rhythmic elements like wind, more formal movements of the characters, and different postures and symmetries that initially seemed impossible to many.


    -The animation leaps are fantastic, - whispered a person, jotting down notes in their agenda - a critic wasn''t lying. Pixar''s programs have been updated, and although the Autodesk program has a higher number and most of the tools, the work is rigorous and aimed to be one of the best of the time. The movie itself is the advertisement that all companies want when buying the Pixar Arts program. From better 2D and 3D formats, even the spread of great programs is just a stamp to make more money. No one has the skills to make movies of that style.


    Autodesk is the company that owes the most tribute; the $400 million loan to acquire more companies and programs is turning Autodesk into one of the strongest software companies in the market. Its price revolves around capitals higher than the known ones; it''s the most profitable company of Billy''s, and its earnings are just ridiculous.


    Autodesk''s rendering capabilities are among the best in the market, alongside Adobe Systems. The purchase for $650 million hasn''t made much noise because Autodesk''s head, John Walker, is in charge of everything related to the company and is the public face.


    -The plot is acceptable and focuses on children. It has a deeper story and original thoughts, - commented the critics.


    -A great leap in characters. -


    -Beyond that, it contains a movie that will most likely triumph, - commented one of the Fox executives.


    ***


    At Autodesk, the profiles of John Walker and Max Brainder, both heading the large Autodesk group, initially, the alliance between Pixar and Autodesk was a way to advance the 3D animation system, which is now one of the most advanced in the market. They are now poised to advance and make the purchase of Adobe Systems, at a price they considered laughable. John Walker feels wasted as his constant capital is overshadowed by Billy''s constant investments. To avoid the stock market, he has considered accepting the position making as much money as possible, and selling 8% of his share when the chosen time comes.


    -The movie was a success, - Max Brainder commented.


    -It was something we expected. Now, new companies will sign with our products. There''s no better advertising than tangibly showing results, - John Walker remarked.


    -That''s true. We have four new requests, and our advisory service has been growing. Now, the advisory system has been expanding, and we have a clear team in vital companies, - Max Brainder added.


    Andrew Anagnost, the operations advisor, who was in charge of the advisory model, was handling all the accounts and details of the company, which now as a consolidated group had 130 employees. Beyond that, he was a beneficial link with multiple companies.


    -We believe that the union with Adobe will be beneficial. If we can share a superior technical scope and outshine certain companies on the map in terms of quality, for now, the investments with Pixar have been significant, and it is expected that the next software will allow us to improve the entire character creation program and support models for the coming year, - Andrew Anagnost commented.


    -It sounds fabulous, but tighten the belt. The investment we made is considerable, and we have other investment channels, - John Walker commented, thinking about their engineering, architecture, and modeling programs.


    Recordable results for the year: 700 million in net income. Of these, two hundred fifty will be used as fixed assets for the acquisition of Adobe and expansion into logistics software services similar to Windows, to handle the process with Apple on Mac, a small agreement redirected with Billy.


    -Understood, boss. I''ll talk to treasury and business development, - Andrew Anagnost commented.


    Software design was now starting to heat a series of possibilities that couldn''t be more glaring in the fact of each of the companies. They were growing at an outstanding rate, and the relationship between Autodesk and Apple is only news of development.


    ...

 327. pocket monsters.

    June 23, - July 14.


    All the children in North America eagerly awaited this spectacular breakthrough. Every single person present had one wish: to buy the new product advertised on TV channels and in animated productions, with several commercials on Nickelodeon, Luxtoons, and Fox Kids.


    The new Tamagotchi game was becoming a significant sales item in programming. Children who had wanted it for a week began purchasing this small, square device, featuring Pok��mon and various characters from other franchises, which required them to raise little pets over time��feeding them, battling, putting them to sleep, and exercising them. Sales doubled day by day, on a steep upward trajectory that was purely beneficial.


    Mattel executives watched everything with surprise on their faces, while Hasbro remained hesitant due to their small collaboration. The sales were incredible, and the product''s popularity began to double, making it almost unreal.


    In a city store, a group of children was looking at the Tamagotchis with gleeful eyes, with a sign reading ''only $9.99,'' alongside special editions for $19.99. The price was affordable enough to buy one with savings or as a special gift.


    -In aisle seven, we have all the appliances, - announced a clear voice over the intercom.


    -Mom, I want a Tamagotchi, - said a little girl with a plaintive tone, walking away from the display, captivated by the cute designs, the Pok��mon, and the bouncing Digimon with round, colorful heads.


    -We don��t have the money and need to buy the modeling clay you need for your final project. The teacher said the explosion would happen in the last weeks of the course, - her mother replied, cutting her off immediately.


    There were long lines at every display, with some kids holding the toys in their hands while others waited in line. Each wanted to be part of the new trend, the magnificent connection that allowed them to evolve their Pok��mon. The program was simply a guaranteed sale.


    ...


    -The attributes of Tamagotchi are special and attract the children, - Raimon said, noticing a new need to start a company while playing with a yellow Tamagotchi from the Pok��mon brand. The yellow mouse, Pikachu, ran in circles, playing in a meadow that was the yellow mouse''s home.


    There were a total of three habitats: house, tree, meadow, and mountain. Each had its own special action choice. For example, in the house, there was a treadmill for exercise; in the tree, it could eat forest fruits; the meadow had a small pond for swimming; and the mountain had painting classes, with a yellow mouse creating different paintings.


    -I agree with your motivations and each of them to be part of the Hasbro team, - said Jim Hangurberg confidently. Raimon, familiar with the game, just nodded.


    -I can say that''s particularly true... - he tested the waters. - However, now that we have closer relations, are you willing to accept the negotiation with the entire brand? If we join forces and create a good contract, we can exploit each of the series, - Raimon said, aware of the many mistakes they had made in producing toys independently, such as transportation costs. It��s more profitable for specialized companies to handle all the logistics.


    -We accept. Management agreed to a 15% profit margin, as long as we have an exclusivity principle, - Jim replied.


    -As long as our stores are well-stocked, we will place orders of at least fifteen to twenty million units, - Raimon responded.


    Jim Hangurberg sighed, seeing the relative challenges. It was the nature of doing business. But Lux Animation wanted to form their distribution and make a long wait... but it was normal. Hasbro''s companies could expand their services and deliver a significant quantity of toys, attracting popularity to other brands and securing the contract.


    -Ah, we will have a long task ahead. We hope that production for the upcoming movies can be under the Hasbro brand, - Jim said.


    -Remember, this price will only last for three to four years, then sales will decline, - Raimon said, nodding. It��s normal for such things to happen in the gaming industry.


    Hasbro has a higher cost, but it also has lower-value companies. The way everything is done, it''s possible that some people might not be able to buy. However, they have lower-quality toys under some Hasbro sub-brands, which don��t use the main name and sell under different labels. So many nuances, but now they��ve won an award similar to Disney, which usually uses small batches and large batches to meet their production system. It��s normal for these things to vary in such companies


    ***


    Unlike the previous companies, ID Software is the American cradle of video games. Its popularity rivals that of brands like Sega and Capcom. It''s one of the most popular companies that has quietly grown as the video game world explodes with the release of the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64. Next year, profits will reach billions of dollars, alongside the second installment of Crash Bandicoot, the recent release of Forza Horizon, and the upcoming Tony Hawk project��a skateboarding game that promises to deliver something outstanding and unique. Additionally, new releases from the Resident Evil franchise and Doom are on the horizon.


    However, the current spotlight is on two new releases by the fourth team: Lux Party and Super Smash Lux. These collective games will feature all the characters from Lux Animation, along with some licensed characters from Capcom and Sega, secured by Billy at a special price.


    From the ID Software building, Richard Boll managed the projects, emphasizing the need to continue developing new titles to create a Nintendo-like image, establishing original IPs based on various games. Therefore, a proposal was opened to create a series, allowing each project leader to present their designs. These designs would be tested in small pilots, and the winners would have the opportunity to focus on their video games. The challenge was to find graphic designers or innovative ideas.


    -Thank you for bringing me the projects, - Richard Boll commented from the corner of his office. His bald head, shiny due to the lack of hair, was an acceptance of adulthood. As he carefully reviewed the aggressive projects, one particularly caught his attention. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was an open-world adventure game with animated characters, each a cute, funny creature with superpowers, battling in the city. The game was entertaining, resembling an open-world fantasy city.


    -Strange creatures, - Richard Boll remarked as he observed the open-world gameplay with numerous puzzles, reminiscent of Zelda but with different gameplay mechanics and moving pawns.


    Richard left his office to speak with Alexa, who now held the position of project advisor and administrative regulation officer. As he crossed the hall, he clenched and unclenched his fist in a therapeutic gesture to alleviate hand pain.


    Alexa was organizing her office, filled with numerous posters. The sunlight streaming in gave a warm feel, complemented by the plants and pictures, much more inviting than Richard''s stark office.


    -We need to hire new employees,  - Richard said.


    -''Ohhhhh, - Alexa Riley replied, understanding that the new proposal hit the mark.


    -Camil and Coleman succeeded with their project, - she noted.


    -Along with Dave D. Taylor. Both projects are approved, and beyond that, I''m extremely pleased. However, we need to hire more employees. We currently have five teams; I hope to expand to seven and establish ourselves. We have the funds to expand and the means to do so, - Richard explained to Alexa, who was one of the undeniable leaders.


    -I��m not good with numbers, but I��ll send out the job postings. We have benefits with some eager candidates on the waiting list and some universities. Hiring interns is fantastic! - Alexa exclaimed.


    The company''s fifty employees would grow by twenty new hires.


    ...

 328. Reunion

    June 24.


    The recording of The English Patient continues, and the scenes remain captivating. Anthony, a businessman, aimed to convince people. About ten days ago, he saw that the sandstorm season in Morocco would begin. These storms could last an hour to four hours, requiring extensive preparations for good footage. This initial recording involved planning for security and various other factors, already coordinated with different people on what and how to proceed with the shots.


    -Let''s wait for a sandstorm to arrive. We''ll film in a small room we present what a real sandstorm looks like, - said Anthony Mignelia.


    -Sounds like we''ll have some problems. Did you talk to the meteorological institute about the issues with doing this? - asked Steve E., the producer of The English Patient.


    Looking at a detailed map of all areas in Morocco, especially the regions around Fez, where a small desert was used for many shots, they also planned to film in Tunisia, with some team members, and finally in Italy, to save costs.


    On the map of Morocco, black circles indicated the areas of major sandstorms, while blue circles marked tolerance zones where, although not dangerous, sandstorms could bury a person or a small tent.


    -'' I did, even with some residents in these places. These are the most dangerous spots for sandstorms. If we film here and here, we can shoot without compromising the equipment and the safety of the crew,'' Anthony explained.


    -''It''s complicated,'' replied Steve E., still not convinced.


    -The complication is whether we consult and do a quick shoot in a tolerance zone. I say yes, let''s do it. Everything is moving at a spectacular pace for now. I think our storms will hit every so often in the coming days, - said Saul Zaents.


    -Fine, let''s get some shots with the actors and some imitations, and edit everything when the time comes, - responded Anthony.


    Meanwhile, the love story unfolds with its unique language. The actors prepare diligently, with Billy perfecting scenes to meet the demands. Billy practices scenes in the mornings with Winona if needed. Their dialogues are brief but always marked by secrecy, a form of violence and power, as it''s a forbidden relationship. The denial and push of emotions are necessary.


    Now they practice a bizarre method used by Winona to emphasize discomfort: speaking with blindfolds on, as close as possible, while avoiding any contact. The exercise remains strange.


    -I give up, - said Billy, removing the blindfold.


    -We were doing well. When you can''t see, you have a desire to see, which can be used as a need for our scenes, - Winona explained, wearing a white, low-cut shirt that left much to the imagination, despite the desperate heat. Billy was drenched in sweat from the sun''s rays.


    -I feel like if I move even a little, I''ll end up banging my head against yours, - Billy responded, wiping sweat from his forearm. Winona, without saying more, handed him a white towel, receiving a slight thank you. They had been practicing for two hours and still hadn''t started filming.


    -Let''s have breakfast, - said the brunette, stretching lazily. The movie has been demanding, both from the director and Billy, who requires constant practice of his lines, postures, and movements. It''s one rehearsal after another, common for long roles, such as musicals.


    She fanned herself with some irritation while the fan in the corner of the room blew air intermittently, trying to stay cool. Baths had to be short due to water-saving policies in the desert state. Usually accustomed to long showers, she now had to wash in a small stall or with a cold water cloth at the end of the night. Public baths were a real nuisance, especially for women, with modesty concerns and the fear of hidden cameras, as many wanted a piece of Winona''s body.


    -We have tortillas with vegetables and meat, - Billy said, thinking that the menu wasn��t exactly tortillas but a type of flatbread called Khobz. - We can use those turbans. My bodyguards can disguise themselves as civilians and go to the market to get some hummus or kefta. -


    -Sounds fabulous, - said the woman, biting her lip at the idea of going out to eat in disguise, like a normal person. It was always intriguing, and Billy knew that casual outings to restaurants had become limited, depending on the area, place, and time.


    ***


    The recordings, as always, began at 9:00 am and lasted until noon, took a break until 2:00 pm, and then resumed from 2:40 pm to 6:00 pm.


    -Scene 39. Take 3.-


    EXT. BASE CAMP AT POTTERY HILL.


    S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -Cut. -


    The crew, organizing the scene, sighed as they prepared for the next shot.


    -Great job, - Billy commented.


    -I thought we��d have to repeat the scene five times, - Winona said, breathing deeply.


    ...

 330. Offerings.

    June 24.


    Anne was reviewing all the accounts. The battle for the acquisition was reaching its peak. The offer was now available to AOL and its competitors, attracting many eager to compete for the purchase of Hotmail. The acquisition was still alive, as everyone wanted a piece of Hotmail.


    Everything was set for AOL to take the prize, with payment terms and negotiations varying between offers. AOL was willing to pay $530 million in different installments over one to two years. Microsoft, on the other hand, preferred to offer $130 million in company shares, with the remainder in a firm check. This method would finalize the purchase. Other companies had similar negotiations, but the sale agreement was to be settled by July 10, ten days after results from Europe came through. These results would be crucial for the acquisition.


    -Has Billy not answered? - Anne Hall asked.


    -No, it must be three in the afternoon there; here, it��s nine in the morning, - Raimon replied, noticing a new offer from a company. Although the decision wasn��t 100% Billy��s, it was crucial to have his input.


    -He��s probably filming. We can wait for him to call back later. I think the offer is perfect for us. The 5% in shares along with the payment helps us negotiate. However, the benefits of partnering with companies include relationships and contacts. Microsoft is a major company that offers more than just money. The additional 8% in shares they offer could be sold later, and we could strike extra deals, which interests Billy, - Raimon explained.


    Hotmail''s price continued to rise due to Billy��s ongoing campaign. His marketing strategies went viral, using 21st-century tactics that were remarkable. First, Hotmail was advertised on most web pages that didn��t yet have ad services. Second, word of mouth was employed, with ads in bars near offices and physical ads. More costly commercials were run in cinemas, leveraging contacts to broadcast these ads before films, spreading across North America in just two weeks.


    -We��ll discuss it thoroughly once he calls for the briefing sessions. We have five to ten days to respond to these offers. I sent a note about the sale happening on July 10. The public offer agreements should come through online that day, - Anne said.


    ***


    Later that day, Billy had finished most scenes at the hotel, with some extra takes. The tanned brunette woman was a fiery presence, captivating the men around her.


    -Are you coming to the meeting? We��re having a little party in the hotel penthouse. It was useful, - Winona remarked lightly.


    -I have to work. I��m sorry I can��t attend, - Billy declined, seeing the black-haired woman as a ticking time bomb amidst the turbulence.


    -I don��t think you understand. It��s a meeting, and besides, I think you owe me some favors, Mr. Investor. As your friend, rejecting people isn��t good. Even if you have work, attend for half an hour, greet everyone, chat a bit, and then excuse yourself, - Winona advised.


    Billy nodded at Winona��s advice, realizing another of his significant mistakes, and understood the importance of relationships, not without noting the brunette��s sensuality in every step.


    Winona walked towards Monica Bellucci. The two women left the second-floor room, which was more like a remote production studio in Tunisia, a ten-minute drive from the hotel.


    -How did you get to Tunisia so quickly? - Winona asked, greeting her with a kiss.


    -I have a little businessman who��s willing to do anything for me. He lent me his private jet. From Italy to Tunisia, it��s just a short trip, - Monica replied with a smile that brightened the darkness.


    -Oh, it��s so good to have you here. We can go to the villa. I miss our time in Italy, - Winona said, hooking her arm with Monica��s. Though they seemed close, they saw each other occasionally, having met on the set of Dracula, where Monica transitioned from a secondary character to a symbol of beauty.


    -Me too. It��s always nice to have a sexy girl divert some attention from me,�� Monica teased, making Winona blush. Unlike Winona, Monica was fully aware of her beauty and knew how to navigate the world with it. In an interview, Monica once said, ��Beauty is a gift and a burden. It can open doors, but it can also be a trap. - This phrase encapsulates her persuasive outlook and tranquility.


    -We''ll do our best, - said Winona.


    Billy descended the stairs. From a distance, he could see that most of the time, the women around him always advised on how to relate to others. This time, he took the initiative. First, he went to his room and took a long shower, then he went to the hotel restaurant, asking two things about the wine bottles and room service. Two bottles of ''74 vintage, each costing 64,800 dinars, almost 37,000 euros. It was a key move, as the recommendation was sensational.


    He paid and requested the bottles be sent to Mrs. Winona''s penthouse, along with some traditional food.


    He also ordered his suit and called to get updated on everything happening in the company.


    -What are you talking about? - Billy asked Anne Hall. S��arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We received a very positive offer that would give us more money. However, I decided to postpone and wait until July 10th as we presented. Also, the Messenger initiative, an online chat, is partially agreed upon. We still need to strengthen our interest in the use of email, -said Anne.


    Getting ahead of much of the work Billy was waiting for, the need to make money was key. He didn''t quite know how to guarantee success since, most of the time, with films, success was uncertain. His production companies needed funds, especially with the recent expansion. But the Messenger chat model was an offer even other companies besides Microsoft couldn''t resist.


    -How secure is the offer? - asked Billy.


    -TPG Capital (formerly Texas Pacific Group) offered to buy Hotmail for $800 million. Along with that comes 5% of Apple''s shares, meaning most of the time we''d have enough budget to keep investing in Pixar, Lux Films, and a special effects company, - explained Anne.


    -100% secure. Somehow, they discovered our online chat. The only condition is that you act as a creative advisor and assess options, denying any work or secrets to another company, - said Anne.


    ***


    It was seven o''clock in the evening, Tunisian time, and Billy was still handling business. Alongside Winona were Monica Bellucci and Juliette Binoche, who had arrived a week ago to see the production. The three women were laughing, while the English prince looked cornered by the three women whispering.


    The door knocked.


    -Ohhhh, it must be the blond young man, - said Monica cheerfully, seeing Cate going to open the door.


    A young hotel bellboy opened the door, a bit nervous. The 200-dinar tip, along with the bill of almost 70,000 dinars, was a clear sign that one of the hotel bosses was involved and couldn''t be offended.


    -Excuse me, miss, but Mr. Billy Carson sends his regards, - said the bellboy, blushing upon seeing the hotel stars. He had heard that most of the time, these people had a terrible temper, so it was better to act formally.


    -Ohhhh, - murmured Juliette. The three women approached the intimidated bellboy, and they saw the delivery of two bottles of wine along with numerous dishes. Their eyes widened.


    -I think we''ll keep it,- said Monica, accepting it before Winona could reject it out of pride.


    -You haven''t tipped, - murmured Winona, reaching for her purse.


    -It''s not necessary, miss. I''ve already been tipped, - said the young man respectfully, knowing that Americans usually give large tips.


    -I don''t think Mr. Carson is coming, - said Colin Firth. His British accent sounded more respectful than anything else.


    -Mr. Carson sent us a great wine. Oh, what a delight! I can taste it on my lips just by looking at this kind of wine, - commented Monica, still in a blue dress. Her tanned skin and brown hair, along with her neckline, were an irresistible charm.


    -I have no idea about wines, - responded Juliette Binoche, her black hair tied up. She was dressed all in white but had a more elegant posture, more for business than anything else.


    They had a couple of beers in the hotel fridge, but wine was not common. So they saw many basic things: first, Colin Firth didn''t drink much. A few sips of wine and beer loosened his tongue, something unusual for an Englishman. Second, the three women were experts in drinking wine.


    Colin''s dance was the funniest thing to see


    ...

 331. followed

    Billy walked towards Winona''s room. About two meters before he arrived, he heard pop music and realized the fun people were having inside. ABBA? He tried to knock, but it wasn��t loud enough. He waited for half a minute and hit harder, only to be greeted by Colin Firth with a tie around his head like a clich�� movie scene, his shirt open. It was quite a sight.


    Billy could only smile.


    -Billy, great to see you, - said Colin, hugging him.


    - Colin, I took a bit longer to get here. Some inconveniences caused delays, - said Billy, entering the hotel room. He found the windows covered by curtains and pop music blaring. He greeted Winona, who was wearing a white shirt with jeans. The shirt was a bit large, and her cheeks were flushed.


    -I thought you wouldn��t make it, - said Winona.


    -I tried, but my work ended earlier. Today was cooler than usual, - Billy said with a slightly crooked smile, receiving a greeting kiss.


    Briefly glancing at Winona, he then turned to Juliette Binoche and Monica Bellucci, who were sharing a seat. Juliette, being closest, extended her hand with a slight bow. Following Gwyneth''s instilled manners, Billy knew to respect the predetermined boundaries, fitting his personality to be distant yet polite. However, etiquette prevailed as Juliette extended her hand upwards, signaling for him to kiss it.


    -Billy Carson, Miss Juliette. I��ve heard of you before, - said Billy, dedicating his next greeting to Monica, who sensually extended her hand. Recently divorced, Monica was a ticking time bomb, a woman who claimed happiness was making love every day. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -A pleasure, Miss, - said Billy.


    -Bellucci, young man, but you can call me Monica, as long as you do so with the respect I deserve, -responded Monica cheerfully.


    Billy raised his eyebrows.


    -Why wouldn��t I? -


    The mere question elicited laughter, or rather, a burst of laughter from Monica and Juliette. Each was beautiful in her own right. Juliette was French, a dancer. Monica was Italian, a supermodel, thus her mannerisms exuded an inherent eroticism, and the atmosphere in the room heated up. Billy''s gift was perfect for lightening the mood.


    -Work in what? - Monica asked.


    -Ohhhhh�� you��re talking to the American man of the moment. Billy is a renowned illustrator with his own comic book company, and of course, he��s well-known for animation, - responded Winona, knowing his story.


    -You��re quite young to have your own company. Maybe a second-generation entrepreneur? - the young Italian commented boldly.


    -You could say I��m lucky to have parents with good capital to start my business, - responded Billy, taking a beer in hand, thinking it had been a long time since he had more than one beer. It wasn��t the occasion, but the unbearable heat of the day made him crave a beer. Monica noticed his strong jawline, youthful appearance, perhaps twenty years old, characteristic maturity, and his well-kept, large hands. She almost wanted to devour him.


    She tossed her hair back, exposing her neck, and moved closer, cornering Billy on the edge of the sofa where he sat, placing her hand near his.


    -I want to start a company, but I never had the guidance, - said Monica.


    -Well, that depends on the type of company. It��s always advisable to have professional help. Secondly, you should have at least a basic understanding of the industry, - said Billy.


    -I love this song! - said Winona, listening to pop-rock.


    -Hahaha, - laughter echoed.


    Winona invited Colin to dance, and Juliette joined them.


    Colin Firth danced with Winona. Juliette saw them paired up and felt like a third wheel.


    -Sure, I want to create my own restaurant. More than a restaurant, an elegant social lounge with food and snacks, cheese tastings, snacks, wines, special drinks, something amazing, - said Monica, moving closer to Billy. The way she spoke oozed sensuality.


    -You can do it. Your idea is feasible as long as you have good suppliers and special locations. For example, who is willing to eat there? Students, artists, workers? You need to identify who and how you can attract these clients. Lastly, recognition: it needs to have good prices but also quality prices. It depends on whom you target the business towards. And finally, expect to fail. Failure is something that happens often, - said Billy.


    -That��s fantastic, - commented Monica after hearing the brief explanation.


    -Let��s dance, Monica, - said Winona.


    Monica smiled and let her hair down, following the rhythm as she started to dance. Billy joined in, aware that it had been a while since he last danced.


    As the five of them danced tentatively, each with their own unique and somewhat awkward style, it was clear none of them were skilled dancers.


    -Ah, these radio stations are annoying, - said Juliette, as a slow Italian song played.


    -I like this song, - commented Monica, watching Colin having fun with Winona. The British guy was amusing, she thought.


    Exhausted, Colin lay back on the rug, pouring more wine and opening another bottle.


    -I can��t drink anymore, we have a shoot tomorrow. But thank you, - Billy responded.


    -Oh, come on, my young American, have a little more, - Monica said, moving closer to Billy and brushing his hair back.


    -Sorry to disappoint you, but I have several things to do tomorrow, and if I wake up early, I��d rather be sleepy than have a headache. So, I apologize. However, let me invite you to dinner. I understand you live in Italy, and we��ll be filming there, - said Billy.


    -Always so perfect. I accept! - responded Monica. The small party of five continued in high spirits.


    Not far away, time flew by in the fun atmosphere, encouraging Billy to stay longer. After two hours, he finally excused himself to go to his room, leaving the beautiful Bellucci behind.


    ...

 332. sort.

    June 27. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The makeup process to achieve the precise look for his role took four hours. Starting at five in the morning, a team of makeup artists went through a lengthy procedure, while Billy had a prosthetic that shortened the process slightly but required him to stay still.


    -It''s amazing how much you can change with makeup, - said Juliette Binoche.


    -I hope they bring out my good side, - Billy replied from the bed. He had been in full makeup for three days, and today was the penultimate day he would need it. The scenes were long, and he only had to use his eyes to convey expressions, something he had mastered a long time ago. It was different seeing how both words and eyes were his main tools, through a process of experimentation. He kept his eyes open as much as possible so they would stay red, giving a sickly appearance.


    -Hahaha, not many can say they''re attended to by a beautiful woman like me, - said Juliette with her black hair cut with scissors to give a touch of desperation, as it was in desperation that she found her character''s essence. Her constant falls and fragile mental state complemented her costume perfectly.


    Winona entered, her hair flowing in waves. It was a glossy black, even though they wanted her to dye it for her character. She mentioned she had another role soon in "The Crucible," so she couldn''t focus on her hair as much. The producers didn''t object; you don''t deny anything to a ''90s angel, one of the most popular women of the era.


    -Oh, what lovely weather, - she commented, stretching her arms into the air, free from the burden of filming. It had been one of the most intense shoots she had been a part of, with unhealthy schedules and intense rehearsals.


    Billy felt suffocated by all the layers of prosthetics and makeup.


    -How long will you be in Italy? - Juliette asked.


    -Mmmm... I have to be in Nevada next week. Filming has already started, but my role is in a very short timeframe, so I''ll be fine, -Winona said, embracing the idea of vacationing in Italy, with Monica Bellucci currently absent.


    -Oh, we can go to that restaurant near the countryside on Saturday, - said Juliette, talking about a nearby restaurant where they were filming. The location was a place in Livorno, bought by Billy and adapted for the shoot. The restaurant was near the city entrance, and they had often intended to go.


    -Perfect, you can come with us. We will attend a modeling event by some brands showcasing the autumn collection. I''d like to buy some dresses with prints, - commented Winona.


    Juliette eagerly agreed; clothes always called to women like moths to a flame, which was why attending those fashion shows was so appealing. Even if they didn''t buy anything immediately, just seeing the clothes was enough.


    William Dafoe arrived in his costume, dressed as a vagabond, with a broad smile. He was a somewhat questionable character, as he delivered exemplary performances, yet was rarely highlighted, making him a frequent hire for various roles, but rarely a leading man.


    The crew started signaling, and the filming of "The English Patient" began.


    -I think it��s wise to hire Will Smith for this comedy. Though I��d like to have Billy Carson, his acting style doesn��t fit what we need. He��s better suited for drama, action, romance... any genre but comedy, -  commented Ronald Perelman.


    -Done, we��ll proceed as you see fit, Mr. Director, - said Dean Devlin, the movie��s producer and screenwriter, alongside Ronald Emmerich.


    -We��ll continue with everything as planned, so we should start as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on our film, - said Karl Walter, part of the production and coordination team. Just as Nigel handles coordination for Sony Pictures, Karl Walter manages the same for their team.


    -Independence Day - is a landmark film, notable for its release in 1996. Emmerich conceived the movie in response to a question about his belief in extraterrestrial life during an interview in London. This initiative led to the project, though Sony Pictures completely rejected it, leading to its eventual production by 20th Century Fox and Centropolis Entertainment. Devlin and Emmerich decided to incorporate a large-scale attack after noting that aliens in most invasion films travel long distances only to remain hidden upon arriving on Earth. Thus, the movie contains a high index of violence due to the alien invasion.


    The news came later, and Jim Waitt received it. It was a significant development that would alter the schedule. Jim sighed with joy at the thought of Billy taking on another movie, such as "The English Patient." Delighted, he decided to have more scripts on hand, searching for the right starting point for new roles, nodding along.


    -Billy mentioned something about ''Jerry Maguire,'' a script that, according to rumors, is fantastic and surprising. However, I''m not sure where he got it from, but it''s a great film, - Jim mused to himself, running a hand through his hair. There were many interesting movies on the horizon. Another script that caught his attention was "Angel and Demon�� a suspense film about a stalker, possessive and compulsive, which promised to showcase a different facet from the usual.


    Reviewing grand schemes for action, science fiction, fantasy, and suspense movies, Jim checked the time and decided it was best to handle the necessary paperwork to gain some positive points. Walking past the screenwriter and a man he recognized from the "Jerry Maguire" script, Jim hurried towards the city center, papers in hand. They took seats in a restaurant lounge filled with industry people��agents, producers, investors, and screenwriters��the behind-the-scenes individuals who did the heavy lifting while the rest played supporting roles.


    -Didn''t expect to see you here, - commented Angus Granverg, a well-known investor who typically puts money into Paramount Pictures films. They had a close relationship, known within the industry.


    -Well, I couldn''t refuse an invitation, - replied Jim Waitt. This was all about positioning. People wanted to know what was happening at CAA, which was well-guarded. Jim Waitt had taken advantage of the shift to cultivate relationships, albeit as a reluctant informant.


    He approached the meeting calmly, engaging in small talk before segueing into a party. As a screenwriter, Cameron was interested in investors, especially someone like Angus. More money for the movie meant they could hire better talent and produce a better film. If the script succeeded, Cameron''s success would be intertwined with his work.


    -Cameron, good to see you, - said Jim Waitt.


    -We met at the Oscars in ''94, - Cameron recalled.


    -Right, we did. It''s good to see you again. How''s work? I heard you recently had a script picked up. - inquired Jim.


    -I did, it''s true. It''s no secret. However, I don''t think there''s a role for your famous guy, - Cameron replied.


    -That''s the thing. Even though Billy Carson is my client, it''s no secret to anyone. We''ve had a great year of participation. I can confidently say that come October, critics will be watching closely. So, it''s always good to introduce new characters. But enough about that. How''s the production going? - Jim asked.


    -We''re just starting, and we''re hoping Tom Hanks will accept our role as part of the main lineup. I think if we''re lucky, we''ll be able to change the game in no time, - Cameron cautiously replied, wary of revealing too much. Words could easily derail their plans.


    -If you don''t mind, could you send us a request? The script is fantastic, - Jim proposed, suggesting the request, knowing that the movie was just about ready to start filming.


    ...

 334. satisfaction

    June 29, 1995.


    The conclusion of the filming of ''The English Patient'' proceeded smoothly, with everything fitting together seamlessly. As the filming wrapped up, Jim Gianopulus appeared tired but attentive, taking note of every minute detail of the movie and pondering over director Anthony''s phrase: ''Each frame is a stroke of art.'' This statement particularly resonated among the present artists, succinctly encapsulating the contemporary vision of cinema.


    -Billy, good to see you, - Jim greeted.


    -Jim, how are things going in the east? - Billy asked casually. Although he was referring to the company, Jim interpreted it as an inquiry about the financial state, and he gathered his thoughts to respond, surprised to see Billy with his hair slicked back, presenting a calm and helpful demeanor that still indicated his authoritative position.


    -W-well, I think we''re on the right track. Pixar has set up its second production group properly, and we''ll likely meet the requirements to start animations with humans this year. Additionally, we have some short films in progress, and the companies in the East are doing a fantastic job. If we maintain a clear goal, we could launch a new series next year. I''m also in touch with some distribution companies, so next year will be the pinnacle for all our enterprises, - explained Jim, nodding as he discussed the challenges they faced in the children''s channel due to the lack of clarity regarding the books.


    -Don''t worry, our boss has already briefed me on everything I need to know, - said Billy, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.


    As the executives and directors took note of everything discussed, Billy retired to the hotel. Despite being 1000 kilometers away, the paparazzi quickly detected his presence and began snapping photos frenetically. Each click of the camera was like a successive flash, and Billy felt like the center of attention as he boarded a car that would take him through the city, accompanied by his bodyguards.


    After a short ride, they arrived at a high-end restaurant. Billy found M��nica Bellucci, who seemed to have arrived earlier and was enjoying a glass of white wine. Billy apologized for his lateness, and they then shared a delightful dinner and pleasant conversation. Although fish wasn''t the most suitable choice for a date, Billy embraced the challenge and prepared to enjoy the evening with M��nica.


    -Hahaha please, no one will say anything about me, even if I arrived disguised. Dignity is what sets me apart. - Monica commented, eating the fish with her hands to avoid the bones, doing so in a way that seemed traditional, as if it were done in Italy. Even the smallest bite she took, she did it with methodical gestures.


    She narrated that in all her years of modeling practice, two points should never be done: hunching the back and lowering the chin. Eyes forward, no matter the mistake; that''s where magnificence shines.


    -Well, even if I tried, eating with my hands wouldn''t make me any faster. I''m a complete novice at this nonsense. I prefer grilled meat and a spicy sauce, - responded Billy, watching her movements.


    Monica''s intense gaze might have been overwhelming for some, but for Billy, it wasn''t much. Intense people, whether women or men, always stand to gain certain skills. It''s advantageous to be the least favorite person among negotiators like Terry Semel, Bob Daily, or even Paul Allen and Steve Jobs. In business dealings, they often exude more intensity than usual, like tigers in suits and ties. The instinct to hoard is different from that of a woman, which is more about disturbance and stimulation, yet they resort to the same principle.


    -What are you laughing about? - Monica asked, raising her eyebrows in a friendly, curious, and joyful manner.


    -Your gaze was very intense. It''s funny how your demeanor adds attributes that someone wouldn''t otherwise have a proper response to, but it''s powerful in its way. I ended up comparing it to a business adversary who''s in his forties. The first time I saw him, I was speechless and didn''t worry about the details, - Billy remarked.


    -That sounds like a story worth telling, but you keep avoiding the details that give the story its shape, - Billy commented.


    -Powerful men tend to be complacent with me. Beauty is a trap, - Monica said.


    -Powerful men are only powerful in special moments, and when they''re not, we''re just men. It''s boring to be powerful all the time, and in my view, it''s simply a matter of good sense to indulge in things we find valuable, from hobbies to women, - Billy said.


    -It''s so hard for them to admit weakness that they hide it behind whims. I like your term about masculinity. Once, I was at a fashion runway, captivating, and amidst all the catwalk, I found that many times, it''s all about gratification. We''re people made to love, from the deep looks of the admirers that struck me. It was the way of seeing, the key way of observing, it was the desire we have... - Monica murmured, finishing her fish. She elegantly took a cloth napkin and wiped her fingers, smiling as she did so, leaving each movement elegant, free, and majestic.


    -Desire, reason... many points of view, - Billy commented, finishing his plate a few minutes later and asking for the check. He paid for both his employees and the dinner, and when the dark-haired woman smiled, her lips formed a heart shape.


    As he rose from his seat, Billy noticed that she was still sitting. He pulled out the chair and allowed her to move. She smiled as she put her hand on his shoulder.


    -A friend of mine has a gallery. Let''s go see some good works, maybe buy a painting, and have some wine, - Monica suggested.


    Billy smiled as he saw how the woman somehow drew attention, and they both continued in an idyllic return of forms, as they began a long relationship from there. When drinking wine in the woman''s apartment, dawn broke, and the dark-haired woman smiled, raising her foot, barefoot, through a hallway, preparing the guest bed before saying goodbye with a kiss on the lips. It was sweet, almost a farewell kiss.


    Billy held her in his arms and deepened the kiss, softer this time, starting with short kisses, then long ones, then short kisses again, until their lips were red. Billy bid her goodnight once more. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 335. Jerry Maguire

    June 30.


    A knock awakened him, the sounds and the sun settling high above, while the chapel-like atmosphere illuminated. The view was beautiful; somehow, he had slept peacefully as if angels had sung overhead, and the sheets smelled of lavender.


    Spreading his suit over the table, he gave a slight sigh. There was a skeleton on his shoulders, thick by constitution, not by exercise; there was much to touch up. The knocks continued as he hurried to make his way around the apartment. On the terrace, Monica was there, with an espresso cup on the table, along with Neapolitan toast and some basil. In the middle, a large jug of water with partially melted ice and drops that dripped down, moistening the wood. Her hair was wet and spread in the air, paying no more attention to the sun climbing the morning.


    -Your guards are very punctual; they''ve been here since nine, even though you gave them the day off, they''ve been sending messages, - Monica commented. Taking a quick, discreet but deep look at Billy. From the way everything unfolded, she understood very well that Monica''s mysterious image, her calmness, was like a painting, a canvas beneath which took the profile of a woman, her sagacity, confidence, and charm entirely different from any other woman known. Not the passivity of Alice nor the brute encounter with Gwyneth. Even if he didn''t make a promise not to be with a woman, friendship could be seen as a muse that feels in the air as alien and distant as a deafening part that runs aground in a foggy harbor, which is unknown. It''s intriguing.


    Seeing Monica Bellucci, having her in any of his films, would give entrance to the European scene, as long as she is willing to make her debut, and there is a movie she can be perfect for without extra costs. She''s perfect to represent the character he desires.


    -How good are you with dubbing? - Billy asked, approaching Monica, his black eyebrows delicately raised.


    ***


    June 30.


    -It''s fantastic, but I don''t have the headspace to face a new film in this timeframe. After Forrest Gump, I don''t have much headspace for another role, and the script doesn''t convince me, although I want to honor the commitment I made with Cameron Crowe, it just comes too late, - Tom Hanks commented in a meeting with his agent, less than half an hour before the meeting with Cameron himself. Although the discontent gave a dark aspect to things, because rejecting people isn''t a good thing, especially when opportunities can''t be stated, the Oscar winner can''t be turned down. It''s a milestone that hasn''t been achieved since 1939. Perhaps now he''s a consecrated star, requested by many people, but after such a deep focus, he''s completely exhausted.


    -We can take some time, Tom; there''s nothing to worry about. We''ll always see one film a year, and from there, we''ll do what''s possible with our schedule, - Johnny Grupier, Tom Hanks''s secondary agent, who is the closest contact and is usually defined as an assistant, commented. Since Tom won in 1993, he has been working tirelessly.


    -Thank you, but I must say that Cameron is someone I''ve known for a long time. I gave my word, and breaking it is not something I like, - Tom said.


    -We can help with the investment. The word is out that Billy Carson is interested in the script, and Jim Wait has spoken with Cameron several times, but they''ve only exchanged minor words. As we know, you are the condition clouding their negotiation, - Johnny commented.


    -It must go well! The note that it''s the guy who''s behind it only hints at a part that he doesn''t know. -


    Tom Hanks''s profile is somewhat more mature, from his prominent forehead to his captivating eyes, a greenish tone that shows a deep sympathy for the people in his circle, along with his growing change to a much rounder face, and his appearance of a good family man. It''s very contradictory to reject this man who, in one way or another, cannot be seen as wrong. For some time now, the meeting they have with Cameron has been plagued by contradictions that can be exacerbated by the many mistakes that have dictated today''s meeting. Five years ago, they both promised to work together, but as they did their work and time passed, Tom Hanks''s success grew, and the profit of the last two years is something that could not have been predicted... so the negotiation is different.


    For some time now, things have started to be completely different. Now, Tom Hanks wants to only do films chosen by him, good films that carry meaning. He only wishes to be part of great movies that have significant meanings, and it''s those meanings that are given to people.


    -It can''t be possible. I have a new project, and my schedule is already booked. I''m preparing for this script that looks very promising, and due to that commitment, I can''t accept being part of this work. As a professional, I don''t have the preparation for the role, and of course, it comes at a bad time, - Tom Hanks commented, without wanting to belittle Cameron. However, the moment he saw him with clear signs of anger, an anger that could reshape, he saw him take a breath, and Tom felt inclined to roll his eyes. They''re in a completely different class now. He''s just a director, and he''s a two-time Oscar winner. He can''t be offended by a rejection.


    -I see. It''s logical... after all, it''s been a long time, - Cameron commented, showing some guilt for his delay. But the script was written many times, a dozen times, edited and rewritten, over and over again. It can''t be compared, but it''s all his fault. Now, something he thought was possible, having a movie with a great actor, would lead him to stardom, and that stardom can''t be seen, just like his mistakes have caused an uncomfortable feeling, lurking, for everything that happened.


    Tom''s eyes showed regret.


    -We can collaborate another time when we have more time, - Tom said.


    ***


    July 1.


    Jim Wait sighed inwardly, totally incredulous at how Cameron decided to approach production, and from there, observed that every time Billy said something, he fulfilled it. The mention that Tom Hanks wouldn''t be part of the team for Jerry Maguire, and it''s in that form that now they''ll follow what they commented on and pressured. Because of the pressure that Billy recommended, it doesn''t matter now. After the rejection of Independence Day, being so abrupt opened the calendar, and in the calendar is the time he has to make many other films, such as Jerry Maguire, taking long notes and continuing with his course of action. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Thank you for seeing me so quickly, Jim, - Cameron commented.


    -It''s no problem. The script is remarkable; I see a lot of potential. From my point of view, if you look at Billy''s skills, you''ll believe he''s the most suitable person, - Jim commented.


    -I''ve seen his resume; he''s made several films and has good reviews, - Cameron commented, who recently had a chat with Anthony Mignelia, who recommended him for his skills as a good actor. And he knows beforehand that Anthony is not someone easy, he''s demanding with himself and with all his actors, in terms of relationships and acting. He''s an incredible and outstanding person.


    -But we have a problem with money. His salary is quite high, and he can''t be hired for such a price. The reduced budget we have is not as acceptable as some might think, - Cameron commented.


    -Billy can lower that price; he even says he can distribute the film and give a minimal distribution fee, something more acceptable... We can negotiate the price with a small percentage. In my years of career, I haven''t seen a more promising person, and I have faith that if he participates, it would be a success, - Jim Wait commented, opening the way to propose a profit percentage with a payment of one million, along with distribution revenues. They would win, as distribution in the United States is friendly to the company, plus Europe, Latin America, and Asia.


    ***


    Look at Patreon or web novel, The blonde woman is Anne Hall, the woman with black hair is Monica Belluci,

 335. indiscriminate.

    July 5th.


    Administrative meetings were intense. Both Billy Carson and Lux Animation focused on different sectors and faced negotiation issues. They didn''t realize the true headache caused by the sale of their Hotmail application. Throughout the last few months, the company created with Billy has announced one blow after another. For such a significant amount, the acquisition process requires many protocols, both on the surface and behind the scenes. Billy''s ambitious system has a website with design standards suggesting quality and at least one contract. This model is the future standard. But what happens when you''re the first to envision this way of seeing things?


    He also added functionalities that wouldn''t reach screens until 2008-2010, such as archiving attachments, changing fonts, office format for drafting letters, various domains with @ for universities to attach their IPs for staff and students, and channel tracking. Different terms of acceptance were included. Now the latest addition is an online Messenger using the email address, along with data and various ways to verify the user''s identity, like a camera photo.


    The first message and chat worked perfectly, resulting in the signatures of many entrepreneurs wanting to join the company with great enthusiasm. On July 5, 1995, Bill Gates was seen entering Wall Street. This shark is only looking for one thing: another shark with deep pockets to make room for growth.


    They weren''t the only ones moving to complete all the procedures. The allure of this revolutionized even the fax companies, who tried to create prerogatives against the fax. However, the strong and clear words of some investors about the withdrawal made it likely that within two years, companies would start creating their emails, and the change was so evident that they had to see the whole picture from afar, just as mail carriers once lost the market to telegraphs and later to fax machines. It was time to forget something else.


    All the top tiers were closely watching the development of the Hotmail sale, a milestone that would mark electronic messaging, a step in evolution anticipated over fifty years, all attributed to a business genius in the eyes of entrepreneurs.


    Hotmail was what these growing internet companies were looking for. Almost as if their research aimed to acquire this company, the justification was the business model: connecting a website through a service that attracted several bidders greater than the occasional traffic. The terms sheet sent out to resolve everything was brilliant yet welcoming. Hotmail only wanted to continue offering a free service for at least the next five years, arguing that the company''s development required adding multiple users.


    -It''s a brilliant idea, - remarked David Marquardt, a member of Microsoft''s board of directors. He has been a partner at the venture capital firm Technology Venture Investors (TVI) since 1981. He has been the link between TVI and Microsoft in many relevant ways for both Microsoft''s market and other markets, as seen in the recurring investments in his list of new technology companies.


    -I''d like to know if we can count on the necessary support to compete with this company. Billy Carson only wants money; however, we can offer a star collaboration. Our software is one of the best on the market, and our hardware is as advanced as we can make it. If we manage to complete this acquisition, the MSN portal can open up a new range of packaging services we can introduce, like our Windows model. No company will be able to compete this decade, -  said Bill Gates with some discomfort, exposing his business so broadly. But as is known, the company''s magnitude and growth cannot sustain such a large purchase, and they hope favorable investment from some percentages of the investment firm will help unite these companies without having to fight IBM, AOL, or Napster.


    -We understand. From Venture Investors, we view this company favorably, - commented David Marquardt, still resonating with Microsoft''s future model. Nothing was certain, but the company''s vision was sound, and as a high-risk company, betting has never been a problem.-


    ***


    Money slipped through Billy''s hands like water. There was a lot of income, but also many expenses. The company invested in four movies, each exceeding $20 million: "The Iron Giant," "A Bug''s Life," "Lilo & Stitch," and "The English Patient," all produced and directed by Lux Animation. Now they planned to add a fifth movie, "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We''ll use the profits from The Iron Giant for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, along with toy series royalties and other variants we have, but we still can''t raise the $90 million, - said Anne Hall, reviewing the accounts.


    -A loan. Several banks are eager to lend to us. We have the sale of Hotmail, and they know it. Our collateral is enough to get us another $100 million in debt, - said Raimon, dismissing the concern.


    -We already owe $70 million! It''s not healthy to owe that much. The interest rates are high, even if we negotiate below the average, - Anne countered sharply. They had several leaks, from investments in the children''s channel, a documentary channel, and IP purchases. Overall, being part of and shouldering 30% of series like Friends, ER, Kommissar Rex, Marvel series, and others was a constant drain on funds.


    They also acquired copyright rights for King Kong, Speed Racer, The Addams Family, The Lord of the Rings, Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Grimm''s Fairy Tales, Transformers, My Little Pony, and Sentai Rangers.


    -Billy will get the money. He''ll have to make those deals he usually makes. How did Who Wants to Be a Millionaire go? Any good news? - asked Anne.


    Jim shook his head but mentioned some positives. The series Survivor premiered, and despite another headache, ID Software made a $60 million investment to buy multiple game development companies, from Blizzard, Raven Software, and Parallax Software, to expanding ID Software and RPG Software.


    -Mr. Carson will arrive in San Jose, - asked Steve Parks.


    -He''s been in Italy longer than planned, and now he''s headed to Los Angeles. He��ll be here for the Hotmail sale. With the money we have, we can start production on Star Wars. Billy will secure the remaining $33 million as part of his obligations, - said Anne.


    The board members sweated over Anne''s almost brutally realistic reprimand of the boss. Anne''s importance to Billy must be significant, allowing Billy to be absent from the company for two months.


    -Of course, it''s no problem for Billy. I usually review his finances, and his credit is good. But we''re not counting on the success of A Bug''s Life. McDonald''s franchise proposed a purchase deal, and it''s safe to say we''ve surpassed $150 million nationally, likely reaching $300 million globally by the end of July, - said Raimon.


    -Let everything be agreed, - said Anne.


    Billy spent the next five days strolling hand in hand with Monica Bellucci through Europe, mingling with European directors and producers. Many praised his current work at Pixar and anticipated his next movie.


    ***


    -You''re more successful than I initially thought, - commented Monica Bellucci in her softly accented English, sitting with Winona and Colin, who hadn''t left since their ceremony. The British actor fell for the charms of the ''90s angel, attending the Italian cinema gala together.


    A grand ballroom, masks, and serpentine glances were the focal points of the gathering, where everyone felt more confident behind their masks and the subdued atmosphere.


    -I don��t see it that way. My success in this field is modest. I do better in the tech market, - Billy replied softly, engrossed in their conversation. Monica and he had an agreement, to enjoy their love in a marital way, with delicate kisses filled with passion, exploring, and craving their desires without crossing boundaries. The brunette sparked a poetic interplay between them.


    -Take me dancing. I want to dance all night, - said Monica.


    Billy extended his hand, the June 5 meeting forgotten for the masquerade ball. They danced to their melody. Is it necessary to understand love? Each step, each song marked a different way of seeing things, including the fact that they only played ballroom dances, from waltz to foxtrot, tango, and quickstep. Monica''s smile was a radiant sun worth treasuring.


    -We should escape and walk along the beach, with a bottle and our arms keeping warm, - said Monica in the early morning, exhausted from dancing, tired of drinking wine and wandering the grand hall, indifferent to everything around her. Her words, like a mantra, sought a focus to help her escape from blind passion and interest.


    Billy ran a finger over the Italian''s lips, as she tilted her head back, resting it on his chest.


    -Let''s do it. Free from everything, - Billy said, crossing the balcony and heading to the beach at a certain distance. Monica ran barefoot, wanting to be chased, wanting to smell the sea salt, with the arms and promises of eternal love. It was all she desired, that poetic pride, remembered and lost in poems.


    ...

 337. plans and more plans.

    July 6.


    The whole process somewhat exasperated Steve Parks, but what could he do when security was something they needed for all these operations? Since March 1995, he has been reviewing the acquisition of Orion Pictures, flirting with Metromedia to purchase the animation studio. What does it take to buy a studio like this? Simple: buy before you know you have the money. With some connections, it was affirmed that Orion''s participation had to be seriously considered, and a joint purchase wasn''t desirable. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy was weighing his options with Steve Parks, who assured him that this was the most challenging acquisition of his career and that they needed the media to stop focusing on them for business reasons. But everything went to hell when the AOL news broke. Now they know the money is in their pockets, and the offer is higher; they want more and more, one of the company''s misfortunes.


    Steve Parks, with his wool coat in the Californian weather, his pearl-like bald head shining under a traditional black hat, sighed calmly.


    -Gentlemen, I have no more time to waste. You have a debt of $120 million, and your minimal percentage and the extra money you''re asking for make it clear you''re not sincere in your offers. However, it''s been a pleasure learning about your business and knowing I''ve learned many things, - said Steve Parks.


    He wrapped it up while Metromedia continued with its meager and tangled purchases and sales of shares, almost a debt for everyone, almost a terrifying blow of scruples visible in the air, a totally annoying sight.


    But Steve Parks wasn''t someone who didn''t plan. Carolco Pictures, a company on its last legs, was his Plan B. However, the bankruptcy issues posed certain problems for the thick shell that was the acquisition. It had a debt of $55 million. The idea was to revitalize the company with one condition: that they invest in high-impact movies and focus on low-budget films. This approach would be similar to New Line Cinema, and his brief dealings with Metromedia gave him insights into Artisan and their close relations. A library of at least 40 films from 1970 to 1992.


    ***


    July 12.


    Security at Lux Animation doubled, as many entrepreneurs eager to be part of the acquisition took note. Anne Hall was clear in taking the reins, ��We sell everything in one day; reconsiderations are not taken. We seek the best for Hotmail and Lux Animation.��


    -I think this meeting is a complete disaster, -  murmured Anne Hall, arranging the meeting room that could only accommodate teams of 30 people, ensuring that those present were the most important people about to negotiate.


    The leading contenders were TPG Capital (Texas Pacific Group), which formed a slight alliance with AOL, and Invest Technology Venture, which allied with Microsoft. These were the only groups close to the proposal, hovering around $500 million.


    -You��re a bit nervous, -  Billy commented, watching Anne pace back and forth, visibly stressed by everything happening.


    -I am, and you should be too. I think I��m going to hyperventilate, and it doesn��t help that you��re so calm, - Anne replied, somewhat annoyed by Billy''s seemingly carefree attitude towards their responsibilities.


    -You don��t need to worry. What concerned me the most was offending the businessmen''s goodwill. The Texas Group isn''t just any small group, we have contracts with Microsoft. That��s why you need to handle everything, while I��m the actor focused on drawing, dating actresses, and making movies. Besides, your bonus will be substantial. 0.1% of the sale isn��t negligible, Anne, - Billy said, planning to distribute 1% among all involved.


    -Yes, $500,000. Enough to pay for the kids'' exchange trip, -  Anne said, calming her nerves for a brief moment, thinking about the agreements that would be handled confidentially. Each group would enter and present not only their future perspectives for the company but also the many processes involved, with the decision to be made after four hours, once all groups had finished presenting.


    -It doesn��t help our image that you��re being photographed during your adventure in Italy. We had a lot to advance here while you were playing second-generation kid. We��ll talk about that later. Please, get out of my office! - Anne said, continuing on her way.


    Billy did as he pleased, heading to his office full of drawings. He had several to present at the beginning of the year, reactivating or pausing some that were at critical moments, like the final chapter of Slam Dunk. An open-ended finale that had half of the United States hooked. Billy had improved the drawings and extended each chapter, adding parts not in the original manga, and incorporating elements from movies and anime. The series stretched from 271 to 345 episodes and had its climactic final battle against Sannoh//Arizona Technical School. With 11 episodes already aired, the final manga chapter was expected to be 356.


    Billy calmly sketched each scene, adding his characteristic shine. Four hours passed, and Anne still hadn��t returned. The meeting was taking longer than expected, he thought as he started chapter 354, drawing a cover and some figurines, Sakuragi/Will performing a slam dunk, passing the ball under his legs. Suddenly, Anne burst through the door, her cheeks flushed.


    -We did it, although it''s not the deal we expected. But it��s surprisingly beneficial. Now I understand why you said you��d make money, - Anne said with a wolfish grin. The only condition both companies agreed on was that Billy would be the principal advisor and co-director of the company. This would curb his habit of leaving for Europe unannounced.


    -Price? -


    -$518 million. -


    -That��s a good price, - Billy said into the air, feeling that it was enough to stabilize all his new ventures.


    ...

 338. messages.

    July 15.


    Deals are deals, and many film companies were brought down to earth when they saw the indiscriminate way Lux Animation entered a new investment period. They paid off their millions in debts and took out another $300 million loan at an annual interest rate of 1.5%. It was outrageous, but Raimon promised to strengthen relations, and after many negotiations and help from Raimon��s father, the deal was sealed abruptly. With over $700 million in their accounts, they addressed all the company��s minor leaks and focused on their main objectives.


    The purchase of the Caralco Pictures library and the creation and proposal of a genuine series of independent films under Lux Films were prioritized. Lux Films would no longer be Billy''s playground but would start producing true independent films regularly, with a minimum budget of $15 million per film and aiming for two to three films a year. The bright eyes of Jim Gianopulos, who was in charge, were a source of pride. It was a bet he decided to make and fulfilled.


    -I don''t think I can handle everything we have on our plate, - commented Jim Gianopulos during the meeting. The company was growing like a sleeping giant, and the latest purchase posed a real problem. Billy was unstoppable in his desire to acquire copyright libraries, channels, and pay channels; he wanted it all. Jim could only sigh internally in a way that seemed almost unreal.


    Amid the silence of the board, Billy interrupted.


    -It doesn''t matter; for now, these are just projections. Caralco is a hassle, but it��s better to wait before buying it. Meanwhile, we��ll hire someone to handle television while you manage the films. Lux Animation will undergo a new corporate restructuring, - said Billy.


    This was already planned: two houses, Lux Group as the head, the conglomerate��s parent company, while Lux Animation, a subsidiary, would further subdivide into Lux Productions, Comics and Toys, Lux Productions Animation, Lux Comics, and Distribution Comics.


    On one side, there��s ID Software, Rapid Food, and Autodesk. Meanwhile, Apple��s assets and Hotel Paradise are under Billy��s name.


    -So, how will we proceed? - asked Anne, doubtful.


    -We��ll buy Discovery Channel and either Rhythm & Hues Studios or Digital Domain. We need one of these companies now that we��re venturing into low-budget and science-fiction films, - Billy commented, closing the discussion. Jim sighed deeply in surprise; buying Discovery wasn��t in the plans. Was it a whim, or did someone leak information, and was there a closer plan with Steve Parks? Some members shifted uncomfortably, feeling the last two hours were wasted.


    -We��re done, - said Anne, informing the group, after eight hours of meeting, with the last two seemingly wasted.


    Steve Parks received Billy��s seal of approval for the Discovery purchase. They needed support from more than one person, maybe a company, and the sale of Hotmail didn��t meet the interest of fostering closer ties. After all, Technology Venture wasn��t a very popular domain. However, the pure and hard cash offer, along with support and rectification in Apple, was all Billy needed. Microsoft gave him 8% of their shares along with $518 million��an unmatched offer in game creation and immediate investment in the latest generation console.


    It was simply the best offer.


    Steve Parks waited, while Anne stayed nearby, wanting to hear the plans.


    -I��ll buy a Panini from Marvel. They��re desperate for funds, and Ronald Perelman is in a tight spot. The company will certainly sell Panini. Meanwhile, we��ll make an offer for Discovery and continue our dealings as a documentary company. They��ll surely want to work with new funds, - Billy smiled, realizing that Ronald��s need was Billy��s gain. If he could buy Panini for $60 million, the problem would be smaller. S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Why do you want to buy Panini? - asked Steve Parks.


    -They have many companies in Italy, Mexico, America, and England, factories, and more importantly, an agreement with FIFA. If we secure sponsorship with Coca-Cola and have them double the advertising, expanding our animated services to Europe will be easier. We��ll stabilize comic sales with their factories, - Billy explained.


    -I��ll do my best with Discovery, but what about all the back-and-forth with Caralco and Artisan? -


    We''re just testing the waters; we��ll buy their libraries later. Keep inquiring with interested parties about their film library and various series, - Billy replied.


    Steve Parks closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair. He needed to act interested in Caralco but not too eager to buy it, while Billy handled things under the radar, acquiring Discovery and Panini with mutual collaboration.


    -I can do that. I can see how desperate Caralco is right now. Buying their library at a minimal price won��t be a problem. Should we do something? - Steve Parks asked.


    -No more than forty million dollars. If it exceeds that cost limit, we shouldn��t invest in pipe dreams. Their problems and deals are significant only if we don��t overpay, - Billy commented. Carrasco had been the scapegoat for Tristar Pictures, which is Columbia Pictures (Sony), and Artisan Entertainment. They had star relationships with all the Hollywood companies, each sharing the benefits. These contracts weren��t favorable for Caralco, which used to produce multi-million-dollar movies. One of the main interests is their library.


    -Mmmm, there are several interested parties. We could face a lost battle. I��ll make some advances, - Steve Parks commented, starting to assess what he needed for his negotiation.


    Anne nodded as Steve Parks left, following him out the door. Billy stretched, feeling exhausted, and remembered he had to catch a flight to Los Angeles first thing in the morning.


    ***


    Avi Arad closely monitored Ronald Perelman��s actions. From one side, he could see the company starting to falter. The initiative for TV series, even when they approached Saban, couldn��t compete with the required assets to secure a full agreement with an animation company. They considered creating their station, something bigger, but complexities arose. Finding skilled animators was possible, but progress was minimal, and the stories weren��t hitting the mark. Ronald remained unfazed by the company��s condition.


    Things were unraveling, and at each meeting, Stan Lee��s deadpan expression revealed a lot about the situation and the company��s lack of confidence. When planning the merger, the fact that action figures were now out of their control and with distrust, he constantly called Karl Icahn, an investor, to buy shares. Both aimed to control Marvel, planning to create big movies like X-Men, Spider-Man, and Iron Man. Ronald Perelman��s secrets were well known to Avi, who invested all his money and built trust with constant financial injections, gaining shares.


    -The baseball players will fight, and I find a complete lack of action. The stamp company is not profitable at all, - commented Isaac Perlmutter.


    -There��s nothing more to be done. The sales of toys with the TV series have generated great profits. But we��ve expanded our service to many areas: clothing, balls, bicycles, and any toy in our favor. Therefore, our income should increase when our Fantastic Four and Hulk series premiere. We��ll receive good earnings, as Fox and Cartoon Network have given us a good deal, above Lux Animation, - said Joe Quesada.


    -Alright, alright, we might have other benefits in our favor and perhaps get rid of these companies that burden us, - Ronald Perelman commented cryptically, adjusting to one side.


    ---

 339. stickers.

    Billy landed the role of Jerry Maguire and had to rush to New York without time for other interviews. On his lap were the scripts for "A Time to Kill" and "The Juror," though the latter, which started filming in September 1995, had a less demanding script compared to "A Time to Kill."


    Billy kept reading through the lines, analyzing each part of his presentation. The flight to New York was swift, and the weather was sunny, typical for early July. He slipped through the back entrance to avoid photographers, quickly got into a van, and continued his journey.


    Driving through side streets, they reached the main roads, with cars honking and people bustling about. Soon, they arrived at the Wall Street buildings. Billy got out quickly, recognized by many, and headed to Ronald Perelman��s investment firm.


    Ronald was unlike typical professionals; his intensity and impulsiveness were evident. Billy took a deep breath, adjusted his suit, and headed up to the 34th floor, where he could see the Twin Towers. The sight gave him a shiver, foreshadowing the events of 2001.


    -You can go in, Mr. Carson. Ronald is expecting you in his office, - the secretary said with a smile.


    -Thank you. -


    Billy walked into the office. Ronald stretched his arms over his head, revealing his bald head and a thick tie with white dots over a navy blue shirt. He smiled and gestured for Billy to sit.


    They shook hands, mutual respect evident. Billy was now a heavyweight in the industry. Known initially as an artist, he sold Hotmail and became an honorary advisor to Microsoft. The next day, a company was formed: 60% Billy, and 40% Microsoft. His video game company was now a major player with ties to many firms.


    -Great to see you, Ronald, - Billy said.


    -Likewise, it��s a pleasure to see the American Dream of comics, - Ronald replied, a nickname from the New York Times for Billy��s contributions to comics.


    -Well... ''The American Dream'' is a bit strong. I prefer to be known as a businessman in this environment, - Billy responded.


    -Ah, Julia, just in time! Would you like something to drink? Eat? Perhaps a drink? - Ronald offered.


    -A glass of water would be fine, - Billy replied, needing to stay sharp.


    -So, you��re here to invest in my fund. Let me tell you, we are one of the most profitable funds in the market. Investing in us is a wise choice, - Ronald said.


    Billy sighed internally. The Medallion Fund from Renaissance Technologies, the primary investment firm, was thoroughly vetted by Raimon and known for its unique and successful strategies. Billy had invested $13 million based on these recommendations.


    -Investment... I''d like to discuss that calmly. I believe alternative energy sources will grow in the coming years, positioning some companies as market leaders. But no, I came to greet you. We have a mutual company and a tentative offer, - Billy said.


    -Oh, what do you have in mind? - Ronald asked. It was the first offer from Billy, though Ronald suspected he was always plotting something with Marvel��s animators.


    -I see you��re having trouble with stamps and licensing issues. I��d like to buy those companies that only cause you headaches so you can focus on Marvel. We can invest in improving animation and dubbing, - Billy proposed.


    -You want to buy the stamp companies? - Ronald Perelman asked in surprise.


    -That''s exactly what I want. Give me the two companies at a good price, and I''ll help you with Marvel''s animation at a minimal cost. My machinery is extensive and efficient. We can produce movies at reasonable prices and generate effective marketing campaigns, - Billy proposed, his idea taking shape as Ronald started to consider it.


    Billy''s proposal wasn''t excessive. With Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pok��mon cards set to launch, he needed both his company and the stamp companies. This would allow for increased production. Marvel currently had Panini, SkyBox International, and Panini as major allies for the coming months. Including cards for each series was a possibility, but using the best-known cards first was crucial. By forming partnerships with the NBA or companies like Adidas or Nike, they could offset losses while managing the situation.


    -Initially, I thought the purchase was for Marvel, leading to a fierce battle where you''d make an offer to take Marvel off my hands. But you''ve surprised me by targeting something I see as worthless but valuable to you. You''ve delved into the card business enough to have more experience, - Ronald Perelman said. He always viewed his ventures as paramount, and each word from Ronald carried weight.


    -You always interpret my moves well. I see opportunity in decline, just as you see opportunity in the influx of money to stabilize Marvel. Our business can succeed because of this understanding. You have many eyes on you, and Avi Arad is the silent pillar of your company, - Billy replied with a conciliatory smile.


    -Let''s not dwell on that. Everything is in place. So, you want SkyBox International and Panini? - Ronald murmured, hiding his intentions behind a calm fa?ade. Knowing the companies'' state, the card business lost $5 million last month and continues to struggle. A sale can''t be priced too high since Marvel spent $150 million for SkyBox, which merged with Fleer. Billy hoped to buy both companies for $80 million, knowing that stabilizing the companies would cost money. With no recent production investments, they had plans to print cards for the next four months, and Lux Animation''s series was plentiful.


    Billy handed over a contract with his purchase offer. $70 million for SkyBox, as considered by Steve Parks, and $50 million for Panini. sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We can discuss the offer later. Take your time to think it over and give me your response later. Let''s not rush, - Billy said, steering the conversation toward other topics, planning what to do next once the proposal was formally presented.


    ...

 340. matters.

    Ronald Perelman remained under the spell of solving his problems, though it might not seem like it. Now he realized that Billy was much more informed about Marvel''s situation, even though Marvel itself hadn''t been mentioned. The company was in a contrary state, one that the board had yet to see. Ronald wasn''t keen on investing more funds and turning to his family wasn''t something he desired. Having earned enough money, he now saw the need for stabilizing the company.


    -Julia, please call my lawyers and Bruno. I need some ideas to discuss... Oh, and we have a $5 million investment for our investment fund. Give it to the team leader, - Ronald commented.


    He tilted his head, searching for an answer. Where could he have obtained the money? Where did he get an idea about the company''s status? "It was the rejection of the investment contracts," Ronald slammed the table with some panic. He had to make a move as soon as possible, accept or reject the offer, as the young man explained. That detail was clear at that moment.


    He cursed the hockey league, the baseball league, and with great grace, everything related to those in charge of sports considerations, such as hindrances and surcharges to the sports union. He had enough time to make some offers, but only twenty days for the negotiation acceptance.


    -Excuse me, Director, - Julia commented from the door. The beautiful woman wore red-framed glasses, while her short skirt and neckline provided a view. She was a young woman from the law school, a well-paid secretary and assistant job. S��arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Mr. Bruno will see you in the afternoon. He''s currently meeting with some people over a working lunch. Agreements with the gas companies will be closed, and the new congressional laws are different from what we expected, - Julia commented.


    -We have this check. Handle all the paperwork for our new associate, - Ronald replied.


    ***


    Negotiations began at the Los Angeles production studios, primarily filming in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Arizona. Representing Jerry/Billy was Rod Tidwell, an American football player who would open Jerry''s eyes to the sports industry. Known as a shark in the industry, an agent managing at least twenty athletes, Billy''s image was of someone called to an imprinted arrogance, along with the slight detail of his social class. Neatly ordered, exuding confidence, firm words, sympathy, and the slight charisma of an executive in control of life.


    In his dressing room, he received a visit from Gwyneth, whom he hadn''t seen in about two months. It was a view of how everything happened. The blonde was somewhat nervous. Billy saw her shyness as occasional to the embarrassment of what happened... Newspapers detailed every minute detail of Leonardo and Gwyneth''s relationship. First were some light photos at a party. They took some photos in the dressing room, and the situation was calm until photos of Leonardo entering Gwyneth''s apartment were released without entering into discussions when Leonardo was interviewed about his relationship with the blonde. Without realizing its consequences, Leonardo just laughed and mentioned a close friendship.


    The photos didn''t wait, and the recent woman who was building a name because of her constant performances was taken for a relationship.


    -You don''t have to worry. We''re young, and mistakes happen... Let me finish. Do you know exactly what you want for your life? Social pressure tends to overwhelm people. Being in my relationship, they followed your steps, even the photos. They are an attack on you, I have no doubt they will continue. Probably, if we formalize the relationship, they won''t be kind to you. Even this seems like a way to bother me and separate me altogether, - Billy commented.


    -The blonde looked up, surprised.


    -So..., - she began.


    -That''s it. I always carry security for that reason. It''s likely the companies, dissatisfied with my growth, or sometimes just to keep me off balance, - Billy said.


    -I see, - replied Gwyneth. Her words trailed off completely, and under scrutiny, she had a premonition. Being attacked by the press wasn''t pretty. She almost hyperventilated at Billy''s reaction, but now he sounded so calm. She had a sense that he wasn''t bothered by the reminder. Irrational anger filled her heart at Billy''s words.


    -If you had called much earlier, I wouldn''t have gone through so much. It''s complete disregard... Just a call showing your support was enough. But you completely ignored our relationship out of sheer ignorance on your part, -  Gwyneth commented.


    -I didn''t feel it was important, much less did I think you''d take it seriously. I assumed you''d consult your family. They would''ve known it was just a Hollywood political play. But I see you didn''t consult out of fear, - Billy mentioned. His rationality spoke for him, revealing his ignorance for not seeking others'' counsel before making his ill-advised judgment. Emotions ran through his sentences, painting the backdrop of people.


    Billy tried to calm the blonde down, but the words didn''t come in time. She felt offended by the vicious cycle. Was this Billy''s coldness? No... She discovered Billy''s maturity wasn''t just put on; it was demanded. In that same demand, he hoped to find someone who could fill his space, someone strong, someone at least reachable to handle the political circle, or Billy, or someone who hid behind his presence and educated the image of a wife, separated from all social life, not accepted, a model wife.


    Billy sighed.


    -You don''t have to overthink it. It''s in the past... Take a seat, tell me about your new movies, - Billy asked.


    Gwyneth wanted to dwell on the conversation and had no words, just a deep desire to apologize for being taken for granted. She continued talking to Billy uncomfortably. In a way, the relationship entered an irreparable breach of trust, and Billy''s intention wasn''t to pursue something doomed to fail. Playing his cards calmly, he knew friendship was enough.


    ***


    Billy''s recording was underway while Gwyneth bid farewell, both eager to see each other in a few days, continuing their friendship. Seeing each other was the best, after all, they had a premiere in October, and the idea of s7ven and its success remained in question.


    -We''ll start filming in an hour. You''re all set, - the assistant commented beside them, the person who ensured everyone was ready. They''d film all scenes in the main scenes, with some cuts capturing Billy''s tastes.


    -The first scene is the quick talks. Of course, we''ll work with Cuba, but for now, focus on getting all your work in order, - Cameron, the director and screenwriter, said. He was much simpler in filming, asking for fair acting attributes.


    -I''m ready, - Billy said with a smile on his face, getting into Jerry''s character, a man of many flaws, a man of many virtues, impressive above all. In the end, it was considered a romantic comedy. His shades added more to the drama, but the closure was something Billy liked, knowing the final moral and the grand finale.


    ...

 341. recordings.

    July 24.


    The filming process continued, with Billy''s role as Jerry reaching its breaking point, the moment when Jerry presented a proposal and ultimately lost. The accounts had been made in error.


    -It''s good to see Billy performing as well as expected, - commented James L. Brooks to Jim Waitt, who observed all the movements of the film.


    -Billy has always portrayed himself as an excellent actor. To my surprise, he has an innate ability in this development. I can assert that for now, there''s no role he cannot handle. He has honed his skills to be more than professional... But the role of Jerry fits him in a certain sense. Both are executives, just a story of how one falls, down in extravagance, is the challenge, - commented Jim Waitt, carefully choosing his words, while Cameron Crowe repeated the scene for the third time with a cut, as agents, they could even have a certain sympathy for the script and the resolution.


    -We''ll wait and see. I''m pleased to say that his performance is much more satisfying than Tristar''s, - James replied.


    -From Lux Animation, we have prices, but they''re not so economical. This only fulfills Billy''s request, but we can negotiate a deal for smaller producers. We understand the cost of finding a distributor. I can connect you with Lux Animation management, - Jim Waitt commented, aiming to secure distribution rights for the films.


    -That would be good. I have some good friends who would benefit from this relationship, - James responded.


    A camera poised in front as everyone regrouped in their positions, under Cameron''s watchful eye. He gave the order, and with a roar, the scenes began.


    "Corporate Office, take 3. Scene 11."


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    -Cut! - Cameron shouts.


    Billy sighs, pleased with Regina King''s improvement as Marcee. The scene was perfect, and now they needed to adopt the same angle, just from another perspective, two perfect recordings. The day was just beginning.


    ***


    Steve Parks wiped the sweat from his brow, even as a few breezes began to blow through the city of Maryland, the official location of "The Discovery Channel" through an acquisition company. They used all their resources to make a formal proposal, and with Billy''s knowledge, he knew the company would grow to become one of the largest in the coming years. Firstly, this company is part of the BBC and Allen & Company, which seeks a close relationship and broad work.


    The channel, seen through its eyes, doesn''t have much to represent and hasn''t grown the way it should have in the 2000s. But it has a promising projection in hand. Especially in 2005, when it changed its programming focus to include more popular science and history topics, it''s clear that a channel like Discovery needs a strong focus on what it is: science programs, production locations, major contracts with NBC and BBC that will be necessary for the channel, along with historical proposals that began at the end of last year, from stories of the Roman Empire to the French Empire. Along with the Discovery initiative in Spanish, it already knows what it needs to do to make that company stand out.


    -We have a central building in Maryland and two production locations in the United States and Miami. And your animated channel, so children''s series that complement the children''s video initiative, - Steve Parks comments, reading the reports provided by Lux Animation. He had to know everything relevant; for now, programming includes channels, a board of directors, capable people, an increase in advertising, and many exits. If he could see every program, every rating, it would be a constant investment. For now, it is possible to open two blocks, children''s and documentaries/adults.


    Along with LuxToons, a channel more attributed to adolescents, if they can buy a channel with higher programming, they can have better symptoms. What will Billy buy, or what action will he take? Although the series is not necessarily mature, TV-MA, a channel for mature audiences, contains certain tones of violence and maturity that cannot be presented to children according to the programming. There have been no problems so far, but there may be in the future.


    LuxToons graphics are above many average channels and have increased their ratings, almost playing with Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, although above Nickelodeon, LuxToons is powerful and now distributes its animated channel throughout America, Europe, and parts of Asia.


    -$112 million, - Jim Waitt commented, seeing the offer price, a revealing offer, not very high but enough to negotiate, even 80% of the channel, leaving the percentage to those who want negotiations.


    Negotiations were forgotten, and in the end, purchases were still necessary for the company''s expansion.


    Looking at his locator, he received a text message. Ronald Perelman rejected the proposal. Nothing new for them. Now he had to buy a small factory in a remote and cheap location to make the cards, and as long as everything goes as expected, they will buy Marvel as a whole.


    ...

 342. right away.

    August 13.


    As the protagonist of Jerry Maguire, Billy had to be present in every single recording, most of which were close-up shots of him, the main character. Just as with all his performances, Billy poured his heart into each scene; the nighttime shoots were the most demanding of all.


    Now, the recordings were headed to the Arizona stadium. Billy would have to travel for morning shots. He could see Cuba, who was different from his character; not as intense and stressful as portrayed, but rather calm and somewhat fresh, stretching his body while calmly sampling his food.


    Ren��e Zellweger, on the other hand, was strikingly different. Now a bombshell blonde, with a certain paleness to her complexion and beautiful green eyes that sparkled under the stars. Beyond her physical beauty, there was a relaxed aura about her, living a life different from the typical actress, yet her allure made her distinct.


    Cameron had sought a star, but none had captivated them. They were looking for someone simple, reflected in seeing her devour a burger, her grey jacket stained with burger remnants, her smile inviting indulgence.


    -Damn good, - Ren��e commented, sampling T-Box Burgers, which had been refining their burgers over the years, while Cuba ate calmly, oblivious to the taste.


    -Thanks, we''ve been in the market for five years, - Billy commented, trying his favorite, the recommended pink sauce with bits of bacon.


    -Well, I think I''ll eat here every day, - Ren��e commented, pausing briefly in thought. -Just when I need to, I have to stick to a diet. -


    Everyone was dining at the new branch of T-Box Burgers in Los Angeles, not so new since it was taken over a year ago. Although it was a famous place, it wasn''t as renowned as expected. The restaurant had two floors, including a patio with a giant garden for late afternoon dining in the sun, even with self-parking, making it one of the pricier spots. Billy glanced over and noticed paparazzi, as ubiquitous as flies in blessed Los Angeles; a common sight.


    -Thanks for inviting us, Billy, - Cameron remarked.


    -Thanks, Billy, - Janusz Kaminski, the director of photography and one of the team''s most voracious eaters, commented, ordering two burgers, one Mexican and one breaded chicken, with a side of plum sauce. The potatoes were delicious, with a touch of paprika. The six-dollar burger was a steal, quality, flavor, and price all in one.


    The Los Angeles location sold the least but consistently exceeded monthly targets.


    -It''s really good, - Janusz remarked. -Why didn''t I know about this place before? -


    He tasted it with a smile on his face, his mustache twitching.


    -I think we might need to adjust Janusz''s salary completely off, I''m afraid we might need to get a gym and a second job to keep up with his appetite, - Cameron replied.


    -Is Billy the businessman now? What a fresh idea, artisanal burgers that even vegetarians and vegans can enjoy. I''m surprised you''re thinking about this population sector that some establishments completely overlook, - Ren��e commented. They were all seated on the second floor, squeezed together, eating with contained joy.


    -That''s true, I thought I could only eat fries and soda, but now I''m happy to enjoy lentil burgers... if that''s the ingredient, it''s fantastic. The fact that I can add egg makes it even more perfect. I''d like to convert other establishments to this kind of service, - Bonni Hunt replied.


    She played Dorothy''s sister with her charismatic demeanor, always finding a way to make people laugh; she was a comedian.


    -It''s been a headache training people to follow protocols. I mean, you need a specially designed pan for these burgers. In the end, we decided to use a special pan to please our audience, and it''s become one of our most popular items, - Billy commented, echoing Bonni''s words. The quality was straightforward, aiming to utilize everything learned from a high-end restaurant combined with simple fare like burgers.


    ***


    Jim Waitt nodded in agreement. They had agreed that Billy would audition for the film "A Time to Kill." He walked in with the script in hand, knowing he was competing against three other actors. Billy''s impressive resume and renowned works were setting him apart, making his name a chosen advertisement for what could proceed to become a successful film.


    Arriving at the hotel in his car, Billy found Cameron in the lobby, having drinks. The director seemed serious, with a silent and focused demeanor that drew everyone''s attention as he took a seat at Billy''s table.


    -Gentlemen, - Billy greeted as he sat down. The bar lounge was warm and inviting, with orchestral music softly playing in the background.


    -Jim, good to see you, - Billy responded, shaking hands and breaking the trance. Jim''s arrival prompted Cameron to excuse himself abruptly, leaving the conversation hanging as he headed home; tomorrow''s early morning was going to be tougher for some. Billy preferred to seek refuge at his Los Angeles home.


    -Did I come at a bad time? - Jim asked.


    -Not at all. He was about to leave half an hour ago to see his family, but he delayed it while we talked about this and that. Do you have something to tell me? Your coming here usually means good news, or perhaps bad news, - Billy remarked.


    Taking a sip from his whisky on the rocks, the liquid trickling down his lips, both men adjusted their expressions.


    -You''ve got the audition for ''A Time to Kill,'' and ''A Fix.'' However, I have some idea that production doesn''t have much money. The problem always ends up being your salary. You can ask for a bit less, but I''ll try to negotiate around the usual 2 to 3-million range. But it seems we have some favorites in mind for the movie, - Jim Waitt commented.


    He wasn''t lying; the casting was active, and there were many vying for the role. Samuel L. Jackson to Sandra Bullock and Kevin Spacey, added to an elegant cast, though the latter two were not confirmed, their replacements were not lesser, and each actor had someone competing for the role.


    -Thanks, Jim. I also heard about your efforts to reconnect. Lux Distribution has new clients knocking at the door, hoping for a distributor who at least gives them a face. We decided to finance distribution and continue with some films, at least to participate in film festivals, - Billy replied.


    Seeing how sometimes it only takes one person to push, recalibrate a business, and generate more business or necessary agreements, Lux Distribution was only in animated films. Still, now it would take on "The English Patient" and "Jerry Maguire," along with two other independently themed films, approved by Jim Gianopulos and Wanda Franz, the latter now holding a directorial position but having more influence in the television division.


    -However, we need to act quickly. Three days, I''ve already booked your flights. -  Jim commented that shooting from Arizona to Los Angeles is slow, not very fast. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the role Billy had to play, he couldn''t be happier.


    -It''s going to be a good movie, -  Billy commented.


    ...

 343. sports plot.

    "Jerry Maguire" is one of those movies that manages to connect with the audience due to the quality of the script. If we evaluate Jerry, he''s someone who clings to the artificial, and it''s this artificiality that allows Jerry Maguire to keep going without stopping to think about how he lives, acts, and why. When he has a different idea, he often ends up being sanctioned, not fully understanding his position, falling prey to his impulses, and being guided to make mistakes. He''s also guided towards learning to be with people beyond superficiality, or the vain idea of succumbing to lies, deceit, or insincerity.


    From the moment Jerry keeps everything to himself, he fails to realize that friendship is a painful process, the truth we give to our friends. But Jerry doesn''t know friendship or intimacy. He lives imprisoned by superficiality; empathy eludes him. That''s why the innocence of a child shatters him, making him understand that he must be good. If we were to describe Jerry Maguire, we might say he''s one of the most charismatic people around, but he''s also a thorough loser who can be amusing.


    On the other hand, there''s Dorothy, the woman who has always seen him from a distance and who supported him in his time of need, the woman who was there at his lowest point and eventually accepted him. She even knew she would be with Jerry once he stabilized his life, guiding him further away from the simple path and teaching him to love, to be part of a family, to understand that one must express their feelings and that a person must care for those around them. All of this was aided by Cuba, who despite being an ironic figure, is what Jerry needs to understand why he cannot live in such a superficial relationship.


    It''s a drama about the sports world that, through clever plotting, developed a romantic subplot that was excessively sentimental. Even the decision to hire Ren��e, supported by Billy''s suggestion to Jim for the interview, was merely complimenting the film. From several levels of interpretation, the movie not only managed to convey that optimistic idea about contemporary morals but also took a step away from the typical American hero; the ordinary man, the man who needs a purpose, is better.


    -We have Michael Jordan interested in participating in a few scenes. He''s decided to get back into it but wants to have a chat with Billy. Even his friends want to meet him, - Richard Sakai commented.


    -Michael Jordan? Decided to be in a movie because he wants to have a chat with Billy? That''s ridiculous; it''s Michael Jordan, - Cameron commented, utterly perplexed. Something like this doesn''t usually happen.


    -His agent mentioned that the Bulls team are die-hard fans of the ''Slam Dunk'' comic, and well, for them, it''s an honor finally to meet Billy. He doesn''t usually accept interviews and attends a few public events... It''s hard to schedule meetings with him, - Richard Sakai said.


    Not far away, filming continued with the camera assistants capturing the scene where Rod and Jerry fight. For Rod, this is how friendship works: honesty without deception.


    Philadelphia Locker Room - Night (Arizona)


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    -Cut. - The scene stops. It''s five minutes of continuous acting, six if you count the entire scene.


    That''s a great take, guys. - Cameron tells his team of assistants who handled the shot, going into some details.


    While Cameron praises his team, Richard Sakai approaches Billy to ask if he can arrange a meeting; the details are on hand, and the proposal remains innovative. Billy has a good relationship with Philip Knight, and in simpler words, there''s a close circle.


    -They want a meeting, maybe a business proposal. - Richard Sakai comments, unaware of the entire backstory between Billy and Michael, which is more a culmination of relationships from many places, different from close relationships; they have several mutual friends.


    -Where are they? - Billy asks.


    -They''re on vacation. But they''re practicing in Los Angeles. You can go visit them. - Sakai says.


    -Finish recording here, and I''ll take notes. - Billy comments, sighing inwardly. As a secret, he wants to buy the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the San Francisco Giants, and even the San Francisco 49ers. He''s made offers for all the teams to create a large sports conglomerate. According to calculations, the Los Angeles Clippers are valued at $65 million, the Los Angeles Galaxy at $5 million, the San Francisco Giants at $100 million, and the San Francisco 49ers at $150 million.


    However, the San Francisco 49ers have been in family disputes since Edward J. De Bartolo died in 1994. Legal issues in the family persist, and it may be possible to resolve everything with a simple check. With American football, basketball, and soccer teams, it would be enough for him. But a hockey team catches a lot of attention.


    ...

 344. fair

    August 15.


    The acquisition of Panini, and its annex, did not cause a major uproar for Marvel or the business world. The deal concluded with a purchase of 48 million dollars. The sticker and album companies have been shaken since the early ''90s, especially since 1993, which unfortunately couldn''t be complemented by many managers who couldn''t find viable solutions.


    Raimon closed the deal once the negotiations were completed and traveled to Italy to learn about all the aspects of the company. Billy was here, visiting, and already had some knowledge about what to do with Panini. His trip to Italy included necessary layovers, one of which was Zurich, Switzerland, chosen for two special solutions. The first was to secure a licensing agreement for FIFA World Cup and Euro Cup stickers, and the second was to make an offer for a video game license for at least 20 years, starting from 1999 or 2000.


    The founders are the brothers Giuseppe, Benito, Umberto, and Franco Panini. Of these four, only Franco Panini remains the official administrator of Panini, and his name is recognized as such. There are plans to merge it with the comic distribution company and begin sales. Currently, Panini has factories and locations in five places besides Modena, Italy.


    -Mr. Franco, I am Raimon Green, the current director of operations at Lux Animation. We are the new owners of Panini, - said Raimon to Franco, who still had some doubts. Franco and his brother had planned to buy back Panini in a partnership, but the move didn''t go as planned, and they had a new boss, one they knew little about, except that he was an actor. News traveled slower in Europe than in the United States and the United Kingdom.


    In the Panini offices, not as prominent as expected but still a significant sticker factory, all their assets were currently being used for small licenses in collaboration with some companies, while they waited for 1998 when the World Cup would be firmly established.


    -I understand, are you the one who requested a meeting? - Franco Panini commented.


    -I am, for now. I am here because we want you to use your connections to help us expand licensing to three competitions. The first is the Champions League, the second is the Euro Cup, and the third is the FIFA World Cup, - mentioned Raimon, biting his cheek. He didn''t know much about football, but he memorized everything on the flight over to say this.


    -You want to renew the football license, - Franco commented, somewhat reluctantly.


    -Yes, sir. We want to secure a license for at least another 30 years, enough time to expand. My boss, Billy Carson, created a graphic representation of how the albums for the three competitions should look, along with their boxes, designs, and what needs to be improved, - said Raimon, handing over the album. It featured a classic layout: crest, team, squad order, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, along with a slot for the coach.


    In the same way, the first pages followed this order: Panini profile, FIFA logo, World Cup ball, World Cup trophy, mascot, and photo of the trophy, followed by the stadiums. The last pages included World Cup winners, great players, top scorers, and the team with the most World Cup wins.


    Billy even suggested using hard and soft cover albums and providing sponsorships on the World Cup pages to two global sponsors to cover production costs. Everything would be packaged in boxes of 100 packs, with five stickers per pack, and sold by the box.


    Franco Panini saw the entire organization and even managed to observe how the Champions League commemoration appeared for the year 2000, the new millennium.


    -This is pure gold! But who will be our sponsors? - Franco asked, seeing that official sponsors were a crucial part of the activity.


    -We have two companies in mind: Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Similarly, we have Nike or Adidas, and Chevrolet or Ford Motors, - commented Raimon, in that order. Although the two companies might be considered direct competitors, this is not as effective as their competitors, but it could be. The campaign depends on marketing and the timing of the campaign.


    -It''s a great idea. The ideas here are revolutionary, - Franco commented, seeing everything from the designs, layout, how to organize the pages, the stickers, even the colors, the representation of something, and how it should be. It was fantastic.


    -Indeed, with just the sponsorships, our production could increase by at least 80%. I believe that if we implement the grand plan for ''98, our profits will be astronomical, - commented Raimon.


    Billy''s mission is to use the press, give away some albums, and likewise talk to the sponsors and run campaigns for Coca-Cola sales. Better yet, it involves commercials worldwide with a single logo: Luxnation and Panini. Marketing takes off, and the campaign only increases and increases.


    -Billy was organizing his thoughts as he entered a casting room. There, he would need to focus on his next role, one he was determined to fight for. The script was good, and the attention was right. This year, he had taken on the risk of five movies, three as the lead or co-lead and two in supporting roles in key films like "Nixon" and "How to Make an American Quilt."


    The story revolves around a trial where two young Americans near the Mississippi commit an act against a girl. Her father, upon finding out, shoots them both in retaliation. The tension rises due to a radical, racist group. The lawyers, Jake Brigance and his assistant Ellen Roark will do everything possible to save Carl Lee, the girl''s father.


    Billy would play the role of Jake Brigance. For this role, he would grow a beard. For "Jerry Maguire," he had been asked to shave and undergo intense exercise routines, but for this role, he needed a fuller beard and a more worn appearance due to the stress his character endured.


    -Are you ready?- they asked Billy as he prepared for the interview. Not long before, he had made a brief trip to the bar to meet the film''s producers. Nothing new or special.


    Arnon Milchan was seated alongside Joel Schumacher and John Grisham. Grisham had personally rejected Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson twice, and Val Kilmer had also been canceled due to not fitting the profile, and appearing too old. They needed someone who looked aged, but not too old.


    -Welcome, Mr. Carson,- commented Joel.


    -It''s a pleasure to meet you,- Billy responded, adjusting his suit. This time, his tie was neatly fastened, and his appearance was impeccable. His freshly ironed shirt and tailored suit, complete with cufflinks, made him look the part. His father had worn cufflinks, and unlike the others, Billy wore a light suit.


    Although his beard was just starting to grow, it was well-trimmed and neat.


    Even with brief details, Billy knew how to portray a lawyer tired of his job but still eager to excel.


    -Start,- commented John Grisham, seeing a spark of a lawyer. It was an impromptu interview, with no script, just responses. Without much time, Billy nodded, straightened his back, and adopted a serious, cold, and tough demeanor. sea??h th�� ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -Thank you for your performance.-


    ...


    Billy listened, giving himself no more time but to keep up with the impromptu interview.


    ***


    -What do you think? - Joel asked his two producers.


    -I felt a lawyer, - Arnon Milchan commented, feeling the power of the performance, one he accepted as good.


    -He��s good, the boy, better than expected. Though he sounded tentative, he has the character, that character that��s hard to portray, - Joel commented.


    -We have other candidates, but I hope they��re all as good as this one, - John Grisham commented.


    In less than a week, they had to choose one of the many roles, regardless of whether it satisfied the entire table. The film was mostly produced, with all its sets. -


    ...

 345. payment.

    August 15.


    With some fatigue, Billy headed to a basketball hall, a small arena in a green area. The call was crucial, arriving after 5 PM, when Michael rested with the guys, recovering from a day of continuous play from 9 AM to 5 PM to improve his level after being in baseball. Billy nodded to place bets; this time, he could be more daring and bet in multiple casinos and betting houses. He hoped to scrape about five million in sports bets.


    -This way, Mr. Carson- commented a security team member. Upon seeing him, the guard wanted to ask for an autograph. The basketball team often talked about the great artist of the moment and how he had inspired them with his comic, which now featured one of the most grandiose final arcs, with thrilling national matches and the eagerly awaited quarterfinals of the competition.


    Billy saw that the author had finished the manga "Slam Dunk" and had spent much time imagining and extending how to compose the entire scene. He made some quick adjustments to advance to the quarterfinals, with Sakuragi/Will on the bench, helplessly watching the boys win a close victory in the quarterfinals but lose in the semifinals against a solid team based on the Spurs, a defensive team with the most promising player of the prefecture, standing 2 meters tall.


    Thus, Will/Sacramento High''s team loses in the semifinals, becoming the fourth team in the country.


    Ending the series, he paved the way for a second season in Sakuragi/Will''s life, married to Hanna/Haruko, re-entering the professional world as a rookie, showcasing what it means to be a rookie in the NBA. He planned to draw inspiration from some players, depicting the climb to the top and the struggle to succeed as expected, highlighting the mediocre skills not yet fully polished, as the average NBA level is one of perfection in all aspects. He hoped this would be a spin-off of at least 200 chapters.


    -Sir, may I have your autograph? - asked the security guard, with a look of embarrassment. Michael had already signed a paper for all team members.


    Billy observed the man, in his forties, slightly overweight, with a receding hairline, looking tired.


    -Of course, do you need a dedication? - Billy asked.


    -Yes, it��s for my son Tim, - the guard replied.


    -Do you have a pen or pencil? - Billy inquired, carrying only a portfolio with pre-signed gifts.


    The man��s smile faded, feeling the urge to hit himself over something so simple.


    -Let me give you a good point; I��ll wait for you. I��ll be out in half an hour; you can get some paper. Perhaps, I��ll ask for you. What��s your name? - Billy said.


    -Charlie Hampson, - the guard replied.


    -Well, Charlie, I hope we can get that autograph signed for Tim Hampson. If I have any spare merchandise, I can give you something, but I came for the basketball players, so I can��t promise anything, - Billy said, patting the man''s shoulder.


    -Y-yes, I��ll try, - the man stammered, opening the gym door as a team of two-meter-tall men, some shorter, ran back and forth in a nearly unbelievable scene.


    Billy crossed the gym doors and took a seat as he received an unexpected call, deciding not to answer it for now. He needed to remain silent and hold that meeting much later. In the stands, watching the basketball game, there were four teams in the arena, moving intensely back and forth in training. It was 5:10 PM, with no sign of stopping. Billy arrived a bit later than expected, adjusted his portfolio on his knees, and decided to close his eyes.


    As the sound of balls, shouts, whistles, and shoe soles filled his mind, he felt a certain exhaustion and needed to pay attention to these symptoms. He took a breath and heard two loud whistles. The clock showed 5:25. When the whistle sounded, there was applause.


    In the other corner, the tallest man, possibly the most popular player in America, nodded, with a rebellious look on his face despite being in his thirties. Next to him were Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and other Bulls players.


    -Didn''t expect you to show up,- Michael Jordan joked. -Your agent could have mentioned that you��re one of the busiest people in America. A pleasure, you can call me Michael.-


    -I have such a tight schedule that time can become my most valuable asset, but someone mentioned you wanted to see me. It''s incredible to meet you... Sometimes we underestimate fame,- Billy replied, shaking Michael''s hand.


    Looking at the other members.


    -I��m Charles, - said a dark-skinned man with gigantic hands.


    -Charles Barkley, when I have time, I sometimes watch the sports channel to unwind, - Billy commented.


    -Then you know who I am,- questioned a sweaty Scottie Pippen.


    -Of course, you��re Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, and Patrick Ewing,- Billy replied, greeting all the basketball stars, who smiled back at him.


    -As you know, a guest shouldn��t come empty-handed to a meeting. Let''s take a seat; my portfolio might just be where you''ll see some magic happen,- Billy said, pulling out some "Slam Dunk" mangas. He had around 500 volumes reserved from the first 30 chapters before Nike''s sponsorship��a collector''s piece with Billy''s signature.


    -These are the first volumes I printed before Nike offered to sponsor my comics. There was no such intention when I started, so they are all in black and white and without sponsorship details. They are my most cherished volumes. Do any of the guys like ''Slam Dunk''?- Billy asked, handing over six volumes from the eight he brought, keeping four and one for the security guard.


    -I think I��ll ask around,- commented Steve Kerr, heading to the locker room. "Slam Dunk" is the best-selling comic in North America, with a total of 485 million copies sold. Each volume sells at least a million copies, with some surpassing two, three, four, five, or even the record eight million copies.


    -So, this is almost unprecedented, - commented Michael Jordan.


    -You could say that. It has my signature and is one of the first editions. You have 23/50,000, so consider yourself lucky,- Billy said, unwrapping a comic that came in a bag. S��arch* The nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -This, on the other hand, is a color draft, drawn and painted by me. So far, I''ve only given away three drafts. I used to make two or three books by hand. This is one I''ve kept,- Billy explained, handing over the bag, which looked glorious to Michael''s eyes��the number 4, in color, with incredible details.


    Then, Patrick Ewing asked a question that caught Billy off guard for a moment.


    -Hey, I know you��re a genius, but why are there so many white guys playing basketball? Don��t get me wrong; those guys can��t play,- Patrick said, earning laughs from his teammates, who awaited the response with some intrigue.


    -Oh... I was a 9-year-old kid when I created the series, so some things are a bit childish,- Billy began, giving a brief overview. -It��s also a way to distinguish characters. We need distinctions, and that��s why we use costumes in comics. But since this one is based on real life, I had to play with hairstyles, hair color, and skin color... This comic, in particular, has almost 400 characters. It��s a challenge to manage so many characters, and despite my exceptional talent, I tend to repeat myself. So, I do my best to organize the characters. Why do you think a basketball player wears glasses?- Billy asked.


    -Makes sense... but damn,- Patrick said.


    -Be careful with those volumes; they are scarce and valuable,- Billy cautioned.


    -Makes sense,- Jordan added.


    -It��s more than logical. When I started, I didn��t have a team to help me, and everything was up to me. I colored and made drafts because I needed to gain perspective. But black-and-white prints are painful. So reducing and increasing skin types gave me advantages. Now I use it as a way to adapt my comics for the people who buy them,- Billy explained.


    ***


    Later that night.


    -Steve, I didn''t expect your call,- Billy said, surprised.


    -Neither did I, but it seems you��re the majority shareholder of Apple��something I didn��t expect. Have you heard about the merger between Apple and NeXT?- said Jobs over the phone.


    -I have some time tomorrow afternoon. I��m in Los Angeles,- Billy replied.


    -Perfect, I won��t take up more of your time. We��ll finalize everything in person,- Jobs said, smiling at how quickly he could arrange meetings with Billy. He liked that kind of efficiency. Though he knew the young man and his business acumen, who knew what to expect? He didn��t regret investing in NeXT; the kid is said to be the best animator in America. However, there��s a debt to settle, and his domain is Apple.


    ...

 346. dreamers.

    August 16th.


    In a high-end restaurant, Steve Jobs adjusted his attire to fit the setting. Not a fan of ties, he wore jeans and a cotton shirt. Would they deny entry to a businessman? Probably not. Billy walked in with his typical suit, stretching his arms. The days as Jerry Maguire had ended with the recordings in Arizona, and now he only focused on managing his businesses and continuing to draw. The purchase of Panini and the ever-growing business balance were encouraging.


    -Sorry for the delay; the meeting with the video game guild lasted longer than expected, - Billy said, shaking Steve Jobs'' hand.


    -I didn''t wait long. Your call was timely; I decided to come early and relax. A glass of wine always helps clear the thoughts that accumulate after the office, - Jobs replied.


    -That''s true. For now, I keep my thoughts sober, but I hope to take a trip to some secluded island to find the peace and tranquility I need after all the workload. I''ve heard that Next has been developing high-quality software, - Billy commented.


    -It''s a design for now. We have microprocessors and some... I call them SPARC. But nothing outstanding. Nothing is like the first time, nothing is like what you wish to accomplish, - Jobs said.


    -A true reason, - Billy commented.


    -I''ve read about the success of your movies as a producer, screenwriter, and animator. People hold your animation work in high regard. Your last movie was captivating, - Jobs mentioned.


    -They haven''t seen anything yet! The projects for December come in pairs, and next year we''ll deliver at least three movies. Although, if we plan it out, my idea is to deliver five movies a year, - Billy said.


    -A risky bet, - Jobs said, calculating the costs. If Billy made five movies a year, that meant at least 150 million dollars in expenses.


    -Our movies have been particularly profitable. I believe that if the pace of releases and our technological advancements continue to increase, we can implement low-cost movies for some independent filmmakers to try at Pixar Europe, - Billy explained.


    The idea was simple: they required good work, but above all, many people were willing to create true works of art. Art had to be conceptualized in movies. However, it was an idea for five years into the future.


    -Is it profitable? - Jobs asked.


    -It is, very profitable. Think about it... How many movies are released in a year? And of all those releases, how many make a profit? At least 40%. However, with the sales of products, peripherals, and licenses, you manage to cover all costs, as long as you have the machinery, which we are building. But, among that 40%, there is about 5% that manages to surpass and exceed the average. A good movie can help our income, -  Billy explained.


    Like having a library in his head, using it to his advantage, and condensing several excellent movies.


    -A particularly risky business, but I see that when you have the talent, it''s easy. It''s like me; at a certain point, I found a way to guide companies to a chosen result. What do you think is the biggest lesson I''ve learned in all my years? - Jobs mentioned, taking the wine he held in his glass with more than nostalgia. Something he hadn''t seen the first time in Jobs, now he observed with attention.


    -What? I''m curious, - Billy commented.


    -If you want to hire wonderful people, you have to let them act as they wish. It doesn''t matter. If you learn to communicate with people who want to excel, you must let them be free. When we have an idea, that''s when people aim in the right direction," Jobs said, much calmer and more peaceful. His posture relaxed, still a strong character, but his way of expressing it was so deep that it left Billy breathless with the depth of his words. He understood a little, but surely Jobs'' thinking went hand in hand with certain behaviors that were not easy to learn.


    -It sounds like something that took you time to learn, - Billy commented.


    -Don''t even ask. Now I understand a lot of what I failed at, - Jobs commented. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I also understand many things. At the time, I made many rash decisions, and the mistakes came in a way that I paid for, both in money, hours of sleep, relationships, and connections, - Billy commented.


    The waiter brought their dishes to the table, and both men proceeded to dine calmly, talking like old friends. In the background, Billy needed Jobs, as wonderful people can create wonderful scenarios. However, that wonder is overshadowed by the idea that Steve Jobs needs him, and Billy knows it''s better to let others make an offer, question that offer, lower the price, and see what benefits he can reap. A crude way to look at things, but it��s how business works.


    -I see we''ve run out of small talk. Let''s get to what I need, - Jobs said.


    Billy fell silent, looking directly at Jobs.


    -In most matters, I find many words to say it, but I want Apple and Next to merge, for a price, of course, - Jobs said.


    -What��s in it for me? - Billy replied.


    -Ah, a familiar phrase in the business world. My idea is for you to acquire my company as the majority shareholder. If you inject capital, it��s time for both of us to have a position. I understand Gil Amelio isn��t very bright, giving away our hardware to Chinese companies. He��s made a mess to make quick money, and the company��s decline is starting to show. I have 5% in shares, and I have members who want to see Gil out. If we merge our companies, we��ll have the majority vote, - Jobs said carefully. - We��ll double the value, and you can put money on the table to acquire a 49% stake, no more, no less. -


    -I want Apple to be a private company, - Billy said.


    -What? That��s not possible! - Jobs exclaimed.


    -It is. I��ve already negotiated with the board. I can buy 19% of the company. With the 35% of shares in my hands, I can have 54% of the company by next week. Let��s put it this way, we��ll buy Next as an acquisition for $290 million. I��ll name you CEO, and give you a lucrative contract, but I want you to solve Apple��s problems. I have an idea; however, I plan to acquire some other companies and merge them with Apple, - Billy explained.


    The turn of events left Steve surprised.


    -You��ve outplayed me again. How long have you known I��d try to rejoin Apple? - Jobs asked.


    -Since the moment you sold me Pixar. Not right then, but I��ve been waiting for a move for two years. We��ll settle the participation later, but I don��t want too many owners of the company, just you and me, - Billy said.


    -Let��s do it, - Steve Jobs agreed.


    Why did he accept the offer? It wasn��t the price; it was being part of Apple. His only option was to agree with Billy Carson, knowing the money would multiply with Billy and him at the helm. Five years ago, he saw a kid. Now he sees a partner.


    If Steve joined a year later, he would declare a forced acquisition, spending most of Apple��s budget, and they would end up covering with loans of $150 million or more.


    Lux Animation��s finances were thriving. The profits from "The Iron Giant" and "A Bug''s Life" were enough to buy Panini. Even now, Billy had surplus money and planned to buy Discovery Channel, create the Discovery Kids channel, stabilize Apple, buy Variety magazine, purchase sports teams, and take over Marvel.


    He had a $300 million credit with American Bank, $300 million with City Bank, and a credit capacity of $1 billion. Two movies were invested, 100% in "The English Patient," and 50% in "Jerry Maguire," "Star Wars," and the upcoming releases of "Ice Age" and "Lilo & Stitch." He had bought $60 million in tech stocks, reducing percentages in AOL for obvious reasons.


    ...

 347. incidents

    August 16.


    Blizzard has been a subsidiary of ID Software for just under two months. The acquisition details are still a bit unclear, but the plan is for them to continue working on the games they''ve been developing. They reached an agreement on RPG tactics, and the creation of World of Warcraft is just an ambitious project that the founders have been working on autonomously for some time. Michael Morhaime, Frank Pearce, and Allan Adham have been working like a well-oiled machine. The organization provided by the multinational company Lux Animation, along with all the graphic engines, was a godsend for these video game geeks who are planning one of the most comprehensive stories in video games��a universe extending over nearly ten installments, along with other releases to create the MROOP matrix, a series of online strategy games.


    -You are the smartest people in the world,- Raimon commented, admiring the work on Warcraft, one of the best pieces of art he had seen in recent years.


    Frank Pearce blushed at Raimon''s words, who admired the masterpiece of Warcraft.


    -It''s still a new idea,- commented Allan, the most grounded of the three, the logical thinker among the three founders of the former Silicon & Synapse, now part of Lux Games, the main hub of six video game companies.


    -Not at all, Billy has a similar concept, which is why his interview caught my attention so much. We''re creating a game called Baldur''s Gate, an RPG, open world intertwined with classic dungeon & dragon gameplay. Now I see you��ve already thought of it and want to communicate with players through a unique online multiplayer process. You��re geniuses,- Raimon said, regretting not considering them earlier.


    -Billy? The boss, right... the Billy who is the youngest billionaire by his means?- Frank Pearce asked.


    -Ah, yes, now he��s a billionaire... What I want you to understand is that with Billy, we��ve worked on two essential things: optimizing games to a symbiotic beauty between gameplay, graphics, and story. You have it. We need to hire a writer or talk to Billy to give us wings on the story. Maybe use our animators to make a brief introduction. Adding scenes will give us a better market for the teaser,- Raimon said, bouncing ideas around.


    -Sounds great,- commented Frank Pearce. -I��ve spent some time on the story, and to top it off, I think the first thing is to present complex details and make a simple story so that Billy or whoever revises it has plenty of room to work.-


    -Sounds brilliant. Now, I think we need to play a round of Baldur��s Gate so you know what I��m talking about,- said Raimon, rubbing his hands, escaping from Anne, playing a game of Baldur without anyone bothering him with the perfect excuse of it being work-related.


    He was stopped by Allan, who smiled heavily.


    -Anne already mentioned that you might suggest playing Baldur''s Gate and prohibited us from playing it with you. You can leave the game, and we��ll have a chat later,- Allan said.


    Raimon was left breathless knowing that Anne had outsmarted him again. It was likely that Rachel had done everything to sabotage his gaming afternoon.


    -Sure, now you��ve fallen to the dark side,- Raimon said, walking away to check the accounts. One major issue with having many branches is the need for a careful management pattern. Everyone has projects, but each company needs adjustments to avoid excessive expenses and ensure longevity.


    -Are you going to make changes?- Allan asked, noticing the evident shift. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We��ll hire financial advisors, and assistants, and expand our advertising and design market. For now, ID Software handles it along with Pixar and Lux Animation, but we��re expanding all the teams,- Raimon commented.


    The hiring of twenty extra animators to handle video games, working hand-in-hand with ID Software and RPG platforms, was just a sign��a continuous group that would handle all video game designs, mini-stories, cover art, albums, posters, and covers, along with small assignments for the entire advertising branch.


    -That sounds fantastic, but we want to do our designs,- Allan said.


    -You need to discuss that with the newly created group. For now, the important thing is to consider that you need that team to meet the minimum requirements of video games, which are introductions, explanations, and attractive designs for consumers,- Raimon said, pointing out just a basic part of video game marketing, the appeal.


    -It��s not negotiable.-


    -I didn''t say that! But you must follow certain standards. It��s almost a strategy,- Raimon said.


    Now they longed for the chubby guy who came in with nothing but smiles.


    ***


    -This is pure gold,- said Ricardo Sanchez, one of the most popular video game critics from all the magazines, as he played the demo of Baldur��s Gate, one of the most ambitious games on the market from the new company RPG Platforms.


    -It��s incredible,- Ricardo commented, feeling like a kid again playing Pac-Man twenty years ago. After many ups and downs, he decided to study journalism and landed at a small video game magazine.


    -Tony, come play this game, it��s for two players,- Ricardo shouted, completely absorbed by the simplicity of the gameplay, the amazing graphics, the medieval setting, and the Roman war-like music. The sound, everything, was perfect.


    Tony arrived with a pen tucked behind his ear, looking at the laughter with some curiosity. The new game, sold for consoles and now available for computers, was distributed by ID Software on three consoles: PlayStation, Nintendo, and PC.


    -Give me a second, I��m detailing the boom of the Nintendo 64 in an article about why Nintendo will be the next big competitor of the decade. I think it will put some companies out of business. The game modes are simply amazing,- Tony commented.


    -Wow, ID Software has been doing this since 1991, and no one was kissing their feet. The issue is the market monopoly; it��s nothing great. Plus, if you look at it, ID Software''s graphics level is better than Mario��s,- Ricardo said.


    -Maybe, maybe,- Tony replied, turning back to his essay.


    The gaming community loved the games produced by ID Software.


    ***


    For many, the changes at Lux Nation may seem great, but for others, it��s just the beginning of their problems. The animation battle is one lived by three companies, each absorbed in distracting and creating their aspirations, but it cannot be answered satisfactorily.


    -The movie wasn��t as effective as we hoped. Even when we published the story, the expenses of $65 million compared to the $35 million for Bugs is a big difference. Even though they exceeded the $150 million mark, which was the limit for a healthy profit, and reached $306 million, the blow was already dealt, and the response wasn��t less friendly. Lux Animation made $260 million, which means without competition, our profit would have been at least $500 million. Their fight against us is just the beginning,- Joe Roth commented to Phil Lader, both now the directors of entertainment.


    -You��re being sarcastic. Even without competition, our revenue pace could have been lower or higher. There are no what-ifs in cinema,- Phil Lader commented, approaching to see that only three movies were released this time, and unlike the two released, they may release others at the end of the year, creating a complete surprise. How do they manage it? Three movies in three years, and two of those have been hits.


    -We have to keep doing what we always do. Michael Eisner always believes we��ll pull through. Even though the acquisition of ABC has already been announced at $19 billion, the press still considers it one of the biggest corporate acquisitions in history,- Joe Roth mentioned with some doubt in his voice. -I think it was a dumb move. ABC is just an elegant problem for us, and for the company��s constitution, it brings many channels, but as a mega production medium, it contains a wide variety of assets and liabilities to consider. Disney makes movies; without movies, we��re just a medium without wings.-


    -We��re just employees. Eisner talks about the annual showdown, and we��re already preparing to face the battle next year, though we have no idea what the company��s project is. We��ll be releasing ��The Gremlins,�� from a book by Roald Dahl that Walt Disney wanted to produce but never did,- Phil Lader commented, who was in charge of the Tarzan series for 1998 along with Mort, based on Terry Pratchett��s stories.


    Like the continuous search for princesses or quality of princesses, which Disney doesn��t underestimate from any angle, examples have been taken, like The Princess and the Pea, Donkeyskin, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Wild Swans, and The Snow Queen. All have undergone numerous studies and efforts to continue competing. With the latest confrontation, Billy proposed the story of Mulan, a Chinese woman in the time of the Mongols.


    -I wouldn��t trust that much. It seems he prefers to be elsewhere. Since Jeffrey Katzenberg left, everything has been different for all of us, - Joe Roth commented.


    ...

 348. working day.

    August 19.


    The final scenes of Jerry Maguire were being filmed after Phoenix, followed by the scenes in Dorothy��s house with her son. These were the scenes containing the most heartfelt speech of the entire movie. The relationship between the sisters and Jerry''s entry into their lives was predicted in three ways: first, their acceptance of Jerry due to his calm demeanor, and second, because of Dorothy''s love for Jerry, which perhaps made him shine so brightly.


    -You��ve got it, kid!- commented Jim Waitt to Billy, seeing the confused look on his face. Jim almost rolled his eyes but stopped, remembering that Billy Carson was in charge of a giant company, and it was logical for him to forget small details to focus on truly important matters.


    -The role for A Time to Kill, you��ll have to hurry and start filming as soon as possible,- Jim said.


    -Ohhhh, you should have said so earlier,- Billy replied, accepting the script with some confusion. He needed a week in October for the publicity of Seven.


    -Five million dollars, I secured a deal based on two opportunities: that we distribute the movie and, of course, that you act in the role. Reaching these companies and negotiating with a distribution company is simply magnificent,- Jim Waitt commented.


    -It feels like I created a company just to get acting roles,- Billy said, somewhat bewildered.


    -Oh, don��t worry. My namesake, Gianopulus, mentioned a possible acquisition of the Orion Pictures distributor. You��ve already bought a substantial part, with your deal with the Adams family, with the closure of the production company, and the delivery of Orion TV to ABC. Jim Gianopulus bought the labor contracts of many employees, even paying compensation for some. They will have a merger in 1996, reinforcing with several employees who distribute and promote development in Europe and Oceania,- Jim Waitt explained.


    -So, our distributor gains several talented employees,- Billy commented.


    -Yes, along with the purchase of the sci-fi film RoboCop. They were planning Terminator, but there were some issues,- Jim Waitt added.


    -I suppose you have other news,- Billy said.


    -I do. James Cameron sent us an invitation for a mega-production. Auditions will start in January. It seems there will be some filters, but the investment is around $150 million, and your salary could reach $10 million,- Jim Waitt said.


    -Perhaps we can invest everything in percentages and wait for the movie��s success,- Billy commented, believing the project referred to was Titanic. Now, Billy had a clear idea of triumph over the final failure many companies expected. Perhaps he could invest and scratch, even buy the rights to some brands. It was a joint mix between Paramount and Fox if Billy could remember.


    Preparing to film all the scenes in the house meant Billy had two days to shoot the takes and then fly to Mississippi to start filming. It would be an old-school shoot.


    -We��ll do our best,- Billy said, shaking hands with Jim.


    The scene was about to start filming.


    -Okay, scene 64, everyone gets ready, adjust the cameras,- Cameron commented from a corner.


    -Scene 64, take 1.-


    S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut. Great take,- Cameron commented, looking at the screen, but noticing a bit of the cameraman��s shadow, deciding to repeat a few scenes. They repeated until mid-afternoon.


    -Let''s take the next shots, they shout in the production studio as the lights dim with many implements.  - Billy remains calm, taking calls and organizing his notes.


    Scene 62, take 1. -


    ...

 349. Lux animation.

    The five floors of the Lux Animation building are well situated on the large plots of land Billy has been acquiring for a long time, now delving deeper into the real estate sector, purchasing land from New York, Atlanta, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco and their surroundings.


    The CEO in charge is Anne, who typically works from early mornings into late afternoons. Billy provides overarching direction for the company, now supported by a board of 10 directors who help healthily shape the company. This board has overseas subsidiaries such as Lux Comics, Lux Animation, Comics and Toys, Lux Games, and Lux Productions.


    The division includes companies like Lux Food with its board of directors, mostly overseen by Billy''s father, who carries the majority of the administrative burden per agreement. Autodesk operates under its board, while Apple will be handled by Jobs, and Hotel Para��so remains a singular asset managed solely by Billy, currently comprising three hotels��one in Hawaii, one in San Jose, and the beginning stages in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.


    The production companies don''t need more employees; for now, we have a consolidated team, and that''s what we need to work with. We''re not producers, we''re investors, looking to create and produce low-cost films or our own, spoken of in offers Billy brings to the channel... so far, we have "The English Patient," "Jerry Maguire," "A Time to Kill," and "Matilda," the latter written, directed, and starring Danny DeVito. Billy partnered with Jersey Films for distribution alongside Tristar Pictures and, of course, investment, Jim Gianopulus commented.


    The production of Matilda had been somewhat excessive in Jim''s eyes, but the $9 million investment, coupled with distribution, had a pleasantly different outcome for Billy, who, upon hearing about the script, decided to favor it and participate, even with potential losses, saying he wants quality works above all.


    Wanda Franz, alongside Anna Washington, considered rising stars for their work, set out to expose the market sector they wanted to work in.


    -We''ll focus on three important genres that we believe can best recoup costs: dramas, romantic comedies, and children''s movies, - Anna Washington commented, making lists and notes. However, I have no doubt you know that the company''s boss often gets involved in larger productions. For now, our account is part of it, permission, or an opportunity for a project that doesn''t go out of hand.


    -For the television department, we''ll categorize, docuseries, documentaries, and police dramas in the programming. However, for now, we should study channel integrity carefully, television proposals must be highly regulated in periodic approval. - Anna commented, handing over the word to Wanda, who continued with everything regarding producing animated programs and movies.


    Since 1994, planning to open an animated channel, it was agreed with Lyrick Studios, to buy a small stake and put up a global animated channel, it wasn''t until recently, that they agreed, DLM''s previous owners sold the Lyons Group, to Lyrick Studios, there were only changes of name by the producer, it is the same. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was estimated that Lux Animation should pay $25 million for 45% of the company, paid not under the Hotmail arches, under the sustenance of the many toys sold over the year, paid in March, in advance of the sale, with the connections of Lyrick Studios, made a full agreement. But it didn''t stay there, in 1991, Felxtech bought a stake in HIT, 23% for 600.00 thousand pounds. The contract for that percentage began to be negotiated in March, but the response came more than a week ago. 2 million pounds for 23%.


    It was accepted without hesitation, and along with it, more money was invested to buy stakes from other companies, but they were well associated with Jim Henson Productions, who saw beyond the mere common company, a profitable TV chain.


    -Our desire now is to expand the perspective of television for children and create channels for children. Therefore, using our capitalization, we will create programs for children. - Wanda commented.


    The projects for children were Franklin, a program for turtle children, and Bob the Builder, which would use Pixar technology, and some percentage of animators, to put together a whole, with the producer Porchlight Entertainment, who came to them, with programming, for children, which has already been negotiated and licensed for the next 10 years.


    -So, it''s possible that, by the end of the year, we''ll have a channel for children. - Jim Gianopulus asked.


    -We have it. - Wanda replied.


    Among the viewers were Thomas P. Pollock, in charge of the cartoons, and his small team of three people, Jhonatan Granber, and Scott Rudin the new hires, who will work on keeping the group cohesive, now the names keep coming, but with two new producers, and without the payment of intermediaries, they will save a lot more money, and now it will be invested in salaries, and other small..


    While the entertainment sector is in discussion, the sales department is fully engaged across the American states. Steve Parks continues lengthy negotiations with Discovery, while Raimon handles operational matters and continues to structure the companies as needed. Rachel is in Asia, managing all issues with Lux Animation in the Eastern region, while Rumino Denver ensures oversight of all agreements with individuals.


    Thus, minor operations were left to the new hires and the acting senior. Coordinated under Anne''s watchful eye, who for many, was the person they least wanted to encounter.


    -So, did you review the contracts? - Anne queried.


    -That was handled by the legal team; I simply renewed the agreements we already had in place. - David commented.


    -You didn''t consider renegotiating? Now that we have three times more employees than before, as much as I like it, the contractual reality has changed. It''s possible that with larger purchases, the supply contract costs could be reduced. - Anne remarked.


    -Ahhh... - His words trailed off.


    -Don''t worry, you can call and sort it all out. They''ll accommodate you as long as you explain that you want to double the supply. Please, use everything Steve Parks has taught you. - Anne commented, closing the door behind her as her heels echoed in the room, everything orderly and neat. Her keen eyes scanned the hallway before stopping at the elevator and descending to the lower floors. She wanted to check on the status of the television series personally.


    Now, in 1995, six series were completed: "Tales of the Green Brothers," "Robot Jones," the animated "Hercules" series, the first cut of the Pok��mon series, and "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle."


    In production was "Trigun," a 15-episode series, alongside "Metegoro," "Franklin," "The Angry Beavers," and "Hardman + Slash." Four series for four groups, along with the tail end of "Bob the Builder."


    The film team was handling "Lilo and Stitch" as the fifth team, while the sixth team took notes to begin "Mulan."


    -Don''t stop. - Anne commented, seeing some animators pausing in their work as she walked into the film room where the animators of "Lilo and Stitch" were.


    ...

 350. inquire.

    In a mansion on the outskirts of Los Angeles, a wild Hollywood party was in full swing, with the fever and madness of Hollywood palpable in the air. Women in barely-there attire, men sprawled in chairs, their drunken state evident on their bodies��everyone had their reasons for indulging.


    -Billy. - slurred a drunken Winona, hand-in-hand with a brunette Christina Ricci, both exuding their brand of charm. Hollywood''s elite were all present; Billy spotted Ethan Hawke in the distance with Ben Stiller, alongside a youthful Alicia Silverstone, still vibrant and beautiful as any ''90s icon.


    I didn''t think you''d show up at parties. - Winona blushed.


    I wouldn''t have, but someone called me about something important. - Billy replied.


    Not long ago, he received a last-minute call that Liam Neeson would be attending, introducing Billy to some common acquaintances. Billy had accepted a role in Star Wars, and before that, decided to strengthen his relationship with George Lucas, who asked him to keep a closer eye on Liam.


    -Ohhhh who are you looking for? - Winona asked, blushing, as Drew Barrymore arrived��a bold and youthful presence, known for her Playboy appearance and recent return to the limelight.


    -You''re Billy Carson, right? I''ve heard a lot about you. Why don''t you join us? - Drew suggested.


    -I''ve got someone to meet, but maybe later. - Billy casually brushed off Drew, not many dared to confront him face-to-face; the younger generation hesitated in his presence.


    -Come, I''ll help you find him. By the way, you should meet Christina; she''s a good friend of mine. - Winona suggested.


    -Pleasure, Billy Carson. - Billy replied.


    -Nice to meet you, Billy. - murmured the black-haired woman, Winona''s gothic style complemented by her dark locks, parted by bangs covering her forehead. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Pleasure''s mine. Didn''t expect to see you here, Wina. - Billy said, embracing the brunette.


    -Well, been a bit stressed, and decided to take a weekend off. - Winona replied.


    ***


    Gwyneth was secretly discussing matters with Leonardo in a private room, both tense despite their nonchalant attitudes. Leo simply wanted to sleep with her, while Gwyneth hoped he would propose something more serious.


    They were in a small closed room, hidden behind glass.


    -I think we should go out. - the blonde said, cheeks flushed.


    -Come on, woman, don''t deny what''s between us. It''s simple; we''re attracted to each other, and it''s not good to suppress it. - Leo remarked, lightly biting her shoulder. She sighed, melting into Leo''s arms.


    But as she opened the door that confined them, she disappeared and went her way. She spotted Billy with a couple of older actors but shook her head; despite her foolish ambition, she knew she had to prioritize her well-being above all else.


    -I don''t like being ignored so much. - Leo remarked, grabbing her waist and walking out with Leonardo.


    He found what Leonardo called the gang: Alicia Silverstone, Tobey Maguire, Kevin, Luke Hass, and Kate Moss.


    -So this guy is loaded, huh? - Kate Moss asked.


    -Well, he owns a film production company, something called Pixar, and he''s been making money year after year without losses. Some say the day he faces a flop, it''ll be consecutive, but no one''s talking about that since he sold a company for 500 million dollars. - Luke Hass commented, a handsome blond actor often seen with Leonardo as his wingman.


    -Who are you talking about? - Leonardo asked, seemingly disconnected from the social scene, though the blonde by his side bit her tongue, but in the end, it didn''t matter much. Or did it?


    -Billy Carson. He was seen arriving at the party in a suit like he just come from work. - Tobey opened up for Leo.


    -Ahhhh, that''s the guy who beat us to the role. You know him, Gwen? -


    -Yeah, he''s visited my godfather''s mansion several times, and they have various business dealings. They''re starting a film company together; the price tag must be insane. - Gwyneth commented cautiously, mindful of her words��after all, they could bounce back on her, and Billy would move on, but her career was just beginning and couldn''t afford a scandal.


    Kate Moss grabbed her arm. - What else do you know about him? - she asked closely.


    -He''s disgustingly rich and good at business. We did a movie... He''s a good actor, but business-wise, he''s in a league of his own. He has that air of power that even the big shots respect; he talks to the CEOs of Warner, Universal, and Paramount��honestly, it''s kind of ridiculous. - Gwyneth replied.


    -Wow! He must have some serious guts. - Leonardo joked.


    -Hahaha, Leo, man, what have we done with our lives? - Luke Haas chimed in, eliciting smiles from everyone.


    -I think just being human... in my opinion, he needs to loosen his tie knot, but let''s change the subject; this gathering is boring. We could visit the lounge. - Leo suggested.


    The lounge was an erotic club where all kinds of acts took place. Gwyneth reluctantly joined them, still resentful, her eyes occasionally darting towards Billy who was deep in conversation with two men she didn''t quite understand why.


    -Sure, let''s go then. - Gwyneth said, as Kate Moss chuckled.


    ***


    -Mr. Lucas mentioned we should start filming by December. I''m committed to being part of it, but I find it hard to believe you''re doing this just for the pride of production. - Liam Neeson remarked.


    -Well, I don''t have a role, and I''d rather not get into these types of films right now. - Billy replied, not wanting to seem intrusive, but his role in Star Wars was demanding a triple schedule��perhaps Anakin Skywalker? With constant revisions to explore a dark yet intriguing theme, it was possible for Billy.


    -Shame we won''t be working together. - Liam commented, smiling as he sipped his soda. He gestured, and his wife smiled back, surrounded by some friends.


    -I think our chat has come to an end. Thanks for clearing things up. - Liam said, anticipating his contract would arrive at his doorstep in a few days. He took his wife''s hand as Billy glanced around; the music was quieter now, nearing midnight.


    Before he could sit, an older woman approached, seemingly here on business. With a heavy sigh, Billy greeted her, wondering where this encounter would lead him.


    ...

 351. star wars

    Official casting calls are now open, inviting the entire film community to audition for roles in the new Star Wars movies. Even a sneak peek was leaked to the press. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is set to be released in 1997, as all production sets have been handled by Billy, among many others. People were eager to see everything come to fruition. Lucas''s approach was logical; many actors were hired, and there was an idea of who to cast for certain roles.


    They needed actors for young Skywalker, Padm�� Amidala, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, while the other roles were mostly filled, except for a few.


    -Did you get it? - asked Raimon, on the phone, his voice filled with desperation. The voice laughed but didn��t reply.


    -Like in video game companies, business first, then pleasure. - commented Billy.


    -Mmmmmmmm, you are the worst kind of human being. - Raimon said, taking a deep breath, almost hyperventilating. - I worked hard, organized the accounts in each company, evaluated the games, delivered my ideas, and assessed each company''s talent. I sent requests to recruitment firms to get two managers for Raven and Paralex. They need them... On the other hand, I cut unnecessary expenses and set a budget for the fiscal year. I bought AOL shares under the fund you wanted and arranged new payment contracts with banks, with lower interest rates. -


    So we have an advantage in shares. - thought Billy - planning the strike on Warner, a blow strong enough to completely break the Warner group, for now focusing on AOL shares. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You got the part. - Billy commented.


    -Yes! Yes, I��m the best man in the world. - Raimon exclaimed.


    -Hold your horses, your lines are minimal, meaning you barely have any, but you��ll appear three times. They asked me to tell you either to lose weight or wear a costume; you must meet certain requirements. - Billy said. But Raimon didn��t listen, still laughing like a madman, unable to hear Billy��s words. He was wearing his lucky Star Wars shirt, just for the chance to get a nod in the Star Wars movies.


    -Hahahahahahahahaha - the laughter over the phone was all Billy could hear, with complete disregard for what he was saying.


    -Yes, I��m the man, I��m the man. - Raimon shouted, beating his chest, while Billy kept the speaker on his desk, sketching preferred designs for Yu-Gi-Oh cards. The first season had a total of 2200 cards, spread across different decks, all focused on the first season of the 231-episode anime series, along with the 38 volumes of the manga, totaling about 250 chapters.


    For now, he had 500 cards sketched, ready to be delivered, using half a sheet per card, two per card, and he brought different decks of all the rivals in the series.


    Raimon panted after two minutes.


    -Thanks for getting me the part, I suppose you had to do something for George, and I don''t want to know, but thanks. - Raimon said.


    -No problem. However, the instructions are that you need to lose some weight, at least 10 pounds. You��ll have to do some physical activities and follow a healthy routine. Your size is too large for the character. - Billy commented.


    -Sure, that''s easy... -


    -Raimon, I''m not kidding, you need to diet. - Billy said.


    -Yes, don��t worry, I got ahead of you. I gave up pizza Fridays and all-you-can-eat Sundays. - Raimon responded, causing Billy to feel like hitting his head against a wall. Exercising isn��t just about not eating.


    ***


    -Billy recommended the young Natalie Portman for the role of Padm��. Although I have a few reservations, I think she did a remarkable job in the audition. - commented Rick McCallum.


    -You''re right, but... - George Lucas tried to say something, his friend Francis Ford Coppola had brought her for his daughter''s role, but the girl didn''t have the acting talent. However, there were Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Eliza Dushku, all of whom had outstanding looks and experience in the industry. Nevertheless, there was something undeniable about Natalie''s youthful appearance that fit the role perfectly, a tender beauty not seen in others except for Rachel Leigh Cook, who played a similar role.


    -We have Rachel and Natalie, we need a backup. Both have a certain resemblance. We will choose from many others. But Sab�� is also essential. - commented George Lucas.


    The plan is to add complexity to Padm��. Billy mentioned that the success of the previous Star Wars films was in having three great protagonists and giving them depth. Therefore, they would use Sab�� to add depth to Padm�� and simultaneously bring darkness and light to Star Wars. Many aspects of this movie have two needs: to provide different environments and to deliver a mature story with concepts like slavery, fear, politics, evil, good, human emotions, and development.


    A soap opera with lightsabers, that''s what will attract people. The script took a year to write and was re-evaluated with several suspense, drama, and horror screenwriters.


    -You''re going to be the director, Steven. What do you think of this? - asked George Lucas. At Billy''s insistence, they hired Steven for 40 million dollars, an unprecedented payment that increased the budget from 85 million to 105 for the first installment, to shoot the first two movies, with George being the second director and producer.


    Steven reluctantly accepted, asking for a percentage, but Billy denied it, saying he already had enough with Lucas''s percentage. He then asked for 20 million and some concessions to use the distribution company for the future DreamWorks.


    -I think they are all very good actors, but in this case, I have to follow your lead, George. You have a point. - Steven commented.


    -Well, then let''s move forward with our young Obi-Wan. - George Lucas nodded. One of the painful parts is accepting a director, but Billy was honest; he wanted the best director of the moment. A great movie requires great characters. Cutting costs is not the issue. I want Star Wars to be bigger, so we need big things.


    Something George agreed to, and after much debate, they decided to continue with the selection of women, though a small surprise wouldn''t hurt.


    ...

 352. future

    Steven Spielberg saw the exponential growth in his hands, a chart laid out on the table. Two explicit ideas were proposed: the first was to co-found a negotiation between Billy and himself to create a film and television production company.


    Now, they were just starting to shine a light on how to form such a large company. His creation of Amblin wasn��t ambitious, and he had help from Universal. But now he had to handle things himself. He saw many problems; collaborating was an option to share expenses, though if he did, they always asked him to participate in either production or direction. Time was not abundant, especially now as he managed employees, construction, licenses, agreements, unions, even agents, friends, and actors, all seen through a different lens. Any collaboration required money, favors, extra work...


    -How are you, Michael? - Steven commented, hugging one of his mentees in the field of directing.


    -Starting all the processes for my movie''s premiere. - Michael Fincher replied. He looked particularly strong, with a vibe of anxiety but also understanding.


    -You mean it��s been a good year for you. - Steven commented.


    -I have more options, but this is a masterpiece. I was with Billy Carson�� he��s a surprising actor, who seems to have a talent for portraying calculated, complex emotions. Though it may not seem so, he is a very good actor. - Fincher commented, having watched Billy perform during the three-month post-production process, perfecting every part, cutting numerous times, more than he would have liked. They started with a four-hour take, trimming it down to a one-and-a-half-hour movie.


    He saw all shades of acting, from blind rage to regretful faces, love, fear, laughter, and affection. He was a very good actor. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Maybe you could invite me. I��d like to support you. - Steven commented, raising David''s eyebrows, who nodded in surprise. Steven was everywhere, but�� he didn��t expect him to appear in promotion.


    -Sure, I��ll talk to my agent �C


    -None of that, send the tickets to my wife. We��ll be there. Save me a good seat. I want to see everything you��ve learned. Recently, I was offered a ticket for the Alien series, and I think you��d be a good candidate, but I need material to present to the Fox network. - Steven commented, opening up possibilities. Billy had already explained, they needed good screenwriters and directors, along with a healthy selection of actors. Nurturing and launching new actors alongside veterans was DreamWorks'' path, a company of opportunities�� fresh, creative, and innovative.


    -Sure. - David commented, almost losing his breath. Steven Spielberg moved his way to the HBO network, starting a low-budget film to produce for the network, which had certain ties with many other companies, now including DreamWorks TV.


    Their meeting was casual, situated by related projects. Though New Line Cinema''s management was separate from Warner, he had to face distribution, promotion, and publicity factors.


    To Bob Iger, Billy''s name was already a constant applause. On numerous occasions, he had heard the young man''s name.


    ***


    -Dad. - Raimon said, hating having to greet his father for the second time in a year. The last time, it had made him cry and left him in a week-long depression from feeling trapped by the constant complaints.


    -Raimon. - came the response.


    ��Here we go again,�� he thought, feeling the cold acknowledgment of his identity.


    -Thanks for helping with the investment fund. - Raimon said, following Billy''s advice to steer everything toward work. His father, seeing the black shirt under the blue one, noticed that his son was still wearing that ridiculous clothing.


    -With commissions. It''s not free, but we arranged your boss''s investment fund privately. Now, you''ll only appear as the manager of the titular company, "Technology Investments." I don''t quite understand why you would use a misspelled name for a group that already exists. You won''t receive more public financing, which is not in the contract. - Lucas Green commented.


    -I don��t fully understand Billy either, but time has shown me that we traditionalists can��t grasp his vision and way of doing things. He has a structured plan. He may want to buy a company without many people noticing. - Raimon replied.


    -Sure�� the young man of America. - Lucas commented.


    -Oh, father, he��s not young anymore. As a private company, they can��t list Billy��s assets, but my calculations put him among the richest men in America, even in the world. Don��t underestimate him. Though he plays acting, he graduated from Stanford at 19 and had me teach him throughout his career with all kinds of tutors. I wouldn��t be surprised if his fund is to strike back at companies that have played dirty. - Raimon said softly, unable to raise his voice to his father but implying something that both he and Anne Hall knew: Billy''s vision is above average.


    -Do you think I��m a foolish talker? Your boy comes here often, talks to some people, invests in some funds, and leaves his money. He has the eloquence, appearance, and confidence that you lack. You better stop bragging about others and start doing things for yourself. - Lucas commented.


    Raimon''s spirit was completely crushed, and he wanted to leave immediately. But Lucas wondered just how impressive this Carson boy was, both as a banker and a reviewer, and thought he should pay attention.


    Later that same day, Raimon sent all the paperwork. Officially, Billy had a fund that wouldn��t charge commissions. They bought a sum of 80 million dollars and transferred most of his fund��s shares, reorganizing them into different shares. Even in terms of expenditure, it was just a drop in the ocean, with the purchase of shares being active. Yet, the growth wasn��t immediately visible.


    Pfizer shares at $7.23, totaling 300,000 shares for a price of $2,169,000. This resulted in an average of 600,000 shares.


    Qualcomm shares at $2.25, totaling 3,000,000 shares for a price of $6.4 million, offering a stabilized average of 11 million shares.


    Nokia shares at $2.56, totaling 5,000,000 shares, reaching a 31% stake in the company for $10.7 million. Including previous purchases, this amounted to 28.1 million shares in the cell phone company.


    These were just a few mentions, as they also held shares in Toys.com, The Cheesecake Factory, AOL, General Electric, Intel, Home Depot, Walmart, Cisco, and Nike.


    Billy''s insistence on General Electric at $22.03 per share was surprising. The purchase of 511,397 shares was enormous. For the price of the shares, this was an action that easily allowed buying others in technology.


    Anne lifted the investment sheet, raising her eyebrows. She was slowly gaining Billy��s trust. She invested in companies like Nokia, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and General Electric, trusting Billy''s words.


    -Thanks, Raimon. - commented Anne Hall.


    ...

 353. time to kill.

    The heat was scorching, perhaps akin to the heat waves that strike Texas. Here, a hard concentration made one want to lie in a hammock and sleep all day, caring only for rest.


    The positive side was the lack of press, and the location was rather remote��a curious course for a shoot. But his team of bodyguards was there. He had stopped being afraid since his three trusted men, rotated with three others, followed him day and night, speaking only when necessary for their job. Even born in a hot region, he felt like he was boiling.


    I''m glad we could make it on time. - Billy commented to his bodyguards, who responded in their usual silence, recording all his words behind the cameras. They even used Canton, Mississippi, taking some old buildings, renting them out, and leaving the rest for the set''s creation and hiring extras. The time in court was a brief scene, but the industrial park and Madison County Center, along with the old courthouse grounds, would be used.


    The arrival in Canton and the production studios was quick. The budget was considerable, so they clung to a good scale to reduce costs. From there, the price wouldn''t vary much.


    His main scenes were with Samuel L. Jackson, who had a tight schedule and would be touring the United States to complete his work. Alongside him was Oliver Platt, playing Harry Rex Vonner, a partner of Billy/Jack Brigance.


    Entering a tent serving as his preferred dressing room for this occasion, Billy had to play his cards right. Jake Brigance is a righteous lawyer, a moral man, and a family father, always looking tired but well-dressed. The trial consumes him; his salary is minimal, and he works for the sense of justice in his heart.


    The accent was complex, and the minimal characteristics were the details that highlighted the performance. A well-placed red thread in his lines was all he needed for a satisfactory role.


    -Good afternoon, everyone. - commented Arnon Milchan, along with the director. Both men were white, thin, and had hints of blonde hair, completing their outfits with Sunday shirts, typical for office workers playing golf. Likewise, Billy took a seat while reading the already formed and consolidated script.


    -We��ll have lunch to commemorate the start of the shoot... - commented Arnon Milchan.


    Billy thought there would be recordings, but perhaps it was already too late, and the night in towns tends to be more visual due to the lack of present lighting in such places. As usual, it''s common to pause at five in the afternoon.


    The buffet-style food, with many tables around, was set up in the yard where some movie events were supposed to occur. Two barbecues, along with other large containers of food, smelled of meat.


    -You''re older than you look on screen. - commented Donald Sutherland, a man with many years in the film industry, now playing the reluctant mentor of Jack Brigance, but often one of the grounding poles Jack needed throughout his performances.


    -Mr. Donald, it''s an honor to meet you. - Billy replied.


    -Enough of that, boy. Each of us is an actor fulfilling our parts of the deal. Our scenes will be relevant. Luckily for me, I''ll take a half-year break. I''ve worked hard... but now I''ll dedicate myself to my family. - commented Donald.


    -It''s good to rest. Life tends to slip away, and the years pass quickly. -


    -A curious statement for someone so young. You must have been working diligently. - commented Donald.


    -This is the fifth movie of the year, and I think my last. I��ll wait until next year to take on other roles. - said Billy, counting the dubbing for  and not , as his work in  was much deeper.


    -A very busy year, even for veterans in the industry. But enough of that, try the meat. It''s seasoned with a particular touch. The meat is stretched over hooks and washed in hot air for two days, which gives it a unique flavor. - commented Donald. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - I wasn''t going to try the meat, but I can do it. I''m following a diet, but some good pieces of meat would be fantastic  - said Billy.


    They both took a seat at the distant table, occupied by other members of the production team. At least three photographers, two lighting technicians, two assistants, and a coordinator were needed to organize everything related to the production.


    - I prefer cowboy movies, but now the genre is almost extinct. Many productions focus on more elaborate but less structured concepts  - commented Donald.


    -We''re in a good era now. Technology hasn''t yet contaminated the scenes and allows for things never seen before. But I think we can stabilize that conception if we keep on this path  - said Billy.


    He observed the director of the film. Behind him, John Grisham was talking to Samuel L. Jackson, looking very happy about something. The words seemed concentrated, judging by John''s serious look. Billy was interested in this person, as he would be a great addition to his publishing house Macmillan... Tor Books, and future series or movies. There were always loose ends that wanted to adapt books with such wide circulation and impact as John''s.


    - You guys beat us to it. You''re quite anxious  - commented Donald.


    - Ahhhhhh, we expected the work to keep you busy until tomorrow  - said Samuel, smiling.


    -We need more funds - said David Filo. The financing made Yahoo''s idea a reality, but now they wanted to start a great brand, expanding to various internet services. Connecting people is Yahoo''s ultimate principle.


    ***


    -Lux Animation offered us another two million dollars to generate profitability, along with their process resources  - said Jerry Yang, reviewing data-. They have 30% of the company and will likely push for another 10 or 15%. It''s better to seek financing further away that sacrifices less of our company. It''s time to go public! -


    Yahoo is a web portal that connects with Yahoo Search. It now includes My Yahoo, a page aiming to coordinate different services. But to Hotmail''s surprise, they now want to break through with their email, news page, sports, financial resources, and advertising.


    - I think you''re right, but if we can get information about Hotmail from Billy, we can integrate our portal in less time. Maybe with some financing and a good proposal, we won''t have to give up another percentage  - said David Filo, planning ideas for it. They knew their closest competitor was Excite, another company headed by Billy, who owns 40%. Excite went public at the end of 1994 and has since become one of the most visited websites. Its popularity keeps growing.


    -Let''s talk to the board. For now, let''s have proposals in the air - said Yang, considering how they could create the eventual business. They were losing momentum and feeling tired. Working 18-hour days was exhausting them. Due to inexperience, both Billy and Yang had that flaw; they worked more than they should.


    ...

 354. web industry.

    Since they sold Hotmail, the company organized the handover of all equipment, plans, and developments. The office was left empty, devoid of any signs that these men were the creators of Hotmail. They enjoyed a short vacation before being called back.


    -For now, Billy wants us to focus on creating the company''s websites: Lux Animation, Pixar, LuxToons, and Lux Games. He wants us to use all our resources to create a digital distribution platform for the Lux Games franchise. It''s more complex than it sounds. We need to graduate from using Hotmail emails and security footprints to create the functionality for matchmaking servers, which means preventing online piracy - said Raimon, even confused by his own words. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I think it''s good that we make the website and start showing progress on all our games, what we offer, and why we offer it - Raimon commented, nodding. - We need a site that establishes the essence of our games and a second site for game ratings, forums, and video game culture news.


    -I see�� sounds cumbersome -commented Aron Walter, a senior programmer and one of the key figures alongside Terry Brooks.


    Video games don''t have as large a culture as other mediums. Television is satisfying on its own, but now, with good reach and management, we can start the websites much earlier and begin promoting our series from the get-go. Just entering the American market is enough. The purchase of multiple domains was made just over half a year ago, with at least fifty domains containing the word "Lux."


    -So, we should first create the video game website, put the products on the table, and categorize each product by the game development company - asked Terry Brooks.


    -Something like that, but you need multiple ways to navigate. The key is simplicity and the web navigation journey. If you can use quick jumps and attract people with images and design -Raimon commented.


    -Design only takes us so far. We''ll use JavaScript, which is the best in the market, and integrate various libraries. It''s complex to develop the whole site without established frameworks. We''ll do what we can. It''s always good to use the latest tech and leave room for updates. A few bugs and hooks allow us to open the codes for tweaks and improve the design incrementally - Aron Walter replied.


    Websites are now a complex topic, loaded with many intricacies. Using basic programming systems, which may not seem advanced but are, they employ imagination and connections to provide quick responses or various programs for creating a site. Web design is now being baptized to separate design from creation, fitting the issue at hand. It''s not a booming market, but expansion has led to considering many things.


    -Ahhhhh, it sounds more unsatisfying than email -commented Terry.


    -Let''s wait for the email to develop. For now, the chat function is archaic, but it''s being developed by Bill Gates. We only care about the features that we will eventually bring to our work to create our companies - muttered Raimon, advancing through all systems. The drawings provided by the design team and Billy''s foundations were all grouped. They even considered creating Lux Comics to integrate an online comic service, selecting the quantity for stores and retail users. Creating their comic library was the basic service, offering something the market currently lacked.


    ***


    The heat was unbearable, and it showed on some of the cameramen. Now wearing a suit, he decided to open it and use the tie only when necessary. He hoped that wouldn''t be anytime soon. The heat was insufferable, but nothing a good glass of lemonade couldn''t fix, or so the directors said. They had shot multiple scenes, but it seemed they had extended their time and would be doing at least 150 takes to give a brilliant course. This was a lot, considering some takes were almost ten minutes long, but of course, those takes were meant to be handled by great actors like Billy, Kevin Spacey, and Samuel.


    -Hahaha, I accepted the role of Mace Windu out of honor. My daughter would kill me if I wasn''t the first Black Jedi in the series - Samuel murmured with a laugh. - By the way, I liked the purple lightsaber; it matches my eyes.


    -When I suggested you for the role, I did it because who else could play a stern religious inquisitor who follows the rules and still looks tough? - Billy responded, earning a laugh from Samuel, who was a man of easy smiles and strength, despite being dressed in what one might call peasant attire. His aura was distinct, especially when he got into character.


    Scene 21, Take 1.


    At a table near the window, close to Jake, three sheriff''s deputies were chatting among themselves. The burliest, Deputy Prather, turned his head and asked loudly,


    ��Hey Jake, didn''t you defend Billy Ray Cobb two years ago? ��Prather asked.


    A deep silence fell, the question serving as a way to bring the scene to a profound depth, something that was stirring the community. Billy lifted his head and set his jaw.


    ��Billy Ray Cobb ��Billy/Jake repeated aloud. ��What was it about?


    ��Drugs. We caught him selling drugs about four years ago. He was locked up in Parchman and got out last year ��Prather commented.


    ��No, I didn''t defend him. I think he was represented by a lawyer from Memphis ��Jake/Billy commented.


    Everyone nodded in satisfaction.


    ��Why? What happened now? ��Jake asked.


    ��We arrested him last night for rape ��Prather commented.


    ��Rape? ��Billy questioned, raising his eyebrows. Jake was a good lawyer and a good man.


    ��Yeah, he and Pete Willard.


    ��Who did they rape? ��Jake/Billy asked, perplexed by everything that had happened and even more so by the case. A thorn started to prick; the atmosphere was suffocating.


    ��Remember a Black man named Hailey whom you saved from a murder charge a few years ago? ��Prather commented.


    ��Lester Hailey, of course, I remember him. -


    ��You know his brother Carl Lee. -


    ��Of course. I know him quite well. I know all the Haileys; I''ve represented several of them ��Billy/Jake commented.


    ��Well, it��s his youngest daughter ��replied the officer beside Prather, who had a thick black mustache shaped like a comb.


    ��You''re kidding. -


    ��No.-


    ��How old is she? ��Billy asked.


    ��Ten years old. -


    -Cut - the director murmured. Reviewing the tapes, everything was perfect until Prather''s hat fell off his head as he adjusted his hair, breaking the magic of the scene.


    -We��ll do another take. Watch your head - the director commented.


    ...

 355. discovery.

    The growth of documentaries in the 1990s to the point of becoming enterprises on par with major film studios was driven by a true revolution in how we consume and understand information. These audiovisual works, blending cinematic narrative with investigative journalism, emerged as powerful and transformative mediums. As the world faced rapid changes in technology, politics, and culture, documentaries provided a crucial window for understanding and reflecting on these phenomena.


    Docuseries became famous due to their broad appeal, offering a scientific perspective on life itself.


    Firstly, documentaries uniquely possess the ability to address complex subjects in accessible and understandable ways. In an era where information overload can be overwhelming, documentaries act as filters that distill the essence of important issues. By combining striking visuals, direct testimonies, and expert narration, these films capture viewer attention and maintain interest over time. This skill to simplify complexity without sacrificing depth is crucial in a world that demands quick and clear comprehension.


    Additionally, documentaries serve as powerful tools for education and awareness. In the 1990s, education began recognizing the value of audiovisual learning as a complement to written text. Documentaries offer immersive experiences that enrich knowledge across multiple fields: history, science, environment, and human rights, among others. By providing direct and emotive insights into their subjects, documentaries not only inform but also inspire and motivate action. This educational potential was amplified with the increasing availability of video players in homes and classrooms.


    Documentaries also function as agents of social change. Throughout the decade, numerous documentaries mobilized public opinion and sparked significant movements. By exposing injustices, condemning abuses, and celebrating resistance, these films could catalyze a chain reaction leading to collective action. Examples such as Michael Moore''s "Roger & Me," critiquing General Motors'' business practices, or Errol Morris'' "The Thin Blue Line," contributing to the exoneration of a wrongly convicted man, illustrate the tangible impact documentaries can have on society.


    Controversial cases will always remain!


    Authenticity is another hallmark that distinguishes documentaries and gives them special value in an era of misinformation. At a time when fake news and media manipulation are growing concerns, documentaries counterbalance by offering narratives based on verified facts and real experiences. Viewer trust in documentaries stems from rigorous research and transparent presentation of facts. This trust is essential for maintaining an informed and critical citizenship.


    Furthermore, documentaries can foster empathy and human connection that transcends borders. By presenting personal stories and intimate perspectives, documentaries allow viewers to identify with people and situations that would otherwise be distant or unknown. This emotional connection promotes a deeper understanding and stronger commitment to global issues. In an increasingly interconnected world, empathy is a valuable resource for international cooperation and solidarity.


    The technical evolution of documentaries also plays a significant role in their future relevance. In the 1990s, the transition from analog to digital filmmaking opened new creative and logistical possibilities. Non-linear editing, visual effects, and digital sound enabled filmmakers to experiment and push the boundaries of the documentary genre. These technical advancements not only enhance production quality but also democratize access to production tools for a new generation of filmmakers. This technical evolution ensures that documentaries will continue to innovate and capture the imagination of audiences in the decades to come.


    Discovery is now part of Billy''s acquisition strategy, along with the expansion of our channel, Discovery Kids, which combines and opens up opportunities in both sectors that Lux Animation is targeting. In a small room in New York, on a mahogany table, sat a chess set and crystal whiskey glasses.


    -It''s a pleasure for us to close such a deal. - said Steve Parks, acquiring a stake in Discovery from Allen & Company and Venture America, who hold 79% of the company.


    -I hope you won''t regret it. - commented Herbert Allen III. In recent years, Discovery has brought in revenue, though not outstanding. The purchase, at 15 times the investment value, is enough to sell the channel. It began in 1982 with $5 million, with an additional $2 million invested, and now it''s sold for $121 million, something that seems unheard of but isn''t.


    Steve Parks sighed inwardly; they now hold 97% of the company, with BBC retaining 3% for production. The $150 million acquisition for a documentary channel is unprecedented but not unexpected. They acquired enough programming to launch the children''s channel by year-end. With this, Hit Entertainment will yield, allowing them to consolidate production. The acquisition of Lyrick Studios and Hit hasn''t generated faith in a new channel yet. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, it''s been a pleasure doing business with you. - Herbert remarked. The buying and selling have been eventful; now, according to the accountant''s data, taxation may be minimal.


    Lux Animation''s accountant was clear: Billy''s investments in education strengthen their revenue with universities, purchases, and reinvestments.


    -You can say that again. - Steve Parks commented, visibly relieved. Payment will be made tomorrow; I hope that when we acquire more of your assets, we can assist as we did this time.


    It was a jest; this investment group has been around for 100 years and is now reaping rewards. They remain bankers; having and lending money is more profitable for them right now than Discovery, which has its challenges.


    -Anne, we own Discovery now. - Steve Parks announced, sending the news to the press.


    -Wow, I find it impossible to organize now. We''ll need Jim Gianopulus to handle the process, and I''ll send Rachel to review operations thoroughly. - Anne commented.


    -I''ll take a break; I have ideas the marketing team can implement. - Steve Parks commented, gradually emerging as one of the key figures behind Billy Carson. The news spread quickly, especially to those who had spoken with Billy before. When David Attenborough read the news, he recalled Billy''s words: "Science accessible to everyone."


    ...

 356. ideal

    "Time to Kill" is perhaps a film made for those seeking drama, history, and a narrative of a certain part of the country''s past. It''s dangerous, yet very clever; no one wants to remember shameful acts, but these very memories are what critics end up both adoring and hating. It''s a pity there aren''t any black Jews, in an archaic sense. It''s good but not as good as expected, and the coin is tossed in the air, but no one truly cares about the political situation.


    -Mr. Grisham, may I have some time with you tonight? - Billy commented, shaking hands. John Grisham is perhaps a writer made to rant about many causes, as a lawyer, politician, and Democrat, with a key idea of how to organize his books, featuring attractive themes��the genius of thriller writing. Since his first book, he hasn''t stopped publishing.


    The problem is Billy doesn''t have the rights to publish John Grisham''s books, and approaching such talent is one of Billy''s interests prompted by the movie''s call.


    -Of course, we can meet; there''s a restaurant nearby where I usually have dinner. Does that work for you? - John suggested.


    -That sounds perfect. - Billy replied.


    -Good lad. - John commented, patting Billy. The movie keeps everyone busy; seeing a young Sandra Bullock makes any man on set tremble��hardworking, beautiful, and with an easy smile.


    -It''s a challenging way to see it, but Billy takes into account that he needs to get down to work. - he sighed to himself. However, for Billy, it''s not an unfamiliar name, and for that reason, they know each other as creative friends, knowing the works that caused fame and for all people who create their works, it''s there where they can share. It''s not the first time a colleague has sent him a request to discuss creation because from there, creation, from the perspective of the book, knowing the characters and the background of the plots.


    sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut. - Joel Schumacher said.


    They continued with takes for the rest of the day, in the office; as night fell, they rested, but there were still some shots left, especially those of Jake with his family.


    ***


    The newspaper, with the acquisition of Discovery Channel, is featured in all U.S. newspapers, and the news focuses on a major acquisition by Lux Animation, which, using the momentum, announced that a new animation channel would be launched under the name Discovery Kids, under the Lux Animation brand.


    Banging against the glass table, Betty Cohen sighed with some measured calmness. The executives were demanding more and more results; they started by creating a cartoon laboratory, using advertisements to give space to short 20-second clips of different animations��some were acceptable, and others outstanding, but the fierce battle for animation was going from bad to worse.


    -A channel just for kids. - Betty muttered. - How good do you think it will be, Paula?


    -I have no idea, but Sesame Street''s results are relevant; they have a particularly large audience. - Paula Sullen replied, formerly a newcomer in the industry and now part of Betty Cohen''s team, involved in the development of Cartoon Network''s program in many aspects, having been trained to see all the ways Betty made her successful.


    -Our programs are good. - Betty responded, trying to grasp an idea crossing her mind. - But we don''t have the same creative momentum; we have four great series, but they''re all from Carson, and I hate to say they''re perfect. We''re testing new series; even the sector purchased from MGM generates some applause, but they''re not the boom we need. Diversifying series is both good and bad��it supports other series to shine, but Luxtoons'' series is here to stay; their programming now needs more support from our channels. They have two... -


    -Because of the repetition. - Paula replied.


    -Yes, exactly. Their programs last half an hour, with a break every seven minutes, so in half an hour, they have two breaks. This means an episode of some of their series is fifteen minutes long per episode. They need 28 programs to have 24 hours of programming. - Betty commented.


    -So... -


    -So they want to create another channel, capturing programming for kids, youth, and adults. However, it''s challenging to do with so few series under their belt; right now, they''re just waiting and bundling numerous series into one. - Betty remarked.


    Hitting the nail on the head, but very risky, unless you intend to earn little for those channels, without knowing the details, information, and data, you can''t understand the reason behind such a move. The acquisition of a documentary once again reshapes the work table; TV producers are now doing a poor job of programming, and although they compensate with many channels, they lack significant organization in terms of how many programs they produce in a year. They are proposed, piloted, and made.


    ***


    The Golden State Warriors basketball team was founded in Philadelphia but moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1960, with their glory days in the 1970s, or well, their last streak, which has been overshadowed by other teams.


    In 1995, the IBA league was newly founded as a second-tier basketball league. However, there''s also the CBA, a league created to develop basketball talent for the NBA, and finally, the college basketball league.


    The plan begins with the purchase of the Golden State Warriors, followed by either the Oakland Athletics or the San Francisco Giants baseball teams. As for American football, the San Francisco 49ers are in succession troubles up until now. For all three teams, the sums vary, but the agreed-upon result is that for the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants, the acquisition value totals 200 million.


    Steve Parks could only hold his head upon reading all that was necessary; he barely looked at soccer, and his father was English.


    -What a headache. - he murmured.


    ...

 357. order of the day.

    August 27.


    In the old courthouse room, Billy adjusted his suit, preparing for what would be the majority of the trials today, possibly up to 70%. The first to be pleaded was against Billy Ray Cobb, followed by Carl Lee, who, after what happened during the trial, decided to take revenge on those who had victimized his daughter Tonya in the worst way possible. Because of this, they would take everything in small shots.


    -You''ll be taking the shots with Sandra today; she should be here by noon according to her agent''s last call, and you''ll be doing small scenes, - Paul Schumacher said. It was difficult for people to acclimate to such takes, but that''s why Sandra was chosen. It was challenging for newcomers to adjust the line to her arrival, but an expert could take notes in seconds and capture the character''s essence. Sandra''s constant travels for promotion slightly extended her takes, but everything was progressing well.


    -Sure, - murmured Billy, already immersed in his role, more pragmatic and focused than anything else.


    Scene 34. Take 2.


    S��arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    -Cut,-  Paul responded.


    They continued with shots here and there; in the meantime, they would take the shot where Carl Lee hides inside the courthouse in a closet, while the previous defendants described as the criminals are gunned down by Samuel L. Jackson''s character, who had a conversation with Billy/Jake Brigance the night before about the fate of the murderers.


    The backdrop was beginning to fill in.


    -Sorry for the delay; I had to travel as quickly as possible, and flights are impossible in these situations, - Sandra Bullock commented. She was wearing a fitted white shirt along with jeans and cowboy boots, her particular attire for the role. Contrary to popular belief, Sandra isn''t an outgoing person; she adheres to social protocols and eventually finds solace in her place or engages in private conversation with whoever she needs to speak to.


    -Paul, great to see you, and you too, Billy. Though we met briefly for the script reading, now we''ll be colleagues. - Sandra commented, arriving just before the Carl Lee scene was shot.


    -Billy... - Paul mentioned, as he went off to sort out all the production details.


    -We''re about to shoot the scene with Carl Lee, following our shots. Are you ready for this? That''s what Paul would ask. - Billy remarked.


    -I''m ready. It would be an insult for anyone to say otherwise. - Sandra quipped. Billy stood back, the shots were all close-ups.


    -I need to get into position for the shoot, but you can speak to the makeup team two doors down on the left. - Billy replied.


    -Thank you. -


    Scene 35, take 1.


    -Cut. - Paul commented.


    -We need another close-up of the gun later; this time, make sure it packs more punch to show a real firefight. - Paul shouted.


    -Actors, get ready for the next scene. - a production assistant directed. The next scene called for a swift trial of Carl Lee; time was of the essence, and everything had to be done without further delay.


    ***


    August 29


    ID Software''s new game was now on sale, and it delivered everything fanatics had been waiting for from the Doom franchise, Doom Rebellion (Doom 2), a first-person combat game. This Doom boasted a 3D rendering system with more polygons and gameplay focused on rapid shooting and mobility. It was set to launch on Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and PC platforms.


    It was simply breathtaking, from its revamped gameplay mechanics that retained some of the original''s essence but enhanced various aspects, offering the best gameplay on the market.


    -We started distributing the demo and the offer has been a success since September 1. - Richard Boll commented, referring to the free trials and demos spread across the internet, a new strategy that, while not entirely original, was enough to attract the attention of unsuspecting players who were willing to try out and promote the game.


    Sharper contours and more human-like digitized forms were the game''s strong points, rivaling even the best games of the time, such as Mario 64, which was a masterpiece of its era. Doom was not far behind.


    -The game orders have already come in; we have an order for a million units. - Alexa Riley, part of the administrative team, commented, that though her preference lay in development, she was involved in all aspects of the company.


    -Alright, we might hit three million copies by the year''s end, and with the PlayStation 1 release, we could reach four to five million, which alone covers the costs of the entire game team. - Richard Boll added in a low voice, calculating not just for himself but for many others, making a lot of money in favor.


    ...

 358. time

    September 4.


    Building a massive film studio for production was perhaps one of the most incredible investments George Lucas had ever observed. The fact that the idea came from a novice, an aspiring filmmaker, was simply magnificent. All the shots, including those on the green screen, would have a shorter turnaround time than initially suggested.


    A young Natalie, just 15 years old, was chosen over Rachel after numerous auditions. She landed the role of Padm�� alongside a young Anakin, and they began shooting most of the scenes. The atmosphere was sensational, complete with a pod racing machine on the fourth floor of the 20,000-square-meter building. This setup proved to be the most cost-effective way to deliver Star Wars to the fans. The final installment was slated for filming in 2003, while the second would start filming in 1999 and be delivered by early 2001.


    -Natalie, for the next takes, you need to embody both queenly grace and the mannerisms of a handmaiden. Try lowering your gaze, move with less calmness, and make your gestures more casual, less delicate, - commented Steven Spielberg, a director of unparalleled quality, gathering all actors precisely where they needed to be for the next shots across the entire set.


    -Yes, director, - replied the young 15-year-old girl. Just twenty meters away, her parents, especially her mother, were on set ensuring everything went smoothly. Since 1994, their ordinary family life has transformed into one touched by extraordinary success in Natalie''s burgeoning career. With limited shooting hours of six per day, Natalie had to manage her time wisely.


    Every shot held deep significance; Spielberg''s lens expertly captured magical details, narrating stories with top-tier quality. Scanning the entire set, he quickly took another shot. With only a few more takes left, they would soon fly to Italy to capture scenes of the palace and the "Republic of Naboo."


    Meanwhile, Raimon was following the entire process, finding it magnificent. He approached the corner where George Lucas was reading a comic book about Billy.


    -Hey, George, when do you think my shots will be taken? - Raimon asked.


    -Well, since you haven''t lost any weight, you''ll need to wear a costume. You can be part of the Naboo tribe; those scenes will be shot next week, - George Lucas replied.


    Raimon sighed; he had to make it work somehow. His urgency was clear, and Lucas simply nodded without giving further approval. - You''ll have plenty of other opportunities. Remember to shed some weight if you want to play a soldier or a Jedi, - Lucas added.


    -Got it, - Raimon replied, cursing his addiction to pizzas and sweets.


    ***


    Here''s the revised English version based on your text:


    The recordings for "Time to Kill" had wrapped up, and holed up in a small hotel, Billy typically used his time to catch up on ahead comics of One Piece, now in production and nearing its 76th chapter. Occasionally, they had a brief moment to play cards; Oliver Platt, Kiefer Sutherland, Ashley Judd, and Sandra often gathered for poker, sometimes joined by the amusing Samuel.


    -Billy, want to join us for poker? - Oliver Platt asked.


    -Sure, I''d be glad to, - Billy replied.


    The nights at the hotel were long, and Billy''s right hand was conspicuously marked with black ink from the constant use of pencils, markers, and other tools for comic development. For now, he was only sketching in black and white, leaving the coloring to others, but it was tailor-made. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -The shoots were long, - Chris sympathetically commented to Billy, who had spent the last ten hours in the courthouse during the last round of recordings. Upon opening the door, Samuel, Donald, and Kiefer Sutherland''s eyes were fixed on Billy.


    -Ah, Billy, hope you''re on point, but here we bet in dollars, - Donald Sutherland remarked.


    Billy smiled; it was the first time they were betting in the presence of women��they had settled for mere cents before, but now minimum chips were in dollars. Poker games, like many games of chance, require solid capital to be at the table. In this poker competition, each person started with 5,000 chips, and chips began to accumulate on the winning tables until they were all used, but in other sectors, such luck was based on how much you have or are willing to play.


    -How much are you willing to go? - Oliver Platt asked.


    -Two hundred is fine, - Billy replied.


    -I''m going for 300, - Samuel replied, with a smirk. Pushing the $100 bills onto the table.


    -Three hundred it is, - Billy replied, jokingly. - Where do I sign? -


    He tried to make an innocent face, a simple expression he used when he was a child to deceive his father and other people in his fantastic bets, but for now, he only bet on the Bulls and left everything in the air.


    -What do you mean, kid? - Donald asked.


    -Yeah, it''s $300,000. I don''t carry all that cash, but I can write a check, - Billy replied.


    Samuel''s face fell, and he grimaced because $300,000 was a big payout for a simple poker night. Even Platt was frozen, along with Kiefer. Donald, who saw the sparkle in the game, laughed aloud.


    -Wait, wait, it''s just a poker game. You don''t have to come here and tell us now that you''re rich betting, - Samuel said grumpily. In his head, he was already thinking what his wife would say if she found out he lost in poker, such an amount of money. Las Vegas had been a forbidden destination for a long time.


    -Ah, don''t give me that look. It''s always good to ask, - Billy replied, biting his tongue.


    -I don''t want to play anymore, - Samuel commented.


    -Come on, buddy, it''s just $300, - Billy urged.


    They started a game while everyone drank beer and talked about the day. They were good fellows, somewhat calm and not saying much, and they all had something to say. The bets did not exceed $5, and it was more of a time for sharing, but the pressure at the table was different. Billy used his charming language, subtly hinting at the hand he had, and did not let his good hands slip away, even if they were good actors, his body language left much to be desired; for example, Donald stuck out his tongue when he had a bad hand, and Platt tried to hide the good hands with a playful gesture, but his anxiety was clear that he had a winning hand.

 359. magnificent.

    September 7.


    Most of the time, when people record turmoil, it is at the moment of giving. Gwyneth was lost in distress... she didn''t have a very clear idea of how and what should be done; often it was the neglect of getting stuck, but the party was starting to be her second form. Her head was spinning amidst the drinks, and she didn''t quite remember where she was. Leonardo was dancing with one of his friends, shouting into the sky; the nightclub was at its peak.


    She approached to dance with Leonardo and gave him a deep kiss; their bodies rubbed against each other, and Leonardo raised his hands and lowered her underwear to the floor, then leaned back and took a deep breath, laughing.


    -Hey, give that back, - Gwyneth said, still in a bad state, but she was attacked again with another kiss. Kate Moss was dancing with some friends. Everything spun and blurred until her eyes lost the clear idea that something was happening.


    She woke up the next morning on a brown carpet, and without waiting any longer, she saw that the headache gave her a migraine; the bed above was empty, and it was a complete mess��the disaster of how everything turned out the night before.


    She descended the stairs and saw Leonardo dancing with some others while they prepared a barbecue. They laughed and chatted. She smiled as she sat down and opened a beer.


    Gwyneth''s days were not the best; they were days of alcohol, a struggle to fight depression, and her frequent use. Leonardo enjoyed himself and was always ready for the party, except when he had to film, but Leonardo was more talented than anything else.


    But is rejection something a woman cannot forget? Perhaps it''s that affection transformed into anger or pain, it''s depression, but attaching oneself to someone who is a heavyweight in the industry, talking is not good, and the way Billy directs people, his constant confrontations, knows the businessman, the visionary, the inexperienced, the actor, the animator, the friend, and can blame him... she felt useless.


    ***


    Steven Spielberg was making the necessary shots to shape his Star Wars film alongside the entire production. They traveled to Italy to bring different shots to life in various locations, near small deserts creative enough to breathe life into the film, above a CGI production. The film contained a thousand and one details about everything good in cinema. Spielberg''s narrative shots, George Lucas''s magic, Billy''s money along with his ideas of the times, and his critical look at a product he no longer knows.


    -Everything is going well, but I still have doubts. How did you manage to convince Steven? His time is more valuable than gold, - George Lucas remarked.


    -Money and some promises. I have to invest 90 million in film production and of course, a contract that we are dividing into parts for both DreamWorks and Lux Animation will have collaborative projects, - Billy replied.


    -Oh, the dream. So you decided to venture into cinema as well. I thought your video game campaign alone was enough to convince him, - remarked George Lucas.


    -On the contrary, I want Steven to teach me his tricks. People have been insistent, and I''ve been learning the intricacies of production through regular reports and minor involvements, although not extensively. I''ve had good mentors, - replied Billy.


    -Ah, I see. You''re preparing for old age already. Being a producer is something that suits you, but knowing directing is like the cutting edge; a good director can bring out the best in anything, - responded George. They were walking through an Italian estate rented at a high price, discussing as if the setting were designed to separate people��those dressed as droids and supporting actors observing from a distance, among whom the main actors were rehearsing a separate script.


    They continued until they reached a grand promenade, almost a stone street extending 100 meters. From there, amidst a team of a thousand cameras and their notes, giant modules occupied at least one stage. These recordings could be seen as magnificent scenes unfolded.


    -For now, we shouldn''t disturb, - commented Lucas.


    The scene had many angles, and from different perspectives, one could see the team in constant motion. The palace was grand, and in every corner, scenes were being filmed. Steven''s idea was to play a true game; it had to be a genuine scene. He used multiple shots of running from one side to the other, capturing actors sweating. It was incredible how everything unfolded under Steven''s magic. He had a large monitor with multiple cameras, sipping coffee while barking orders over the radio. Everyone responded to his commands efficiently. Doubles were also used for grand sword-fighting scenes, elaborate journeys back and forth that seemed meticulously crafted, swords moving swiftly as experts choreographed majestic sequences with remarkable agility.


    The only way to make it more real was by imposing time constraints or perhaps facial expressions and postures��a way to make a scene real.


    -Cut,- said Steven.


    -Now, film the queen''s scenes and put in some more effort, please. Don''t make me repeat; we shot in one minute. Positions, please, - Steven instructed from the control room. It was magnificent how everything moved under his command. Even George envied that directorial power without being present.


    -Now then, sorry to disturb you. These kids are newcomers in the field, - Steven said, giving Billy a firm handshake.


    -Great to see you. You''re perhaps the person I''ve been looking for, - Spielberg commented again. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I''ll be with George. I have meetings with some companies, and we can make good use of the time, - Billy replied, his mind lately occupied by two women��a very mature Monica Bellucci, and Panini, and the second was Alice, the young blonde. It was a strange thought that always drew him��the sweetness of Alice was unforgettable. She was turning a year older on December 5th.


    -Oh, a dinner could be perfect. We have many matters to discuss,  - Steven suggested.


    -I understand, and here I am, - Billy affirmed.


    ....

 360. business.

    Steven Spielberg, along with his wife Kate Capshaw, spoke in hushed tones as they awaited Billy''s arrival, which was eagerly anticipated despite everything already being discussed. Unlike businessmen, artists tended to repeat themselves more. George arrived ten minutes early, dressed in a suit more fitting for the occasion. It was now seven-fifty in the evening, and they waited.


    -George, always so punctual, - commented Steven.


    -I was reading one of the new comics downstairs, and noticed I had 20 minutes left, so I arrived two hours ago. By the way, all the shots today were magnificent, Steven. This production will certainly be the biggest of the decade, - George remarked, acknowledging that  might surpass even  at the box office.


    Steven, understanding what George was thinking, responded, "If it surpasses $1 billion, I''ll take 5%. It was a contract we made with Billy. I hope it turns out to be rewarding."


    George remained silent. He would receive 10% of the box office, along with 20% from derivatives and 10% from ticket sales at the museum he planned to open. Billy had to invest another $100 million for a major marketing campaign. Yet, Billy was promoting the film through word of mouth, various fan mediums, his games, series, channels, and, of course, under his name. Now in Italy, cameras were fixed on Billy.


    It was a contract that allowed Billy to extend the  license for 20 years.


    And there was Monica Bellucci!


    A stunning woman, some would say, wearing a silver necklace with an emerald stone that complemented her makeup with green eyeshadow. She was in a full-body red dress, clinging to her figure with green gloves, the hemline falling just below her knees, revealing her entire figure through the back, bare, waving at everyone. She stopped and turned quickly; Billy walked beside her, placing his palm on her back. The woman trembled for a moment, feeling the cold fingers on her lower back. She moved closer and smiled.


    The restaurant''s patrons couldn''t help but notice the striking woman.


    -You''re magnificent, - Billy whispered to Monica as he led her to the producers'' table as if it were a sign. She took her left side close to Kate Capshaw. Monica Bellucci smiled and greeted them in English, slightly flavored with her charming Italian accent.


    -Gentlemen, - Billy said, offering Monica Bellucci a seat, which she graciously accepted. Kate couldn''t help but think how heartbroken young Gwyneth would be, though her recent dances on camera with Leonardo DiCaprio were a clear signal.


    -Ladies and gentlemen, this is Monica, my companion. A pleasure to see you, George, Steven, - Billy introduced, taking his seat to Monica''s right.


    Dinner proceeded quietly as people composed themselves. Menus had been ordered by Steven upon arrival to avoid interruptions during the conversation. The new guest somehow lessened Steven''s intent, seen either as a trick by Billy or just a youthful error.


    -I called my operations director; the promised investment was made, minus the 20% delivered a year ago, - Billy announced, now owning 35% of DreamWorks television and film production.


    Steven nodded. - I suppose we''re partners now, - he commented, setting that aside.


    -We are, - Billy affirmed, calmly continuing the conversation. Many other matters were discussed, but the dinner turned out to be calm and peaceful, with no further disturbances than the details both Steven and George wished to have some time alone with Billy to continue their discussions about the film production on one hand and DreamWorks'' development on the other. Billy knew as long as Steven was involved, he wouldn''t hesitate to invest money, spent and spent without consideration, one of the problems why he ended up selling his company after ten years of activity.


    When Monica took a moment to go to the bathroom, Kate pursued her, attacking without mercy.


    -I suppose you''ve been making a lot of purchases lately��Panini, Discovery Kids, and the animated program. These investments have left you at a disadvantage, - Steven remarked.


    -Not at all. The sale of Hotmail attracted more capital than I spent. Now the important thing is that I have passive assets that continue to generate money, plus the revenue from the movies I''ve produced. A secret that nobody knows: comics bring in more money than many think, - Billy replied.


    -Now you own 35% of DreamWorks'' production arm, - Steven noted,  - and 100% in video games. -


    -We''re still working. We should use the money we have to make films. Any ideas? - Steven asked, seeking more than a response��an opinion, which he always valued in Billy''s eyes.


    -I don''t have any specific ones. You can follow your instincts as long as you watch the bottom line. There are great actors out there, but they come with hefty price tags. If you can find talented young actors who are eager to work for a reasonable price, that would be beneficial for the business, - Billy suggested.


    -But... - Steven began, but Billy interrupted.


    -You''re a great director. You don''t always need big-name actors. Some are solid and not as demanding in terms of salary. You can find them from Australia, the theater scene, or the UK. There are plenty who prove their worth without commanding the same fees. Remember Tom Hanks? His salary was $20 million, sometimes with backend deals, as he famously negotiated for . While he''s a great actor, others could do the same for $10 million in some of their roles, - Billy explained.


    -You''re giving me a free rein, - Steven commented.


    -Yes, that''s the dream. That''s why DreamWorks was created��to do what you want without the industry''s ''buts''. I support the notion. As long as we identify talent, we can grow and attract good stories, - Billy concluded.


    *** Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the hotel, Monica smoked a cigarette, calming herself. She smiled, recalling the words Winona had said about a man who could be the love of her life, someone who would give her the wings, freedom, and charm she needed. "If he''s so good, why don''t you take him?" Monica asked over the phone. The answer was hesitant, perhaps the decision that opened her heart. Though timid, she longed to be part of that place.


    The response came swiftly,  -Because I want him! But if I keep wanting him, I''ll likely get my heart broken, and I''d rather someone like you have him than anyone else. -


    Watching Billy work, she was still surprised that he ignored her. She had been enough to drive any man crazy, using all her tricks, yet this man continued to ignore her.


    He had called her a week ago, offering her a job as his model. She had to be part of the football poster image��a beautiful woman and football, the perfect combination, Billy mentioned.


    He took her out to dinner, buying an Italian national team shirt, handbags, clothes��anything that caught her eye. She felt sidelined by Billy, intimidated. She managed to get closer, and he responded but remained cold. Without much time, he grabbed her shoulders and massaged them.


    -Do you want to watch a movie? - Monica asked. - It''s late; we should sleep. -


    -In ten minutes, darling, let me finish up here, - Billy replied, turning and giving Monica a chaste kiss��a tenderness she considered uncharacteristic of the typically colder American. It was the second time he had been so affectionate with her.


    -I''ll be in the room, -  Monica said, paying attention only to how Billy glanced away. Conversely, Billy saw in Monica a maturity few other women demonstrated, despite her being ten years older. She found herself different from all other women.


    -Perhaps I need older women, - Billy thought, finishing his final touches on the paper. With careful detail, the furious face of a gunslinger became the starting point.


    In her room, she decided to wear a large pajama while applying cream to her face. Her nipples brushed against the silk, making her feel powerful.


    ....

 361. Free fall

    September 13.


    He was returning to filming with something else in mind. The last few scenes had left the actors exhausted. John Grisham, who considered Mississippi his most important city, found this film special. It was one of those movies deeply ingrained in his activities, a part of him. A Time to Kill is perhaps the most faithful reflection of John��s discontent with everything right and wrong in America. His later books were reflected in different newspaper articles, spoken ideas, or margins of inspiration.


    Billy played cards with the boys at night, exchanging pairs of questions. Around 11 p.m., John and Billy were drinking small shots of tequila, strong drinks in short durations.


    -I want you to be part of my publishing house; your books are fabulous, - commented Billy.


    -Tor Books? I thought they specialized in fantasy and science fiction, - said John.


    -We do, but noir and suspense novels fit well. Besides, you��re a great author. Tor Books�� contracts are fantastic. We operate under the assumption of a nonprofit entity, and we reinvest everything in scholarships for writers, students, or academics, - Billy explained.


    -Oh, a nonprofit bookstore. An innovative idea, - John remarked.


    Billy downplayed it.


    -The idea is to sell books and adjust invoices. Books don��t bring in much, so reinvesting everything might be less favorable. But I believe a country that allows and promotes literature in every household, along with a country that encourages those who strive in the field, should earn a fair living. And well, you would help a lot in achieving that goal. You��re a great writer and seller, - Billy commented.


    Handling chores, each part hinted at a position. Billy��s position was clear: win over the guild of writers to benefit his future projects. Having creators of stories under his wing was perhaps the most perfect and symmetrical idea. For now, with the Game of Thrones series, which had expanded to thirteen books, when George R. R. Martin said he wrote every day, he wasn��t lying. In Billy��s mind, focusing on the Game of Thrones books meant thousands of pages, perhaps 800,000 pages filled with characters and stories, cut short by time, order, or publication.


    -You��re also a writer, - John Grisham noted.


    -I am. I��ll publish my third book next spring, - Billy replied, holding a 900-page book, which was just an extension of the stories from the second book, The War of the Five Kings, and a bit of the beginning of A Storm of Swords, which had 2,000 pages. Three books, each 900 pages, are giants in length, adding different politics, like how the story of the Greyjoys starts to unfold in the first book.


    It''s impressive, but I��m referring to your comics. I��ve read some out of curiosity. They say they��re amazing, and in terms of drawing, there��s no doubt, but it��s not my type of reading, - John remarked.


    -I��ll send you my books. You��ll enjoy reading more than any other book. Unlike fantasy books, I wanted to extrapolate different ideas, - Billy commented.


    *** S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scene 135. Take 1.


    -Cut, - the director Joel Schumacher said.


    -Great job, everyone. I��m continually amazed at how easily you slip into character, - Joel commented, satisfied. Both were great actors, expressing thousands of emotions in one cut scene. The changes, the comings and goings, were something only great actors could achieve.


    Scene 137, take 1.


    -Cut.- commented Paul Schumacher.


    ...


    Billy could say that another movie to his list of 1995, hoped that everything would turn out well.


    ....

 362. practice: inferring.

    The beautiful woman crowded the airport, her beauty being the only thing that kept people following her with their cameras. Without wasting any more time, she took the private car to the city center. Without paying attention, she arrived at a large photography studio, ready for her new photo session.


    Prada had a special shoot featuring dresses. The camera focused on her with an air of power. The lens captured Monica, who occasionally smiled, but her smile was so distant and detached that it was caught in wide shots, reflecting a syndrome of detachment.


    She continued her work, appearing here and there as the cold began to set in. The autumn season arrived with strong winds, and summer was forgotten for new coats. This year, gray was the new fashion, along with prints.


    She arrived at the Panini commercial set for 1998. The idea of being a model seemed ridiculous to her, but now, dressed in the colors of various countries and multiple outfits for the upcoming World Cup in France, she participated in several commercials. Dressed in different national team uniforms, she extended her hands while a green screen behind her showed various scenes. She narrated some fun facts about the World Cup and mentioned the favorites for the tournament, talking about Italy, Brazil, Germany, France, Argentina, and England.


    She did it in Italian and English. She wouldn��t turn down a campaign with such global impact, the popularity, the pay, and the proximity to new job opportunities satisfied her.


    Her friend was waiting, as always, with bags under her eyes since her breakup with Johnny Depp, a problem with men that was different in its way.


    Monica arrived in New York, wearing black lipstick that highlighted her fair skin. She met Winona, who smiled, her crooked front teeth charming, an imperfection that added to her unique beauty.


    -I missed you, Monica. I couldn��t talk much with you in Italy,  - whispered Winona, hugging her. Both were symbols, and their presence caused a stir. New York knew that unexpected visitors walked its streets, which is more common in places like Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and the fashion capitals for special events.


    -I think we should hurry; people might get curious, - Monica commented, noticing some people watching them from a distance. They moved to a more private spot, a less crowded terrace.


    -I��m meeting Billy, - said Monica.


    -Sure, - Winona replied, trying to ignore the awkwardness she felt. In a childish act, she had introduced Billy to Monica with a different proposal. Now, she was nervous about what might happen if she said too much.


    -How��s it going with that handsome British guy with black hair? - Monica asked.


    -Nothing new, very polite, very cordial. However, he behaved strangely over the next five days. I think he expected a commitment. I ended up running away. It hurts, but I don��t think I can commit to anyone right now,  - Winona said, sipping some juice. There was a hint of annoyance in her voice; relationships were not what she wanted.


    -That��s uncomfortable. You need a vacation away from work. A weekend isn��t enough for you. You need a month, away from the cameras, in your privacy, without calls, maybe at your parent''s ranch, - the dark-haired woman suggested.


    Their bond had strengthened by chance, but now, with the arrival of Laetitia Casta and Linda Evangelista...


    ***


    Billy had received all sorts of reviews, but Jim Waitt was already sending scripts for his next projects. Many of these scripts could be done solo or with favor... nothing particularly interesting or determined for this year or the next. However, a few films did catch his attention, ��Freeway�� being one of them, and his interest was renewed. Kiefer Sutherland, his recent co-star, could now be his rival, which added a certain allure to the role.


    -I''m interested in Freeway; however, my schedule is possibly occupied. I''ve committed to voicing ''Diego'' for ''Ice Age,'' and I need to be present for all the promotions for Sev7n, along with the promotion for Jerry, which starts in January, - Billy remarked.


    -You have the time. I''ll handle the rest. It''s enough that you make some trips to the major capitals. Your face is more recognizable than it was a year ago, and since the contract, the conditions of popularity are different. Your recent appearances in various magazines have given us a lot of power, - Jim commented.


    -It could be beneficial, - Billy responded.


    For now, he was only waiting for the impact of his work��a year of effort and guidance on multiple projects, each different in minor aspects. Every job, whether spontaneous or planned, was enough to secure his place in the industry. As his fame increased in the coming year, he was confident that he would have creative freedom as an actor. Participating in different projects that would have a positive impact on critics and audiences alike could pave the way for others to seek him out for roles they dream of seeing materialized. His involvement in such films could promote better terms than merely attaching himself to projects. The investment was just a palace that he would leverage in the coming years to engage in what he considered valuable.


    -It''s more than beneficial. Many people have asked about your schedule, and just being visible is good. When something appears everywhere and catches the public''s attention, you need to ride the wave. It can sometimes fall, but taking advantage of the moment to make enough movies to establish yourself in the actor category is crucial. Even if you don''t make it to the top list, it''s good to have something to back you up, gaining experience while the iron is hot, - Jim Waitt commented.


    Following these steps is advice on what Hollywood is. Many actors, who faced failure after failure, rose from some relationship or job, climbing up from supporting roles, and series and that''s how they sustain themselves. Many movies are strategic in reaffirming connections with others.


    -Schedule the audition, - Billy said, following through. Taking the address given by Monica, he arrived at an exclusive restaurant bar. Monica smiled at him from there, accompanied by three other women. It seemed his concern was misplaced; Monica was flushed from the wine and the friendly chatter.


    ... sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 363. another deal in mind.

    Billy saw the table of four women and sighed; in half an hour, Ronald Perelman would walk through that door. The change of plans was good but not great. Monica was reasonable; she was an expert at following the rules, staying quiet, not mentioning things, and excusing herself when necessary.


    For some time now, Ronald Perelman''s conviction had waned, and his constant spending had reinforced the need to make sales. The problem lay in the internal struggle. When Avi Arad''s toy company invested and formulated projects, he had to play along, hoping they would be profitable. Meanwhile, Ronald Perelman was busy putting his partners in the same position��buying and taking action- so these people had no voice and were forced to make investments. This practice was slowly killing them. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy''s purchase of Panini for $52 million had opened opportunities, but the expenses of creating Marvel Productions and Marvel Animation consumed funds like water. Spending so quickly had created significant gaps. The hiring of animators, teams, organization, and now publicity had neglected the toy company and comic business. They needed money to sustain these enterprises, which hadn''t been profitable all year. The company''s operation alone cost $5 million every three months, and they had a bone stuck in their throat: SkyBox International, acquired in March this year, had been hit by a strike and had only generated losses since its acquisition.


    Greeting Monica with a kiss, Billy gave a cordial hello. He nodded and hugged Winona.


    -Are you okay? - Monica asked.


    -Why wouldn''t I be... How was the photoshoot? - Billy asked, handing over a check. The payment for her services had been advanced, and this was the advance��$80,000 now, $100,000 later. That was a great offer for a photo shoot and some publicity. Top models like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer would charge less for such a session.


    -The usual. We��re having a meeting! You should join us, - Monica said, pleased, while the other women chatted attentively among themselves, each one listening closely to the conversation.


    -I have time. The check is made out to the bearer, so don''t worry too much. -


    ***


    Ronald Perelman was fresh and confident that everything would work out. He just needed to secure some financing, and what better way than to sell Skylar International, bought for $35 million? If he could prolong the matter until at least 1996, he could make the purchase. He had a plan: acquire all the shares of Marvel, no matter the price, and through the mortgage banking entity in bonds, which he would buy next year, with $100 million at his disposal, he could regulate Marvel''s companies without taking steps back.


    That''s why Avi Arad accompanied him. Avi assured that the success of Marvel Studios was in creating movies��superhero movies would be Marvel''s next triumph. The appeal of superheroes was an example that success was knocking on the door.


    This was sworn, through the animated series created by Billy, which were marvelous, that making toys presented an opportunity to get rich, even with the costs, licensing, and toy production being perhaps more effective than Marvel Comics.


    -Even if we manage to reach an agreement with the former creators of Marvel, we will need a committed offer. Stan Lee has demanded numerous salary increases for new employees, but his work isn''t as excellent as the previous ones, - Avi Arad commented, planting seeds in Ronald Perelman''s mind while approaching Carl Icahn to buy Marvel Entertainment Group Inc. and gain control of Marvel more easily.


    For now, Avi Arad considers Ronald Perelman to be Marvel''s worst asset. Recently, Perelman started diverting promissory notes worth $100 million to sustain the investment group for the last three years and diverting 30% of Billy''s payment to crude oil, an action that caused displeasure among those involved. Ronald Perelman wasn''t sufficiently obligated to be part of Marvel, so he wanted to buy Billy''s shares through the sale to allow him to mortgage the shares at the bank and continue his schemes.


    Perelman had generated a significant amount of money with New World, from film production companies, distributors, radio companies, and the television industry. Andrews Group (Compact Video Inc.), Ronald''s company, spent $1.5 billion and sold it in 1994 to Fox for more money. Why does he need money? He simply doesn''t want to invest, and Andrews Group cleans up assets without reinforcing the companies it buys.


    -We''re doing perfectly. Next year, we''ll have a compact company full of different similarities. We can reevaluate the animated productions with Saban, - Ronald commented.


    -But you need to buy 100% of Marvel''s shares or at least have the approval of a decisive quorum, meaning more than 83%, - Avi Arad said.


    -Exactly. We hold 76% ownership, and Billy has 11%, - Ronald Perelman said, entering the building. He saw Billy surrounded by beautiful women and could only raise his eyebrows. Actors live very busy lives! All of them were simply stunning.


    Billy stood up from his seat and shook hands after introducing himself, greeting him cheerfully. All were famous models. They closely followed the first agenda item, which was the approval of issuing debt bonds. The liquidity of the Andrews Group wasn''t at risk; the risk was that Ronald wanted to dedicate himself to other businesses, such as Revlon, Harland Clarke, and Merisante.


    -I can see the urgency, but the company is sufficient with Panini. We''ve expanded our production to satisfactorily respond to upcoming products. I don''t see the need to buy Skybox; however, I approve, - Billy commented.


    -Great! This will only bring us benefits, - Ronald Perelman said, shaking his hand.


    -I hope so, Ronald, though, curiously, the debt keeps increasing, - Billy remarked, noticing Ronald''s smile, which didn''t indicate anything irregular was happening.


    -Well, we''ve had a lot to handle, - Ronald commented.


    ....

 364. another deal in mind. (2)

    -He must have some business to attend to, it''s normal for him to always have business meetings everywhere, it''s been that way in Italy, and now, I''m not surprised. - commented Monica, sipping wine, while whispering to Winona, who was asking what he was doing.


    -Uhhhh a businessman, those are generous ones. - Linda Evangelista laughed, followed by all the women at the table.


    -This one seems Protestant. - Monica laughed. -He prefers that I earn the money, but he is generous with his payments, I don''t complain, the salary as an actress is good, but it can''t give me everything I want, a nice country house in Italy, my vineyard and something for the city, the catwalks are becoming more frequent every day. -


    -I believe time solves everything, my last marriage was a disaster, Gerald, he was what we call a wolf in sheep''s clothing, it was torture the last years, and even the money he bragged so much about was just a can of oil, which he was not willing to give to his wife, but to his girlfriends. - commented Linda.


    -How are you still with him? - asked Lateita.


    -Now I''m dating a better man, only he''s more of an artist. - Linda commented.


    -I think men ruin fashion when they own the agencies... Did you see Gucci''s new winter collection? - asked Winona, the collection had somber colors that were much loved by the raven-haired woman, who had a clear fashion agenda.


    The Hollywood angel wore a white button-up shirt, and without adding anything, her lush body was perfect for black and white photos, the smallest of all at the table.


    -Billy''s coming this way. - Monica commented.


    ***


    If Hollywood actors'' parties were a total frenzy, models'' parties were the null of rules, every rule was voted out the window, in a secluded mansion in New York, numerous people danced up and down, without stopping, the lights off, you could see some people copulating in the hallway, apart in the darkness and a thin veil.


    Monica kissed Billy furiously, both were busy on a small sofa, she could feel her whispering unintelligible things in Italian, Billy was drunk, trying to keep calm and serene, and without setting a time, Monica was intense. Now he remembered the words she needed love to foster their relationship and love had to be created by sharing love, passion, and intimacy.


    -I want us to dance a little! - Monica commented.


    Winona was dancing on top of two women, a beautiful raven-haired Shallow Harlaw, kissing Amber Vallete, while Winona was trapped between the two, it was an erotic image, Monica just took her to the rhythm of the music, the only different thing was that both were a distant shield, in the way of seeing, the men were certainly intimidated by what happened. And they left the small space, Monica laughed and pressed her body against Billy.


    -Would you like to see me kiss them? - Monica asked with a laugh. -To love and kiss them-


    -Just do it, you don''t have to ask me, on the other hand, you know who I am and my way of being, Monica. - Billy commented.


    Monica felt like rolling her eyes, but the fugitive desire for alcohol needed an escape, and a man, the feeling of loving, forgotten, the value of someone who understood her way of being. Monica was beautiful and very difficult, men fled from her with simplicity, and few approached her, since she is a model, some preferred long-term relationships, since her breakup with Nicole Farran, due to deception, she had detachment from any man.


    -You know, I surrender to you. - Monica commented. -As long as we continue the rules, why should there be any problem? -


    The rules spoken of were simplicity, always sincerity, above all else, honesty, as a key pillar... followed by communication there must be approval on both, the greatest commitment that must exist is that inscribed between both. Something that was doubted, but did not seem contrary, Billy nodded, taking her cheek.


    -I have an apartment in Manhattan, and we need some time together. - Billy commented.


    She nodded and whispered something in his ear, Billy nodded.


    ***


    Raimon was feeling a bit discontented about everything that had happened... his role as an actor in Star Wars was brief, with quick scenes, but being a Gungan already held great promise. Even though he had no lines, being part of such a project could be considered enough for Raimon, who had always treated Star Wars with the respect it deserved. They did everything they needed to do��a great project, excellent facilities, and a unique agreement to represent all possible scenarios.


    From his computer, he began typing notes from one of his many private accounts. The green lines illuminated his face as he posted in various forums about the potential rumors surrounding the new Star Wars movie. He used several surprises, but among the many was the date or possible release date.


    DARVADER,71: The new Star Wars movie is set to premiere in June 1996. It is considered one of the year''s major films, and according to my sources, the director who helmed the entire series is the famous Steven Spielberg, along with George Lucas. It can be regarded as the best film of the upcoming summer. However, what surprises me the most is that the expansion of the Star Wars universe began immediately with the publication of books and comics. We have stories from the Old Republic and many other abilities; we may have a new television series.


    I hope to receive responses about at least four more series.


    ��


    That message was copied across various forums in a Herculean task, from movie forums to geek culture... he even sent news to accounts that had radio shows. Why was he doing this? Success; the movie needed to succeed to continue with the many projects planned for the series.


    -What are you doing? �C Rachel asked.


    -Working. �C Raimon replied suspiciously from his seat. The weeks without Rachel had been a true relief; her recent trip to Asia had just ended, and now she was monitoring every move Raimon made, a skill acquired from her time with Anne.


    -You��re on forums again. �C Rachel commented.


    -I��m arranging meetings with radio stations to promote the new Star Wars movie, and I plan to launch a marketing campaign with the new comics and the Star Wars film... if we can bring all the Star Wars fans under the tent, we��ll cover the break-even point by the first weekend. �C Raimon explained.


    -Let��s do that; let me see the report you wrote. �C Rachel suggested.


    Raimon sighed internally; now his little white lie had expanded, and he had more work. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Hahaha, I don��t have it... but I have the delivery orders and the messages. �C Raimon said. �C I��ll send it to your email. �C


    He quickly made a list of all the comics and purchases he desired, along with the key people he had in mind to assist, websites, and a small poster that he modified... for his newly invented proposal. The proposal was undoubtedly something he discussed with Billy, involving selling giant caricatured barrels in cinemas for the purchase of the Star Wars comic saga, priced at $128, along with a movie ticket.


    -This is what I have in mind for now. �C Raimon commented.


    He faced Rachel''s accusing eyes.


    ...

 365. premier.

    September 20.


    New Line Cinema had low expectations for , and even now, the average ratings suggested it wouldn''t be a major money-maker after its initial critical screenings. This prompted Billy to discuss with the producers and leaders at New Line Cinema.


    -Our marketing campaign is quite risky. We��re preparing audiences for this type of content, with its allegories of violence, darkness, and themes that could pose risks to potential viewers. We��re using the concept of the seven deadly sins to take a much more straightforward position.- commented Chris Paula, the studio''s Marketing President.


    Violent or horrific films have a limited range of proposals, and it��s common for them to receive negative reviews upon release. After Fincher''s failure with , the company had some concerns about how poorly this film might perform. The premiere on September 19 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had 800 guests, and while some reviews were positive, others were negative��people either loved it or hated it.


    Some positive reviews praised the perfect blend of suspense, horror, and police themes, calling it a film that could graduate to classic status. The negative reviews, however, described it as tedious, excessive, and disturbing.


    -I believe that beyond generating a quick judgment, the film has great details that I can assure will contribute to its success. The performances by Morgan and Kevin are top-notch, the best.- commented David Fincher.


    -The premiere is already set for September 22; there��s nothing we can do about it.- Arnold Kopelson remarked.


    -I think it��s important to attract media attention.- Chris Paula added.


    -We��ll call them; most of the cast will attend this September 22 at the Graphic Arts Theater in Beverly Hills for the premiere, and then we��ll move on to Philadelphia, New York, followed by Vancouver and Toronto.- Arnold explained. The route aimed to hit the most cinephile cities that would have the greatest impact, as these were places where audiences were more likely to engage with the film.


    For instance, Philadelphia is where the film takes place, which creates a connection for the audience attending the theater. Experiencing a piece of cinema that resonates with their identity is undoubtedly something fans are willing to pay to see, and the presence of certain celebrities can only enhance local press coverage.


    Arnold Kopelson was preoccupied with the films released this year; at least they had several successes, such as , the martial arts film that premiered on August 18. Arnold thought that with the potential failure of , he would have to race against time in 1996. His work was beyond just making money; it was about climbing the ranks at Warner Bros. A good performance could lead him to a directorial position or a significant role, which is why he sold to Warner to make room for his recent success.


    ***


    September 22, 1995.


    Beverly hills.


    They chose Beverly Hills as the scene, mainly due to costs, selecting the theaters closest to West Hollywood or the famous Chinese Theatre to establish the base for these premieres. This time, the personalities attending were not only critics and industry members but also part of the film''s cast and some guests.


    -It''s been a while since we had the pleasure of seeing each other.- commented Billy as he saw Gwyneth, who was wearing a cream-colored dress with a wide ribbon dancing across her arms.


    -That''s true, constant projects have made my time limited; I''ve been busy.- greeted the blonde.


    -I see, my year has been excessive; since January, I haven''t stopped filming and working at the company... Adjust a bit, you''re walking crooked, it seems the drinks got the better of you.- said Billy, grabbing her arm. The blonde smiled, but the drunkenness made her knees wobble; even without wearing high heels, she couldn''t maintain normal balance, something noticed by some personalities who chose to remain silent, as this is often common for newcomers who don''t measure their drinks.


    -I try, I try.- Gwyneth responded.


    They entered the cinema, and the first thing she did was fall asleep as soon as the lights went out, something that simply had to happen. Her shallow breaths showed how dangerous alcohol was, and it''s that she led a party-going lifestyle that was frankly detrimental; parties, outings, escapades, and work were an unhealthy mix.


    The movie was as good as expected; her performance was particularly outstanding, exceeding many expectations. The script was not a grotesque plan full of horror scenes but had a well-measured plot and a well-structured city. Somerset''s (Morgan Freeman) opening words as the introductory voice were perfect, presenting a quick and direct design. The film, which took place over seven days, offered a distinct feeling, as it seemed to span months of two policemen trying to catch a criminal. The pace was perfect, with slight details.


    The killer trapped them; the entire conversation unnaturally enveloped them, and the suspense and cinematography played wonderfully. The color palettes were ideal for this type of scenario. As the exclamation points came one after another.


    ��


    For Billy, it was strange to see himself on screen, but his performance was acceptable, albeit different from Morgan''s. Morgan had a basic acting style, which made sense given that he had played many similar roles throughout his career. However, Billy could now see the subtle nuances; his performance was acceptable by his standards, but it lacked a certain naturalness that he reserved for specific roles. Being a police officer was not one of them; that inherent anger in the character just didn��t fit.


    The end was near, and the speeches were good; he could say that with this role, he had learned a lot.


    -What a fool, I''ve seen it twice, but the transitions are fantastic.- commented Peter Crombie, who played Dr. O''Neal. He was part of the production team and was sitting next to Billy, while Gwyneth, to his right, rested in her chair, drool staining her dress.


    -David Fincher knows how to organize a good film.- Billy whispered.


    The fans watched, filled with tension, during the last 20 minutes. Throughout that time, they were on the edge of their seats. Billy''s performance built from less to more, and in the final moments, alongside Morgan Freeman, they were portraying a complete scene of suspense.


    The ending and the box... what��s in the box? It''s unknown, but the way Billy/David Mills uses his gun is different; this time he doesn��t shoot with the usual hatred. Instead, he employs a different kind of anger that allows Kevin Spacey, as another symbol of madness, to elevate the performance to the next level.


    -What a great ending.- Billy thought as he watched the scene come to a close.


    ... S��ar?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 366. sev7n impact

    September 29.


    Cameron Crowe was completely perplexed by the news he was reading, as Billy Carson exceeded his expectations. The Washington Post was perhaps what piqued his curiosity.


    With the newspaper in hand, he and his wife walked to the cinema to see Billy Carson''s new film, driven by Cameron''s desire to watch the latest work of his colleagues. The newspaper was simply brilliant.


    **


    (1995), directed by David Fincher and starring Billy Carson, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, is a film that has left an indelible mark on the psychological thriller genre. Its dark and engaging plot, along with unexpected twists, makes it a cinematic experience that surprises and confounds viewers.


    The story follows detectives Somerset (Freeman) and Mills (Carson) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins. Each crime is more macabre than the last, and Fincher spares no effort in showcasing the brutality and depravity of humanity, skillfully capturing our attention. The film''s atmosphere is bleak and oppressive, with cinematography that employs shadows and constant rain to underscore the despair and horror enveloping the city where the story unfolds, filmed in Philadelphia, creating a somber backdrop.


    What truly astonishes viewers is the narrative structure and character development. From the outset,  establishes a tone of hopelessness and fatalism, but it is in its final act that the film truly hits hard. The climactic twist, revealing the contents of the mysterious box in the desert, is one of the most shocking and discussed moments in cinematic history. The revelation not only surprises with its brutality but also redefines the struggle between good and evil that lies at the heart of the story.


    Kevin Spacey, in the role of the enigmatic and disturbing killer John Doe, delivers a chilling performance that adds a layer of intrigue and horror. His calm demeanor and twisted logic contrast sharply with the detectives'' growing desperation, culminating in a climax that defies expectations and leaves the audience contemplating the nature of justice and morality.


    is not just a thriller; it is a profound exploration of the darkest corners of the human soul. The film captivates not only with its narrative twists but also with its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, immersed in an atmosphere of relentless suspense. Fincher, with his precise and stylized direction, creates a masterpiece that continues to resonate and disturb long after the credits roll.


    **


    By Walter Rud.


    ...


    -How good can it be? - Cameron asked, holding the tickets.


    -That��s the actor who was in your movie. - Nancy, Cameron''s wife, remarked.


    -It is. -


    -He��s quite handsome... don��t get me wrong, he��s attractive. - Nancy commented.


    Laughing at Cameron''s reaction. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -He��s 20 years old, and he embodies everything we wished to be at that age��handsome, successful, and athletic. - Cameron said, observing Billy''s profile, which exuded confidence. His fitted black suit, alongside Morgan Freeman, was simply magnificent. �C


    They took their seats and spent the next 120 minutes huddled in their chairs. For Cameron, everything was perfect. Although this film was outside his usual tastes��he preferred comedies, dramas, and romances��he found it presented a completely different image than he initially expected. Everything clicked, from Billy''s sharp performance as a man with a touch of fury in his heart to the evident contrast with a stunned Morgan Freeman. Cameron observed everything with feigned detail.


    But it was Kevin Spacey who redefined the genre. This guy acted like a true madman, elevating the film to a subliminal level. Cameron couldn''t help but close his eyes, trying to change his thoughts as the exchanges between Billy and Kevin flowed back and forth, while the mix with Morgan Freeman built such intensity that he could only hear the murmurs. He grabbed his wife''s hand, who was in a panic as the climax approached. The entire audience was silent; the cinema felt like a library on a quiet afternoon.


    ...


    -No, Mills, lower the weapon! Mills, lower the gun, don��t shoot�� Oh God! Mills! Do it! - Morgan Freeman shouted.


    The voice of John Doe echoed.


    -My sin is envy. You have a very good life, a good wife, a nice house, and a good place to live. Look at me, I��m nothing but a worm, but it was my envy. She begged, but I couldn��t stop myself. I am a sinner! - John Doe exclaimed almost shouting.


    -No. - David Mills murmured.


    -She was pregnant. -


    Gunshots rang out, and the background music faded into a deafening silence, marking the end, and leaving the entire audience stunned.


    Cameron watched the screen as it came to a close, feeling a sense of urgency. He overlooked many things and was so focused that several details slipped by him. The ending consumed him, overshadowing all the nuances he missed.


    -I think Billy made a really good movie. Now, the February promotion may be enough to bring people to the box office. - Cameron commented.


    ***


    In Vancouver, at the Vancity Theatre, Billy greeted fans. Many people had seen the film during its opening week, and the total of $15 million in sales for the first week was fantastic for the production and those present. David was relieved and happy to receive so much attention. Billy was signing autographs while many fans brought their comics and luxury animation t-shirts.


    -The fame is completely real. - Gwyneth remarked.


    -What do you mean? - Billy asked, taking the arm that Gwyneth held above him. He thought it was incredible how Hollywood handled events; if you were a politician without scruples, it was impossible to have problems with those under your charge.


    -You��re very popular. The press has started calling you the golden boy of America. No profession doesn��t suit you; they��ll be asking for your presidency. - Gwyneth commented.


    -They��re mistaken! My life is a mess; I��m just good at working. - Billy replied, giving a sharp look to the blonde, who paused in his gaze.


    -Sure. -


    They both entered the cinema, discussing other things. A week had cleared some of the atmosphere that Gwyneth had been caught up in, and the sobriety and reprimands from her godfather were enough to slightly redirect all that madness she wanted to unleash. She was very aware of what her parents had instilled in her regarding such situations.


    -Why are you so cold? - Gwyneth asked.


    -I��m not. - Billy responded.


    -You are. I know I may have made mistakes, but your indifference feels like you don��t care about anything. You move through life without considering other people''s feelings, like a robot that only cares about itself. - the blonde commented, wanting to vent her thoughts, somewhat hurt by the way she had been rejected. Not a single call in all those months; he focused on other things and was never fully committed to the relationship.


    -It��s not that. I guess I take for granted that people will always be there... It��s confusing. I��m trying to improve, but I need someone who is there for me. I��m just bad at sharing my expectations. - Billy said, reflecting on thoughts he had taken time to articulate, but he had known for a while.


    ...

 367. routes.

    Helen Carson was getting old, and the fact that Richard, her lifelong husband, could no longer drive or do things for himself made her need for help overwhelming. Their grandson had hired a maid from a large company who did all the shopping, cleaning, and organizing. Surprisingly, their little grandson turned out to be the most successful member of the household, but the loneliness and longing to see Thomas and his family left her feeling somewhat strange.


    -Billy has released a new movie. - Richard Carson asked the woman accompanying them.


    -He did; your son is quite famous now; he appeared in the newspaper. - Grancin commented.


    - Richard said, now wearing pajamas as part of his daily attire at 85 years old; age was taking its toll on him.


    -No, sir, but we can call him. - Grancin replied.


    -I don��t want to bother him; the boy is so busy! - Richard said in a depressed tone. The strength had left him, and he felt a sadness at not being independent like before. The fatigue was evident in his life, and going for a walk was the most daring thing he did; he couldn��t even drive anymore.


    -Come on, Mr. Carson. - Grancin said.


    -You��re a coward, that��s what you are. - Helen interrupted, with her usual thinly veiled self-deprecation. - It��s annoying that you don��t call him. -


    Helen murmured, her accusatory gaze only made Richard chuckle, his expression soft. His wife also missed Billy, even if she fervently denied it. She was more sentimental about family and likely missed Billy as much as he did; the most cherished grandson was often the most distant.


    -I think I��ll call him. - Grancin suggested.


    -Don��t bother the boy; he��s a busy man�� - Thomas Carson commented.


    Grancin sent a text message to his direct supervisor, Anne Hall, who was in charge of all the expenses for Billy''s grandparents.


    ***


    It��s surprising how the movie  began to gain popularity; this can often be inconsistent, and it doesn��t always meet box office expectations. By early October, after two weeks, the official box office reached $48 million, and without a decline in scheduling, it was expected to reach the break-even point of $60 million nationally and could be distributed internationally for profit.


    The score offered by the media averages at least 7.9/10, marking it as one of the best films of 1995. Many people have been drawn to it, and the strong performances are starting to open up opportunities for roles.


    -We have an offer for a part. - Jim Waitt commented.


    -I don��t have time for that; we can make movies next year. I��ve had enough acting for one year, Jim. We��ve done film after film this year. What about sponsorships? Now that I have a bit more fame, I��d like to get some sponsorships, preferably with a luxury car brand like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi�� I want to secure a contract with a car brand. - Billy stated.


    Jim Waitt sighed, but there was nothing more he could do.


    -I��ll send you the scripts, and of course, I��ll look for sponsorship from some car brands. We can extend a contract for the next year, for two years, and wait for your fame to flourish. - Jim Waitt commented.


    Billy nodded as he determined his next job at Lux Animation, doing voice work. Normally, he was a voice actor, and this time he would be part of the dubbing for , voicing several characters, a routine he followed to make some extra money, as he considered it a real success for the film and to adjust the payments. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He carried two bottles of wine in his arms; Monica was quite fond of drinking, especially wine, consuming it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at least a glass each time.


    After finishing his tour in Toronto, he wandered the streets of New York, wearing a hat to shield his face, old clothes, and a scarf. People didn��t recognize him. He spent the entire day searching for apartments, noting three buildings and four locations. He went up and continued to the building where Monica was staying, borrowed from Winona, who was now in Atlanta, starting to look for a year of rest.


    The average price for a two-bedroom apartment was around $700,000, while the larger units cost about $1 million. It wasn��t a low price, but Billy wanted to buy three apartments. His income hovered around $3 million, and for that reason and others, he hoped to purchase some properties in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Business in London was growing increasingly significant, as distribution passed through there. Additionally, some other deliveries to the capitals were special, but Lux Animation wanted to buy a large plot of land sufficient to create the grand Harry Potter studio, a space large enough to produce the films. Billy hoped to buy some countryside to recreate the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, establishing a stable


    enough set to recreate the castle in miniature. If that wasn��t possible, he would use Miami to his advantage.


    Somewhere near the Midway River, close to Rochester or Chatan, he envisioned creating a grand castle, purchasing land, using the castle as a general model, and another large center to recreate the elements for CGI. However, recreating the basic elements was the crux of the matter, and if it could be done in a way...


    -Come in. - Winona said from the door, surprising Billy.


    -I told Monica you��d come, but she didn��t check her messages or answer the phone. - Winona said with a reproachful tone.


    -Where is she? - he asked.


    -She has a runway show in Los Angeles�� she was calling you all morning, but you��re always busy with something else�� but come in, you can come in. - Winona replied.


    Billy entered; he had planned to return to San Jose, but he waited to see Monica. The issue with phones now was that they were very outdated, which was embarrassing. Staying informed was a problem for someone in the 21st century, years after the tech boom. He called three times, but there was no answer. Winona was in the kitchen, mixing ingredients, while Billy watched from the living room.


    -It smells delicious. - Billy commented.


    -I felt like making buttered potatoes and some chicken. Luckily, I cooked for three people. - Winona smiled at him.


    Billy had no choice but to take off his pale blue jacket and check the kitchen, leaving the two bottles of wine on the counter.


    -Would you like some wine? - he asked.


    -I would love to�� - she laughed. - It sounds a bit silly; I didn��t expect you to show up here, tempting bad luck. I came back to see Monica this morning, but I found out she had already left. I��m thinking of taking a tour of Europe and getting some fresh air from acting. - Winona commented.


    Billy remembered that Winona would later face legal troubles, perhaps due to a shoplifting incident. Her acting style was marred by a strong emotional struggle.


    -Why don��t you see a psychologist? - Billy suggested. Psychologists aren��t very well regarded.


    From the large eyes watching him, accusatory eyes, only the crazy seek that kind of treatment. Sitting and talking to someone who can listen to your problems is something that lacks trust in Hollywood.


    -Don��t give me that look; it��s common for people under pressure to engage in activities that relieve their stress. It can be anything from meditation, massages, or talks with a good therapist�� actors have evident issues regarding privacy, but CEOs, lawyers, and bankers suffer from different kinds of problems, such as anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Many times we confuse ourselves and make wrong decisions by not asking for help. - Billy said, pouring the wine, a bit more reflective than he intended, with a hint of doubt. The two glasses filled with wine were consumed in a moment; the wine was sweet, of the highest quality, and its flavor was particularly exquisite.


    -It��s not easy. -


    -Expressing emotions is never easy. It��s a problem of mine; I tend to be quite closed off with my feelings. - Billy admitted.


    -Wash your hands; the food is almost ready. - the brunette said, adjusting her gloves. Billy couldn��t help but notice her perky breasts without a bra, providing a view as she took the dishes out of the oven.


    ...

 368. regulation

    Billy returned to San Jose the next morning. As Lux Animation was preparing for its ongoing transformations, having started collaborating with Japanese studios to unleash animated series, expand its catalog, and double the series in production, Billy was able to organize various attachments, such as the purchase of 25% of Comedy Central and the creation of a channel aimed at adult programming, set to launch the following year.


    The most important matter was the new offer from Amblin Entertainment. The approach had been ongoing for some time, but the proposal''s terms were highly unbalanced, and Jim Gianopulos refused it.


    Then Amblin used its influence to draw attention, with Steven Spielberg himself knocking on Billy''s door. As one of Amblin''s founders and having a particularly close relationship with them, Steven agreed to work on the Star Wars saga to foster a camaraderie-based relationship, where mutual help was the key.


    Thus, at Universal Studios, and from a secluded station, Billy, with sharp eyes, watched how to resolve the issue with Spielberg. With this, they would fulfill the payment balance with Star Wars, though he doubted Steven saw it that way. Therefore, the only option was to open a back door, erase the issue from their minds, and establish a genuine collaboration between them.


    -I understand, Steven. I��ll make the arrangements. From Lux Animation, we are willing to assist in the production and distribution of this film,- Billy commented, nursing a headache, with pre-production expected to begin in February 1997, leaving ample time to start preparations. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It''s great that we can solve this so easily,- Steven remarked.


    -It''s because I trust you''ll make a good movie. However, my guarantees have been stated. You will enjoy the national and international box office, along with the first year of DVD promotion. I will collect 30% in the following years,- Billy added.


    His primary concern was expanding his movie production capacity, as he currently only had films under his name.


    -Of course�� that''s a minor issue,- Steven said, seeing the dollars in this movie. Now that it''s easy to make some money through Amblin, it''s much easier if Billy, one of the most comprehensive distributors, handles it, except for Orion and TriStar Pictures.


    -Very well, it��s good to know you think that way��- Billy pondered his next words. To buy or not to buy the digital library of copyright? For now, he hoped to acquire a few more films from Carolco Pictures.


    -Don''t worry, kid. I hope you have some free time because DreamWorks has already started its television productions. It''s good to have a friendly hand to help with DreamWorks,- Steven commented.


    -No problem, I''ll help in any way I can�� We''re recruiting some good designers and programmers for game development. I have a game in mind that could be particularly successful, something rarely seen in the video game world with new 3D technologies,- Billy said.


    This caught Steven''s attention, known for his love of video games, even from before. He had some unfulfilled dreams with Atari, but it was a significant failure after Atari''s development.


    -Why not use Amblin to unleash that creative genius?- Billy asked.


    -Amblin is a Universal production company, to put it simply. Although we don''t have the same contract as many new companies, we do have an obligation to present most of our work to Universal. They decide for us most of the time, even the founders are Universal employees, and for that reason, I distance myself. DreamWorks cannot be shackled,- Spielberg commented.


    -I see the reason why,- Billy said. Perhaps it was his distribution company that gained freedom in certain areas. With his business dealings with exhibition companies, his factory could slowly expand its distribution, which is what made him so attractive to Spielberg. For now, Spielberg was planning to create his own distribution company.


    -Be careful with that. Normally, distribution has to be shared with a studio occasionally to avoid mortality rates with the MPAA. Having a position there can help you achieve better reach,- Steven commented.


    -I still don''t understand the politics of cinema. You work under a label while they distribute, but why?-


    -Money, it''s always a matter of money. Usually, it''s done to satisfy and share financial burdens. For example, Columbia executives sponsored your distribution activities to adjust Disney''s movie schedule. There are certain frictions there, but also to make money and test the waters with your company. You''re just very good at making money,- Steven laughed at the last part, but the game is a balance. Whoever can balance with different studios has the advantage.


    -I suppose working with Amblin is like working with Universal... in that sense, it''s just a statement,- Billy commented.


    -It can be seen that way, but we have freedom. Even now, many companies, although materially headed by a studio, have an artistic idea and business guidance that isn''t tied to the studio. Miramax has had problems, and it''s the exact opposite,- Steven said.


    Billy thought about Miramax. If he could buy it and merge it with Lux Films, it would be enough to bring his own New Cinema into the game, which he needed as soon as possible. The issues with Star Wars were different due to the production and help of George Lucas, but for Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, he might need his group.


    -Let''s continue... we need to address everything about DreamWorks. By the way, will you help me establish relations with the MPAA? - Billy asked, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    ***


    Monica received Billy''s message that same night... - Don''t leave Los Angeles, I''ll be there shortly. Go to the Haptom Hotel, I have a reservation for you -


    So authoritative, the older woman only wanted someone to solve all her problems so she could set the pace of the relationship. That''s why her previous relationship ended.


    -Sure, - she could only say.


    Her modeling day ended, and she chatted with some of her colleagues when Billy''s agent, Jim Waitt, approached. It was the first time she saw the man who facilitated buying her brokerage contract and managing it himself.


    -Monica, a pleasure... Billy sends his regards, and we have good news. I spoke with Volkswagen, and they gave me the green light to schedule a sponsorship with Audi. Our idea is to extend Audi''s contract for you, which was accepted. Billy personally anticipated this and bought four cars, two for Los Angeles, two for New York, and perhaps one for Italy,- Jim Waitt said.


    -Me representing the Audi brand,- the Italian commented, emphasizing her accent on the last word. The car brands are fantastic.


    -That''s the idea. I''ll take you to pick up the car. Additionally, using the Volkswagen group for their growth, they have acquired many brands,- Jim Waitt said.


    This was just the beginning, from runway practice to Billy''s focus solely on modeling. Now, she could see why his relationships were separate matters.


    ....


    hollywood: Art Sunnys.On Patreon, we are on 406, but I have written up to 420.

 369. companies.

    October 12 �C November 4.


    -Roberto Gouzaeta, director of Coca-Cola, an older man who wasn''t allowed to travel due to his health, had long given up things like Sunday golf. For this trip, it was one of the first times Anne Hall left the nest... She ended up being responsible for forging an alliance that had been in the works. Her trip to Atlanta was as necessary as the future of the Panini subsidiary, a sticker distribution company working with Lux Comics, crucial for development.


    What did Anne Hall know about football/soccer? She wasn''t sure, but she knew if she could secure Coca-Cola as a sponsor, it would be significant.


    Billy''s sponsor decreed that the people in charge at Coca-Cola wanted more advertising, help with the album investment, and more. Anne took a deep breath; it was true, Lux Animation was no less than before.


    -Ms. Hall,- said Muhtar Kent, his gray suit distinctive.


    -Mr. Kent, and Mr. Quincey,- Anne responded, shaking hands.


    Muhtar and Quincey, both part of Coca-Cola''s board of directors, were now more active as Roberto Gouzaeta lightened his grip. The creation of new clients was surprising.


    -We have a lot to discuss!- Anne Hall said.


    -Well, we have the time,- Muhtar said, checking his watch.


    Anne Hall planned to create a great sticker album for the 1998 World Cup, with Coca-Cola''s help. Sponsorship was crucial; the license was extended until 2022, and beyond that, they had a free hand to improve forms. However, if they could share the burden with Coca-Cola and establish a stable relationship for acceptable sponsorships, they could negotiate with UEFA, the Europa League, and the Premier League, considered the most important competitions.


    -Gentlemen, you know the World Cup is held every four years, and for some time, a sticker album has been made�� Here we have average sales statistics. Although the United States prefers other sports, the sales record is significant. In 1994, sales exceeded 3.5 million albums, and we sold a total of 12.4 million cards�� With your sponsorship, we plan to create special cards that can only be obtained with the purchase of a Coca-Cola bottle,- Anne Hall said.


    Handing over a script that showed album designs, along with the method to obtain them, required five special cards. For the purchase of a large bottle, one would receive a special pack containing two special cards. If someone bought five bottles, they could get five cards, but that didn��t guarantee they would get all five different cards. It suggested that at least half a million people buy at least six large bottles of Coca-Cola.


    -This is��- asked the Coca-Cola members in amazement. The proposal was impressive, and that��s why the promotion was fantastic.


    -You have a fantastic idea. But it��s still... a bit unrefined,- Muhtar said, noting they were asking for a three million dollar sponsorship for manufacturing and packaging processes. A liter of Coca-Cola costs one dollar and 20 cents.


    -No sir, you don��t understand. The World Cup will become one of the most important entities in the world for two simple reasons... In the coming years, technology and globalization will advance, making more people part of this popular sport, and secondly, the money. Many people are beginning to turn their eyes to sports teams,- Anne Hall said.


    ***


    Billy was there, buying a large house for two million dollars. It was a grand house on five acres, a mansion with six bedrooms, large proportions, a garden, and a country room, somewhat secluded, in the Beverly Hills area. It had a beautiful fa?ade, perfect construction, a small wine cellar built by the previous owner, an elegant garden, and just the right touch to belong to the most favored class in the United States. For now, constructions weren''t formal, and neighborhoods weren''t standardized.


    -What do you think? I bought this new house, and I can say the calm it brings is pleasant, - Billy said, standing with Monica, who was looking around the mansion.


    -It''s fantastic, - Monica replied.


    -Well, you can stay here whenever you like. I''ll hire a security service for the house to keep out unwanted people. I��ll use this house along with the one in San Jose as my main residence, - Billy responded. -


    -Sure, - commented the dark-haired woman, looking around the house with some disbelief. Her new homes in the United States, along with her new job here, would help her buy that lovely villa in Italy. Despite everything, she was happy with how things were turning out.


    -Did you talk to Jim? He''s started working on your image. We''ll choose some fantastic movies for you to work on, but you need to improve your English and, of course, practice your acting skills, - said Billy.


    -Then...-


    -I''ll handle everything, but you have Winona. She can help you with those issues, - Billy added, knowing well that Monica''s interest in acting was driven by her goal to establish herself as a brand model, enjoying the comforts of such a life.


    *** S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Speaking of sports, Steve Parks, who had taken numerous trips, could relax and complete an unexpected transaction. Plans had been in place for some time to purchase various sports teams and create a massive sports group for a different kind of work environment.


    They focused on three teams: the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors as basketball teams, and the San Francisco 49ers.


    Starting with the Golden State Warriors, Chris Cohan faced financial and legal troubles since purchasing the team, which resulted in some losses in his media and advertising business. Despite no extravagant changes to the team, success hadn''t followed... thus, the purchase was quite risky.


    -I��ve observed everything. We have the statistics and the plan to turn things around. But Chris Cohan''s project of renovating the stadium, along with numerous attempts to buy players, has left things shaky,- commented Friet Grumbin, the new financial analyst hired by Lux Animation for the Golden State Warriors acquisition.


    -How willing do you think he is to consider an offer?- asked Steve Parks, looking directly at Friet.


    -He has a hot potato in his hands. I don��t think he��s excited about making a sale. However, the main issue is the volume of fans. We have detailed statistics; the attendance rate is about half. Their move from Philadelphia to San Francisco left them poorly positioned in terms of fans,- Friet explained.


    -I see... I''ll consider the options, but we''re willing to invest at least 70 million in buying the team, payable over two years,- said Steve Parks. Recalling the recent purchase of several companies led by Billy, starting with the acquisition of a four-star hotel in San Jose for 33 million dollars, Discovery Channel for 197 million dollars, Panini for 53 million, Lyrick Studios and HIT (producers of animated channels) for 39 million dollars, and 25% of Comedy Central for 16 million dollars.


    These acquisitions generated certain costs, in new productions and acquisition costs, including logistics, merger, and administrative expenses. Adding 70 million for the basketball team would round up to 400 million dollars, and the Hotmail money would disappear as quickly as it came. With 350 million in debt, the situation remained acceptable, but the constant investments didn��t show clear numbers. If the productions of , , and  failed, the crash would be catastrophic.


    -Let''s do it, and consult with the San Francisco 49ers about their franchise price, - Steve Parks said, following Billy''s orders to acquire two major sports franchises.


    -Alright, we''ll start the paperwork, - Friet replied, sighing. His commission would arrive soon; as a small brokerage firm, this deal was very important. -


    ...

 370. explosion.

    October 14.


    -The Discovery employees collectively sighed when the notice arrived, stating that no substantial changes would be made. Since John Hendricks�� arrival and the start of broadcasting in 1985, the program has not seen frequent changes. However, he did adjust the content to include more scientific topics in the programming, ranging from animals, fauna, flora, history, and civilizations, to endangered species.


    To achieve this, he hired someone to create the necessary series for the next ten years: David Attenborough, a Briton to whom Billy promised the moon and the stars so that he could make all the documentaries he desired.


    Advised Billy, he explained that they needed to make three programs in succession. The first was to follow the nature agreement and the trial of life, programs Billy was already trying to buy. Blue Planet, which deals with the depths of the sea, required substantial investment, followed by Planet Earth, focusing on terrestrial species. The documentary aims to produce at least a 25-episode section covering everything about these ecosystems. Regardless of the time it takes, they want a production that can transcend.


    This would be followed by two miniseries about the creation of the universe, the history of Rome, astronomy, and, of course, Cosmos, all part of the lineup, similar to the previous documentary acquisitions.


    But more importantly, there was a program focused on primates. Multiple personalities were hired to conduct research and document it in some magnificent way; it was an incredible bet.


    Therefore, the board was currently convened, led by John Hendricks, who was still the group��s president, Judith A. McHale, part of the company��s management and communications, Steven E. Rogers, executive in charge of channel programming, editorial, and content supervision, and Mark Hollinger, an executive part of the basic operations role.


    They observed eminent figures from the science world. Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, and Gerald Durrell. All dressed in elegant suits, it was a real surprise to see these zoologists, who were, in most respects, anything but office people.


    -My most important question is how and why you are willing to enter into a six-year contract with Discovery, - John Hendricks asked.


    They smiled.


    -Billy Carson was very shrewd and ultimately convinced us that it was the most appropriate thing to do, - Dian Fossey commented.


    -It was his elegant speech and the creation of two wildlife foundations, with a price tag of 20 million dollars, along with a promise of constant investment and publicity for our causes, to include Discovery as a naturalist channel to a large extent, - David Attenborough added.


    -I was not aware of that, - murmured John Hendricks.


    -Oh, don��t worry about it, Mr. Hendricks. We believe this meeting is about that. For now, I was told that you plan to create three simultaneous series in which we will capitalize on all our knowledge, - David Attenborough commented.


    Steven E. Rogers looked at the documents sent by mail, which contained five scripts.


    -We have five programs: ��Blue Planet,�� ��Planet Earth,�� ��Primates,�� ��Endangered Species,�� and ��Gorillas,�� for you five. However, you have also sent four additional proposals: ��Frozen Planet,�� ��Mammals,�� ��Snakes,�� and ��Ecosystems,�� along with some notes on species preservation, global warming, and species migration, - Steven E. Rogers commented, sweating nervously. At the moment, they have two series in production: ��Planet Life,�� ��The Death of Yugoslavia�� with the BBC, and ��Wild Discovery.�� However, the injection of money was enough to extend and deliver six magnificent series and maintain the existing programs. The emphasis was that Discovery would focus solely on scientific topics.


    -I think this conversation is redundant. We need to write the scripts and have a good production team of cameramen. Billy has been in contact with us since 1993. We mostly have sketches and many ideas about what and how to film. I had my doubts, but I did my job and have several ideas for making documentaries for the global audience, - Gerald Durrell finally responded.


    -We have good ideas, - Steven E. commented.


    Gerald Durrell nodded. For some time, he had generated a program to identify the mammal animals belonging to zoos. However, for Billy, the most satisfying relationship was the Crocodile Hunter program, which had an animal-focused show for children.


    Since the Discovery Kids (Lux Kids) program was already mostly formed, they only observed accelerated growth in the programming, led by Steve Irwin, an Australian zoologist. -


    ***


    -On October 16th, the grand premiere of Pok��mon took place. The introduction of the anime was capitalized with an hour-long program, which captured the attention of many viewers.


    The simultaneous launch in Japan and the United States, both at 5:00 PM local time, was sudden and aligned with the constant collections of games and significant investments made by Lux Animation�� it was simply fantastic.


    -How are the popularity ratings? - asked Jim Gianopulos to Ethan Harrigan.


    -Very good. We had a total average of 1.5 screens, with the strongest points at the beginning of the program and at minute 34, where we peaked at 1.8 million screens available, - commented Ethan Harrigan, the programming director responsible for maintaining order across all channels.


    The programming runs from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM with The Dexter Show, 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM with Rocko��s Modern Life, 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM with The Powerpuff Girls, 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM with Recess, 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM with Train Souls, 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM with Rocky & Bullwinkle, 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM with Billy & Mandy, 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM with Tales of the Brothers Green, 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM with Hey Arnold!, 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM with Captain Tsubasa, 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM with Samurai Jack, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM with Gargoyles, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM with Amy & Puffy. The schedule repeats in the same order until 6:00 PM.


    The evening programming begins at 6:00 PM with Hardman Slash, followed by Trigun, Samurai Jack, X-Men, and Spider-Man, each with one-hour double episodes, then Dexter, Captain Tsubasa, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and Knights of the Zodiac.


    With the new Pok��mon programming, a slot was opened at 5:00 PM for Pok��mon, as some series moved to Lux Kids (Discovery Kids), such as Rocko��s Modern Life, Amy & Puffy, which also repeats on Lux Toons, and some parts of Comedy Central featuring The Dexter Show, South Park, and Trigun as headliners.


    -Fantastic, the company has many plans for this series. Make sure to organize the commercials so the members can start watching, - commented Jim.


    He hoped to increase viewership ratings and the viability of the franchise.


    However, it was unusual for a company to publish a global series, and soon enough, a movie was expected to be tested the following year. This time it was a product entirely by Lux Animation.


    From Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania, people watched the new Pok��mon children��s series.


    -We rotated everything possible. Pok��mon is nearly at its maximum in advertising and marketing, - commented Ethan Harrington.


    -Very well, I think I''ll stop by in the coming days, - said Jim Gianopulos.


    Climbing from the fourth floor to the fifth, he sought Billy''s office, which was in his morning practice. Now and then, Billy appeared and dedicated hours to taking notes on all the animated series, comics, and video games. One Piece was at episode 82, Slam Dunk at 291, just six episodes from its finale, Shaman King and Rurouni Kenshin at 166, Hunter x Hunter at 23, Digimon at 12, and Yu-Gi-Oh! at 22 episodes��


    Meanwhile, they had also adjusted to publishing David Jill''s American series, the Star Wars comics, Warhammer, Power Rangers, Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and Men in Black, where freelancers or the creators themselves would occasionally expand the series.


    -Billy, - Jim Gianopulos entered.


    -Was it a success? - Billy asked.


    -It was, and I think by November 1st when we capitalize on the children''s programming, these people will start another war against us, - Billy commented.


    -The results have been great, - said Jim Gianopulos, taking a glass of water from the table beside him. The conversation was beginning. The company''s next goal was to acquire a film company, following Artisan''s failure, with important prospects subject to two critical things: the success of Lilo & Stitch, Ice Age, and Jerry Maguire.


    It is scheduled for November 13th, December 4th, and February 12th. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 371. life change.

    October 16.


    The trailer for Lilo & Stitch is simply fantastic, and with Lux Animation now being considered a major player in the film industry, Disney finds itself cornered. They had expected Lux Animation to produce annual films due to the lengthy production times, but since 1993, Lux Animation has released five films. The announcement of two additional films caused Disney to enter a crisis.


    -How do they do it! How is it possible that with our entire budget we can only manage one film a year, while they release four films in a single year? Are they even working? Do I need to learn animation myself to achieve success? - Michael Eisner slammed the table, completely losing his composure. His question was directed at his two companions, Roy E. Disney and Michael Ovitz.


    -I know we''re in trouble, but I suggest that if we want to produce more than two films a year, we need another team�� I also asked my sources at CAA. They have a connection with Jim Waiit, and well, the answer is simple. Billy Carson delivers script after script, motivating the team to produce. The atmosphere at Lux Animation is said to be magical, - replied Michael Ovitz.


    The trailer for Lilo & Stitch features a Hawaiian song, and several moments highlighting the culture, and extraterrestrial elements. Even their method of creating trailers is simply fantastic.


    The second trailer is for "Ice Age," a story about a group embarking on a journey through the ice, featuring a diverse group and a heartwarming story. The comedy, the characters, and the concept generate great intrigue among the board members.


    -Joe Roth is working hard, and we can say there is no better member to continue with our upcoming animation models�� Additionally, Les Mis��rables is a great French work, and surely all the work we''ve done will bear fruit. But if you expect to produce four films a year, we need to invest a lot of money, - commented Roy Disney.


    -I beg to differ, but this is not good. The acquisition of ABC has caused some problems. The merger has been costly, and we need time to generate these investments�� Billy Carson has been planning since 1990, but the founder of Pixar since 1982. The films they have already released may have been planned for years, and that space allows them to produce multiple films a year,- Michael Ovitz commented, making a more reasoned but mistaken analysis.


    Michael Eisner tried to breathe deeply�� but being outdone in their best area clearly caused discomfort, and acquiring Lux Animation was not within their reach. Spending $15 billion to acquire ABC, and prior to that acquiring several companies and expanding their parks�� they were tied up for the next three years without knowing how to take real action.


    -The little upstart is taking us by the horns�� you know what they say if you can''t beat them, join them�� I think Warner can go to hell, we need to ally with some media. They might reject us, but we''ll attract flies with honey by expressing goodwill -. commented Michael Eisner.


    The finances were in bad shape, but Michael Eisner''s idea was to increase the animators'' salaries to historic highs. However, they couldn''t afford these to rise disproportionately�� for example, Disney animators earned $700,000, for veteran animators.


    They could poach animators with salaries of $500,000 or more, and these would always come down expecting more money. The average salary of an animator at Lux Animation is $80,000, but these come with promotional bonuses, movie bonuses, and at the same time, come with social security protections, creative proposals, and development opportunities. However, from $80,000 to $500,000, the temptation is something that cannot be denied.


    For now, no one wants to raise the costs that have already been reduced.


    ***


    Upon seeing the trailers for Lilo & Stitch and Ice Age, Billy bet more on Ice Age. With script corrections and better environment developments promoted by Pixar animators, Ice Age would be a masterpiece, as people had come to expect. It was magnificent. Just seeing the previews, it was clear the animation was ten years ahead in terms of 3D.


    The children came home from school in the late afternoon. On weekends, some of them watched TV all day without stopping. Lux Animation''s programming was overwhelming. The kids tried to turn off the TV, but Hardman Slash, Trigun, Samurai Jack, X-Men, Spider-Man, and Super Campeones kept them glued to the screen. It wasn''t unusual; the television featured some of the best series, and even some adults couldn''t resist watching Samurai Jack, Trigun, X-Men, and Spider-Man. The stories were deep, and parents were amazed by the impact of these series.


    -No more TV,- said Anne Hall to her 14 and 12-year-old brothers who were watching the animation programs.


    -But sister, Spider-Man isn''t over yet. Tomorrow at school, all the kids will talk about the last episode,- said Robert Hall, 12, who couldn''t stop watching TV. Anne sighed; this was the company she worked so hard for. It was simply annoying that her arguments were running out because it wasn''t bad. She knew the dedication of the animators.


    -It ends at 9:30. I''ll turn off the TV. I don''t care what I have to do if you two aren''t brushed and in bed by 10:00, I''ll cancel the TV subscription,- said Anne Hall.


    -Yes, sister, yes! Just a little more,- pleaded Robert Hall.


    Anne Hall took a short trip to the kitchen, looking for a glass of wine to relax. She was exhausted, living in constant fatigue lately. The travels posed a tough burden for anyone, especially when client meetings dragged on for hours.


    -Tough day, dear?- asked her great-aunt. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -"?Absolutely. We need to close a deal that will ease the burdens for the next two years,- said Anne Hall. She wasn''t lying. The Coca-Cola sponsorship was enough to keep operations running for 1997 and 1998, printing multiple Pok��mon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, as well as Panini stickers. It was the gamble to cover costs and move beyond, securing extra licenses.


    -Ah, dear�� and your husband? You''re getting old. You''ll be thirty next year. It would be good to have a man in your life, start a family�� these kids will make their own lives, forget about their sister once they find partners, and you��?- asked Evelyn.


    -It''s not important, - replied Anne.


    -And what about that boss of yours? - Evelyn asked, uncovering a pot. The boyish look had long gone, leaving behind a man.


    -Please don''t bother me, - said Anne, taking an extra glass of wine.


    -He''s a catch, he''s rich, and you two have a good relationship. I wouldn''t mind bearing a few bastards from that man,- Evelyn responded, serving a pasta soup with a Caesar salad. -My dear, men like that, you don''t ask permission. You sleep with them, have their children, and make them marry you. -


    ...

 372. districts.

    Billy lived in an apartment in downtown San Jose�� he was only about six minutes from his place, close enough to be there with just a phone call. He organized his clothes; for now, he was handling some quick sponsorship deals, waiting for his business to grow. He needed previous sponsorships, so he settled for Audi and Caneli, which had been in place for a year and a half, and he wanted a perfume brand.


    -I didn��t expect you to lead such a quiet life here in San Jose, - Monica commented, wearing a light black nightgown with a round robe.


    -Even though the paparazzi show up occasionally and I have some followers, they lose interest when they see my daily routine. Well, I guess they��ll have a dinner date to be curious about now, right Monica?- sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It��s a bit silly that you��re going to work today of all days, - Monica said from the kitchen area.


    -Good luck at work, - Monica added as she finally left, not giving herself more time to sit on Billy��s lap, giving him a deep kiss with all the affection she could muster.


    -If you need anything, call me. The card is on the entry table, you can use it for shopping, and also, the English tutor will arrive before noon. I��ll pick you up afterward, and we can go for a walk together, - Billy said, giving a farewell to the black-haired woman who nodded.


    Monica sighed; it was all for her future. She was already thirty and couldn��t waste time. She needed to improve her fluency, enhance her runway skills, and of course, secure acting roles.


    ***


    The atmosphere at Warner was oppressive; the recent work of Universal and Lux Animation was a clear sign that the companies were now forming a rapid-advancing alliance.


    -It can''t be that the guy now has the power to cut all ties with Disney,- Bob Baily, co-president of Warner, remarked. They were now in a head-to-head battle with Lux Animation, which was surging ahead. As much as he wanted to deny it, the reality was they couldn''t ignore Disney''s importance. The support from Disney was a counterbalance, but with their interest in moving away from animated series and focusing on live-action series, sitcoms, and minimal-budget productions, it left a bad taste. And that bitter taste was now the loss in market share; they didn''t have enough ratings, justified by a not-so-good merchandising campaign.


    -I think they''ve put us in a bad position,- Terry Semel commented. For now, Warner was growing. Warner, Universal, and Disney could be considered the companies of the moment, followed by Fox, Paramount, Sony, and lastly, MGM, which had been in trouble for a long time.


    -If only we could acquire it, this problem wouldn''t be giving us so many headaches. -


    -I think for now, we should continue with our strategy of finding a great series that can compete with Disney. We need a children��s series that hasn��t been exploited yet, but for now, we need to address the issues with CNN�� Time Warner. It''s a bit disappointing that they��re talking about a lack of revenue when HBO is one of the most popular channels on television,- Bob Daily said.


    Billy adjusted his suit as he entered the second floor of the animation offices. For now, it was just a unified group with a clear direction, many of them working on series. The latest release, a 12-episode miniseries called , premiered a month ago and received good feedback. Jazz Stockton��s fear of releasing a series of such quality was countered by Billy, who supported taking on new things and styles. Many were in love with the Lux Animation fever, which led to the green light for another 12 episodes. Billy assured them that if they could do 15 or 18, it didn��t matter.


    Similarly, Anna published her 6-episode series with colored details, a new facet, and she was also encouraged to create more series.


    ***


    -Boss!- some animators murmured.


    -Good morning, everyone. Some of you have the spirit to keep creating different things,- Billy said, addressing everyone.


    Two months ago, he delivered the series , , and the beginning of the new  adventure. The animators'' production pace had improved a hundredfold, thanks to the multiple tools developed by Autodesk, Pixar, and id Software. The work was easier, allowing these teams of around 25 people each to handle their tasks. Now, there were 300 animators in the company, 7 groups in total, with two groups of 70 people each for movie production. This setup allowed for progress over the years, even though Billy handed most tasks to them.


    -We have new projects,- Jazz Stockton mentioned.


    -Great. By the way, you need to pick up your bonus. The statistical indexes should arrive, and if you don��t collect them, they��ll be charged to your next year��s salary bonus,- Billy said.


    Greeting Jazz Stockton, many people approached to see all the work being done by the different groups. One by one, seven people left their manuscripts, all diverse, with their storyboards. Billy was impressed by the new scripts, which had improved significantly and had a certain power and vigor.


    The first script was about a world of robots on Earth, where humans had gone extinct and robots created a great civilization, transcending common models and starting to play gods. Their goal, after tireless years, was to create life, but their code prevented them from having human-like emotions such as joy or sadness. They lived with a series of objectives. The nine-episode concept explored the loneliness of robots questioning their creation after a new robot with a faulty matrix challenged the logic and rationality of their existence. With rich Asimov content, the finale revealed that humans hadn��t died out but had left Earth, activating an AI to create a unique world.


    The second script was about Rome, the story of Caesar, filled with conspiracies and battles. It narrated the tale of Cromo, a general who served Caesar but was betrayed by him and then incited his son to kill Caesar. This 24-episode series was high-quality, with intricate details requiring extensive work. Joy Brie, an enthusiastic woman, watched her boss nervously, having worked on the script for six months. The first episode had been rejected with numerous notes and inconsistencies regarding style.


    -It��s amazing, the story is simply captivating. Approved. Talk to Mr. Gorman and hand him the manuscript approved by me. Tell him we need two historians. Then go up to the fifth floor and tell Jim that this series was approved by me. If he likes it, we might consider it for live-action,- Billy said. -But�� for now, it��s better to make comics like David Jill.-


    Joy was speechless.


    Billy read the other two scripts and approved the fifth one, sending the rest for revision. The reading took six hours. The fifth script was about  and proposed making seven animated movies. He considered live-action, but for now, he had an idea to create  for girls. He needed the Lewis family for this, and the proposed style by the animator was like ��Train Souls�� to give a magical realism effect.


    Three scripts were acceptable but needed work, along with the request to hire two historians, a space engineer, a philosopher, and a scriptwriter.


    Billy crossed the room to check the data on , created by the first team. The second team would release  in June 1996, followed by the first team��s release of , a story about a violinist hiding from the USSR but continuing to play and teach despite the prohibition. The film would use different colors to create impact in scenes. Billy would pay $2 million for the music from various pianists and violinists.


    There was a plan to expand to a third team, but it was very risky. If they failed, it would be a collapsing pyramid. Each film cost between $20 to $30 million with reduced budgets. A failure could damage the environment of the films, as the operation allowed for some failures but primarily relied on the animators and production expenses.


    ...

 373. origin.

    -The stories coming up are incredible. I think in the next five years, our company won��t falter at all, - Billy commented to Jim Gianopulus. It was nearly six in the evening, and his promise to meet Monica was about to be fulfilled.


    You��re right. Your animators are fantastic. In a way, I believe the spirit of Lux Animation is within your team, which has started to embrace your creative ideas, Jim replied.


    -It��s not just us. Many studios are on the verge of creating their animation branches. Fox is about to launch its studio, Universal is considering doing the same with Amblin, and Warner is contemplating the idea but hasn��t taken the risk yet. However, a new studio in the UK seems to have a good investment range. In two years, we might face direct competition from these companies, - Jim Gianopulus noted.


    Billy felt that in the coming years, he needed to redouble his efforts to continue duplicating Pixar��s output, which now encompassed two groups and more, to drive the company��s overall development.


    -It doesn��t matter. I feel that all the money invested will be recouped with the release of  and , as well as . These will be successful enough to support Pixar��s growth as we plan for the coming years, - Billy said.


    -That��s all for now. I��ll contact the team to initiate the tentative steps for licensing . Securing the rights for seven animated movies is a wonderful idea, - Jim said.


    -It��s a pleasure. For now, that��s enough, - Billy concluded, bidding farewell to Jim with relief. Comic sales remained stable, and although the series was new, it had found a place among fans, contributing to the company��s overall sales. It was even surpassing , which had average sales for the company. Meanwhile,  led the pack, followed by , and lastly, , which hadn��t created the sensation Billy expected for two simple reasons: marketing and the series itself. Without a show to captivate audiences, sales couldn��t reach the desired levels. The same principle applies to books. , published by Billy, only sold thousands, not millions, but it had a dedicated fan base.


    Book 1 was published in 1991, Book 2 in 1993, and Book 3 was expected in 1995.


    -You were right about Miramax having problems with Disney. There are general issues due to disagreements, and the merger with ABC presents an administrative problem we can exploit in two years if we plan our moves well, - Jim commented.


    -We��ll buy it. We have many moves in mind, - Billy said, bidding Jim farewell. - They��ve attacked the company for three years, both Disney and Warner. From legal issues and cable company problems to blocking distribution aspirations and negotiating with companies beforehand, closing relationships, and worse, playing politics�� It��s nonsense! But for someone like you, who has been with the Giants for a long time, that kind of pressure is disappointing. I��m sure if Disney released my movies, each would earn at least $100 million, but I have to scrape by, fighting agonizing schedules, monthly battles against new products from film companies, and issues with exhibitors to get my advertising out. Do you think it��s a coincidence that  received bad reviews, cinemas didn��t use marketing in some states, and its international release had multiple sequels in quick succession? We��ll start by cutting meat. I want Miramax or ESPN, I want Hanna-Barbera, DC, or New Line Cinema, - Billy asserted.


    -We need money�� a lot of money, - Jim Gianopulus said. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -What does it matter? I��ll handle bringing the money to the table. You just focus on confusing our rivals. The Artisan strategy was perfect for buying Discovery. Now they��ll be stumbling, wondering why we bought Discovery, - Billy laughed, but Jim blushed and coughed, unable to look Billy in the eye.


    -Wait, you don��t know why we bought Discovery? - Billy asked.


    Jim couldn��t be offended. The truth was that he hadn��t understood Billy��s moves for a long time. Billy might be a business genius, but to Jim, he seemed more like a business madman.


    -I don��t know! I��ve tried to piece everything together, but nothing comes to mind, - Jim admitted, breathing deeply. -Well, the first thing is that I think it��s useful for animated channels, and having programming for kids is profitable. Kids�� toys sell like camels in deserts. But�� what else? It��s too much money for such a purchase, - Jim pondered.


    -I see. I��m sorry�� I think I confused you too. It��s simple. Scientific documentaries will be in high demand in the coming years. I��m talking about documentaries with movie-like features, covering space, history, animals, the ocean, activities, sports, and anything that can be quantified scientifically. If we can replicate at least 10 fields perfectly, the Discovery subscription channel will gain a lot of strength. You saw the charts; they have 500,000 subscriptions, bringing in $25 million a year. If we maintain the ratings, we��ll recover all our money in eight years. But what happens if we triple, quadruple, or quintuple that percentage? I think it��ll be easy to do in three years when our new documentaries air, - Billy explained.


    Serving a glass of whiskey, offering it to Jim, who shook his head. Billy downed it in one gulp.


    -Now, the animated channel is underestimated. We just need one good series, and we''ll make a ton of money. I want to use the Pok��mon franchise to create a show for younger children, more childish, a sweet series with pleasant cartoons. When those kids turn seven, they��ll love Pok��mon. But�� when they turn seven, they''ll find the series being made in Japan, and they''ll love it even more. Along with the games, we have a market for at least 20 years. It''s a win-win situation, - Billy commented.


    He had another reason, to win over scientific communities, and expand Discovery��s channels to include sections like stories, miniseries, and something similar to History Channel... followed by winning over different communities to improve his environmental image and goodwill as a businessman.


    -You have a lot of faith in Pok��mon! I think I understand a bit. You''re betting on yourself, not on Discovery, - Jim commented. Billy was betting on what he believed Discovery could become, not on anything else, without data, without market studies, just a leap into the void for something he observed and was sure would yield the desired results.


    -I do, Jim. That''s why we need to strengthen our friendship with Fox. You have them on the table. We have Universal tentatively. I don��t need anyone else, - Billy commented, finishing his drink with one last necessary sip.


    He was one step away. If he could recover the money invested this year, he could be more aggressive in the Hollywood market.


    ***


    -I thought you��d never get here,- Monica commented. She had a script on her lap and had spent the whole day actively studying English, reading the scripts Jim Wait sent her as a way to improve her language skills. She wore a black mask and some conditioner in her hair. Beauty had its costs.


    -I had to sit down and read new ideas. We hope the animated channel keeps running at the same pace as always,- Billy commented, knowing he now had a challenge to face: having an adult channel, one that would allow more openness with series for a certain sector, like Evangelion, which did not admit a rating below 15.


    Monica nodded as she massaged her scalp with some fatigue, letting out a deep yawn.


    -Come on, I''ll show you the first branches of T-Box Pizza and T-Box Burgers. It''s a mandatory outing,- Billy commented as he took two strides to the second floor. He needed to change into more sporty clothes and maybe a fisherman''s hat for more privacy. However, with Monica, privacy skipped the controls. Her figure and presence could make anyone turn their head.


    -We can''t go out now, I need to shower,- Monica shouted from behind Billy. He stopped her, not without first lifting her in his arms and setting her down at the bottom of the stairs. The small spark of fantasy covered the atmosphere again as he gazed at Monica��s beauty. She was a fantasy woman, with a symmetrical face and a luxurious body that could melt anyone at her reign. She was more sensual in person than on camera. Acting took away all that charm, and perhaps that was the main problem in her not-so-coveted fame.


    She should be highlighted for her work and nothing else, something modeling would provide, Billy was sure of that.


    -Change quickly, - Billy said.


    -You don''t rush a woman, - she commented, walking dignifiedly to the bathroom while her clothes fell to the floor. It was another detail; she was not ashamed of nudity. Were European women like this? Brave women who did not bow down, aspiring to sensuality since time immemorial. Success consisted of it. Seeing her buttocks, not very suggestive but sufficiently fleshy to invite desire, or her breasts, oval, perfectly placed, large, falling slightly due to gravity, firm from her youth still clinging to her body, were extremely desirable, disappearing through the bathroom door.


    ...

 374. familiar

    John Hendricks looked over the list of orders coming from Lux Animation. Contrary to initial thoughts, there was no merger. Instead, it was one of the most significant partnerships, with sensible and well-founded proposals. They struck deals with two universities, Stanford and Johns Hopkins, yet they continually sought to increase their pace with research and donations from various places.


    The most crucial task was renewing contracts with the BBC and trying to launch an intriguing new reality show called "The Last Survivor." The idea was to showcase challenges, strength, and the impossible. Billy mentioned they needed an expert, someone charismatic who would dive in without fear.


    Following that was a program about superstructures, dedicated to the greatest human constructions and their histories. At least 20 episodes would cover everything from Machu Picchu to the Great Wall of China, with a special episode on New York''s buildings, including the Empire State and the Twin Towers. It was revealing once more��not a novel idea, but few dared to invest in such ventures.


    Thus, he made a quick trip to New York City to meet with Johnny Smith, who was in charge of BBC Worldwide. Alongside this, he contacted several good producers to assist with different programs, from ��Water,�� ��Earth,�� ��Mammals,�� ��Endangered Species,�� to ��Monkeys.�� Handling this workload with Discovery''s resources wasn��t straightforward.


    Wiping away non-existent sweat, he took a deep breath. It was time to work; time waited for no one. He sent a voice message before entering the meeting.  Mark, start looking for the chosen people for ��The Last Survivor�� program as soon as possible. The idea is in my office, organized in the new projects cabinet. I have many ideas.


    If one were to describe John Hendricks�� appearance, it would be as someone made for his position. He looked good in a suit, but on a safari, he had the air of an executive. As a president who sold his company, he should have had a problem, but he never had firm control; everything was in the hands of the BBC, and even now, he was moving mountains.


    -Long time no see, Johnny,- Hendricks said.


    -I can''t deny we''re right�� after the sale, I thought negotiations soured,- Johnny commented.


    -They did, but I can''t refuse. You decided to sell. I can''t deny I''m upset, but the work continues, and I have a bold new boss who has surprised me greatly,- Hendricks replied.


    His voice betrayed his anger.


    ***


    Billy organized his thoughts�� he had to visit his grandparents after a long time. In a pretentious air of defeat, he managed to express exhaustion. His grandfather suffered from dementia, something that broke him. He trusted no one and nothing with such a sensitive issue, something that could cause deep pain in his heart.


    He heard the bathroom door open; Monica was wearing a black mask.


    -Want some of this mask?- asked the dark-haired woman.


    -That would be nice,- Billy replied, giving her a gentle kiss. �CA kiss for me and one for you.-


    Monica began applying the facial cream to Billy��s face with a black brush. In small kisses, the black cream spread across Billy��s face. Care was necessary for people, and without much space between them, Billy could see that Monica was someone to take care of, someone affectionate, very different from what they usually did.


    -Do you want to make some money? - Billy asked.


    - What��s it about? - Monica inquired.


    -Voice dubbing. We��re dubbing a TV series, and you can be a part of it. The pay is $2,000 per episode, and there are 23 episodes of the series Hercules. The actress who did the dubbing for Meg won��t be doing her part... so I need you! That��s $48,000. - Billy explained.


    -Sure, I can do it, - Monica replied, smiling as she enjoyed the idea.


    -Tomorrow, you��ll go into the studio. Before that, we��ll buy your gym clothes so we can go together, and then we��ll head to work. - Billy said.


    Monica smiled and gave him another kiss, followed by another.


    -Dinner is ready, gentlemen, - Chef Garduf announced. He was a specialist in Spanish and Italian cuisine, who had come to cook for Billy and Monica in the evenings. He came four days a week and was currently in a trial period. Monica wanted to create a high-end Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, and she and Billy had devised a plan where each dish was a trial period.


    -We have to go eat, my love, - Monica said.


    ***


    For Anne Hall, the last week had been an endless stream of work; most of her activities were all about work.


    -It��s almost eight, - she said to herself. It was time to leave.


    She passed by, not giving herself much time, until she saw the lights on in Anna Washington��s studio, filled with papers, visible through the glass.


    -Anna, good evening, - Anne greeted.


    -Boss, what��s up? - Anna asked.


    -Nothing, it��s just very late to keep working. Being one of Jim��s key hands, it must be very important for you to stay so late. Let me take you out to eat, - Anne Hall suggested.


    Reports were everywhere. Anna Washington handled all the fine details for the new children��s channel. Among the many challenges, she had to optimize production schedules to align with the plans, schedules, and publications of the respective companies, along with managing payments, releases, and, of course, reporting eventualities. Constant reports were sent amidst the meetings.


    -I think I have too much to do, - Anna hesitated.


    -Come on, you need the fresh air just as I did at one point. I��ll talk to Jim about the work halt�� although it might not seem like it, this company is driven by a workaholic culture. People think Billy doesn��t sleep a single day, constantly working on his numerous comics, series, folders, organizational charts, and of course, manuals for TV series, video games, and companies�� that��s the drive he gives everyone to develop themselves, - Anne Hall said, smiling as she extended her hand.


    A giant animation company rests on the shoulders of many people. They see a huge animation company but forget the 500 employees that make up the company. Everyone works towards a purpose, and the company becomes a part of their lives. It��s not just Anna; it��s also Jack, who leaves every day at five to pick up his kids from school and meticulously reviews footage during his work hours. Or Rallan Murphy, who works even when he doesn��t have to, allowing him to buy a house, albeit with half the mortgage still to pay. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That might be true, - Anna said, her smile lighting up her face. Anna was a typical 39-year-old administrative worker, slightly overweight (though only she thought so), with minimal makeup and messy hair�� she only changed for special occasions.


    ...

 375. abrasion

    October 23.


    Billy started attending the Golden Warriors'' games regularly with Steve Parks. The coliseum needed some improvements, but it was sufficient to observe the overall functioning of the team. It lacked a bit of growth in both sports appeal and advertising.


    The stadium had something special about it, but it required a lot of work. The stands were partially filled, and he couldn��t deny the lack of a championship and the recent move had resulted in a shortage of local fans.


    -For now, the sale hasn��t been finalized. The best we can do is wait a bit. We��re closing our��-


    The basketball team purchase of the Golden State Warriors was another shocking move, along with a second-division team. Lux Sports expanded its reach by buying the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team. There are two new teams, one for basketball and one for soccer. Gregg Popovich, considered one of the best coaches, became successful after leaving the Golden State Warriors. However, Billy��s knowledge was minimal beyond some ideas about key figures. They now needed a coach who could enhance the players'' abilities or improve the team��s overall performance.


    - We need a strong coach who can choose someone with enough strength to improve the teams, - Billy remarked.


    - Buying players, maybe? - Steve Parks suggested.


    -Engaging in such activities is not good; it��s simply annoying�� I prefer to bet on young talent, those who have the potential to stand out above the rest, - Billy responded.


    He thought of Kobe, someone he wanted for his team, a man with enough strength to be the advertising edge for the next fifteen years. With a good design, he could create a championship team. He knew Kobe��s strength in training and self-improvement, but he couldn��t enter the pre-selection this year.


    Therefore, the only options were to bet on young talent, improve infrastructure, hire a good coach, invest in Kobe, stabilize the company��s finances, and enhance the company��s social appeal. The first was to leverage local support, and the second was to improve facilities, invest in different personnel, and enhance the commercial image.


    -Do you have a good sports advisor and a good financial advisor?- Billy asked.


    -We��re looking to hire some good names. However, time and space are limited. Nevertheless, you have a great idea of hiring assistant coaches to train young novices. Creating a youth team could be fantastic,- Steve Parks commented.


    -Money and money��- Billy whispered.


    -We can extend the payment to 1996, at the end of the season, and bet on the San Francisco 49ers,- Steve Parks suggested, seeing more popularity in American football teams than in the basketball league.


    The game ended with the Golden Warriors'' defeat. Billy��s success was overshadowed by the loss and his insensitivity, his facade completely serious. People who don��t smile are frankly less approachable, making others hesitant to approach them. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    $112 million��that''s the total revenue generated by Sev7n. Despite the bleak expectations from all involved, critics received it with a genuinely polarized reaction, marked by various complaints. Yet, during Halloween, kids aged 12 to 15 would sneakily watch the R-rated film, laughing behind the scenes.


    Alongside the critique, praise highlighted Billy''s outstanding performance, showcasing a new level of acting prowess. The public didn''t yet recognize Billy''s triumph with Jerry, but no one could deny that their performances were among the best in history.


    -We need to capitalize on this momentum, - remarked Cameron Crowe, noticing the surge in publicity caused by Billy, just two months before the launch of Jerry Maguire.


    -Not much. The kid already told us he''d be releasing two animated films from his company and would actively participate in the publicity to boost the February season, - commented James Lawrence Brooks, who had a significant influence working with Billy. Besides, he wasn''t worried; the young man would distribute the film and also have a 20% stake in production investment, over the 15% distribution cost of the box office. It was enough to motivate the young man to strive.


    A price James considered acceptable for his production company, Gracie Films, which produced The Simpsons. He liked business, and with Billy''s professional demeanor, he was willing to include him in his next project, "As Good as It Gets," a film that had been on his mind since he saw the young man''s potential. If Jerry Maguire was as powerful as he initially thought, he would invite the young man and, of course, Cuba Gooding Jr., the new acting revelation.


    -I''ll call him and ask him to attend a celebration party with some journalists�� it could soften the critics. It''s no secret he has certain enemies in the industry, - James muttered to himself, but Cameron eyed him keenly.


    -What do you mean? - Cameron asked.


    -It''s an open secret, but Billy''s meteoric rise has irked people in the industry. His animation company is one of the best at the moment, and some deals ended in true failures or hit a turning point with Warner. In business terms, he has a total war relationship, with little time to respond, yet the company keeps growing. Now he''s venturing into film, with his TV production company growing at an unprecedented rate, causing discomfort due to the few favors he has asked for. He''s unpredictable for the industry, breaking the equilibrium even more with his new partner, Steven Spielberg,- James explained.


    -Among other things, his recent comic production has also taken a hit, - James concluded.


    -Wow�� I never thought anything could forge itself like this behind the scenes. Is that why you were hesitant to cooperate with the kid initially? Every time I think things are straightforward, I''m surprised again. Don��t tell me more�� you know I hate these political dealings in the industry. I''ll be with my wife, playing the fun but boring guy who leaves at nine because he''s worried about getting up early the next day, - Cameron responded, weary of Hollywood''s surprises.


    Exhausted and troubled by Billy''s situation, Cameron decided to put it aside, now seeing the malice in Hollywood. A small pang of regret for Billy''s relevant struggles��if only they would let him grow and support him, perhaps Hollywood wouldn��t stagnate for a few years; growth and free competition.


    -Are we watching the game on Sunday? - Cameron asked before leaving, his tall figure and long, messy black hair standing out as he exited the room.


    ...

 376. ordering.

    Pixar was eager and buzzing with anticipation. Their latest success with  hadn''t fully settled in, and the new strategy for creating publicity was underway: producing short animated clips, each about a minute long, showcasing both previously released and upcoming films.


    With his foresight and extensive knowledge, Billy embarked on creating some of the most famous shorts, featuring the squirrel from , as well as characters from  and . Each short included two summaries of random stories and was released on Lux Animation and Universal''s channels, as well as in cinemas before the main feature.


    -Hahaha... this is wonderful, - remarked John Lasseter, wrapping up the latest  projects. The prospect of the original team releasing the second part of  excited the evolution of a new series. This represented a leap in animation, from translucent objects, improved character movement, enhanced image quality, and expanded shots, such as deep shots, long shots, and general shots. Achieving this level of advancement was something few companies could match, though the cost was substantial. Investing in software development was significant, and updating Pixar Studios was planned after releasing at least three films, especially in terms of shot quality and image improvements. This was slated for 2000, coinciding with the schedule for .


    -Surviving was tough, but this film is pure art. I bet it will be a bigger success than . We will dethrone the Mouse House in a month and be crowned the best in 3D animation globally. I believe after this film, many companies will want to buy our Pixar studio, - declared John Lasseter, admiring . Unlike the film developed by Blue Sky, the snow, human, and animal developments were top-notch.


    The 24 licenses sold for a total of $8 million. This was undoubtedly a great opportunity to continue improving the investment system and possibly acquire some companies or develop advancements. The plan was to purchase a stake in Adobe next year, especially since Adobe had acquired Photoshop in March after a fierce battle for the system.


    -Don''t bother me, - muttered Ed Catmull, a bit fed up with John Lasseter''s enthusiastic greed. Ed felt his hair turning white as clouds every time John came in raving about the project''s brilliance. Bonuses were expected by the end of February, with everyone thinking about the excellent box office performance and the potential $400,000 in their pockets. The senior employees were particularly looking forward to their bonuses, a value set for the 20 longest-serving members who had always collaborated with Pixar, driven by a shared dream and concrete goal.


    The bonus and benefits system had three tiers, negotiated so far by Randal McArthur and Billy, who feared one thing: unions.


    -Oh come on, I''m very happy. You can''t deny that the new project gives everyone in the room goosebumps, - said John Lasseter.


    -I''ve got goosebumps, - replied Ed Catmull.


    They arrived early, with Randal McArthur also present alongside Gary LeGuisame, the new project leader recommended by the team for his dedication and creative animation development. However, the stars of the show were still missing: George Lucas and Billy Carson.


    They were there to discuss a topic that would be the sensation of the decade: Pixar''s first animated series. A true star of publication with at least 30 episodes and an astronomical budget yet to be calculated, the risk was crucial. The aim was not only to improve Pixar''s technical system to develop various spaces and materials, such as outer space, stars, and lightsabers but also to invest heavily. The series would be taken from a drawer, set 10 years before , aiming to immerse fans in an unknown universe and build ownership over , centered on the secret story of Sheev Palpatine and his path to the dark side.


    -John, sorry I''m late! - Billy commented as he saw everyone anxiously gathered around the table, checking their watches. He wasn''t late, just ten minutes early. It seemed everyone was so anxious about these nine projects.


    -Our dear George Lucas is still missing - Ray Alvy remarked.


    -I managed to see the previews of the  shorts; they are magnificent... Is it too ambitious to ask for one more before December? - Billy inquired.


    -Maybe January. Right now, everyone is swamped; many people have focused their energy on this project, while others are balancing on a knife''s edge, adapting the second part of . I foresee a lot of work in the coming months. Perhaps we can make time for November 1996 at the earliest. For now, we should consider hiring more people who are eager to join us and clean up the schedule - John Lasseter responded.


    -Done. How many do we need? I can invest $10 million now and another $10 million in February - Billy stated.


    This left everyone at the table once again amazed.


    The eyes turned to Randal, who was responsible for these administrative tasks.


    -I''ll review the accounts and adjust the interviews. I have several applications for the software and video game teams. This will free up space for more projects - Randal said.


    -Mr. Lucas is at reception - the secretary informed Randal from the office entrance.


    ***


    Apple was on the brink of collapse. Billy managed to refine the Mac technology gift for Asian models, but the CEO''s insistence led to an early dismissal by Billy. A positive aspect was that Motorola technologies wouldn''t have the entire operating system, just small parts. A negative point was the CEO''s hasty call to the media, which only served to further damage Apple. The 35% was insufficient for Billy to achieve the necessary advancement power.


    The Vanguard Group, supporting Michael Splinter, was somewhat furious. Among the main issues was that market expansion sought to leverage advantages in the Chinese market, which was outside Apple''s purview.


    -It''s unacceptable that I was fired over this. The future lies in the Chinese markets, and the licensing fees we gain could make for a timely investment - Michael Splinter remarked.


    -You have 35% of the shares; at least $198 million is needed to acquire your position - Howard, a member of Vanguard Group, commented. Moreover, Billy had already taken the company''s fate to the board after numerous media outlets began covering various companies regarding licenses, including piracy, mass production, and low packaging prices for competitors. Michael''s market was trivial, but Michael was wealthy, having made his fortune at Apple. The pressure was evident. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -They''re nepotistic. That kid was doing a perfect job; my plan was clear. We were about to create something fantastic - Michael Splinter sighed, holding a glass.


    -Now you need to worry about other matters - Howard replied.


    -Like what news?


    It''s not the news, but your position caused a drop in the shares. The group is displeased and wants you to retract. By the way, you allowed Billy Carson to expand his already closed share group by 6%. It creates a problem because, since 1994, his position suggests he wants Apple for himself - Howard commented.


    Michael took a deep breath.


    -I''ll make the retraction! How possible is that? - Howard asked.


    -I have no idea, but several groups are selling their positions, and Billy Carson is buying. We had an idea with Apple, but it seems like old news. Even group members are considering selling; perhaps Intel, Nokia, or Motorola will be next - Howard said, creating a complete mess.


    The ignorance was evident. Steve Jobs held 4%, along with BlackRock supporting Jobs'' return, believing that despite Jobs'' compromised management, it was lucrative. This meant Billy held 66%, and with an additional 5%, he would have 70% of the shares needed to declare the company private. From various perspectives, it wasn��t ideal but was meant to preempt the company''s decline in value.


    ...

 377. opium.

    October 26.


    9:00 pm.


    The process has been relentless since Warner and Disney joined forces with a fixed idea to fragment the Lux Animation audience. Now, the ultimate alliance is divided into two factions. Firstly, Warner has felt the repercussions as some media outlets have ceased their critical coverage since Billy, using his legal team, has categorized the companies on multiple fronts, including lawsuits for various adverse situations and journalistic malpractice.


    A battle for power!


    On the other hand, Disney attempted to pressure Lux Animation, but their efforts were thwarted by manipulation. Billy leaked the news to the papers about ABC and Disney''s failure due to high costs and overexploitation. The newspapers labeled it "the acquisition that precedes a downfall."


    -We��ve shut down Disney - Sarah Robles commented, clapping hands with Billy, while Andrew Simpson, the media liaison, was by her side, and Billy stood behind them.


    -Alright, alright�� now let��s move on to the next scandal. We need to treat this as the final nail in the coffin. The stock market will crumble with Disney. We already have the position. We��ll announce that Miramax��s problems with Disney, and many of the precedents, might entirely block Disney��s exit. They reported their dividends in September, and there was a decline. If we add new grievances, we��ll only publish our movies in competition with Warner - Billy stated. S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Given the negative outlook, what remained unspoken was that Disney��s stock would drop to a historic low of $3 if they delayed their dividend distribution until February. Billy knew this would happen. Not only with the children��s channel but also with the additional trap of Miramax��s acquisition. Mandated by Miramax��s members, a quiet negotiation would take place, followed by a public lawsuit with Jeffrey Katzenberg and raising doubts about Michael Ovitz��s hiring.


    The impact would be catastrophic, which is exactly what Billy needed, as he had secretly incited others to attack the company from different fronts.


    Any doubts? How to attack Warner? For now, Warner is solid. Despite its debt, it is strong enough to withstand a frontal attack. However, if Warner can be crushed in other ways, such as through its beloved Hanna-Barbera, it could create a personal victory. Perhaps that��s why he��ll first target them.


    Let��s go for it!


    7:00 PM.


    Billy walked through the halls of the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, accompanied by the elegantly dressed Monica Bellucci in a white dress adorned with Hawaiian flowers, while Billy sported a beach style. It was the first time Billy appreciated the warm Californian desert climate.


    -Billy. �C


    -Billy. �C


    The cameras flashed intensely as the media approached Billy, and for the first time, he was seen as unusually open in conversation.


    -Good evening, everyone - Billy said.


    -Billy, what do you think of this film? - asked a reporter.


    -It��s a children��s film. I wrote the script myself, created the classic drawings, and have a stable team with ample experience in delivering quality. I can only say that you will all love it�� as many know, our market is for all audiences, but this one especially targets a younger audience, with comedy, fun, and morals - Billy replied.


    -You��re adding a success - the journalist beside him commented.


    -I only create successes - Billy retorted with arrogance. Nobody said anything. Since he arrived in Hollywood, there have been no failures�� thus, fear and the system of errors did not apply to the young man speaking.


    But there are always daring ones.


    -Do you guarantee a success? - the journalist questioned.


    -You already have your front page - Billy said, turning his back.


    was a hit for the following 92 minutes. The next morning, everyone sat in silence, reading the numerous reviews. Each marked a new dawn for the company, which continued to reshape the animation world. Without offense or provocation, Billy simply continued to succeed.


    The space theme, addressing a general topic, was based on the affection of an author like Elvis. Part of the budget was allocated to this, with $3 million spent on acquiring the twelve songs needed for the soundtrack.


    Rob Drenster from Dakota Mountain News:


    An entertaining and (three cheers) modest film that avoids most of the blockbuster trimmings that have been choking animated productions in recent years. It''s a breath of fresh air, with no rehashes, as Lux Animation once again revolutionizes the field, from 3D to giant robots in the Cold War, with stories featuring uniquely rare characteristics.


    Ted Cho from Chicago Reader:


    Smart, touching, and completely enchanting�� kids will line up to see it, as will the parents.


    Ransis Corliss from Time:


    A dazzling and engaging treat with half a dozen Elvis Presley songs for mom and dad, and enough cheekiness (Stitch sticks his tongue in his nose and eats his boogers) to make preteens laugh, and then it''s sweet and lovely for all kids.


    Russell Hunt from Austin Chronicle:


    This film is by no means a classic in absolute artistic terms, but as a reaffirmation of all the forgotten truths, it is a resounding success.


    Jim Falk from BBC:


    Touching, funny, and quirky�� the most anticipated for kids this Christmas, premiering on October 30th, in a curious calendar amidst the constant horror films surrounding the season.


    Bruce West from Houston Daily:


    While they diligently tug at the heartstrings, Lux Animation directors continue to bravely refine their mix of strong character traits.


    Eli Sanders from San Diego News:


    Despite the weighty themes involved, this film remains highly entertaining, filled with Elvis songs and scenes that will make both parents and children laugh.


    Jeane Horwitz from the Washington Post:


    Fresh and rainbow-like as a Hawaiian sun shower at midday, Elvis is fantastic!


    Daphne Wright from Toronto Star:


    With its feel-good plot, superior art direction, and memorable characters,  could very well become one of those timeless Disney classics, one that will endure for decades and never lose its charm.


    Randall Rodriguez from Miami Herald:


    Both endearing and fun,  is proof that Disney should break its own rules more often.


    ��.


    -I��ve bought a few more - Jim Gianopulos told Billy, somewhat moved by the numerous reviews he saw around him. The result was evident with two simple stars of knowledge: the first, Jim was eager about the company''s success.


    -I��ve done it. Now we just need to keep moving forward. Anne mentioned there were some challenges with the animated program - Billy said.


    -An initial problem. The situation will stabilize - Jim Gianopulos commented.


    ...

 378. denials.

    Among the many places to direct fan disappointment was the ending of , a moment that left many followers feeling disillusioned. The end of the movie was a departure from everything  represented, with Billy already working on the next installment, featuring Sakuragi/Will as the clueless rookie.


    Without wasting more time, the story of a rookie joining the Slam Dunk league was unfolding.


    -It ended suddenly - whispered Kevin Durant, one of the best basketball players of his promotion, still forgotten. Without giving himself space, he re-read the manga in his hands. His entire basketball team was there, each holding their manga, while others gathered nearby to read together.


    The most-read manga in the history of Lux Animation, with 3.3 million sales in its initial release, did not last long, but comic sales were projected at two million copies. However, the factory kept printing, and now the budget is projected at eight million. With numerous orders, including only the American market, it might become the best-selling comic of all time.


    -How magnificent is the basketball world - commented Pierce, a member of the basketball team.


    -Lazy worms, we have a game to play, and you better play with all the dedication required for such quality work - said the coach, with his usual harsh, stern, and strong voice.


    The magical world of  remained etched in the eyes of all children as "the basketball world is a place few truly understand," with its intense ending and the tears of the victorious team. Few could grasp both triumph and defeat.


    Journalists say that now people have new stars in their game, adapting to the new culture, and connecting with something as familiar as the basketball world. The main team has it all: first, a great defensive center with the spirit to be a captain, though lacking the strength of other competitors. He is weak and often loses but is the glue that holds everyone together. The second position features tactical players: a great point guard with excellent hand skills, and his Puerto Rican roots, along with a problematic kid with a great three-point shot, an expert in triples.


    A star who carries the team on his shoulders and dreams only of basketball, and a great dunker who jumps as high as the gods demand but fails. The result is that children want to be like the manga characters. A study shows that basketball circuit sales increased by 20%, participants by 20%, and the game among children by another 30%.


    Street teams emerge neighborhood teams are born, new academies, and new basketball tournaments arise.


    ***


    -It��s the end of , but also the end of  and  - Billy told Anne Hall, who was frankly astonished by leaving behind three of the best-selling series.


    -Wait, isn��t that logical? How is it possible to do this so quickly? - Anne said, clearly upset, about three of the best series, those that had sold millions of copies.


    -I��m blocked with  - Billy replied.


    Anne��s jaw dropped completely�� of course! He needed inspiration to continue his series. Without it, the quality of the comics might completely decline. However, under the agreement of failure, they can continue.


    -That��s why I want to focus on these comics and advance. Over the last few days, I��ve been drawing 10-hour days. We still have 20 chapters left... and I��m confident that the new Yu-Gi-Oh card series will stand out. But now there��s a ��real�� manga in your sights. The best place to continue with basketball mangas, a true delicate work of art. Billy��s impressionism has infused mangas like , , , , , , , , and . An impressionistic reality of high level, but , , , and ... have an impressive level of realism.


    Billy doesn��t want to admit it, but he has found that he prefers hyperrealism above all. It challenges him, and that��s why , a work of at least 90 chapters, has been a monumental task for Billy. The first chapter contains some of the highest drawing standards from periods of 1 to 5 hours per page. And he can��t deny that the challenge makes him want to keep drawing. All the drawing is done in such a way that upon publication... it might win an award.


    -Don��t get all worked up... I have a surprise - Billy said, extending his hands to hand over the manga of .


    The design and drawing were so magnificent that Anne could see how the manga perfectly complemented its title.


    -You��ve taken hyper-realism to the extreme. I��m curious if it��s meant to respond to a tragic real-life story... how magnificent and challenging it is - commented Anne.


    -We��ll use a new type of printing for this. Laser printing - Billy said. - This will replace the  manga, but I can��t draw as quickly as we did the first time. It��s complicated, but it took me 4 days, working non-stop to shape it.


    Billy approached Anne, and she shifted uncomfortably. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Well, I think you could win the Pulitzer if you keep working the way you are - Anne commented. The story even had a poetic method, something uncommon and in some cases mixed with an unexpected power of poetry and strength.


    -I��ll probably win the Nobel Prize for Literature - Billy joked.


    The pure and revolutionary drawing style is completely different from common comics. Anne says it seriously; it requires a lot of effort, and the Pulitzer is on its way. People tend to go to the store and buy Billy��s mangas with pleasure. Now they can be sold in complete book packs, possibly bought in bulk. By the end of , Billy improved everything about the comic: the story, script, characters, art, and emotional depth.


    -We��ll make the pack. I want to sell at least 50,000 copies in the next two years. However, it��s a foolish fantasy. Cartoon Network has the license and hasn��t done a good job. Five years and they haven��t improved the program��s design at all. If we had the technology, the series would be sold in astronomical quantities - Billy replied.


    ***


    The end of  had journalists in an uproar when they read the premise that the last manga unexpectedly marked the end of the great-selling series. Everything happened so quickly for those who wanted more and more, but it was logical. It was impossible to have detail��the series had been finished from beginning to end, with a tragic route. For readers.


    -It��s over - murmured Betty Cohen, disagreeing about the possible consequences, staring at the contract. She would have to maintain the development of  always in optimal quality, but funding was low. The program insisted on significant benefits from toys, but the bosses wanted more money for two reasons: to sustain Hanna-Barbera and expand the animator network.


    A minor pain was the particular problem of satisfying everyone in the company.


    -Madam, we received a letter from Lux Animation stating that Warner has breached the terms of the  and  contracts - Paula Sullen commented.


    Now the game of lawsuits was beginning to be seen by Warner. The first lawsuit was for a disproportionate amount of revenue payments, taxed at double, along with interest. The second lawsuit was for the lack of quality in the comic��s image from 1990 to 1995, along with a third for brand damage due to delivering a product of poor quality, with a penalty clause of 10% of Warner��s earnings for contract breach.


    A forgotten sheet on her desk illuminated her mind. In 1992, Billy had sent a half-price subscription for his Autodesk service, as he did year after year. The latest arrived at the beginning of the year, which she rejected due to lack of funding. It was better to invest in skilled personnel.


    The law firm McKenzie & Kirkland & Ellis, Lewis & Associates, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, at the seal caused discomfort in Betty��s stomach. The amount for the first lawsuit was $670 million. A multimillion-dollar lawsuit, the second was for the reprint of the last 30 chapters, along with the cessation of the series... the third was 10% of the earnings, amounting to $580 million. Just before, strange maneuvers apparently, Warner acquired Turner Broadcasting, but not just acquire��merging the already closely related entities.


    -She has learned about corporate warfare - Betty commented, sitting down, completely exhausted.


    No one in their right mind sues a big company unless they have the fighting power. ��The question is, how long has this strategy been in the making to cause such a severe blow?�� In 1993, Warner��s financial statements were made public, all accounting books, and now a lawsuit is synonymous with a disastrous trial due to the amount. The first instance will be the California court, followed by the national court, and finally, the Supreme Court if it comes to that. In terms of amount, nothing different could be another form.


    ...

 379. orchid gifts.

    November 4.


    -When someone attacks, someone can counterattack, but sometimes the war needs to be played out, and it��s a long game. The longer the game is played, the more is gained. However, Billy''s lawsuit should have been filed after the stock market exploded with its AOL merger. However, the time for the lawsuit could not be extended further, as his next steps in the Cold War could not be retracted. A Cold War that merely causes more problems is not the starting point. For now, the lawsuit remains unknown to the public and all those around him.


    -Damn it�� - Terry Semel shouted, slamming his desk so forcefully that everything on it was knocked over in a surge of frustration, creating a commotion in his own office.


    He needed to calm down and think things through! The lawyers had already scheduled a venue and adapted to the problem, but the entire situation was calculated as a powerful lawsuit, with a 60% chance of losing. The kid had paid three gigantic teams and promised a share of the winnings for victories��this was an open secret. The legion of lawyers, accountants, and numerous experts�� it was rumored that the case had been shown to at least 200 people, including several accountants and experts employed by Warner��s firm. This widespread involvement had stirred up an improbable sense of harassment among many people.


    -Sir, you have a board meeting to attend. - commented his secretary, a beautiful blonde with blue eyes and a seductive smile, who was unfazed by the chaos and disorder anticipated.


    A lawsuit of this magnitude cannot be ignored. Some even consider that his leadership as head alongside Bob Daly is ineffective, especially when pushing things to the limit with someone who could have been a great partner.


    The table was set, with the agenda, and key unions of all existing records.


    Gerald Levin: President and CEO of Time Warner


    Ted Turner: Vice President of Time Warner


    Richard D. Parsons: President of Time Warner


    J. Michael Fuchs: President of HBO


    Bob Daly: Chairman and Co-CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment


    Terry Semel: Chairman and Co-CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment


    Barry Meyer: Corporate Director of Time Warner. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was the board meeting held in the Warner Bros. Studios halls��a complex and contentious meeting with aggressive options that could not be denied. The previous meeting discussing the merger and acquisition was not the only item on the agenda.


    -First, let��s address the unpleasant issue that concerns us and how we must address it without compromising ourselves. �C said Gerald Levin. �C We have a lawsuit for $1 billion, and this is no game. If we lose, the debt could rise for two simple reasons. First, one of the petitions demands that we improve the quality of our series.


    Terry took a deep breath and attended with the seriousness required of him as President of Warner Bros., and as Hanna-Barbera, under his charge, should be in the role of producing. But the peculiar thing is that the lawsuit is not against Warner but against Hanna-Barbera, which holds the rights to MGM, acquired some time ago, including , , and ... their favorable series. It implies that if they lose, they could either pay the price or hand over Hanna-Barbera with all its rights... which would spell the end of the animated channels.


    This was the fury that the kid had audaciously directed at Hanna-Barbera, not at Warner.


    -I hate the way things are unfolding. But the kid��s intentions are clear. �C commented Ted Turner, who had known his wife for some time. He found the young man sensible, which is why, given the character assessment, he could propose a strategy to negotiate an early settlement.


    -Do you think he will agree to a settlement? �C asked Ted Turner.


    -He won��t. �C Barry Meyer, the Corporate Director of Warner, said firmly. �C It turns out that in recent years, we��ve had 14 legal battles with Billy Carson, of which we still have three ongoing lawsuits�� The corporate strategy at that time was to absorb the collapse of Lux Animation after its downfall, but that never happened. In this period, we��ve had around 24 broken negotiations with Warner, and in total, we��ve lost 4 lawsuits, with six being balanced and one fully won. The other three are expected to have a balanced outcome. There is a precedent cited six months ago approved by a judge in the case Warner vs. Lux Animation (contractual disputes). Curiously, the case was balanced, but the judge ruled that the negotiation agreement was manipulated as a delaying clause. There is a precedent, and I fear that if we delay this time, there could be repercussions. �C Barry commented.


    -Smiling at Terry, his eyes were fixed on the Warner Bros. CEO position��where he had been for some time.


    -Would we be willing to sacrifice Hanna-Barbera? �C asked Richard D. Parsons. �C I understand we quickly set up a contract to form Cartoon Network Productions, to offload Hanna-Barbera. I made an estimate, and its commercial value is $300 million. But if we consider the licenses and other relevant factors, we''re talking about an average of $600 million at most, stretching the company��s commercial value to its limit.


    -Of course, if it��s not decided, commercial solidarity. �C commented the attorney present. Everyone turned to look at him, from another major law firm.


    -Could you explain, attorney? �C asked Gerald Levin.


    -Well, it��s true that the lawsuit is directed at Hanna-Barbera, at least initially. But in the second instance, the contractual responsibility falls on Warner Bros. We cannot separate one from the other �C the attorney said firmly.


    ***


    -We have the ratings for the first weekend. �C said Jim Gianopulos.


    -We have them. We earned $29.8 million in the first weekend, but this could increase. According to the reviews, the data, and the kids'' attitudes, I believe toy sales will be double the usual�� �C Raimon sighed. �C I think we can now call this series a success, one of the best starts of the year.  had $24.4 million on its opening weekend, and final sales were $232 million, but the momentum wasn��t the same. This time, do you think they can break the $300 million barrier, only surpassed by the first ?


    The stars trembled. Billy��s absence to participate in the  tour across different U.S. capitals led to a process of expanding the network with his many friends, and one more guest appearance yesterday. It was George Lucas��s turn. They shared a space and many secrets at the Toronto cinema.


    -I like everything that��s happening at the company. �C Jim commented, that the euphoria of success is contagious, and if you start proposing your ideas, it could be magnificent.


    -I have an idea�� you can review it! �C Jim asked.


    -You want to create a film festival. �C Raimon asked, eyes wide open. Creating an animated film festival is complete madness. However, it��s impossible; production costs are extremely high.


    -They are. And that��s what I fear most�� Graduating salaries are not something anyone likes. That��s why it��s impossible, it��s not like independent films, which need some other people. Even if we make animated shorts, the quality cannot be as good as an independent film. Studios would have to spend at least $10 million, but there��s the problem��this price cannot be independent �C Jim Gianopulos commented.


    -I think Billy might have some ideas. However, we could fund animated shorts for future series. And propose a lucrative award, along with a job. Maybe if done through universities as final theses, we could achieve something incredible. �C Raimon commented. For now, only three schools have the resources to carry out such an application.


    -It��s still a headache. �C Jim Gianopulos said. Promoting animation, like Sundance in New York, Venice, or Cannes, is merely a passion for the medium. And of course, creation and promotion are other aspects that can emerge from being a director and deeply loving every detail.


    -I think I��d like that, but why not propose a Sundance-style festival with an animated category, in promotion? �C Raimon suggested.


    -There are plenty of problems with most solutions. Sundance''s policies are quite problematic, to say the least. �C Jim responded.


    ...

 380. participation.

    November 5.


    Billy had finished his tour; the business of sponsoring  was still in good shape. His return to San Jose gave him a great idea for continuing with the . As he continued drawing with great dedication, he looked at his reflection in the mirror, his long hair almost reaching his forehead, which didn��t bother him.


    After signing with CAA, he found Jim Wait in a better office, with a smiling and happy face, ever since , sleeping with a smile on his face.


    Their professional relationship was swift and always the same; when business was involved, they both moved quickly to the point.


    -You didn��t get the part in  and, well, they also closed for , but apparently, certain relationships are hard to calculate. There��s a certain helping hand that supports your rival. I think now they regret it, and your side is insufficient. After the success of  and your recent success with , I think those people will completely change their minds, but there are no regrets �C Jim Wait commented.


    Billy nodded. He was left with only a few high-profile movies and a deep disappointment for not landing the  role, but he agreed.


    -It doesn��t matter anymore. I want the role of Donnie Brasco for which I auditioned�� and of course, I think the character suits me spectacularly �C Billy said.


    Jim Wait remained silent��


    -They have production problems and don��t prefer you. They want to hire another actor, someone more experienced. You��re not in the plans �C Jim Wait said.


    Billy took a seat.


    -I want it! I��ve worked on the role �C Billy said.


    -I��ll do what I can �C Jim replied.


    -That��s not the question. When they don��t want you for a movie, the only thing left is to be part of it. You know I like the script. I can distribute the movie. Let��s follow the same pattern as always�� offer economic distribution, expand relationships, and have them talk to Jim Gianopulos �C Billy said.


    -I feared you��d say that �C Jim Wait responded. He wanted to say something but couldn��t. The question was whether to wait until your projects succeed.


    -What about Cameron? �C Billy asked.


    -Similarly, Billy, the production is discouraged, but they will start calling people for interviews in January �C Jim Wait said.


    -We can��t miss it. Did they send any scripts? �C Billy asked, having some knowledge about how the character should be or how it should be performed.


    -The studios are a bit�� recently there were rumors of canceling the movie �C Jim said.


    -Can we go into production? �C Billy sighed.


    It is one of the highest-grossing films in cinema history, a world record.


    -Impossible, kid. The studios can��t give up such participation �C Jim Wait said, looking at Billy��s new successes or potential failures. It��s one of the ways people find the problem between parts. According to rumors that Jim Wait managed to get about Cameron��s next movie, production costs had soared beyond the original budget, reaching approximately $200 million. The heads of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures would be concerned about the possibility of not recouping their investment.


    There was doubt; no love movie had ever surpassed $400 million, so problems were starting to arise.


    -There were problems. - Billy commented that the studios aren��t pushing.


    -It��s different, kid. That would only delay production. You pay, but the companies will generate more problems than you think �C Jim said, handing him the script he had pending and explaining the reason for the visit. It was a quick step for , another script Billy was considering. However, it was another subsidiary of Regency Agents.


    The script was explosive, and Warner��s success was over. But Billy showed up because they had already scheduled an interview, and the lawyers acted just before the interview�� everything was ready, and a complaint wasn��t necessarily what they expected.


    -I don��t think you��ll be invited to the Warner Studios �C Jim said as they continued on their way.


    -Nothing can be done except to move forward �C Billy replied.


    They both walked through the recording hallways until they reached the small space for Regency. It was a 20 by 20-meter cubicle, three floors, what many would call a matchbox. The first floor was a storage area for all recording equipment, the second floor had a narrow audition room along with reception and offices, and the third floor, the smallest, housed the bosses�� offices.


    -Do everything possible �C Jim commented, as he saw the numerous candidates. The participants�� gazes were turning towards him�� his name was famous, especially after his last film�� a major hit in the acting world.


    ***


    ID Software is one of the largest video game production companies. Despite its vast size and inertia, it has begun creating some of the best video games in history. Although it might not seem like it, their achievements are considerable.


    Every two or three months, they release different types of video games, and each release causes a significant stir. Companies are demanding numerous requirements for Billy��s games. A new actor has entered the scene. Sony and Nintendo view their competition with apprehension. Nintendo and Sony have conflicted since 1992 when Sony made multiple deals to create a disc-based console with Nintendo. However, Nintendo didn��t like the idea and completely rejected Sony, ending their relationship unilaterally after a long collaboration.


    This led Sony to create its console, a disc-reading console. Although Nintendo struck first, the PlayStation 1 was already released in Japan, and the market could expand into North America. With the stimulating position of Columbia Pictures in charge, success might come quickly.


    -A unique relationship with Sony �C Anne Hall inquired.


    -If they want to limit Nintendo��s market and allow us to release ID Software games exclusively on the PlayStation 1, with our power in the American market, it would be a significant blow �C Richard Boll responded.


    -Interests, Richard. What interests do we gain? As long as the interests are sufficient, we can sign an exclusivity contract �C Anne Hall commented.


    Interestingly, the idea of exclusive games for a console came from Billy himself when he partnered with Sony and provided the Real Engine.


    -Of course, I asked. However, they scheduled a meeting�� I thought Billy should know. After all, the boss must be involved in such policies �C Richard Boll said, knowing it could be a great victory or a significant loss, and it was not bad to confirm with the ID Software engine, the true creator of the company, which was unmatched in vision.


    -You��re right; I know little about video games �C Anne Hall replied.


    -Well, we have a meeting on November 30th �C Richard Boll commented.


    The console was released last year. Many games are available on various consoles, but the launch in America was on October 25th, and in Europe on November 25th.


    -A bit late for that; they might be planning something �C Anne whispered. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 381. Regency.

    Competing for the role of Bud White, in the special team of , a film featuring Kim Basinger in her youthful prime, as radiant as marble statues in a museum, untouched by excessive Botox��she could truly be considered a beauty. From her angular face to her siren-like gaze, she��s as seductive as the stars illuminating a dark sky.


    Billy and Jim walked through the doors of Warner, but not before stopping by the Regency Agents studio, an independent film company sponsored by Warner, with a ten-film deal nearing its end. A golden statue of Regency Agents had caught the eye of other companies like Fox, Columbia, and Universal�� all were eager to join forces with this and another company.


    Starring three detectives, Billy saw again that someone was already attached to the script��Kevin Spacey, who seemed to work tirelessly, was part of the main trio. The film boasted a special luxury team. Politics was never absent in these promotional campaigns. The first issue arose with the budget, and the second was that the script was well-received, attracting many young actors eager to be part of the movie. With a budget of 30 million, and with James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, and Kevin Spacey already on board, it was shaping up to be a stellar cast.


    -So, the fight for the two lead detective roles is, for now, the best opportunity, as long as you��re okay with the 2 million salaries they��re offering,- commented Jim Waiit.


    -Let��s do it, there��s no problem with that amount, as long as they pay on time,- Billy replied.


    The start of his voice was a delight that no one could understand; its strength lay in the system, which was slowly growing. It needed to reach 40 points for his acting ability to be considered acceptable by the standards of great actors. He didn��t have the same disposition for drawing, but over many years, it had become a force to be reckoned with, even without the system.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 37,8099


    Literature: 35,560


    Performance: 37,0500


    Points: 18,450


    -I��ll take care of that,- Jim commented, entering the small three-story studio.


    Reevaluation!


    The studio was empty, a completely different and logical move. Only those favored for the role were called in��those who could perform the part. In that scene, it is undeniable that these producers have a lot of skill.


    Arnon Milchan and Curtis Hanson promoted the role of artistic direction, which focused on the beauty of the camera and the sets, which were special for this film.


    -I��ll wait for you outside,- said Jim Waiit, taking a seat in the front reception area while fiddling with a loose thread on his wrist button, ready to fall off. The two people he least wanted to see arrived; they were part of Warner��s generous board��the frenemies of Billy Carson.


    With sunken eyes, deep circles, classic frames, and a long triangular nose, Barry Meyer had a thin and unmistakable look tied to his Jewish roots. Beside him was Paul Grant Witt, head of studio entertainment and currently coordinating with the studio on matters regarding Cartoon Network, the backdrop left by Terry Semel and Bob Daly.


    Paul was a man with a broad forehead and a crooked smile. People often criticized the smell of his breath, so he commonly used mints and cologne to mask it. He had done everything to break, but��


    -Gentlemen.-


    The newcomers were greeted with the proper formalities��a firm handshake and their incessant questions about the project.


    -We have many convictions that we can discuss with Billy once he��s out of his interview,- Barry Meyer commented. He was the type who believed that interests could outweigh conflicts. He was willing to make some concessions if he found them logical and fulfilling certain expectations. However, in practice, the Cartoon Network partnership was a valuable asset that generated significant revenue and couldn��t be overlooked. If they could introduce live-action series into their programming and complement them with animated shows, they could create a channel that surpasses Luxtoons, which currently leads in extended animated networks.


    -You can wait! I am his representative in name, but I have no voice when it comes to these matters. However, I think this isn��t the right place for this meeting. Shall we reconvene later? - Jim Waiit suggested. Billy needed time to think.


    Barry didn��t respond to his words but took a seat with a broad smile. He ignored Jim��s advice, which Jim could understand, as he had just mentioned that he had no say in this matter.


    Paul could only watch with more detachment as the ticking of the clock grew intense, causing a certain unease. This feeling wasn��t unique to him; many novice actors who aspired to join films had their nerves heightened by the clock ticking above their heads, counting down the minutes. In about twenty minutes and ten seconds, Billy emerged from the room, his implicit character in the role already impressive to some who struggled to grasp his talent.


    They thought Billy��s qualitative leap was due to his experience over the past months. The films he had made were numerous��a myth, but with a hint of truth.


    -I believe we have a conversation to catch up on, - Barry Meyer said to Billy as he stepped out, his face slightly sweaty, tie-less to better represent his role.


    Billy��s sigh raised many questions.


    ***


    Barry Meyer wasn��t going to reveal his intentions easily, so he would use cordiality to gain a certain position within the company. It wasn��t a direct attack on the CEO, but rather, he considered them incapable of keeping up with the market. They lacked what was needed to run a film company and had made serious mistakes, such as underinvesting in certain areas while engaging in public battles with other companies. This might be beneficial�� but if done in excess, it��s a sin.


    His approach began with listing everything Billy had done well in the animation industry. Visuals are just as important as the script when it comes to cartoons.


    -You should know that I have a slight conflict with those close to the case due to their bad faith. But because of that, I��m not suing��I��m demanding the breach of contract. It has cost me a lot of money, as shown by the mere filing of the lawsuit. As for why I sued Hanna-Barbera, you��re mistaken. I sued a small company to avoid further problems for Warner and, consequently, for me. What stays in-house, stays in-house. If they minimize the risk, only a few might learn of my lawsuit, - Billy commented.


    Lying blatantly, he wanted all of Hanna-Barbera��s franchises. Destroying the competition was best; it wouldn��t be long before the bubble burst. When his second strike hit Warner��s fledgling company, he might steal some good series or maybe movies with future potential��perhaps even steal New Line.


    -Very direct, just as people say. Your style suits those like us who like to seize the day�� So, you say the problem isn��t personal; it��s about the breach of contract, - Barry Meyer said, nodding. - You can hold that up. Hanna-Barbera is an important part of the studio; we wouldn��t want to lose a significant part of our small factory for children. That��s something Warner cannot and will not allow. -


    -As long as they pay the money! - Billy replied. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We won��t lose the lawsuit. -


    -Well, then there��s no need to ask me, - Billy said with a smile. This meeting had come to an end�� He could never quite see what those old men were scheming, but whenever someone from the board approached him to talk, it ended in serious problems.


    ...

 382. rest.

    November 6.


    The longstanding reputation of the company fueled the success of Lilo & Stitch, and for the first time, without a visible competitor causing trouble. The rivalry between companies had diminished Lux Animation, and now, with the shadow of a rival left behind, the fruits of success were evident. Following a $27 million opening in the first week, the film reached $49 million, easily covering the minimum profit margins. Now, everything was profitable, and the machinery began to run at full speed.


    Due to this success, the Lewis family was already being approached to participate in adapting the  series. The licensing price had started at $1.5 million, a respectable amount, and it was expected to reach $5 million as the animation phases progressed.


    -We have twenty-four days to release . The process is still a hassle, - Billy murmured from his office. Monica was there, as beautiful as a swan, clasping her hands over Billy��s comics. She had only started recently, but she devoured as many as she could each day. She was fascinated by what Billy created, his talent surpassing any writer or director she had ever known.


    It excited her.


    -I like ,  - Monica remarked, smiling as she opened the door. Standing there was Billy��s supposed best friend��clumsy, shy, and talkative�� but, according to Billy, intelligent and very capable at his job.


    -I��m going to grab an herbal tea, - Monica said, leaving Billy��s office. She wore a short skirt, and high-heeled sandals that reached almost to her knees, and her walk, combined with the black blouse she wore, was enchanting. Even Billy��s bodyguards couldn��t help but gaze at the boss��s beautiful woman��she was a delicious gem.


    -I think you��ve outdone yourself this time, - Raimon commented.


    -What are you talking about? -Billy replied.


    -. What a deadly dark story. We��re only 20 chapters in, but I see so many secrets. Even the animators are hooked�� it��s the next  for the company, - Raimon remarked.


    -Do you want the sneak peeks? - Billy asked.


    Raimon��s lip quivered.


    -Ahahahaha, you��re awful. I feel like reading ahead is going to cost me something I can��t afford, - Raimon said.


    There��s truth in his words, but he��s completely wrong. It��s not that it costs anything; it��s the fact that Billy needs to play the politics within his company to surprise his enemies. Now, using the remaining bullets in his chamber of ideas, he��s preparing to use one he��s been reluctant to deploy: secretly promoting Warner as the biggest film company while sweeping the lawsuit under the rug, making it a public fact in name only.


    -You can read it, don��t worry, -{ Billy said, taking a seat while continuing his writing. He planned to release 10 chapters of the  manga consecutively in one week and equalize  with ��meaning he had to publish 30 chapters by the end of the month.


    Raimon grabbed the comic, from volumes 28 to 33��they were his new companions in discovering how incredible this series was. Billy had filled in gaps and improved everything from the artwork to the manga��s development, covering more characters, and more stories, and opening up new plots, mysteries, and tribes. He expanded the content of the Dark Continent with mystery and new cards.


    For now, the hunter��s stage was just beginning. Learning from Eiichiro Oda, using the characters is the best way to create greater opportunities to expand the series. As such, he dedicated more time to the stories of Killua, Hanzo, Borodo, and the members who would participate in future plots. Some would die, others would live��it was the world of hunters.


    We bought the land in San Jose and also the nearby hotel," Raimon commented, adding yet another investment to the future scheme of things. This is where a commercial hub would be born, linked to the mega  studio and the animation museums in San Jose. In the coming years, tourism will bring in the money.


    -Sounds great, - Billy replied. "How��s the company��s debt level?" he asked.


    -$700 million. We��ve spent $540 million on that, but we have cash coming in from Microsoft until next year. With the success of , we��re planning to adjust the payments, at least to balance assets and liabilities, - Raimon said, wiping his mustache. He had a clear idea of what to do and how to do it, and the intensity was there. He decided to read his comic more slowly��something was coming.


    Silence once again filled the office as Billy��s strokes were firm. He drew quickly and methodically, each line purposeful and precise. In ten minutes, Billy finished a page of , air-drying it before laying it on the table and continuing to the next. The hunter��s storyline was picking up pace, and Raimon was fully engrossed.


    ***


    Monica was leaving Billy��s office when she ran into Anne Hall. They were the same age, and to Monica, Anne was everything she would never be. She could see how Anne��s eyes constantly drifted to Billy, filled with a fraternal love, yet tinged with desire��something Monica knew all too well.


    -Anne, so lovely to see you, dear, - Monica greeted, planting a kiss on Anne��s lips, leaving her stunned. The Italian model��s touch left Anne frozen in place, the steaming coffee on the counter waiting.


    -Likewise, - Anne replied, trying to compose herself, but it was difficult in this situation. What an audacious and arrogant Italian, she thought, struggling to respond calmly.


    -Billy has told me all about you��an intelligent, capable, beautiful, and disciplined woman�� you��re a true pride, - Monica said with a hint of jealousy, her simplicity masking her intent. She had managed to unsettle Anne for the second time. Monica��s interest in Anne was purely educational��she wanted to know what the real relationship with Billy was. She had experimented with other women before; one more wouldn��t hurt. After all, it would only be kisses and caresses.


    -He��s been quite loose-lipped. I think he needs to carefully consider what he should and shouldn��t do, - Anne replied stiffly, as she usually did. She picked up the coffee from her table and took a long, weary sip.


    -That sounds amazing. He��s usually quiet at work and doesn��t allow interruptions in his meetings. He��s always traveling with a purpose in mind. His passion is outstanding; few men do things with such dedication as Billy. Come to our home, dear! Have dinner with us, - Monica said. Her demeanor issued a challenge, and by the way, Anne responded, it was clear she took it as such. The two women locked eyes, both with a hint of disdain, each testing the other��s resolve. Anne would act with formality, but Monica reduced Anne to a state of desire and warmth. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Of course, I��ll be with you! To-tonight�� I��ll be there, - Anne stammered, her face flushed, with a grimace of disdain.


    Monica lifted her head slightly. Anne noticed her skirt��it was designer clothing, and she suspected that just the garment alone was worth a month��s salary. A surge of irritation rose in Anne as she realized how this woman was taking advantage of Billy, wrapped up in the notion of what this woman sought from Billy.


    -Bring the wine, - she muttered as she left the break room. A few people were in the distance, observing the tension between the two women. The silence was palpable. Monica, unfazed by the onlookers, delicately picked up a tea bag. As she stepped out for some fresh air, she felt the eyes on her back, a sensation she was all too familiar with.


    ***


    -I don��t think it��s wise to go through with that, - Raimon said.


    -You just need to do it; it��s vital for our company. Our position is just business, and besides, I��m confident that with the success of our films, expanding our position is the right move. I��ve already had a conversation with the company��s CEO, - Billy replied.


    -You��re talking to the CEO? - Raimon asked.


    ...

 383. immensity.

    November 7.


    Stephen Hillenburg was at the peak of his career, with the company''s support covering all his tuition and lodging expenses. It was time to repay all that talent. Upon arrival, the animation that sparked the moment and the birth of one of the greatest cartoons on American television����was set in motion.


    The initial storyboards were fantastic. Without missing a beat, Billy and Stephen worked together for an entire day to shape the series. The concept was simple: create a show and give it wings. Multiple ideas flowed from every angle, and it was clear the story was destined for success. It would soon become one of the main series for young children and those over seven.


    ��SpongeBob, 35 points.��


    -I think you have the talent to do anything, - murmured Stephen Hillenburg. The two quickly settled on an idea, and Billy wrote the first script. However, he already had the notion of sitting down at a typewriter and, in one go, producing the first twenty episodes. It was that rapid pace that ensured the series would thrive, with everything elevated to its highest expression.


    -In fact, I think the next series will need a lot of work, but if we manage to create a simple environment, add some secondary characters, and take swift action, we��ll have a great show, - Billy commented.


    is one of the most important series on American television, but for Stephen, it was an idea that took shape when he decided to pursue a master��s degree in animation for a year and a half. The demand placed on the series was greater in this period, and the connection between how to present a show and the future potential was critical.


    The ideas for the series stemmed from , a comic created by Hillenburg himself to teach his students about marine life, combined with Billy��s vision of creating an aquarium and a themed area.


    -I think that��s all for today, - said Billy, looking at the new work of , a series born in the halls of Lux Animation.


    ***


    The acquisitions of the 1990s were a whirlwind of financial maneuvers aimed at generating profit. Since November 1995, operations have been approached from two perspectives. The first involves General Electric, one of the leading electric companies that has experienced significant growth in recent years. With this view, General Electric began bidding for CBS.


    It was just a preliminary idea a few months ago, but the company��s revenues were well above common risk, and its financial capacity allowed it to purchase CBS three times over while still maintaining active capital flow. The price of its shares soared, and Billy could only watch from the sidelines.


    But that wasn��t all. Viacom began bidding for Paramount Pictures in 1994. This media company had seen tremendous growth in recent years, and its idea of acquiring a company that could solidify its position as a media mogul was a key factor. Simultaneously with General Electric, Viacom also launched its bid. The purchase prices were around $3 billion, an initial amount that seemed absurd to the average person. Interestingly, in the not-too-distant future, Viacom would acquire all of General Electric��s holdings, with its brands ranging from MTV, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Paramount Network, TV Land, Pop TV, and more.


    With an eye on all the market movements, positioning was crucial. These movements represented opportunities, and occasionally, new projects and business capacities were promoted. For example, , a series initiated by Billy��a reality show that has had a significant impact on audiences and continues to grow in popularity��is part of CBS. They might decide to cancel or terminate it, just like NBC did with


    -We''re surrounded on all fronts, - commented Frank Biondi, CEO of Universal Studios. The corporate buyouts, the influx of massive capital, and buyers from various sectors of the entertainment world had created a certain unease. Now, even Disney is a shadow of its former self. Warner has merged with a media mogul, but it will no longer be what it once was. Meanwhile, Paramount has been acquired by Viacom, Columbia by the Sony giant, and MGM is in decline��its crisis laid bare for all to see. Sear?h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Universal remains a prime target. Seagram is currently bidding for the company, with the sale price at $5.7 billion. It''s simply absurd how these companies raise capital and turn once-great firms into mere accessories. This might signal the end of major artistic works because these new owners excel at everything��except losing money.


    -We''re going to be fired, - Lew Wasserman remarked, already contemplating his retirement. His knowledge was incredible, having worked since the 1930s, making him one of the oldest and most powerful figures in the film industry.


    -Very likely, my friend, - Frank Biondi replied.


    -Perhaps I''ll stay, - Lew responded, contemplating the idea. It was like when movies first introduced color or sound��a fundamental shift.


    -I believe the coming years will hold many surprises. I heard the kid bought the documentary channel, and recently, he''s been seen operating in small film production companies, even now as a new producer, - Frank commented.


    -Ahhh, I no longer have the strength... If I were his age, maybe I would fight for Universal. -


    ***


    Two women in their 30s were locked in a silent battle while Billy tried to gauge the atmosphere. The dinner proceeded in near silence. No one raised their eyes to reveal what was happening. The table was covered with a white cloth, and the house, now adorned with plants that M��nica watered whenever she could, curtains, and paintings, felt more like a home.


    -Dear, we should travel to Italy with Anne. She could relax there, - M��nica suggested.


    Anne blushed but waited for Billy to respond, thinking, - How impertinent! -


    They shifted uncomfortably in their seats.


    -It doesn��t matter! If Anne wants to come, she can come, - Billy commented, noticing Anne''s flushed face. Since their arrival, both women had been pouring themselves wine so frequently that their faces were flushed, and Anne even seemed dizzy. The pitiful look she gave, her large, watery eyes as if she were about to cry, and her labored breathing were all too telling.


    M��nica gave the entire scene a deep, penetrating look and finally realized that Anne Hall was deeply infatuated with Billy. She understood it all��the desire, the intensity, the companionship. If she looked back�� it made sense. They had been together for a long time, and although there was a certain taboo in their relationship, it avoided any physical contact��an unspoken, dark pleasure.


    -Ahhh, such deep love, - M��nica murmured to herself, her words unheard by either of them. But Billy leaned in as if to ask her something.


    The dinner continued in a slow rhythm. Anne touched on various topics, from her family, work, and hobbies, while M��nica listened calmly, sipping her wine. Both women were displaying increasingly evident behavior.


    Music played, and they continued talking. Billy went upstairs for a moment to change into his pajamas and relax a bit. What he saw when he returned was the opposite of what he expected: both women were asleep on the sofa.


    -You drank too much wine, - Billy commented.


    He gently moved them to the large bed while he settled on the sofa. Ten minutes later, he was greeted by M��nica, now in a robe.


    -Sleep with us, dear, - M��nica whispered.


    -M��nica��


    She simply kissed him, making it clear she wouldn��t change her mind.


    ....

 384. video – games

    November 9.


    The premiere of the was something that could have happened much earlier. Still, the result can only be described as expected��a multiplayer board game where various characters compete to win cups or coins if they��re lucky. It might go unnoticed by some, but not by others who see the game''s brand beginning to expand. Usually, when the connections are made, people start to realize Billy��s characters are, at the very least, magnificent, and in other cases, unbeatable. The way he exploits franchises makes the latest games simply outstanding.


    -Three great games in one package, making it one of the most profitable game companies in recent years, - commented Shigeru Miyamoto.


    In the offices of Nintendo of America, the exponential growth and use of relationships had people closely monitoring these developments. Nintendo was among the companies that had initially invested in Pixar Studios, first as a research investment, and second, as a source for recreating their video game designs.


    They were paying close attention to the company, which, in addition, seemed to be in the sights of many other companies, such as those in the video game or animation industries��markets that, although underexploited in the 1990s, would reach their peak in 2010.


    -Young Carson has tentative alliances with Sony, - remarked Minoru Arakawa, who observed the market occupation by the PlayStation 1 console, which managed to sustain and position itself without owing anyone a favor.


    -Nothing we can do, - said Shigeru Miyamoto, weighing his words carefully.  -He follows a model very similar to ours. We planned to expand the Mario brand across several games with different styles, but I see we''ve been beaten to it. -


    The production of  was simply phenomenal��from its cartoonish aspect to the multiple characters. It was a brilliant move to bring in characters from Pixar, LuxToons, and now ID Software, with familiar maps from movies and series�� the clich��s and the love for the game were evident.


    -We have no more time to waste, - commented Minoru, as he began formulating plans to expand in the American market.


    But it was impossible. Sony was not open to negotiations��they could not forgive Nintendo for breaking off their partnership. What they didn��t expect was that Lux Animation, along with ID Software, would develop a strategy that would completely outshine Nintendo, with titles like , , , and , which is a story for children. It left no room for growth.


    -I don��t understand the moves, and I don��t mean to sound offensive, but it��s a disgrace that the company makes so little money from the cartridges, - commented Minoru.


    -It��s a choice we��ve already made, - responded Shigeru. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You got the part, - Jim Waiit said, genuinely surprised by the turn of events.


    -Which part? I''ve been to at least five interviews in the last two months, - Billy replied from his studio, tracking the progress of his series.  was the show he had worked on the most, and now he could say it had tied with  in terms of episodes. The streak of releasing one episode per week was taken seriously, making it the only series published weekly.


    Following that, there were three  episodes in a month, two for , one for , and one for . Meanwhile,  and  would be released with twenty episodes every two to three months. The first batch had already been delivered, but the release schedule wasn��t set in stone and would depend on fan reactions. Even without apparent success, new episodes would likely still be released every three months.


    -The part in . They were impressed with your performance; I think we''re on the right track... it''s incredible, - Jim Waiit said, now viewing their position in the industry favorably. From C.A., along with the directors who had worked with Billy, they could consider themselves an important part of the project.


    -That��s a very good idea�� you managed to impress Roland Emmerich. I think my distribution company can have a significant impact on his film , - Billy commented. If he only gets 15%, and another 35% is split with the exhibitors and cinemas, it��s still a success. Distribution isn��t an issue, but if he wins the bid for DVD distribution rights, the company would make much more than with the high fees Fox is proposing.


    -They��re still weighing the options. On one hand, Fox promises an international release; on the other, you promise a North American release with lower fees, - Jim Waiit added. The situation was at a standstill; production hadn��t even finished, and the overuse of the green screen wasn��t pleasing anyone.


    But Billy already had a sense of the outcome, and that 15% could bring in at least $60 million just by distributing the film. His focus on building relationships was starting to make his success tangible with the many movies in the upcoming calendar. He needed to stay calm. But Jim Gianopulos was smart��he knew exactly how to organize all the scheduled releases. For now, the company could distribute 10 films a year, with slots reserved for the next two animated films, three movies Billy was involved in, and a few others Jim had earmarked to streamline the budget. For the moment, only six films were set for the following year.


    -When do they start shooting L.A.? - Billy asked again, needing to adjust his schedule once more.


    -Early December. You should be aware that you''ll need to attend some galas in December 1996. No issues there��I��ve got everything lined up. I��ve already talked to the brand; you��ll need to attend a few ceremonies with BMW, - Jim Waiit said.


    The plans continued to progress, step by step.


    ***


    One day in November, Richard Carson slipped down the stairs. In a moment, without warning, he nearly fell, and though it was only a few steps, the fall was fatal due to his age and mental state. The will to fight is also the will to fall above all else.


    Helen Carson��s scream was enough to ignite panic.


    -We need to call an ambulance, - the caregiver said.


    Two minutes later, she called Anne, who then immediately called Billy. His father didn��t take long to reach him. The end was near.


    Life is full of disasters.


    Billy��s furious gaze said it all��  - He should have��. -


    ...

 385. renewal.

    The Disney team was most surprised by the upcoming Lux Animation film, . It was a slap in the face. They wanted to make a similar animated series. Lux Animation stole the game before they could even present their case. It was a subtle trick: while the production time for a movie is usually a year, Billy only made a brief 25-second teaser, meaning about a week of work at most, to establish the idea and set up the second part of his new series.


    -I think this is exactly what we were looking for, - commented Thomas Schumacher and San Souci, who had been working on a story based on the Chinese poem . According to the legend, Mulan took her elderly father''s place in the army by disguising herself as a man.


    In the story, after a prolonged and distinguished military service against nomadic hordes beyond the northern border (in this case, the Huns), Mulan is honored by the emperor but declines a high position. She returns to her hometown, where she reunites with her family and, to the amazement of her comrades, reveals herself as a woman. However, the registered script has been in place since March 1994, meaning they''ve been preparing it for longer.


    Thus, San Souci, who only had a general idea, put aside the  script to save it for later after seeing Lux Animation��s film and proposed a sequel. They decided to go with the Blue Prince.


    -This young man must be a reader or have a huge team.  is a popular tale, - commented San Souci, adjusting his glasses. - I think we can take a different approach. Instead of adopting that dry Western tone, maybe we could bring in a Russian or Japanese perspective. Even a Portuguese angle would be more relevant; in the 15th century, they dominated the Asian maritime routes with their commercial and navigational techniques. - sea??h th�� Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That sounds like a fantastic idea, - responded Thomas.


    ***


    The atmosphere was heavy at the Carson house. Billy found the place so different; there was a series of painted photographs on a white wall, the furniture was new, and for the first time, he felt that the Colombian house perfectly matched the colorful rugs his father always had. Claudia was not in San Jose; she was studying art in New York, while Ivanova took care of the year-and-a-half-old twins, mischievous young ones who always laughed at everything. Their eyes were just like their father''s, and a large belly suggested that there was movement in the house; a third child was on the way. Even now, his father was more cheerful, although the deep wrinkles on his forehead remained.


    -We��ll use the private jet I rented, - said Billy.


    -Jet...? Forget it. We��ll go, and thanks, son," said Thomas, hugging his son. Billy returned the gesture, feeling for the first time that they were reconciling. The gap was so wide; Thomas was his father and his companion, who had always supported him.


    -I��ll see you tomorrow to pick you up around 10:00 AM. Please be ready; the paperwork is a hassle, and the landing times in Texas are a bit tricky," Billy said as he took his leave, not before stopping to look at his old house. Monica was waiting in the car, playing with some dice. As soon as he opened the door, she came over to pamper him. For the woman who accompanied him, family was the most important thing above all; for her, family was the condition that could not be overlooked.


    -Tomorrow we��re going to Texas. -  said Billy.


    -We��ll go, my love. I��ll stay at a nearby hotel, but you need my company, my life, - said Monica, giving sweet kisses on Billy��s chin.


    The car disappeared down the road.


    ***


    -People come and go, and I''m left with the bills, - Raimon muttered, glancing over the various account balances.


    There''s a particular reason: Billy��s stock portfolio is one of the largest assets. If Billy wants to survive the next year, he needs to secure a loan of at least $70 million. His income is sky-high, even if he doesn��t receive a substantial amount of money.


    -I think he can buy the football team, - he continued. Negotiations were already underway with the family, and the asking price was $180 million. However, if Billy buys the team with a $150 million loan and uses the remainder from the company, adjusting the loan and rates a bit, he can ensure that the next tax declaration will be lower. Perhaps he could even apply for two additional loans to keep purchasing stocks.


    Here is the list of stocks:


    From Coca-Cola: he holds a total of 469,870 shares in the Coca-Cola Company, with purchases made annually. From Worldcom, he owns 15.3 million shares, having bought them at $0.21 each. At $2 per share, it''s a clear profit no matter how you look at it.


    But that��s not all. From Walmart, he has 856,450 shares. In Home Depot, which is the two market stocks, he has a total of 1.8 million shares. McDonald''s has 130,227 shares.


    General Electric, one of the companies where he has invested the most, having initially bought shares at $7, now holds 34,931 shares, which has grown to 2.3 million shares. Compared to Cisco Systems, which has 10.4 million shares, it��s less, but the fact is that General Electric shares are at a staggering $69 each.


    -It��s simply madness, - Raimon muttered. The growth of the stocks was soaring; if he could make a basic deal, he could earn an insane amount of money. In Oracle, Intel, and Microsoft, he had percentages of 17%, 7%, and 8.9% respectively. The amount of stocks bought in recent years was ridiculous.


    -Stop muttering, - Rachel responded from her chair, irritated by his whispering, sighing, and gasping at each number he read.


    -Hehehehe... -


    -Ahhhhh! You��re impossible! - Rachel roared, leaving the room to get some fresh air, perhaps to call Anne. Billy��s financial status was kept under strict control, and he went in search of Steve Parks for the purchase of the San Francisco team. It was better to give in to a roaring Rachel.


    ...

 385.indications.

    November, 18.


    He lay in the hospital, battered and hooked up to a machine with tubes. Though stable, his breathing was periodic, not very good, about every five minutes. He had been ill for a long time, but life was slipping away with each breath.


    Billy was scheduled to make a film the next day, and despite his complete displeasure, he couldn��t break his commitment. He had numerous engagements for the last days of November. He took one last look before boarding the flight back to Los Angeles.


    -I can��t believe it! - came the cries from the stairs. Family troubles were starting to simmer in a pot called succession. Interests focused on what you believe you deserve versus what you are entitled to be a problem of tradition, custom, and legality. Richard Carson was unable to make a will. There was no will, and he had a 35-acre family estate and a hardware store at a gas station.


    -Nonsense, you��ve caused me... - the conversation became contentious. The force to stay, the force of family, and the outcome was that Thomas was advocating for the care of Helen and his favorite child. He had left Helen for the last years; it was a problem. Richard had leased the land to Jeffrey Carson but stopped paying a year ago.


    Thomas didn��t want to leave it to Jeffrey because of his attitude towards abandoning Helen.


    The reflection is that Billy��s work comes first, and even people around him know this. It��s a problem that causes displeasure. His first instinct is to leave, but Richard is his grandfather.


    -You should forget about the film! Poor Grandpa, it might be the last time you see him, and that would be terrible, - Monica said.


    -It��s family! -  Billy thought. How could it be? The young Italian woman found it logical to feel some discontent.


    -I��d like to, but it��s not good. I can steal a few hours between commitments and come here. My grandfather is a different man, - Billy said. Monica made a face, clearly displeased.


    -Do it; you��ve already decided! - she murmured.


    Billy approached her and buried his head in her chest. She was very indulgent and didn��t fight back, gently stroking his head. Without saying more, she simply held him, sharing a long, deep silence of trust. It was a simple moment of a couple needing to vent.


    -Come with me, -  Billy said, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips.


    Goodbyes in such circumstances must be viewed at a different pace. It��s an awkward farewell, made for diplomacy.


    ***


    L.A. is a cult film, but its unconventional theme causes many to forget it. It is one of the great films of the 90s that needed something more to succeed. However, Regency couldn��t afford such an expense.


    The film is about three police officers from the 1950s who, due to various circumstances, end up investigating a case that turns out to be more dangerous and mysterious than initially thought.


    Three actors were quietly debating at a bar in Los Angeles. Though some people came over to watch, they had a private space to voice all their concerns. The bar��s calm atmosphere was partly due to the owner being a friend of the film��s cinematographer, who had kindly cleared out anyone who looked like paparazzi.


    -Thank you for having me, director, producers, - Billy said during the script reading rehearsal. According to the shooting schedule, filming would start in January, meaning two months to conduct multiple interviews with former police officers, current police, other actors, critics, and people with extensive knowledge of the original novel, dialect coaches of the era, and numerous rehearsals.


    -The success is clear, - Billy thought. This was the first time he had done such thorough rehearsals. Even in  and , despite the intensity to develop a proper role, they didn��t do as many rehearsals with the cast. From discussing scripts to conversations, this could only be seen as growth.


    -Well, I hope you can address what we call the debacle of demands, - Curtis Hanson, a key member of the production team and director, remarked.


    The inclusion of Kevin Spacey was just another highlight. He was an excellent actor, with scripts filled with thousands of notes on grammar, expression, ideas, and experiences��a chaotic unraveling of the script along with the confidential book. It was evident he had put in a tremendous amount of work.


    -Well, I��ll continue with my rehearsal, - Billy said. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Taking a seat, he went over some calculations but never expected there would be good readers on set. From a commercial standpoint, one could say that Billy was the pretty face of the film. Was there anything else to justify Billy��s participation? Perhaps his performance was just good enough.


    Your character is rough and brutal, wanting to break some rules. The first change is that he was ordered to get a military-style haircut. Everyone says that how the script ends doesn''t matter, what''s important is how it turns out in the end.


    They all discussed their notes. First, Kevin, who has an anesthetic side to his corrupt-to-good change, in low news, is the turning point of his character, as the main plot.


    -I think the first thing is to understand the characters'' relationships with each other. Bud and Guy can be friends, but those friends have a difference in questioning their ways of doing things. The only difference is that Bud approves of Edmund, and Edmund approves of Bud, even though there are key differences.- commented Billy.


    -You''re right, but I highly doubt they''re just disagreements.- responded Guy Pearce.


    -Correct, but the bond is complicated. However, the tacit acceptance even in dislike is made through the reasoning that their perspectives on how justice operates are different. Virtually, it''s a classic consideration of justice, or rather of legal operation, official procedures.- commented Billy.


    -I think personal dislike should also be taken into account. Some gestures simply make a person react with dislike, and at other times, it''s also from the spoken word and the way of interpreting things that it becomes a nuisance.- commented Guy Pearce.


    -We just have to ask the experts. We have to take every iota in a note to give us the right ideas.- commented Kevin Spacey.


    They would have a small meeting with some police officers, discussing their training habits, how they started, the environment in the police station, and personal development. After all, the 1950s in the United States was not free from its annoyances. After World War II, population growth was significant, partly due to internal migration, as Los Angeles was full of opportunities. It was not uncommon for there to be organized crime, illegal gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. It was common to contact police from that era, which is different from those of that time.


    Corruption was key, even if it is now denied. Several implicated cases came to light.


    ***


    Stan Lee was standing with his arms crossed, receiving complete disappointment from Ronald Perelman. The matter is the following from a novel that has not ceased to cause a sensation in the industry. Ronald Perelman, a billionaire known for his corporate acquisitions through his firm MacAndrews & Forbes, bought Marvel Entertainment Group in 1989 for about $82.5 million, which was a comic book company at the time, and did not exploit its derivatives in licenses and other elements.


    Perelman decided to take Marvel public in 1991, selling shares to investors and thus obtaining considerable capital flow. He also began issuing large amounts of debt in the hope that investments in new acquisitions and the expansion of product lines would translate into huge profits. These issues should have been paid for with the recent purchase of Panini, but the fact is the opposite.


    But these actions elevated Marvel during 1991, 1992, and 1993. At the beginning of the year, a collectibles boom awakened the desire of collectors. It''s just that for something to be valuable, it must meet a principle: it must be scarce, desirable, and difficult to obtain. Ronald gave the idea that something was valuable. In 1992, he acquired Fleer and Skybox International to make collectible cards, and both companies merged into one. Today, in 1995, the debt begins to accumulate, and no one knows it. Ronald is making money.


    -He''s doing it. It''s no longer enough to just get into debt with the bank. He''s mortgaging the shares in bonds with Bank of America.- commented Stan Lee on the phone.


    It was none other than Raimon!


    -Oh my God!- whispered Raimon, completely surprised.


    Billy predicted it. He predicted that Ronald would do something stupid.


    -No problem, we''ll arrange everything to complete the procedures and close Ronald''s paperwork.- commented Raimon.


    -He''s issuing a lot of debt, that''s why he wanted to buy the percentage. Fortunately, he was informed in time.- commented Stan Lee.


    -The main thing is that Ronald accepted the sale of Skybox, but then made a purchase of another toy company and expanded the animation team.- commented Stan Lee.


    -We have 4% of the company, and we''re negotiating with Carl Ikham, who has 15% of the shares, but we hope to make this purchase immediately.- commented Raimon.


    -Good, just don''t forget the contract.- commented Stan Lee.


    ...

 386. Awards.

    The Annies, and the animation awards, hold a certain popularity within the niche. Yet, they utterly fall short in media coverage, especially when compared to the success of other shows from Nickelodeon, Universal, or even remnants of Great Britain with their stop-motion company Gromit, alongside Warner and Lux Animation. These studios are battling it out, head-to-head, across the awards categories, leading to an unexpected result that was just about to unfold.


    Anne Hall, wearing a blue dress, carefully composed her thoughts as she was accompanied by Jim Gianopulos and Rachel, along with the nominated members of the series and productions in which they had taken lead roles or participated. Of course, Lux Animation competed in every field, boasting nominations in all categories and even securing two in some, which was simply overwhelming.


    -We have a strong chance of winning, just like we did in ''94 with . We''ve got this in the bag, and next year is practically guaranteed, - Jim commented confidently.


    The entry was photographed by a few people, but no one paid much attention to the figures behind the scenes. From there, it was clear that some heavyweights were present, but once again, they were forgotten. These were the people behind the curtain, the animators, producers, the most renowned��but still not the ones on stage.


    -That would be fabulous, -replied to Anne, who was now covering for Billy at the Annie Awards. As CEO of the company, she was the most suitable to accept the award, although she wasn''t entirely sure just how good the series they had produced was.


    -True, even if we win, I��m hoping that Autodesk licenses get picked up for future projects, - Jim added.


    -It would be beneficial. Autodesk has become unsustainable, - Anne replied, with a touch of unease. After all, they acquired Discreet Logic for $50 million and Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) for $23 million. Some even called it the Microsoft of computer software, specializing in creating computer programs. Billy now held 91% of the company in his hands after numerous injections of capital.


    -We��ve got a lot on our plate in the coming days, - Jim noted, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    -Everything is in place. We��ll talk with Bill Gates and go public to attract capital. Billy will give up 70% of his shares if they surpass $40. According to studies from Nasdaq, that price could easily be higher due to the revenue and contracts, potentially reaching up to $60 per share, - Anne remarked.


    The sale of these shares cannot be underestimated. A major company will likely want to buy it all. A new sale is being arranged to acquire Apple in its entirety. If it goes through, the 70% share, which is made up of 220 million shares for $60 each, would amount to a staggering $1.3 billion.


    -Let��s proceed, - Anne Hall said, surveying the elegant atmosphere of the small theater. It was a high-end venue within a sophisticated space designed for upscale media events.


    The Anne Awards, as they were known, had a total of six general awards: ''Best Animated Feature,'' ''Best Animated TV Program,'' ''Best Animated Short Film,'' ''Best Animated Production,'' ''Best Animated Interactive Production,'' and ''Best Animated Promotional Production,'' along with seven individual achievement categories. These included outstanding achievements in production design, storyboarding, and character animation, making for a total of seven competitive categories for individual achievements that year.


    -The award for Best Animated Feature goes to ! - Leon Frinch announced.


    The competition included , , and . This award, however, was diminished by the lackluster presentation of the four nominees. Disney''s declining reputation marked Lux Animation''s first victory. Anne stepped up with a smile that was more polite than genuine. She wasn��t entirely diplomatic, but her words about the hard work and dedication of Billy, the director, and the producer were heartfelt.


    -The award for Best Animated TV Series goes to ! -shouted Leon Frinch. Another major win for Lux Animation. Anna Szyma��ska was in tears as she accepted the prize.


    The following awards��Best TV Commercial, Best Storyboard, Best Script, and Best Voice Acting��all went to Lux Animation. Out of the 11 possible awards, they took home six, a staggering achievement for the company, which had even more series lined up for the next year, spanning multiple acquired studios, including Pixar and Lux Animation��s productions.


    ***


    The newspapers wasted no time, one after another, exaggerating the downfall of Disney. Even , known for avoiding sensationalism, congratulated Lux Animation for their "six out of eleven possible awards in the world of animation." They praised the success of and its screenplay, crowning it as the best animated film of the year.


    -I want to put things aside, but why do we still look like a failure to other companies? -  Michael Eisner vented with utter disdain. This time, Joe Roth, the head of animation, stood in his crosshairs.


    -They''re outpacing us, boss. They��ve built an animation company solely focused on acquiring other animation studios, and unfortunately, we don''t have a plan as well-structured... I believe their technology, their teams, their leadership, their scripts��everything points to a company with a clear direction. They��ve released three animated films in a single year, four in total. That means they��ve put out seven films within that timeframe... It''s beyond my control. Our company has barely put out two films in recent years, while they��ve done seven. If they keep this pace, they''ll be pushing two or three films annually, boss, - Joe Roth explained. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We can''t afford to falter. Double the projects. We need to put out at least two films a year, - Michael Eisner declared. Even if it meant buying out others'' licenses and creating their teams, he would make it happen.


    -I''m impressed! It''s a logical decision, - Joe Roth responded, opening up to the idea. - But we''ll need to do a lot of things if we��re going to form several teams. -


    Michael Eisner brought his hands to his chin and looked at him like he was an idiot. He was, in fact, an idiot, and for that and many other reasons, Eisner slammed his fist on the table.


    -You��ve got 800 animators under your command. The other company only has 200. If you keep talking about something so stupid, you''re only showing me that you don''t deserve to be director, - Eisner responded with a coldness that could freeze over ten thousand times.


    Pressure! That was how Eisner always operated.


    -I get it, but I need support from other departments��finance, operations��and I need to overhaul a system that''s been in place for a long time. It��s not cheap... With the merger on the horizon, it could complicate things for everyone, -Joe explained.


    -Improbable! -


    The two sized each other up.


    ...

 387. pure and simple art.

    November 24.


    If the audience beloved Lilo & Stitch,  was completely mesmerizing for the older crowd, those starry-eyed viewers looking ahead to the next big hit��only to be struck silent by one simple fact.


    The technology was leaps ahead. If we call the king of 3D technology, Pixar is undoubtedly the best at it. Everything was flawless. Regarding tech, it��s on par with  from 2006, which means no other team has been able to sustain such progress up to this point.


    Most people were left speechless. For two reasons, the qualitative leap wasn''t as apparent in . In 1994, when production of  began, the acquisition hadn��t happened yet, so for that movie, the program was solidified, and the image quality improved by 100%. , already in production, would take less time to complete, as the script and storyboard were already smoothly laid out... it will likely be ready by next June.


    Billy, in his formal suit, was approached by many offering their congratulations and a warm welcome to the world of success. Everyone sensed it��something only a few had noticed with , but many saw it with . Its success was overwhelming, undeniably so��strong in script, visuals, animation, and moral lessons. It could easily be called the cradle of animated films, a true cinematic classic.


    Yet, the  is simply fantastic, and how else could it attract all kinds of investors? So far, it has brought in six investors, sourced from various representatives.


    ''How much did the film cost you?'' asked Steven Spielberg.


    How much it cost... a significant sum, far above average. Autodesk and Id Software share much of the burden, which is why, in most cases, the budget isn��t as high as it seems. Still, it''s elevated. At least in three parts, the cost is downright ridiculous. If these three companies hadn��t shared costs... that��s not something Steven Spielberg needs to know. Better to keep Pixar��s commitment to these companies discreet. As long as Pixar delivers a good film, Autodesk''s stocks will rise.


    ��A lot of money, just in software and tech investments��$60 million scaled over two films. The team added another bit. I think it all rounds out to around $40 million, minimum. But we sent the IRS a receipt for $48 million, including the whole advertising campaign. But the costs are higher. We paid two companies to keep updating the software with different functions for Pixar. The goal is to create a simple program that can be used without much hassle... It''s the most expensive film so far,�� Billy replied.


    -That''s impressive. I��d love to have an animation studio at DreamWorks with that kind of caliber. You know, we tested it with Amblin Entertainment. We''ll be releasing  on December 15, - Steven muttered, still somewhat insecure. His story was spectacular, and they saved costs in other areas like actors and the soundtrack.


    ��If you��re having trouble with the box office, I can buy the film for production cost if you need that help. I want to expand my film library a bit. We can negotiate the price, as long as it��s reasonable,�� Billy offered, fully aware of the massive box office flop and subsequent success in the DVD market. Of all the films, though Amblin had seen one failure after another, they were still invaluable in helping to create something great.


    -I��ll consider it with you, - Steven Spielberg replied. Scraping together two million dollars was a wonderful deal for such a popular film.


    ��Hahaha, I think it could be fantastic. Although Jeffrey has connections I didn��t have when I was building my animation studio. More than Jeffrey, it��s the team he gathers around him that��s so talented,�� Billy responded, knowing Spielberg already had plans to pull some strings. It was common for him to always want more money, though the price hike was simply far above what the project was worth.


    An astonishing pre-release.


    -We can... but we can��t, - Steven responded.


    With the images still fresh in his mind, he reflected on how far the animation world had come. Everyone was operating under the assumption that they couldn��t deliver such high-quality art, and how much the art would continue to improve.


    ***


    Monica was taking her first steps into modeling. Her runway walk had improved significantly; in both her steps and dance-like movements, she had progressed from a beginner, knowing little, to someone with a solid grasp of the essentials, though she still had a long way to go.


    She smiled deeply as she strutted down a winter runway, dressed in long coats, high heels, and flared pants. She modeled well into the night, perhaps until ten o��clock, feeling completely exhausted as her drivers took her back to the mansion she had barely had time to enjoy. The flowers of various colors were already wilting, and builders were working here and there, constructing a small greenhouse for the plants, creating a fantastical atmosphere with their projects.


    -Good evening, ma��am.-murmured the house manager, Fred Braule. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Thank you, Fred,- Monica replied, making her way up to the second floor. There, in a small makeshift art studio, Billy would immerse himself in his works, devoting himself passionately to unimaginable creations. He would rise early every day, working tirelessly from six in the morning until six in the evening, often without a break. Despite the gossip surrounding Billy, many failed to see the man who worked relentlessly on his passions.


    She approached him and placed a kiss on his cheek. It was better not to disturb him.


    Meanwhile, Billy was deep into his weekly practice of Real, his hyper-impressionist art. His work was built on pure effort, and today, his first piece has been published. His phone hadn��t stopped ringing since, with many people mistaking his artwork for incredible photographs. Each image was a precise rendering of reality, down to 100% accuracy. The comic  had sent shockwaves through the art world; all the copies sold out within hours of release. Anticipating massive sales, Anne had already ordered another million copies to be printed, though Billy was unaware of this. She was even managing the third book of , currently scheduled in the production calendar. On top of that, she had crafted a deal with Nike, basketball brands, and other partners, with negotiations planned for the second installment.


    That��s why  seemed so absurdly successful. Billy now knew that the key lay in refining the aesthetic further, perfecting the pure design of development. He was blending various artistic styles��for instance, in , Van Helsing��s character was done in a realist style. In , he used watercolor contrasts for the powers, which differed significantly from the original style. In , he experimented with realism (gradual, in architecture and certain details) mixed with caricaturism and other drawing techniques, transforming the comic��s visual style, while also adding subtle romanticism in certain scenes.


    However, even with his achievements, Billy still wasn��t where he wanted to be. He had put  and  on hold because he wanted to improve his drawing skills to create an artistic style that truly did justice to the art itself. He envisioned using retro art for some of his comic pages, particularly in cyberpunk or detective moments, moments of shock and intensity.


    In  and , he planned to incorporate Van Gogh��s impressionism combined with Victorian art, but he wasn��t yet capable of achieving that. He needed at least 40 points�� no, 50 points�� to reach that level of artistry. He understood that he couldn��t do it all at once.


    His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger just as he finished a stunning image.


    -It can��t just be about that. Even though the art is good, beyond the artwork, I need to improve the panel transitions.-Billy mused, as he set aside  for now��a series that blended thousands of styles effortlessly, yet managed to be impressive in its simplicity. Still, he knew he had to refine the design for the Heaven��s Arena arc.


    ...

 388. lamentations.

    The romantic saga between Jeffrey Katzenberg and Disney serves as a prime example of how a great friendship can transform into fierce rivalry. Jeffrey, after weighing his options, chose to leverage Disney''s talent pool to solidify DreamWorks, bringing over key figures like James Baxter and others who, although they didn��t leave Disney, still contributed to his animation team.


    -He''s suing us,- murmured Stanley Gold, one of Jeffrey Katzenberg��s detractors. His argument to the board was that he preferred working with someone dedicated to their craft rather than waiting for grand ambitions from someone who could not genuinely contribute to the animation industry.


    At first glance, Jeffrey��s career seemed nothing short of legendary, with no apparent missteps. However, under closer scrutiny, his journey was filled with ups and downs, such as his clash with John Lasseter over the alleged plagiarism of , following the release of his similar film, . There was also the spectacular failure of , which, with a bloated budget of $95 million, only managed to gross $76.4 million at the box office. The animated film  was another notable flop.


    Other disappointments followed, including  and , setbacks that pushed Katzenberg into more of an executive role rather than a hands-on producer. This wasn��t necessarily a defeat, though��he was the first to go head-to-head against the animation industry giant, Disney. While he did well in certain areas, he wasn��t the glorified figure everyone believed. Without Spielberg��s backing, his future might not have been as bright.


    -It was bound to happen... He��s been discontent with the whole process involving the board. And we all know Michael Eisner��s maneuver with Ovitz was not entirely right. This could be the major mistake some of the sharks have been waiting for. Sure, Ovitz knows the business, but his skills pale in comparison to Frank Wells in many ways,- responded Ray Wilson.


    It was clear that trouble was brewing.


    -He��s an ingrate in every sense of the word, and his arrogance has been evident from his first steps within this company,-  Stanley Gold stated harshly, spitting venom at Jeffrey, whose brazen behavior, in his opinion, was disgraceful. Little did Stanley know, this was all part of Roy Disney''s secret plan to encourage Jeffrey��s exit. It was because of Jeffrey that Roy lost Pixar, and now he wanted him ousted before Jeffrey could undermine Disney��s power, as he had done before.


    -Forget about that. I have something here from the public relations team that shocked me. If we don��t act now, it could very well be the downfall of Disney as we know it,-  Ray Wilson commented, handing over a copy of the manga . The artwork was a marvel; every page was revolutionary.


    -What��s wrong with this?-


    -The public is saying Billy Carson is surpassing Disney by a long shot. Just like that. Everything this kid touches turns to gold,- sighed Ray Wilson, watching the rapid growth of Billy��s work. Marvel and DC were both shaken because, as comic book giants, they were directly affected. If you give a kid ten dollars to buy a comic, what would they choose��the classic storylines or something from Lux Comics? Lux Comics had now grown to the point where it was siphoning sales from multiple other franchises. The sales of  hit 9 million copies in just five days.


    Stanley Gold stared at the comic��s design with astonishment; it was the best he had ever seen in his life. It was a true work of art.


    -It��s simply magnificent, artistically speaking, and the story��well, I can see why so many people are connecting with it. A black kid in a wheelchair playing basketball with his white friend is driven by the guilt he feels. Wow!- Stanley Gold sighed in admiration.


    -That��s exactly what I said! But when I heard the numbers�� 9 million copies in five days! People are treating this like pure art��students, athletes, art professors, painters, philosophers��everyone��s talking about it. Even Oprah mentioned she��s a fan, and Michael Jordan said he wants the original artwork and is willing to pay a million dollars for it,- murmured Ray Wilson.


    What began as a discussion about Jeffrey soon turned into a mix of admiration and envy.


    -9 million copies!-  he whispered in astonishment.


    -And that��s not all. Because of that, all his mangas are now selling at ridiculously high prices.  is on the verge of breaking comic sales records. Although we still have Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and X-Men ahead of it, its sales have already reached 198 million copies��5 million shy of X-Men, 30 million behind Spider-Man, 120 million away from Batman, and 250 million from Superman-Ray Wilson noted, his mind sharp with the fresh statistics. Many of those numbers seemed absurd��Superman has been around since 1936, and Batman isn''t far behind, both sitting comfortably in the top 5 best-selling comics.


    ***


    -A smashing first weekend, - murmured Rupert Murdoch as he glanced at the box office numbers for ��$86 million in its opening weekend. ''Gianopulos is working for the kid now, and his film distribution skills have improved at a rapid pace.''


    -Send a request to Barry Diller to coordinate with Jim. They��ve worked together before; we need to collaborate to create our animation studio,- Rupert Murdoch instructed over the phone.


    The acquisition of Blue-Sky Studios was nearing completion�� but he needed a strong partner.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Billy was fully immersed in his role as a police officer during a simulated rehearsal for a film. Wearing his uniform, a toy gun holstered at his side, and carrying a fake police ID, he was meticulous in his performance.


    -Hold on there, kid. Let me check that backpack you��ve got,-Billy said, patrolling as an officer. Sporting a mustache, he had joined the LAPD��s special unit for a week, and now he was handling a minor disturbance at a bar.


    He followed all the protocols while Carl, the actual officer, observed the entire procedure carried out by "the new guy," who was a well-known actor just playing the role of a cop for a movie. It was through Arthur Michan��s connections that Billy got this opportunity. The whole thing stemmed from a heated debate with his colleagues about being a police officer, which led to him taking on the dubious profession, complete with training, procedures, briefings, physical exercise, and patrols��doing everything a real cop would do.


    -I think that��s it. Make sure there��s no more trouble,- Carl said, dismissing the two young men who had only raised their voices during the argument. When they saw the police, their faces turned pale with fear; it was clear the situation had just escalated into a more heated exchange.


    Interestingly, Billy��s bodyguards were disguised as civilians among the crowd. One stood outside the bar, phone in hand, pretending to be on a call while smoking a cigarette, but he was alert to everything going on. Another was inside, sipping hot rum slowly, just wetting his lips.


    Nothing out of the ordinary! The patrol continued until 7 PM when Billy��s shift ended. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I think that��s all for today. Make sure you go through the conditioning manual; see you tomorrow at the station,- Carl said.


    Billy didn��t take long to get home, exhausted. The work of a police officer was more draining than he initially thought. Awaiting him was an eager Italian woman, who, despite not showing it, was quite clingy and affectionate.


    Carl could only sigh��some people have all the luck!


    ...

 389. print.

    December 6.


    The sharp chill of the early morning in Los Angeles was unusual, with temperatures dipping to a frigid 2 degrees Celsius.


    "Don''t go, my love. Stay with me on this cold morning," whispered Monica Bellucci, burying her face into Billy��s neck. Playfully, she licked his skin as she laughed, holding him close. As Billy tried to pull away, Monica bit his neck lightly, teasingly keeping him in bed.


    Billy returned the gesture with a soft kiss on her lips, the darkness of the early morning wrapping around them as they shared a tender, intimate moment.


    -The commander will fire me. I can��t tell him my partner caught me in a tiger trap this morning, my little empress,- Billy joked, kissing Bellucci once more before reluctantly getting up.


    Billy soon found himself on patrol in Los Angeles with Carl.


    Meanwhile, Monica''s day began a couple of hours later. She stretched her arms as a faint sun, covered by gray clouds, dimly lit the room. After a two-hour beauty routine, she headed downstairs for a bowl of fruit and a glass of water. Keeping up with her regimen, she spent an hour doing yoga and bathing, and by 11 a.m., she was ready to face photoshoots, interviews, or perhaps some social appearances.


    -I thought you wouldn��t come,- Winona Ryder greeted her with a warm hug. Behind her, several entertainment industry figures mingled, enjoying what appeared to be a casual morning barbecue.


    The setting featured a small terrace with a balcony adorned with vines. Tim Burton stood out, as always, with his wild hair and a motorcycle jacket that seemed out of place but oddly fitting for him. His age only made his theatrical fashion choices more intriguing.


    -I almost enjoyed my time at home, but seeing you makes me so happy,- sighed Monica.


    Courtney Love, Sofia Coppola, Keanu Reeves, and the ever-stunning Uma Thurman were also present, the latter leaning under some shade with her usual charm. Despite the notable guests, the gathering seemed more like a simple wine-and-bread affair rather than a high-profile event.


    Monica found a seat but excused herself to freshen up in the bathroom. The expansive house was impressively minimalist, with gleaming bone-white walls, silver accents, and dark wood details that added a unique charm. She noticed the mirror was cracked in the lower corner as she checked her reflection.


    Returning to the terrace, a soft ballad played, Winona��s signature touch.


    -I didn��t expect to see you in L.A., but here you are,- Sofia Coppola remarked, her tone as straightforward as ever.


    -A beautiful flower,- added Burton, his compliment laced with his usual flair.


    -Thank you, dear,- Monica responded, her words filled with the casual confidence of someone used to such interactions.


    -What brings you here? I thought you��d never leave Los Angeles,- Sofia pressed further, recalling how her father once admired Monica.


    -She��s with Billy. Why didn��t he come? I think I��ll call him to join us,- Winona interjected, holding a cheese platter, her hair tied up, her large eyes sparkling.


    - He��s working. He��s training with the LAPD for his next role, so he doesn��t have time for these kinds of gatherings. Even if he wasn��t, I doubt he would come. His phone is always ringing off the hook; he��d probably be somewhere else handling things, - Monica explained, her voice softening as she spoke about Billy, a topic she didn��t particularly enjoy delving into.


    -Nothing new with him... I have your favorite, blue cheese with grape bread. Later, I��d love for you to try my Neapolitan sauce, - Winona said, placing more food on the table, lightening the mood.


    -Honey, I adore your pumpkin pies, - Courtney Love chimed in.


    Everyone seemed to be nursing a mild hangover, Monica realized��it had been a while since she��d been out drinking.


    -It��s not a bother... I know the boy, Billy, a force in the animation industry. What��s he up to next year? No idea�� but let him know I was impressed with his  film, - Tim Burton commented, pouring himself more wine with a calm demeanor.


    Having recently released , in which Uma starred, Burton was also gearing up to release .


    -He says you make great animated films. He loves your unique style and considers you one of the best directors in animated cinema, - Monica replied, surprising Burton with Billy''s high praise.


    ***


    Thomas Carson had spent an entire month grappling with the distress of caring for his ailing father, while his personal life seemed to crumble around him. His wife, Ivanova, three months pregnant, was exhausted, especially with the twins, who were already a significant burden. Sitting in the hospital, crushed by the weight of his responsibilities and fresh from a steamy shower, his mind couldn��t stop wandering.


    The family business wasn��t doing well, and what lay ahead wasn��t going to be easy. His brother, Jeffrey Carson, had made decisions that deeply disappointed him, pushing him toward selling everything before it all fell apart. Thomas had to think about his mother��about moving her to Los Angeles, where the care would be different. But the thought of dismantling his life caused a sharp pain in his chest. He considered converting the garage into a small apartment for her, expanding the patio to give her a spot to enjoy coffee, but all of this felt like an attempt to escape his overwhelming despair.


    His foot tapped incessantly against the floor, a physical manifestation of his rising anxiety. His father��s surgery had begun in the early hours of the morning, and now it was already noon. The discomfort that gripped him remained, even the water did nothing to soothe his dry throat.


    By 1:30 p.m., the unease lingered.


    -Thomas, darling...- Ivanova''s voice pulled him from his reverie. Despite being visibly pregnant, the large blue coat she wore concealed her growing belly.


    -Livi...- Thomas responded with a sigh.


    -Your mother is about to arrive,- ivanova informed him, sitting down beside him. At 39 years old, she was tired��worn out both physically and emotionally by the pregnancy and life with the twins��but, as always, she managed to keep her composure.


    -I see... And the kids?-  he asked, noticing the absence of her usual double stroller.


    -Fed and taken care of... They were asleep when I left. Yamile��s watching them now. Your mother��s probably arguing with the receptionists. It��s not good, to leave a pregnant woman, an elderly lady, and two kids home alone. Very bad of you, Mr. Carson,- Ivanova added, stretching her arms and resting her feet on a small stool. Her shirt was stained with applesauce, and dark circles shadowed her eyes.


    The hospital remained in near silence, broken only by the hum of the air conditioning and the occasional footsteps of staff or patients. That silence was soon shattered by the arrival of Helen Carson.


    With her slow but purposeful stride, Helen entered the room with her usual presence. -This hospital is utterly incompetent! Back in my day, employees would be running to get things done... We��ve raised a generation of lazy, good-for-nothing people!- Helen grumbled, her displeasure palpable, making everyone in the room tense up.


    -Mother... How nice to see you looking so well,- Thomas remarked, knowing that the rare times when his mother wasn��t complaining were often the most concerning.


    -Lazy, all of them... Where��s Billy? He��s been gone for too long. Even Jeffrey��s worthless sons have been coming daily. Where��s that altar boy who thinks he��s from a better family?- Helen continued, adjusting herself in her seat with visible dissatisfaction. Despite her harsh tone, it was clear she missed Billy, who had become the primary financial support for his grandparents, overseen by Anne Hall. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Mom, he has a lot of commitments. Everything was scheduled before Dad��s accident. While it��s true this is an important cause, we can��t ignore that he��s busy,- Thomas explained, trying to ease the tension.


    But Thomas knew Billy would come before Christmas. That, at least, was certain.


    ***


    Nike, the sports company that holds the largest market share in North American basketball, was founded in 1964 and has experienced a growth trajectory akin to a surge in bestsellers. Its rival, Adidas, is not far behind, but it is recognized that Nike excels in certain aspects of footwear and basketball.


    - I thought I would eventually hear back from Nike, but I didn''t expect such a quick response, - commented Anne Hall.


    - I was just an advisor for the sports brand when we first signed the contract. Now, six years later, I am the Director of Marketing and Advertising for the company. I have a certain connection with you; this was one of the first major contracts I brought to the company, and I do not regret taking that gamble, - remarked Peter Rupe.


    The man who met Billy a long time ago has a significant reason for this connection; he has known Billy since his beginnings. The little boy, who was once mute around adults, now runs a massive entertainment company. He is unsure how much they will pay for the license. Taking a seat, both were deeply engaged in preparations. Real was a true powerhouse; his story could resonate not only with the American audience but with many beyond its borders. He understood that reaching out to an overlooked audience, the disabled community, while it may sound harsh, was a lucrative business opportunity.


    - I believe we can seize this opportunity to enhance mutual understanding. The Slam Dunk products are among our favorite brands, embraced by all young people. We want to revitalize the brand, and of course, I saw Real''s assistant... we want to launch a campaign with that comic, - Peter Rupe commented.


    - We can renew the Slam Dunk contract for four years at double the previous terms, - Anne Hall stated. Eleven million dollars; a whistle escaped from Peter Rupe, who accepted immediately. It wasn''t a lot, especially with the 9% of sales generated, it remained a great deal. The issue was Real; if Slam Dunk was extravagant, Real was a bombshell��four years, 20 million, 5%.


    - That''s a tough pill to swallow, - Anne Hall remarked.


    - This is the offer Adidas made; I am extending my goodwill for the many years of negotiation, - Anne Hall explained.


    - I see, - he replied, more anxious than he let on. The position is crucial, and they found in sports comics a clear decision-making opportunity that significantly affected the audience. The Slam Dunk comic was read by millions and viewed by even more; children loved Slam Dunk, and that was a fact.


    What about the Real campaign? Just the name alone made all the executives salivate. Goodwill wins loyal customers, and those are better than any ordinary buyers.


    ...

 390. gpu.

    Pok��mon exploded in the same way a rocket travels to the moon. The Pok��mon cards served one primary purpose: to be collectible. From Panini to Lux Animation, millions of cards and packs were printed, enough to fill a large room, with thousands and thousands of cards piled in boxes. They began to be distributed across the country, albeit to a lesser extent in other countries. Nonetheless, the market idea had already taken root in the minds of many children, who admired the cute designs, the series, and the games as enthusiastic fans. It was a hit on three fronts, but Pok��mon was not a poorly conceived franchise. Billy, leveraging his knowledge, understood the best way to capitalize on it through a series that would be magnificent.


    For the new students fresh out of animation academies, coming to Lux Animation was the dream of a lifetime. The 18 new interns, who had earned their spots, looked on in awe. It was an environment that inspired them to keep working, with crystal-clear spaces filled with flowers, cozy sleeping chairs, soda fridges, and a candy stand, alongside a cheerful group of animators working with the precision of a neurosurgeon. These ten new interns would have the pleasure of participating in the creation of more series for Lux Animation.


    - You five will be working with Stephen Hillenburg, - commented Grady, the company��s personnel coordinator from human resources.


    The ten were like ducklings that had lost their parents, observing everything with bright eyes but with caution. However, the company has always promoted creativity, originality, and freshness. From the quiet rooms for teams that preferred calm to the music rooms for others, it was a wonderful place. This was the vision Billy had in mind: a bright atmosphere, promoting tranquility and, of course, results; they just needed an unattainable goal.


    The latest project was "Frankenstein: Undercover Agent," which explored Frankenstein''s life after fleeing from Dr. Frankenstein. He adopted his name and became part of a secret society dedicated to the supernatural, featuring adorable designs reminiscent of tales from the Brothers Grimm or Gargoyles. This project aimed to create a detailed series about myths and hidden stories.


    - You five will be working with Craig on the series "Grumpy Beavers," which premieres next March, - Grady announced, pointing to the five boys.


    They nodded with some excitement as the other eight interns were distributed into different groups. It was one of the few paid internships in animation; although the salary was not substantial, it was enough for some of these young individuals. S��arch* The nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among them were Laurent Foust, creator of "Foster''s Home for Imaginary Friends," and Carl Harvey "C. H." Greenblatt, creator of "Harvey Beaks" and "Showder." This new hiring was due to their ongoing expansion of work teams. Lux Animation, responsible for the films, would see an expansion in its second team and a projection for a third team that would develop over time. Meanwhile, Lux Toons, which is a sister division in production, would have seven teams focused on games, along with support from external companies handling independent projects. These creations would be considered for the animated channels for children, teenagers, and adults.


    It''s simply a frontal assault.


    The second floor of the company is enormous, but it is gradually becoming more organized. If they acquire Hanna-Barbera, no one knows what will happen in the coming years.


    - You will join the Lux Animation groups, and you, the last one, according to your resume, are the right fit to support the children''s section, - Grady remarked, addressing the new 18 employees and the additional 20 who would soon arrive.


    ***


    Microsoft did not hesitate to make it a reality; they began processing the creation of a video game console that could run games from up to three years prior, and its development start was scheduled to support more than 32-bit as a processor, with a hard drive, a GPU of more than 360 bits, being developed by companies like NVIDIA, and a minimum support of 16 GB, with an integrated graphics processor and its proper cooling fan. The project is simply a fantasy in the gaming world; the money has been deposited, and the $120 million left by Billy, who owns 65% of the company, flowed like water.


    - Very ambitious... too ambitious for my taste. These projects always need a hand to hold them back, - commented Paul Allen in discontent, while Bill Gates smiled, that no longer mattered.


    - You have that, that boy knows we are the anchor. But I''m surprised he wanted to create a console with so many capabilities; it''s almost a first-class work of art, - commented Bill Gates.


    The team of software engineers was already hired, and the dice were cast. The project, in an ambiguous way, would be a hurricane for the video game world. Billy provided the entire design.


    - That''s what you say, but I was in the research talks. No one believes such an ambitious project will succeed; it''s asking for technology that is impossible to create, - commented Paul Allen.


    Bill smiled while crossing his legs.


    - We''re confusing the process, but I think it''s healthy for the company. We do it, and he dreams. Sony is growing much faster, with its film studio, its DVDs, and its new products. I fear for the company; this console is the step to curb the Sony project. Besides, Billy knows we can do it; there are rumors that Intel is developing a module with NVIDIA and GCI graphics cards; it''s just the proper union, - commented Bill Gates.


    - We do it, and he dreams it, - Paul Allen whispered. I''ve fallen behind the young people who are now so rebellious to create the fantasies of tomorrow.


    - He has a clear goal. Do you think he wants to buy Apple as a joke? - commented Bill Gates, holding his gaze on Paul. The tiger came out; it was the pure form of Bill Gates that few saw. He will join Jobs; he already has 55% of the company with Jobs, and he will have 73% of the company. He wants to do something and is forming a team; maybe the game console is just another project. He is very similar to Jobs; he finds something impossible and asks them to do it. It''s a good way to do it; it''s just that not everyone sees the path or the strength to follow it.


    The followers of Jobs are there!


    - What do you have in mind? -


    - If he wants Apple, it''s surely for something. He will appropriately surprise us, and when he does... we''ll try to be the first to know, not the last, - he murmured.


    Xbox! It has a blue logo that will characterize Lux Company and Apple in the future. What strength must it be to hire such a large team without certainty?


    ...

 391. Hollywood.

    December 12.


    They had been receiving constant invitations through M��nica for several days. Many of the gatherings were crowded with so many producers, actors, investors, and directors that the merit was overshadowed by Billy''s attention to people; for now, it would only correspond to Winona, no one else. Both pushed their work to the limit; outstanding results were achieved by each of them. One could see that M��nica''s confidence on the runways skyrocketed like a rocket; she had gained the strength to avoid stumbling on stage, even if her curvy hips prevented her from performing the usual leaps.


    ��Tomorrow we��ll leave in the evening to visit Grandpa ��Billy commented��. I hope you have your bags ready.


    ��Yes.


    ��It��s fine. For now, the family is somewhat divided over money matters, but I have more than enough. I��ll cover Grandma��s expenses, and we��ll celebrate with a heifer, just like we used to in my childhood ��Billy replied, noticing her grimace; being ignored and dismissed is a bad sign of love for a woman.


    She was sentimental about these matters, and her transformation from pale to blooming was all she had to say: ��You should visit my parents, and I could introduce you to them. They are loving, and it would be beautiful.��


    ��We��ll spend Christmas here in Texas, and New Year��s in Italy ��Billy said.


    At M��nica''s pout.


    They both got out of the sleek black car with tinted windows, a high-end BMW, with certain modifications that made it elegant. Winona��s house was filled with people; this time, they arranged the space so that the party could accommodate all the gathered guests. The entrance was announced by a few people who were approaching. Winona was with Drew Barrymore; both were young and their dresses, with plunging necklines, were frankly almost naked�� the wonder of angels. The atmosphere was a wild party, and for the first time in her life, she understood the term ��wild party�� in Hollywood, a madness that could only be described.


    She didn��t recognize many of the people, but nudity was the starting point; even Winona was nearly naked, just draped in a sheer fabric. She could see some people having a heated romantic encounter nearby, filled with kisses and sensuality.


    ��I think everything has gotten out of control ��M��nica replied with a smile; seeing this kind of party at model gatherings was not unusual. Billy maintained his composure but had no choice but to take a seat and share a drink. The discomfort of such a wild party led him to approach M��nica, letting the party and darkness cover their steps; they moved close enough to take a step toward love.


    ��Take me dancing, my love ��M��nica whispered, rubbing her head against Billy��s chest. M��nica��s actions could only be considered normal; she was a kinesthetic person who preferred intense contact, and it wouldn��t be wrong to say that the Italian wanted to be on top of Billy every second, but in a different way. The passions of youth, forgotten by time, transformed into the warm feeling of apprehension between two beings seeking to share a refuge. Someone shouted, pulling them from their passionate shadow. Billy noticed a jacket flying through the air and the sound of someone falling. They both took their positions on the dance floor. Dancing was considered a language of love in many cultures; physical activity was very important�� M��nica rubbed her backside with a sensuality that only she could express, they drew closer and stole kisses, time passed, and amidst kisses and dancing.


    The serpentine atmosphere of the angels offered all kinds of favors. He noticed green eyes; they locked gazes. A woman with long black hair, one of Hollywood''s roses, Jennifer Connelly, was chatting with a young Liv Tyler and Winona about something; her gaze was intense, strong, and desirous, ��like the statues or paintings in an ancient mansion.�� He forgot those green eyes with a kiss from M��nica, lost in thought.


    ��I wish I were naked on the beaches of Milos (Greece), for you to take me from behind and plant your seed in me, letting our excitement blossom like the desire people feel in the flesh. I will be yours as long as you want, ours in body and soul. Just tell me what you want, and I will submit to you humbly, so you can do with my body all the wickedness your mind has imagined or will ever imagine, my love ��M��nica entered a frenzy of excitement, and Billy accompanied her to a secluded bathroom�� it was a spectacle for the women watching Billy, but he didn��t care; he understood little of subtleties, the trick was to submit, and he would do so without concern.


    There were laughter and kisses. Laughter and kisses! Like landscapes surrendered, united by the brush of an artist who expresses his ideas.


    It was unpredictable to see Winona, who could not help but notice the eyes of the man becoming a beast, immersed in pleasures, the power of a woman and a man. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She entered the bathroom, and before the door could close, her dress had already fallen to the floor, along with her heels flying around the room. She surrendered into his arms, whispering in a low, silky voice in Italian just how much she desired to be his. It was a rough yet soft tone, raspy and sweet, designed to drive him wild. The moment became secondary as the kisses continued; her erect breasts, filled with longing, brushed against his blazer, each contact eliciting a soft, muffled moan.


    On the other side of the door, Winona''s legs imagined the act with such lewdness that it seemed disproportionate to the proud mind that was corrupted. With every sound, she filled the space with as much skill as she could muster.


    M��nica raised her voice, just loud enough for the person behind the door to savor.


    ��Take me harder, please�� I beg you! Just as you love me, soak my body with the sweat you create. Uhmmmm. Yes, please, I am yours, yours ��M��nica exclaimed as she felt Billy''s fingers tear through her underwear and graze her backside. She was eager for the moment of union, which came swiftly; it was a quick ecstasy, as young lovers have little time to wait. The penetration was filled with urgency and strength.


    ��You��re so wet ��his guttural voice not only made M��nica tremble but also sent Winona into spasms. Her fingers dug deeper into her intimate areas, playing with her familiar body. The appetizer was served just as Drew caught sight of her friend in such a compromising position that she blushed and barely managed to stifle a laugh. But she kept the secret for a more intimate night as she returned to encounter a young man, who greeted her with a kiss the moment he saw her.


    Billy continued showering her with kisses while moving his hips. M��nica wrapped her legs around him, squeezing her hips. The sensation of the warm liquid within her was the true pleasure of life, the joy of being one. They were both sweaty, but she was not satisfied with just once. Without waiting any longer, she bit Billy��s neck, a second, hoping he would get more animated inside her. They continued a storm of kisses, to the point where Winona reached her release, her previously clouded eyes taking note of her situation, trembling in her legs from the uncomfortable position she had forced herself into.


    ***


    Later that night at the same party, M��nica could feel the semen dripping down her legs, but she didn��t care; her white teeth were directed at everyone, a sign that the world of dreams still resided in her heart.


    The scent exuded was what she called pleasure. Yet her excitement didn��t wane; she needed more and was not satisfied with what she had received. One night was not enough; perhaps a week would do, as she didn��t like that sense of complacency.


    ��I think we need to do a bit of lobbying ��Billy commented, turning to some people who were approaching. The night was now filled with a flurry of proposals. While many were young, Billy knew that some would eventually dip their toes into production or investment at some point; the stories were there, he just needed the time to unfold them.


    Curiously, a producer of animated films was present, somewhat older for this type of party, but he couldn��t refuse.


    M��nica hid behind a group of models: Kathy, Madison, and Cynthia. They were friends who had met during a campaign for Prada.


    ...

 392. image.

    December 14. S��arch* The ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Richard Carson opened his eyes on December 13th, feeling joy for the first time in the year. His eyes sparkled like pearls as he surveyed the room. Helen took a deep breath, so profound that she had no air left to argue forcefully, and they both held each other''s calloused hands, resting, their wrinkled fingers laden with the weight of shared years and life experiences. Billy, taciturn, greeted his flight, discussing everything that had transpired and sharing what was on his mind��from the development of his company, his life, the family discomforts, his mistakes, and, of course, his relationships. Whenever someone recounts their life, they do so with the hope of justifying their actions, the things they cannot change; these are perhaps the secrets we do not approve of.


    Taking a break before his arrival, he received the news of a new sponsorship deal with Nike for $11 million for Real, all of which was invested in the production company for cards and machine upgrades. However, the trip was not without its solemnity. It was a short but exhausting journey, and Billy��s study of everything he needed to know about his upcoming film was a topic he could not shake from his mind. The cameras captured them boarding the plane, and gossip was already brewing.


    His previously dark eyes were now illuminated in a hazel green. They were joyful; it was almost like a dream for everyone, who had harbored a bit of insecurity about Richard Carson''s condition for a month.


    ��He broke his hip and, unfortunately, his leg in three places. It��s possible he may never be able to use his leg again, and from this moment on, he will have to manage for the first six months using a wheelchair and soon with a cane. My recommendation is a physical therapist, and the prescribed medications must be administered promptly ��the doctor commented.


    Thomas Carson nodded in agreement with a solemn expression while listening to his father utter green words about ladies. The embarrassment was evident on his face as he lost composure in front of the woman who, despite seeming to listen, maintained her professionalism through the change in her demeanor.


    Not far away, Billy had already taken some photos with a few members of the medical staff and signed some comics; his face was now widely recognized. The moment M��nica appeared, it ignited the waiting room as everyone turned to see the greatest European love of this time. There was something magnetic about the woman with black hair, a nearly poetic allure that drove the woman beside her wild.


    ��Billy, call your girlfriend! ��Richard Carson shouted, causing quite a stir. Thomas once again respected all the commotion caused by his father. The doctor continued recommending all the steps and treatments that needed to be followed regarding his father''s care. Fortunately for Billy, technology was not advanced enough, to allow him some privacy; that privacy was a significant relief. Billy''s exit and M��nica''s entrance, though somewhat reluctant in the presence of the old pervert, were accompanied by Billy''s hand resting on her hips.


    ��Thank you for all the details. I believe I will follow all the recommendations, miss. When can my father be discharged? ��Thomas asked.


    Billy organized his thoughts carefully�� he sensed that his grandfather''s condition was not good; he was at the end of his rope after the fall down the stairs. M��nica kissed Billy on the head during the ride home; they would leave tomorrow and return on the night of the 24th to await the 25th for a celebration.


    ***


    Jim Gianopulus was experiencing physical weariness as the director of the entertainment department at Lux Animation. This made it essential for him to maintain a strong work ethic, especially given the private revenue streams that Lux Animation must follow for the proper production of a film, which felt like a just order.


    Alongside this, the launch of the children''s channel��a channel aimed at eight-year-olds��was approaching. The channel had produced content, but productions for children are typically quick and straightforward. Documentaries or other types of activities can be organized, but the multiple series in the producers'' library and some licenses make it feasible.


    ��I believe if we adjust the launch of the children''s channel from December 17 to December 23, it will allow us to better organize the production system. With the new children''s production team in place, we can pause other new productions. We have  and  completed from Lux Nation, Team 6, while Hit Studios is following the animation of , as Billy ordered. Meanwhile, Lyrick Studios has continued the course of  with the new programs, along with the order for the  series for the upcoming launch ��Anna Washington commented. At Jim Gianopulus''s request, she had conducted a thorough study of everything that needed to be followed, alongside the programs from Animal Planet that they have with the BBC and Discovery, leading to the birth of the Lux Kids channel.


    ��Thank you, Anna. Can you tell us about the management of the last two studios under our Lux Animation family? ��Jim Gianopulus asked. Lost in thought, he had already taken it for granted that the children''s channel would launch in November, and what concerned him were the opportunities for other series. For example, they had been financing various television series to add to their film library, such as the Polish series , , , , and other documentaries that presented good sponsorship opportunities and rights for reproduction on digital platforms and television, avoiding exclusivity. They had a total of 60%, 42%, 40%, and 50% respectively in the series they were producing against television companies.


    ��The broadcasting team is already set up on the third floor. We''ve acquired a digital signal from antennas, and the third floor can broadcast four channel transmission units. Three will be allocated for the company��s animated channels, and the fourth channel can be leased. However, it��s possible that Billy already has an idea of how to utilize that channel ��Raimon, who was in charge of production licenses and managing all contracts with the cable television service, responded. He maintained a production setup for both satellite and digital, which is why he often stayed closely aligned with Lux Animation.


    The designs were assigned to the previously established members of the Lux Animation guild.


    ��Let��s take into account the new contracts ��Jim Gianopulus replied eagerly. Major studios typically have 3 to 5 television channels, but this was somewhat different. The two channels they had could be bundled together due to Discovery, totaling three channels that represented a good market share. The impressive animation channel of Luxtoons and now Discovery Channel, which is part of their channel package, could reduce costs by certain percentages due to the animated interest. However, the selection of channels is different from what is usually seen, and being positioned near certain channels is important. Therefore, they must negotiate a channel order if they want to be among the top channels in a well-placed group.


    ��I will take care of that. I will do everything possible to secure a good position in the company. But now that Anna is in charge of all production and channel management, we have neglected sponsorships... that falls to Wanda Franz, but she hasn��t had the strength to secure the right contracts. For now, we will use the trailers for the children��s movies that the company is producing and advertise some products from Mattel and Hasbro, which are reputable toy companies that appeal to children ��Jim Gianopulus sighed.


    Commercials and sponsorships have a peculiar function; sometimes, the space has different types of commissions or payments associated with the channel. For instance, commercials regarding the purchase of an item or service pay a fixed fee based on 100, 1,000, or 10,000 appearances, depending on the channel owner��s distribution rules, and the price is usually not high.


    ��We need to adhere to the protocols set by the National Television Commission. Many of them have prohibitions regarding prices, censored content, and different standards of integrity compared to what can normally be done in other programs ��Wanda commented.


    ...

 393. crushing.

    Ice Age was the dark horse of the year, a problem for all the movie studios. The first weekend they grossed just under $50 million, and to everyone''s misfortune, it was thought to be monopolizing the month''s box office.


    The first week of release was $79 million, the second week $89 million, the third week was still ongoing, but already at $94 million for the third week, and the start of the fourth week was no slouch either, with $23 million in the first three days.


    From November 25 to December 17, the box office successes in America are enough to reevaluate the animation industry for a third time - the advancement of animation, the great script, and lastly the money, the green bills fluttering in the air.


    -Why haven''t you found a suitable outfit? - Billy commented for the umpteenth time, they were running half an hour late.


    -I don''t have anything to wear and it''s completely annoying that I''m lacking clothes, - M��nica responded pleasantly. Billy couldn''t believe she had a room full of clothes and shoes.


    -Are you kidding? - Billy asked.


    M��nica''s eyebrows furrowed and her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel hoarding its acorns. - Honey, I''ve worn most of those clothes already, plus it''s winter, it''s a new clothing season. I got gifted some outfits, but I didn''t like them. -


    He crossed the room to see M��nica still in her pink pajamas.


    -Red has always been lovely when you wear it. No one can deny your beauty in red. I remember well that you bought that one not long ago and haven''t worn it yet, -Billy commented.


    -I''m saving it for the New Year''s party, - she said, tapping her foot on the carpet.  -Today I wanted something fresher, I don''t want a full dress. -


    -A floral print, maybe? - Billy questioned.


    -Over my dead body, flowers for the evening just don''t go with me. Plus flowers for a formal party, nooo, I''d better wear the white suit, - M��nica said, taking out a women''s outfit - wide black pants, a shirt, a knee-length white blazer, and an elegant fur coat. Something she had tried on at least three times in the last hour. ''This is it,'' she could be heard humming in the dressing room, shaking her head both outwardly and inwardly.


    ***


    Parties didn''t need celebrations or excuses, they were simply celebrated, period. This one in particular was a traditional ballroom dance. The theme was formal nothing more or less, but after midnight, small shooting competitions, bets, and generally everything typical of a casino took place. But more discreet and to the taste of those who celebrated the parties. The 1995 Oscars were being played for the 1996 ceremony, the proposal is attendance is necessary to see how these relationships are in the field. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With less than 5,000 people in the academy, it''s logical to abdicate that numerous aids or favors are needed to obtain a certain number of votes necessary for a role. Curiously, certain groups are created that usually have ideas about what to vote for or not.


    -Today we don''t need votes, we just came to have fun... I don''t have work either, the casino opens at noon, maybe I''ll chat for a while or get lost in some time, but the party is for both of us, - Billy commented to M��nica. They were in the entrance foyer of the mansion, which at most surpassed any mansion in sight, it was simply gigantic with many decorations for the holiday season.


    ''I didn''t know very well who the owners were''


    -Well... -M��nica answered calmly. For her, it was a fantasy to attend a party like this. She had attended some, but this was different from the entrance, to the beginning and end. Her bright but cautious eyes observed everything as she leaned her body against Billy''s chest. The insecurity and the factor she showed were slight, only noticed by her companion as he saw her approach subtly as if she wanted to hide behind his arms.


    They directed the path to frequent greetings from numerous non-Hollywood members who had relevance, such as politicians who advocated for cinema as a means of tourism, wealth, and cultural development, from important judges, deputies, councilors, and businessmen. They made a long sweep of greetings, security was not allowed inside and everything was rigorously guarded, the waiters wore masks, and a first-class pianist used the piano with a taste that seemed impractical not to hear, but only accompanied the evening with his melodic skills.


    They talked about the weather, the elections, the situation in the Middle East, and even Italy. The rose of Italy did not go unnoticed when asked something and smiled, captivating the men around her.


    Indisputably, with the issues in the East resolved and the Iran crisis, oil prices will stabilize for at least another two to three years, murmured a mining, metals, and crude investor.


    -Well, it''s always a gamble with crude, but these companies generate money without much fear if you know where and with whom to work, - Billy replied. To be precise, he understood the political situation but had no real idea about how the entire oil topic could unfold, apart from some news and explanations he had received from a few members.


    The signal was clear; M��nica extended her hand.  -My love, I want to dance for a while. -


    Excusing himself and stepping out of the circle of crude investors, he decided to wait on that topic. Construction contracts were always bothersome for Billy, especially with the recent efforts to modernize the Golden State Warriors'' stadium. But that was a matter for another day.


    -Ha ha ha, who would have thought that the great Billy Carson would run away like a child from his promising investors? -


    -I have my weaknesses, - he replied, giving her a soft kiss on the lips as they headed to the ballroom for a gentle waltz, typical of school dances or graduation parties.


    -They''re appreciated, my love. But I don''t think I can do that repeatedly. It''s curious how you Americans talk about work even at parties; your culture is exhausting, - M��nica commented.


    -We should practice some shooting, although at night it''s more complicated. We can still have fun; I hate that the shooting range is so enjoyable, - Billy responded.


    -I wanted to go see the casino, - M��nica replied, her large doe-like eyes ready for any request.


    -Then the casino it is. Let''s try not to lose too much; I don''t have skills for betting or those games, - Billy said, thinking about how little he knew about poker and the various casino games. For now, he preferred roulette, dice, or blackjack, which seemed the simplest to play, even if they carried certain traps or required specific calculations or reading skills. One thing was certain: M��nica was a woman with a lot of luck.


    They danced three extra songs until�� both rushed to the gambling hall, joking and colliding with a gentleman he knew perfectly well��George Lucas.


    -I didn''t expect to see you here, - Lucas commented. Billy wasn''t much of a socialite; his circle was so small that he rarely received invitations, a situation that seemed to have changed with the woman at his side��three parties in two months, more than he had attended in all his years in Hollywood, even if he was still young.


    -Well, I didn''t expect it either, - Billy countered.


    -It''s for Star Wars; it''s always good to make connections before the premiere. Some might even be encouraged to invest a bit in Lucasfilm for some benefits. Congratulations on your new success, . Although I haven''t seen it, it''s been quite controversial. They say it will be one of the highest-grossing animated films; the record is at $400 million. Do you think you can surpass it? I don''t know, -George Lucas said as they made their way to the casino with due attention.


    - This is M��nica, - Billy introduced, while the Italian smiled. - By the way, it won''t be the only film; we have more in different formats. We recently won an Annie for a television series called . We want to do the same at the audiovisual level with a project called , the life of a deaf person during the Cold War�� it''s not just 3D. Because I say, $400 million is very little; I''m aiming for $1 billion. -


    -Oh, what a bold young man! If you had been born in my time, Star Wars would surely have been yours, - Lucas remarked.


    Both were confident that the next Star Wars film would be a great success. Three sharks joined in to shape a project that would surely be great on its own. George''s relationship structure involved checking the publication status for May, talking to some leaders, discussing the return, advancing funds, and signals, and perhaps improving their position as a production company; the opportunities to win were in the air.


    -I don''t think that''s true, - Billy commented.


    -Oh, young man, how wrong you are! You have a lot of power�� too much for some people''s taste, even if you don''t use it, and that''s not bad. You''re focused on what you imagine; you see it. I don''t see it, Steven doesn''t see it, and no one understands it. In animation, you have a corporation larger than Disney, but you keep expanding. It''s almost as if you want to create thousands and thousands of works nonstop, but you can. Why do you keep expanding? I don''t know. -


    -I have a few animation companies. -


    -You were recently testing the waters in France and Spain. I know, and everyone knows. Your war with Warner is the biggest gossip in recent years. Why did it start? - Lucas asked curiously as they took their seats at the designated roulette table with M��nica.


    -I suppose the casino pays for the party, - M��nica said, observing all the expenses. The champagne fountain with ice sculptures was another unique feature that she couldn''t help but notice, as everything seemed to be an absurd amount of waste. The maximum price per chip was five dollars; there was no way she would pay for the party. The planners understood that it was more exciting when people bet real money.


    They played ten chips on red, and ten chips on the numbers 3, 21, and 39.


    -It started with a contract. At that moment, we reviewed the entire contract. I agreed; even in the initial reading, there were no vague terms. But when combined with specific clauses like subsequent payments, royalties, and labor agreements, it tangled the contract in a way that made it difficult for the legal team to debate. Lawsuits followed because our clauses for purchasing completed series were abusive and the licenses were very costly. They fought for everything because I don''t know�� in my free time, I think it''s because they wanted to acquire Lux Animation, - Billy whispered.


    -Business is strange... you''re attacking Disney,- Lucas questioned.


    -Nooo! What are you talking about? - Billy replied, his surprised white eyes wide open.


    -I see, Michael has some enemies; it''s not surprising, - Lucas commented, downplaying the situation. They both played at the casino for a while until, at 2:00 AM, people headed off to the shooting competition.


    ***


    The following week,  grossed $300 million at the box office, skyrocketing from 0 to 100, with a 34% increase. This figure only accounted for North America; worldwide sales were even more promising, with its release on December 14, 1995, and first-weekend global sales reaching $100 million.


    -This year we only had successes, - responded Armand Millester, director of distribution at Lux Animation. The timely success of each distributed film brought a healthy balance to the small distribution company, enhancing popularity and improving relationships with theaters. It could be said that there wasn''t a cinema chain Armand Millester hadn''t visited in recent years.


    -We need to improve our projects in some states that still haven''t penetrated strongly enough against the big film companies, - commented Stacy Roman, clinking champagne glasses with all the members. She was the grounding force and administrator, while Armand was the lone cowboy, going back and forth.


    By December 31,  had grossed a total of $700 million at the box office, breaking the animated film record by a significant margin. It left theaters on January 25, with a global box office of $980 million, of which $432 million came from the United States. Billy took home $310 million after paying the exhibitors due to his contract.


    The rest was paid in installments, but the coffers received $290 million, plus some additional distribution.


    ...

 394. festivities

    December 22nd.


    Life extinguishes in a blink, like a drop in the air that can vanish with the slightest change. Richard Carson''s chances of improvement are impossible, and far from feasible in the coming days. His clarity has faded, passing quickly and without restraint.


    -That''s the best we can do for now, - Billy remarked to Thomas Carson, whose smile had faded from his face. The grimace was unavoidable. They were both at the Savant Hotel, a small, family-run two-star establishment with rooms and enough security to pass Billy''s team''s approval.


    -I''m afraid I can''t refuse, but it��s impossible... The situation is simply imperfect. My mother is abandoned, and no amount of care from a hired person can suffice. She should come with us to San Jose. If she comes with Father, I''ll cover all the expenses from my pocket. - Thomas Carson responded, declining Billy''s request.


    -Do it, but I find it hard to believe you can manage all your responsibilities. You have young children, a pregnant wife, and, of course, a job that you must attend to, which is the foundation of your stability. - Billy commented.


    -I don��t have many obligations, and I��ll handle the job. - Thomas replied.


    -It��s decided. Take him to San Jose, but don��t fight over money. If it helps, I have plenty. - Billy remarked, understanding that money was the only issue for him, but for Thomas, it was different. It was a matter of principle, a matter of gratitude. However, Jeffrey''s business went downhill with the last winter''s frosts. He decided to sacrifice everything to recover, but his way of thinking remains problematic and debated.


    Thomas refused; he had his pride. But Billy knew he wouldn��t be thanked.


    -I won��t do it, and you can go visit your grandfather. He should have familiar faces around sometimes. It��s not good for him to be alone, even Helen struggles with it. They need the care we should provide. - Thomas commented.


    His schedule is packed, starting January 8th with the filming of L.A. Confidential, and most likely, he��ll be doing some interviews to promote Jerry Maguire... a bit unsettled by the family matter, but he��ll make an appearance.


    -I��ll do what I can! -


    -You need to be present. There are things you should never put aside. Your family comes first. You may still be upset with me, but your wife and your children must always come first. In this case, your grandparents are important. - Thomas commented.


    -I know, Anne will take care of the nurses and the care for both of them. She has all the necessary information. - Billy responded, thinking of Anne and her planning. She was the backbone of the company from the administrative side.


    They both left the hotel, the same hotel where Thomas and his wife were staying. They did some shopping, and even amidst the struggle, indigestion, and quarrel, the meal on the 25th was mandatory for everyone. For Richard and Helen, being part of that activity was very important.


    Given that it��s 10:00 AM, likely, she��s still sleeping. The Italian''s sleep is perfect, and it could be said that her sleep time is a minimum of nine hours. She was a light sleeper, and her rest couldn��t be interrupted.


    -Not many stores are open at this time. Let''s go to the general store; it should be open. As long as we find the right ingredients and the meat, it��s better to buy a steer for the sacrifice and let the members handle the purchase. - Thomas murmured. The time for the celebration was running short; they would go to the cattle fair to buy a good one.


    I��ll buy the drinks and some gifts for the whole family. I��d like everyone to have something, - Billy mentioned to Thomas.


    -Morning shopping? - Thomas asked, thinking it over. -We��ll do it that way then. -


    Although Thomas didn��t know, Billy first visited the pawn shops, eyeing some objects worth purchasing, from paintings and antiques to luxury goods. Some of them were unique pieces. He snuck away to buy a lot of jewelry; Monica is a woman who loves jewelry, and though she denies it, she can��t help but go wild over the details. She doesn��t deny anything, this time. He bought some expensive gifts for many people, knowing he needed to focus on relationships.


    So, he purchased a pair of silver earrings with topazes for Winona, valued at $12,000��not too fancy��a white gold watch for Gwyneth Paltrow worth $21,000, and a complete set of jewelry for Anne, including bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, some in gold, some in silver, and a watch without too many frills.


    For little Monica, he had to be more demanding; there��s nothing worse than the disdain a woman can anticipate. That��s why it needed to be a gift above the general rule. Something with emotional significance could be the first gift.


    ***


    Monica was asleep, deeply. She disliked the cold, so she snuggled under the blankets with a bit of laziness and relaxation. She opened her eyes but, feeling the silence, decided to continue her nap. She had no desire to deal with the cold. The door opened, and her eyes turned to Billy on the other side, dressed in his suit, hair neatly combed, and his cheeks flushed.


    -You��re awake, - he approached to kiss her. She caught the scent of his cologne, filling her senses.


    -I��m not, come here, it��s so cold, - Monica said.


    -I��ve got your gifts. The last one will have to wait until we��re in Italy, but it can be considered a joint birthday and Christmas present, - he told her while drawing the curtains.


    She got up from her spot. There were American football jerseys, some vouchers, envelopes with money, and many boxes of jewelry. Billy pulled out a stack of cards to label and handed her a pen, pointing out which ones were for Winona, Gwyneth, Alice, and Ivanova. She looked at each high-cost gift with those accusing eyes, especially the jewelry set for Anne, which she eyed even more intently.


    The gifts for the children and the money envelopes were given with less interest. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Just a diamond necklace, - Monica responded, seeing her gift.


    -When we��re in Italy if you don��t like your gift�� you can be mad, darling. Unfortunately, with all the money I have, I can��t bring your gift here, - Billy told her.


    -A house? -


    -I��m sure you��ll like it. -


    ...

 395. offering

    December 25th, in many ways, is a day filled with family-related work in the business world. But some didn��t have such opportunities to achieve that. Anne Hall, after a small family gathering with her uncles, grandparents, and distant relatives, woke up in the early hours when everyone else was silent and went to the Lux Toons studio. The Christmas season kept the company busy, as the special holiday programming, though modest, still drew some interest.


    Basic series like Dexter��s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls had four Christmas episodes each... other series also featured holiday-themed episodes, and the series  with its particular theme, was especially charming for Christmas.


    -How��s all the programming going? - Anne asked.


    -It��s still growing. We��ve got a season of movies and some special Christmas shorts that Pixar made for the occasion, - replied Freddy Pitterncock, the programming manager who ensured all the schedules were on track. Lux Animation��s holiday break ran from December 24th to December 31st, with only a few people working during this period in the studio, leaving a noticeable void. Both gathered to review the lineup of channels that updated every 24 hours, requiring maintenance, so the work demanded even on holidays, they worked 2 to 4 hours a day.


    -That reassures me. If there��s any issue, you can call Anna Washington, - Anne commented, walking to her office. She checked emails, organized work for the company��s return, sent messages, urged Jim to sort out the licensing contracts, reviewed some series drafts, bearing Billy''s blue approval stamp, and filed them to calculate the budgets and feasibility of the series and how they could bring them to life.


    In less than six hours, all contracts were in their respective business emails, and the budgets for potential series were on the table, along with the merchandising orders to be made in collaboration with Lucasfilm. As she stretched her arms and finished her work, she looked forward to enjoying the Christmas dinner. She didn��t forget to send out memos about the New Year��s meeting on January 23rd, along with the submission of all financial reports, which were mostly handled by Raimon and the often-overlooked Felicity, who managed all the comic and toy distribution.


    She sighed deeply, her Christmas bonus wasn��t bad, and now all that was left was to get home.


    Anne��s house was enormous, with three floors, a large garage, a balcony on the second floor, and a garden occupying 30% of the space. It was huge, and during her student years, she almost lost this house left to her by her parents, bought 20 years ago... With her formal job at Lux Animation, she managed to pay the overdue taxes and renovate it. The renovation was completed last year, updating the old structures.


    When she entered, she noticed a certain complicity on her aunts�� and grandmother��s faces.


    -What? - she responded, with some bravado.


    -Nothing, dear, it��s just that your Christmas gifts have arrived, - her grandmother said.


    -Christmas gifts? - Anne asked.


    -Hahaha, a man, dear. I wish my ex-husband had been so generous, - one of Anne��s aunts muttered slyly, causing Anne��s cheeks to flush. Just reading the card could make one assume many things, but that wasn��t Billy��s handwriting. "A Merry Christmas to someone indispensable to me." The boxes were partially open, but she could only open them fully. Inside were necklaces, bracelets, chokers, earrings, and brooches of silver, and gold, some with pearls, emeralds, topazes, rubies, and many others��a beautiful jewelry set that made her eyes widen. If only the handwriting had been Billy��s, but no, it wasn��t him. This slightly diminished the gift��s value for her, but it was still enough to brighten her night.


    -That��s not all, dear. They also sent a red dress, - Anne��s grandmother said joyfully. She rarely wore dresses, and seeing it there left her feeling a bit conflicted. But the note attached left a bittersweet taste, "Go to the store to have it tailored to your size. A hug," she heard from her aunts. Adding things up, it easily surpassed $100,000, that��s for sure... the whispers only made her more uncomfortable.


    ***


    Richard Carson wheeled himself from the kitchen to the living room, moving back and forth, asking everyone if the food was ready. Occasionally, his gaze would linger on Billy''s new girlfriend, and he''d open his mouth to speak, making her laugh before he retreated to the kitchen.


    -Thomas, who��s Billy��s new girlfriend? - Richard asked, loud enough for the entire kitchen to hear.


    -She��s Italian, and she must be a wild one in bed, - Ivi commented.


    -IVI, we don��t talk about that, - Thomas responded. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Oh, come on, Thomas. You��re no different; even when she''s pregnant, you can��t control yourself. It seems like that''s something the Carsons have in common��lots of kids, lots of kids, - Ivanova laughed, along with Savannah, who also had three children but knew of a half-brother of hers with a cowgirl.


    -Ahhh, you all are unbearable, - Richard muttered.


    -Haha, you little old man, she��s Italian, and you should ask her yourself. I��m surprised that a model like her chose to spend her holidays on the farm; I thought Milan and a night out would be more her style. I did it when I was single, - Ivanova replied.


    But she never mentioned the topic that made everyone in the house uncomfortable��the age difference. A woman ten years younger is bothersome to some, but Helen didn��t dare bother Billy about it, preferring to keep quiet. Ivanova didn��t feel she had the authority to comment on Billy''s love life, understanding that life should be enjoyed. However, Thomas was about to lose his temper, and Richard��s probing only added fuel to the fire.


    -We��ll be serving in 25 minutes. Go wash your hands and face, - Ivanova instructed Thomas.


    A long table with 14 seats ended up with 18, tightly packed and uncomfortable, but the food was plentiful. The adults were mostly silent, while Cassidy engaged in a deeply interested conversation with Monica, who answered all her questions. The brunette wore a white, low-cut blouse that left much to the imagination, paired with a gray scarf tied like a bandana��everything she needed.


    -Thanks for the gifts, dear, - Savannah murmured.


    -No need to thank me. I tried to get it right for most of them, - Billy replied.


    -We all appreciate it, - Jeffrey Carson added, though he was reluctant to admit it. His wife��s scolding had been enough to make him swallow his pride. The envelope with $10,000 was a drop in the ocean for Billy but a lifeline for Jeffrey��s debts, which he had given to each family member. Helen carefully hid her money under a lamp in her room, among some books, her jewelry, and other forgotten places.


    This small relief lightened the heavy burden a bit. Last year brought drought, followed by livestock disease and frost, which devastated the Texas ranchers. The investment was there, but recovering from so many tragedies is difficult. Savannah went back to working as a nurse, covering shifts to pay the house rent and put food on the table, while the younger ones worked outside, except for the oldest, who worked with his father on a fencing contract, 200 kilometers for a rancher, which covered some expenses while they managed the farm in the morning. The problem was that they had neglected Helen and Richard, using all the money from the store, which Cassidy supplemented with afternoon shifts, with Helen occasionally appearing.


    -It was very thoughtful, - Savannah responded, her large dark eyes showing a gratitude that no Carson would ever express so openly.


    -I see, - Billy sighed. The situation was deeply complicated and entangled with the family. So many things were left unsaid. Now that he was giving gifts to others, he realized he needed to be a bit more considerate of his immediate family. A few thousand wasn��t much to him, but seeing the state of the family gave him a better understanding of their problems.


    Monica squeezed his hand; the gifts had been her idea.


    -I have a dress that you��ll love, Savannah. It��s beautiful, - Monica said, her Italian accent with its clipped English was enough to lighten the intense stares from her father and Jeffrey.


    ...

 396. businesses.

    December 27, 1995.


    Billy had been excited about his upcoming business trip to San Diego, California. He was there to propose a deal to Audrey Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, about acquiring the rights to "The Grinch." The Dr. Seuss stories had become increasingly popular, with many being adapted into films, and Billy saw an opportunity to bring them into the animated world.


    As they approached the pastel-colored house at 154 on 102nd Street, Monica, who was accompanying him, expressed her surprise. "I didn��t expect you to take me along for a business meeting," she said, caught off guard by how quickly everything had returned to normal after the holidays.


    "It''ll be quick," Billy assured her. "I��ve got to close a deal that I��m passionate about. Sometimes what��s important today might not be as urgent tomorrow, so it''s better to act now. I''m lucky they accepted my request for this meeting, and fortunately, we��ve got a little window of time."


    When they arrived, they were greeted by Audrey Geisel, a dignified elderly woman with white hair, surrounded by her grandchildren. The family was gathered together, and Billy felt the significance of their visit, especially as he looked at the collection of comics he brought as gifts. These weren��t just gifts; they were a testament to his creativity and what he could offer in terms of animation.


    "Punctual, five minutes early," Audrey noted with a smile. "For meetings like this, it��s unusual for someone to be right on time. The maze of houses often delays people."


    "We woke up a bit early," Billy replied, glancing at Monica, who was not a morning person unless she had gone to bed early the night before. They were shown into a sitting room, where several people were already gathered, their eyes fixed on Billy and Monica as they took their seats.


    "It��s a pleasure to meet everyone," Billy greeted the room. Monica shifted uncomfortably in her chair, feeling out of place in a situation she hadn��t asked for. The atmosphere was tense, but Audrey soon returned with tea, which Billy accepted graciously. Monica, however, wrinkled her nose at the strong smell of ginger��one of her least favorite scents.


    Audrey examined the comics Billy had brought: the first two volumes of  and the first volume of . The covers were strikingly beautiful, though the third volume didn��t quite match the quality of the others.


    "So, son, you say you have a proposal to buy the rights to ," Audrey began, her keen eyes observing Billy closely while her children listened intently. The grandchildren were sent outside to play, leaving the adults to discuss the matter at hand.


    "I do," Billy confirmed. "I believe my offer is above many you might receive. As a creator of books, comics, and much more, I strongly believe in supporting authors above all else. That��s why I have all the production channels��publishing, distribution, animation studio, and, of course, closed contracts with toy companies. Here��s my proposal. If you could review it and get back to me when you have time, that would be great. Before you read it, I should add that you could potentially make more money with other publishers or companies, but what I��m offering is the right thing for the books. They have a legacy, and the affinity between artists and their work is crucial. I aim to satisfy both, neither leaning too far in any one direction."


    Billy��s publishing company was a non-profit organization focused on funding writers, using profits to sustain the company while distributing the rest to the authors. His agreement with MacMillan was already solidified, ensuring that the sale of books was handled with care. Additionally, the development of Dr. Seuss��s characters included another clause for payment per series, along with detailed budgets, ideas, and working methods.


    As for live-action or potential adaptations, Billy��s contract was fortified with the necessary provisions to deliver a top-tier movie, but he couldn��t offer a film without giving something first.


    "So you just hand over a contract and leave?" Audrey asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, I��m proposing a business deal that requires thought. Words can be excessive; everything is in the folder. There��s no need for persuasion; for deals like this, it��s important to have clear offers. I can��t offer anything beyond what��s in there. We can negotiate, as long as it��s balanced. But as I said, it��s not about the money��it��s about the project. I promise 20 years of animations and 20 years of passive and active income that will support your family and Dr. Seuss��s legacy��not just a one-time payment. Thank you for the tea and your time, but I apologize for intruding during the holidays. I have another meeting soon with someone even more demanding, but you can call me anytime. I��m confident we��ll have a wonderful relationship," Billy said.


    His approach was clear: this was both his first and final offer, with room for growth. The companies Billy managed and his presentation spoke for themselves. Inside the folder was an additional gift: a small DVD of  from his company, Pixar.


    ***


    Once they left the house, with Billy''s permission, Monica was left speechless at how quickly he had concluded the deal and in such a manner that she found it all very poetic. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -She wanted to bring us down to a more personal level, - Billy remarked, surveying everything. -She invited us to her home on a family day, at a specific time before lunch, which likely means she intended to cut the conversation short if things didn��t go her way. That��s why any negotiation would be abruptly halted. Also, she kept us waiting; she could have easily had someone else prepare the tea. Thirdly, her stance was closed off, making negotiations very difficult. She��s looking for a winning offer, but as I said, success comes from work well done. -


    -So much in so little time. I think I��m astonished��I��m afraid I don��t fully grasp everything... but her surprised expression amuses me. I��ve never seen someone deflate another person so effectively before. It��s amusing that you managed to establish your position, - Monica sighed, reflecting on how it all played out.


    The loss and the chance to find themselves tangled up led them to head toward Microsoft for the second round of the day��a necessary meeting. The push to start with video games had begun, and the innovation research had been completed, involving contracts with various companies to find someone capable of improving all the devices needed for a console like that. That��s why Billy decided that the best approach was to expand everything, to something that seemed impossible, just as Jobs had taught him to be thorough.


    -Do the best you can, even if those around you don��t believe it��s possible. That��s why your vision is fantastic��if you can organize your workers to achieve the impossible, perhaps they��ll find something better. You just need to show them the right path, and they��ll handle the rest. -


    Goals that seem impossible but are achievable.


    -Who are we meeting next? - she asked, a little curious.


    -A businessman, but this time it will be quicker because I have to attend. It turns out I��m an obligatory business consultant, and I��m guiding the company with my ideas, - Billy replied, anticipating the meeting with Microsoft Games, and particularly, it was magnificent.


    ...

 397. official society.

    Seattle is a classic American city, its industry and business sectors fueling American expansion, and from certain understandable encounters, you can see that the development of the entire industry is guided in a particular direction.


    -So we��re headed here, - Monica remarked as she took in the business district. It was something different, she hadn��t expected something so vast.


    -I don��t have much time, but I think it��ll be enough before our trip to Italy, - Billy told her, giving the brunette a gentle kiss. - Paul will take you to the shopping centers a few blocks away. You can use the time to buy clothes or anything else you might need... I��ve arranged for a supplementary card; you can spend up to $10,000 a day on your expenses. If you need something more expensive, you can use a credit card. -


    Her eyes lit up at the thoughtful gesture, noticing the shiny silver letters spelling out Billy Carson��s name against the black background of the American Express card. She��d been given a credit card before, but now she had a debit card for daily expenses. She tried to hide her smile but couldn��t. She missed part of the conversation as Billy gave instructions to the security team.


    Now the security team had a fixed rotation of five members, with Erwin as the leader, Douglas Sing as the vice-captain, Roy Hancock, Paul Ambrosio, and Kael. Among them, Billy entered with Roy as his escort for the pending meetings at Bill Gates�� company.


    The $500 million deal had the security to ensure that Billy��s moves would improve the Hotmail page, along with some small agreements, but the salary for being a commercial advisor was nothing to scoff at.


    As a commercial advisor for Hotmail, now part of Microsoft, Billy had a deal to receive 1% of the company��s profits during his tenure as an advisor. Given his role, he had to focus on improving the well-known Hotmail page.


    The meeting stretched over two hours, covering all processes, attachments, and operations conducted over the past few months��three, to be exact��since they gained the power to participate in the use of email. They had expanded their service to Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, facing challenges in Asia, and decided to plan a major launch for February of the following year.


    -Two simple things: if we want to attract the public, the first is the visual appeal of the page. I��d like to propose the use of a defined color palette��blue, white, and gray. For points 2 and 3 in this meeting... for points 4 and 5, we should improve the message-sending capacity, allowing attachments of at least 5 megabytes if possible. Point 6, in line with the proposal to engage with European universities, the sooner the better. I��ll be in Italy for Christmas, and I might reach out to some of them. -  The room fell silent. The chief engineer wanted to shout that sending files over 5 megabytes was impossible but held back. - As for points 7 and 8, they��re not as relevant, and it��s better to focus on what we have and expand on the needs that email requires. When forming an idea, it��s possible to say that we want an online desk where the user can adjust their schedule, so I believe we should prioritize the initial points on this agenda. -


    -What will the page design be based on? - the company��s global design department asked.


    -Page improvement, quality, image, and of course, log in. It��s possible that in the coming years, performing actions won��t require waiting time; I want that to happen now, minimizing wait times for transactions. Investing in a better network is more important than anything else, - Billy stated.


    The color scheme was based on the dark blue of Lux Animation, but now with a lighter blue and different shades, it could be called Microsoft��s version.


    For now, the servers, the internet itself, and the destination server aren��t capable of handling a 5-megabyte load. The fact that it can send a black-and-white photo with a one-page Word document is a significant advance. This advancement was made in 1992, but Billy added the 1-megabyte attachment. Now, with the push to 5 megabytes, it requires substantial work.


    -I don��t want an explanation of how it��s done��I want you to find out why it can��t be done and how you��re going to solve it. If you can��t do it, you can��t. You��re the experts. But remember, if another company achieves it first, while you��re part of one of the pioneering email services, don��t expect a ��well done�� at the end of the year, - Billy responded, silencing the engineers'' doubts.  - On another note, delegating many services is good, as long as they��re entirely separated in function. For instance, to log into a page, I need a user that��s allowed, provided the page is separate from the email and information. Improving the email service is the priority. -


    The IP reading, which will be widely used in the future, is already planning the Messenger chat for its next big launch, something that needs to be kept under wraps for now. They focus on news, browsers, and domains, forgetting about the instant messaging service.


    ***


    -Ma��am, you can��t go alone; Mr. Carson forbade you from walking alone, - Roy commented.


    -What do you mean, forbade? -


    -Yes, ma��am, the orders were clear: not to leave your side, to take you wherever you wish to go, and, of course, to ensure your safety, - the man in the suit replied, somewhat uneasily. He needed to be vigilant about anyone following her, just as had happened with the women who previously dated Billy. Special attention was necessary. The thing is, when you deny something to a woman, she tends to think the opposite of what she should.


    The eagle-eyed man watched but didn��t intervene.


    -Fine, but don��t bother the other people, - Monica said as she walked toward the handbag store. Even if they offered her handbags for promotions, she always liked to see what was new from the brands, including perfumes, although for now, she only allowed herself a single fragrance.


    The dilemma of commercial brands had ruined her sense of fashion in certain aspects. She could still buy from better-known brands, like jeans, dress shirts, and anything not considered high fashion. A complicated clause that Monica simply chose to ignore.


    ***


    Microsoft Games was in action. S��ar?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -For now, we��re working on the specific controls you developed; in terms of ergonomics, they��re fantastic, - Marcus, a worker at the video game company, responded.  - The studies skipped a lot of work time, - using a strong course and various types of designs, they were building the essential parts while waiting.


    The research system conducted an in-depth study on how to improve the processor, but it was clear that this would take enough time to carry into the end of the decade. The bold proposals and daring game developments from ID Software were targeting a market that might be young but wouldn��t lose its identity for two simple reasons: they wanted a portable console with specific and unique characteristics, dedicated solely to games.


    -How��s my request for the portable console coming along? With a capacity of 64 bits at 97 MHz, if you can upgrade the system to 64 bits at 180 MHz, I��d be greatly appreciative of all your efforts, - Billy commented, knowing the strength of a company that develops this kind of video game.


    -That��s more challenging, but we��re working on microprocessors. So far, nothing is going as we hoped, but... you��re right, if we can identify a similar service like cell phones, the advancement could be significant, -responded the chief researcher, Hayato.


    -For now, let��s focus on compressing these types of video games and on improving and producing batteries that can support six to eight hours of gameplay, - Billy suggested, feeling the air of the next big phase of Lux Animation.


    -We��ll do our best, - Hayato replied.


    ...

 398th edition

    In the elusive streets of Paris, Julie Delphie��s apartment was tucked away behind an alley, accessible only by a small truck. Two blocks down, there was a small roundabout, making it a secluded spot. It was a four-story building, and Julie, not very famous, had the entire top floor to herself. It was magnificent, and she enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of Paris from the comfort of a charming room that suited her tastes perfectly.


    -I think I like this place, - Gwyneth murmured from the terrace. Both women were enjoying the scarce winter sun, lying on makeshift beds of mattresses in a small, roofed terrace room with wooden beams and glass but no walls around.


    -Wait until the party, the men here are handsome, and I think they��ll die when they see you��you��re stunning, - Julie remarked.


    She was holding a book in her hands, her youthful, well-toned body, made to captivate men, was a breath of fresh air for Gwyneth, who had been working, partying, and often filming scenes while drunk. But that was just how the industry was.


    -I''m already looking forward to it. I needed a break from LA. If I stayed there, I would��ve completely burned out��no more men, no more wild parties, and to hell with those old bastards, - Gwyneth said, taking a deep breath, while Julie observed her.


    -What happened with Billy? I��ve noticed you��ve been a bit off lately, - Julie asked, sensing the awkward silence and deciding to break the thin ice.


    -Ugh! I don��t want to talk about it. I��m completely disappointed with everything that happened. It��s frustrating dating him��no one��s good enough for America��s man, - the blonde replied, wanting to put the matter to rest.


    Remembering how she was ultimately discarded and, worse, the profound anger that surged in her heart when the topic was brought up, filled her with a sense of betrayal. She had always had everything��came from a good family and was, of course, beautiful. How could she be so easily cast aside?


    Now, Billy was seen with an Italian woman��a clingy one, who was probably only good in bed. It was pathetic that he was now chasing after another woman, who was particularly despicable in her behavior, most likely groveling at Billy��s feet...


    ''Better stay silent,'' Julie thought as she admired a beautiful black leather watch that gleamed on her wrist, a gift that had come along with a cowboy hat.


    -A friend is coming over, a top model who might impress you, but be careful, she��s dangerous, - Gwyneth smirked playfully. Kate Moss was a real heartbreaker��even women weren��t immune to her extravagant allure. She was a slender blonde, with the intensity of a supermodel who was fully aware of her sexuality and wielded it to the extreme.


    Three women, partying and living the wildlife��it was the joy of both in postponing their work.


    ***


    Italy was as beautiful as ever. Monica now had two residences, one in Italy, specifically in Milan, Rome, and Paris, but her parents and family were from Perugia��a rural life. Her father worked in the fields on a small farm to support the family, but his real job was owning a trucking company, where all their products were sold wholesale��that was the situation.


    -Perugia is the most beautiful capital there is, but right now, we can��t stay there. My family will have their hands full, but we can use the studio apartment I bought not too long ago, - Monica said, who among all her properties, had a small house in Milan, a one-bedroom apartment in Perugia, and while mansions and villas weren��t part of her portfolio, the runways and frequent trips to Paris and Milan had prompted her to get a flat in Paris. But now her life was in California, and she was surprised at how quickly things had changed.


    -Of course, your Christmas gift is in my hands. You should know that the gift I bought includes your former Milan residence. You can��t escape, and we have to be back in the United States by January 5th, - Billy commented.


    She nodded, smiling. The capital of Umbria, Perugia, was a true ancient marvel, designed to transform and organize. They strolled through museums, bundled in large coats to ward off the cold. Monica wore a red beret, her cheeks flushed from the chill, the happiness on her face a clear sign that she was utterly enchanted.


    From the quaint pastry shops she loved to a bar, art galleries, and the streets, Monica had a love-hate relationship with the city. It brought back nostalgia, making her forget the chaotic moments she didn��t want for herself. And for those reasons and more, her sadness couldn��t be ignored. Even now, as an adult after many arguments, her parents'' relationship has settled into a fixed and established idea that operated through many disagreements. But it was enough for her to pay off her parents�� debt, reclaim their home, and add the small, abandoned barn for the winters, along with the little pond to the west that her father turned into a trout pond. Because of that, old grudges were finally smoothed over, though some still lingered. sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -This apartment here was my youth residence. I started as a painter, which led me to pose for some portraits... Later, I decided to attend a few photo shoots, and it was fantastic, but in the end, I failed and ended up traveling all over Italy, - Monica recounted.


    They both entered the small apartment, which was cold and somewhat disorganized. They tidied up and prepared a meal of pasta with vegetables, accompanied by some water and tomato juice.


    -What��s wrong? - Billy asked, stroking her cheek. The table was small, so small that their knees touched, but the picturesque view from the window, with its yellowish lights in hues of red, orange, and yellow, was soothing.


    -I''m just nervous and completely lost. I thought my life was sorted out on several occasions, but now I can avoid those failures that constantly bothered me, - Monica replied, keeping many of her thoughts to herself. From failures in her love life to attempts at finding love, trying wasn��t a defeat, but she was left speechless.


    -It''s nice to return to where you��ve always been happy, - Billy commented.


    -It was terrible. My life began with the desire to become a lawyer, but the cost was something, and it was profitable to be a full-time model. However, from there... it hasn��t gone as I wanted, and now I��m in fashion and cinema��what a madness, - Monica said, emerging from her depression. She was shy, recalling how, as a child, she was intimidated by gazes and lacked confidence in her beauty, always indecisive and clinging to her sensitive side.


    She decided to turn on an old radio, which only played Italian music, but she frowned until she found a station playing light ballads. This made her move around the room, biting her lip. Billy��s gaze was as attentive as it could be.


    ***


    Steve Jobs was pleased, with his position of power he now had a voice on the board. He had already dealt with all the paperwork, including with Billy on how to run the company.


    Apple��s priority was to minimize risk, and although it was painful, they had to confront themselves and embarrass part of the board. They would negotiate the shares. For now, he understood that he couldn��t match the kid in making money, so the percentage would be split. Even when making necessary financial injections, the kid��s expansion would only increase.


    -What are you doing here? - Michael Splinder, a board member who had taken leadership after being ousted from Apple, asked. Being discarded and forgotten was a harsh blow.


    -Cleaning up your mess. I see you didn��t check this morning��s newspaper, and worse, the drop in stock prices. Perfect. I would call you a complete fool, but no... you knew the risk, so you only deserve the title of completely incompetent, - Steve Jobs retorted with force, his finger jabbing into Michael��s chest. He didn��t waste time calling the previously summoned board members.


    Michael��s silence spoke volumes. He was lost, completely unsure of what to say. He even laughed, to the point that when he entered, only the principal members were present.


    There was an article about the copying and piracy of McTosh processors. It was like plunging a knife into his chest... but it was necessary. Billy had ensured the drop, better earlier than letting the board control it. Buying out the dissenters and cutting off the split was enough with three or four investors. But the fewer, the better.


    Tim Plizt grimaced, but between the lines, Billy had offered a good price for his shares, which had dropped from four dollars to $1.45. He bought the shares at three dollars but missed the opportunity to sell.


    Gary Strader entered, sweating, alongside Michael Splinter, who was being held by the neck.


    ...

 399. the new year.

    January 3.


    The times in Italy are perfect, and Milan is a city with its unique charm. It has the power to be called the fashion capital and, for many reasons, is a country that invites exploration and discovery. With its beautiful surroundings, including expansive vineyards, it is a city built for investment.


    Billy was walking through the Italian vineyard. Genoa, Turin, and Livorno are nearby and are known for their wine production. They produce various types of wine, from sweet and sour to fruity. Less than an hour away, in Novara, a beautiful villa featured an old wooden house with clay, stone, and luxurious gardens. Alongside it was a vineyard and a barrel factory for aging wine�� the beginning of a new business that wasn��t focused on getting rich. That��s why M��nica, with her large black eyes and distinguished appearance, couldn��t find any words to express her amazement.


    -So�� -


    -It��s ours. It��s my Christmas gift��a vineyard for us. I thought it would be something that could bring us closer to Italy. And just a vineyard. You��ve always hinted at wanting a place where you can enjoy your wines, so now you have it. We can make our wine. The previous owner sold me his contacts on the condition that I wouldn��t dismiss his former employees. If we sell 50% of the harvest, the vineyard can run on its own. With some investment, we can expand the winery and, of course, produce better wines for ourselves, - Billy said to M��nica, who nodded politely but inside felt like a teenager bursting with excitement. A Christmas vineyard, an unexpected gift that delighted her completely; now she understood why he had waited so long to give it to her.


    -Oh, Billy, I don��t like being surprised like this, - she murmured, feeling even more touched by the gesture.


    -It��s for both of us. -


    A vineyard is considered by many Italians as a land of beauty, art, culture, and nature�� idyllic places centered around the grape. Many traditions, businesses, and products stem from this concentrated fruit that creates a thread of well-being and beauty. It��s no coincidence that this fruit produces the elixir of life: wine.


    -Thank you for everything you��ve done for me, - M��nica whispered, acknowledging Billy��s support in strengthening her commercial contracts with fashion brands, her involvement in the car market, and her dedication to high-level modeling. The title of the supermodel was now hers.


    She bit her lip, resting her head on Billy��s chest as she loved to do in the mornings, a position she cherished.


    -Don��t worry, we��ll take it step by step. -


    ***


    Steve Jobs was moving back and forth, enjoying the luxury of closing multiple transactions��a newly acquired pleasure. The business favored Billy, who was buying various shares that might urgently need negotiation in the coming weeks. His percentage had grown from 5% to 9%. The expenditure was considerable, and even though his company NEXT was making a lot of money, the company��s money was still just that: company money.


    -Apple��s stock is plummeting, but Billy is offering to buy shares at $1.75. With a 23% stake in his favor, it��s a good deal. The next few months and years will be a matter of investment. We need to remodel the industry and inject varying amounts of money. We have a project, but Billy��s priority is to acquire these properties under his name,- Steve Jobs commented.


    The other party sighed. Apple��s shares, bought in the late 80s, had been a good company, but its recent decline was a complete disaster. He wasn��t fully aware that the news was false. While some companies had managed to use Apple��s technology, the issue didn��t escalate further, but the damage was clear. Therefore, they needed to work on rebuilding the market, closely related to the gaming industry, Autodesk, and Jobs��s knack for achieving what seemed impossible. But it wasn��t just about luck; it was about sharp vision and strategic thinking.


    -They expect a bankruptcy, - Tim Michaels commented.


    -We��ll do it. The initial investments will involve substantial sums for acquisitions and other projects that may not seem favorable to a board of directors. If you want to invest or buy under a mandatory acquisition agreement, I can��t blame you, - Jobs said.


    -I��ll sell, but I want a preferential repurchase clause when they make their public acquisition, - Tim Michaels responded. sea??h th�� n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Of course, we��ll do that. I just hope that, at that time, you or your children are willing to reinvest in the company, - Steve Jobs said, with his usual gesture of moving his mustache from side to side.


    The signing was flawlessly executed on the page.


    ��


    In the first weeks of January 1996, for Jobs and Billy, it was all about acquiring Apple shares, a move considered one of the largest they had made recently. A well-devised plan divided the shares among three parties: Billy received 78% of the company, Jobs 9.5%, and 12% went to a multi-billion-dollar investment fund covering various sectors such as oil, metals, mining, coal, energy, technology, and even a minor stake in entertainment.


    Raimon, another participant, was completely exhausted and overwhelmed from postponing his vacation, but duty called. He had to oversee the entire process of restructuring and fortifying Apple. They hired Gil Amelio, known as a corporate turnaround specialist. If anyone could cut costs, optimize processes, and revitalize a stagnating company, he was the man for the job.


    This decision displeased Jobs, but the orders were clear. In the many meetings, it was emphasized that Apple''s priority was innovation, not quantity. They reduced the number of product models from 78 to 10��products that had not made a strong impression on the market. These would later be cut down to 5: three computer models, each with its CPU, modem, keyboard, and mouse, but many of these models needed work, along with one laptop and headphones.


    -Billy explained everything to me! Let��s reduce our products. Our primary colors will be black, gray, and white, with subtle shades of blue to represent the emblem of Lux Animation and various touches of modernity. Billy wants better graphic processors, improved operating systems, and top-notch developers. We need change, and the best change is to switch from inch disks to USB connectors for memory and linking, - Raimon explained, implementing many of Billy��s required practices to meet common delivery standards, with designs created by Billy to improve the overall look.


    -Yes, but why can��t I be the CEO? I believe I��ve contributed significantly to the company��s project, - Jobs murmured with displeasure.


    -You��re the Creative Director of the company with broad authority over its operational direction. We need you to do what you do best. For now, let Gil handle the numbers and the accounts. You are the face of Apple, - Raimon said smoothly.


    Jobs narrowed his eyes but understood his role. The contract was also crucial: Gil Amelio would be CEO for only three years, paving the way for a new director in 1999, with the hope that Jobs��s talent would be recognized by then.


    The cost of acquiring shares reached $109 million to obtain the remaining percentage and secure 78% of the company. This expenditure was highly controversial when Apple withdrew from the stock market for corporate health reasons, ultimately becoming the owner of the technology company.


    The company��s finances are as follows: $300 million was invested in Discovery for new documentaries, purchasing, and hiring new talent, and recording equipment. An additional $60 million went into Lux Kids, a children��s channel that generated $72 million. $16 million was invested in Comedy Central, while $38 million was spent on Skylerbox, primarily funded by comic book revenues. ID Software was expanded to Atlanta, with $75 million invested in Microsoft Games as a primary investment and $15 million in DreamWorks Games, paid by ID Software.


    The purchase of Apple shares for $109 million, covering an additional 46% for a total of 78%, the acquisition of the Golden State Warriors basketball team for $70 million, and the $100 million invested in DreamWorks brought the total expenditure to $757 million in the last quarter. The annual total, considering other expenses, amounts to $1.3 billion.


    Throughout the year, four animated films were released, and there was an investment in three films with distribution collaboration.


    Monthly, Lux Comics generates $9 to $11 million in comic book sales, half of which is used to sustain the company, with the remainder for investments. This results in a minimum profit of $54 million from comic book sales, reaching a peak of $72 million this year. The television channel earns an additional $57 million from advertising, toys, and licensing.


    Hotmail was sold for $520 million, and there is a debt of three credits totaling $300 million, $250 million, and $190 million, respectively.


    Iron Giant made a profit of $43 million, Lilo & Stitch $367 million, A Bug��s Life $100 million, and Ice Age $500 million. Excluding credits, total box office, comic book, and television revenue amounted to $1.136 billion. The credits are the cash flow needed for their purchases, but they will likely be paid off by April 4, five days after tax filings.


    Tax liabilities are calculated at $170 million. Even with the large debt and numerous exemptions, this is the cost of tax declarations.


    ...

 400. stories.

    Throughout the month, Billy never stopped perfecting his state of mind for the movie . After playing a cop for two weeks, interviewing numerous officers, he continued mimicking the serpentine work, the fashion, the way they danced, their manner of speaking, and even the occasional routines of life in Los Angeles during the 1950s. The style, the view��everything was replicated, even the newspapers. The set was magnificent.


    Billy met some major players from the film industry, iconic figures of the 90s, and inadvertently found himself connected to Danny DeVito, the outstanding writer, director, and actor whose performance was extraordinary. When he, Curtis Hanson, and Arnon Milchan came together, they could make a great film. The working afternoons and the stellar cast saw everyone improving in various skills��from the first photographer to the supporting actors, the work ethic was strong. Billy��s intensity in his acting resembled the type of commitment Kevin Spacey was known for, although Spacey was more suited for villainous roles.


    Not that Kevin was bad! He was a phenomenal actor, regardless of the role. But Billy was growing into the handsome-guy roles, a notable contrast because his photogenic profile fit perfectly with these characters.


    The story of the three main detectives, each with their interpretation of justice, was compelling. Some, like ��Bud����played by Billy��were violent, strong, aggressive, and cunning. Roy Pierce portrayed a character bound by rules, honesty, and justice, the rectitude and wisdom of a man who saw people as flawed, but that didn��t change him. Meanwhile, Kevin took on the role of the cynical politician, a leader making decisions based on the city��s whims, corrupt yet fair, lost in a morally grey system.


    The movie was rated R, undoubtedly due to its risqu�� scenes and the gritty way it depicted reality.


    --Well, I think their pants are on pretty tight,-- joked Danny DeVito, commenting on the waiter��s snug trousers. The man was funny, and patient, and carried an effortless charm that was refreshing for someone his age. Despite being in his fifties during this 90s era, Danny wasn��t bogged down by the struggles typical for men his age. He was happily devouring a giant meatball sandwich with melted cheese.


    Laughter broke out at the table, even from Billy, who usually maintained a quiet demeanor. He couldn��t help but smile at the man who silenced them all by pointing out it wasn��t right to mock a good employee. The poor guy was sweating buckets��he was a bit chubby, and he knew his cinema.


    --The production has already started. We��ll likely be shooting quick scenes. Everything��s falling into place so smoothly that we��ll probably have most of the shots done in less than three weeks,-- murmured Curtis Hanson, the director, who occasionally stepped into an acting role himself.


    The six members had spent two weeks eating together, doing their work, just as they gathered around a round table for six, forming a tight-knit group. They tackled the project quickly, but it was a task that carried a lot of weight and depth.


    --The rehearsals have been outstanding,-- remarked Danny DeVito, particularly aiming to calm Curtis, who was under a lot of pressure. The meals were his moment to unwind, and for that and other reasons, they had to make a great film. The final cut was shaping up curiously. The only thing that didn��t sit well was Billy��s role. Though his performance was flawless, he still lacked that brutish element.


    Everyone finished their lunch and prepared for another round of studies.


    As they exited, Billy discussed acting methods with Kevin Spacey, who was practically an encyclopedia of knowledge. In so many ways, both distant and different, they shared tricks that were, at their core, the same but varied in execution. The essence was to take the role and make it their own, but every approach had its nuance.


    -''Thanks, Kevin. I��ve got to get my workout in,''- Billy said, wrapping up the conversation. He had a lot of work to do that had to be done on his own. His workout routine was intense, though Billy��s physique wasn��t built for sports. He was slim, not naturally athletic, even though he never skipped his morning exercises. He couldn��t quite compare to some of the other actors.


    -Make sure you stay sharp with those lines. Your character isn��t subtle; you��re like a machine,-- Kevin advised.


    -Yours, on the other hand, is delicate and clever,-- Billy responded, concluding their talk and setting aside the final thoughts


    *** Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    M��nica was taking a break. This time, it was she who was visited, by Winona. Both women now wanted to cultivate a strawberry garden, covered by a white canvas awning, set over strawberries and raspberries. It was a new and curious endeavor for the model, but she felt happy and determined to have her garden. The winter wasn''t harsh, and it reminded her of summers in the countryside.


    -So, I��ll give you a vineyard as a gift?- asked Winona, who, though she did the same work as M��nica, was completely covered in dirt, with even some soil in her hair.


    -It was amazing, really beautiful. It has a rustic wooden house on one side, with a stunning garden, full of yellow and violet flowers. Magnificent. We need to go there together and take a break, - murmured M��nica, as she planted small trees, finishing with a tomato plant at the end. Three lovely, small trees needed a lot of care.


    -I��d love to go. When I attended fashion week, I always wanted to stay and take a tour, - Winona said, pausing her work.


    -I��ll need to ask Billy, but I think we can go next week,��- M��nica replied.


    The women found themselves lost in their thoughts under the fading light. Los Angeles was a good city to live in, but life doesn��t always allow us to paint the picture we want, and this time the stakes felt different. On one hand, Winona was intensely chasing an Oscar��she had a good film, but she thought it required more effort. On the other hand, M��nica now saw modeling as her primary role. Acting was fading into the background�� the need to stand out had waned. She was looking for something more refined, something that better aligned with her evolving ideals.


    --Billy has a lot of women, he��s... well, a man,-- the brunette blurted out, with a hint of venom in her words, realizing her mistake. --I mean, he has a lot of women around him. I just don��t want you to be disappointed. It��s complicated, and it can lead to trouble.--


    The foolish talk of a woman driven by jealousy, envy, and the fear of betrayal spiraled into a rambling, a clear symbol of pride mixed with her demons.


    --It doesn��t matter what he does or doesn��t do, as long as he keeps loving me, I can understand the rest,-- the darker-haired woman replied. It was a subject she didn��t want to touch. This was the first challenge of dating a younger man, one who seemed older with his seriousness and sharp features, his rough beard almost like a premonition.


    -As long as he loves me, love can��t be forgotten. If that ever fades, I wouldn��t want to stay, -- M��nica commented, her thoughts drifting but no longer dwelling on the topic.


    ....


    /vin_modeus12  That''s my patreon, I forgot to put it, but we''re on chapter 340, have a good week.

 401. new take.

    In the studio and at the police station, numerous files were being processed, shuttled back and forth with no mercy. Everyone was organizing in preparation for the arrival. At the prison, they were already conducting multiple takes��at least six in the first week-long, confessional shots that didn��t matter much because most of the cast had completely memorized their lines. Each take was tangled in a web of complexity. It was night, and Billy was sitting in a car, but it was all a studio, meticulously recreated, with every location perfectly arranged.


    ...


    Take 2. L.A.,


    THE SETTING: A row of prefab houses for veterans, a neon Santa sleigh, and Christmas lights strung in front. We see a fat man intimidating a woman. She, with a swollen face, around 35 years old, and black curly hair, backs away as he rages at her.


    A car pulls up in front, a Packard. Stensland couldn��t care less. Meanwhile, Bud��s fingers tap rhythmically on the car seat, holding a cigarette between his fingers.


    STENSLAND:


    Bud shuts off the ignition and grabs the radio.


    BUD:


    He steps out toward the house. Inside, we hear SLAPS, MUFFLED SCREAMS. Bud grabs an electrical wire hanging from the roof and yanks. The sleigh crashes to the ground, REINDEER EXPLODING around it. A beat. The fat man rushes out to investigate, stumbling over Rudolph.


    Bud charges him. The man tries to swing but misses. Bud grabs him by the hair and smashes his face into the pavement. Once. Twice. Teeth slide across the sidewalk.


    The raw power Billy displayed in the scene was a stark contrast to the character��s usual demeanor. We see his brutal side, yet at the same time, there��s something detached, lost. However, his once-decent appearance now becomes harsh, rugged, and brutal.


    Clumsily, Bud cuffs the man.


    BUD:


    Another faceful of gravel. The fat man��s WIFE watches with apprehension from the steps as Bud cuffs her husband, hands behind his back, and empties his pockets. A wad of cash and car keys. Bud looks at her.


    BUD:


    She nods. Bud hands her the keys and the cash.


    BUD:


    WIFE:


    Bud watches as she gets into an old pre-war Ford in the driveway. As she pulls away, she runs over a blinking reindeer.


    STENSLAND:  Sear?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Cut,- Curtis called out.


    ...


    Two streets down, they kept filming well into the night. A shootout, an arrest��quick, short scenes, each no more than a minute or two. It was fast-paced, and without hesitation, they captured several moments on film, jumping from one setup to another.


    -We need to head to the station, and fast,-- Curtis said, on fire, directing multiple shots with a mobile camera, giving no warning as he captured the next rapid take.


    Billy was reading the script. He had been cast as Bud for two reasons: his acting ability and to contrast the romantic tension with Kim Basinger. The role required a cop with a subtle, ironic affection for an older woman, a perfect and provocative touch that added a new layer to Bud��s character, somewhat reminiscent of his role in  Everything felt connected.


    -Got it, Director,-- Billy replied, knowing the details of the shoot. The first scenes with Billy had already been captured��mostly solo takes. What remained were the ensemble shots with the other actors.


    The Pixar team was relentless in their work, already diving into their next projects for their franchises. Team One at Pixar was focused on producing , which many considered the best of the toy franchise, aiming for a release by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Team Two was working on what would become one of the most controversial and successful classics of animated cinema, . The script was groundbreaking, portraying a completely different approach that the second team was now striving to perfect.


    - The sequence, the story, everything��it��s just magnificent, - commented James Conniganh, as he looked over the storyboards delivered by Billy, along with the perfectly chosen color palette.


    --I love the character design, - added Peter Docter. ��Billy mentioned he has at least three sequels in mind, but I think we should also create some quick holiday specials��maybe for Halloween or Christmas. A Valentine��s special would be wonderful given the tone of the movie.��


    Docter was overseeing the entire animation process for , deeply involved in the early development of the friendly but rough-around-the-edges ogre. With over 360 designs prepared just for the character''s expressions, the team was using a new software system that allowed them to compress everything into a quick simulation without the need for so many floppy disks, a vast improvement over earlier methods.


    -I think the new software they��ve developed is simply fantastic, - James agreed, thrilled with the advancements. The software, MenV and MenV+, were perfect tools for 3D character modeling and environmental design. MenV focused on the basics, while MenV+ polished the overall development. These programs were integrated into the new Houdinne 1.0 system, which specialized in visual effects (VFX) and procedural simulations. Houdini 1.0 was especially valuable for creating complex effects like fluid simulations, destruction sequences, and particle effects.


    Both men, as leads, took great pleasure in working on what they considered the most enjoyable parts of the project. Unlike their usual work with a larger group of thirty, they were joined by a few other key team members, also part of the second team of thirty individuals.


    - I think that��s everything, - Peter Docter muttered, showing off the ogre��s expressions, which had taken six days of continuous work. By comparison, it had taken three weeks to complete the same task during the production of the first  due to technological limitations.


    - Now you��ll need to work on the different outfits for the character and, of course, the movement animations, - James Callaghan replied.


    James, on the other hand, was focused on Donkey and the dragon, who had fewer facial movements but still required specific animation for certain interactions. While the human characters were the most challenging to animate, they were no longer a problem thanks to the incredible improvements brought by RenderMan, which made everything come together beautifully.


    ...

 402. imminent.

    is based on what a person should or should not do. Initially, it presents three faces and concludes with three endings��that''s the magic of investigations and the raw nature of the act�� showing how everyone is morally reproachable, so precise that there''s no reason to argue about another mistake.


    The only sets built by the studio are the outdoor ones, used for the final scene where the protagonists are cornered into a shootout at the police station. The rest of the scenes would use real locations, with each setting carefully measured to ensure everything unfolds perfectly.


    -Danny, I heard you''re also a director,- Billy said, approaching Danny DeVito just before the big shoot.


    -I do. I worked on a project with TriStar Pictures, still unfinished�� It''s a great piece called , set to premiere this summer. It''s a children''s movie, nothing as interesting as what you''ve done, but it will be released in June�� You''re cordially invited to the premiere.- Danny replied.


    -I''ll be there, Danny�� just save me a seat,- Billy responded, genuinely liking Danny DeVito��s voice work. Danny was dedicated. It was time for Billy to reform his connections and start building better social relationships. He had a very small circle��Steven, George Lucas, and of course, Winona, along with a few people he worked with on  and , nothing too extraordinary.


    Danny��s eyes widened in surprise, engrossed in his many projects. He had thought Billy would turn him down; after all, not many actors would work for free, especially the younger ones.


    -I''ll send you the address,- Danny said.


    -To me and my agent. Six months from now, I might completely forget, but if I get your call, I��ll be there. I��ll pencil it into my schedule�� Thanks for the invitation.- Billy smiled, trying hard not to forget the date. They exchanged numbers, and the phone became an incredibly useful tool.


    -Ohhhhh hohoho, I��ve got your number now. I won��t be as polite as your feathered friends. I��ll be calling you, kid, - Danny DeVito joked with a grin.


    As the director called for the next scenes, everyone��stunt doubles and all��was in perfect form. Four large cameras were set up, along with a light mobile recording team, led by two cameramen acting as the director��s eyes. It was a route, with different long shots already planned. Everyone was on set, and this time it was going to be a fight. Billy excused himself and got into character as the tough, brute, no-nonsense cop. The atmosphere grew tense, distinct from the usual, carrying weight from the scenes, the stunts, the running, and the setup.


    Scene 21, Take 1.


    Bud types his report with one finger, slowly. Jack glances inside. Billy''s posture was a bit ridiculous compared to Bud who fought; he wasn��t in his element.


    JACK: White, you��d better get Stens a lease before he kills someone.


    Scene change.


    INTERIOR CELL BLOCK �C NIGHT


    With Jack following, Bud pushes through the crowd. The men, seeing it��s him, quickly make way. Stensland, gulping gin, works over GARCIA. Garcia''s head droops, and he collapses to his knees, drooling blood. Bud grabs Stensland and pulls him off Garcia, who looks up.


    GARCIA: "Go fuck yourself, asshole."


    BUD/BILLY: "Yeah, yeah..."


    GARCIA: "And fuck your mother too."


    Bud flushes. Letting go of Stensland, Bud White grabs Garcia by the throat. There are cheers, and shouts of "Good job" and "Hell yeah" as Bud slams Garcia��s head into the ceiling.


    Exley, played by Guy Pearce, young and determined, enters the scene, while everyone around them acts like complete lunatics.


    EXLEY: (arriving) Stop, officer! That��s an order!


    The other officers block Exley��s way. As Bud glances in his direction, Garcia kicks him in the groin. A staggering blow. Bud collapses against the bars, and Garcia stumbles out of the cell, bumping into Jack.


    Jack looks down, horrified to see blood on his cashmere coat, then knocks Garcia out with a left-right combo.


    Exley pulls out a notepad and pen from his pocket.


    EXLEY: You��re all going in my report! All of you!


    Exley barely starts taking names when Bud grabs him by the neck, yanking him off balance and dragging him toward��


    THE HALLWAY: As Exley struggles, a cop opens the storage room door. Bud throws Exley inside and slams the door shut. Exley is locked in. As Bud walks away, we hear BANGING.


    EXLEY (SHOUTING): "Let me out! That��s an order!"


    CELL BLOCK: The camera stands, taking a distant shot.


    The Herald reporter and photographer slip in unnoticed. Stensland sways like a madman. At that moment, the flash goes off. Everything freezes in black and white.


    -Cut,- Curtis Hanson called, wrapping up the take. Curtis could almost hear Danny DeVito��s voice narrating .


    ...


    A great take. Now we move on to the guilt scene. Billy, change your suit��it��s covered in blood. This scene will be split into three parts, and I hope we can get a clean take. The pace is good.- Curtis Hanson remarked.


    The CHIEF sits behind a desk, wearing a four-star uniform. Dudley Smith is seated to his left, and District Attorney Ellis Loew to his right. Previously seen at the Mickey Cohen press conference, Loew is the only civilian. Bud White stands before them, here to be judged. It��s a formal room, not cluttered, the commissioner��s office, Dudley��s place.


    CHIEF: Officer White, you��ve refused to cooperate with Internal Affairs. But you must understand, this is bigger than a police board. Charges may be filed. Frankly, we need police witnesses to counter the damage done to the department��s image. Will you testify?


    Bud looks at the grey-tinted mirror, then at the chief, his gaze barely masking contempt��so subtle it��s nearly imperceptible but perfectly conveyed.


    BUD/BILLY: No, sir. I won��t.


    The chief sighs, glancing over at Loew.


    CHIEF: District Attorney Loew.


    Loew steps up to Bud, holding a newspaper with a photo of the cell block. The headline reads .


    LOEW: Bloody Christmas. The press loves their labels. You and Officer Stensland brought liquor into the station. Stensland was already drunk. Can you see how appearing as a voluntary witness against him might offset the damage you��ve done to yourself?


    BUD: I won��t. (looking in the mirror) I won��t testify against my partner or anyone else.


    LOEW: This man is a disgrace.


    CHIEF: Your badge and gun, Officer.


    Bud places them on the chief��s desk.


    CHIEF: This is the new LAPD, White. You��re suspended from duty and dismissed.


    Turning, White flips a stiff middle finger at the mirror as he exits. Dudley Smith hides a smile. His performance is powerful, full of subtlety, reminiscent of watching Morgan Freeman act with effortless naturalness, making the character perfect.


    Exley watches, involuntarily leaning back as Bud passes by the other side of the glass.


    ...


    -"Cut."-


    They take a short break, and on the other side, Billy watches the scene from behind the cameras, observing the end of the scene. They make a mistake and have to redo part two of the recording up to seven times, with multiple angles and takes from behind and outside the mirror.


    Dudley, Loew, and the Chief wait for Exley to enter.


    CHIEF: Ed, your observations have been sharp. What��s your assessment of the situation?


    EXLEY: The public demands justice, sir. This was a full-on police riot. Let��s blame the men whose pensions are secure. Force them into retirement. But someone has to pay the price. Charge, try, and convict Stensland and Bud White. Get the time in prison. Throw them to the sharks, sir. Protect yourself; protect the department.


    Dudley looks at Exley, clearly angry.


    DUDLEY: Stensland��s a disgrace. Physical fitness reports on all the officers under his command. But White��s a valuable officer.


    EXLEY: White��s a brainless thug.


    DUDLEY: No, Edmund. He��s a man who can answer yes to those questions I ask him from time to time.


    The Chief cuts in with his concern.


    CHIEF: I want to know who we��re giving the public in contrast. The department needs role models. Clean, straightforward men the public can admire.


    EXLEY: I��ll testify, sir. I��m not afraid to do what��s right.


    CHIEF: And I��ll promote you. You��ll be lieutenant immediately.


    Exley seizes the moment, stepping past Dudley.


    EXLEY: Detective lieutenant.


    The Chief and Dudley exchange glances, neither approving.


    CHIEF: Ed, you��re 30 years old. Your father wasn��t named lieutenant until he was 33.


    EXLEY: I know, sir. I also know that when he was made lieutenant, it was as a detective.


    LOEW: (interrupting) Before we start polishing our laurels, we��d better have a corroborating witness.


    DUDLEY: That��ll be tough. Men hate rats. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    EXLEY: Jack Vincennes. He��s the technical advisor for , sir. He lives for it. That��s how you trap him.


    CHIEF: Very well, Ed.


    (into the desk intercom)


    Call Sergeant Vincennes.


    As Exley starts to walk away, Dudley pulls him aside and speaks quietly.


    DUDLEY: You��ll reap the benefits, but are you prepared to be despised within the department?


    EXLEY: Yes, Dudley. I am.


    DUDLEY: So be it.


    : Looking sharp, he strides down the hallway, entering...


    : Second round. Focused on Jack. Exley is gone.


    DUDLEY: Sergeant, we��ll get straight to the point. Nine civilian witnesses have identified you as the one who struck Ezekiel Garcia.


    LOEW: But my office has a star witness who��ll tell the grand jury you only hit back after being hit first.


    JACK: What do I have to do?


    LOEW: Testify against the three officers whose pensions are already secured. Our key witness will testify decisively, but you can claim ignorance when questions are directed at the other men.


    CHIEF: I��ll guarantee a slap on the wrist. A short suspension followed by a temporary transfer from Narcotics to Vice. (pause) When you��re transferred from Vice, you��ll be back on the show.


    JACK: The show, sir?


    CHIEF: , Vincennes. We need to tone down your profile for a while.


    The Chief has led Jack exactly where he lives.


    DUDLEY: John, I doubt you��ve ever taken a stupid breath. Don��t start now.


    JACK: Alright. I��ll do it.


    Smiles all around. Loew grins at both of them. A gesture not lost on Jack, who wonders who��s watching from the other side.


    CHIEF: Dismissed, Vincennes.


    Jack leaves. The Chief walks up to the mirror and looks at himself.


    CHIEF: So be it. Detective lieutenant.


    Exley clenches his fist in victory. The Chief continues.


    CHIEF: Slay them tomorrow at the grand jury, son. Wear your sharpest suit and make the most of it. And, Ed? Lose the glasses.


    Exley removes his glasses, waits, and looks up as Jack enters.


    JACK: Are you the star witness?


    EXLEY: I am.


    JACK: I should��ve known. What��s the Chief offering you?


    EXLEY: Offering me?


    JACK: Yeah, Exley. What��s the reward?


    EXLEY: You��re the expert on rewards. I��m just doing my duty.


    JACK: You��re playing second fiddle, college boy. You��re getting something out of this so you don��t have to rub shoulders with the damn beat cops who��ll hate you for ratting. If they��re making you a detective, be careful. Some FBI guys are gonna storm this and you��ll have to work with their friends.


    EXLEY: What about you?


    JACK: I��m ratting out three veterans who��ll be fishing in Oregon next week. Next to you, I��m clean. And I��m smart.


    At that moment, a CLERK enters from the hallway.


    CLERK: Edmund J. Exley to the office.


    As Exley is about to leave...


    JACK: Just remember, Bud White will screw you for this even if it takes him the rest of his life. He��s already been suspended. Just pray he gets a deal and stays in the department because that��s one civilian you don��t want on your case.


    -Cut.- Curtis called.


    The Regency filming crew moved quickly.


    ...

 403. atmosphere.

    Billy arrived home after filming, with Curtis'' shots and the production schedule typically running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for night shoots. Today''s work had been smooth, so Billy returned to his mansion at 3:00 p.m. He saw Monica with Winona working in the garden, which now featured fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, raspberries, oranges, and a rose garden that would bloom seasonally. That was the charm of flowers.


    Their efforts had extended beyond the garden, adding plants and decor to the mansion��art, furniture, and vibrant touches that gave the home a more Italian vibe. Everything felt luxurious yet alive with color.


    -You��re home early, my love,- Monica said softly. Contrary to popular belief, she spoke gently, especially to her loved ones. She stood up, walked over to Billy, and greeted him with a deep kiss as he stepped out of his blue car.


    "It was a good day," Billy replied, surveying the changes around the house. When they debated between building a pool or a garden, Monica had chosen the garden and even suggested a vineyard, but they realized they��d need to buy a villa in San Jose.


    -Oh, darling, your agent called. He mentioned another audition, and guess what? I might have one too. I��ve been improving my accent and acting skills,- Monica murmured, embracing Billy.


    "That��s great, Monica. I��m glad things are moving forward," Billy said, noticing Winona frowning from a distance, dressed in her gardening clothes.


    -I think it��s time we went out somewhere��a restaurant, maybe a club. We could use a little fun,- Billy sighed.


    Monica nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. The mansion felt warmer now with the recent changes. While the women got ready, Billy used the time to finish the day��s work. He set aside watching  and  for now, as he focused on how the artistic style of both series, blending Victorian and anime influences, was perfect for adapting comic designs. He also pondered , noting how its art carried a Van Gogh-like, Impressionist touch. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After finishing the latest chapter of , and with the women still getting ready, Billy picked up the phone and dialed Jim Waiit. They had discussed a promising audition that Jim wanted Billy to be part of.


    -Not too long ago, we talked about . There��s been some back and forth, but the first step in building that relationship is for you to join the audition,- Jim said.


    -Where are the auditions being held? -


    -At Fox Studios. You can still manage your work on the  film. The auditions are in Los Angeles, and they expect to start filming in May. The audition is the day after tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., - Jim informed him.


    -Perfect. I recently had a conversation with Jim Gianopulos, and we��re looking to establish a close relationship with CAA, at least for their production packages, as long as they don��t interfere with any terms we set with directors or producers. Speaking of which, a novice director handling cuts for animated series could be brilliant. Call him��there might be some new business to discuss with Jim Waiit. Oh, and you mentioned something about a role for Monica. - Billy responded thoughtfully.


    Illy took a deep breath as he listened to Jim Waiit on the other end of the phone, nodding in approval. Jim was ensuring that the roles for M��nica wouldn''t involve any uncomfortable or inappropriate scenes, and that gave Billy a sense of relief. Yet, he couldn��t shake the weight on his shoulders. He found himself at an emotional crossroads, torn between his desire to protect M��nica and his tendency to keep his distance, a strategy he had adopted as a form of self-preservation over the years. As he took a sip of pure whiskey, the strong taste mixed with his thoughts, bringing back memories of past relationships where his lack of commitment and emotional detachment had left deep scars.


    -It��s good that you��re handling it this way, Jim. We��ll talk more later about the roles and everything else we��re dealing with,- Billy said, extinguishing the cigarette he had lit moments before.


    The conversation shifted to other topics, and Billy briefly reflected on potential investments in the projects he had in mind. However, concerns about M��nica lingered at the back of his mind. The project she was involved in needed to be handled with care, especially when it came to the contract details.


    ***


    Elsewhere in Los Angeles, Gwyneth arrived at her apartment, exhausted after a trip to Paris filled with excess. The city had been a whirlwind of parties, self-indulgence, and escapism, and now the fatigue was evident in every step she took. She felt caught between her parents'' constant warnings about her impulsive behavior and the consequences of her actions. Paris had been released, but the price she paid was her dignity��a thought that echoed in her mind, especially after Carson had distanced himself from her.


    Upon arriving at her apartment, she spotted a gift box on the table��a necklace of emeralds with a card. It wasn��t Billy��s handwriting; she knew that. It was M��nica��s. The card simply read: ��Merry Christmas, I hope you have wonderful holidays.��


    Gwyneth tried on the necklace in front of the mirror, admiring its beauty, but before she could fully savor the moment, she heard the door open. Leonardo, her young and charming boyfriend, arrived shortly after, and his mere presence prompted her to quickly hide the necklace and the box in the bathroom. Leonardo was jealous, and any sign of a gift from someone else could spark suspicion.


    --We should invite some friends over and throw a good party,-- Leonardo said casually as he unbuttoned his shirt. He was vibrant and charming, but also unpredictable, with many women orbiting around him. For him, commitment meant something entirely different; he didn��t change girlfriends every week but rather kept multiple relationships going simultaneously to avoid emotional attachment.


    --Don��t even think about it. I��ve got work tomorrow, and I don��t even know my lines. Last time was a drunken mess, but this time I need to deliver,-- Gwyneth replied, trying to sound firm, though the emotional chaos of the past few days still echoed in her mind.


    ...

 404. background.

    The woes of Hollywood are masked by a turbulent city full of life and relaxation... It was strange that reservations at restaurants weren��t necessary; just stepping out of the car and getting ready, they were promptly offered a table for the three of them, even if the restaurant was full. Some of the diners glanced at them with curiosity, as they shared the same space as these stars. The two women each had their way of expressing their allure.


    The dining room was spacious, with numerous round tables scattered throughout the place. It was incredible how this type of restaurant created such an appealing ambiance for the patrons. On a central stage, a band played music non-stop, drawing in the crowd with popular tunes, some classic melodies, and the deep, resonant notes of a cello that pierced through everyone in the room.


    White tablecloths, along with glittering silver and gold decorations, adorned the tables, complemented by a floral centerpiece featuring blue, yellow, white, and violet flowers.


    -It��s been a while since we went out to eat,- M��nica remarked, looking at the menu. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -In Italy, less than a month ago,- Billy responded, scanning the menu filled with curious dishes, such as a vegetable starter, asparagus gazpacho followed by risotto sprinkled with lemon zest and a pinch of sea salt. The risotto came with seafood on the side, a red whiskey sauce, and a two-layer chocolate cake with strawberry shavings and a blackberry sauce that made the dish look irresistible.


    -Here��s a little secret: Billy doesn��t like these types of restaurants because they never fill him up... I think the portions are just right, but if it��s not a hefty piece of meat, he can��t be satisfied,- M��nica confided to Winona, who nodded, listening intently. They were already discussing opening an Italian restaurant in San Jose, part of a new franchise. But this time, it would be different; they weren��t aiming for fast food, but gourmet dining. The menu would change monthly, and the dishes would be prepared by a chef trained for this level of cuisine.


    -Billy says Spanish and Thai food will do well in the market, just like Mexican, but he��s waiting to see how things play out,- M��nica added. For those who didn��t know, she had nearly completed her law degree in Italy, and while she might appear to be just a bystander, she participated in Billy��s negotiations from a privileged position.


    -That sounds interesting. Billy always has these strange ventures; it��s national news every time he starts a new company,- Winona said.


    The large eyes of the women exchanged glances, each having much to say.


    ***


    After dinner, they headed to a small club, which had once belonged to Winona��s ex-boyfriend, Johnny Depp. Not far from the restaurant, it had been sold in 1994 and bought by an outstanding businessman. After correcting past mistakes, the club had been completely renovated. Now it was a fully-fledged establishment where many stars gathered. There was a private second floor for VIPs, completely separated from the main area, with special seating even for bodyguards.


    -Ohhhh, there are so many familiar faces,- Winona commented, noticing the well-known stars who had joined the scene. Even some non-industry folks, engrossed in their worlds, could be spotted. Julia Roberts was sharing a table with Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Guinzburg, and, surprisingly, the young Drew Barrymore.


    Other groups were present too, though Billy didn��t fully recognize them. According to the unwritten rules, it was complicated for someone outside the industry to enter this place, but that��s just how things worked at "B��ho Stars," the newly baptized venue. It was a grand project, but even so, the idea of an even more exclusive area seemed interesting.


    They took a seat at a distant table, the red leather chairs surrounding a glass-topped marble table, with ashtrays and cheap candy mints in a small basket. They ordered three bottles of water, a bottle of wine, and an exquisite Bourbon. The dance floor was dimly lit, with multicolored lights, especially a white haze contrasting against the LED lights embedded in the glass tiles. The music was classic with clean undertones; DJs were still a thing of the future, and live music or lounge sets were more common. Here, they alternated between a jazz band, rock, and a playlist that lightened the mood for the performers.


    At one point, Winona disappeared, while M��nica swayed softly with Billy.


    -We should go to Milan one day and attend a masquerade, maybe even Paris. Do something exciting��laugh, live, and embrace happiness,- M��nica suggested.


    Billy��s eyes locked onto hers, shining with intensity. They danced together for a while in the club. Although the primary goal was to relax and have a good time, there was always the possibility of a meeting or simply enjoying the night. For instance, Julia Roberts, freshly divorced after a long-term relationship, was enjoying herself, mingling and chatting with others.


    -It seems like you want to book my schedule for the next ten years,- Billy said.


    Her doe-like eyes were incredibly expressive.


    -I��d like to, I��m envious... Would you share your time with me?- M��nica asked, using a subtle technique, but Billy only nodded.


    It was often safe to let moments speak for themselves, and though her words were sweet, they carried a hint of commitment. For that reason and others, they continued to dance slowly in a show of companionship.


    However, some trust and secrecy lingered��three months together felt too soon for both of them.


    ...


    Winona was chatting with Drew Barrymore, advancing gossip and dark secrets that arose from fears about the recent encounter in the bathroom doorway, even though it wasn��t discussed directly. The conversation wasn��t uncomfortable, and Drew��s gossip could be trusted to some extent, but it was not exclusive��her constant barbs and off-color jokes were well known.


    -So, he��s Billy Carson,- Michael Pfeiffer commented, who knew the guy casually.


    -Hollywood��s wealthiest wallet,- Drew said with a chuckle, earning some smiles from the women at the table. The owner of a successful animation company, Apple, and recent purchaser of the Golden State Warriors, he was a magnate in every sense, not someone easily overlooked by industry women. Julia��s eyes were shy and somewhat reluctant, but even she couldn��t deny that a magnate wasn��t charming. Even one without many scandals, young and willing, was something she found appealing. She needed a wild fling to forget her troubles, and if it came with all the luxuries, that was even better.


    -Stop being rude,- Winona murmured.


    Drew stuck out her tongue.


    -However, you��re not wrong. He is the wealthiest wallet in Hollywood...- Drew whispered, her eyes provocative. She could do as she pleased, adapting to things that weren��t entirely right. Drew had a moral compass, albeit a loose one, and perversions she understood better than most. Winona was well aware of the situation at the table; a separate table for some younger guests had been set up. They didn��t dare approach, and some didn��t know Billy very well, but the visible presence of the bodyguard made it clear that there were issues with the new guest.


    -I miss you, but you��ve been so committed that I haven��t had the chance to relive our fun times. Sadly, we don��t have time to see each other,- Winona said to Michelle. They had known each other from the time they worked on the film , and through that film, they formed a deep friendship. Michelle had always taught the young, inexperienced Winona many things.


    -Darling, don��t overthink it. You are and will always be my friend. I��m too mature for these youthful escapades... Besides, we could have a small get-together... I can introduce you to David, who is a remarkable man,- Michelle said, hugging the brunette.


    -Right now, we��re working on a film with your friend Claire Danes, a very talented young woman, - Michelle added.


    The music reached its peak around 11 p.m. The club was at its busiest, and the women danced in their spots, claiming the scene while very few dared to step into the oppressive circle of the famous.


    Interestingly, Drew had a brief marriage of one year with a young man.


    ...

 405. assembly.

    The filming of  continued at its usual rapid, urgent, and intense pace. Time was no longer a concern; although movies required repetition and many small assembly processes, everything was moving smoothly. The director had envisioned the film from the first day of shooting.


    It was like a North Star that compelled people to sit and focus during work time. In L.A., by the sofa, Monica was present throughout the filming for the first time. She was a true delight, with a keen sense of fashion and a penchant for wearing new dresses. This time, she wore a white dress with a blue leather jacket, looking stunning.


    She observed everything with passionate eyes.


    She watched Billy��s performance with the necessary attention, noting every detail of his portrayal. Billy was an amazing actor, among the best in Hollywood. His partiality didn��t matter; he had that passion, which was so needed in his love life. Just watching him with such dedication excited her immensely. She was sure he would be a wonderful lover, as sweet as the wine of Dionysus.


    -Adjust the lighting; the place needs to be dark... - shouted the crew, who seemed like busy ants in a construction site, everyone ordering every little detail.


    Billy was being made up. His face on camera was angular and serious, but when the camera rolled, he shifted to an innocent look with a hint of rebellion, marked by the way he raised his eyebrows.


    ***


    Scene 43, Take 6


    An old black man in a tattered tuxedo plays the piano. Bud, sipping a drink at the bar, approaches a redhead with too much makeup and too many miles on her.


    REDHEAD: Are you having a drink, old man?


    BUD


    (while nodding)


    My name is Bud.


    REDHEAD: Nobody is born with the name Bud.


    BUD: If they give you a name like Wendell, you need an alias.


    REDHEAD: ��What are you doing, Bud?


    BUD: I��m a bit between jobs. Look, what if we...?


    A hand lands on Bud��s shoulder. He turns to see Dudley Smith.


    DUDLEY: Kid, can I talk to you?


    James Cromwell��s presence and his clear way of doing things made him perfect for the role. Some actors remain among characters, recognized but never reaching superstardom. Personally, and in Billy��s view, James was his superstar.


    BUD: What��s up, Captain?


    DUDLEY: Say goodnight to your friend and join me at those tables in the back.


    Pointing to a table hidden by a pillar and shaded by the distant light, Dudley��s eyes were cold and eager. Billy mimicked the questioning look, trying to gauge what was happening in the room. Dudley begins. Bud turns back to the redhead, but she��s already talking to a sailor.


    INTERIOR


    Dudley sits at a table. There is an open newspaper with a small pile beneath it. Bud joins Dudley.


    BUD: Does that newspaper say we��ve been accused? Does it say Exley is a hero for ratting me and Stensland out?


    DUDLEY: He made his move and got what he wanted. They��re making him a detective.


    BUD/BILLY: Captain, what do you want?


    DUDLEY: Call me Dudley.


    BUD: Dudley, what do you want?


    A faint expression of disdain, so subtle it only creates some discomfort.


    DUDLEY: Kid, I admire your refusal to testify and your loyalty to your partner. I admire you as a cop, particularly your adherence to violence as a necessary part of the job. And I��m very impressed with your punishment of wife-beaters. Do you hate them, Wendell?


    BUD


    (looking away)


    Yes, I hate them.


    DUDLEY: And with good reason, judging by what I know of your background


    Bud looks back. Dudley is becoming too personal.


    BUD: What��s going to happen to Stensland? He��ll get cirrhosis from this. He��s a year away from his pension.


    DUDLEY: It would have happened years ago if you hadn��t carried him. Why the loyalty, Wendell


    BUD: He helped me once. That��s all.


    DUDLEY: Your partner is finished. The department��s scapegoat by the chief��s orders. Charges have been filed against him, he��ll be prosecuted, and he��ll get revenge.


    BUD: Him and me too. Screw Exley.


    DUDLEY: Don��t underestimate his skills. As a politician, he even surpasses me. But the department needs smart men like Exley and... straightforward men like you.


    BUD: What do you want?


    DUDLEY: Wendell, I want you to come to work for me.


    BUD: To do what? Mow your damn lawn?


    Smith tears off the newspaper, revealing Bud��s badge and .38 Special.


    Bud is stunned by what he sees.


    DUDLEY: They��re yours. Take them.


    BUD: I knew you had power, but... Is there no damn charge against me?


    DUDLEY: Four of the accused retracted their testimonies.


    BUD: How?


    Dudley dismisses the question with a wave of his hand.


    DUDLEY: I need you for a mission the chief has approved. A duty few men are fit for, but you were born for it. You��ll be working in Homicide.


    BUD


    (excited)


    Homicide? A detective?


    Billy''s smile was one he tried to hide, but his eyes sparkled in front of the camera, prompting James to match his expression with a smile of his own. They played off each other like a pair of poker players, elevating the performance to a new level of natural and flawless interaction.


    CHIEF: Your talent lies elsewhere, Wendell. This is a job for strength and shooting. You''ll do what I say without asking questions. Do you follow?


    BUD


    (disappointed)


    In Technicolor.


    DUDLEY: Will you work for me? S��ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BUD: Of course... But how?


    DUDLEY: How what, Wendell?


    BUD: How did you get them to retract their statements?


    Dudley places his bloodstained bronze knuckles on the table.


    -Cut. �C


    -Great take, change the set. �C the director shouted. The studio had small rooms and twelve sets, making it easy to simulate various scenarios.


    Billy wiped the sweat from his brow and walked over to where Monica was observing the entire process.


    -I think the schedule is more intense than I thought, - Billy remarked, checking his watch and noting it was 5:30 PM. Monica simply nodded, deeply captivated by the magic of filming. Such processes required long hours or multiple takes from different angles for the director and future editor.


    -I love being here. Many of the takes are so incredible and insightful that you start to understand how Americans achieve such professional film editing. Many deny its artistry, but I find beauty in it, - Monica commented.


    In the 90s, Hollywood reigned supreme over any filmmaker or recording. The potential and risk were simply magnificent, with significant stakes involved.


    -Luis, how much time do we have until the next take? - Billy asked a young camera assistant.


    -15, 15, and 30, - the young assistant replied. This code meant they would likely be waiting another hour due to some discontent between the director and producers over minor issues. Billy took the script and read through his lines as Monica lovingly caressed his hair, offering small gestures of affection he appreciated.


    Monica didn''t hesitate to help him with his lines.


    ...

 406. advance.

    January 9. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The best way to limit a company''s success or fame is to end up in the hallway. The awards Lux Animation should have won would be consumed by the hallways of different companies that advanced without fear of consuming any success. Despite this, the company ended up being nominated for two categories: Best Comedy or Musical Film, with Babe, Get Shorty, Sabrina, The American President, and Ice Age as the main contenders, and Best Original Song.


    Billy based his company on the impressive use of doing nothing��zero money for these investments. His awards year was set for 1997; next year, they would fight for awards with all their might, in a way no one else would, even reluctantly playing politics, preparing the ammunition, and finding every possible way to credit his business��s success. It was the best way to move forward.


    -Nominees. It��s the moment! �C Anne Hall murmured. She didn��t expect the two nominations, but it was undoubtedly a hard blow for the companies. Being 1 of 5 and not liking that feeling of failure, it was refreshing to see the success of their effort, promoting Autodesk and Pixar. The time was now.


    Anne Hall lifted the newspaper from her lap and crossed her office quickly, not giving herself more time to wait. Although they did not compete for advertising or simpler methods, it was a getting some extra campaignsod option to get sn Globe would likely lead to an Oscar, and so on. They had five nominations in their books and still held them. They might fail a few more times, but that wouldn��t stop Lux Animation.


    -Rachel dear, I��m sorry to bother you, but I need to discuss something with you. �C Anne said from the door as Rachel looked up and nodded. Rachel, the Director of Operations, was in charge of all animated series and children��s channel content. She worked on promoting Ice Age to boost the animated channel, which is why Anne had a premonition about needing her thoughts on what to do and not do for this campaign. It wasn��t about seeking an Oscar; it was about selling more.


    -Is something important happening? �C Rachel asked, unaware of the news.


    -Nothing surprising�� We have a Golden Globe nomination, so we��ll have coverage. If we can make better advertising deals and further exploit the Ice Age franchise, I think it would be good for you to discuss it with me. �C Anne replied.


    Rachel was still in the dark�� but Anne was playing with Billy��s words about marketing and the supply and demand of people.


    -What do you think we should do? �C Rachel asked.


    -We need accounts, an idea about distribution, and perhaps a relevant action plan to promote our new stories. ''The Musician'' is one of our films, and we used a difficult and complex process to exploit it. Like Mulan, which is our release for this year. �C Anne explained.


    Mulan was scheduled for August, The Musician for March. They were films generating significant critical interest, but perhaps it was the fact that they were still expanding their film production team to a third team and a group of five for children��s programming, meaning they would hire 40 new employees. The risk was still high, but Billy��s confidence in his success overshadowed Anne��s doubt about another success as significant as this year.


    -I��m sorry, President, but I still don��t understand what we need to do. I have in mind that we have a policy of not spending money in these cases. Is there something I need to know that has generated some interest? �C Rachel said.


    -Well, few know this, but Billy wants to run a marketing campaign for brand recognition. However, we will approach it from another perspective��advertising, toys, and, of course, other things I��m not certain about. �C Anne said. It was a lie; Autodesk was going public in January 1997.


    -We have in mind a promotional campaign with McDonald��s and a delayed deal with Hasbro, but we can improve the advertising. They can help us with the costs of some Ice Age shorts while we make our interests valuable. And, of course, if Billy as a public figure speaks, people come like moths to a flame. �C Rachel commented doubtfully.


    ***


    For many, 1995 was a year of great surprises in the animation world, but for Billy, it was just another step��a step closer to what he desired to achieve: a culture of many characters, opening up a new world.


    Alex Hunter, one of the new members of the film production team, along with four other team members, was sitting in Billy''s Los Angeles mansion. They were to undertake one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived. The mere licensing of Narnia cost $3 million, with the promise of 1% of the box office profits, along with another set of licenses costing an additional $6 million. This gave Billy the confidence that his approach was on the right path. The next step was to create a series of seven animated films.


    In addition to this, two screenwriters made a significant contribution by drafting seven scripts of 200 pages each, with help from their children, recreating the world of Narnia in the best way they could. This, along with the promise of comic series, was just the beginning. Billy aimed to continue creating stories and films, ushering in an American era of animation that would surely explode in three years and fifteen years.


    -Thank you all for coming. �C Billy said, dressed in a white suit, pants, and shirt, and with freshly showered hair. This meeting was meant to test a team that could potentially change the history of animation.


    -As you may know, I have created a storyboard for how I want the Narnia series of seven films to be made over the next seven years or more. I want to combine many animation styles. So far, we only have three styles, but this time, I want to bring England to the big screen. �C Billy said, handing them the storyboard with some ideas about the color palette.


    To the five main animators chosen for the third team:


    -We have ideas, and sketches, and have worked on all the characters you��ve given us, but what is being asked is simply very ambitious. Even with the programs and staff, it��s not possible to release the film this year. It will take at least two years. �C Carl Ogran said, surprised by the scene drawings��a 300-page notebook seemed like a Herculean task, but this was Billy Carson, the man with a thousand ideas.


    -Then do it. One year and six months. I want the finished product. The color palette will change for each film. The techniques are advanced, and the style is perfect in every frame. �C Billy said, wanting to create for these films an American version of Studio Ghibli, infused with Disney magic, Pixar technology, and CGI. He reviewed the script with others and considered it magnificent.


    -So the meeting... �C Joe Brie.


    -The meeting is for you to dare, to do your best work. I believe you have a goal in mind��to achieve success in your work. You will work on Narnia for years, but during that time, I will help you grow as a professionals. It��s a promise. Push these films to the limit. With connections to some people, you��ll have support from various experts. �C Billy said.


    And he wasn��t lying. For four months, some of Jeffrey Katzenberg''s team members would serve as mentors.


    -We will do what we can. However, if we fail, the film will be canceled. �C Carl Ogran asked.


    I would never let that happen!


    -That is the least of your worries. I��m looking for art, the best product. I want each film not to be a continuation of the previous one. It must have pure and unadulterated magic. We have the first and second films in storyboard, but even if we don��t change things, we must be creative. For example, some scenes will have a color palette of green, wine red, and gray. We��ve hired a philharmonic orchestra to perform a 5-minute musical score. �C Billy said, thinking slowly. - What more can you add? Be creative, even if it means breaking the above rules. It��s a strict request that you must fulfill.


    ...

 407. cravings.

    January 1996 �C January 27, 1996.


    Ronald Perelman pursued his goals with blind faith that everything was yielding results. He expanded the animation team, ventured into toy manufacturing, and purchased a small film production studio, which he believed would be Marvel''s trump card. Previously, he would not have taken these steps, but now, with additional income from Panini and Skylerbox sales, he felt confident. This move caused considerable discontent among the board members, especially those led by Stan Lee, who believed Marvel''s essence lay in its comics and nothing else.


    However, a close associate of Ronald Perelman, Avi Arad, saw things in a different light. Despite his reservations about Ronald Perelman''s commercial direction, he was optimistic that they would soon start producing the films they had longed for, using some of Marvel''s most famous characters.


    -We could start with X-Men, creating an animated film. We could co-produce it with another company, splitting the costs, and then release it. We see there''s a boom in the animation industry�� and of course, we should eventually move on to live-action X-Men films. �C Avi Arad suggested. sea??h th�� ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Of course, it sounds like a brilliant idea. I have some scripts that my colleagues have considered for publication. �C Stan Lee agreed, following instructions to wait for a year, which was the time Billy had anticipated for Marvel''s fall and the reward he so desired: a Marvel company solely dedicated to comics, separating it from other businesses, and ensuring that all artists had good contracts. Stan Lee, scratching his head, was firm in his commitment to his employees.


    Ronald Perelman was somewhat hesitant, finding himself in a difficult position within a board that was not in disagreement. It was for this reason, among others, that he felt he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.


    -I think we can proceed with the film, but in a few days, we will be launching two series: Iron Man and Hulk. However, an animated film could be ready for release next year �C Ronald Perelman added. He was determined to shift from stamp trading to clothing, buying a shirt printing shop and starting to produce collectible shirts, mugs, and other items for the nine new series set to launch on Fox Kids.


    Avi Arad preferred starting with live-action films, with special effects and grand finales that could captivate audiences, rather than animated films.


    -I''ll speak with the production teams. �C Avi Arad said.


    As money flowed in, it also flowed out. Ronald Perelman invested $40 million in stock buybacks and $60 million in other investments. He set up an animation production team from scratch, acquired a film production team, bought a studio in Santa Monica, as well as a clothing store, and expanded the toy line. He also had a film distribution company and planned to align it with his other businesses.


    However, the investment was inflated, and he diverted funds to purchase a private island worth $3 million, sports cars, and a luxurious mansion in Long Island valued at another $1.1 million. Along with the cost of a lavish lifestyle, luxury bars, outings, travel, and excesses, resolving these issues was not straightforward. But for him, everything seemed to be going perfectly


    ***


    "Unlike stamp shops, Billy set up a production line for cards, including Pok��mon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Dungeons & Dragons. He printed an initial run of 20 million units for the first two franchises and 4 million for the last one. Each franchise aimed to reach the same sales figures in different languages, but it was not to be. He understood perfectly that this was a bet on the future.


    Workers toiled day by day as machines processed the stamp packets. The prices were high, using shiny aluminum-coated paper.


    -Oliver, you��re impressive. I think your results are special�� but we need to double production for a second run of Star Wars cards. This time, we��ll have 100 cards, packed in boxes of 20. The cardboard is special and designed with unique features. Each card will have words and stories behind it. We expect a perfect collection, with the cards ordered and not mixed, in five special boxes to commemorate Star Wars. �C Raimon said, holding documents with designs and details for the cards, which were no larger than 15 centimeters. For this reason, Raimon increased the print run from 200,000 to 2 million and bought 200 boxes with his funds to give to all his friends.


    -I��m a bit confused. I thought the Star Wars print run was only 200,000. �C Oliver Grass questioned.


    -Well, I take full responsibility�� I spoke with the top boss. �C Raimon replied. Each box cost $4, but with operational costs, it came to $6, totaling $12 million for the run. However, due to the scale, costs could be reduced to $9 million. �C Oliver Grass said, astonished.


    -Do it. We��ll make a small investment with the movie releasing in June 1996, and we have a series coming up. Billy supports the investment. �C Raimon said, though Anne did not agree, and the finances were in the red. Additionally, there were limited edition baseball player stamps still in stock, which remained unsold at stadiums and might not be sold for another two months. It was curious how these cards played out.


    -Well, let��s proceed. Even though these are expensive and complicated, I believe they can sell well. �C Oliver Grass commented.


    -Yes, and let��s raise the price by an additional $5, making it $15 per sale. It doesn��t matter who buys or doesn��t buy; we��ll figure out what to do with the company. We have a sales strategy in mind. �C Raimon said. The design was beautiful, with lights, motifs, and different shines. Billy truly created the best design. Just seeing it made him want to increase the print run. Billy, confident in his talent, gave his approval.


    ***


    -So, you��re letting me go? �C Monica asked, somewhat surprised.


    -Yes, we need an actress for a secondary role, and the pay isn��t much, but you��ll gain some visibility. Plus, Billy will help, and if Billy helps, you might not even have to audition. �C Winona said, squeezing her friend��s hands.


    -I think it would be wonderful. But�� �C Monica hesitated, considering how all her roles had been carefully worked on.


    -Come on, you��ll do it. Besides, Billy will be on board. He understands how tough it is to break into the film industry. �C Winona reassured her, as Monica still had doubts.


    Both women were considering the proposal made by David Fincher. Coincidentally, Billy knew David, making it almost certain that he would be involved.


    ...

 409. dreamlike

    January 17, 1996.


    -Mr. Fincher, it''s a pleasure that you are involved with the  movie. If you need any assistance, I''m willing to help, - Billy said, shaking the director''s hand. Fincher suspected Billy''s interest was tied to Monica being there, but Billy had a bigger plan: to create an animated series of , bringing Pixar into the world of horror. However, it would be easier to achieve this with 2D animation for a series.


    -Well, I hope the franchise develops just as I��ve envisioned, - David commented.


    Billy, eager to assist, offered a small suggestion.


    -I think your suspenseful lens could take the franchise to a new level... the first one was so anticipated for the fear it instilled, and your ability to twist things and pull people into that suspense is remarkable, - Billy remarked, bouncing ideas off David as they continued their conversation. The gathering was small by Hollywood standards, held at Winona��s house, but the place was packed with people.


    Billy reflected on the idea of an  miniseries, introducing a reverse angle, similar to what the comics had done, a horror series that could be released around 2007��seven years later when technology and advancements would allow for the best series possible.


    -A suspense series... that��s a good idea. I��ve been thinking of some things, but there��s a lot to consider. This franchise drives me to the edge, - David responded, clearly exhausted. The producers were strict, dissecting every word he said in a way that frustrated him.


    -I recognize your talent. You''re a person with immense skill... I know this won''t be the end. Plus, the reviews for  are fantastic. I think we��ve got a classic on our hands,- Billy said, offering his support to David Fincher.


    Monica couldn��t stop fantasizing; Billy could see the sparkle in her eyes at the thought of being part of such a massive franchise... and, of course, earning her own money, from her pocket, only made her more at ease. With each step she took, her marine-style outfit highlighted her stunning figure. She was a vision of elegance, her beauty not lost on the crew members.


    -I��ve got to head over to Regency, three blocks down... I��ll see you when filming wraps, darling, - Billy said, kissing Monica. She, as always, sweetly returned his affection, resting her head against his chest. Billy couldn��t resist giving her a few more kisses��three quick ones and two slow ones filled with love.


    -There''s an Italian restaurant... -


    -We��ll go. Bring Winona if you��d like, or we can go alone. Get a reservation... or let Winona handle it, darling, - he said.


    In the movie, Winona plays a cargo handler, and Monica is a rebellious pilot with a short, edgy haircut that showcases a stunning new look��bold and sharp, she is a true ''90s angel. Together, they were like an iron curtain. Both gave stellar performances, improving with each scene. Their effort and dedication began to show real progress, step by step.


    -Alright, let��s start the rehearsal, - David Fincher��s assistant announced. A project like this was designed specifically for green screen work and intricate sets, which required months of hard work. David planned to shoot some scenes in the first week to get a feel for the style, and then follow up with the selection of templates, color palettes, and CGI requests.


    Two months later, they would film in a flash and wait as long as necessary to finalize all the CGI details. The movie was set for release on October 25, 1997, aligning with the festive season.


    ***


    It��s impressive how a process, driven by the director and his producers, can lead to such a long-lasting, intense storyline��full of special activities, with a filming schedule that Billy considers one of the best in the business. He was eyeing Regency, or the owners of that company, for acquisition, with plans to boost their production of films. To surpass the big studios, he needed two or three smaller studios producing "independent" or "low-budget" films to generate content not only for his TV channels.


    -Let��s do this! - they shouted before filming. It was a complete spectacle��everyone was cheering, some with strange, immature excitement. At the start of filming, everyone was calculating every single moment with mathematical precision.


    Scene 39, Take 3


    INT. HOLLYWOOD LIQUOR - DAY


    The last time we saw the shop owner was on Christmas Eve. He looks up from a customer as Bud strides in, badge front and center, with Billy following. Billy��s face is contorted with anger, his irritation clear for all to see, captivating those around him with his intense expression.


    BUD: I need an address for one of your clients. Her name was Lynn.


    OWNER: That��s all I have to go on?


    BUD: Yes. And I think you already know who I��m talking about, so just tell me.


    Bud��s tone is sharp, and more aggressive than usual, a change in demeanor not typically seen from him.


    OWNER: Lynn Bracken. There��s a billing address and a delivery address.


    BUD: Give me both. Billing first.


    Cut! �C Curtis shouted.


    As they quickly transitioned to the next scene, Kevin Spacey prepared for his fast takes. His scene was intense and fast-paced, set for later in the afternoon. Billy took the last scene at a rented mansion belonging to Anson Michan''s friend.


    EXT. 1184 GRETNA GREEN, BRENTWOOD (PATCHETT''S) - DAY


    A large pink Spanish mansion adorned with many tiles. The last time we saw it was outside Hollywood Liquor on Christmas Eve. Pierce Patchett is in the front yard, hitting golf balls into a koi pond. They land in a tight cluster. As he lines up his shot:


    BUD (O.S.): You must kill it at the country club.


    Bud is halfway across the lawn. Patchett notices the handcuffs on Bud''s belt. Patchett remains calm.


    BUD: Are you Pierce Patchett?


    PATCHETT: I am. Are you soliciting for police charities? Last time, you called my office.


    BUD: I''m a homicide detective. Where were you last night?


    PATCHETT: I was here, hosting a party. Who was killed, and why do you think I can help?


    BUD: Richard Stensland.


    PATCHETT: I don��t know him. Mr...?


    BUD: Officer White. What about Susan Lefferts? Do you know her?


    PATCHETT (sighs, gives in): You know I do, or you wouldn��t be here. How��d you find me?


    The tension between them builds, and standing nearby is the stunning blonde, Kim Basinger.


    BUD: We met at the door of Hollywood Liquor on Christmas Eve. This is where Lynn Bracken��s alcohol bills are sent.


    PATCHETT: Of course...


    BUD: Sue Lefferts was killed at the Nite Owl. I��m investigating.


    Billy��s performance here was subtle but powerful, impressing the actor playing Patchett. For a fleeting moment, Patchett broke from his typically calm demeanor and raised an eyebrow��a brief but remarkable reaction, noted by Curtis, the director, as a standout moment.


    Patchett studies Bud for a moment, weighing his options. Patchett��s hulking BODYGUARD steps out of the house.


    BODYGUARD: Everything okay, Mr. Patchett?


    PATCHETT (waves him off): It��s fine, Philip. Thanks.


    BUD: Where��s the other guy? Buzz.


    PATCHETT: He doesn��t work for me anymore.


    (pauses)


    Find Susan��s killer, Mr. White. I��ll reward you generously. Whatever you want.


    If only Jack had been here to hear that.


    BUD: Thanks, but no thanks.


    PATCHETT: Against your code?


    BUD: I don��t have one. Lefferts looked beaten up on Christmas Eve, but she didn��t act like it. How��s that possible?


    PATCHETT: Are you interested in crimes peripheral to Susan��s murder?


    BUD: No.


    PATCHETT: So you wouldn��t feel obligated to report them?


    BUD: Correct.


    PATCHETT: Then listen carefully, because I��ll only say this once, and if it gets repeated, I��ll deny it. I run an escort service. Lynn Bracken is one of my girls, and so was Susan Lefferts. I treat my girls very well. I have grown daughters myself, and I don��t like the idea of women suffering. I believe you share that sentiment.


    BUD (ignoring the comment): Why were Lefferts�� eyes blackened?


    PATCHETT: I believe she was hit in the face with a tennis racket. She was... is... a big fan of doubles.


    BUD: Want to go downtown and discuss this officially?


    PATCHETT: Wait. Is our deal still in place?


    Bud nods, his patience wearing thin.


    PATCHETT: I needed a Rita Hayworth to complete my little collection.


    BUD: What collection?


    PATCHETT: There��s Gardner, Hepburn, Grable, Turner. Lynn Bracken is my Veronica Lake. I use girls who resemble movie stars. Sometimes, I hire a plastic surgeon. S��arch* The ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BUD: That��s why her mother couldn��t identify her... God.


    PATCHETT: No, Mr. White. Pierce Morehouse Patchett. I feel like you��re on your best behavior, but that��s all I��m giving you. If you push it, you��ll talk to my lawyer. Now, do you want Miss Bracken��s address? I doubt she knows anything, but...


    BUD: I��ve got her address.


    PATCHETT: Of course... this is personal for you, isn��t it, Mr. White?


    Bud turns and heads down the path. Patchett hits his golf ball. It lands just beyond the koi pond, joining the others. Ice cold.


    Cut!


    ...


    It was fast and smooth��the scene wrapped with time to spare. This time, things took an unexpected turn. Billy had a pleasant conversation with the director, and through it, he saw another opportunity. Arnon Michan was the man Billy needed for his company. He was professional, no-nonsense, and not one to brown-nose, which didn��t always win him friends.


    -Help me become a producer, - Billy said after a long conversation.


    -What do you mean? - the calm, composed man asked.


    -I have a few films to shoot, but not many good producers can handle everything. If your salary fits my independent project��s budget, I want you on board. I��m working on a fast-paced project, and your experience would be invaluable, - Billy explained.


    -Oh, and what might this new project be that I may or may not be included in? - Anson asked.


    -I��m still shaping it, but the proposal will be ready by the end of the year or early next,- Billy replied.


    ...

 410. of the nominees.

    January 20.


    The Golden Globes are often considered a precursor to the Oscars, a stage to form alliances and manage public relations effectively to keep succeeding. Sometimes, a major win in one competition signals a bigger victory ahead, or vice versa �� the success in one may become a consolation prize for those who fall short elsewhere.


    -I heard they sent you an invitation to the Golden Globes, - commented Arnon Michan.


    -They did, but it surprised me... They invited me even though I��m just the writer and producer of . They had already sent one to the Pixar team. After all, the production team is theirs, not mine. It��s not worth attending, and I don��t think it��s the right moment, - said Billy, smiling. Of the three films I worked on, none of them made it to the Oscars.  didn��t make it,  was just a small role without much impact, and even  only had a minimal effect.


    -I see. So that��s why you don��t like going,- asked Arnon Michan.


    -Yeah, I divide my time between the companies I manage, and it wouldn��t be fair to take credit for the work of those who spent the year creating the film. I��d go to the event, but even then, I wasn��t nominated for my contributions, like editing or writing,- explained Billy.


    -I can understand that- replied Arnon, getting up from the table. They had been dining at an Italian restaurant for the second time. This time, they were joined by a third guest, the very popular Sigourney Weaver. The three of them laughed and discussed the situation with great ease. Their latest project was far more interesting than they had anticipated. While David Fincher was having a tough time, they were enjoying themselves.


    -I have high hopes for , - remarked Billy.


    -I think that��s everything, - Arnon Michan said calmly, as he left the restaurant. A man with many talents, he had an eye for the classics... and for producing a certain type of film �� gangster, police, military, crime, and suspense �� that��s what Billy noticed while reviewing Regency with Jim Gianopulos.


    -I wanted to go, -  said Monica. Sometimes all it took was a look from a woman to get Billy to agree, though he wasn��t too happy about it.


    -We can always buy tickets. They usually sell some to people in the industry. What do you think? - Billy said, turning to the brunette.


    -Would you really buy a ticket? Why not just go with the invitation they gave you? - Winona questioned.


    -Same reason as before �� it��s the night for the animators who worked day and night. They��re a hard-working group; some of them even sleep in the office to avoid wasting time or because they��re mentally exhausted... I respect their work more than just attending a gathering, - Billy replied, seeing it as a matter of principle.


    -Looking at it your way, I guess we can wait a little, - Monica responded.


    ***


    It was a done deal. Anne made a few calls and met with some key people. Within 48 hours, they had secured a contract for Happy Meal toys at McDonald��s. The Happy Meal was an idea from Billy, one that could prove to be valuable. With his contacts in Thailand, China, and Malaysia, they would handle the majority of the toy distribution. They were paid for making the toys, for allowing the sale of those toys, and for the advertising �� all thanks to Pixar.


    Even though Anne knew the fast-food company would secure its suppliers for movie-related toys, the collaboration itself wasn��t what mattered. What was crucial was leveraging that company to further her career towards the Golden Globes, without directly relying on it. The advertising deal included a small clause to ensure widespread distribution across North America, especially in key locations that Billy deemed essential, such as Fifth Avenue, major cities, and commercials on various television networks.


    They even made some money��Hasbro would soon start paying royalties for . The mammoth plush toys were nothing short of pure gold.


    Pixar tirelessly got back to work, creating a short animated clip for , capturing brief, key moments that could be showcased.


    -I think this is the best way to use it,- commented James Conniganh, adjusting the sequence of the commercial. They had produced four 30-second clips in just one week��a record time. But James loved satirizing his characters and playing with them.


    The commercial, along with two other videos for , showed the famous squirrel chasing its acorn, only for the acorn to land in a Happy Meal box. The squirrel leaped after it, only to get trapped, with the scene transitioning to live action, where the toy was handed out at a McDonald''s.


    -The animation team has officially started working on the first scenes of , - remarked Peter Docter, visibly exhausted from the workload. Before they could begin animating, they had to first develop every possible expression and movement using a new development program.


    James Conniganh grinned from ear to ear, as if he were a child receiving an award. He was eager to direct the  scenes, and although they had an excellent storyboard, when music, voice, movement, and the calmness of the project were added, that��s when Pixar''s magic came to life.


    -I can��t wait for us to finish, - said James, full of anticipation.


    -And in other news, while you were locked in that room last week��by the way, it smells like cheese in here�� - Peter joked, opening a window. - They inaugurated a new building dedicated to producing 3D series. They��re working on a  series that��s been in development since 1992. It��ll be 50 episodes, with a $20 million budget. They��re creating proprietary software for all the space representations and CGI. -


    -I��m surprised they��re expanding so much... Now they��re doing a series? How am I just finding out about this now? - asked James, perplexed.


    Peter Docter facepalmed.


    -It��s been six months since this news has been circulating throughout the studio, - Peter replied, a bit bewildered and out of tune by the question.


    -Wow, now it makes sense�� I��ll have to stop by and say hi, - James responded, rubbing his head. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though the film production side wasn��t moving quickly, the animated world of Pixar and Lux Animation was buzzing with activity. So far, Pixar has two film teams, and one series team, while Lux Nation has three film teams, and Lux Toons has six series teams. They had launched two animation channels, with a third channel for adult audiences set to premiere next year.


    ...

 411. technical escape.

    The Golden Globes were set to begin in the afternoon and continue into the night, with the after-party and public relations events allowing actors and producers three to four days to network and celebrate.


    -You need to film in the next few days,- Billy said to Monica.


    -Not much, just some invited members for rehearsals. They''ve given us a two-day break before starting again on Tuesday,- Monica replied.


    Billy smiled, cupped her face, and gave her a slow, indulgent kiss��a kiss he reserved for moments of intense pleasure in bed, where his partner was eager and affectionate. Monica responded with all the love she could muster, feeling happy, cheerful, and ready to give more affection than necessary. For her, being carried away by love was never a problem.


    Billy''s tongue explored and entwined with hers in an intense battle.


    -Let''s go on a trip... This time of year, travel to Hawaii isn''t very busy. We can use the general suite I have reserved for us, with an ocean view. Just you and me, three days on Hawaii''s beaches, enjoying the breeze and the lovely weather,- Billy suggested abruptly.


    -When?!- Monica questioned, surprised by the sudden proposal; Billy was not known for spontaneous trips.


    -Yes, I have time, and you do too. I don''t know when this will happen again, but in the next few days I''ll be busy with launches, series viewings, and other matters that aren''t worth discussing,- Billy explained, diving into another passionate kiss with the eager Italian.


    -Let''s go. They will understand my delay... a very loving boyfriend,- Monica said.


    They took the flight with only a few bags and clothes for the trip. In a bold move, Monica suggested they sleep naked to avoid getting their clothes dirty. She said it so sensually and with such interest that Billy could see the desire in her eyes. He enjoyed how she could so easily captivate his passions.


    Meanwhile, at the mansion, the housekeeper and a gardener��both elderly women��tended to the plants, food, and cleaning, preparing everything for the owners'' return. The winter warmth had faded for the season, but January 1996 was unusually mild, with a cloudy sun making it the perfect weather for those sensitive to temperature.


    ...


    Even on the trip, Monica''s boldness was evident. She drank a bottle of wine on the first-class flight, and their shared seats were enough for them to exchange small, affectionate kisses.


    -It''s my first time in Hawaii, - Monica said.


    -You''ll love it, - Billy responded, taking her hand. - We have many destinations to explore��a promise to tour all of Italy, another to visit France. Any other places you''d like to add? -


    -I don��t have many destinations in mind. Money can be great, but the consequences are the same. We could visit Spain, maybe Portugal... Germany and Switzerland, some places in the U.S., and of course, I''ve always wanted to see all of Greece, - she replied, sounding somewhat wistful.


    -Well, I think we can plan a trip in March for four days��visit the Grand Canyon, take a trip to Las Vegas, and spend some time in Santa Monica. For July, a trip to Portugal, away from the cameras, would be wonderful. Five days would be fantastic, in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro... We can choose one to enjoy, - Billy suggested.


    -In winter, Greece would be a great place. The summer heat is unbearable, - Monica added.


    ***


    Billy and Monica were enjoying a brief honeymoon, both immersed in their romantic pursuits. In New York, the atmosphere was different. A surprised and exhausted James Cannigah and Peter Docter took the stage with the Pixar team. Only ten key animators climbed the podium, unable to believe they had won their first award. Even veterans like John Lasseter had failed with the acclaimed Toy Story. sea??h th�� ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Go ahead, -Peter Docter told James.


    Before him stood some of the top actors of the moment, including the handsome and acclaimed Mel Gibson, who was his younger sister''s love interest, dressed in a gray suit with slicked-back hair. He was nervous.


    -I don��t have words to express it! We didn''t expect to win this award; I��m surprised, especially given the fantastic films we were up against... but here we are. I think the best I can do right now is to tell you how I ended up working at Pixar and why I believe people should go to the theaters to see Ice Age. What more can I say? I''m at a loss for words! -


    Laughter followed. James was sincere, his elegant attire making him look endearing, like a young graduate.


    -In two years, I''ve heard the most amazing speech a jobless animator could hear... a work contract with benefits and vacations in Hawaii. -


    More laughter erupted, and even Peter Docter managed to smile.


    -Then, less importantly. Billy Carson, the owner of Pixar, mentioned he would make one 3D and animation film a year and hoped to produce two in the next three years, and three in the following years, - James continued.


    This stirred interest among the audience. Three 3D animated films from Pixar, as opposed to the 2D ones from Lux Nation, were different. Anyone who understood the significance of these words would pay attention. The rating increased by 10% as the young and uncertain animator spoke.


    -I thought it was impossible, but last year there were two... this young man continued saying that we are the contemporary story of animated cinema and that we should do nothing but delight children, please teenagers, and captivate parents. Our audience is endless because we have all been children who once felt as our characters do: Halloween fright, Valentine''s love, Christmas magic... Some stories need to be told, stories that should be celebrated, conquered, and shared with the world. - He paused to take a breath.


    --Ice Age is: learning to tell simple stories with the significance of a great Western film, an unforgettable thriller. Pixar is the future of animation. I��m very happy to be here and have my work recognized. --


    Applause! Not as loud as expected... Three animated films in three years. Disney was on notice.


    The next day��s headlines were revealing: "Pixar, 3 Animated Films in a Year," "While the Lamp Plays, the Mouse Sleeps," "Success or Failure," "10 Years: The Best Animated Company in the World," "Challenge or Declaration." Innocently, James captivated the audience.


    ***


    -This explains why... Michael Eisner had his eye on the kid, - Jeffrey Katzenberg murmured during a routine meeting with his close friend Ron Howard.


    -If we take his words literally, it means the kid will release six animated films a year, - Ron Howard remarked. - What happens if he does it and breaks the box office? -


    Ron was referring to Ice Age��s box office, which reached $780 million, breaking the record for the highest-grossing animated film in history.


    -It��s the guilds, - Steven Spielberg replied.


    -Guilts? - they questioned.


    -Yes, Billy explained this concept to me with Harrison Ford, but this time, he simply made an analogy. If Pixar only delivers good movies, people will talk... and when people talk, you don��t need to fight to please the audience. Creating fans, creating niches, and winning them over, children love the movies Pixar makes; they are just right, almost like Disney but with a more innovative twist due to their stories, - Steven explained.


    -Wow... do you think he can live up to what he said? - Howard asked.


    Steven shrugged.


    ...

 412. press.

    In the brief recaps of the memorable Golden Globe events, the fierce Pixar winner left much to discuss, even though he did not want to be relevant to people. Hollywood loved politics from various angles and fleeting stars.


    -We believe the world of animation will stop being so straightforward, - commented Jeff Perkins, a film critic specializing in children''s films, known for his wise gray hair.


    -What��s going to happen? Is there a mystery you can��t stop chasing? As viewers, we have the right to know, - asked the interviewer, a pretty face whose job was to bring questions to the film world.


    -Fox bought Blue Sky, Warner expanded Studio Cartoon Network, and there are signs that they might very well enter the world of animation. We have Amblin Entertainment and, of course, Disney. All these are famous companies with significant market presence, having been making films since their beginnings... but now a third player has entered the scene. In less than five years, they have everything needed��technology, creativity, and freshness. Their ideas are always aimed at transforming logic and giving a new meaning to science fiction. We��ve moved beyond princesses, knights, and usual characters like superheroes and villains, to a much more impressive level: toys that come to life but with much more complex personalities, three-dimensional characters... space giants, endearing aliens who love rock music, extinct animals with moral compasses, trains glowing with magical realism, Greek classics, complex stories. - Jeff Perkins'' voice was firm, and steady, and demanded the concentration of those who could hear his intricate musings.


    -We have multiple blends of animation, not just the traditional Disney style. 3D combined with watercolor that fades as if it were a Van Gogh painting, dark tones mixed with comic elements... they play with different animation styles. -


    Charles Underwood''s turned-off television was a sufficient gesture of the frustration crossing his ally Gerald Levin''s features, which was crucial in ensuring they were not blocked by Warner��s board members.


    -I think I can now understand Terry Semel��s idea of blocking the kid, - Charles Underwood commented.


    -It��s incredible how, as days go by, his threat to the animated world has left Disney in a tough spot. The steep drop in their stock due to this phenomenon is significant, - Gerald Levin remarked, disheartened about leaving things behind. Even now, he felt that the impending lawsuit from Lux Animation was a sharp blade over Hanna-Barbera��s throat.


    But there was a problem. Billy had stolen Friends and ER and even clipped the wings of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Nevertheless, he was just a drop in the ocean, as his financial income last year was twelve times more than Lux Animation''s, which had entered the medium-sized film production category.


    Approximate revenue of $13 billion compared to the $1.1 billion collected by Billy. In some way, there was nothing to fear. But many film executives were moved by the kid... it was planned. He had sent his staff to speak with such passion.


    -I��d like to get to know him better. It��s said that he is serious and reserved, very bold in business, with a modern vision of how the film should be made. He invests heavily in technology and quality; his programs require significant investment... that��s why he bought Pixar and formed an alliance with Autodesk. He has the team to continue developing informational animation programs, - Gerald said, stroking his stubbly beard, shifting in his seat.


    -With the Turner and Warner merger, we��re the largest media company. We already have some ideas that might be the most uncomfortable, but that doesn��t mean we��ll rest on our laurels. The highest-grossing film of the year was an animated film, - Charles said, throwing some documents on the table at Gerald.


    There, illuminated like a sphere of daring, was the new budget for Cartoon Network and the new company he couldn��t invest in. All Hanna-Barbera assets were frozen; they could be used but no new films or series could be produced, including Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Johnny Quest, Yogi Bear, and The Jetsons.


    -They approved this... $500 million for Warner Animation, three animated films for the next few years, and $200 million to refresh Cartoon Network. For the next three years, - Gerald commented. They would invest in a large production studio, newly built and recreated to have a new headquarters, team, and licenses, and invest in a new DC production series, acquiring stories and mixed ideas. Warner''s World received between 300 to 400 scripts a day, while Lux Animation received 10 to 12 scripts a month from its animators.


    But the giant red clause was biting: stealing animators, another attack that couldn��t be considered the first. Billy had anticipated the theft of his employees a long time ago. For this reason and others, he had improved social security design, enhanced paid vacation, and small perks like meal vouchers, snack refrigerators, and a healthy creative environment.


    ***


    On their last day in Hawaii, after extending their trip by four days, Billy woke up late. Throughout those four days, he had been wrapped in Monica��s arms as they relaxed. The morning had just begun. As the Italian had informed him, she slept naked, only wearing lavender cologne and jewelry.


    It was paralyzing and completely desolate, the way he showered her with kisses, a love that was utterly impressive. They both enjoyed the temporary beauty of their comfort, cherishing the deep kisses they shared each morning. If Monica were asked when she got tired of kissing, she would say she never did; she loved the deep kisses wrapped in a mask of romance. Her morning coffee was like an express ticket to heaven. Her mind and body worked differently.


    The phone woke them from their utopia. It was a utopia, and for that and other reasons, he took it to the limit. It was a limit, violent and majestic, pulling them back to their Hawaiian room.


    On the third ring, Billy decided to break from his usual routine. He answered the phone with a slight "hello," somewhat annoyed by the interruption. It was Jim Gianopulos, one of the few people who had his number, used only on special occasions. Only a small team of 25 people had Billy��s number, and he tried not to spread it far. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We have everything set for the distribution of Jerry Maguire. We''re waiting for you to take over the publicity. The film is scheduled for release on February 15,- Jim Gianopulos said.


    -We''ll address that the next day, - Billy replied, thinking.  - For now, continue with the regular course. -


    -Now, the important news... we might be nominated for the Oscars! That''s a positive point, even if it shouldn''t be. The trial against Warner is tomorrow, and the case will be decided then. For now, there''s a media wave, everything covered, but we''ve been sent a statement to keep quiet on both sides until there''s a verdict, - Jim Gianopulos explained.


    -I think that''s how it should be, - Billy responded. He was indifferent, hoping it would turn out in their favor. However, Warner might end up paying money. He didn''t think the company would lose its valuable series, but the interest payments were substantial.


    -Perfect. Anne will notify you of the decision, - Jim said. He explained that in the event of a payment, they could negotiate for two series and a portion of the money. Hanna-Barbera��s assets did not exceed $100 million, and the lawsuit estimated $460 million. If they obtained Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, it would be considered a major victory. However, in an unusual case, it could rise to $670 or $789 million if they won completely, including the return of the Yuyu Hakusho series, which had been forgotten due to its meager budget, unlike Slam Dunk.


    It was very likely they would win, at least according to the expensive legal team, who were typically the leaders in such contracts.


    Monica hugged him from behind and kissed his neck lovingly. The fact that they were tangled together meant they barely left their hotel room.


    -Let��s go to bed together, my love, - the dark-haired woman said with intense desire.


    -You��re a constant trouble, my dear, -Billy said, hugging her tightly while lifting her legs to trap her between the mattress and himself. It was a majestic form of desire; their bodies collided with ignited passion. She pressed her delicate nipples against him. With just a touch, the continuous stimulation made her feel a jolt, but she attacked Billy with her slender hands, controlling the provocative gesture with an open mouth and eyes filled with explosive excitement... fugitives of exhilaration.


    ...

 author note

    Someone told me that there were other people better for the role of Rose in Titanic. I would like to know which actress you would choose. First of all, don''t choose anyone over 25, although there is one person who I am tempted by and that is Jennifer Connelly. But I think that Denise Richards and Charlize Theron could also be in the role.


    sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 413. human warmth.

    In Billy''s eyes, Monica was an ethereal beauty unlike any he had ever seen. Her body was sculpted by genetics and her diet, though she drank more wine than the average person should, as if it were water, and lived a life befitting a queen. She was a reader and didn''t mind getting her hands dirty. She was gorgeous, a stunning woman, even if she didn''t have the physique that some women in the future would have.


    Beautiful women existed, thousands who surpassed the raven-haired beauty, younger, more proportionate, and more sexual... but to Billy, she was perfect, a histrionic goddess, Aphrodite, Helen of Troy - a woman worth starting a war for... from her Venus to her whispers, she intoxicated people with so much heat that it was difficult for them to articulate words.


    She was beautiful and charming. In Billy''s eyes, there was nothing imperfect about her, she now cared for herself with more attention than she should. She was a woman who seduced to perfection, tailored to the blonde, who found himself between Monica''s soft, supple breasts, as tender as the breeze. They were sweaty and tired, hungry, but the wine sustained them.


    - I can''t believe you want another round, my love, - Monica commented, touching Billy''s hard member, causing him to moan slightly as he felt the cold, smooth hands of the raven-haired beauty.


    - You''re irresistible, - she murmured, gently stroking him with her hands, delicately moving up and down, her perverse whispers promising a thousand and one things that took the lover''s language to a greater future. She was unaware, but the Italian escaped her mouth like sweet flowers - a longing, murmured Italian. Bed companions, accompanying each other, Billy extended his hands and brushed the sex, with some hair there, inserting a single finger, the moisture seeping out.


    He dug his fingers in a hooked manner, just enough to reach her farthest walls, while feeling a slight prickle, a seed signal, breathing deeply as he attacked with a bit more effort. He withdrew his hand to the point that he embraced her tightly, and she felt the heat on her back.


    The woman felt a tug in her belly, a restlessness that ran through every surface. She was as lost as Billy, her thoughts wandering in the orgasm she had had forty minutes ago, an orgasm that still lingered in the sheets. Billy''s voice was a trigger, such short and simple words that, said in another conversation, would have no meaning, but now, it made her nervous, breathing chokingly. Hearing it again, "Don''t move an inch," she felt the tracing of his fingers as she allowed all kinds of caresses.


    She pushed her back, almost reaching the edge of the bed, gripping the sides of the bed firmly while raising her hips suggestively. A dry slap awakened her from the dream, it was delicate and almost loving, he was not rough, that was her responsibility, everything was so measured that it did not prevent the small laugh that escaped her, she tasted her vagina, licked and excavated, her pronounced clitoris was brushed several times with the tip, she felt handcuffed to pleasure.


    "Ah," a short moan, her white hands made her let out a deep but short moan.


    He did not stop and continued even in her orgasm, she was a bundle, and each touch made her jump, she wanted to refuse, but a second one came, his mouth was key in that, it was contaminated, and the wine clogged her senses, but not the pleasure of her way of feeling. At the moment a third one arrived, she could not resist, she fell while trying to keep her legs still, but the burning was a tickle that did not disappear, he brushed her nipples and took her to a fifth, and her strength disappeared, but he continued impacting with his tongue. Her face was flushed, even with her tanned skin, did not hide her condition, he pulled her towards him, his strength surpassed her, and tore again, and again until he took her to a sixth, which he completed with the force of a whirlwind, she kicked and moved, but it only served to imprison her hips, at the moment his penis entered without pretense.


    - God, slowly, - she said, but she didn''t have the strength to lift her head from the sheets.


    He, without granting her a moment''s respite, continued to penetrate her with successive, relentless thrusts, everything exploding in pleasure, driving her to the brink of madness. She tried to resist but ended up urinating, hot and so bright, mingled with her multiple orgasms. Yet he did not stop; he continued even when she was completely satisfied, pushing on a little longer, even when her hips tightened around him. He persisted in this continuous game that led her to desperation. She bit the sheets, ultimately ending up biting her arm. It was such a pure and carnal desire that it took her to her final orgasm, this time, she felt him deep within her, pressing firmly against her back.


    He panted heavily, his muscles burning. Monica wasted no time seeking his arms, skin against skin. Tired, but still ablaze with desire, she extended her tongue and gently kissed Billy''s cock.


    - You''re insatiable, - he murmured, both amused and surprised. Among all his lovers, she was the most urgent; her youth, as they say, did not reflect the desire to love and feel.


    - It''s not that. You always come home so exhausted from work; these days are just for me, and I want you to do it to me as many times as possible. I think if you keep this up, I won''t ever be able to separate from you, - Monica replied, her hair clinging to her skin, making her look like a true incarnation of lust.


    Their bodies were crazed with love.


    ...


    Later that same day, by candlelight, they both dined with the candles beside them. It was the essence of each of them; Monica''s white dress, adorned with her classic orange flower in her black hair, cascading like a castle. In a winter dawn, it was intoxicating.


    - How did you clear the terrace and organize all this? - Monica asked, her happiness palpable.


    - I know the owner; it took a bit of persuasion, to the point that they allowed me to please both you and me, - Billy replied, kissing her lips. She lifted her head in a way that enchanted him... to the eye, it was simply marvelous.


    - I love it when you do these gestures... I don''t want to sound demanding, but I adore it when you''re romantic. At this point, I just want to relive these three days forever, - the woman responded, glowing in the lights, beacons of love. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 414. tracking.

    Back to reality, Billy arrived in Los Angeles to focus on the scenes for . Los Angeles was the perfect place for him to perform at his best, offering a different experience from the ordinary. The location was situated in a place.


    Billy sat, still oblivious to the trial, holding his lover in his arms, calm and animated. They kissed with enthusiastic fervor. Their getaway felt like gasoline, and Billy ignored newspapers, calls, and other places�� they were in a space beyond the planet.


    -.When you arrive, I might have a surprise for you. I want to relieve your stress, darling,- Monica said, giving a deep kiss filled with love and affection. Monica��s surprise was nothing less than an elegant Italian-made beige suit with red cufflinks and handcrafted leather shoes from an old shoemaker factory who made only 70 pairs a year, valued between 3,000 to 5,000 euros. They were beautiful, rare, and the finest brand. An Italian businessman, owner of a photography agency, only wore those shoes, claiming they were the best he could buy.


    -I��m looking forward to it�� Take her to Fox and stay there. Wait for her, - Billy told his driver. He would use the car that followed behind, the bodyguard��s car, with a security cost of $400,000 a year, plus additional expenses related to its function.


    He continued on his way to meet the production team. The day''s first morning would be a long recording period, followed by an afternoon of outdoor recordings. They wanted to make up for lost time, and the recordings would extend into the night. Meanwhile, Kevin Spacey, who had won at the Golden Globes, worked hard and performed most of the scenes on his own. Only a few scenes remained with Roy Pearce and Billy together.


    Settling into the small dressing room, he calmed his mind while his face was lightly made up. His beard was a bit thicker, and a member of the makeup team used small scissors to trim it carefully, with such skill that it was impressive. He changed into a black suit with a simple tie required for the role.


    Scene 49, Take 6.


    Everyone''s attention was focused, particularly Bud��s. They watched and listened through the speaker. Billy had already given the thread to the paper, which made such a difference to him. Bud was a straightforward guy, always with a tough face, even with women, but at times he was shy and somewhat introverted, especially when he felt vulnerable. Covered by the strength of his character, which was not something simple.


    EXLEY


    (over the speaker)


    Let go, Jones. I know you made her bleed, but that doesn��t mean you killed her.


    There is no response, but Jones squirms.


    EXLEY


    (over the speaker)


    If that girl is alive, you still have a chance in this.


    JONES


    (over the speaker)


    I think she��s alive.


    EXLEY


    (over the speaker)


    Do you think so?


    Jack turns to Dudley.


    JACK: That��s good. I��ll give him that.


    They don��t notice when the back of Bud��s chair starts splintering in his hands, everyone is focused on the front glass. He clenches his hands tightly, with a bit of desperation, but in that strength, his hands acquire a tone between white and red.


    ROOM #3


    Exley sits across from him, trying to engage him.


    EXLEY: Where is she now?


    (no response)


    Did you leave her somewhere?


    (no response)


    Did you sell her? Give her to any of your friends? Tell me where the girl is!


    Billy twists his expression, aware that the cameras are focused on his face. He moves his jaw in a brief gesture, reflecting anger. He pushes someone in his path.


    The door bursts open. Bud slams Jones against the wall. As Exley stands up, he hits his knee against the table. Bud pulls out a .38, breaks the cylinder, and drops 5 bullets on the floor.


    BUD: One out of six. Where is the girl?


    EXLEY: Officer White, put that gun down and...


    Bud shoves the barrel into Jones��s mouth, pulling the trigger twice. CLICK, CLICK. Jones starts sliding down the wall. Bud pulls him up by the collar and roars.


    BUD: WHERE?! Two more clicks. Jones gives in.


    JONES S-Sylvester F-Fitch one-o-nine and the gray house at the corner of Avalon...


    -Cut, - grumbles Curtis, who has been repeating the scene for seven takes and is fed up. They need to record first from the interrogation camera angle, from two different positions, followed by two more takes from Roy Pearce��s angle, and finally one from the spectators outside.


    Billy wiped the sweat from his brow; the studio was blisteringly hot. While others took their next shots as part of the job, they didn��t finish until 2 in the afternoon. Afterward, they went to visit the outdoor locations. Guy Pearce, who had no scenes to shoot, said goodbye and left Billy to his recording, while he ate a turkey sandwich that Monica had prepared with the help of the housekeeper. Curiously, and to his surprise, there was also water, an apple, and some cheese bars.


    -Why are you smiling? - a blonde next to him on the black bus to the set asked. She was Kim Basinger, and it was the first time they had spoken to each other outside of the recording scenes, having met only three times due to their brief scenes.


    -Something that reminds me of my childhood�� Nice to meet you again, Miss Basinger, - Billy replied.


    -Likewise. Although it might seem annoying, we��ll have some time to practice our scenes. Bud is Lynn��s romance, and well, chemistry is necessary, - Kim said.


    She didn��t just need practice; she wanted to test Billy��s acting range. Kim was a seasoned actress, having been active since 1978, and could be considered to have a career as illustrious as Billy��s, with almost as many years of experience.


    -Very well, - Billy said, with an appreciative gesture. He watched her perform with a sense of pleasure but didn��t forget to regard his acting as a duty, taking it as seriously as he did his business.


    Scene 58, Take 1.


    INT. 1736 NOTTINGHAM (LYNN BRACKEN''S) - DAY


    A pleasant and cool atmosphere. The perfect place to hang out is a suburban house. Kim Basinger is seen in her dress, so provocative that some might even take note of the new fashion season, especially the white the blonde is wearing.


    LYNN: It''s Officer White, isn��t it?


    Bud nods and surveys the place.


    LYNN: Can I offer you a drink?


    BUD: Yes, whiskey is neat.


    Bud/Billy watches her as she heads to the bar. God, she��s beautiful. These are the complex kinds of recordings where desire can only be conveyed through the eyes. He thinks of Monica, on the bed, with her black hair spread out and her lips red from so many kisses.


    LYNN: I was friends with Sue Lefferts, but we weren��t close friends. You know what I mean?


    BUD: Do you regret her death?


    LYNN: Of course I do. What kind of question is that?


    She takes a step back with whiskey for both of them.


    BUD: Have you heard of Dick Stensland?


    LYNN: No, I haven��t. Do you know why Pierce is humoring you?


    BUD: If you use words like that, you might make me angry.


    LYNN: Yes. But, do you know?


    BUD: Yes, I do. Patchett is running prostitutes and, judging by his direction, probably something more significant. He doesn��t want any attention.


    LYNN: Exactly. Our motives are selfish, so we��re cooperating.


    BUD: Why was Susan Lefferts at the Nite Owl?


    LYNN: I don��t know. I��d never heard of the Nite Owl until today.


    BUD: Did Lefferts have a boyfriend?


    LYNN: Like I said, we were friends, not close friends.


    BUD: How did she meet Patchett?


    LYNN: Pierce knows people. Sue came on the bus with dreams of Hollywood. That��s how things turned out. Thanks to Pierce, we can still act a little.


    BUD: Tell me about Patchett.


    LYNN: He takes a part of our earnings and invests it for us. He makes us leave the business by thirty.


    Cut! - Curtis shouted.


    The set began to move; a few more quick takes followed. Patchett��s mansion was not far, just five minutes away. They would have to wait until the evening to shoot additional scenes with Lynn and Bud. For now, Lynn would do her scenes with Patchett.


    -You��re better than I expected, - Kim commented, surprised by Billy��s composure, which was comparable to that of an experienced actor. Was he born to act like some do?


    -I do what I can, but it��s all thanks to practice. It helped me adapt to your rhythm and maintain my own, - Billy replied.


    -Ah, modesty, - Kim said playfully, her voice soft, and she was very gentle in words as well.


    -I��ll see you tonight,- Billy said, taking out his phone to call Monica about his delay while arranging for a car to pick him up at the set at a certain time. He gave the address. The car arrived quickly with his sketchbook, as he needed to submit the next volumes of , still in the drawing phase.


    Scene 64, Take 1.


    INT. MAIN HALL - NIGHT


    LYNN


    (opening the door)


    Did you forget something...?


    Bud is there, filling the doorframe, looking somewhat uncertain, stretching his lips.


    LYNN: I was wondering when you��d ring the doorbell again, Officer White.


    BUD: I��m Bud. sea??h th�� n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bud glances at Lynn for a moment, then down at his own feet, embarrassed. She smiles.


    LYNN: You should see yourself. You look like you��re ten years old.


    Bud looks up again. Lynn��s smile fades as she studies his face. She isn��t going to ask questions. Lynn looks at him for a moment more, then brushes her blonde hair out of her eye.


    LYNN: If you��d called first, I wouldn��t look so ridiculous.


    BUD: You��re beautiful.


    In a tender and affectionate gesture, he gently holds Kim��s chin and caresses it, something parallel to the Bud we know. But this time, he draws closer, embracing the blonde��s hips in an improvised gesture. Billy waits for the cut, but the director hasn''t shouted anything yet. He uses his other hand to trace the outline of the blonde��s face delicately, accustomed to doing the same with Monica every night, with an almost unimaginable subtlety. His eyes lack desire and show a look of love that is impressive to Kim Basinger, as she can feel a certain vibe.


    "Cut!" Curtis��s shout breaks the scene.


    Billy snaps out of his trance, while the blonde, feeling shy, also comes out of it. All traces of maturity and kindness towards the junior are abruptly cut off. Kim is not a woman of that style; she is the shy, fragile blonde who only retreats when the situation becomes unbearable for her.


    "We have another scene to shoot," Kim murmured.


    They both walked to a bed, where they settled under the covers. Above them were a dozen cameras, which were reduced to three, making it uncomfortable. Billy ended up in white, somewhat snug shorts, and Kim in a body-hugging, small pair of pants.


    Take 65, Scene 1.


    INT. LYNN BRACKEN''S HOUSE (1736 NOTTINGHAM) - BEDROOM - NIGHT


    Lynn approaches Bud naked, with her hair slicked back. Bud moves slowly, delicately, taking his time with his kisses, as if she were a solitary woman he wanted to love until death. They share soft, affectionate kisses, both touching each other. Billy��s breath smells of watermelon mints, which he used before this scene, but her lotion is intoxicating. Unable to resist, she presses her nose to his neck to savor the penetrating scent.


    Billy lifts his arm, brushing her collarbone, and resumes kissing her in rhythm. She inadvertently presses her elbow against his chest, making him feel her firm breasts.


    Lynn plays with the rhythm: her kisses, her caresses. Eventually, Bud forces himself to stop. He pulls back to see her.


    LYNN: Are you wondering if Patchett told me to be receptive?


    Bud doesn��t respond, but he does.


    LYNN: It doesn��t matter. I like you, Bud. Really.


    Bud: Let��s not bother.


    She kisses him. Gently, prolonging it. It��s not work. She wants to make love to him. And when Bud stops thinking...


    "Cut."


    ...

 415. brooch-

    January 24.


    Lux Animation won over Warner for reasons that seem unknown and somewhat redundant, but the loss they faced was a complete blow to the face. A fine of 675 million dollars was imposed, payable immediately, which they were not in a position to accept.


    It was the entire budget they had allocated for animation, and if they doubled that budget as planned, the interests of some parties could be compromised. It was a profit-sharing arrangement that made payments cumbersome. However, these were the considerations of Gerald Levin, but for Bob Daly, the situation was different.


    They would pay, no matter what. The fact that they used this approach to steal their children''s series meant something, especially with an animated movie featuring Michael Jordan about to be released. Losing the Looney Tunes series was something they couldn''t afford. For now, they would extend negotiations to see what the purchase price would be. sea??h th�� n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Terry Semel was expecting to meet with Billy Carson but instead found Jim Gianopulos, along with Anna Washington. Both had much and little to discuss, but for Terry, the key point was extending the payment by thirty days. Losing the Yu Yu Hakusho contract, which would now be serialized by Lux Toons, and re-commercialized by them, had cost him 500,000 dollars, appraised at 800,000 dollars��another heavy blow to his animation channel.


    --If I''m not mistaken, you''re Mr. Terry Semel, - Jim Gianopulos remarked, seated at a nearby table. The matter didn��t require many words, just money, and they were clear about what to do with the upcoming franchises.


    -And you��re Jim Gianopulos, Director of Entertainment at Lux Animation, a franchise that only seems to grow day by day, - Semel muttered, somewhat unfocused. Much had been said about Jim, but now he was facing a different man. Running a company as a director made one different, but Semel knew it was thanks to this man that Billy had regulated his distribution company for many films due to his ability and work at Fox.


    -You��re right. There��s no time like the present. I have a few issues we need to resolve before we get into the details of the conversation. If you��d like, we can grab something to eat and exchange ideas, - Jim suggested diplomatically.


    -Sure, sure, we can do that. Let me recommend a restaurant, one of the best in the city, - Terry Semel responded.


    -That being the case, we have two offers and proposals that I believe should be addressed and heard by your team, - Jim Gianopulos remarked. He had investigated the matter with Anna, and Billy��s perspective was less obvious than one might think. Of the 689 million, they only needed 400 million. 189 million for Tom and Jerry, and Scooby-Doo seemed a fair price.


    -We have an idea of what and how to conduct a study on the value of your series. Of course, this could lead to changes or new developments, but I believe we can use these figures as a reference point for negotiations. -


    The folder contained the reference prices, though slightly lower. It was a well-considered estimate, developed by Steve Parks. They presented a price that seemed fair at first glance, though a deeper study could alter the purchase decision. The acquisitions of two series were presented, with adjustments made as prices rose for various reasons.


    The most expensive were The Flintstones, Ghostbusters, The Smurfs, Looney Tunes, and Yogi Bear. Each of these series was valued at approximately 100 million dollars, which raised Terry Semel��s eyebrows, as he hadn��t considered the value of such properties. That was the first trap.


    Following were Tom and Jerry at 72 million, Scooby-Doo at 65 million, and Johnny Quest at 25 million��properties Lux Animation was interested in acquiring. Upon reviewing, Terry Semel determined that the price was within his expectations��neither too high nor too low��with an interesting He-Man Forgotten, valued at 55 million.


    -Our proposal is brief: from these series, we want Yogi Bear and The Smurfs... we might also be interested in Scooby-Doo, - Jim Gianopulos concluded while Terry Semel scrutinized the list.


    It wasn��t the most transparent way of doing business, but it was clear what they had in mind.


    The two engaged in a debate over prices. Once Semel made his move, he raised the prices of Yogi Bear to 200 million, along with The Smurfs, providing various explanations backed by a ''thick-skinned'' attitude. Jim, however, expressed that if that were the case, they should conduct a study and present the data before February 2, as that was the last day they were willing to negotiate. The two men discussed other matters, and Terry sent the documents by fax to his experts. They ended their meeting with a signal that they would move forward, as the two directors sat down to lunch.


    ***


    The filming didn��t take long, due to scheduling issues. However, it finished earlier than expected. They participated in an interview to promote , with his companion by his side. They both took the opportunity, followed by working on a commercial for BMW, in which Billy already estimated an investment.


    Alongside Ren��e Zellweger, they discussed what  meant to them. Even Jamie Foxx had auditioned for the role of Rod Tidwell, but his approach hadn��t convinced the director, although it brought many great stories.


    --When I found the script, I just thought it was brilliant. I approached Gracie Films and thought, -- I have to have this role. -- Director Cameron Crowe had originally offered the part to Tom Hanks, and Gracie Films was willing to invest if the big star joined, but unfortunately, Hanks declined due to scheduling conflicts. So, using my own money, I decided not to hesitate and invest in the film. The rest is history, -- Billy commented.


    --You put 50 million into a promising script? That would bankrupt any studio, -- the journalist questioned.


    -Not just the script, but the team behind it. Cameron knew exactly what needed to be done, and what shouldn��t be done. Producer James L. Brooks was excited, so Gracie Films handled the project. As an investor, I don��t like getting too involved in the director��s creative process, especially when the idea comes from them, -- Billy replied.


    It was Ren��e��s turn. She spoke about how this role boosted her career and how fantastic it was to be part of such an ambitious project.


    -I have no idea why they chose me... Cameron may have mentioned that he needed someone completely unknown, someone without much exposure to play the part��someone from a different world than Jerry, two contrasting parts... I guess it was luck, - Ren��e commented.


    ...

 416. lucky break.

    January 25.


    -The glory of a man! Since January 25, tech stocks have surged at an unprecedented rate, igniting the American economy for various reasons. The market was alive, reminiscent of Constantinople over 1200 years ago. Wall Street was bustling, just in time for Ronald Perelman to carry out his usual activities, using his intelligence and business acumen to make the right move��but it turned out to be the wrong one for Marvel. This company is still on the rise. It wasn��t the only company, just the most defiant one, alongside a cosmetics firm, digital camera manufacturer, and an investment fund��reinvestment upon reinvestment.


    In each of these companies, he stretched his money, and in some, like the digital camera company and Marvel, he sold his shares as public bonds to different banks, paying a special price, almost 20% extra. He then played with that money in the stock market, dabbling in currencies, but the stocks grew so much that everything resolved itself in a truly remarkable way.


    -I didn��t think he would take that action, - remarked Stan Lee, still mulling over his thoughts, feeling a bit foolish. The young Billy Carson left him with a sense of doubt. Three out of three predictions: the comic book bubble, the poor development of the company, and that Ronald Perelman was never going to slow down. As Billy often said, Wall Street folks only get excited by the money in their hands and how much more they can make. When they see what looks like a sure bet, they jump at it, with no hesitation, often in ways so abstract it��s hard to foresee.


    -It''s typical, sir... but when the time comes, I''ll buy all the shares. I��ll argue for a displacement in the board. For that and other reasons, I��ll make sure it becomes ours, - Billy replied, having already formed an idea. As a former Marvel employee, he knew a lot about both Marvel and DC Comics history, after all, he once worked as a colorist��a poorly paid job at just 500 euros.


    -I''ll get you all the data...-  said Stan Lee. For him, gathering such timely records that filled him with confidence was easy.


    -Good, send me all the details, and be careful, especially with people trying to make a miracle catch��a catch that could be uncomfortable. But don��t worry. If there��s a contender, we just need to know who they are or who is interested. We only need the comics and animated licenses for now. We can negotiate those at a low cost or even free for the next five years. Films and series are hard to pull off at the moment, but I��m not closing any doors. It��s better to let the whirlwind drown out the time, and when the opportunity arises, that��s when a company will invest all the capital its pockets can hold, - Billy continued.


    -Interesting idea about the future of the company. Will you keep your promises? - asked Stan Lee.


    -Just as we wrote them on paper, I��ll sign. The comic book creators will receive a percentage of the profits, up to 12%, along with 1% of other royalties for veteran creators. The copyrights will belong to Marvel, as they always have,- Billy recalled, referencing what they had once signed. - I��ll also compensate all the authors who have worked with the company for years.-


    Given that many authors felt neglected, this was a tactic Stan Lee had suggested. However, once the films hit theaters, they would face lawsuits worth millions. Better to spend a small amount now with future profits in mind, ensuring a sustainable lifestyle.


    -I��ll do what��s necessary,- Stan Lee said.


    Billy sighed, grappling with the dilemma of acquiring something entirely versus not receiving something in full��two very different things. But for the sake of the company, he would make sure that anyone with future claims would be dealt with, regardless of whether they were justified. The biggest mistake would be to think it would never happen.


    - We have plenty of time to make things happen,- Billy remarked. - For now, let��s just focus on what��s done and what needs to be done. We need power. If the company is in my hands, that��s when we can perform better.-


    -Very well, I believe that��s all for now, - responded Stan Lee, hanging up the phone. He glanced at his surroundings��a quiet street, cars lined up in front of the sidewalk, surrounded by a hint of grandeur from the towering corporate buildings. He was inside a small mattress shop, enveloped by rows of mattresses.


    In the grand scheme of things, Stan felt completely outmatched. The fact that Billy had been right three times in a row was no longer a coincidence. Was he the Tony Stark of business, then? How ridiculous, yet the feeling of being outdone by something so small gnawed at him��a ridiculous notion he couldn��t shake from his mind.


    Outmatched, and utterly blank, Stan confided in two old friends��friends who told him everything was too good to be true. But perhaps this was real, given the confidence Billy exuded. It was like searching blindly in a dark room full of bear traps��one wrong move, and the forest would hear your screams.


    ...


    -Mr. Carson, you have a scene to shoot,- an assistant commented nearby.


    Billy rose from the table. The scenes with Kim Basinger continued through various takes��two completed, with three more needed, followed by a major shootout. It was quite something, with a mix of emotional moments... fortunately, Billy didn��t feel particularly attracted to Kim, which made things easier. The scenes were unnecessary in his opinion, but they were part of the job, especially with his constant traveling.


    ***


    INT. 1736 NOTTINGHAM (LYNN BRACKEN''S) �C BEDROOM �C NIGHT


    Exhausted, Bud and Lynn lay in bed. She traces a finger along his bicep while he stares at the ceiling, deep in thought. These scenes are the toughest to shoot, often requiring the perfect lighting.


    BUD: Who was that guy that was here earlier?


    Lynn''s finger stops at a small white scar on Bud''s shoulder.


    LYNN: Doesn''t matter. All they want is Veronica Lake. You''ve got the real Lynn Margaret Bracken... (re: scar) Where did this come from?


    BUD: When I was ten, my dad threw a bottle at my mom. I guess I got in the way.


    LYNN: So, you saved her.


    BUD: Yeah. But not for long.


    Bud looks away. Lynn senses he doesn��t want to talk about it.


    LYNN: Do you like being a cop, Bud?


    BUD: I used to. What I do now is strong-arm stuff. A walking target... No, I don��t like it. If I could work Homicide like a real detective...


    Lynn listens with empathy. Bud is opening up.


    BUD: Something''s wrong with the Nite Owl. That idiot Exley shot the wrong guys. But they made him a hero, and whoever killed my partner is still out there.


    Frustrated, Bud taps his chest.


    BUD: I know it in here. But I can''t prove it. I''m no detective. I''m not smart enough. I''m just the guy they bring in to scare the other guy.


    Bud looks away, ashamed of how much he''s revealed. Lynn leans in and gently turns his face back toward her.


    LYNN: You found Patchett. You found me. You''re smart enough. Be a detective if that��s what you want.


    BUD: Just like that, huh? S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lynn nods. Just like that.


    -Cut,- the director called.


    Comfortable and focused on a single matter, Billy waited in bed as they prepared for the next shot. Kim, still draped in a thin white sheet that barely concealed her body, observed silently as two other producers began discussing the scene.


    -Do you have any idea why they��re arguing? -Billy asked, breaking the silence. The blonde��s eyes, expressive with a bit of makeup, gave her a completely different appearance from what he initially thought. Without it, her pale eyebrows blended into her skin, making her less intense.


    -Maybe I didn��t look sexy enough, or we made some weird faces. This often happens with scenes like this��they like to make you repeat them with a bit of... curiosity,- Kim responded, still unsure, aware that the boom mic hovering above could hear everything.


    -Hahaha, it would be impossible for you to make an ugly face. I think it��s my fault,- Billy said.


    -Well, I have my bad moments sometimes. I tend to squint one eye and leave the other open. It��s completely annoying,- Kim replied with a hint of grace, though so elegantly that it was hard to tell if it was true.


    -A man��s imperfection is not fully believing a woman when she says she��s feeling alone,- Billy said smoothly.


    ...

 417. process.

    January 31.


    They managed to finish the recording on January 31st, in a manner marked by distance, fear, and an incandescent form of dread, which amplified in his quarters at the sound of the alarm. Curtis had wrapped up the scenes requiring his attention, but now he faced a long and indisputable scene that kept him in an incandescent state of frustration, weighed down by the unrelenting pressure of the setting.


    -We need to do a good job that complements all the work. - Curtis remarked to editor Albert Bintz. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -That might be a solution, but I believe if we do a quick cut, we could better understand how to approach the whole thing. For that reason, and for others, it could be beneficial for us to improve the activity level. I think 160 minutes could be the perfect length for each scene. - Curtis responded, with a tone of obligation and a hint of irritation, his face betraying his impatience as he awaited the next question.


    -We need to keep it to a maximum of 130 minutes, no more, no less, and that��s the way I see it. - Albert replied, continuing the editing process. There were many ways to cut, from long takes to slow transitions, but all were filled with inconveniences that made it difficult to compress the scene into the time Albert desired. It was often a point of contention between the two, as they could spend hours arguing over a single scene.


    ��


    Elsewhere, Arson Michan was completely overwhelmed by the pressure of delivering the film. He had another film lined up, this time working with Billy on a movie apparently based on an unknown reader, entrenched in complete obscurity.


    -You must be Chuck Palahniuk. - Arson Michan said.


    -Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I don��t think you know how much I appreciate the fact that you��re willing to go ahead with the script I wrote, which, by the way, will be ready in the coming days. - Chuck Palahniuk replied, eager for a break in the industry. It might just be his last chance to get a film made, as he had decided to fully commit to novels.


    -That��s not important. I want you to focus on what you do best. That��s why we want you on board. We��re willing to buy for $20,000 and offer you an independent exclusivity contract as a potential writer for anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per project, depending on the need. - Anson Michen responded, offering a considerable deal, as scripts of this kind typically went for around $2,000, making it a generous offer. With Billy''s inflated prices in mind, he demonstrated how to negotiate these minor details, but beyond that, he knew it was best to cut costs where necessary and trim the budget for anyone not hitting the right price point.


    -I��ll sign the contract, but could we raise it to $35,000? - Chuck asked, not knowing how to approach it.


    -Good boy, we��ll do it, but I��ll add a few extra responsibilities. - Anson added, scribbling down a few additional obligations, all laid out in precise numbers. He included three extra tasks to ensure they had a specific product. The next movie could very well be this one, but he had another project in hand:


    ***


    It was the awkward moment everyone dreaded, where work was a constant game of push and pull, always with the underlying frustration of being overseen by those who imposed themselves. The atmosphere was filled with the simple hypocrisy of it all. Jim Gianopulos smiled while Terry kept smiling as well, never glancing sideways as they exchanged key information, reflecting the characters of their business relationships.


    The folder handed over failed to raise the prices as they had hoped, and there wasn��t enough time to validate the research Billy had done, or at least not corroborate it to such an extent. They added a grid, labeled ��Potential Series,�� with green figures. For instance,  and  were each valued at $200 million, a price that seemed astronomical compared to  and others that stood out for different reasons, which brought a smile to Jim Gianopulos'' face.


    -I think we��d like to collect the money. These prices are out of our budget�� however, it��s been a pleasure negotiating with you. - Jim Gianopulos commented, his words signaling that they were extending the meeting as they usually did, likely to frustrate him.


    -Why can��t we negotiate? I think what we��re doing is well done. - Terry added with an expression that was completely indifferent to the closing terms that were on the table... pretending came easily to him, something calculated in the total disappointment of a man who lived for the work.


    -That��s right, we try to offer good prices. I took the time because I believed in one last negotiation. - Jim said, not losing his cheer. - But no matter what, in the end, money is healthy for the company. It turns out that, among all the people here, I have a boss who can multiply money in ways that some might consider miraculous.


    -Well, we��re in a negotiation, and negotiations, that can��t be forgotten. - Terry responded, navigating the requests.


    -Hahahaha�� Well, Mr. Semel, it��s unfortunate for me to say this, but we��ve reviewed everything. You have a somewhat predictable way of operating, something distant that can often be seen as a pattern of behavior�� don��t worry, companies tend to do the same. We know when someone is truly negotiating, and when they aren��t. - Jim explained. The idea was that if they doubled the price or added an extra, there would be no negotiation. They doubled the price of each series, leaving no room for bargaining.


    -But��


    -We expect the check by next week. I lost $500; Billy told me they wouldn��t negotiate, and I believed him, but I failed in a way that now embarrasses me. I think I��m at a loss as to what to do in future cases�� I won��t be able to bet against a judge like that. If I take into account the many times they��ve refused, I can��t say I��m wrong. - Jim Gianopulos said, visibly disorganized.


    -I think we can. - Terry replied, cut off by the serious look and utter disappointment etched across his face.


    -Mr. Semel, believe me when I say your words will go unheard. Have a good day. Tomorrow morning, the press will be informed. Unfortunately, it��s no secret that the payment will be publicly announced, with Warner owing $689 million to Lux Animation. - Jim Gianopulos added. - Rest assured, we will keep the words of all involved confidential.


    Jim left the chair across from him empty, relieved by the weight lifted.


    ...

 418. premier.

    Billy wasn''t the only one involved in the premiere. Stacy Roman''s secretary, from Lux Distribution��now a specialized distribution company��was responsible for sending invitations to key figures. Most of them were from the production side, with a few actors less prone to the spotlight, though they still delivered surprising performances. Monica and Winona, now seemingly inseparable, were always by each other''s side��something the media couldn''t quite wrap their heads around, as if it were like handling a hot potato.


    Everyone was waiting to deliver their reviews, and unexpectedly, one came two days before the premiere on a Tuesday. The event had grown in significance, and over time, these kinds of premieres were becoming more valuable than people might initially think.


    -This is a really beautiful event, - commented Monica, gazing at little Ray, a blonde-haired child with an innocent look that could melt anyone��s heart. He was the very picture of innocence, almost too perfect, like a boy born to embrace the world.


    -We��ll have another one in March for the animation film ��The Musician,�� where you did the voiceover for that French woman spy, - Billy said, pulling Monica close. She stumbled a little, leaning into him. Her black dress highlighted her legs, and she wore a stunning Gabbana gown that showcased her beauty and sensuality. She was radiant, like the very muse of beauty and allure. Apollo himself would descend to find his wife. Her curly hair was magnificent.


    -It would be amazing to do one in Paris. I��ve always wanted to, but those events are usually simpler... more focused on other areas. Still, the festivals there are simply fantastic, gratifying, and tailored to perfection. They always give us a different feeling than what we get here. Here, people are just so... magnificent,- murmured Monica, watching the crowd, filled with children, women, and others sharing in the excitement of the premiere.


    -I need to talk to a few people; I��ll catch up with you later,- Billy whispered to her.


    Among the important figures in attendance were the producers, all in alignment with their duties. They were the same people behind The Simpsons, and through them, Billy saw an opportunity to open doors in television, particularly with a series he was keen on .


    -Welcome, Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Richard Sakai... It��s a pleasure to see you both,- greeted Billy, knowing he needed a favor from these two giants of Gracie Films.


    -Ohhhh hohoho, I had the fortune of watching the film��s edit. She��s a good girl��the critics will love the mix of tragedy and romance. It��s like a romance that many older folks should understand��that failure, that starting point��it allows us to address the burdens we all carry,- Brooks commented, with an air of novelty. He had a hit on his hands, one that had sparked many ideas. If Cameron Crowe could talk about facing the first failure of his career, then all the better for Brooks to address the theme of a man approaching 50��a strange time in most people''s lives.


    -What a wonderful thing cinema is,- said Billy, expanding the conversation to cover various intricate details, while subtly praising their work as producers. His questions��how did they achieve such feats?��were woven with praise for their creative vision and secrets behind Lux Animation��s growing influence.


    ��


    -I don��t think Billy will be back for a while,- Winona whispered.


    Monica''s sharp gaze fell upon the raven-haired actress, her expression a mix of amusement and awareness. Though she wasn��t prone to childish behavior or hypocrisy, something was different this time, something harder to grasp with ease.


    -He��s always doing business, constantly thinking about how to nurture those ventures,- Monica replied, fully understanding Billy''s language and the weight he carried for so many people. It was an issue she knew well, like a patriarch never at home, much like her own father, who always worked. She realized this once she entered university and lost the comforts she��d grown accustomed to.


    -My agent talked to yours, and I think we have a chance to walk in a fashion show in New York. There��s a surprise coming��I haven��t quite figured it out yet. My agent loves to surprise me with opportunities. Last time, it was a role that revolutionized my career. I��m sure it��s something fantastic I��ll enjoy,- Winona whispered.


    Winona wore a deep blue dress with a plunging neckline that drew many eyes. The stares were hungry and provocative, and she was stealing a bit of the spotlight. With their stunning figures, it was no wonder people often called them the most beautiful women of the decade. The photos flashed nonstop, with waves of attention coming and going, especially after the Australian premiere.


    The two women sat down, watching Billy chatting at the door with other people. He decided to remain there, distant. The lights dimmed, and the Lux Animation logo appeared��a glowing city on a dark field, shining within a glass ball��heralding the start of the film.


    -This is the world, with six billion people. When I was young, there were three billion. It��s a job to keep up with it all, and that��s just the way it is. This is America, and it keeps setting the standards for the world...- Billy��s voice was smooth and fresh, redubbed for two simple reasons: he was a master at voiceover work, and in dubbing, he could do many things. The small cameo by Michael Jordan was a pleasant surprise, and the movie unfolded with a new tone, more experimental.


    Winona beamed, watching as Billy began to make exceptional films. His knack for making successful deals across various sectors only improved. A five-minute shift in the film''s pacing, and from there, it captivated the audience.


    Jerry comes to realize one thing: he wants to change the company''s direction but is completely fired. The rhythm of the movie carried just the right amount of tension, evoking emotions of affection, disdain, and eccentric behavior, all reflecting deep-rooted societal issues and individual madness, along with superb acting.


    -Sometimes, I think we could make a film like this,�� -Monica mused to herself. She wanted to be a star, land significant roles, and secure her financial independence. Winona squeezed her hand and smiled sweetly, full of understanding.


    Jerry��s journey of redemption was satisfying��the tale of a man at his lowest point rising to triumph once more. It was a refreshing hit, a much-needed happy ending, embodying the spirit of America in a single frame��Hollywood, with its grand finales.


    -That was a great movie, - Winona said, touched by the experience.


    ��


    Billy received a flood of notifications from various points of admiration, excitement, and appreciation. He saw how everything, which had once seemed to plateau, had now soared to 3,200 views by the end of the night, in just one evening.


    ***


    The next night, the reviews hit the mark, signaling a new chapter for Billy. The newspapers were published, all focusing on a single story: success.


    The Washington Post


    ��With dazzling performances by Billy Carson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Ren��e Zellweger, and the tender direction of Cameron Crowe,  blends romance and sports with flair... the romantic comedy of the summer that��s unforgettable for its simplicity.��


    Daily Mail


    ����Help me help you����a rich and tender film, completely fantastic, that convinces viewers not to give up despite adversity. With its family themes, it��s perfect.�� S��arch* The nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The New York Times


    ��Heartfelt, family-friendly, and complete.��


    Texas News


    ��A simple and successful film about sports agents and professional solitude.��


    Los Angeles Times


    ��An unexpected film, as thrilling and surprising in its humor as it is in its emotional depth.��


    Hollywood Reporter


    ��This clever sports story, though decidedly soft, with an old-fashioned romantic subplot, will likely find its biggest fans among Cosmopolitan readers.��


    Chicago Sun-Times


    ��A film that starts cynical but quickly turns tender. Often, it��s brilliant, especially when Carson and Zellweger are together on screen��they create sparks.��


    ��


    The reviews were positive, and all pointed in one direction: the campaign was a resounding success.


    ...

 419. lux.

    February 17.


    There was a Cruze, a Cruze that turned Billy''s stomach. First off,  was a relief, the production was underway, but it was safe to say it might overlap with . It was a matter of being caught between a rock and a hard place. The pre-production for  began now in January. However, many producers were confident it would start in March, May, or June. Curiously, the auditions for  were ready to be released. Billy knew perfectly well that the gold mine before his eyes had to be exposed and exploited with the same dedication he had shown on other occasions.


    -I''m afraid pushing the production forward will only cause inconveniences unless you decide to spend more money. These things aren''t meant to be rushed. We have many types of shoots and things that need to be done,- commented Jim Waiit, who was well-versed in the timing and form of success. But some films were ready to be shot. Billy had his audition, and thousands of people were called to participate in it. For now, it would be a massive chain of numerous people, all dressed and imagined as Jack.


    He bought some old brown pants, a second-hand blue shirt with suspenders, and some comfortable leather shoes, a bit dirty, and his hair, which was still growing, needed pins. But it had a slight wave that fell over his face. He shaved his beard and wore a brown cap�� a beret over his face.


    -We��ll take the big ship on our side�� I think we support  as part of the production��s slate. That leaves us a role we can be a part of,- said Billy, organizing his clothes. It was morning. Billy��s mansion was simple but had a large, well-tended green lawn.


    -By the way, Monica was called to star in a movie�� called . It��s about lesbianism, but I think she can do a good job. The production is in Los Angeles, and well, the role doesn��t particularly involve any explicit scenes,- Jim Wait remarked.


    -It doesn��t matter then�� I��ll talk to her. For now, I think the outfit we chose is perfect. The character is a painter,- said Billy, standing in front of the mirror. He didn��t have much to say at the moment. Three films for now, but it would be interesting to take the role in  if it came his way, even if it was just for a secondary character��s scenes alongside the protagonist.


    -I think you get the point���C replied Jim Waiit, nodding over his papers. �C"I��ve got three scripts you should read. They may not be fantastic, but they bring interesting ideas you can use to improve your skills, and they don��t require lead roles. You don��t always have to go for the lead. Sometimes some roles are better than others."-


    Among them was a secondary role with some scenes in , which began shooting in two weeks, a sci-fi movie , along with  in New York, or even a role in , but that one was discarded. Lastly, there was a low-budget horror film they were considering him for a leading role. To Jim, it would give Billy some range as an actor and wouldn''t take long to film.


    -I��ll keep them in mind. Considering how things are going, I think I need to focus on production. We��ve got two films this year,  and . I need time to organize my ideas and oversee the production process,- Billy commented. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I��ll send over the scripts. We��ll handle the rest in the coming months,- Jim said.


    They finished their conversation, with many promises in mind. Billy returned to the set of . The directors wanted to film a few extra scenes, which could take an unknown amount of time. But it wasn��t much, just a wish from the editing room. Nothing significant had changed. The set remained intact, and the permits to shoot were extended until May.


    He laid his costume on the table and opened the curtains. The Italian woman, asleep on the quilt, let out a small protest, a muffled whimper of pure whim.


    -You��ve got to go to work,- Billy said, sitting beside her, brushing her hair. -Someone has a little cameo to make in .-


    -Nooo.-


    -Come on, come on,- Billy coaxed, caressing her under-eye circles, a sensitive spot for the woman, who now raised her hands, wanting to move past the early morning discontent and finally open her dark eyes.


    ***


    For some time now, he had been pushing his work to the extreme, managing to make purchases from many places. Buying sports teams was a move that not everyone considered the right decision. Many doubted Billy��s idea of getting into the world of sports so early. It��s undeniable that whenever they think something is wrong, it might turn out to be the opposite. Billy��s thought process was much more complex, and the fact that he was putting so much focus into sports was evidence of his commitment.


    The San Francisco 49ers, an American football team playing in Santa Clara, just 25 minutes from Billy��s company, were the perfect team for him to buy. The first step was the sale from DeBartolo Jr., who had faced some corruption issues in Louisiana and recent problems with casinos. The DeBartolo family��s assets had caused recent trouble. The sale was something that had to happen, according to his mother��s remarks. Meanwhile, John York, his sister��s husband, had been advocating for the team.


    -Mr. DeBartolo, thank you for considering our offer,- said Steve Parks.


    -Well, we haven��t accepted anything concrete yet. It��s something that could cause slight complications. For now, the priority is reviewing the offer��s value,- DeBartolo responded.


    -It��s simple. You leave us with a $200 million debt on the team, and we take on the debt. You can use that extra money to resolve your financial issues, and the purchase won��t bring you many inconveniences. It��s a type of financial leverage, claiming the debt, and we��ll take care of both the debt and the team��s situation,- Steve Parks explained.


    The financial idea was designed to seek the highest value for the seller, more in terms of distribution than revenue. But it wouldn��t cause much discomfort�� it would just be a price-cost idea that brought many issues, particularly with the debt they were buying. It was the right business for the situation of both parties, though it required a lot of work and effort.


    -Regarding that, would you assume the other $13 million debt?- DeBartolo responded.


    Steve Parks nodded. They already had a hockey team, a basketball team, and now, a football team. The shape of a sports conglomerate was taking form. They had the San Jose Sharks, the Golden State Warriors, and now the San Francisco 49ers, part of Lux Sports'' acquisitions. If they could add a baseball team, and a soccer team, and build a tennis stadium to create the Lux Cup, sanctioned by the ATP, it would be just another way to turn San Jose into a sports capital, which now had plenty of room to grow.


    -For now, this is the offer we must present,- said Steve Parks.


    Initially, they had wanted to buy it for just $150 million, but the negotiation pushed it up to $213 million. In the end, despite some reluctance, they reached an agreement.


    ...


    We are on chapter 459 on Patreon, I''m writing about Titanic, hahaha it ended because they chose Kate Winslet as the actress, of all the votes, she received 8 votes, Charlize 4 votes, Jennifer conne?y 4, Alicia Witt 2, Angelina Jolie 1.

 420. images.

    February 18.


    The first week,  had an outstanding box office performance with at least a significant difference, earning 24 million over the opening weekend, and with its success in the reviews, it was clear that it was favorably received.


    Taking into account many mistakes, failures, and turning points, the film had its first weekend, and the statistics came in as fast as they should. But the growth was entirely driven by the statistical points carried by the men.  brought in 40,000 in its first week, and their progress as an actor, writer, and illustrator continued growing slowly but surely.


    The meetings and castings had to be handled appropriately, the kind of work that could help resolve the production timeline, which is long and fundamentally different. Being part of the auditions for three or four days, many people have earned the favor to attend, and from other reaches, they��ve conducted various types of castings, but nothing seemed to please James Cameron, who always found some flaw in how he perceived the initial character. It was like refreshing a first performance, then pushing for the role, with different people; apparently, they��d hold several auditions to see the chemistry between actors, which is why numerous actors were selected.


    -Mr. Carson, they��re waiting for you in the room,- someone called out.


    Voices echoed in the production office. He didn��t need anything extra, as a tuft of hair fell over his face. The wardrobe was exactly as he imagined, and there was a serious man��Jon Landau��alongside James Cameron, who was sitting to the side, visibly frustrated. Billy could see that the audition process would be entirely different and awkward in an exasperating way, given the various issues and desires that compelled him to act. The first thing they asked him to do was walk around the room, followed by reading a few lines, which seemed different from what he typically had to do, playing the role of a poor boy��nothing too difficult.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 35,8009


    Literature: 32,900


    Acting: 37,59229


    Points: 0000


    His points lit up after reaching 34; he felt immensely relieved. To get to 36, he needed 9,999 points, but to reach 38, he needed 99,999 points, a complicated system. Considering the value of 37 points, it was that of a regular actor. Adding to his skills, he could stand out, but the system wouldn��t budge.


    His performance ended quickly and smoothly, and he bid farewell. James didn��t do him any favors, but they had more details to discuss. Jim Waiit deeply understood the kind of favors and held a small meeting behind the scenes, where they discussed the project and the timeframe Billy wanted to participate.


    ��Altered Carbon.�� �C 20 points.


    ��The Expanse.�� �C 20 points.


    ��Mistborn.�� �C 20 points.


    Three books to be published within the proper timeframe, each vastly different. For now, he��ll be writing  and  For these series to be written, they just need a little more force, as they are significant literary sagas, especially  which could be turned into a profound series, an anime, or something uniquely American in style.


    Waiting for the right moment, in a small caf��, he��d soon meet Jon Landau and James Cameron for lunch. Meanwhile, Billy began writing the first chapter of  a good way to pass the time amidst his frustrations.


    This meeting might help secure a chance to be part of the series. The details are different;  is the event of the ''90s, and being the lead is essential for what he seeks��an unbeatable image, followers, and the foundation to create a major entertainment company. sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    At the Fox Studios, Monica and Winona were doing everything they could to make their roles in the main scenes work. Monica was just a pilot who died halfway through the film, but it was the start of her fledgling career.


    -You need to take the green screen at your own pace. It��s strange sometimes. You just have to pretend something��s there. This technology is weird, it makes my skin crawl. It��s new to me, but everything that feels strange now might become essential in the coming years, and a big part of our performances, - Winona whispered to Monica.


    -I think it��s exciting to feel exposed in front of the cameras, and that they��ll put the ��dress�� on your performance,- Monica replied, happy and completely absorbed in the new and different recording system.


    They took note and captured the moment from various angles. It felt chosen, but here, it was different due to the difficulty��whether it was a quick shot or a long take, the gestures made the director doubt how people could perform in the room.


    David Fincher frowned at the film��s imagery. It was quite peculiar. He was somewhat disappointed with the whole situation and the model. The set didn��t allow the actors to get close to each other, and the division of the set was rather annoying.


    ��


    The recording ended, and the rhythm of celebration could be felt, convincing everyone it was a unique evening, which they��d call ��a night in Soho,�� fantastic for all.


    -I heard you��re about to do a movie with a big budget,- Winona commented, brushing her hair. Both were in a dressing room, taking a long break.


    -It��s called  - the dark-haired woman responded. -I play the role of a beautiful woman with a charming appearance, trying to take all her husband��s money. She��s a con artist. And, well, I��ve been practicing with Billy for the role. He��s given me lots of ideas that have helped me understand the character better. -


    Both took up the script to practice together, like good friends, inseparable. They kept their private lives far from the media, no need to be in the spotlight, free from paparazzi. It was perfect and different from their usual, homey life��growing berries, reading books, with a glass of wine in hand.


    -If only she didn��t like Billy so much,- though the dark-haired woman was in complete despair, feeling like she was carrying rocks on her shoulders. But the need to excel and the urge to correct mistakes left no room for conspiracy. She could only open her eyes and close the gap in her decision-making.


    -Thank you for being so considerate with me,- she whispered. Working in Hollywood was vastly different from France in terms of how things were filmed. It was, without a doubt, the best place for these kinds of opportunities.


    ...

 421. go beyond.

    Billy was writing in his notebook the story he needed to submit in a few days, barely paying attention to the two men walking briskly by. James Cameron, just like before, was a bit older this time, while Billy��s features were now more mature, reflecting adulthood, enhanced by a tailored suit.


    -Billy.-


    -Allow me to introduce you to one of the people I value most in the production world, Mr. John Landau. He has been a breath of fresh air throughout the Titanic process,- Cameron remarked.


    The young man lifted his gaze, still lost among the lines of fantasy. The writing was often a perpetual struggle of ideas; the information in his head, filled with multiple stories, felt like a river of knowledge, flowing with various topics and allegories that intertwined with Billy��s time. He used to study these ideas, but sometimes it was simply complicated to organize a world and break it down into a refreshed starting point.


    -It��s great to see you! We have so much to discuss, and I fear some of it will catch your attention, Mr. Cameron,�� Billy said, shaking the director''s hand. - For now, the production system and the Titanic movie are frankly the top priority of the day. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Landau.-


    -Well, if that��s the case, this meeting is more interesting than I expected. Whenever I have to discuss something with you, I end up making quite a bit of money, - James joked.


    -Gold, no matter how hidden or tarnished, remains gold, - Billy commented.


    The three men took coffee in silence, their ideas and expressions starting to organize themselves. The casual conversation, accompanied by a notebook designed to express the past achievements of each person, was the perfect moment to address certain topics.


    -Speaking of the top priority of the day, you��re competing for the role in Titanic. Do you believe you have what it takes to be part of a film of that caliber?- James Cameron asked.


    -I do, - he replied firmly. -I��m an actor, and I either do my job well or not at all. In the coming months, success will prove me right.-


    -We''re betting a lot of money and my reputation. I can��t take on anyone who isn��t qualified enough for this, -James responded.


    -I inquired about purchasing Paramount��s position for 65 million dollars... that should be enough to prove my commitment to the role. I��ve been in various productions, and my work speaks for itself,- Billy stated.


    -You would bet that much money�� why? We haven''t made the script public,- John Landau asked.


    -But the production is underway, and I��ve read part of the script; it��s simply magnificent. I believe a story like this is what cinema needs��proposing a concept elevated to the sky, without worrying about anything else but telling a story, slow-paced but not too much, with great actors, an incredible cast, and remarkable people in the saga who will mark this film as a cinematic property for perpetuity,- Billy explained.


    It was Titanic; its success was an avalanche of flavors, enjoyable or not. The two protagonists had the time and space to do whatever they pleased in the coming years. The actors�� appeal was evident, illuminated by their performances. While it was true they could be typecast... he had already thought about that; after all, he could invest in his movie anytime. As many times as he wanted, he just needed to earn money.


    -You��ve improved your wording,- James commented suddenly, calm, his eyes bright and somewhat cheerful. He wanted to burst into laughter at the young man��s audacity; it was that energy, that force of doing things with such interest.


    -Growing is part of the business�� Plus, I��m an artist,- Billy replied. James��s gaze was strong, but the young man didn��t falter; he held his own serene identity.


    -You would buy Paramount''s stake, even if you lost the role? - John Landau asked.


    -I would,- Billy answered. - I don��t want to soften people with ideas that aren��t true. I��m betting on cinema, and cinema has to be risky. It��s the joint venture that makes me think�� what if I fail? Can I grow again? I can, and that��s why I believe Hollywood has grown the way it has. The best time to invest in such things is now, - Billy stated, surprising both men.


    -I��ll take note. But now I like that challenge, - James replied, gaining a clearer idea of what his new film represented. - What would the second priority be?-


    -Terminator. I want to create an animated series�� I think you know my production company, Lux Animation. I��ve been working on some comic deliveries, but I believe the next step for the series is to tell another type of story, perhaps one about the aftermath, or life, or create a series that discusses deeper scientific issues, - Billy responded.


    -I had forgotten about Terminator,- James sighed. -Of course, go ahead, just like before; once you have everything ready, we can carry the discussion forward. I think it��s also a good excuse for this meeting.-


    -It is, and that��s why I propose a third priority of the day. I want to delve into special effects, and a special effects company could be a great asset for the coming years. I want to buy 33% of the distributed stake from your three partners. I��m willing to invest 45 million dollars and establish a headquarters,- Billy remarked. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From his backpack, he pulled out a small black portfolio with a contract outlining the terms drafted by his lawyers and approved by Anne. Nothing passed him by without Anne''s approval.


    ***


    Raimon finished making progress with numerous distribution companies, pulling strings and working nearly around the clock. He executed three business promotions in three major contracts, the first with the NBA, for which he had long wanted another card brand. Using Billy''s connections, he got Michael Jordan��s phone number and called him.


    -Mr. Jordan, this is Raimon from Lux Animation�� Lux Comics, you must know this better than I do,- said the young operations director.


    -Why didn��t you speak to my agent? He handles these types of matters,- Jordan said, not wanting to hang up.


    -Well, I tried to do that�� but I thought, is that really what I should do? If it were just a simple contract or a regular business deal, I��d do that, but what I want to propose to you is something better,-Raimon replied.


    ��What could be so important that you need to call me? Jimmy is great at that,�� Jordan said.


    -He is, he is, it��s just that I thought you��d want to be a promoter for the Lux Animation brand. You know, when Billy mentioned that you��re a huge fan and the best basketball player in history, I just thought you��d want to be a promoter for our comics. There will be details about the Slam Dunk movie, of course, the second part of Slam Dunk, which is based on the NBA, our new real manga�� I know what you��re going to say; don��t think about money�� money is very banal for a superstar like you. The money is already included in the deal; I��m talking about something more important��status,- Raimon plotted his schemes like a slippery underling.


    Jordan listened intently on the line.


    -The story is tough, and many greats are forgotten, Mr. Jordan. Can you name the best golfers of the 1920s, the best baseball players of the 1960s, or perhaps hockey players? Oblivion is a terrible mistress. What I��m proposing is eternity��a story beyond basketball. Being an American idol not for basketball but for who you are, from your fierce demeanor to your discipline, is to create a Jordan that parents tell their children about before bed. That��s why I believe you could be the first promoter,- Raimon declared.


    -Hahahaha, so who is truly remembered... it��s just words or...-


    -Who is truly remembered? Martin Luther King. When you do something for an ideal, that��s when people admire you. Look at Nelson Mandela; I plan to include him in my network, but that��s a topic for another discussion, - Raimon said with strength.


    What did he want to do? Why was he doing this?


    The next call was to Anne.


    It seemed somewhat difficult to grasp, but for Raimon, it was as clear as water; he needed to use his cartridges in the sky to cover the disproportionate expenses of Star Wars cards and to implement a new idea that had emerged in his mind. A brand concept, even hiring Jordan for the Golden Warriors, was something Raimon wouldn��t hesitate to pursue if given the opportunity.


    Thus, he contacted the NBA, secured a contract for cards over five years, charged 5 million, spoke with Nike, and subtly added another 2 million for including the Nike brand on the cards. After that, he aimed to convince Jordan to step in as a promoter for Lux Comics and started drafting plans with Nike for a five-on-five basketball tournament��Jordan versus the World. Anywhere would do; you just need a team of five, and the best team would compete against Jordan in something akin to the All-Stars.


    But he didn��t stop there; promoting real change, he talked with the NBA to support disabled sports and create a cup for disabled athletes. He spoke with such conviction about the NBA��s image and the ISMGF (Wheelchair Basketball Federation) that he proposed they would only need to handle the event while he would secure the sponsorships��Lux Animation being one, Nike another, alongside Pepsi and American Airlines.


    He made multiple calls ran all over the country, and the event was scheduled for July 1996, he even got Brad Parks to join the campaign, Brad is a tennis player who has been playing in a wheelchair since an accident in 1977, he did not stop there, and talked to the international paralympic committee, to promote sports for the disabled, and will have a meeting in Vonn Germany where it is headquartered. He will present a report, with the possible tax gains for the promotion of the underprivileged classes of 3% and 2% respectively.


    If he wanted to fill a gap, he had to do it properly, and in doing so, he needed a connection, and a precise time to activate the Lux animation page to the public, the web portal of the Lux company started to be built to be promoted by June 1996, but he had to and needed another promoter, with no clear idea of it, he used what he had at his disposal, talked to universities he had affiliations with, Stanford, a slight investment to improve prosthetics for people with disabilities and help him set up the lux animati��n web site, a wellness portal.


    -You''ve done a lot, and I think it''s for some reason that you ignore in conversation, the costs of all this work, how much are they? - Anne asked.


    -That''s the surprising thing, nothing. - Raimon commented, -with the NBA sponsorships, it''s enough, sure and I owe Philip Knigt a favor, but I think it''s worth it, we will save 4.5% in taxes next year on our issues, talk to organizations that deal with these guys, and they will help us in some other way.


    -Did you check the video game companies?-  Anne asked.


    -I did, we will buy electronic Arts, that''s my final decision. Video games have brought us a lot of money, in the last few months, we made more than we should have, I even think the Forza Horizon game will be the best-selling game ever, I made a contract with Volkswagen, the brand that sponsors Billy, and Chevrolet, they gave us funds, to cover a lot of expenses, the promotion sells itself - commented Raimon.


    -The cost of Electronic Arts is not something we can afford, -- commented Anne.


    ....

 422. undertake.

    February 18.


    If we talk about the companies that have experienced the most growth, ID Software is the standout, the quintessential American video game company. This is something Billy isn''t fully aware of, as he only sends in a few manuscripts from time to time with ideas for games he finds interesting or relevant.


    But let''s not dwell too much on that. Let''s explain why it��s number one in America in the gaming industry. It��s a company that belongs to the parent company, Lux Games, and commands a legion of subsidiaries: ID Software Texas, ID Software Atlanta, and soon ID Software UK, along with Raven Software, Parallax Software, Blizzard Entertainment, and Epic Games. Last year, in 1995, they invested $65 million in expansion and recouped that amount, along with an additional $298 million in revenue��a staggering figure for the company. As they continued to grow, they acquired Electronic Arts and increased their investment in Microsoft Games.


    Billy has submitted designs for games like , , , , , and  developed by ID Software, in collaboration with Raven Software and Parallax Software. These teams are also behind their projects such as  and . Meanwhile, ID Software handles the  and  series alongside Blizzard, which has seen huge success with .


    RPG Platforms, on the other hand, with the  franchise, have generated the largest cult following in recent years. Its straightforward RPG games and fresh ideas have thrived where others have failed. The series�� success shows no signs of slowing, so much so that large companies are eager to claim a piece of the pie.


    -I think the best move is to buy Electronic Arts and hold off on more acquisitions for a while. But this company is incredibly attractive and has great ideas. I spoke with Billy, and out of all of them, this is the one he''s most interested in. With our game creator and Parallax��s input to enhance ideas, taking over this industry is a great value add. And once we have our video game console, it''ll be simply amazing. I can already see the dollars pouring in. I��m a fan;  is a masterpiece I would play all day if I could,- commented Raimon.


    -Well, let��s do it. The numbers are still green in many areas, but for now, I think the best idea is to keep growing. I recently looked into Marvel... Billy may want Marvel under his belt. Assess the risk margin and how we would handle the corporate structure��whether it��s better to merge or manage it separately like Lux Animation, similar to what we did with Discovery,- asked Anne.


    -Wow, Marvel! �C Raimon exclaimed, astonished at what Anne had just revealed.


    -Just as you heard. But it��s best to keep it quiet... I have a feeling Billy��s acquisitions in the next two years will be aggressive,- Anne added, having recently reviewed the company��s overall status. She understood it was time to appoint administrators for different sectors, such as comics and toys, and even Lux Productions. The tentacles of this company keep growing.


    Marvel, at that point, was on its last leg. After seven years of poor management, it didn��t seem appealing to many Hollywood companies. Even Fox only wanted licenses and wasn��t willing to pay more than a cent for the company.


    ***


    -You know, I think starting a natural organic fruit company could be a good move,- Billy commented to Monica as they tended to the plants in the Beverly Hills mansion. Monica made a face, clearly unhappy with the idea. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Not everything has to be business, my love. It bothers me that you don��t stop to enjoy the beauty around you. Sometimes, we should do things just for the joy of it, with no other intention than being happy��just the two of us together. That��s all we need,- said Monica, wearing a simple white shirt, gardening gloves, and boots, her overalls looking as charming as ever.


    -I still do that�� I can��t help it. Sometimes, it��s like a driving force, an idea I just have to follow. Every step I take is to pursue my interests, and it doesn��t take much time for me,- Billy replied. More than anyone, he understood that the path to success was just one step away��so delicate and simple, almost like taking a small leap. What once seemed impossible now felt attainable. Just having the ability to control the series and name them was almost irreverent.


    -It seems the production of  is going to take a little longer. We��ll finish in March. We��ve been working on it for two months, but the production will take another two, and Jim Wait has arranged it so that I��ll be involved in the trial scene, which is where I��m focused. I don��t have many scenes,- said Monica.


    Taking a seat in the shade, the warmth of the morning was one of the few times they could enjoy together. Lately, a film had caught Billy��s attention more than any other for Monica, . Without hesitation, it would be the first project he would invest in for the year, even if it meant extending her schedule. It was his way of supporting Monica and doubling her acting profile, perhaps even casting her in a movie that would generate some solid revenue.


    Production was already underway, and they planned to start filming in May. With Monica��s current schedule of supporting roles, there was no better way for both of them to stay involved. His commitment to her was to make her the star.


    -I don��t have to go to the studio today. I can come with you,- Billy said as he leaned in to kiss her lips. They were cool, the kiss seductive; she had a way of melting people.


    -But only if you promise to take me to that Italian restaurant near the bookstore,- Monica replied, drawing close to Billy, peppering his face with kisses and promises.


    She did so with her eyes closed.


    -Oh, I think I��ll start collecting my favors now. Maybe I��ll do the opposite and pay to have you by my side always,- Billy whispered to her, but when she opened her eyes, Billy was no longer beside her.


    ...

 423. carousel.

    It didn��t take long for the world to know two key facts. The first was that Billy Carson was multiplying his wealth like an endless rice supply��his coffers growing larger by the day. His new ventures had led him to acquire three teams, forming what was being called the "San Jose Triangle." If he was known before, now he was practically a wealthy tycoon, holding the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, the San Francisco Giants of MLB, and the San Jose Sharks of the NHL. It was nothing short of remarkable, buying three major sports teams as easily as one would pick up a piece of candy at the store.


    -I think tonight''s press conference, at such an unexpected hour, makes everything clear, - Billy said, standing at a podium while all the sports teams were represented at the table.


    >>>I want to make my position as owner clear. My primary goal is to promote sports among young people, teenagers, those with disabilities, women, and, of course... I want these teams to keep winning titles. I will continue to believe in the coaches, the advisors, and the sports consultants. This is just the beginning, and my investment has been considerable, along with the support of San Jose, San Francisco, Fremont, Modesto, and Stockton. We will cooperate with schools and sponsor free lunches for children in elementary and middle schools.>>>


    >>I��ve created a foundation called Lux Sports Child Foundation, aimed at supporting underprivileged classes. I want to promote women''s sports, and we��re planning to address more needs by building two ice rinks for figure skating, along with youth and women''s teams," - Billy stated, loud and clear.


    Camera flashes went off, media capturing every moment, as Billy calmly answered a few questions, nodding as he spoke. From the very start, he knew that everything he did had to be grounded in action��it was a rule he always followed. With just his movie earnings alone, he could cover most of the operations, and building new stadiums was just another reason. San Jose had plenty of empty spaces, along with Fremont, and there was even more room in Berkeley, only a two-hour drive away, or one if traffic wasn��t an issue.


    He had already purchased a significant amount of land and had begun developing sports projects.


    -Mr. Carson, while I must say your attitude towards sports is commendable, it still comes across as a corporate move. Don��t you think purchasing these entities is a bit premature? - asked an ESPN reporter.


    -Not at all. We always want to improve the quality of life, and I think the best way to do that is through sports. We��ll always be open to those who have ideas in this direction. I��m looking for talent. I want to modernize sports, not just in the traditional sense. I��m talking about better facilities, better apparel, improved training methods, medicine, and treatments, - Billy said with a smile. In front of so many people, America once again felt the tremors of a movement spreading through California and beyond. There were strong signals of approval. Would Billy involve himself in politics? Were sports teams really that profitable? In simple terms, yes they were, but their value wouldn��t double until the 2000s, when the intensity of sports would reach new heights. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy didn��t intend to stop there. He would buy the LA Galaxy, a volleyball team, second-division basketball teams, and he planned to support academic improvements as well as a rugby team. It didn��t matter what sport it was��he wanted to focus on creating more spaces for sports. His grand plan was to create a sports complex. For instance, the space around San Francisco was large enough to build smaller fields for youth categories, along with another nearby tennis stadium and a training facility. The San Jose Sharks could set up a headquarters there, while the baseball and basketball teams remained in San Francisco.


    The next day, the American press had a field day. Billy was mentioned everywhere, and his arrival in Los Angeles caused a storm. However, he took refuge in his meetings and his mansion, hidden behind tall walls that blocked any view from the outside. Monica was busy with her filming schedule but returned home after long days, while Billy, meanwhile, continued sketching and writing without rest.


    Five days were all it took before the phone calls started coming in, each one more intriguing than the last, given the captivating proposals on the table.


    His book "Mistborn" was now complete and ready for publication, as was "Altered Carbon," two of his newest works, conceived with the intent of giving free rein to some ideas that could be further developed shortly.


    ***


    -I don��t think there��s anyone better when you consider popularity. People are always talking about him. And secondly, every one of his movies has been a box office hit, securing massive initial earnings.  and  both exceeded $150 million, which, in my opinion, is something we need to consider, - James Cameron said to the producers during a confidential meeting.


    Matthew McConaughey, Jeremy Sisto, and Billy were the top contenders for the role, and no other actors seemed to appeal to the studios quite as much. But James had a soft spot for Billy. Ethan Hawke, Macaulay Culkin, Christian Bale, Stephen Dorff, and Billy Crudup were also in the mix.


    However, the name making the rounds most often was Brad Pitt. While Pitt had the necessary charm, he wasn��t as famous as in his earlier days. Even though he had just won a Golden Globe, James felt he wasn��t right for the kind of roles he envisioned. He preferred the young Leonardo DiCaprio, a handsome actor who had just taken on the role of Romeo in the upcoming , set to be released on October 27, 1996. A total of twelve producers from various studios were listening to Cameron��s pitch, with many nodding in agreement. It was becoming evident that Billy was the real deal.


    Billy was hugely popular, not just among women for his symmetrical face, confident aura, and perfectly tailored suits. He was quickly becoming a household name. As for the female roles, actresses like Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore, Milla Jovovich, Rachel Weisz, and a young Charlize Theron were all in the running.


    But Billy wasn��t concerned with any of that.


    -Do you think this needs to be handled with extra care? - Sharon Mann asked.


    -His audition wasn��t bad, - John Landau replied.


    -We need to be careful in selecting the right roles. For now, I think we should use different filters and see if the pairings have the right chemistry. We��re trying to sell a love story that needs to hit at least $500 million to be considered profitable, - Grant Hill added.


    Everyone nodded in agreement. But James��s campaign relied on the budding talent of a young actor who, despite his distance and mystery, was rapidly becoming the face of America.


    -We still have the financial matters to address. Life does offer us many opportunities,- Rae Sanchini concluded.


    ...

 424. for children

    The animated networks have been producing a factory of series for toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adults. These shows are being positioned as the main attractions, and among them, the most anticipated is the release of the first 15 episodes of the series , a 30-episode show already in production, with plans for the full release by June of this year.


    is the next series set to launch, followed by , and the next batch of  episodes, expected to drop in March.  has become a massive hit due to the lovable and charming nature of the characters. However, that''s not the only thing catching people''s attention. The  mini-series has also been widely praised. These short video releases, just a few minutes each, have taken the younger generation and enthusiastic newcomers to  by storm, building anticipation for the upcoming movie, set to release soon.


    -It��s something that can��t even be compared. They say the new  series was made to set up the next movie coming out in June, and I hear it��s going to be another original trilogy, - said Bobby, an eleven-year-old with wide, excited eyes, watching everything unfold. The  movies were first released in 1977.


    -I��m not that into it; I prefer ,- responded his friend, holding a deck of  cards, clearly more enthusiastic about the trading card game and how Lux Toons was beginning to integrate itself into American geek culture and pop culture as a whole.


    -That doesn��t matter! Pay attention! In June, the first of the new  trilogy will come out, and there��s a good chance they��ll remake the series. We should watch the first three. My dad saw them on sale at the supermarket and said we could buy them to watch��they��re on discount right now with all the excitement building up, - Bobby continued. His round glasses and innocent demeanor made him the picture of a perfect kid, according to his mom.


    -I want to watch !


    -You��re impossible.


    -Are you talking about ? I heard they only have episodes up to the Electric Gym Challenge, but my older brother told me you can figure out the next gym leaders from the games. The game��s available on PC and NES, but I prefer playing it on the computer since we don��t have an NES at home, - chimed in David, joining the conversation.


    cards had started appearing at the end of January, and the sales were already skyrocketing. Boxes of  cards were flying off the shelves as eager fans scrambled to complete their collections. But some saw the potential for playing with them, not just collecting.  cards were quickly becoming a must-have.


    -Do you trade  cards?- asked Tim, the boy with the deck. The other kid shook his head no, but that same day, he went home asking his parents to buy him some packs, just like countless other kids whose parents would soon have to navigate the cartoon craze sweeping the country.


    ...


    -Whoa, you��ve got a Charizard! - said Raimon, eyeing Craig��s cards with jealousy. Raimon was a die-hard fan of cartoons, even if it meant spending his paycheck on things his mother constantly told him he didn��t need.


    -Oh, be careful; that��s my baby,- Craig murmured.


    -God, I��ll buy it from you, Craig. Charizard is my favorite! - Raimon offered.


    -I don��t think it��s worth selling, but I could trade it for a Dragonite and an Ivysaur. That sounds like a fair deal. Word is they��re only going to release a limited number of these cards, - Craig replied, waving the Charizard in front of Raimon, who sighed and reluctantly agreed. Later that night, Raimon stopped by Comics & Toys and bought 100 packs to trade and also picked up the latest  comics.


    But the craze wasn��t limited to just . It was spreading to the entire animation industry. The brief conversation could have been overlooked, but it was clear that animators everywhere were interested in working on shows like , which had such a novel concept that made it instantly iconic.


    -We should make the show here and not let some Japanese company handle it,- someone suggested.


    -Are you crazy? We already have our hands full with . That��s taking all of our patience,- Paul retorted.


    ***


    February 25. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Thanks for picking us up,- Winona said as she and Monica climbed into the car, both looking exhausted. They had been filming non-stop, wrapping up the final scenes of , directed by David Fincher.


    -I had some free time,  - Billy replied. After turning in two books and finalizing the scripts for several series, he finally had some well-deserved downtime. Now, he could spend long mornings relaxing with Monica, enjoying the warmth of the sun together.


    Driving always helped Billy relax. For now, a black SUV tailed them, following the route, but Billy drove at a steady pace, not giving away much.


    -Where are we going? - Monica asked with a smile, knowing what was likely coming.


    -I��m taking you both to dinner at the newly re-opened restaurant. The chef recently earned a Michelin star, and they��re celebrating big time. It��s on the top floor of the hotel across from the corporate building on Boulevard. I made a reservation this morning. Funny thing��they didn��t believe me at first, but they said they��d have a table ready if I showed up, - Billy explained.


    Monica��s eyes lit up with happiness.


    -But we��re not dressed for it. It��s probably a place where they expect formal attire, - Winona pointed out, glancing at her outfit: jeans and a loose black band tee from the ��70s.


    -She��s right, love, - Monica agreed.


    -We��ll buy something on the way,- Billy nodded, already thinking about the sketchbook he had brought along to storyboard his next series, .


    For now, the goal was to turn in the scripts, settings, and colors, and pack everything up.  had just finished production, but the series  and the final touches on the movie  were among the most important projects that were nearing completion, ready to kickstart a new phase.


    The two women��s eyes sparkled with excitement. Shopping. A magical word that some men underestimate, but for them, it was a delight. They stopped at an upscale shopping district in the city, filled with high-end boutiques. Seated on plush sofas, the women began trying on dresses, heels, and all sorts of accessories. The store manager��s eyes lit up as they entered.


    -I��d like a pearl necklace, - one of the shop attendants suggested.


    -It looks stunning on you, - said another.


    -Unbelievable how someone can wear something so grand with such grace,- yet another remarked.


    The shopping spree lasted about an hour��plenty of time for Billy to finish sketching out the pieces of his storyboard with his usual meticulous care.


    -Yeah, Billy gives me an allowance every month so I can buy my things, - Monica said softly to Winona. Both women shared a common trait��big eyes and a soft, gentle gaze that could win over anyone��s compassion. They seemed delicate, but they were anything but. After their purchases, they left to attend a special dinner. Many people would be at the grand re-opening, and it was going to be the center of attention that night.


    -Does the outfit need anything else? - Billy asked as they got ready.


    Monica raised an eyebrow in curiosity, unsure of what he meant. Billy moved closer, pulling out a pearl necklace��a stunningly expensive one, far beyond the budget of Monica��s allowance. Gently, he placed it around her neck, brushing her hair aside to kiss the back of her neck. The blush on her face was a soft, endearing pink that warmed her from the inside out.


    -You don��t have to say anything. The jeweler was right��you look enchanting in this. It would��ve been a crime not to buy it for you. I think it only adds to your beauty, one that deserves to be shown to the world,- he whispered, his voice soft like a flower��s touch, as his finger traced lightly down her spine.


    ...

 425. of stars.

    The restaurant they attended was filled with some of the most prestigious people from the gala. Billy noticed a few politicians taking their seats, and amidst the jungle of faces, the surprise of seeing Mariah Carey with Tommy Mottola caught his attention. The women in the room simply adored Mariah��it was always a welcome curiosity to see her. Among the guests were also some notable businessmen and basketball players, who added to the lively atmosphere of the cocktail event.


    -Have you decided on any major roles for the upcoming months? - Billy asked Winona as they ate. Their table had a stunning view of Los Angeles, overlooking the tall buildings, and was accompanied by the rich sound of a piano, which provided the perfect backdrop for the evening.


    -I don��t have much in mind. Any recommendations? - she responded.


    Billy shook his head. He knew Winona''s taste for roles leaned toward projects with long speeches, romantic moments, or heartwarming stories. He understood this from the way she chose her scripts, and as a point of reference, he couldn��t deny that this was what she sought for her career as an actress.


    -Billy helped me get a role in the movie . I think this will be the first time I��m doing a leading role of this kind, and I can still feel how difficult it is to prepare for a lead role, - Monica said, both amazed and happy, her heart racing not from fame but from sheer excitement.


    -That sounds exactly like something Billy would do, - Winona replied, her gaze drifting as a familiar figure caught her eye. It was Johnny Depp, walking hand-in-hand with a woman who was slim and simply stunning��Vanessa Paradis. Vanessa was slender but inspiringly captivating, her eyes drawing attention like moths to a flame.


    The two were the center of attention, their charisma undeniable as they greeted others and made their presence known in the room.


    -I heard you��ve written a new book, - Winona said, trying to swallow her discomfort, clearly uneasy with Johnny��s arrival, a man whose presence still unsettled her deeply.


    -I have, and it��s set to be published next month. I think people will find the way this new saga brings together cyberpunk and epic fantasy to be quite fascinating,- Billy explained.


    Winona��s eyes widened as she saw Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis approaching. The greeting was brief, but to the women��s surprise, Billy exchanged a polite handshake with Johnny, keeping things cordial. Both men then returned to their respective seats.


    -We haven��t had the pleasure of a formal introduction, - Johnny said, his greeting short but polite.


    -Unfortunately, no, but I suppose you received my production company��s invitation? - Billy asked, already guessing the reason behind Johnny��s presence and the offer for him to star in .


    -Yes, I did, I did�� Good evening, Winona, my angel. Every day I see you, you grow more beautiful, - Johnny added with gallantry. Winona blushed, her eyes flicking toward Vanessa, who remained unbothered by the exchange. After introductions were made, things returned to normal. Both women clung to each other for support, their emotions running high.


    -The meal was wonderful, but I think it��s time for us to leave,- Monica said.


    ***


    George Lucas was, notoriously, one of the most obsessive figures in the entertainment industry��especially when it came to . Though he was already planning and filming a trilogy of movies, he was also working on the idea of producing a  series for the next three films. However, today he visited Pixar to see how the team was handling the production of the new animated series. It consisted of 46 episodes for the first season, split into two parts, each with scripts written by Lucas himself. The series would explore the years before the Clone Wars, focusing on Anakin��s time as a Padawan.


    Not content with just the series, George had already contacted Billy back in November 1995 to enhance the production system and pave the way for a new  video game. After all, Darth Vader had already been featured in , the multiplayer fighting game set in a virtual world. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We��re currently working on the environments, thanks to a new Pixar program developed specifically for this series. It creates characters through , and this software generates movement for each character based on a set of algorithms and commands, - explained Michael Graham, the head of the animation project. He was in charge of directing the series, with guidance from both George Lucas and Billy Carson. Once the initial set-ups and finer details were completed, a director would be brought on to oversee the final product.


    Watching the demonstration of how the characters moved using Pixar��s technology, Lucas��s eyes widened in amazement, impressed by the project��s scope.


    -The characters are very well done, - Lucas commented, examining the high-quality animation. Billy, who had worked with the final visual references in mind, didn��t change much beyond adding intricate details and populating the universe with thousands of characters. The world-building was intense, bringing the vast  universe to life with incredible precision.


    -That��s just for the first season. We��re still ironing out some issues with recreating the lightsabers, but we��ll work through them as time goes on, - Michael added.


    -Very well, now show me the environments you��re working on, - Lucas said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    ***


    Klasky Csupo was one of the companies collaborating with Billy, receiving investments while the creative process fell squarely on their shoulders. They were working at a steady pace, though not quite at Billy��s level of intensity. Having completed the first season of  and continuing work on a sports-themed series, they had gained significant recognition. Nickelodeon had deepened its relationship with the animation studio, sealing a deal for five more series over the next few years and renewing licensing agreements, even hinting at the possibility of a buyout. This strengthened their connection and built a closer partnership between their productions.


    Initially, the responsibility for managing this relationship shouldn��t have fallen on Rachel, who already had a full workload, but her work ethic was unmatched. For this reason and others, she continued to oversee the collaboration between the different animation studios.


    -We��re trying to handle everything with grace, given the scope of what we��ve been assigned, - Terry Thoren, one of the project leads working under Lux Animation, said awkwardly. Lux Animation had emerged as Nickelodeon��s strongest competitor, surpassing even Disney and Cartoon Network to become the heavyweight in children��s entertainment. Lux��s rating streak was soaring, with even R-rated shows like  attracting young viewers aged 9 to 12 due to its exceptional quality.


    -I don��t know much about animation... but I like how you��re delivering the episodes. I��ll leave it to the experts. I��m here because I believe your work deserves recognition. The pilots you��ve submitted, along with the final series, are appealing��at least to me,- Rachel said, nodding internally.


    The projection room was small, the screen a simple image cast onto a white wall. Yet Rachel could already tell that much of Klasky��s work aligned with Anne��s vision��to maintain a spirit of cooperation between the studios.


    -So��, - Terry hesitated.


    -We��ll issue payment for the second part of the contract this week, and we truly appreciate your collaboration. You have a remarkable talent for turning these concepts into something of real substance, - Rachel said, brushing aside thoughts of potential buyouts.


    -Well, I��m glad you feel that way, - Terry replied, relieved. When she mentioned leaving it to the experts, he had feared the worst. He was somewhat insecure about his work.


    -Even though I find it fantastic, an expert will come to evaluate the content in more depth,- Rachel added, finishing the conversation.


    -Of course, - Terry said, much more at ease now that the contract was still intact, viewing this as a step toward avoiding failure.


    ...

 426. opened

    February 28, 1996. sea??h th�� N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The role in  had already been secured by the talented and highly regarded Ethan Hawke, who was cast as the genetically modified younger brother. Despite the intensity expected from the filming, this part was considered one of the best he could take on. It was a relatively easy job that would allow him to continue with other activities while still delivering a great performance.


    The prevailing scene was one of recognition for Billy Carson, courtesy of Michael Shamberg and Danny DeVito, for his work on . Both men had sharp eyes for spotting young talent, and they saw in Billy someone who approached acting like a business��reading scripts, preparing meticulously, and making room for improvement. Perhaps, they surmised, this professionalism came from his experience as a producer, where personal investment was on the line and there was no room for playing games in the industry.


    -Thanks for inviting me, - Billy said to Danny DeVito, the short but legendary actor.


    -When I mentioned that you were a true professional, they said they��d keep you in mind. And when I added that you were willing to take $200,000 just for a few scenes because you loved the script so much, these guys jumped like wolves. I recently watched your movie, ��what a treat! - Danny joked.


    -Well, I think that''s enough. The role I��m playing is only in a handful of scenes, but I��d love to see the final cut,- Billy replied.


    -Good, good. You don��t leave anything to chance. Best of luck, - the producer said, flashing finger guns before turning to talk to someone else. Rehearsals followed, and each rehearsal had its unique rhythm.


    didn��t fare well at the box office. Out of the $36 million invested, it only grossed $13 million��a harsh blow for Columbia and Jersey Films. But that��s the nature of cinema: some filmmakers pursue their vision, chasing the American dream of creating something personal and meaningful, even when it doesn��t achieve commercial success.


    Filming was set to take place at Frank Lloyd Wright��s Marin County Civic Center and in San Rafael, California, both close enough to San Jose that Billy could visit for a few days and catch up on unfinished business like reading scripts and handling smaller matters.  stood out among other films for one reason: "It��s a blend of science fiction, drama, romance, and human courage," Billy said. The script had many layers, but it was undeniably a story that needed to be told.


    As Billy settled in and began to relax, the cast and crew arrived, preparing to bring  to life. Ethan Hawke, with his artist��s aura, was a particularly interesting presence. Despite keeping to himself, his eyes often wandered toward Uma Thurman, who at that time was the epitome of beauty��strong and sensual, with clean, striking features.


    ��


    The morning was reserved for films, and the afternoon belonged to fashion. For some time now, Monica had been preparing for the runway. Her physique had changed drastically��her diet and exercise regime were stricter than ever. No eating after 8:00 PM, limited carbohydrates, and meals consisting mostly of vegetables, proteins, and some fruit. The result was a body toned for admiration.


    Monica��s opportunity to walk the runway had been taken with relish. Her figure, while not overly thin, was perfectly sculpted, and she exuded a natural rebelliousness. With her eyes half-closed and her lips painted red, she strutted confidently down the Calvin Klein lingerie runway. Her demeanor was so different from her usual self that she seemed like another person. Dressed in white lingerie, her walk was fast, sharp, and assertive��something she had learned in her early days in the fashion industry, now perfected in Los Angeles with the help of tutors who had taught her the art of the runway. The cameras flashed incessantly, and as she turned, she caught Billy��s gaze. His eyes, filled with desire, seemed like a refreshing oasis in the sea of onlookers.


    Billy��s moment of solitude didn��t last long as his phone began to ring insistently. He answered though the loud music made it difficult to hear.


    -I��ve spoken with the  production team. Our friends at Columbia are on board with the production, but distribution is another matter. I told them it doesn��t matter as long as we have the license to distribute as part of the investors, - Jim Waiit said on the other end.


    -That��s exactly what we need,- Billy responded.


    -By the way, great job with the press. Your comments about improving sports access for underprivileged groups helped silence some of the criticism from those still holding a grudge, - Jim added.


    Because of , parts of the agency and management sector had felt attacked. Billy launched a subtle PR campaign in response, emphasizing that the movie was about a man in crisis with his career. Additionally, the press conference about Billy��s purchase of several sports teams helped shift the narrative.  was not to be tarnished, and its box office continued to soar, nearing the $200 million mark just a week after its global release. It was even doing well in Spain.


    -It had to be done. I��ve got something to handle, but I��ll call you later to discuss things with Columbia, - Billy said, wrapping up the call.


    -We��ll meet tomorrow for lunch. I��ve got more to tell you,- Jim concluded.


    Billy hung up just in time to see Monica step back onto the runway, now in red lingerie. Out of the corner of his eye, he also noticed a young Leonardo DiCaprio with some friends. Gwyneth Paltrow wasn��t with them, but Kate Moss and Eva Herzigov�� were on stage, dressed in lingerie, lighting up the event.


    Hollywood was far more insular than Billy had initially expected. It was common for A-list events, which the public often saw as the pinnacle of fame, to be populated by the same group of celebrities. For instance, the Lakers finals were often filled with Hollywood elites.


    But for Billy, Monica stole the show. Hours later, the grace and elegance of the runway models faded as Monica kicked off her heels, exhausted from standing all day in 12-centimeter stilettos that felt like walking on tiptoes. The constant shouting and energy from the crowd were part of the industry, but now she just wanted to relax.


    -We��ve been invited to a party, - Monica said, stretching her arms.


    -Right now? - Billy asked.


    -No, later tonight at a club. All the models and some executives are going, - she replied.


    -We��ll go, but first, let��s rest for a bit�� this morning, someone left my arms too quickly, - Billy teased. She smiled and took his arm, resting it on the gear shift.


    -Let��s watch some movies, - she suggested.


    ...

 427. the musician!

    The film from Lux Animation is a striking blend of oil-paint-style visuals and comic-inspired design, with notable attention to detail from multiple angles, where every movement seems to breathe life into even the smallest moments. Incorporating 3D animation elements, this project is perhaps the most advanced of its kind, pioneering a unique fusion no other team has dared to attempt. At the helm is Anna Szyma��ska, a recipient of the Annie Award for Best Animation and Best Production. She now serves as the lead producer for , a film she co-created with Guillermo Lorentz.


    So, what is ? This creative investment was born from Guillermo��s idea and brought to life through Anna��s vision. It��s a film that delves into tragedy, drama, and romance with touches of magical realism, starkly contrasting to more lighthearted animated projects. Set during the era of the USSR, it follows a Yugoslavian violinist named Ed��n who earns his living hiding from the Reds, witnessing the misery left by World War II. He brings joy to orphaned children, destitute elders, and the sick by playing his violin, a small gesture in a bleak world overshadowed by the KGB��s omnipresence.


    What makes it truly compelling? The violinist��s ability to bring happiness angers the Devil himself, who proposes a musical duel. If Ed��n wins, the Devil will grant him his deepest desire. But as clever as the Devil is, he has a trick up his sleeve, ensuring that even in defeat, he stands to gain something.


    The battle will be decided by the public, as the two embark on a fierce musical war across Europe''s great cities. They eventually arrive at a grand Austrian theater, where Ed��n plays with his heart, drawing on memories of his youth and his commitment to helping others. However, just before the final note is played, the KGB closes in on him��an underhanded move by the Devil, who knows he will lose the duel. Yet Ed��n, knowing this, asks a friend to rig the vote, ensuring the Devil��s defeat. His wish: is that the Devil ceases to corrupt the hearts of humanity and is banished to the depths of the earth.


    Despite its unconventional premise, the film is stunningly beautiful, with a deep and emotionally resonant narrative that stands apart from traditional animated films. It is, in every sense, an animated feature for adults. Billy Carson fully backed the project, famously declaring, "If this doesn��t make money, that��s my problem��I just want you to create the art you believe in." His statement left the creators both flattered and determined to craft something extraordinary.


    -It��s truly remarkable��simply perfect, - remarked Jeffrey Katzenberg, as he toured Lux Animation��s bustling offices. Employees worked at diverse desks of various shapes and sizes, with soda machines and comfy couches scattered throughout the studio. The third floor was filling up for the first time since its creation, and while it was still 300 employees shy of full capacity, the fourth floor was designated for production and future animation teams. On the second floor sat the broadcasting equipment, complete with a towering metal antenna secured behind protective fencing.


    -This is where we take everything to the next level. For now, we��re focused on producing what Billy creates, which has been incredible so far, but the challenge is always to surpass what we��ve done before, - Anna explained.


    Katzenberg nodded, impressed by how swiftly they had reached this point, wondering if something similar could be applied at DreamWorks. However, it was challenging to lead such a dynamic and fast-paced team with so many diverse projects.


    -It��s astounding how far you��ve come in such a short time, - Katzenberg commented, uncertain about how to proceed. While DreamWorks was working on its first film, , and early in the process for , nothing seemed as advanced as what Lux Animation was doing.


    -And here��s the final product, - Anna said, leading Katzenberg into a screening room. On the screen, a soldier marched with a group of children, and even a few animals followed along. As the soldier signaled them to stop, he smiled and pulled out a violin, playing a melody that transformed the 2D animation into a comic-book style. Flowers swayed, the children''s faces lit up with joy, and even the villains paused, questioning how something so beautiful could be wrong.


    -What do you think? - Anna asked.


    -It��s fantastic. The first fifteen minutes are wonderful. But how do you work so quickly? - Katzenberg inquired.


    -It��s simple��technology. We use a variety of programs that help us bypass tedious steps. What traditional animators might accomplish in a week, we can do in a day, - Anna explained. Their 2D drawing system included various software tools: the 2.0 version of Pixard Art, along with software from Pixar and ID Software that brought characters to life by tracking patterns, and movements, and replicating video footage.


    -RenderMan, Ring 2.0, FIVZ, Menv, Houdini��these Pixar tools save us a ton of time. Soon, we��ll have Massive, a character that can animate scenes using motion capture, - Anna continued, further surprising Katzenberg.


    -So, Billy is lightyears ahead of the industry standard, - Katzenberg said, sweating at the thought of the cost savings. But rather than cutting expenses, Billy was using these advancements to make more films in less time.


    -More than that��Billy is buying the patents from Jim Henson��s Creature Shop and Robert Abel and Associates. The goal is to develop RenderMan further with techniques like path tracing, enhanced global illumination, and more efficient rendering. We��re talking about advancements of five to ten years. And with Houdini handling fluid simulations and procedural animation, we might be 15 years ahead in terms of technology. It''s impossible to calculate exactly, but by the next decade, we��ll be developing tools to make movies faster. Right now, we''re only limited by processing power and digital memory, - Anna said, as she thoughtfully rested her chin on her hand.


    Katzenberg sighed heavily, wanting to shout the news from the rooftops. He bit his nails, knowing that in the years to come, no one would be able to compete with Billy Carson. Even those who tried would need to purchase their products, explaining why Lux Animation��s costs were so low. In reality, they weren��t low��Lux could just make a movie in eight months.


    -Is that why they need me?- he wondered.


    -Thank you for sharing all this. Everything looks magnificent. I believe it��s time for me to sit down with Billy and hash out the finer details. We need to have a discussion as soon as possible, - Katzenberg said.


    -We��re looking forward to it. Just remember, Billy has a simple approach: ''Make a film for me, and I��ll let you make one for yourself��however you want��as long as you can convince me.'' It��s bold, risky, even a little crazy, but Billy bets on creation, - Anna said, smiling.


    ...


    Jeffrey didn��t have to wait long. Billy was on the second floor, recording voiceovers for the film, playing the part of the Devil. A 19-year-old newcomer, who had passed several rounds of auditions with an outstanding performance, was voicing the protagonist. Though the cast wasn��t filled with household names, many animators were encouraged to take voice-acting classes at a local university, where they could earn between $1,000 and $15,000 per episode depending on the character and the number of lines.


    -So, what do you think? - Billy asked as he walked out of the recording studio.


    -It��s incredible. You have a serious edge over every production team in the business. Your work will be the turning point in American animation. That��s why it��s time we talk about how we can work together,- Katzenberg said.


    -I agree. First, we need to establish a central studio: DreamWorks Studios. From there, we can branch into DreamWorks Music, DreamWorks Animation, DreamWorks Games, and DreamWorks Inc. I��ll retain ownership of DreamWorks Games, as I��m already formalizing that process. But my passion is animation, so I propose a 50/50 partnership. I��ll handle the technology and financing, and you manage the creative aspects. However, we need to be mindful of the budget. For the next five years, none of our films should exceed $45 million in production costs, - Billy explained. He had already set aside a significant investment for production, but he imposed a rule: the producers needed to be more financially disciplined. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Convincing high-profile actors to participate in voice work would be tricky, but Billy��s rationale was simple: even Disney doesn��t spend that much on voice talent. To keep things in the green and create more magical films, moderation was key, at least for the first few projects. When the time was right, the big-budget blockbuster would come.


    -In one year, in 1997, we��ll start production,- Katzenberg said. With the technology in their hands, budget constraints would no longer be an issue.


    ...

 428. before time

    Arnon Milchan was juggling many projects, but among the most critical was convincing Al Pacino to come on board and allow the collaboration of two prominent actors. One of them was Johnny Depp, and the other was the man he was visiting. They had sent the script to Pacino��s agent, along with a modest monetary gift of a few thousand dollars, possibly some favors, which seemed to touch the agent��s heart. It didn��t take long for this to have an effect��the agent recommended the script over the others that were being considered.


    But this was Hollywood.


    A juicy paycheck and a meeting were key steps, and if they could get the famous actor, securing a stable cast would be much easier. The filming locations, mostly in New York, Chicago, and Miami, were nearly complete and readily available from the production companies. For this reason, Arnon Milchan hadn��t had time to sit down and talk. He had recently met a young writer who claimed to have a great script, which Arnon ignored, unaware that Billy was in the lobby for the script and that the author, Charles Michael "Chuck" Palahniuk, was losing confidence after facing numerous rejections. The companies had offered a maximum of $10,000, but then set his work aside, leaving him with restrained frustration that soon turned into disappointment and a touch of fury toward the industry.


    Arnon Milchan arrived at Al Pacino��s house, parked his car on the curb, and waited at the door for 10 minutes until Pacino came down, his black hair tousled and a cigarette in hand. He invited Arnon inside, dressed casually in an open pink shirt. Arnon remained calm��his main strategy was to let people ask their questions.


    -The script has a touch of a movie I just worked on, , - commented Pacino.


    Arnon smiled, knowing that Pacino''s agent understood his way of thinking perfectly. S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I can''t deny there are similarities, but there��s a key difference. In this, you��re not the sharp, quick-witted guy you were before. Instead, you''re more the shoot-first-ask-questions-later type. But age has dulled that edge, changed that impulsive nature. This time, we explore the bond between two people��a seasoned mentor and someone who sees you as their master. I��d say you''re playing a washed-up gangster, with a lot on his mind.- Arnon took a sip of water. - What''s fascinating here is the human side, the sensitive, vulnerable elements. It��s not just about bullets and betrayals; this mafia follows a code, and moral dilemmas come into play. -


    The conversation covered many points, especially around the character''s role. Arnon, having spent time studying the script, provided several well-founded opinions, particularly his favorite��about the fate of men who end up dying. He shared a real-life case study with Pacino, detailing the guilt and other complex emotions that are hard to grasp when life hangs in the balance.


    -Who will be my co-stars? - asked the veteran actor.


    -We have a few options, but Johnny Depp is a strong favorite. He has an excellent perspective on how to portray his role. You could meet with him, or whoever is chosen��we can work around your schedule. - Arnon replied.


    -Thanks for the insight. You''ve given me a lot to think about. I''ll talk to Hall and carefully consider how to approach this role.- - Pacino commented, closing the deal.


    -I��ll travel soon, but feel free to discuss details with Danny DeVito or Mark Johnson. We��re working together on this through Lux Films, Baltimore Pictures, and Mark Johnson Productions. - Arnon concluded with a handshake, securing a crucial point for moving the project forward.


    ***


    Billy was organizing everything, but his involvement in  was still pending��his participation in a few scenes was just a matter of necessity. The most important thing now was balancing all the matters concerning his companies, which demanded his attention.


    For instance, he held a 78% stake in Apple, and his businesses were moving at a breakneck pace. The cash flow from Warner couldn��t have come at a better time��a tough blow for the board and two co-presidents who were now under his financial control, forced to follow orders. Being a CEO requires a deeper vision than merely managing meetings and sticking to a set schedule.


    Steve Jobs secured his share in the company, and they made significant production cuts, slashing at least 45 products. Now, the company was left with just six: headphones, computers, Macintosh, laptops, recorders, and walkie-talkies. To Steve, it seemed like a complete waste of time when it came to product decisions.


    -I��ve made the necessary adjustments, and we need to let go of this number of employees. - Gil Amelio remarked, surprising the room. The reduction of 500 employees wasn��t expected initially, but under Billy��s proposal, it became easier to offer employees the choice to either take a six-month salary cut or receive a generous severance package.


    Some opted for transfers to Billy��s other companies, like the one responsible for web development. The Lux Animation project was still up in the air, along with the development of Messenger��a private chat service that required more staff. Other gaming companies under Billy��s umbrella, such as Blizzard, also needed more people for administrative tasks and site maintenance.


    -The next item on the agenda is the decision to cut either the recorders or the walkie-talkies. - commented Gil Amelio.


    The board voted as expected, eliminating some obsolete models. The next step was to present the motion to the general shareholders'' meeting, leading to the company��s delisting from the stock market.


    -Billy��s proposals are as follows... - Anne began, standing in for Billy. - Let��s improve the processors, and build computers that can handle faster information processing��graphic rendering, computation, and memory. We need to implement USB to replace diskettes. The company is already beginning to take different approaches, and the Universal Serial Bus is likely the most important technology in the coming years. If we can adjust our computers year by year to meet these demands, that would be fantastic. -


    -That��s quite a challenge.- muttered the head of the technology department.


    -He wants it by next year, and that��s why you get paid. - Anne growled. Her fierce personality fascinated Steve for two reasons��it was exactly what was needed, someone who could push.


    -Better processors, chips... for what purpose? - Steve Jobs inquired, as part of a pre-arranged conversation.


    -Development of web applications, and Mac-specific applications.- Anne replied, seeing hesitation. - We��ll handle that. Just make sure you build a powerful system. One more thing: the computer screen has to change. It��s cumbersome to work with the current design. I want it to look like this. -


    She handed over a series of sketches��a large screen, a mock-up of an iBook, portable computers, and miniatures, with ideas on battery life, design, and functionality.


    -These are some designs we��d like to consider. We want a sleek, flat, and regular shape��something different from the typical boxy design.- Anne remarked.


    Demand after demand, Coll Bernard had a headache and was unable to explain the technicalities to them. They just wanted results. Anne, however, was content with half measures, leaving the rest to the experts. Steve''s eyes gleamed��he couldn��t be the bad guy... not yet!


    ...

 429. video.

    The numerous titles were, at first glance, unsatisfactory for the video game company. Nintendo 64��s sales were simply remarkable, far surpassing its competitors, but the idea of the Game Boy wasn��t breaking the general rules anymore, and after six years of sales, it was starting to flounder. The budget for the game was set for July 21st, simplifying the problems, and the failure could be boiled down to two simple reasons: better games were needed.


    Game Boy Pocket required exceptional games, and while they did arrive, it came at the risk of something Nintendo hadn��t anticipated. Partnering with Sega was a proposal they never wanted. Sega had been a fierce rival�� one that had suffered significant setbacks since the start of the decade.


    -Sharing games?- Hiroshi Yamauchi scoffed. - That��s the most ridiculous idea I��ve ever heard from Sega as a value proposition. They must be desperate after the Sega Saturn fiasco.-


    Video game history often sounds logical in hindsight, but Sega had already failed with the Sega CD due to its high price, and secondly, the simultaneous promotion of two products��the Sega 32X, an add-on that boosts 32-bit capabilities, alongside the promotion of the Sega Saturn��was out of bounds. They couldn��t sell anything effectively amid competition with Sony, which dominated large markets like Europe and the United States, bolstered by the arrival of ID Software. This company had shaken Nintendo by imposing restrictions on games, prompting partnerships with Sony, who only aimed to sell CDs to promote DVDs and the use of this new technology.


    -It might be an interesting idea. The American market has been consumed by ID Software, which, according to sources, has partnered with Microsoft to create its gaming console, along with Silicon Graphics and Dell. They��re working on what��s being called the next big competition,- remarked Minoru Arakawa, President of Nintendo of America.


    -Are they really that strong?- Minoru asked, having preconceived notions about the video game development company. - I believe they��re using 64-bit technology to its full potential, making their games visually stunning.-


    Howard Lincoln, Vice President of Nintendo America and a steadfast advocate of the company��s legal and commercial interests, observed.


    -They��re brilliant and have many innovative ideas, but their primary strength is creativity. In recent months, the company has grown intelligently. ID Software is just a minor branch of Lux Animation, a successful film production company that has made waves this past year,- explained Howard. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -What sets them apart?- asked the Nintendo director.


    -Their creativity in launching games. They have a library of 30 games that, in my opinion, qualify as triple-A or double-A games according to our conventions. They��ve developed their engine, courtesy of Autodesk, one of the largest animation development systems in the world,- Howard noted.


    Their catalog includes critically acclaimed games like two Doom titles, three Wolfenstein games, two Quake games, two Pok��mon games, two Fate series games, Baldur''s Gate, Tomb Raider, two Crash Bandicoot games, Lux Party, Forza Horizon, and their series in partnership with Capcom.


    Games developed by Raven Software, Parallax Software, and Blizzard form a powerful collection of titles with intricate details that have shaken the video game industry.


    -We��ll make the necessary adjustments,- Hiroshi concluded, storing his thoughts but already gaining valuable insights into the reactions of these companies.


    ***


    Billy was controlling his breathing as he worked out at the gym��two hours a day, every day, without rest, with an intensity he thought was right to improve his still-developing physique. He wasn��t a natural athlete.


    Monica, not far away, watched him with her large eyes as she ran on the treadmill. For her, it was good, but the exercise routines were intense. The beauty of Beverly Hills was its privacy. Even the gym was a well-kept secret, owned by a retired actor who decided to make a living from such ventures. It was often full, with instructors of all kinds available if needed.


    -Three more reps,- urged the trainer nearby, a man with a somewhat stocky build, not exactly resembling an athlete. But he was reputed to be the best, according to the gym''s director, and while sports science hadn��t evolved as much as it would by 2030, it was still considerably different from what Billy expected.


    Billy groaned, his face flushed. Monica noticed the glances of a few women and merely smiled. They were all within their rights to use their charm�� the risk of dating someone so successful. One of them was even a colleague, Shalom Harlow, a woman with lovely green eyes and a stunning figure that could easily turn heads.


    Billy completed more exercises and then took a spot next to Monica on the treadmill. She was drenched in sweat after hours of running, followed by an hour of ab workouts.


    -This weekend we��re going to San Jose. I need to meet with some people,- Billy said, aware that many deadlines for productions were fast approaching. The season for promotional campaigns, particularly for the musician and Star Wars, was already in full swing. Although mostly just interviews and minor details for the musician, Star Wars involved a full-scale campaign across multiple levels��from America, London, Paris, Lyon, Manchester, to Japan. It was simply exhausting for participants and producers, who were just starting to mobilize. Billy hoped that delivering a deep, focused story would improve the audience''s reception.


    -Sure, we can go. I��m free until March 15th, and then again until March 24th when the gala ceremonies happen. But during that time, we��ll be filming Liar, Liar, - Monica panted, still catching her breath.


    ��


    -You��re seriously annoying, - Monica teased as Billy leaned in to smell her sweat.


    -You��re beautiful, darling, - Billy replied as they headed toward the exit, ready for a long shower.


    She seemed slightly annoyed, but a few glances were directed their way, and she couldn��t help but feel proud inside. It was almost as fabulous as the silent rejection of those looks.


    -Jim Waiit is waiting for us at home, and he��s got something to discuss with you. It��s about the next step in your career, - Billy whispered.


    -A new movie? - Monica asked, surprised by what she��d just heard. It was incredible how fast things moved in this country��people were making films left and right. If she was lucky, she��d land a role in one or two.


    -It is, but we have to be careful about which role you want to take,- Billy cautioned. - All of them are potential game-changers for your career.-


    ...

 430. protection.

    Michael Eisner was breathing heavily, filled with impatience as he looked over Lux Animation��s numbers, seething with envy. The deal with Warner had already been revealed, and it made Michael realize that dealing with the kid, Carson, was no easy task. The public opinion, especially in the North American market, sided with him. The big players at the top weren��t going to destabilize the position of a young man who embodied the American image, the American success story. It was a great image��seeing a man triumph because of his quality and the way he lived his life.


    -It��s completely disappointing that I have a board of directors who only know how to rest on their laurels. Is it that difficult to compete with a kid and his toy company? We��ve been making children''s films for 70 years, and this company has been around for less than four, yet they��re able to put out two films a year. Does everything have to be this way?- He shouted, starting low and building to a roar, the raw frustration of a man entirely overtaken by despair. Every point Lux Animation gained felt like a crushing defeat to him... even the stock wasn��t rebounding, and a series of problems continued piling up.


    First, the investment hadn��t generated enough profit. Second, they were constantly criticized for their lack of consistent hits. Meanwhile, the films from Lux Animation were magnificent and fatally attractive to children and the public alike. Their figures were good, green, and full of success. For now, staying afloat seemed more and more like an insurmountable task.


    -You need to breathe and stay calm. It��s better to make good deals with new companies, and emerging studios, and create solid stories,- said the man in glasses, company president Michael Ovitz, who saw a promising future. They had secured a few good deals with companies establishing their ventures.


    -That��s not the point. Mediocrity is breathing down our necks. I fear that if we don��t discipline people forcefully, they��ll just keep resting on their laurels, which is something we can��t afford.- Michael responded.


    -There��s no use in putting pressure on ourselves�� or on our employees. We��ve got a successful company. The ABC franchise is just starting to adapt, but once it��s up and running, we��ll regain ground, and the company will stabilize.- Michael Ovitz remarked, seeing a future ahead, though the mergers and acquisitions were still a constant headache.


    -We have the animated series , along with , and of course, , not to mention the Christmas special for .- Ovitz added.


    -That��s the thing. In four years of making films, they��ve managed to release ten. At that pace, maybe they��ll fail, maybe they��ll mess up. But the people working at that company are so brilliant that I fear they could keep the whole enterprise running on the success of just one hit, like .- Michael Eisner said.


    -And poaching their employees is difficult. They��ve built a sense of company loyalty that��s hard to find these days. They stick together as one,- Ovitz noted, recalling his failed attempt to lure someone over. Something still puzzled him; the hours in that office were supposed to be strict, always focused on wrapping up projects quickly, but how they managed to work as they did remained a mystery.


    They carried on with their work, completely disorganized, before eventually heading to the board meeting with the shareholders. This time, Michael Ovitz couldn��t resign. The state of the merger wasn��t good, and stepping down would cause a domino effect. Appearances were the first thing to be considered.


    ***


    Anne was completely ecstatic, utterly overjoyed. The profits from the  had come in, leaving their figures glowing in the green. After subtracting costs and distribution expenses, the success totaled $460 million��a simply satisfying result.


    -I think we can finally say we��re in good financial health,- Anne said, following the advice of her accountants. She planned to stash the money in the bank and take out loans if necessary. Now that the company was starting to turn a profit, it was better to finance through debt rather than their resources, something they could now afford to do.


    -That��s right. We��ll pay off the debt early with the earnings from  and ,- Billy remarked, confident that the debt could be paid off with those successes. The rest would be invested in shares, companies, and perhaps savings��enough to sustain the company for as long as needed.


    Billy glanced up as Anne held the financial statements in her hands. They��d moved from a good standing to complete stability. The company was following a path to stardom. Now they were in a frenzy, recognizing ��s success as a victory far beyond the ordinary.


    -My Christmas bonus was amazing... and thank you for the jewelry. It was such a sweet gesture,- Anne said, blushing slightly.


    -You deserve it. Your birthday is coming up, and I��ve got something specially prepared for you. I considered many things that might make you happy, but in the end, I settled on one thing. I have decided that you take five days of vacation with me in Italy. Monica will take us to the most beautiful places, and maybe we��ll visit Paris too,- Billy said, laying the tickets on the table. Everything was perfect, and even the mention of Monica didn��t stop his heart from beating like a drum, like a machine that had to keep going. It was a fantasy of sorts, one that his grandmother had filled him with��those dreams that guaranteed a direct path to disappointment.


    It was all set. Monica walked through the door, and she felt like the odd one out. She didn��t have that sweet appearance. At 30, they were so different. One was charming, powerful, and had a charisma that made everything perfect. What a contradiction. They were so different. Neither her slender legs nor her stunning body, which drew looks of desire everywhere she went, nor her long, shiny black hair... even starting to exercise didn��t make her feel entirely content with herself.


    -Anne, darling, my dear Anne,- said Monica, greeting her warmly.


    -I brought a lot of beautiful clothes. I have a few that would fit you perfectly,- Monica said, shooting Billy a glance, signaling him to leave and give the two women some privacy.


    ... S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After leaving the meeting, Billy approved two series. One called  was set in the Roman Empire��raw, visceral, full of suspense, and magnificent in a way that couldn��t be done with their series for children. The other was a heartwarming story about a family moving from sunny Miami Beach to cold North Dakota, following an animator��s journey through the world of hockey. The script was outstanding, and the drawings were spectacular.


    was simply a space where these people could create magnificent stories. The artwork needed a lot of work, and it didn��t yet convey its message through imagery. Billy sat down with Lucas Auster, and they produced their best work in entertainment. Billy dedicated himself to the entire graphic aspect. Now creating was easier. He took note of animated series that had a good blend of animation styles��a mix of comic book art and cartoonish touches, similar to the drawings of  or .


    -What do you think?- Billy asked, showing Lucas a reworked sketch that seemed just right. In Lucas��s eyes, it was simply brilliant to see his series beginning to take shape, different, bright, and fascinating, filling the gaps and becoming something tangible, close, and visible.


    -Wow... you''ve taken this to a whole new level,- Lucas Auster said, watching how the essence of his series had been strengthened, how the inherent interest had been completely reinforced. Seeing it take form was a revelation. Now, with a good script, everything fell into place, with different shots, scenes, and more life breathed into it. But the script was incredibly long, and Lucas had written a masterpiece throughout 37 episodes.


    -For now, I''ll work on a few sketches, but you need to handle the next steps��the storylines that give it logic, and coherence,- Billy said, crafting the first scenes, making sense of the others, and framing the characteristics for a truly compelling plot.


    ...

 431. creators.

    The opening period for Lux Animation Studios passed, and the animators were no longer just animators��they had become writers, producers, and directors. The creation of numerous ideas spread a collective euphoria throughout the company. Under the Lux Company banner, people began developing series that flowed in and out from various directions.


    Harmand Slash made its dedebuteds, airing in the afternoon programming block. The two channels, Lux Kids and LuxToons, were becoming quite a magnificent aspect of the company��s offering, with the series starting to blend in worthy ways. Another channel, Lux Night, aimed at young adults, was set to launch. This third Lux Animation channel brought a different perspective, making all three a powerful force. Lux Animation could now be seen as a network of channels.


    -This is simply astonishing,- said Billy as he reviewed the new graphic script for a children��s horror film. The stories were becoming incredibly imaginative. "Puzzle" follows five kids investigating an abandoned house on a hill, only to be trapped by a villain��a man from the Victorian era who used to be a housekeeper, locking them in rooms and turning the house into a labyrinth of terror.


    The concept played with elements of being trapped in another world, malevolent intent, and urban legends, offering just the right amount of fright. This "soft" horror was perfect for children aged 12 to 16. As a Halloween animation, it seemed to fit the season. There was also a plan to create films for every major holiday: Independence Day, Valentine��s Day, Halloween, and Christmas. If they could make three or four films like this a year, it would be enough.


    -It''s fantastic, but for now, we can��t set up a fourth film team,- Billy told Jared, the creator of Puzzle. -However, we can work together to improve the script, design, and characters. A fourth team will be assembled soon. Some animators will move to the third floor for Lux Kids, and then we��ll open a fourth team.-


    The building was becoming cramped, despite its large size. Billy understood that five floors might not be enough, but expanding to six was impossible for this space. They needed a separate building for the Netflix project, which was currently taking up much of the fourth floor. Some of the administrative staff would need to move.


    -But we��re making it, right? - Jared asked, surprised.


    -Oh yes, it��s approved by me,- Billy said, signing off on the project. -Go up to the fifth floor and talk to Jim Gianopulos. Let him know I��ve approved it, and hire a horror scriptwriter and a historian for myths and legends. They��ll be in touch soon to help us craft a better script.-


    -Magnificent! This is such an important opportunity... I don��t even know what to say... I��ve created a story!- Jared was ecstatic, practically bursting with excitement. He rushed off to the fifth floor like a child. The name Jim Waiit was almost legendary��something that only happened on occasion.


    Following him, numerous scripts were coming in, like a teacher being flooded with assignments. Billy was calling people in, and one of them was a former Disney employee who proposed adapting , a classic tale written in 1835 by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows a boy who receives a box of twenty-five tin soldiers, but one is missing a leg due to a lack of lead during the casting process. This tin soldier falls in love with a beautiful paper ballerina.


    The tale is tender, a story of deep love filled with meaning. The script stayed faithful to the book, condensing the story into touching, serene moments interwoven with classical music, making it a sweet and reflective piece. The goal was for children to grasp the depth of the relationship. The ending softened and depicted two real people who never touched but lived forever in love.


    -I think this could work well for the first team, who have the most experience,- Billy said to Carl Wilson. - For now, let��s review the story. Refine the graphic script and storyboards with some of your colleagues. This will be next year��s project. We��re currently working on  and , so I think we can start on this in June next year.-


    Carl��s eyes lit up. They already had projects lined up for the next year across all three teams.


    "Spirit �C 25 points."


    "Treasure Planet �C 25 points."


    was planned for 1997, while the other two films from Group 1 were in progress. Group 3 was working on , which had already begun production. They were also discussing , aiming to release at least one  movie per year.


    -Next year?- Carl asked.


    -That��s the plan. Our teams are fully booked. Finish your projects, and it��ll be your turn... I��m considering creating a fourth team once the fourth floor is ready. The fact is, you all keep growing, and your constant stream of ideas is more than we can handle. But we��ll get there. After all, that��s the result of so many creative minds working toward a single goal,- Billy said, recognizing how the animators now had the luxury of proposing their ideas.


    In the future, Billy knew he��d need to create a third animation studio focused solely on series or cartoons. If Japan had made it sustainable, he could do the same. All it required was getting people more interested, and that called for visibility.


    ***


    The operational spaces were exactly what the former Hotmail team had hoped for. After their lucrative commission, they were now facing a new challenge: creating two websites, one for Lux Animation and one for Lux Games, and, of course, working on the Messenger project, which would eventually be sold to the highest bidder. That sale alone could generate hundreds of millions of dollars. However, creating a chat service was far more complex than building an email system.


    The first hurdle was internet connectivity��services were not yet optimized for high-speed, high-quality connections. The second issue was the lack of hardware optimization for applications like messaging. Despite these challenges, the team was working at full capacity, determined to craft a visual experience that could be realized once the technical difficulties were resolved.


    The Hotmail identification system was a perfect foundation for user profiles and a communication service. Alongside that, the idea of emojis��attaching different icons to messages��was novel, creating an exciting way to communicate.


    -I think until we get a stable server and solve the stability issues, launching an application like this is still a dream,- said Aaron Walter, Senior Programmer and a key figure in the project.


    -That doesn��t matter. Let��s refine the app��s minor details. Compatibility is an issue, but managing it with HTML and consolidating all the data will be our focus, - responded Gary Stradem. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I think if we use the new Java system, it could improve things. C++ is inefficient, and while Perl is one of the best languages, it has its shortcomings, - added Martha, a senior developer juggling her time between creating Lux Animation��s website and working on Messenger.


    ...

 432. between strings

    March 4, 1996.


    Raimon, after some time, with his knack for calculations and finances, was stationed in New York. He was searching for a building to house an animation studio, and considering purchasing a distant property. Beyond that, he wandered around Bank of America, talking with his father, while taking note of Billy''s actions��buying properties, hotels, restaurants, and more.


    -I believe we can buy the bonds... However, there��s a hindrance. There��s a second negotiator on the scene, behind the curtains two people are coming into play that we didn��t expect to be actors in this deal, - Raimon remarked over the phone. Time wasn��t on their side, but they still wanted to buy the bonds.


    -It doesn''t matter what or how, pay 40% of the bond��s value, - Billy responded, desperate. - And mention that we might forge a closer relationship. I��ll send you $10 million to buy shares in Microsoft and AOL. -


    They needed Marvel for their plans��it would be the final touch, the cherry on top that would help them stand out. Beyond that, they didn��t need anything else. It would expand its budding animation system, hire freelancers at sustainable rates, and pay commissions to feed the egos of those who would support it. He had been backing the sector with everything he had.


    -Sure, and I��ve found a few good buildings, a bit remote, in Brooklyn. If we make the right purchases, they��ll appreciate down the road. And of course, you always see some accidents here and there. Lastly, there��s a major hotel, but not many are up for sale. Negotiations seem tricky right now, so I suggest we wait for an offer. My alternative is to buy buildings and remodel them to suit our best interests. It could be expensive due to licensing, but with a solid investment, we could create a building that serves as a cultural, administrative, and operational hub, - Raimon added.


    Billy nodded, though his mind was still focused on who could buy Marvel��s shares. He could partner with one of them, but knowing from Stan Lee how crucial it was, his moves had to be made with caution.


    -Talk to Avi Arad. Let��s make some concessions and deals that might be relevant to our business... be careful with the people in between, - Billy advised.


    -Negotiating with the enemy? - Raimon asked, utterly perplexed.


    -More than that, Marvel has to be mine, 100%. Tell him I��m willing to make some conventions, as long as he understands the premise. I��ve heard he wants to make movies. That��s easy enough��talk to him. If you think he��s willing, we��ll arrange a call and negotiate, - Billy instructed.


    -Oh my God, how long have you been planning this Marvel thing? You��re starting to sound out of touch, like Robert Redford in . I��m a little stunned, - Raimon replied.


    -Well, speak to real estate. We��re going to take over New York. You��ll be heading to London soon to take over there too, and we��ll move some operations there�� just as we will in Ireland, - Billy stated.


    ...


    Billy descended the stairs, still questioning whether, in the coming months, all of his efforts should be devoted to a flamboyant expansion of acquisitions and maintenance. It felt like a deep task with multiple layers. They had to succeed in all the films to come, and do so in an almost insidious way.


    The different angles involved , along with some other necessary redesigns to improve the content, pushing past the norm, particularly the  series. But right now, they were mere flickers of light, through the studio that bought and licensed the game. The graphic engine, which was now improving daily at Epic Games, was being made available for free, as long as the developers provided 4% of their game profits.


    The pile of ideas waiting to be reviewed, and the other pile of comic work that needed completion�� had a total of 98 chapters. With his revisions and additions, he believed the story would conclude at 108 chapters��ten more. But at one chapter per month, that��s 108 months. Still, the story remained complex to create, and it had become the best-selling title at Lux Animation, with 8 million copies sold per month. So, he decided to publish two volumes a month. They were currently on volume four; the fifth would be released on the 15th, and the sixth on March 30th. He had just finished volume five, and though he didn��t think he could adjust the schedule in the coming months, he would try.


    -Margot, call Dave Anns, - Billy instructed. They were people of information, handling analysis, archiving, and documentation with Mr. Gorman. Due to his lack of time, Billy would have to rearrange his schedule.


    -Also, call Sarah Robles, -


    -And Franz and Francis Scott, - Billy added.


    Would he use his directors to filter the 28 projects on his table? He didn��t call it that, but doubt arose. His boss wasn��t one to frequently call people, and usually only spoke with Raimon, Jim, and Anne. His circle of conversations was small.


    In doubt, each of them came to address the concerns. Monica was noticeably absent, but she was in L.A. working on the  project and would return by Friday night or Saturday morning.


    -Sir, - Dave Anns said from the doorway, being the first to arrive. Billy gestured for him to sit. He looked uncomfortable.


    -Take a seat, and let��s wait for the others to arrive, - Billy said.


    One by one, they followed the same pattern. This activity was born not only out of curiosity about how people viewed the work but also from the perspective of individuals who weren��t considered experts.


    He took the storyboards and read them at his desk while they waited.


    -I believe we��re all here now, - Billy said, standing up and stretching.


    -I just finished a reading that took me three days. I��ve gone through a total of 30 new proposals, but I feel like I��ve gotten carried away by the fever of reading, and I believe my judgment is clouded. So I want to give these a second chance, here and there, - Billy explained.


    -So, you want us to...? - Sarah Robles asked, unsure how to continue. The head of the company, the legend of San Jose, was very intense. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Simple. Four scripts for each of you. It��ll take one or two hours at most because they��re just proposals, nothing more. If you like one or think it��s worth it, put a smiley face on it. If you think it��s both worthwhile and feasible, give it a green stamp. And if you think we can make money off it, add a post-it note explaining why, - Billy instructed as he handed them the scripts.


    -Before you ask, we sell stories��whether comics, books, films, or toys. I don��t think you��re all too busy for this, - Billy added.


    The rest were dismissed outright. If three out of the 16 scripts made it through, it was enough for him. There were many untapped stories, and he had a strict system.


    ***


    Monica was smoking a cigarette while waiting for the next act. Her body was made to be eye-catching��a leopard-print corset, paired with tight leggings that highlighted her underwear.


    -It��s incredible how people move in this industry, - Winona commented from beside her. She was still filming . Monica��s character had died halfway through, but it wasn��t a bad thing. A few extra scenes and the experience were enough for her.


    -You never get used to it, even after all this time, - Monica replied.


    Jim Carrey was cracking jokes on set, in every possible way, ridiculing and trying to make people laugh. He wouldn��t stop, always trying to get a laugh from anyone with his endearing antics. Lately, he��d been arriving on set imitating Ace Ventura, with his walk, gestures, and all.


    -Ladies, - the man greeted, rolling his eyes comically as he struck a ridiculous pose. It always made Monica smile. He was funny.


    -Ohhh Jim, stop being a pest, - Winona laughed.


    -Inappropriate, mwahaha, - he replied in his signature way. - I do what needs to be done, even if you don��t like it. -


    -I think he��s sweet, - Monica remarked.


    -Ding, ding, we have a winner, - he shouted, jumping from side to side. - This calls for a dinner for two! -


    -Make that three. I��m having dinner with Winona tonight, and I��ll be traveling tomorrow, - Monica added.


    The face he made afterward was even funnier. He scrunched his neck and gave a goofy smile, as if straight out of .


    -I can handle both, - Carrey said.


    -Hahaha, Winona��s a bit dangerous, - Monica teased.


    -Ahhh, somebody calls a firefighter for this blaze, - he joked, motioning to his crotch.


    Winona rolled her eyes, but it was amusing to watch the man make a fool of himself with such confidence. People just watched him curiously, marveling at his unique way of doing things.


    -I spoke to Lauren. She said we need to bowl you over every time you try to make us laugh, - Monica added.


    -God, Lauren again. My life is over. She��s omnipotent, - Carrey groaned.


    She was Carrey��s fianc��e. Incidentally, she was also a close friend of Monica and the


    ...

 433. attach-

    March 6, 1996.


    Monica was fixing her hair, exhausted from the grueling week she had endured, a period full of countless tasks. Improving her English had been one of the most difficult and unquantifiable challenges she��d faced. Still, her script readings needed to be more rigorous. Recently, a modest offer had come her way that gave her a sense of recognition.


    Jim Waiit presented two quick proposals to her. The first was a commercial film, designed solely to win her the kind of recognition that would put her on a list of favored actresses��this was , a film that, while not a critical darling, would be widely recognized by the American audience. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The second was an opportunity to star in a film with an extraordinary script��, a heart-wrenching Italian film, more about creating art than gaining fame. Billy had advised her to choose the latter, reminding her that while commercial films could be done at any time, truly great films were rare. A beautiful piece of art could be deeply satisfying, though the filming process would be long and require her to be away for an extended period.


    Two scripts and two conflicting desires��split between her professional ambitions and her fulfillment. But in her heart, Monica had already made her decision. She would fly to Italy without delay to work on the film. The script was too magnificent to pass up, filled with a grace that was hard to grasp but irresistible. It was the kind of role her mentors, Winona and Billy, had trained her to take seriously��a deep, emotionally demanding role that reflected raw human experience.


    After taking a flight back to San Jose, she arrived wearing her usual chic style. Her high heels clicked with confidence as she stepped off the plane, her long wavy hair meticulously styled with conditioner, wearing a beige coat over a chocolate-brown sweater. She looked utterly stunning.


    -Anne, my darling,- Monica greeted, hugging Anne tightly.


    -Monica,- Anne whispered back.


    -We have to meet tonight. Stay at my place, we have a guest room now, darling. I bought a lot of clothes��almost our size! You��ll need to hem them a bit, but I��ve got more up top, and you��ve got more hips, my dear,- Monica said, eyeing Anne��s figure with a teasing grin.


    Anne nodded, feeling a strange tension as Monica sized her up. Among all the women in Billy��s circle, Anne was Monica��s closest competitor��Billy��s pillar, the cornerstone of Lux Animation, and the only one who could truly bring Billy back down to earth. She treated Billy like a wife would.


    Monica, understanding this dynamic, saw the value in keeping Anne as a close friend. It wasn��t an illusion; a woman like her couldn��t afford that. If Billy ever cheated, it had to be with anyone but Anne. Women were expected to uphold a certain dignity, but Billy��s betrayal would mean the end of everything, while Monica knew she had to stay silent. She could forgive anything but betrayal with Anne.


    -We can do that. A glass of wine sounds perfect�� I��ve been working so much. I found a masseuse who works wonders; my lower back and sciatica have been much better,- Anne commented.


    -That sounds amazing�� though you should work less! It��s nearly eight, Anne, it��s getting late. Close up shop and come with me,- Monica insisted.


    The two women would spend the evening recounting their busy weeks��two very different lives, both ambitious and full of satisfaction. Anne was organizing her calendar for tomorrow��s work��reviewing new company projects and hiring new services. Unlike Monica, Anne favored sneakers that suited her active lifestyle.


    -I��ve always loved the way your straight hair falls in those layers, -Monica said, casually stretching out.


    -Please, you��re the most beautiful person I��ve ever seen�� I feel like I��m back in high school,- Anne joked.


    ��


    Do they want to double the licensing fee?- Billy asked.


    -Yes, they��re pushing for an eight-year extension. The first two seasons have smashed audience records, and they��ve sent a very lucrative proposal��better deals with CBS. It��ll help strengthen our relationships and hopefully see the reality show become even more popular,- explained Jim Gianopulos.


    -Fine, let��s do it. But I don��t want just 8%, I want 9% of the ad revenue, and I want to negotiate the possibility of acquiring some CBS series when the time is right,- Billy responded.


    They had recently sold some licenses to foreign countries, netting about $500,000 per deal. It was part of Billy��s way of securing smaller investments, whether for construction projects or manufacturing ventures, just some of the many items on his ever-growing list.


    -And tell them I��ve got another idea. We can keep collaborating, but let��s organize a small production group and maybe hold an event called ��The New American Face,��- Billy said, knowing full well that the licensing deal would lead to many creative opportunities.


    -What��s the plan?- Jim asked, intrigued. Billy already had two successful shows under his belt�� and . Adding a third could only enhance their portfolio.


    -I��ve got some work to do, but let��s trademark the logo, register the brand, and focus on marketing this as an opportunity for the ideal American dreamer��the kind of person who dreams of fame, of being known. It��ll tie in well with our other shows,- Billy said, handing over a five-page document outlining the concept.


    Jim took the papers and quickly grasped Billy��s vision, but he knew it wouldn��t be easy.


    -We��ll need some adjustments, but we��ll figure it out. It��s not a simple task, though; we��re going to need a lot of capital. Still, I think CBS would be on board,- Jim said, thinking it through.


    -So, what��s your call?- Billy asked.


    -Let��s go for it,- Jim agreed.


    As they wrapped up the conversation, their next venture would be buying a stake in Summit Entertainment for $40 million to produce indie films, sharing both the risks and rewards. Jim felt the workload doubling, but he was eager to move forward.


    They were interrupted by Monica, who entered the room, vibrant and happy, ready to whisk Billy away for dinner. They would have to get takeout, but Monica was eager to spend time with him.


    -It��s getting late, love. We need to go,- Monica said.


    ...

 444. uncertainty.

    March 30.


    Billy trailed kisses down her stomach, gently touching every part of her, each kiss growing more intense with every breath. In one moment, she tried to pull away, to resist, but the sensation of his lips on her body overwhelmed her, and she clutched his hands tightly. With each kiss, she felt herself losing control, teetering on the edge of madness. Anne tried to scream.


    -More, -she whispered.


    Her green-brown eyes imagined the pleasure taking over, an all-consuming force, something more than just desire��a power over her that was undeniable.


    -More,- she gasped again.


    He gripped her hips and pulled her close. The pressure became too much, snapping her back to reality. A sharp sound, a knock, broke the moment, pulling her away from the bliss she was wrapped in. It felt almost accidental, like a sudden interruption, pushing her back into the mundane chaos of her everyday life.


    She swung the door open, shouting over the noise of the children running through the house, her moment shattered.


    -Quiet down! Can��t you see I��m trying to catch my breath here?- Anne was overwhelmed, her frustrations bubbling to the surface.


    -Dear, you''re more worked up than usual,- commented her grandmother from the far end of the hallway, her tone distant but calm.


    -I��ve got a lot on my mind. And yesterday��s work nearly split my head open. Every morning, the same yelling and chaos. It��s only six in the morning, and school doesn��t start until nine! Why must you all start hammering away like this at the crack of dawn?- Anne��s voice broke with the weight of her frustration.


    -Ah, there she goes again,- sighed the grandmother, shaking her head.


    Anne stormed off to the shower, her body still burning from the lingering sensations.


    ***


    Billy, on set, was immersed in his work, throwing himself into the role. The intensity of the scene mirrored his focus, each take demanding more than the last.


    -Take six! -


    INT. GATTACA - COMPUTER COMPLEX. NIGHT.


    The computer complex was empty and dimly lit. JEROME cast one last look around the room. Sitting at the terminal, he played a final sequence of his path through the stars, the journey he was about to take.


    He noticed a key was missing from the keyboard. Realizing its significance, he stood up, ready to leave.


    INVESTIGATOR


    Vincent...


    Jerome froze at the sound of his name, his true name.


    Slowly, he turned to face the man who had called him. The Investigator stepped out from the shadows.


    INVESTIGATOR


    What are you running from, Vincent?


    JEROME


    (calmly)


    From Vincent.


    The two men faced each other for the first time in a long while. The Investigator was stunned by the face staring back at him, barely able to believe what he saw.


    INVESTIGATOR


    Has it been so long that you don��t even remember me?


    JEROME


    (nodding toward the Investigator��s badge)


    Maybe it��s you... who��s forgotten?


    (looking at him)


    What are you doing here, Anton?


    The truth became evident��the Investigator was his brother, Anton.


    ANTON


    I could ask you the same.


    (glancing at the impressive complex)


    I belong here. You don��t.


    Jerome smirked.


    JEROME


    Do you believe that?


    ANTON


    (ignoring the comment, extending his hand)


    Come with me now, Vincent. You''ve gone as far as you can.


    JEROME


    (looking toward the stars)


    There are still millions of miles left to go.


    ANTON


    (firmly) "It��s over."


    JEROME


    (shaking his head)


    Is that the only way you know how to win, Anton? By finding me again?


    ANTON


    It��s for the best.


    JEROME


    (getting angrier)


    God, even you want to tell me what I can��t do. Haven��t you figured it out yet, Anton? I don��t need rescuing. But you did once.


    The memory hurt Anton. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    JEROME


    (taunting)


    So, what now? You have all the answers, right? How can that be?


    ANTON


    (steadfast)


    I didn��t lose that day. I beat myself.


    JEROME


    And who are you trying to convince?


    ANTON


    I��ll prove it. Come swim with me, Vincent. Now... tonight.


    Jerome looked at Anton with a knowing smile.


    A phone rang somewhere in the vast space of Gattaca. The echo was perfect. "Take six" was approved, after a long day of work.


    -Cut!- called the director, ready to move on to the next scene.


    **


    Anne drove with frustration gripping the wheel, the music blaring, trying to escape the day��s chaos. She had left work early with one goal in mind. Margot raised an eyebrow as she passed, but said nothing, sensing the turmoil.


    -I��m sorry, but you can��t come in, - said a man, standing at the entrance.


    Anne��s eyes narrowed in anger. She stepped toward him, pointing her finger accusingly.


    -Listen, pal, I don��t doubt your job, but I do doubt your brain. Now, do what you''re supposed to, because my patience is running thin, - she snapped, her temper barely contained.


    Anne��s commanding presence was undeniable, and five minutes later, she walked in, still fuming. She sat down, her mind swirling, exhaustion finally pulling her into a nap.


    Billy arrived later, fresh from a long swim. He saw her there, the blonde woman fast asleep on the bed.


    -Anne, wake up, - he whispered, gently shaking her.


    -Anne, wake up, - he said again, nudging her softly.


    She stirred, her hair tousled.


    -I must have fallen asleep, - she muttered.


    -Yeah, the guard said a lioness stormed onto the set earlier. You caused quite the impression��they won��t be telling you ��no�� again anytime soon, - Billy teased, handing her a bottle of water.


    She drank, her thoughts racing, but her mind felt blank.


    -I think I��m going to quit, - Anne said suddenly.


    -What? What are you talking about, Anne? - Billy asked, concerned.


    -I can��t do this anymore. The company, the pressure��it��s all too much. I feel like I��m suffocating, - she said, her voice trembling with panic.


    Billy sighed, realizing Monica had been right. She had seen the cracks forming before anyone else.


    -Monica told me, Anne, - Billy said, moving closer. -Don��t run away. She knows what you''re going through, and she knows what you��re capable of handling. -


    His words, though gentle, struck deep. Billy pulled Anne into his arms, holding her tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, her pride crumbling in the safety of his embrace.


    -She said I could be with you, as long as it stayed... just this, - Billy murmured.


    Anne tried to respond, but the words got lost in her throat. She felt vulnerable, like a deer caught in headlights.


    -I want to quit, - she whispered again.


    ...


    On Patreon, we are at 473. But hey, I repeat a lot of numbers, so it''s more or less like 480

 445. contract.

    Anne was determined to resign; she couldn��t stay in an environment that pushed her consciousness to the limit. Her nature wouldn��t allow her to act any differently. What once seemed like an unshakable duty now felt like a burden, she needed to cast off to find peace. At first, her words might have been nervous, but now she realized she might have been a bit impulsive.


    �CStop talking in riddles. �C Anne growled. �CWhat do you mean by ��from less to more?���C


    --I don��t fully understand it either, but Anne, it��s a bit illogical to end a relationship based on a feeling. If you think it over a little more, I believe we could find an answer. You��re the person in charge of all the affairs at Lux Animation. I can��t see you resigning; you love the work you do every morning, -- Billy replied.


    �CA bit pretentious, don��t you think? I hate that job now, �C Anne said. Pride was something she lived by, and she wouldn��t give it up for anything in the world. She could never stomach swallowing that pride she held so tightly.


    �CAnne, what do you want from me? There must be something. I��m not smart enough to figure out your thoughts exactly. I��m a mess when it comes to understanding emotions. If you��re not direct, we��ll both be stuck here for a long time, �C Billy admitted. He couldn��t quite grasp the issues that led Anne to act this way, but one thing was certain: the blonde only wanted to unburden something she had been holding in her heart.


    --Billy, I need a vacation then. I can��t keep restraining myself. The freedom a trip would offer might be the best option for me right now. When we consider that most mistakes we make tend to magnify when left unchecked, we, as people, always try to follow a path that gives us some form of satisfaction or at least brings us close to it. The truth is, I want you, Billy. I couldn��t be surer that my desire extends to every step, and I can��t block the memories that flood me again and again. They vibrate through me, reminding me how foolish I��ve been, but a fool nonetheless. -- Anne''s voice trembled as she spoke.


    �CAnne, how am I supposed to respond to this? �C Billy asked, lost in the words he had just heard. He ran a hand through his blond hair and adjusted his shirt, but something elusive was hiding within him. Why was the world so complicated? He understood that, normally, the right option would be to reject this. Yet deep inside, the pragmatic young man he was held onto the value of Anne. Losing her wouldn��t be something he could replace, at least not for a year. He had to be smart, and maybe consider a temporary replacement, but no one came to mind. Everyone capable was on a path with no return, and he distrusted others as much as he distrusted the potential candidates for the position at Lux Animation.


    --I think what you��re suggesting is a mistake. I��m in a relationship, and I don��t want to damage what I��ve built. Sometimes, letting emotions take over is... maybe the ideal dream you��ve had is just that, a dream. Reality can be as disappointing as it often is. These personal, private encounters between two people��they��re just that. Encounters are stripped of the muse we carry in our minds. We dream of things that, by nature, are only a mistake, a fairy tale turned nightmare, - Billy said.


    �CIt��s just the desire I have and what I��m holding onto. Don��t downplay these emotions that consume me. I know what I want, and I��m not acting on some silly assumptions... does it hurt to hear the truth? Not hiding behind silence like you do, deceiving your girlfriends or using them? You��re a hypocrite, always seeking benefits. Forgetting about love, now you tell me you can��t act because it��s wrong? You fool, that��s what you are. You��ll never marry Monica; she��s not enough for you. You just keep her around as a shield. That��s what makes you different from your father, and that��s why I must resign. �CAnne��s words cut deep, but they didn��t shake Billy the way she had hoped. He was only thinking about his company, not about anything else. Love, he thought, was everywhere if one looked for it. He almost sighed at the realization. He was Billy Carson, and he could have anyone he wanted. His mind raced through countless possibilities, but he couldn��t quite figure out what to do. Yet doing nothing was still an answer.


    �CStop right here. �C Billy said, grabbing Anne��s arms.


    �CA contract, let��s make a contract, �C Billy said.


    �CWhat are you talking about? �C asked the blonde once again.


    ��I��ll do it, but under contract. Name your terms, and I��ll state my conditions. It��s the only way we��ll get through this,�� Billy said.


    She doubted his words but nodded, realizing that this relationship would be bound by a contract. In her mind, she toyed with the idea, almost as if she were in an erotic novel. Her heart trembled, her body urged her to go through with it, and she had been dreaming of this encounter for months, over and over again.


    �CMake love to me, just make love to me whenever you can, �CAnne stammered, her words stumbling over themselves, though not in a way she enjoyed.


    �CThe contract will stipulate this must remain confidential. If a third party finds out, it��s void. �C Billy added, already calculating changes in his company.


    �CI don��t care about anything else. �C Anne replied.


    A flash of something passed through Billy, and with a gesture of affirmation, he took Anne in his arms, with a tenderness he had learned. As much as he could muster, and with delicacy, their tongues entwined. Anne moaned as she felt him, but Billy continued smoothly, step by step, deciding to let his company fade from his thoughts for a moment. Kissing her deeply, he now felt the need for his father to return, if only to help him with the material division of the business. New ideas started forming in his mind.


    �CYou��ll obey me in everything I do concerning this. �C Billy said, taking a strand of her hair as she nodded, unable to refuse anything more.


    �CI��ll do whatever you say, �C Anne whispered, captive to her feelings. Her mind was clear, and she began drafting the contract in her head. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 445. wander.

    April 1.


    Los ��ngeles, every cinema was packed, especially the Mark Taper Forum, which was fully prepared for the premiere that began with an exhausting schedule starting at ten in the morning. There were no shows yet, but the decorations caught the attention of everyone around. For now, the cameras focused on the suspended spaceships, the Naboo soldiers patrolling, along characters from past franchises soaking in the excitement of a moment that was a must for fans.


    Raimon stood among a group of 500 people, narrating every production detail as if he were an action hero. Raimon never stopped flaunting his knowledge.


    -They invested $200 million to revitalize the franchise. George Lucas, along with Billy Carson, have been working on this since 1992. They have a 15-year license starting in 1995. This is one of the grandest projects I��ve ever seen. They��ve created a mega-production studio that fans will be able to visit by special reservation for years to come. It��s simply wonderful how Billy managed to pull everything off, and that��s not all. He wants to bring the original cast for cameos and develop other storylines that will only expand the saga. Since I��m the primary contact�� the young man boasted��the main goal is for people to appreciate the series and treat it with all the respect it deserves. They hired an outstanding cast, the best acrobats for the lightsaber fights, and conceptualized different elements that will be introduced in future installments. And it��s more than that; the film will have the kind of excitement only a director like Steven Spielberg can deliver,--Raimon commented.


    -So, all you��re saying is that we should support this,- remarked a man in a Han Solo costume, complete with a leather hat, who struck a cowboy-like pose, fitting his character.


    -Well, support it and share your ideas. We want the best of the best, from fans and future protectors of the Force alike. I��ve already advanced my plans, and many of your ideas have been taken into account. We��re almost ready to open a store exclusively dedicated to Star Wars, so every person can have their little hidden corner,- Raimon said.


    -Interesting idea�� we��ll see how things unfold,- remarked the cowboy, John Caiber, leader of the Star Wars fan club in Los Angeles and a key figure in the project.


    The lines for the premiere were buzzing with excitement. Many people gathered, and today, the cinema had reserved four screens just for the public. At 7 p.m., the first Star Wars film in all of North America would begin. The pre-sale system had sold out the theaters, and fans flocked with enthusiasm. Lines in many theaters were packed, and people were eager to get inside. Tickets for the following days were already sold, and before the official release, thousands of tickets had been sold, amounting to $6 million on the first day, with just the limited showings available that evening. With these numbers and reservations, Star Wars was set to become one of the biggest releases of the 1990s.


    It was like an explosion��a powerful collision. Success or failure hung in the balance, but at least they hoped that in the coming years, everything would unfold as intended. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ��


    Anne traveled to San Jose, feeling refreshed. There was something untouchable within her, but the heavy thoughts weighing on her mind had disappeared. She felt so alive, so beautiful and loved, that she forgot everything else. She could only stretch out her arms as she arrived home. The house was empty; the kids would be at school, leaving her free to take a long bath, even if it was her second of the day. That was all she wanted��to relax.


    Dressing in something light, she wanted to feel unburdened all day. She heard a clatter in the kitchen, as the fan sliced through the silence. The marble countertop, expansive with polished tile accents, and the L-shaped kitchen gave the Hall home an orderly look. The aroma was pleasant, and Anne flared her nostrils to savor the sweet scent that filled the room��a strong stew, marinated in a rich goulash sauce, awaited her for lunch. The kids would soon be running around.


    -That smells delicious,- Anne commented.


    -It��s good you��re here. It��s the first time you didn��t give me notice�� I suppose an old lady like me can��t judge. I��ll pack up your lunch; you��re running a little late. My clock says it��s almost nine, so you��ll be late. I��ll give you some extra food.- Anne��s grandmother smiled wryly as she filled two jars with apple juice, along with a large container of food, two fruits, and a pack of corn.


    They decided to have breakfast in silence��coffee with toast. Anne avoided her grandmother��s accusatory gaze, pretending not to notice, as she usually did in these situations. The first thing Anne did was sign up for the gym. She didn��t feel beautiful, and she needed to be beautiful for her meetings. Seeing herself so exposed made her aware of her many mistakes��the lack of proper undergarments, her size, her hair, and of course, the allure that comes with seduction.


    -Hehe, my dear girl. You��re famished. I think I have something here you��ll like,- her grandmother said, pulling out a jar of yogurt.


    ***


    Billy watched the sea in front of him. Today, they had to get the work right; yesterday, they had failed to get the proper shots for the chicken game scene. The game involved running into the water with enough force, and the first to turn back would be the ��chicken.�� It was perhaps the most important part of the entire program. For that reason, Billy understood that the best way to succeed was to embrace the ocean��words from the director. The cameras were mounted on a small wooden platform that would capture both close-up and wide shots.


    -All right, we��ll start with the shot,- the director said, noting that they��d begin with some simple shots and then wait for nightfall since most of the shots were coming out well.


    Billy nodded, eyeing the equipment that would help in case things got out of control.


    The sky signaled the late afternoon; it was almost seven in the evening, and Billy knew the crew would soon be celebrating�� He��d been filming  for eight weeks, not counting pre-production, but the time stretched far longer. As a supporting character, he��d been able to skip many hours of shooting, though the schedule was still intense. Now, he just had to do a long, exhausting swim, and then he��d have a four-day break that he could use to visit San Jose and organize the new business matters he needed to address before getting back to his scenes.


    -I hope you don��t mind me saving you, dear Anton,- Ethan joked, in character.


    -If only you weren��t so mediocre in everything else,- Billy replied, keeping Anton��s stoic demeanor. He rarely smiled, his jaw always set, embodying the pride of a genetically modified young man.


    -Not many would dare to do this scene. The water��s pretty cold, and filming in it is a hassle. But now I see why you��re in so many productions��you��ve got that drive,- Ethan commented as he sat down while the cameras were repositioned.


    -It��s refreshing to do things you once thought you couldn��t. This has given me a different way to understand acting,- Billy said.


    Both men fell into silence as the production team emitted gas to simulate a thin fog. The lagoon they would cross was two kilometers wide, from branch to branch. They were accompanied by a team of divers beneath the surface, each with a small green tube in hand.


    -It��s a little uncomfortable, -Billy muttered as he prepared for the scene, warming up his arms for the long swim ahead. At 200 meters, there was a platform, and 500 meters further, another raft awaited them.


    ...

 446. path.

    Star Wars is, without a doubt, one of the most satisfying films to have graced the 20th century. Each movie embodies American popular culture, filling fans with joy as countless people eagerly awaited their chance to see the film, already hailed as the blockbuster of its time. The success brought by Lux Animation promised that the production would stay true to what fans expected.


    Among the many discussions between George Lucas and Billy, they decided to focus on three key characters, while others would be explored in future installments. The first to be considered were Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Palpatine as both villain and senator and Obi-Wan, with Anakin playing a secondary role. They planned to spend two hours exploring the complexities of these three relationships.


    -It��s going to be a great film, - commented Steven Spielberg to the camera. He directed the movie, taking into account all of George Lucas��s and Billy��s ideas to give it the best chance for development.


    The media were astonished but nodded in agreement. The finest sets were used, many of them recreated from scratch. It was fantastic to see how everything came together. Having just directed the mega-blockbuster Jurassic Park, expectations were sky-high for the next projects.


    -No further comments? - asked the interviewer, along with others, as the press gathered to cover the event that captivated America. The same scene was happening in major cities across the U.S., a formality perhaps, but one that sparked a different kind of excitement.


    Steven��s smile said it all.


    -Well, I think that wraps it up, - the interviewer concluded, though still a bit unconvinced by Steven��s words.


    The director turned to Lucas, standing beside him were Francis Coppola and Martin Scorsese. Each of them was there to show support for the massive $150 million production, one of the largest and most well-managed to date.


    ***


    Billy had just finished the most important parts of his role, leaving only a few scenes that were meant for specific individuals. He took a break while going over his lines, with Ethan Hawke sitting nearby. Though somewhat awkward, Billy had grown accustomed to Ethan��s unique acting style over time.


    -I like your writing style, you know? I��m a big fan of all the series you��ve written. I��m a compulsive buyer of your comics, and I��ve read every single one of them. Slam Dunk was pure magic. - Ethan said, enthusiastically showing his admiration for Billy��s work. He spoke of Billy��s early series, right up to his latest projects, which had become more detailed and complex, covering themes like the soul, paradise, the underworld, and magic��concepts deeply woven into many of his series that blended Japanese and American culture.


    -It��s true, I��m inspired by my favorite authors. Paradise, and my way of viewing life, are entirely different from how others work. I use that understanding to constantly improve my skills. It''s a form of development. But it all started with my first comic, YuYu Hakusho. While working on that series, I had many similar ideas that gave me a space for exploration, leading to my next two works, Shaman King and Rurouni Kenshin. They laid the foundation for my upcoming project, Bleach. From there, I moved towards more action-oriented themes, with Trigun and Cowboy Bebop serving as bases for Van Helsing, who is a key competitor. However, my early designs for Samurai Jack and Hellboy are also closely tied to my original works. - Billy explained.


    -That��s true, that��s true. But I must say, you��ve got so many chapters that sometimes it feels impossible for you to manage each one. - Ethan said after a moment. - But then again, it��s obvious that these series are yours. They��re crafted from so many unique angles that all I can do is sit back and admire in silence like people do when they find something truly great. That��s why I see it all boils down to one thing��great work, simply fantastic. -


    -It��s true, I��m very good at creating stories... So, do you want an autograph, or is there something else you��re after? - Billy asked with a smile.


    -Well, I guess you can read my mind. I heard recently that you��re launching a series for Evangelion. Would you let me do voice work for some of the characters? - Ethan asked. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You��re aware of Lux Animation��s fee structure. I can��t pay more than $20,000 per episode. And considering you don��t have the right accent for the supporting characters, you��d be working for nothing... I can accept you, but I��m afraid I can��t pay you more than $15,000 for the entire series. - Billy replied.


    Ethan sighed but laughed.


    -Well, will you at least let me��? I��ve got a lot of favorite characters I��d love to portray. For example, I could voice the gunslinger from Cowboy Bebop, one of the main characters. I wouldn��t mind spending two weeks hearing my wonderful voice on the screen. - Ethan joked.


    -Deal, you can take the role as long as you don��t change the terms. You could even say you��ve already secured it. Many of the people we��re considering for the project are specialists in voice acting. - Billy said, preferring to rely on professionals for the voice work over simpler roles, which he viewed as requiring a distinct set of skills and nuances.


    -Welcome to Hollywood nepotism! It��s happened to me more than once, and I doubt it��ll ever be easy. - Ethan joked, as both actors prepared for their next scene. Ethan, as usual, was filled with excitement.


    -What about Star Wars? - Ethan asked.


    Billy chuckled.


    -That��s different. You might get a voice role because I handle the dubbing, but George oversees the casting, along with Steven Spielberg. They��re the bosses��one is the creator, and the other is the director. You��ll have to audition just like everyone else. - Billy responded.


    -Nothing is ever as perfect as it seems, - Ethan mused, lost in thought about how he could be part of his favorite series. Even if it meant taking a pay cut, it didn��t matter as long as it stayed confidential. His agent knew how he operated. With the first part already premiering and three more to come, he was eager to be part of the series, and Billy��s proximity as the head of production only heightened his excitement.


    It was Star Wars! The series he had watched countless times as a child.


    Both actors took a moment to talk about the movie and the contradictory themes of fate and euthanasia until they were interrupted by a sexy blonde swaying her hips. Ethan was smitten.


    ***


    The audience entered the theater, the air thick with anticipation. A few commercials played, most of them showcasing major films of the year that were sure to draw crowds. Raimon sat down, brimming with excitement, feeling a strange contrast to the calm around him.


    -Wow, I hope it��s as epic as I��m expecting, - Raimon said as if making a personal vow. His excitement for Lux Animation was evident, as the company caused quite a stir among those around him.


    The screen lit up with yellow and black, showing an image of a galaxy far, far away, a sea of stars. How long had the fans waited for this moment?


    ...

 447. phantom menace

    The movie begins with two lightsabers clashing back and forth, one held by a red and black figure, the other by a hooded man. Both are locked in a heated duel, the sabers moving with tremendous speed, accompanied by a grand fanfare.


    ...


    The scene left the audience breathless��this was the final boss. Every person was struck by the powerful introduction, reminiscent of when they first encountered Darth Vader. A magnificent villain with a high-impact presence, Maul''s appearance left fans completely stunned. They watched as Palpatine ordered him to wreak havoc across the galaxy, all while distracting the Jedi Council from his dark plans.


    In the next scene, Palpatine removes his cloak, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. His yellow eyes darken, and his grin shifts from menacing to calculated. He flashes a large, watchful smile as he heads toward the Senate. In a quick blink, the screen cuts to the Jedi Council, receiving news of a Sith and the rising darkness. Some members dismiss it as a false alarm, and various Jedi Masters are sent out. Master Sifo-Dyas is dispatched to a particular location, Master Vos to another near the core regions, Master Plo Koon to investigate rumors among the bounty hunters, and finally, Master Qui-Gon Jinn is sent as the last resort to deal with the Sith threat.


    The last shot shows Palpatine at the Senate, subtly manipulating the minds of his colleagues, injecting them with the dark side��filling them with hatred for the Chancellor and distrust toward the Jedi. His manipulative nature is on full display, delivering one of the most intense 15 minutes in Star Wars history.


    ...


    George and Billy always believed the best approach was to focus on the main characters, using their appeal to expand on secondary characters in spin-offs and series. Billy is already working on a spin-off centered around Dooku��s fall to the dark side, which will explore his relationships with Mace Windu and Yoda and will cast light on the Council��s conflicting perspectives toward the galaxy. The success of the first movie is crucial to Lucas, who fears leaving his saga incomplete.


    The following scenes depict Qui-Gon Jinn speaking with Obi-Wan, as though he were teaching Anakin. He imparts wisdom on how to move and act, all while maintaining the calm, humorous, and laid-back demeanor that fans have come to associate with Obi-Wan. His teachings give insight into why Obi-Wan became the man he is��a calm, meditative mentor.


    When they receive word of the blockade on Naboo, despite the Council��s objections, Qui-Gon insists he feels a strong presence there. Defying some members, he heads to Naboo, and during the journey, two key events occur: Obi-Wan meets Jar Jar Binks, and Qui-Gon encounters Queen Amidala. The scenes are divided, with beautiful shots of Jar Jar��s homeland, while focusing on Qui-Gon��s rescue of Padm�� Amidala, marking the first 30 minutes of the movie. Though fast-paced, it is Spielberg''s masterful direction that makes everything coherent and visually stunning, even incorporating clever transitions reminiscent of PowerPoint slides.


    Raimon clung to his seat, utterly mesmerized by the epic nature of the film. He could hardly process the brilliance, and how everything unfolded into something magnificent. Billy was a genius, though Raimon now resented how much had changed. S��ar?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ��Oh my God,�� Raimon exclaimed, as the film developed with stunning revelations��the cyborgs, the dark side, the treachery, and the shocking realization that Obi-Wan was still just a boy��stripping away any sense of composure over how epic it all was.


    The film continues with the arrival on Tatooine, where we are introduced to Anakin, this time portrayed as a nine-year-old, played by a more somber, serious child-like Haley Joel Osment. Unlike the rebellious version seen in other depictions, this Anakin is more reserved. His expression doesn��t waver until he spots the young Padm��. That scene was challenging to film, but ultimately, the subtle change in his eyes was enough to convey the emotion. He blushed and said little, with Natalie Portman��s youthful presence bringing the moment to life��Anakin, completely smitten but shy.


    Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows, a Zabrak stalks them, ever watchful, biding his time until the perfect moment to strike. The tension builds quietly, waiting for the inevitable clash.


    ...


    An hour into the movie, the next revelation shows the true mastermind behind it all: a figure commanding Darth Sidious, reprimanding him for his impulsiveness and lack of control over his emotions. The dark lord, Darth Plagueis, an ominous and powerful figure, governed the Trade Federation and the Banking Clan. His appearance��a grey-skinned extraterrestrial��was chilling and formidable. This scene caused another wave of shock in theaters, showcasing how the film revealed the hidden powers at play.


    Back on Tatooine, Anakin, and Obi-Wan prepare to escape, while Padm�� communicates with Sheev Palpatine via Holocron. This time, Palpatine manipulates the Senate with a motion of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum, all while maintaining his guise as a benevolent, compassionate politician.


    The theater erupted with gasps as Padm�� fell deeper into Palpatine''s web of deceit, further demonstrating the Republic''s corruption��driven by hedonism and greed��making the audience acutely aware of its moral decay.


    ...


    An hour and forty-five minutes in, with only 45 minutes left, Sheev, in a gesture of goodwill, sends orders to the Jedi, positioning himself as a man of the people, willing to do anything to save lives. This dual image, crafted by Spielberg��s lens, solidified him as the villain everyone now despised.


    Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan head to Naboo, only to be ambushed and faced with their doom at the hands of Darth Maul. The final battle is explosive, with intense five-minute space combat scenes as war erupts on the planet below. The grandeur of the music, accompanied by a breathtaking score, empowered the scene, offering a thrilling conclusion as Darth Maul escapes, leaving Obi-Wan to mourn his master��s death. In his dying breath, Qui-Gon urges Obi-Wan to train Anakin Skywalker.


    The film ends with Obi-Wan embracing Anakin, promising him that no matter what, he will be his student, and together, they will face whatever challenges lie ahead.


    ...

 448. impact.

    Raimon couldn��t help but shake his head in disbelief. It was more than he had ever expected, and everything was fantastic. All the decisions to invest 2 million in cards and make the sale after the movie to rework the plans for purchasing a few more properties in the U.S. Playing with Billy��s money had become a running joke for Raimon. Lux Animation was growing uncontrollably alongside Raimon��s business. He called the card factory and ordered them to prepare for another Star Wars card business. After all, he expected to sell the 2 million investment in California alone, and maybe some other major cities. But for that, he needed a lever.


    He descended the stairs, ignoring how much like a celebrity he felt. He already had the signatures of nearly everyone who participated in the film. He made John Caliber wait, as he first had to settle something with a character that, for him, was of utmost importance in the scene.


    -So, Mr. Arad, do you like the idea of turning something into a diamond? You''ve already seen the production facilities needed to shape it. Do you see what I��m saying? When you want something, you have to treat it like your baby. You��ve got to love it, create it, improve it, and bring it to what it''s destined to be. Billy believes Marvel can do the same. We don��t care about money��that will come on its own. When it does, the people involved with the films will be swimming in cash, for one simple reason: people love what��s well-made. If we treat our fans with respect and dignity, the future is in our hands. Don��t think about the money, not even once. Think about the story we��ll create at Lux Animation��a huge series! Success at every turn! Real movies! Picture it��Marvel in Billy��s hands will multiply its value by 1,000 times. You name the scale. What will you do, Avi?- said Raimon.


    Avi Arad was stunned once again. Seeing is believing��that��s the best way to prove something. Like a hidden gem, when found, the discovery feels even more real than the loss of it. In that split second of decision-making, something is either confirmed or denied. It avoids the omissions people make and becomes an arrow straight to the heart.


    Avi Arad looked with eyes full of wealth, already quantified in dollar signs in his bank account. With Billy, he��d earn double or triple what he ever expected, and if the investments were as strong as they seemed, the mythical figure of a man who built a film company from the ground up, without support or investment, with just his nails and talent, started to take on a different shape. It was no longer the image of a man clawing his way up, but a man who could carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and paint it beautifully for everyone else to see.


    ***


    -We all need to calm down a little.- said John Caiber.


    -It��s a good movie, but I feel like it didn��t hit the mark we were hoping for,- added Michael Nicols, one of the biggest Star Wars experts around.


    -On the contrary, for the first part, it was fantastic. It gave us a beginning, a middle, and an end. It explains the world or the era we��re living in. We saw the Jedi Order, which had only been mentioned in words before, with brilliant casting, and we got a better understanding of Sith culture. Was it lacking something special?- replied Marcus Vader, as he was known in the small circle of Star Wars fans.


    -We can agree that maybe it��s not the best movie. It completely changed my idea of Star Wars. So many new things, and so many different cultures, it made me feel like we were watching a different series, if not for the lightsabers. But I think it improved a lot in action scenes and movement... for me, it��s easily in the top three. Plus, remember it��s three movies. Raimon mentioned that the saga should be seen as one whole and not as three separate films like the first trilogy was.- John Caliber responded, amazed by the magic that every Star Wars entry had carried since 1977, and this one didn��t falter in quality.


    ***


    In New York, everyone was going crazy over what they had just seen, calling it the beginning of a great trilogy. It was the kind of movie that made them squirm in excitement. People were satisfied, even though their expectations had been sky-high. The film didn��t disappoint them. It was a great movie to enjoy, with an excellent plot and all the symbolism loaded with sci-fi elements in its grasp, leaving fans with numerous intriguing questions to ponder. It was proof that the success of Star Wars was tied to the franchise itself. But another segment of the population knew the success was thanks to the man who convinced Lucas, after many years, locked away in San Francisco.


    -I can��t wait to see what the coming years of Lux Animation will bring.- commented Stan Lee, nodding with satisfaction, seeing the movie with the eyes of a child unwrapping a Christmas present, for himself and everyone else.


    -I think we now understand what a brilliant mind can achieve when it doesn��t let itself be swayed by others�� opinions,- added Josh Kubert, the old man was frankly amazed at what a single mind was capable of accomplishing.


    ***


    Billy ended up going to the midnight showing with Danny DeVito and Ethan Hawke. Even Uma Thurman joined them. The group left the cinema in the early morning, each with mixed emotions.


    Star Wars was more than just a simple series. In the United States, it��s a symbol, and Billy didn��t initially grasp what it meant to take it on. Taking it means bearing responsibility for a portion of the population that will attack at the slightest contradiction they find wrong. Even with his system and knowledge, the movie barely passed. People said, -It��s good, I like it, I hope the next ones are better. - Those who loved it were happy and adored every part. The film filled pages of multiple writings, and the first night of the national premiere pulled in 12 million dollars, a brutal hit for the three showings they had in every theater across North America.


    -A good movie.- said Danny DeVito. Making films is never easy, especially when you��re the guy who��s always going to be questioned with every move you make. Normally, if you do something great, people will say they could��ve done it too. If it��s not as great, they��ll attack like hyenas from every direction.


    -Thanks, but I was just the screenwriter and investor. It��s all Steven and George��s work. The hardest part was getting the two of them to agree to work together. - Billy commented. It was the middle of the night, and both were heading to their trailers, feeling renewed.


    -I want to be in it,- said Ethan, who was, in truth, a hardcore fanboy.


    --Maybe in the next trilogy,-- Billy laughed. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Surprising the three of them. -- Next trilogy? What the hell, you haven��t even finished this one, and you��re already thinking about the next! --But for Danny DeVito, who had been in the industry a long time, he saw a glimpse of distant triumph. Billy was someone who focused on future successes, something the younger ones didn��t quite understand yet��what it means to keep going, despite failures.


    -I��m looking forward to the next trilogy.- Danny added.....

 448. San Jose: animation

    The day began with the usual work, and for everyone, the atmosphere was charged with happiness. In short, every person present had that invincible feeling. Each one of them was basking in joy as they watched the company achieve consecutive successes. Triumph was a catalyst for the future projects looming on the horizon.


    -Welcome, boss,- one of the members of Lux Toons greeted with a certain happiness, a mix of awe and reverence.


    -Anna, congratulations on the musician''s success. You and Guillermo created a fantastic story, your animations were captivating,- Billy responded to Anna Szymanska, who had found her stride in projects that turned joyful circumstances into profound moments. She was an expert at taking a concept and turning it into a moral tale, with a style that was beginning to resemble watercolor. She had quickly become one of the most valued animators for Billy.


    -You were fundamental in the whole creation process. You wrote most of the script and helped bring to life the settings I couldn��t visualize,- Anna replied, her eyes filled with pride and admiration, never doubting Billy��s ability to create something as precise as a surgeon''s stitch. He always gave just enough to take the next right step.


    -I heard you have a new project on your hands,- Billy remarked.


    -Well, we��re working on , though I��ve run out of clear ideas for now. I think I can add some shine to my animation in certain parts that need a 3D touch, but soon I��ll be joining the  project, as they want me to contribute my skills. I do have a project. Joe Murray, Craig McCracken, Shem Cohen, and Butch Hartman are developing the series ,- Anna explained.


    Billy followed Anna, listening intently to the fresh ideas being brought in. Now, even when other companies offer them jobs, people prefer Lux Animation because it has become the cradle of original ideas. Many who had come from Disney knew how hard it was to get noticed for series work. The  spy series was aimed at kids aged 7 to 15, dealing with the hidden and the strange, and how order is maintained by keeping everything under wraps��a bit of a clich��, but the comedic brilliance of the creators was what would bring it to life. Now the sketches, drawings, and storyboards had a certain polished style, one that Billy himself had chosen, surprising everyone with how refined it was.


    -They��re now handling both a main story and side stories, more work than before,- Billy commented.


    -We��ve worked to give the cartoon structure so that the main story is easy to follow and keeps the kids more connected, allowing them to piece the story together themselves. But we haven��t forgotten the importance of creative freedom, so it doesn��t become too complex,- Shem Cohen, a brilliant animator, responded. In previous projects, he had created characters as effortlessly as pulling a rabbit out of a hat.


    -It��s a great series. Produce 25 episodes, enough to be satisfactory. However, I��d like the villain to be something more than an ordinary human or a mild-mannered person. Perhaps a taboo figure or some entity��something with more depth,- Billy suggested.


    -We��ll do what we can,- Craig responded, knowing they were on the right track. Their responsibility now was to sustain the series while juggling their projects, which were many.


    -Do that and more. I have faith in the series you��re creating. Send the package to Anna when it��s ready,- Billy added, making his exit, carrying just two large scripts to his desk, filled with various ideas from the animators. Of course, he still had to continue with the story that kept swirling in his mind��the 55th chapter of  and the 133rd chapter of , the arrival of the Straw Hats at the Grand Line. These were benchmarks for the kinds of stories that were now gaining fans from every corner. sea??h th�� ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For , he had incorporated numerous subplots involving Trafalgar Law, Kid, and Jimbei, who would become central figures in the saga. With many powerful secondary characters and great masters lurking in the shadows, he had created a true love for animation. Now the franchise boasted at least 150 characters, while for , he had similarly brought about improved drawing quality, with more characters contributing to the story and adding layers to each character''s dimensionality at a breakneck pace.


    ***


    Monica was delighted, wearing a dreamy expression on her face as she arrived in San Jose that morning. After people completed a short film about the production she was working on, she felt more relaxed and took some time to enjoy food and drinks. Perhaps it was a dream she needed to recapture, a respite from the workload of constantly preparing for a role she didn��t feel ready for, but gave her all nonetheless. In her free time, she focused on perfecting her speech. The way she spoke was critical.


    -Darling, I��m at our apartment,- she texted with a long sigh. Her life had taken an unexpected turn in the last five months.


    She picked up the script for . It still bore the notes her acting coach, hired by Jim Waiit, had scribbled in the margins. He was incredibly strict about depth and understanding the character. He adhered to the traditional method, requiring her to integrate the role into her routine. Playing a woman from half a century ago came with layers of complexity.


    Her phone rang.


    -Winona, how wonderful to hear from you. I��m afraid I��m in San Jose and will be here until the weekend, as Billy is filming some scenes in San Francisco until next Monday,- Monica said.


    -I had planned for us to go to a party together! Now I have to go alone!- Winona replied, disappointed.


    -What about Drew? She��s always up for these kinds of events,- Monica said, knowing the young blonde��s reputation as one of Hollywood��s party magnets��a lifestyle that was both peculiar and profitable.


    -I want to go, but she always ends up disappearing with some guy or a friend I didn��t even know she had,- Winona replied, somewhat begrudgingly.


    -Come to San Jose. We��ll drink wine with Anne; she��s a good friend and I��m sure you��ll like her. And Billy will be working all weekend�� probably won��t rest until April 15th, with all the deadlines approaching,- Monica said, preferring San Jose over L.A. This city was 100% Billy��s��filled with restaurants, hotels, sports teams, and shops. It was said, as a joke but not far from the truth, that every hundred meters there was something of Billy��s. He had the city in the palm of his hand, driving its economic growth through the companies he was steadily fortifying.


    -I don��t want to travel.-


    -Come on, it��s easy�� you fly in, and you can help me run my lines for the upcoming roles. Plus, we��ll visit the many restaurants Billy owns. All of them are delicious, including some Italian spots I��ve personally tested and approved. Say yes!- Monica pleaded. Winona hesitated but finally agreed. The flight wouldn��t take more than two hours, and she wouldn��t need much in terms of clothes for such a quick trip.


    -Alright, but pick me up at the airport, and I expect a surprise,- Winona relented, giving in to Monica��s persuasive words. The plan to visit San Jose seemed better than a party�� with award season over, it was better to lay low for a while.


    ...

 449. orchestra

    Raimon hadn��t settled in the office for a while. He��d been traveling across the country, managing the many Lux Animation satellites spread throughout North America. He was organizing, overseeing everyone, dealing with the purchase of a hotel in New York, handling the Marvel acquisition, the stock issues, and finally sorting out the merchandise related to trading cards, which was helping break into the board game market and improving Toys and Comics. The walls, adorned with books, posters, and some action figures, were Raimon��s dream come true.


    -I��ve set up a dinner with Avi Arad, but I don��t want to travel anymore�� I just want to stay here and eat sweets every day while I handle everything Anne sends me. I��m exhausted from all the traveling around the country, - Raimon said, grabbing the latest Hunter X Hunter comics. He��d spent half the day reading comics, getting up to speed with the new plots Billy was launching. The feel of the paper on his fingers was a necessity, a ritual as he watched the stunning pages come to life with color and form.


    -Tomorrow night. - Raimon nodded. -I��ll make a note of that. Also, I want you to explain what you did with the stocks, what my share is, and what we can do with the bulk of the companies. - Billy responded, continuing his detailed sketches using his usual 1/8 sheet scale, easier for detailing though pricier for coloring. But that wasn��t his concern.


    Raimon puffed out his chest. He knew for sure he��d done well over the past few days, doubling Billy��s money.


    -Well, I shorted, leveraging 200%. So far, the rise has earned us a lot of money in some companies. I could��ve made some extra cash in sales through my father��s connections. I organized the Marvel acquisition for the bonds, with some corporate gifts. We��ll buy the bonds at 40%, and I��ve negotiated the possible purchase of the Manhattan hotel, though at a steep price, - Raimon said.


    Billy, intrigued, was eager to review the stock reports. Raimon was as crucial as Anne, perhaps even more so.


    In three months, he��d increased the total stock value by a fifth. A business genius, he��d done it out of fear of being reprimanded for overspending on Star Wars collectibles, but after his success, he decided to take a middle ground, make an extra push, and switch to ordering licenses for a different style and new Dungeons and Dragons games.


    -I heard you had fun selling the Star Wars cards, - Billy commented.


    -Well, hahaha, I just thought they were so beautiful that I doubled the production, - Raimon replied, downplaying it.


    -Yeah, I heard that. But I think we should stop focusing on the cards for now. What do you think about creating a Star Wars Metroidvania game? - Billy asked, seeing the potential for a Star Wars game with a Pok��mon-like format, reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was a fantastic idea.


    He began pitching the game concept, suggesting a range of fun, multi-character games with different world designs. Both Lucas and ID Software had dedicated time to it, building a great storyline.


    Raimon��s mouth hung open, dumbstruck. He realized how much he loved the idea, and how badly he needed it. He wanted to create a game version, a visually stunning one, featuring Qui-Gon Jinn as the lead, set just before and during  He knew fans would relish every inch of it, but what they would truly appreciate was the art. He already had some great workers who were more than eager to make their own game.


    -So...-


    -We��ll exploit that Star Wars license. Lucas will make a lot of money, but I have a series of explanations about many characters, and I��ve opened the license so some of them can fully expand the Star Wars universe. We have a general guide for the entire series, but we expect the chosen people to solve and expand as much as I��d like�� Your work has helped me wrap up many stories. I��ve written a few scripts for Darth Vader and the Jedi, - Billy said. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -So, what��s next? - Raimon asked.


    -Now, we need to make enough money off Star Wars so that it pays the bills. With the movies, we��ll make enough to buy Lucasfilm, at least 60% or 70%. We have fifteen years to produce different kinds of series that won��t oversaturate the fanbase. That��s why we��re planning two simple things: two trilogies, three animated series, two live-action series, and two spin-off films, whether live-action or animated, - Billy explained.


    Raimon adjusted his stocky frame, wiping sweat from his jeans. His shirt, emblazoned with  featuring Luke Skywalker, clung to him as he swallowed hard.


    -You��ll let me be the one pulling the strings�� I��ll be the director, - Raimon stammered, almost choking on his words.


    -Of course. I want you to organize most of the series, especially the ones we can use to make a lot of money. But before that�� help me go over the accounts. I trust no one but you to handle those tasks, - Billy replied, needing someone to handle the financial matters of Lux Films and Lux Distribution.


    Winona, carrying a multitude of suitcases, wore sunglasses and a radiant smile. She was thrilled to be traveling. She cherished privacy and meetings free of cameras and flashes. The intense beep of her phone alerted her that Monica was already waiting at the exit, her white hat covering most of her face as she slipped by unnoticed.


    A gray Toyota van awaited her, with Monica��s familiar greeting partially obscured by the wind blowing her hair around. She smiled, happy to see everything going better than expected.


    -God, you didn��t take long at all, - Monica said.


    -I got lucky, and well�� it��s better this way, - Winona replied calmly as she took off her hat, fixing her hair, which had started to grow since her last haircut. Though there were still a few shots to film, she no longer needed to cut her hair; styling it properly was enough.


    The van set off, and the two chatted about how much they enjoyed the freedom. Only a few occasional reporters remained, but the distance allowed them to take this kind of attention in stride. Billy��s refusal to answer questions was enough for reporters to limit their interruptions to more predictable occasions, in places where paparazzi were less of a nuisance.


    -Are you going to take the role that will take you to Europe? -


    -I am. It��s better that way�� Europe alone fills me with excitement for my future roles. Billy supports my decision to head to the Old Continent and take the path I feel is best, - Monica said.


    -What can you do? I hope it goes well for you. I��m still planning my scheduled vacation, - the short-haired woman replied.


    -You could come with me and do some sightseeing while I work. I��ll show you the best spots during our free afternoons, - Monica offered.


    -Yeah, well�� I think that��d be amazing. Fashion Week is coming up soon, and we��ve got to attend some events. I know Billy usually goes to these things, and sometimes he even joins in the after-parties. But I doubt he��ll want to miss out on being part of something bigger with you, - Winona said.


    -Oh, he will! -


    ....

 450. grace.

    -Billy was doing his special job of organizing the comics that Raimon had picked up earlier to read. It was common for the boy to take all his books and read them; by disorganizing them, he would have to attend a meeting soon. Avi Arad was working in Santa Monica, conducting studies for Ronald Perelman to acquire the production studio temporarily moved to San Jose, where he had a meeting with Billy about crucial matters. He was trying to decide whether to continue with Ronald, abandon him, and who he would leave for.


    Billy failed to meet Karl Ikam, the person looking to buy the bonds. He only discovered the information during a night of drinking with Ronald, who drunkenly shared all the details. Along with other partners, he saw the potential and decided to make a purchase, but he failed in two aspects. The first mistake Ronald made was auctioning the shares; the second was that his shares were overshadowed by a clinical failure because he wanted extra money��much extra money��for his various schemes.


    Secondly, he completely offended the artists and recognized members who had been working at Marvel for their entire lives.


    "The data from the musician''s first week has arrived," Anne commented. The company was doing remarkably well. The blonde was refreshed; her shoulders were relaxed, her hair shone, and she looked simply stunning, like a hot woman who made her appear brand new.


    "Leave them with Raimon. I have a meeting with Avi Arad. We��ll need to allocate funds; we may have Marvel by June this year or August," Billy commented.


    Anne frowned.


    "I have a relevant issue. We��ve signed the agreement with the football team. If you keep buying like this, no wallet will withstand it. Last year, we organized our finances with the lucky break from the Ice Age. We have debt and have taken on even more debt than we already have," Anne stated.


    Billy smiled at her while sighing indifferently; he was confident in the success of the animated films, at least. Many of the others were in a strange place; Jerry Maguire barely hit 200 million.


    But buying the hockey team was the last of the Ice Age expenses after paying off debts, even though Lilo & Stitch was a success; numerous investments consumed money quickly. At the same time, for the San Francisco 49ers, he needed 290 million for payment.


    With many investments piling up, many of them felt trapped because everyone needed funding or payments. ID Software managed to maintain its budget; however, many gaming satellites were barely reporting and required money every month. Like the food company that opened three branches, they were overwhelmed, and Anne sent money daily.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the purchases were going to television production channels��Japanese, American, and Korean��which were the largest water filters. Generally, Billy divided the money among these companies into the first instances and the major general issues, like the Discovery Channel, which, despite not losing subscribers, was still affected by many premieres that were up in the air.


    All the revenue from the musician would go to Discovery unless they earned three times what was expected. For now, they anticipated 130 million dollars with a base investment of 28 million; the cost covered was 50, and the remaining 80 million was allocated to Discovery. Everything earned above that would be used for remaining productions in Korea and Japan.


    -We will make money, Raimon. He has managed to grow our funds with Poco; profits have already begun to show in the card factory, and it��s possible that with Autodesk going public, we will recover more money than we already have. For now, the sale shares are at 37 dollars. According to our calculations, our income from last year was reported to be 800 million, and all of that was invested. By the time they see our financial stability, we��ll go public. Many licenses expire next February; we��ll see the updates, - Billy commented.


    -Are you betting again? - Anne asked, to which he vehemently denied, looking somewhat inattentive and lost as he nodded, filled with plans to make calculations at home.


    -Actually, yes. This year, we have a bet on Michael Jordan��s success in his return; I bet on his victory at several casinos, but with my salaries, I think we��ll earn enough to take advantage and cover some of the expenses, - Billy replied.


    -I told you to stop gambling! It��s not funny! Not a game! - Anne shouted, with total disdain.


    -Monica is in San Jose. You��ll come with me to dinner; I want you to measure up Avi Arad; I trust your instincts, - Billy said.


    Anne felt naked for the first time; she had a nagging idea that Monica would find out right away because she always seemed to have X-ray vision. But seeing Billy��s cynicism about what they had done�� ��it��s just a contract����she told herself as she looked at the guy. She sighed deeply and stepped forward to deliver the new comics.


    -What about Monica? - Anne asked.


    -We have a contract, Anne. - Those were the words she didn��t want to hear but which reassured her that everything would be fine.


    -Yes, I see, - Anne said, disappointed.


    -Come here. -


    She approached, somewhat hesitantly, but she did and took a seat next to him, filled with doubt about how everything had transpired, and felt punished.


    -There are two of us, Anne. The contract is our difference; when the contract is not active, you are just Anne Hall, and when it��s active, you are my wife, mine to possess, - Billy stated, gripping her jaw and tracing his lips. She couldn��t help but suck her finger.


    -Who am I now? - she asked in a whisper.


    -You��re Anne Hall, and until Sunday night, you will be my wife until Monday morning, Anne, - Billy said, recognizing the challenges he faced. -For now, you know we have meetings, and agendas to attend to, and of course, I��ll handle the issues with Apple. I know someone who can lend me money at a low interest rate. -


    That was the only account that troubled Billy. Many friends with a lot of money but no desire to lend it. He was sure the most important person on his contact list was now...


    ***


    -I have a dinner to attend with a potential partner; you can join me or wait at a nearby table, - Billy stated.


    -You��re not giving me a choice! You��re being domineering again! That doesn��t matter; I��ll wear that Prada dress that cost my entire allowance. You should know you��ll have another companion, a friend who will spend the weekend with us. I think we can go to the nature park tomorrow afternoon, so don��t schedule much, - Monica replied on the phone while Winona prepared a Spanish tortilla in the oven, which she had learned to make a few days ago.


    -Very well; it��s better this way, - Billy responded. It was already seven, and they were still in the office. Night would fall late, and normally the clear sky would give a little sun that faded into the horizon. It was a tradition to see the horizon that lay before them; Billy finished organizing the comics while Anne reviewed the accounts, with another loan in hand. The debt would grow significantly, and it was possible that if Star Wars didn��t succeed, their red numbers would be lurking.


    But if Billy could secure an investment, the exchange spectrum could change. What friend of his would be willing to invest in them? Who would provide money without being bothered by other matters? He doubted anyone was that generous.


    -Sir, we need to leave; the car is ready, - said Erwin Kyle, the head of security.


    -Very well; let��s meet up with Anne. -


    ***


    Avi Arad waited at the table, smoking a cigarette. He was seated and exhausted from all the errands he had been running, so his position had been reduced to a strange coincidence of working at Marvel, which he had wanted to do for a long time.


    The guy was followed by a retinue of three women, all beautiful in their way. One of them was elegant and seductive, another was casual and ethereal, and the last was strict, neat, and hot... that last adjective had been hanging around Anne all week.


    Somewhat liberated, he was approached by the women, a glance, and that distinguishing something was already alive.


    -Good evening, Mr. Arad. I hope I haven��t kept you waiting too long, - Billy commented, shaking hands and taking the three women with him. -This here is Anne, the CEO of Lux Animation, and the one we��ll be meeting with from now on. She will be the direct contact. On the other hand, these two women here are our delightful companions, Monica and Winona.-


    -It��s a pleasure,- Avi Arad commented, his thoughts blank. He showed no signs of his feelings; he was a calm man. The only thing that truly moved him was Marvel and money, but he knew that the two were not very well connected. Still, he did his best to correct those mistakes.


    The women wore their charming dresses, unlike Anne, who wore an office suit, slightly casual due to its pastel tones, different from the dark colors she usually wore. The women whispered among themselves, even if it was only through glances, which surprised Anne in any different and obtuse manner. They ordered sumptuous food while Avi extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. They ate like friends, exchanging responses.


    My offer is for me to acquire 100% of the company, including Marvel Comics, Marvel Animation, Marvel Designs, and Marvel Games, 95% of Marvel Films, and 80% of Marvel Toys, -- Billy stated, taking notes. --In exchange, I promise an investment of 1 billion dollars spread across all branches and an investment of 480 million for three films. I believe we should start with two series: Spider-Man and X-Men. But as long as we have a solid script, we can sign different movies, -- he added.


    -That''s a bit harsh, assuming you��d take over the toy division, - Avi Arad replied, reviewing the overall terms. But Billy interrupted.


    -I think you��re mistaken; that''s just the beginning. It only covers films, but my goal is to create animated movies and series. And of course, to wait for the right moment to ensure my technology has the necessary special effects. I promise to invest 1 billion in a project just for the film, but we��ll have to wait at least until 2005. However, I have faith; you��ve seen my successes, - Billy continued.


    The contract was all on paper, and success was just a moment away. Avi Arad was preoccupied with thoughts; he currently held 10% of Marvel''s total revenue, and the full control of the video game division was secure and impressive. He was already thinking about the next investment.


    There was a debate going on in his mind��would 5% be significant if the investment doubled? What had he offered Stan Lee to get him on board? How much money had he laid on the table? Just how important was Marvel to the guy sitting next to him?


    ...


    S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 451. American.

    Anne concluded her meeting with Mr. Avad when he finally agreed, even while refusing the 5% stake in Marvel Films and 20% of Marvel Toys. It''s less fair, but barely; his earnings can be credited to capital production and several other volumes that give life and design to the entertainment world. The 5% from a billion-dollar gain��the investment��amounts to 50 million, enough to retire and enjoy a pleasant life.


    -That will be all, Mr. Arad, -commented Anne as she drafted the contract. Managing numerous functions was just the icing on the cake, from maintaining order in the Santa Monica studio to considering the recreation of a massive studio in Star Wars style. Billy toyed with the idea of building a far larger mega-attraction in San Jose, where the land, where the Star Wars production studio already thrived, only needed another mega-studio not too far away.


    It could be twice as big �� he was already envisioning the project: Marvel on one side, Star Wars on the other, a wax museum of the characters in the middle, alongside various stores selling unique Lux Animation items. He could even add Jurassic Park and a Pok��mon Park. After all, he had 20 acres to fill, and in the coming years, San Jose''s building infrastructure would transform no other.


    With three board members in favor, only Ronald Perelman''s vote and one neutral abstention remained.


    -What if the upcoming animated series succeeds?- asked Avi Arad.


    -It won''t perform like the others for two simple reasons: we already delivered a product two years ago that surpasses the series Saban will likely produce. When we worked with Saban, we invested heavily to bring a sinibringing life with every detail in place. Out of the 150 episodes completed in four years, we did what was required, - replied Anne, aware that Lux Animation��s mega-production was her first big project, setting everything in motion.


    ��


    -Darling, are you sure you don��t want some wine?- asked Monica.


    I not in the mood today. The week has been unbearable... your dear Billy has doubled my workload with all the extras, and the recent acquisitions have exhausted me. - She took a deep breath. -Tomorrow, the newspapers will have a field day with Billy. It��s likely we��ll have the press all over us for quite some time again, - said Anne, kissing Monica �� something she never imagined she��d do, but now, as Billy had told her, Sunday night with Anne Hall was another side of her entirely. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Tomorrow it is then. What a shame,- murmured the Italian woman, giving a light kiss on each cheek as they said goodbye.


    Shortly after Anne left, Billy explained that tomorrow, news would break about the acquisitions of the San Francisco 49ers, along with details on the purchases of the San Jose Sharks, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco Giants �� four teams that represent the world of sports, with a possible addition of the LA Galaxy. Interestingly, these teams could be acquired by Americans or those with a strong connection to sports through consistent support. For instance, Billy promised to establish sports talent centers, support women��s teams, and make donations to certain sports initiatives, all of which he must fulfill within five years.


    -Tomorrow, they��ll announce the purchase of the San Francisco 49ers, - commented Billy, realizing the days ahead would be busier. The sports franchises were important for now, but in 15 years, these would become major financial movements, and owning a team would be even more challenging.


    Monica frowned, watching Billy��s impenetrable thoughts unfold. It was increasingly difficult to understand his motives; he was involved in countless ventures, making it hard to tell if it was all part of a larger, strategic move. For her, sports represented soccer �� it was politics, social fame, passion, and a unique way of understanding life. She shrugged, knowing she would gradually understand his actions over the years. Billy was solely focused on entertainment; it was his goal, his foundation, the key to a fulfilling life.


    -You bought the San Francisco 49ers? Oh my god, - murmured Winona, interrupting.


    ***


    April 6.


    Sports Magazine.


    In a historic transaction that has shocked the sports world, well-known entrepreneur Billy Carson has successfully acquired four major Bay Area sports franchises: the San Francisco 49ers, the San Jose Sharks, the San Francisco Giants, and the Golden State Warriors. This unprecedented move, both in scale and impact, establishes the new owner as a dominant figure in professional sports and sets the stage for transformative changes across multiple leagues.


    A Strategic Vision for Bay Area Sports


    The mastermind behind this daring acquisition is a well-known figure in finance and entertainment, famed for his successes and adept at handling complex deals with both short-term and long-term payoffs across various ventures. His decision to heavily invest in these iconic Bay Area sports teams not only reflects a passion for athletics but also a profound understanding of the region��s cultural and economic landscape. As the owner of NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA teams, he is poised to create synergies across sports, marketing opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.


    One of the most intriguing aspects of this acquisition is his vision of collaboration between franchises. The new owner plans to implement innovative strategies to integrate operations, from shared marketing campaigns to collaborative fan engagement experiences. Nike��s involvement through Lux Animation has already been noted. For instance, season ticket holders for one team may benefit from exclusive discounts or early access to events of another. This approach aims to unite fans from different sports under a common pride for the Bay Area.


    This move could also revolutionize local sports infrastructure. Rumors suggest plans to upgrade shared facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports complex that would serve as a hub for training, entertainment, and fan experiences. This "sports city" concept would bring together players and fans from different franchises, fostering unity and loyalty.


    Meanwhile, adding women��s teams to these franchises �� women willing to play and open new doors in sports �� is just the icing on the cake.


    ��


    -How does he do it? - remarked Michael Eisner, watching each of the young man��s acquisitions month after month.


    -He��s a drug dealer, - Michael Ovitz joked with a shrug. -I think it��s because he may be the only one running his company. He has numerous assets and only needs to sell one company to renew the others. There are rumors that it could be Autodesk, though some think it might leave the stock market altogether. I believe his red numbers are a strategy he can afford. Unlike us, who answer to shareholders, he��s driven solely by his vision of the future. -


    -I know that... it��s frustrating to see his growth. Star Wars just had the highest-grossing opening weekend in history, and now I fear it will continue to expand uncontrollably,- commented Michael Eisner.


    A year ago, there was talk of accusing Billy of monopolistic practices, but it was impossible when he wasn��t involved in telecommunications and only partnered with major and minor companies. But the $98 million opening weekend in the U.S. weighed like Sisyphus��s stone on every company��s shoulders. This led Avi to seal the contract �� when someone turns everything they touch into gold, they become legendary. The press tried to be negative but failed.


    It��s hard to criticize when something is truly good, and Star Wars had detractors, but fans unanimously loved the movie for what it was: a grand blockbuster, the first in the packed agenda of 1996.


    -The kid has decided to partner with Miramax, investing in a movie. We could do business together, - Ovitz commented, considering the opportunity.


    -He��s refused to work with us! - remarked Michael Eisner.


    Ovitz almost rolled his eyes. "Not attacking him doesn��t mean he��ll come seeking a partnership. He��s more likely to keep his distance due to unfamiliarity."


    ...

 452. oxygenate.

    April 19, 1996.


    For a long time, Lux Animation''s goal had been to establish a sales strategy to give them a solid starting point. Notably, a specific tax law was passed in the metropolitan area of San Jose, designating business activities to a particular enterprise zone. San Francisco, meanwhile, was classified as an entertainment hub with its own set of regulations. This law stipulated that businesses failing to comply would face additional taxation. From Thomas Carson''s law firm came a project to amend or even overturn this law entirely.


    The first step was to study the growth of San Jose as an urban development zone. Billy��s company, as the area''s most prominent entertainment enterprise, embarked on a challenging journey.


    -So, we did it,- commented Thomas Carson.


    -Indeed, we managed to turn a blessing into a curse,- replied Franz from the law firm. Not only had they overturned the tax imposition by arguing they were an entertainment business, but they��d also managed to secure recognition as an emerging industry and expanded the entertainment designation to include San Jose. They even stretched the guild range to include sports companies, provided these entities demonstrated sufficient social contribution, a crucial point during the state council��s debate on the law.


    -This is the best news I''ve heard all year,- murmured Thomas, breathing a brief sigh of relief. sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, sir. Now that the debate is over, we can claim the commission from Lux Animation,- said Franz, a junior attorney. Though burdened with many obligations, Franz��s work would always be double-checked by senior attorneys to ensure accuracy.


    Franz wore a standard black suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie, which accentuated his vibrant eyes. Thomas handed him the next round of affiliations while the rest of the day unfolded with each person focused on their respective duties. Thomas��s role, in particular, involved addressing a contractual breach for certain clients.


    ***


    Billy arrived in Los Angeles, breathing in the fresh air, ready to attend the second round of casting for , aiming for the lead role. Several scenes would be performed with different actresses to test their on-screen chemistry��a critical factor for James Cameron��s vision of the film.


    -They declined the investment once they saw your interest. However, they are open to you joining as a producer, - said Jim Waiit.


    Billy frowned. Among the chosen actresses were Gwyneth, a young Charlize with little film experience, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Geena Davis, Claire Danes, Drew Barrymore, Rose Byrne, and even Madonna, who had her unique appeal.


    -I don��t care much about producing, but I have a few ideas that might be valuable for the script. I see scenes that could use some refinement, - said Billy, already noting several differences between his vision and the current approach.


    He was eventually brought to a room where he waited until Charlize appeared, her bright blue eyes sparkling nervously as she greeted him. Billy took her hand with a gentle touch and kissed it.


    -Madam, if you could share your name, it would bring me undeserved happiness,- he said playfully.


    -Perhaps you deserve it, sir, but I need to know your family background first,- Charlize replied, playing along before breaking into a laugh.


    Two men took their roles, quickly, and had them record scenes on paper, first, they both reproduced a romantic kiss, second, they performed a script from an old movie, while both took the scene in their favor. They thanked them for their performance and left, but Billy watched every detail, his eyes dazzled by how simple the role was for him, very simple and distant from what they initially took into account.


    ***


    By the afternoon, Billy was immersed in multiple screen tests. He performed scenes with Claire Danes, who seemed slightly distracted, and Mia Kirshner, a charming Canadian actress whose performance didn��t quite resonate with Billy. Of all the candidates, Claire displayed an exceptional level of acting that surpassed Charlize, although Charlize��s natural beauty and charisma were undeniable.


    -We still need to select the right actress, - James remarked.


    Billy nodded, noting James��s dedication to his projects.


    -You��ve agreed to produce, then?- James asked.


    -I turned it down. I��d rather focus on acting, though I do have some suggestions. I think a three-hour runtime would be ideal, provided the editing is sharp,- Billy responded. For Billy, the role was straightforward, but he envisioned a cinematic masterpiece. Even his look��long, slightly messy hair��reflected his character��s youthful, rebellious essence.


    -I was considering a few things. But yes, focusing on your role is the priority. What would you suggest we change?- asked James.


    Billy handed him a leather notebook filled with his sketches. James looked over the artwork, acknowledging the intensity and creativity they represented. Together, they decided to update certain scenes, including the poker game where Jack wins his Titanic passage��a symbolic moment that emphasizes class differences.


    They improved the costumes a bit and re-did some of the scenes to Lapis, which gave some better taste, like the fact that there was no relief of romance as it should be presented in every shot.


    -I would like to, and I have the means, but... we will do it without caring about the things that are around us, when I''m there, and when no one sees anything I will come and do those scenes. - Cameron commented, for example, there was not the poker game, with which Jack won, but the character in his passage to the Titanic, it was this that gave the idea of formalizing the characters, with a difference that it must be a contrast of classes.


    -We will follow the cliche, but we will do the cliche in the best way, raising the thoughts of each step, we have carefully every detail. - commented Billy, who already had the Titanic in his head.


    -titanic. 30 points. -


    That loophole gave him many ideas on all fronts, and choosing a character required above-average acting skills, and so far of the three people, Charlize met those considerations on the surface but needed a lot of work. Claire was perfect at acting, but he knew that a beautiful woman would have more impact, however, it wouldn''t matter if that woman couldn''t act. It had to be a mix of concepts, and even going beyond just one thing, there was the temperament, the woman who lives a story, of the three only Charlize had the temperament, of tristesse engraved in her eyes.


    ....

 453. opponents.

    Kate Winslet had fallen in love with the role, holding deep in her heart the longing to belong to such a beautifully romantic idea, one that captivated everyone and gave each person their impression that it would be a success, even if only artistically. It was the kind of notion that inspired her to write numerous letters and keep up a correspondence with Cameron over the past few days, seeing it as the best way to make her surroundings meaningful.


    "Well, it seems to me that Rose is a woman filled with fear and faults, someone who makes impulsive decisions that lead her to mistakes. But it��s this very impulsiveness that makes her so charismatic, and that quality defines her character. She��s incredibly strong and always causing trouble, as she grapples with the mistakes she makes. That��s why, in one way or another, Rose needs to be aware of what she��s doing. It��s through that consciousness that she ultimately succeeds and allows everything to fall into place..." Kate continued talking about why she was the best fit for the role, expressing that she didn''t just want to suggest ideas; she deeply wanted that role. An unforgettable love story was exactly what she needed.


    -We have good news and bad news, - remarked Kate''s agent, Francis Grore, interrupting her writing.


    -Is something wrong? - Kate, now sporting dark hair, asked. It wasn��t her usual color, but her youthful beauty made any shade highlight her sparkling eyes, eyes that seemed ready to conquer the world if given the chance.


    -We may have a lead for the film... someone who''s been making waves: Billy Carson. He��s having a big meeting with James Cameron. The producers like him, and he��s known for being a hard worker in the acting world. Even people who might consider themselves his rivals speak highly of working with him,- Francis explained.


    Taking a deep breath, the obsession for a role is magnificent, but fear of failure can be daunting. Kate was headstrong and determined, and while that might not always be the healthiest approach, it was the very thing fueling her drive for success.


    -I think we can apply some pressure on the British Academy,- Kate said, striking the desk with her hand. Her home was modest��a rented 50-square-meter apartment in L.A., decorated with a few personal touches, including a lovely red rug.


    -I��ll try to speak to some directors and friends who might support this campaign,- Francis replied.


    -We��ll secure the opportunity for this role. I��m sure with a little pressure, James won��t be able to say no to me as the heroine of ,- she said, resolute in her pursuit of the role.


    ***


    -I don��t think it��s such a good idea,- commented John Crosby, the agent who had discovered the young Charlie. Despite being just a beautiful young woman with blue eyes, he saw in her a glimmer of success that convinced him to take her on. Resources were allocated to the young blonde��who was stunning, graceful, and perfectly tailored to what directors sought in a leading lady.


    -Well, I have a feeling it��s going to be wonderful... the production will be fantastic, John. Something tells me that with a role in this movie, I might get noticed by the major studios. We��re in the final stretch; I��ve been attending auditions and meeting with producers for two months now. Giving up isn��t an option. If I lose this, there will be another film. And if I don��t, so be it. I��ll move on,- Charlie said, her eyes gleaming with excitement at the prospect before her. The thought of witnessing a great actor, someone with talent unlike anything she''d seen before, filled her with an emotion that seemed to radiate from her heart��a sense that her passion was close at hand.


    Holding the script, or at least part of it, she read joyfully, captivated by how each scene unfolded. She knew a bit about the situation, and Paramount had initially hesitated about the film. But at one point, they set aside their doubts and were even looking forward to it. There was something she wasn��t aware of, but Charlie felt she ought to know. Her fine leather brown shoes tapped insistently on the floor.


    -What happened when you attended the last audition?- John Crosby asked. S��ar?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Nothing significant,- she replied.


    -What happened? I just have a few questions,- he said, visibly curious.


    -Nothing strange. I met Billy Carson, the famous artist, and then we discussed the project��s future. I greeted Mr. Cameron and did what was asked of me,- she replied, slightly uncertain of her own words. She took a sip of coffee, glancing at the clock and cursing. She was running late for her part-time job.


    John Crosby left with a hint of doubt, wondering what was happening within the production. He took a more discreet approach, deciding to ask a friend who worked as a secretary for a Paramount television network administrator. Gossip was always available if you asked the right people.


    ***


    Billy left Jim Waiit in charge of negotiating the contract. Jim had proposed working for a risk-based profit percentage, receiving a cut if the box office surpassed the breakeven point. People were on board with it��the 8% wasn��t insignificant, especially since Jim had included DVD revenue as well. With just a solid performance, he stood to earn far more than others, taking 8% alongside Cameron��s 10%, ensuring plenty of earnings for all parties.


    This was enough for Billy, even if it might have been more profitable to invest and acquire a larger production share. For now, that success was reserved for , which, barring any major setbacks, would cover most of the investment costs. The immense expenses led to the purchase of properties under Lux Films and the mega-production studio, with $150 million allocated and $50 million spread across future films, increasing each budget by $50 million for production studio costs. They stood to profit continuously from ticket sales and marketing revenue over the coming decades.


    -It��s more than I expected,- Billy remarked, stroking his chin.


    -You��re going to have to go all out this time. You have a world tour lined up, with stops in most European capitals, interviews, and fan events��all the things you��re not fond of, like facing the public,- Jim Wait replied.


    -It��s worth it. This is money well invested,- Billy said, knowing it would be worth every penny. With potential box office records, he aimed to boost profits with the studio��s support, targeting $2 billion. And even if that didn��t materialize, DVD sales alone promised significant revenue and further established him as the face of Lux Animation.


    ...

 454. amethyst.

    April 25, 1996. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everything turned out better than expected��  brought in enough revenue to cover all box office expenses, debuting internationally on April 7th and domestically on April 1st. For Anne, it was a relief to see the financials. The screenings kept rolling in, and critics gave it a solid 81% positive rating. Although some compared it to the original, feeling it didn��t have the same impact or uniqueness, the earnings still doubled the target.


    -Mr. Lucas, it��s a pleasure to see you in such high spirits,- Anne remarked. The success was fantastic, though it hadn��t yet crossed the $700 million mark. With a worldwide box office total of $434 million and a domestic tally in the U.S. of $342 million, it amounted to roughly $776 million. Every bit of revenue was a blessing, but Lucas was a little disappointed at not reaching $800 million. For two simple reasons: the first  film hit that figure twenty years prior, and achieving the same result felt underwhelming. But now  and  from Lux Animation ranked among the highest-grossing titles in history.


    With , they were up against , which grossed $940 million; managing costs was intense.


    -Anne, good to see you... Sorry I couldn��t meet sooner, but I''ve been caught up in the excitement. A fourth success places  above any series, - Lucas commented sincerely, weighing his mixed feelings silently. His youthful, flushed face, paired with his square, clear glasses perched on his nose, only amplified his ��nice guy�� image.


    Anne sighed, focusing on the task at hand.


    -No need to apologize, besides, we��re practically neighbors. A quick trip from San Jose to San Francisco is nothing. Now, I��d like to address something that, in my view, may be a bit premature, for myself and others. Billy wants to buy a stake in Lucasfilm. The negotiation process has both parties discussing the percentages. Lux Animation has proven it can lead  in the right direction. - Anne explained.


    -The kid wants to buy my company! I thought we were done with that in our last meetings! Once again, Billy manages to surprise me, always coming up with some new idea or intricate plan that��s simply exhausting. But Anne, why did they send you here? Did you see the news? - Lucas asked.


    -I haven��t, is something happening? - Anne replied.


    -Nothing that concerns us directly�� CNN covered the progress of , highlighting Lux Animation as one of the most successful companies. Yes, in the ��90s, its remarkable growth places it among the top 50 emerging companies. Typically, they release these rankings every decade, but the list is coming out sooner, - Lucas noted.


    -We��ve worked hard to achieve that; we��re active in nearly every field. But we particularly excel in comics and animation production. Enough about that, though, Mr. Lucas. I came to negotiate a share purchase. First, let me outline the reasons for this offer: Billy says Lucasfilm needs a successor, and he��s willing to step up despite any differences. Secondly, we��re offering a generous $500 million for 60% of the company. Lastly, he simply wants to do what he loves, - Anne presented.


    -A better offer than I��d anticipated, - Lucas remarked, gripping his walking stick. -Add another 200 million, and I might accept. -


    Anne replied with slightly lower numbers, which he still declined. She sensed that Lucas wouldn��t find the idea so far-fetched, with $650 million nearly within reach.


    ***


    -You can��t do it; you��re not that kind of man, - said Kate.


    -Our desires don��t always matter as long as we know that the fruit of tradition stirs our hearts, - Billy replied, moving from thought to action swiftly, with a poised yet restless response.


    -You deny it? -


    -I would deny my actions, but they drive me. My heart beats at every opportunity since I met you. I feel alive as the sky, intrigued by the clouds you watch so intently; they hint at a new dawn, - Billy replied.


    -You��re exaggerating, but I won��t deny there��s truth in your words, - responded Kate. In their playful games, they sometimes acted like a quaint, chivalrous couple, and at other times, they were two young souls on the streets of London, shy and reserved in each other��s company.


    -Goodness! I sound like a fool, in love with a man leading me to ruin, a man who only desires my body, - laughed the young woman, mastering her shyness and embarrassment.


    -Such powerful words, spoken in the heat of the moment. Don��t be alarmed or weighed down by this desire to corrupt what is good. I could never deny you something as precious as recognition, - Billy assured.


    The act of improvising and seeing chemistry unfold delighted Kate, who was a lively, occasionally unpredictable young woman when she wanted to be. She adored classic novels, especially those exploring love and women��s perspectives from earlier eras��a profession not considered ��suitable�� for women at the time. It was frowned upon.


    -You��re something special, - she almost remarked about language but decided against being so rebellious with her words. It was surely not wise to reveal the type of humor she possessed.


    Billy nodded, though certain things were undeniable: Kate was talented at what she did. Yet Billy was looking for the best actress, and testing her was part of his duty under Cameron��s direction. They needed the best for Titanic. His long hair often obscured his vision, forcing him to brush it aside��it nearly reached below his eyes, though he usually wore it shorter.


    The tests for Rose ranged from improvisation and joyful spirit to dignity, resistance, camera work, elegance, and the subtlety of a woman��s whispers, all for Titanic.


    They sat as they requested further details like a dance, and to deliver certain scenes. At this point, he repeated the same steps as with the five previous actresses; each had strengths and weaknesses.


    ��


    Later that evening, they reviewed the work carefully. Billy shared his thoughts on each actress and how they would approach their roles. Usually, he would note down his impressions, which James would review and add his insights, while the producers would read through all the arguments as they saw fit. Celebrating the Hollywood festivities, each actress appeared in photos as if part of a fashion shoot, dressed in evening gowns, tea dresses, and seven looks from the latest finalists.


    All the details were nearly complete, paving the way for a long, grueling shoot that would span much of the summer in studios and into the fall for the second phase of filming for , a daring production expected to run up to 180 days��a time estimate double the 90 days initially projected. But when every detail had to be flawless, compromises were rarely an option.


    ...

 455. Mr. Money.

    Successive acquisitions, countless acquisitions of different productions and copyrights that are considerably more expensive than the norm, are taken on at a steep price. Now, Marvel had fallen prey to the persistent ambitions of Lux Animation, which some might consider an unwelcome approach given the company��s risks and current state.


    - Karl Ikahm proposed a 40% offer for the bond purchase, - Avi Arad remarked to Raimon, who was seated at a table with Stan Lee and Isaac Perlmutter, each of them bound by certain promises �C Isaac��s being the CEO position and a handsome bonus for overseeing the companies and managing operations.


    Raimon chuckled, relieved that no further issues were looming.


    - Ronald mortgaged Marvel��s bonds �C 92% of the shares. My sources add that he��s entered the skincare market, and he made numerous purchases in a short period. The remaining 8% acts as a recent insurance policy weighing on all of you,- Raimon said.


    Ronald had made�� a brief, revamped arrangement, with the 8% of bonds serving his benefit. The only advantage on his side was his promise to repurchase the bonds and include the 8% as a safeguard, tied to Marvel rather than to Ronald Perelman, in a move that seemed trustworthy to those already inclined to oust him.


    - The buyout is unusual, but complicated. If Ronald doesn��t buy the bonds back, they��ll fall under Billy��s control. Knowing Ronald, he might end up buying them. However, July is expected to see significant progress, with a new series launching in May �C two months to double sales. The comic system is effectively dead; Billy Carson has managed to crush all competition, his comics selling in absurd quantities and dominating the market. The toys are selling, but it��s not enough, and the card companies�� sales were handed to other companies of Perelman��s. Not a cent entered our company,- remarked Isaac Perlmutter, who had been reviewing the accounts.


    - So, Ronald��s hoping for a quick success, - Raimon speculated.


    - Yes, in May, two new comic series and TV shows will debut, along with new toy collections, - Avi Arad added, overseeing the production of action figures for the series.


    Raimon felt confident, realizing he��d likely be able to buy Marvel, but the extra funds he had now could be used for other ventures. Considering how he could use part of that money to acquire a hotel in Manhattan and continue buying shares and games on leverage, he anticipated various profits for the year �C although they might not exceed his investment, the growth would.


    ��


    Raimon was reviewing data. Tech stocks were a hot market, catapulting people to success. A week or two was all it took to earn money by betting on the long haul and success. He had conducted extensive research and chose to invest in companies with top-notch marketing. Betting on these companies ensured a faster return on investment, and by leveraging his position, he could double his gains. He sipped Coca-Cola and ate a large jar of gummies while observing everything.


    - You��re a despicable bastard, - sneered Crazy Gramas, a 22-year-old Wall Street gambler, watching Raimon place a $6 million bet with 400% leverage that General Electric stocks would rise by June 1996. They were valued at $60 per share, and with just 25% of the capital, he only needed $1.5 million, while the rest was played on leverage. If he lost, he��d be out $8.5 million; if he won, he��d gain $6.5 million. But Raimon wasn��t done �C he took out a put option, aiming to sell the stocks at a profit in June. He bought a million put options, with a potential profit of $12 million.


    - The only bastard here is the one betting that this company will go up. I��ll make two trades and earn $21 million after taxes, - Raimon declared, roaring like a madman. He loved Wall Street �C the place where he��d even lost his virginity to a woman he paid $1,000, who took him to cloud nine.


    - How much did you make on the last one?- Crazy Gramas asked.


    - Mmm, about $78 million, but I only kept $8 million. Playing the market isn��t my thing, but tech stocks are so straightforward now that I feel like I could touch everything I could ever buy with my fingertips, - Raimon answered, finishing his third Coca-Cola of the day. He��d gained three kilos in a week, entirely negating his successful weight loss of five kilos, but it didn��t matter; the stocks kept pushing him to new highs.


    - -You��re a damn lunatic,- commented Crazy Gramas, who admired how Raimon dabbled in currencies, completely insane when it came to bets. He loved crazy bets on currencies, just as he did with stocks.


    - We��ll play around with a few more stocks �C I��ll make three or four more medium-term bets and let it ride for a few months, - Raimon said, scanning the data. His plump fingers tapped against the computer as he reviewed multiple stocks, databases, and safe havens.


    - Well, Ray, we��ll make money for other idiots, gamble our own in undeserved ways, fail like complete fools, or win big and take it all to the casino. It��s the thrill of winning that makes us addicted to this system �C a system built on two people��s mistakes, - Crazy Gray chimed in, a short, nervy guy who studied finance in Boston and was a whiz with metrics and statistics. He saw numbers and made a fortune, but his methods were odd. Still, he failed in one detail �C he loved Dungeons & Dragons. S��arch* The n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - So you think I��m doing a good job? - Raimon asked as he placed his second bet, an outrageously risky move in every sense. It was a small-scale but high-stakes risk: a $300,000 loss or a $300,000 gain �C all or nothing, as far as Raimon was concerned.


    Gramas checked the computer, took a deep, dark sip of coffee, and adjusted some values.


    ��


    Billy��s stocks were soaring. General Electric had grown immensely, given that he couldn��t fixate on Microsoft, but he played around with AOL, Intel, and Microsystems enough to shatter paradigms. Billy was incredibly wealthy in stocks, yet he disliked selling �C or perhaps he just didn��t like to.


    - Billy��s a filthy rich kid, - Raimon muttered, watching the reports and observing how the stocks began to rise. For instance, General Electric was bought in various increments: January 1991 at $11.54 a share for 34,930 shares; March 1991 at $13.88 for 430,000; November 1991 for 634,000 shares at $13.80; December 1991 for 700,000 shares at $14.11. They paused until March 1992, when they bought 11,000 shares at $16.33, followed by 4,500 shares in May at $17.03, 9,000 shares in July at $18, 34,000 shares in August at $16, and 17,900 shares in December, totaling 511,000 shares.


    Certain companies'' stocks never dropped; they continued to rise. Now, with a total of 4 million shares bought at $60, selling would yield him enough to buy a few companies of his own.


    He had enough money to tell off any guy �C or any company.


    ...

 456. acquire.

    April 25, 1996.


    Billy had finished a series of talks with Cameron, his days revolving around two simple things: reinforcing his image and discussing various details with the producers. The ship wasn��t ready yet, and much was still to be done. But Billy didn��t feel an urgent need to film; the premieres would roll out one after another. Right now, he wanted a break from the cameras to avoid the tedious days of drawing and filming.


    -They��ve already started filming - said Jim Waiit, sipping coffee as they both waited outside for Monica. Jim now considered Billy his most important client. He had only four other clients: the brunette Thandie, Billy Carson, and Harri Savides. Each of them was special in their own way. Although he hadn��t intended it, Dolph��s success had been a boon for Jim, as Dolph always expressed his gratitude. Yet Dolph was focused on action films and villain roles��his recent appearance as a villain in  had been a significant milestone.


    -The other Jim, he��s good at production, - Billy remarked, observing how they ran his film company. He could sense Jim Gianopulos�� love for cinema��it was evident whenever he talked about movies. As a director, Jim delegated administrative and financial duties so he could focus on the operational and creative aspects of entertainment.


    -Should I sign him? - asked the agent, clearing his throat.


    -You should, but I already signed it myself. Besides, his commissions are unique, and he doesn��t need an agent, - Billy replied, holding a sketch in his hands. They��d been waiting for half an hour, during which he had completed five pages of  manga, adding his designs and details inspired by Impressionism and Baroque art��a unique serenity in every line, making each detail unlike anything seen before.


    -I recently met the production assistant from Regency for one of your films. He praised your success but mentioned that in the coming months, there might be a lot of movement in the production system. We have a new movie that might interest you, - Jim said, hinting at a new project.


    -They make good movies, - Billy said, looking at the lineup of films. There were some outstanding producers there, each bringing a special quality to film production. For example, in his first movie, , rehearsals took place on the set itself; for , they had reading sessions. His role involved only a few scenes, but  was all about following his instincts, with a script and plenty of improvisation��letting himself flow with the camera��s cues.  was rigorous work, requiring a deeper understanding of his character, even though others took a different approach with longer rehearsals, which challenged him more to stay in sync with the director��s vision. sea??h th�� N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    and  involved extensive rehearsals and multiple perspectives for each shot.  was a mix between what the director wanted and the actors�� ability to elevate the imagery in each scene. Every shot had its brilliance in his eyes because of the work done behind the scenes, where they carefully aligned the actor��s image with the setting. Similar to , yet different from , which sought more reflection than detail, it simply needed to work. The understanding grew with each shot, and he appreciated how it expanded the story��s emotional range.


    -Indeed, they do. They enjoy working with dedicated actors. Your portrayal of Bud was more than impressive; you nailed the rough edge while blending in a softer side. You managed to combine every aspect seamlessly, - Jim Waiit said. - That��s not easy; it takes a lot of practice. But then, you��ve been acting since you were eight. It probably isn��t too hard for you now to handle such roles. -


    -What about L.A.? We wrapped up in February, but there��s no release date yet, - Billy asked.


    -Arnon mentioned that they usually film six hours of footage, a lot of scenes, and a lot of organizing. Sometimes, that work takes time. They often do two edits and then choose the final one. I��d say once they have the preferred cut, they��ll send it to the studio for the special effects, - Jim Waiit explained, considering the release calendar as an essential part, with October slated for  and possibly  hitting screens in December or November.


    -Well, let��s set this aside for now, - Billy said, immersing himself back into his sketches, contemplating another series he needed to begin working on.


    ��


    Monica wrapped up her activities on the set of  around 4 p.m. The process kept stretching on, but it was no problem. Though her role was small, the courtroom scenes took longer than expected, given the importance of two characters.


    She saw Billy sitting nearby, sipping coffee and drawing in the afternoon light. Some people watched them, but privacy was somewhat taken for granted. Wrapping her arms around Billy��s neck, she kissed his cheek and greeted Jim.


    -Sorry for the wait; I��m nearly done with my scenes, - Monica said. Just one more week, and she could head to Italy to work on


    -Jim kept me company while we waited. Did you mention someone who might need an agent? - Billy asked.


    -Well, yes and no. She��s European�� You might meet her later, - Monica replied.


    Jim nodded as they chatted about various things, including scripts coming across his desk. This time, Billy��s reputation grew beyond popularity��it was his involvement in numerous projects that suggested success. Many sought him out for their projects, but Jim noted that he��d be busy until at least December with a mega-project, leaving his schedule tightly packed.


    -Shall we head home? - Billy asked.


    -We need to pick up Wina, then we can go, - Monica replied. She��d been staying with Winona, keeping her company while she was alone. They spent their mornings visiting the garden, greeting the Saint Bernard puppy Monica adopted from a clinic, and enjoying strawberry, blackberry, or raspberry juice while reading a book.


    -That��s wonderful that you��re keeping her company! - Billy said, sinking into his seat and stretching his arms in exhaustion. He was tired, and only sleep could ease the weariness of this intense lifestyle, which often left him drained.


    -We keep each other company, - Monica��s expressive dark eyes shone. - You haven��t had much time; you��ve been so busy. -


    -I certainly have, - Billy replied with a deep breath as they climbed into the car, losing themselves in the flow of the asphalt. He desperately needed a break to relieve the shoulder pain from all the drawing.


    On the drive, he processed his thoughts on , a series he believed had the greatest potential he��d ever seen��a high-quality animated show. But he��d have to wait for Pixar to refine their designs. They needed to keep improving, but for now, it was better to hone the tools they already had, at least until the end of the year when two major films,  and , would finally be released, though their exact dates were still unknown.


    In , Billy voiced Rex the dinosaur, as part of his dubbing role.


    -Sorry about all that, but now I have all the time for you, - Billy said, putting aside his calls and focusing on the many big ideas that blossomed at Luxtoons every day. With nearly 400 employees, it meant a vast amount of work, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $320,000 a year, plus bonuses. And every year, they hired even more staff.


    ...

 457. scaffolding.

    The nights in California, at certain times of the year, were simply perfect. Though the midday heat could be unbearable, by late afternoon, you could enjoy the coastal breezes and the dry atmosphere. The winds came in from the coast, and it was refreshing to watch the sky. You could sit on the grass under a fabric blanket, read a book, and maybe even stay out until seven or eight when the sun dipped below the horizon and the chill set in.


    -It��s a fantastic novel,- commented Winona, engrossed in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.


    Monica nodded; they had both bought the same book and were reading it in their downtime. They settled into their reading while Billy, equally absorbed, was busily sketching his new concepts. His fingers moved swiftly, crafting designs for Mortal Engines, rapidly producing illustrations��perhaps it would be the first title published by Lux Comics. For him, there was a unique satisfaction in setting aside time to flesh out twenty drawings at the very least, bringing the world to life one sketch at a time.


    What made Mortal Engines so intriguing was how every element fit together, forming a dystopian world where cities devour each other, and life as we know it is entirely different. Society is fractured, and people live with the faintest hope of seeing the sky unpolluted, without breathing in the decay of their surroundings.


    -Billy, my love, shall we go to that famous steakhouse on the boulevard?- Monica asked.


    -Of course! Should we make a reservation?- Billy replied.


    -Steak,- Winona repeated with mild surprise at Monica��s choice. Though not averse to meat, she preferred simpler dishes with chicken or salmon, perhaps a salad with a special dressing��tartar sauce was her favorite, particularly with a glass of white wine.


    -Oh, darling, I��m sure they��ll have some salads you can enjoy,- Monica reassured her.


    -Let��s make the reservation and check the menu,- Winona replied. Both women enjoyed nighttime outings, especially with Billy��s reputation. As a well-known restauranteur and investor, he was a familiar name around California, where he owned six popular eateries across the state.


    Billy finished writing his story, ready to send it by fax for someone to type up in Word. Then he could turn his focus to Hunter x Hunter, one of his favorite series. He admired the subtlety of each frame and the way every detail worked together yet stood apart, giving a vivid impression.


    -I heard you��re involved with Titanic,- Winona remarked as Monica spoke on the phone, checking on the restaurant.


    -That��s right��rumors travel fast in Hollywood,- Billy replied.


    -Ahaha, you know how it is; it��ll always be that way,- Winona laughed. -Though rumor has it you tried to buy a stake in Paramount, which was reluctant at first but later decided to strengthen its production, using you as a success symbol. It��s a bit of a double-edged sword, isn��t it?-


    -Oh, I��m nowhere near failing��at least, not yet,- Billy said, adjusting his casual suit and taking a deep breath.


    -It��s a bit nerve-wracking, being part of something so risky,- Winona admitted.


    -It��s going to be Hollywood��s next mega-production. Imagine something that sets a new standard��a defining moment, a beacon that will shine forever,- Billy replied, sighing. It was hard to put into words how magnificent it would be, a twist in history that would last an eternity.


    -You��re making me want to act in it��just to be part of Titanic, - Winona said, struck by Billy��s vision for the film.


    -We��ve got everything set up with Cameron; the finalists are on set,- Billy said. -But when a project worthy of you comes along, I��ll let you know. It would be great to see you in something like The English Patient. I��m curious about how the industry will react this year.-


    -Noted-�� Winona nodded. -I��ve also been talking with my agents, and there��s a chance I could be in the next James Bond. I think being a Bond girl could be significant if the role is strong. I��ve asked for a role that��s both. -


    Billy��s eyes widened��he hadn��t expected her to join a franchise like that.


    -What did they ask of you? - he inquired.


    -Exercise, a strict diet, and a special trainer to make me even more sculpted than I already am,- Winona answered.


    Their conversation turned to the balancing act of choosing between commercial and artistic roles. Winona, who saw this as possibly her final film before returning to theater classes in Los Angeles, felt that acting had pushed her to explore new boundaries.


    ��


    They headed to the steakhouse, the current trendsetter, where there was a line outside. But as always, Billy��s name carried weight, securing them a private table. Billy wore a chic look: a large-patterned shirt tucked into slim black pants and wide gray boots. His shirt was open, and he sported yellow-tinted sunglasses��all pieces picked out by Monica and Winona. Billy had a strong aversion to pink, yellow, and green, colors he��d never wear.


    Monica looked stunning in a fitted white-and-yellow Dior dress with brown heels, while Winona opted for a classic blue hat, a sleek dress, and a sheer, pale blue jacket paired with white shoes. Monica��s expression was serious, contrasting with Winona��s playful demeanor. Monica��s makeup was subtly pale, a muted red-brown instead of the usual red. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was a certain mystique to being a star. Cameras flashed as they entered, capturing the moment. It was rare for Billy to be seen casually dressed; the last outing was a month ago.


    -A bottle of wine and three glasses of water, please, - Billy called to the waiter without missing a beat, knowing that steak paired well with wine. Each cut of meat had its flavor, and the yuca sticks, a rare treat, complemented the salads.


    Billy even ordered some steak to go��it was his weakness. The marinated cuts transported him somewhere else entirely as he savored each bite.


    ...


    Hello, Patreon subscription discount. Good day.

 458. comics consumption.

    In the United States since 1990, buying a weekly comic started to take hold. Why? Because the story readers began following had a sequence. Lux Animation comics take a story and make it their own, chapter by chapter. Each one is read with anticipation, and fans eagerly look forward to discovering what will happen next. Some even collect these chapters, as in the case of , buying the comic for the beauty of the art that leaps off the pages, creating visuals that cannot be easily replicated. Every detail is perfect, in harmony with the storyline. These comics are sold in immense quantities; the first volume alone has sold 30 million copies worldwide.


    The following comics have a similar rhythm, but there are "booms," as Anne calls them��moments when a series of factors ignite a surge in sales. These moments are driven by awareness, fan fervor, popularity, recognition, recommendations, and expansion. The global sales margin reaches an audience of 2 billion people worldwide.


    Many fans buy an entire series, and some even repurchase others over time, renewing the popularity with each passing phase.


    -Sales of  comics and the  series have been progressively rising. We believe their success lies in the video games,- Rachel commented, glancing at the comics that had been delivered and were yet to be serialized.


    -And the serialized comics? - Anne asked.


    -We��re selling more than expected, but it doesn��t compare to our most successful series, which sells between 2 and 4 million copies overall,- Rachel reported, looking at the figures.  alone was achieving sales beyond half of Marvel and DC''s major offerings��a powerful strike, challenging traditional publishing concepts. Not only does the artwork shine, but it also achieves a visual richness that some stories fail to match, often falling short when trying to balance every aspect of a comic.


    -Let��s see the data in the table. I need to know which series are underperforming, and why,- Anne remarked. Interestingly,  was one of the least-sold series, but it still managed to meet the minimum profit threshold.


    I highlighted each sale in yellow. The numbers were impressive: each comic was priced at $4.99, with omnibuses at $11.99. Over the past three months, a $4.99 comic had sold 12 million units per month, totaling 60 million units for a single series, not including the omnibuses, which combined five to eight chapters. At times, omnibus sales exceeded three million copies, generally averaging between 1.5 to 2.5 million copies for each new release over extended periods.


    -Call Anna. We��ll send some funds to settle the issues with  and focus the remainder on the animation production studios,- Anne said, reviewing and recapping the accounts.


    ***


    -It��s just fascinating,- remarked Andrade, an unemployed writer who eagerly watched the series that captivated him.


    For now, Billy has been building a comprehensive storyline, weaving his knowledge into a cohesive plot from the very start, and introducing characters who will appear 300 chapters later. For instance, he gave greater emphasis to the Sky Coliseum, Greed Island, and the hunters who enhanced every tiny detail. His stories include various tones, and some characters are brought to life earlier to explain future plotlines thoroughly.


    -It��s just wonderful,- Andrade repeated, absorbed in every part. On a blank page, he began replicating the manga, adjusting details. He��d spent a long time using Lux Comics to hone his skills.


    -Reading those novels again? - his mother asked as she entered the kitchen. ��You have your shift at the supermarket in half an hour.��


    -Yes, Mom, I��m all set,- he replied.


    The comic was delightfully engaging, showing the Hunter Exam��s second trial in chapter 39. It tells the story of Menchi, the examiner, highlighting her new abilities��emission and manipulation. Although the abilities aren��t fully explained yet, only her emission skill is mentioned, with nen knives dancing in her hands, used for hunting and beast preparation. Each ability complements another seamlessly. She wields her skills with various knives hidden under her sleeves.


    -For the second hunter trial, bring me a boar, - Buhari said beside Menchi, who possesses a unique ability: three stomachs. He can digest harmful foods separately, store energy for battle, and use a third stomach for storage��a powerful ability with specific conditions fitting for gluttonous Buhari, who��s always eating and capable of a massive intake.


    ...


    Andrade marveled at every detail. He took the family��s Toyota, carrying his sketchbook filled with comic references. The chill of Chicago was changing as he took the highway, making a quick turn toward his building.


    The sign read ��Comics and Toys����he worked for Billy. According to the employment contract, after two years he could extend his contract and apply for student aid, enabling him to study art. For now, he focused on painting and drawing, understanding that Billy��s style required skillful artistry. Sear?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of the 24 hours in a day, he dedicated 12 to refining his drawing skills, reaching an impressive level over four months of routine work from the register.


    -Don��t open the comics; if you want to see the chapters, use the ones on the back shelf with your ID card,- Andrade told some kids, taking their IDs and handing them the volume they wanted to browse. He had already read every comic in the store in his free time.


    When possible, he would recommend series to the kids, encouraging them to buy comics. By the third visit, they often ended up purchasing figures, books, comics, or various merchandise.


    ...

 459. They are women

    At Century Fox Studios, everything had already been decided. After much deliberation, it was finally agreed that the role would go to the young and lively Kate Winslet, who went above and beyond in her audition. She even won over James Cameron with her clear passion and desire to play the lead.


    -I like the girl,- Billy commented.


    He understood the drive in the girl, the sweetness she brought to the role, and the way she channeled love, charm, boldness, and performance. She��s a woman with immense potential��one who, beyond commercial films, loves artistic challenges with characters that come with different shades: dark, joyful, sorrowful, and sometimes even depressed, beyond the desires and joy depicted in  Rumor has it that she turned down roles in    and other huge successes because she preferred other types of characters.


    -I like her too, but we��ll have to turn down the little angel that is Charlize,- James Cameron said with a touch of regret.


    -I��ll tell her,- Billy replied, understanding he had raised her hopes a bit, though he saw her potential. She was an actress who could embody various roles; in a few years, she��d play an Oscar-winning part, pushing herself to the limit.


    James looked at him, his eyes showing a glimmer of something unforgettable.


    -You��re saving me from having to call her agent!- James said, visibly relieved. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I see potential, James. I think she could excel in voice acting too. We��re a bit short on actors for dubbing, -Billy said.


    The director clapped him on the shoulder, flashing a huge smile. Cameron��s favorite attire was trucker gear, which suited his personality.


    -Your indirect and direct support has moved production ahead. I was torn between actresses, but now we have time to start shooting some scenes��especially the closed-set ones. The final shots will be on the ship, so we��ll start next month. Until then, we��ll do some rehearsals,- James commented, handing over a script that had been reviewed a thousand times. It was safe to say that the three-hour movie was there, stormy, with a script practically the length of a 600-page book.


    ...


    ��I��m sorry to say, Charlie, but the producers have gone with a British girl,�� Billy said, watching her blue eyes cloud with sadness. She stood there, a bit shy and somewhat defeated by Billy��s words.


    Her eyes filled with tears as she covered her face with a few strands of hair. No one can bear to see a girl cry!


    -Don��t let it get you down,- Billy said, weighing his words. -You��re a good actress; you just need more practice and a little more acting skill. I think the future will be kind to you. If you��re interested, here��s my card��I��ve got a few roles that might interest you, though they��re in voice acting.- Billy handed her the card, and her eyes sparkled at the gesture. After all, Billy was known for his animation company, which held enough popularity to interest her.


    -Voice acting? - she asked.


    -If you have the time, I can offer you a few voice roles,- Billy replied.


    -All right, voice acting it is,- she said, shifting from tears to a lively, playful smile, catching him off guard.


    -Speak with my agent. Tell him I referred you for a series. The pay per episode isn��t much, but it��s enough to get by for a few months,- Billy said, shaking his head as she laughed, her chest heaving as she burst into laughter.


    -Sorry, but I won!- Charlie said, grinning.


    -No one wins. I value your talent. I wanted to bring you into voice acting for my series  along with a contract extension for two movies,- Billy replied.


    The girl stepped closer, jokingly whispering, -If a few tears get me a part, what would I get for a blow job? -She laughed at his surprised look.


    -You��re so serious, - she teased. -Relax��it��s a joke. Stop pretending to be offended. I saw that look��you want me,- she laughed, catching him off guard with her blunt humor.


    Billy recognized signs of a future star in the making, an undeniable charisma, a kind of raw force that could take people by surprise. Every star has its strengths��some are quiet and misunderstood, possessing above-average intelligence, while others are magnetic, charismatic, the kind that everyone wants to be. How would people see Billy? What impression would he leave on others?


    ***


    John Ladue was the key figure who secured Kate for the role. He brokered a deal, and the pieces moved like a chessboard. Kate��s impressive audition, combined with Ladue��s support, brought her to the lead role. James saw that Billy had a unique chemistry with the girl, Charlie. Both were fiery, and it was intriguing to watch the seemingly shy girl silence Billy with her playful wit.


    But now, his friend had made his move, and Kate was set as the lead.


    -It��s done,- James said, sounding almost resentful, though he didn��t mind. He just wanted to measure up to John Ladue.


    -I��m glad it��s settled. Now we can plan a premiere in London, with full support from the press, the theater guild, and with Billy Carson winning over America. With Kate leading in London, we��re set to conquer Europe as the next wave of success. You��re another heavyweight name. People love  and Tokyo and other Asian capitals will follow suit. Billy��s brand is what everyone��s waiting for. If the movie is a hit... he��s a box-office magnet in every movie he��s been in, and that��s free advertising,- John explained, outlining the commercial strategy to Cameron.


    -Very fitting,- James replied, following the logic. Was he so popular in America that they already counted on his success here?


    -It��ll be two weeks of flights and screenings. I��m afraid you��ll be all wrapped up in this movie over the next few months,- John Ladue said resolutely.


    ...


    The words were on his lips, but he could only nod at her insistent request, as the call continued. Kate was set to join the scheduled rehearsals and work on building that spark, the essential chemistry, and the mutual understanding between two actors working closely. Breaking that barrier requires either experience or a bit of passion.


    Kate jumped with joy, her cheeks flushed as she realized she��d been chosen for the part.


    -I won! I won! -she exclaimed, reaching her hands to the sky, her slim figure and youth capturing the beauty that fades with time.


    -For now, just stay focused,- her agent advised, sighing at the end of an intense few weeks full of hard work. He had navigated different circles, calling in favors, but Kate was worth it��she was undeniably a great actress who would help him gain recognition in their often-overlooked industry.


    -Yesss!- she murmured, laughing like a girl who��d just aced her first SATs with a score high enough for a full scholarship. She was overjoyed, hugging her agent and promising he wouldn��t regret it. He only asked for gratitude and hard work for all he��d done to secure her this role.


    -I��ll arrange your schedule. -


    ...

 460. dream market

    The film was undeniably a masterpiece, directed and starred in by Roberto Benigni. The man was an Italian icon with a well-established career. He��s talented and, though it may not seem like it, quite the ladies'' man. The movie is based on true events, inspired by the experiences of Romeo Salmon��, a Holocaust survivor who shared his story with Benigni. Initially, they intended to cast Nicoletta Braschi as the actress since she��s the director��s wife. However, Mixamax suggested they preferred Monica Bellucci, feeling that the allure of a conquest like hers was more intriguing. The untouchable aspect of Monica is palpable.


    For the role, the woman would travel the world even now, cutting her hair a bit for the concentration camp scenes; the new look is the shortcut, or it will be very soon.


    -You''ve been busy, and I understand,- Monica remarked, downplaying Billy''s two-day absence. It made sense that he��d miss things; he was the type to get engrossed in his work, losing sight of everything around him. She wasn��t surprised to say that even with her at home, he sometimes forgot mundane tasks like picking up the mail, calling his parents, doctor��s appointments, and other activities she handled whenever she could.


    -I��m afraid so,- Billy commented, scraping his pen across the blank paper. He��d finished the sketches for , a magical book filled with great drawings, and had completed the first two installments out of six. He was moving in circles, his phone wedged between his shoulder and ear.


    Delivered and published in the coming years, he planned to write the third and fourth volumes in the next few days, as he was ahead with the  comic. Most likely, it was the right thing to do, ensuring each one was its own masterpiece.


    -Everything��s been fine. I��ll be traveling to Italy next weekend, and I hope you��ll be by my side. If there��s any issue, no matter what, call Jim or me. There are no small matters when it comes to you,- Billy said.


    -Thank you,- she sighed. -Everything��s going well; we��re in the early stages. We film for three to five hours a day, going slowly, and each take is full of life. The difference between filming here and there �C you all are a bit obsessive about the work. I can see now that it wasn��t just my imagination. I want you to rest for a few days, at least, and I hope you��ll take my advice,- Monica added.


    Relaxing, she felt the desire to see Billy. All that youthful vitality of his was now poured into his work and their new relationship, which, for her, required a lot of nurturing.


    -We��ll be traveling, with Anne coming along. She��s been very stressed with the team expansions and might be planning to organize a tennis cup in San Jose, a tournament of some significance. She��s working with organizations to include it in the ATP circuit,- Billy commented.


    -Tennis? I��d love to see some of that; it sounds interesting,- Monica remarked.


    -It��s not soccer, but I think in the United States, soccer hasn��t managed to capture the interest of the elite; young kids prefer to dedicate themselves to the many sports available here,- Billy responded.


    -Buy an Italian team �C Genoa would be fantastic, - Monica suggested.


    -For now, Europe isn��t in my plans, at least not in the next few years�� But if I buy an Italian team, Genoa will be my first choice. It��s a promise, as long as I can afford it. I��ve realized that sometimes attachments are greater than my pockets, - Billy replied.


    -My love, for you, there are no excuses. You��re Billy Carson. I��m a bit thrilled about you coming; I miss having you warm my bed and love my body. It��s been weeks where I��ve felt a bit out of place with all your obligations, - Monica said, completely absorbed. She��d longed to feel his arms around her. The love she felt for Billy was utterly perfect, one that hit the mark with just the foam of intimacy, together under the moon as their witness.


    Billy understood that, for Monica, a couple of times wasn��t a business. She always said that love should be shown through small gestures. Company is one of the important ones �C special dates, birthdays, moments of sadness, happiness, and other things that burden people.


    -On the weekend, I won��t be working, I promise, - Billy said, reflecting on how he wouldn��t have to overdraw in the coming days. He was well ahead with several novels that would be postponed for his next drawings, like , which was reaching the end of the East Blue saga, in chapter 129. Billy had expanded the saga, showing various battles involving all the Whitebeard Pirates, and the Beast Pirates, along with panels of Kid and Trafalgar Law fighting against other defeated pirates.


    He expanded Zoro''s story as a bounty hunter, almost dedicating an entire chapter to it, and gave more attention to other characters who hadn��t had it, such as Nami��s sister, Nojiko, and Nami��s rival, Carina. He added more Marines to the equation, reshaping the  world entirely, beyond just what had been shown, pushing the story to its fullest with many characters.


    For now, he��d be launching some spin-offs with parallel stories, episodes that could be called filler, especially for the fans. There were three episodes on the Shichibukai and their backstories, which helped weave a larger narrative. Similarly, there were three episodes on Ace and three separate ones on Akainu (Red Dog).


    -Yes. It��s a promise, - Monica said, smiling at his now stony face.


    ***


    Steven Spielberg glanced at the numbers coming into his bank account �C five million dollars, six zeroes after the five �C and nodded with a smile. The money had arrived sooner than expected, very quickly. He saw Billy talking on the phone in the distance and was again surprised by the success of , which grossed 298 million worldwide at the box office in its second weekend and 217 million in North America, having broken even long ago.


    -Sorry for the delay, - the young man commented to the elder, who gave him a slight smile, little more than a grimace. They were both in DreamWorks�� designated offices.


    -It��s no inconvenience, - Steven replied.


    -Now, let��s talk about the important stuff�� what��s the film you��re ready to make as DreamWorks�� first production? I understand the partnership with HBO wasn��t as profitable as we initially thought, despite breaking even with the paid subscriptions, - Billy said. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -There are three projects, - replied the famous director, sending him the scripts. The first was , done in partnership with HBO Films, premiering only in the United States as part of HBO��s lineup. Directed by him and financed by Steven with his funds.


    The second was , a tough one to crack, directed by Gore Verbinski, with an investment of 35 million dollars; , with a 40-million-dollar investment, produced by Mimi Leder; and finally, , again directed by Mimi Leder, financed by DreamWorks at 70 million dollars.


    Billy reviewed the sheets and found nothing different or unexpected from the teachings he��d received from Arnon Milchan.


    -Are we going to invest in and distribute these films? - Billy asked.


    Steven nodded, explaining that depending on their funds, they could gain a larger or smaller percentage and that other studios would handle the films for them while they awaited reinvestment.


    -If you can distribute those films at a reasonable price, it��d help bring in more money for DreamWorks'' bigger projects or enable us to invest in various other projects, - Steven commented, picking up his glasses as he sipped his coffee. Everything was said and done, and there lay three projects. He had invested 90 million, and Steven 90 million. They had enough for all the films, and as long as they broke even, it didn��t matter; the company was already functioning well and would allow other significant projects to come.


    -You know how I handle it. I can��t go any lower, or distributors will jump on me, or the exhibitors themselves will raise their prices. It��s different when the films are mine because I can argue that everything I do is for me and by me, but when there are many involved, the minimum is 35%, - Billy replied, explaining that as a company, he could distribute nine to ten films a year. That was the maximum capacity in terms of both space and staff. Counting , , and three animated films, distributing four more films wasn��t bad.


    -No problem; that��s good enough for me. What are you willing to invest on your own, and what will you leave to the company? - Steven asked.


    -All in on , - Billy replied thoughtfully. -Half of . -


    Steven��s eyes sparkled as he nodded, while Billy ran calculations of potential earnings and losses. But that didn��t matter now; the rest would be covered by company funds. The opportunities were alive and in the air.


    -I knew you would! - Steven said. The relationship between Warner and Billy was cold, with yards of reproach between companies.


    -Don��t blame me; I��ll call Jim to negotiate the contracts. You know those movies are perfect for the children��s channel, - Billy said.


    ...

 461. bookstore.

    At Century Studios, they set up what they called an "express production study." Incomplete, but alive with details, it had six rooms representing different scenes from the Titanic. One was the lower deck, another a boiler room, a confined cabin, a bedroom, a shop�� it was the magic of production: fragments coming together to create a complete story after filming. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kate wore wide-leg jeans and a white shirt with a triangular cut, her hair tied back. Her skin was creamy and white as clouds, and she looked radiant. She smiled at everyone, thrilled by her chance to be part of .


    She watched people bustling about. While  was important, it wasn��t the main focus of the bustling production center, with many hurrying from place to place for other films. The open space gave it the feel of a small, secluded city.


    She crossed paths with a young woman wearing a headset, the microphone hanging by her neck. The woman glanced her over, raising an eyebrow. Wasn��t she rather pretty? She almost looked disappointed.


    -Miss, please follow me. We don��t have a fixed space for you just yet, but we��re working on some arrangements. For now, it might be best if you take some time to go over your lines.- said the production assistant. Kate wasn��t sure of the girl��s role, but quick and efficient, she led Kate to a small room with frosted glass and a ceiling fan. The walls were painted white, and two scripts lay on a table.


    Kate looked over the script, making a slight face. She tapped her foot against a chair leg, slightly stumbling before nodding. She read through the lines, letting her mind slow until everything seemed strange and somewhat surreal, but she stayed focused for over an hour, intent on perfecting the part, she murmured to herself.


    ��


    Billy arrived well before Kate and met with a few producers to discuss small details. Known for his business acumen, he had an idea brewing since he��d first read James Cameron��s script: to write a romance novel, a massive book that would capture every detail of the Titanic while interweaving love stories. He mentioned the idea to James, who only narrowed his eyes but finally admitted it was a tough challenge.


    -You want to write a book based on the script?-asked Peter Lamont, with clear surprise, joined by Jon Landau. They had a degree of control over the script rights. Obtaining a license wasn��t much, but Billy was already envisioning the story he could produce��a hefty book, probably around 1,000 pages, covering all sorts of details.


    -It��s exactly what I want to do,- Billy replied.


    -Why though?-Jon Landau questioned.


    -I simply want to, with the difference that readers will know the book is based on the film��s script, not the other way around. I��m proposing something unique, and the release can be timed with or around the movie��s schedule��that��s negotiable, but the rest isn��t.- Billy replied. Seeing the incredulity on their faces, he smiled. "-I think no one can deny that I��m a decent writer. I��ve been crafting stories my whole life, and this one needs a proper book, something that elevates both the novel and the movie, inviting two parts to come together and create something beautiful.-"


    -As long as James and I have thorough oversight,- remarked Peter Lamont, who was the most committed to the story.


    Billy agreed without much concern; he was focused on crafting the story that had begun forming in his head. Describing the main characters perfectly was what mattered. He��d only need his imagination to flesh out the rest. And, of course, selling books was profitable. Even though his books were already selling well, if he managed to sell even half of what  would someday sell, he��d have no further financial needs.


    -Done,-Billy said, signing a check. The license for the book was $80,000, a modest price given the potential profit, though he knew selling books wasn��t as simple as it seemed. It was an exhausting activity.


    Afterward, he went through additional paperwork, which he signed and sent to the legal team, who would finalize the details. His printing investment would support budding writers, even though Tor Books hadn��t yet yielded much profit. He had a scholarship with 15 writers enrolled so far, offering them monthly stipends for five years.


    If they succeeded, it would be a result of their efforts, and he was eager to see how the near future would paint success in his favor.


    ��


    He arrived late to the meeting, later than expected. Entering, he saw the blonde with loose curls draped over her script. She was so absorbed she hadn��t noticed anything else. His cough startled her; she nearly fell out of her chair, a shiver running down her spine. Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled.


    -Sorry I��m late. I had a meeting,-- Billy said, checking his watch. -As an apology, let me treat you to lunch. Do you want to join me?-


    A subtle question, but she looked at him with wide eyes. He was late��two hours was no joke. She wanted to be angry but knew it would do no good. After all, it wasn��t a formal meeting.


    -Alright,- she replied.


    -What would you like to order?- Billy asked. -I don��t think going out is a good idea. Traffic would trap us, and the paparazzi would smother us. Let me order something in.-


    -Chinese�� I mean, I��d like Chinese food,- Kate replied, slightly flustered by Billy Carson��s intense presence. He had an air of command that was uncommon among guys her age.


    -Great, I��ll let the head assistant know. Anything to drink? Any preferences or recommendations?- Billy asked.


    She shook her head, feeling completely disoriented. She needed to calm herself; her first impression of the lead actor was one of intensity, with commands that felt a bit strong. If only she knew, he was just as unsettled beneath his composed facade.


    Billy��s voice could be heard through the wall, one of those things. She listened intently to every detail of his conversation as he ordered two specials with spring rolls and an orange sauce. He requested water with the meal and an extra soda.


    -It��s surprising how fast you can get food around here,- Billy said, closing the door.


    ...

 462. script review.

    It was always ideal that when starting to read a script, and wanting to rehearse, every line had to be fully practiced. For now, thanks to her system, she had a deep familiarity with each scene from memory, in an almost unsettling way.


    -Well, some say it��s the city of love, art, and cinema... it has to be like that, right? Imagine a city like this without all kinds of restaurants; it must have them. But, of course, I do prefer the capitals,- Kate commented.


    -Sure... so, I suppose now, as co-stars, we should know our lines by heart,- Billy replied.


    -Oh, I��ve read it through once, but I was mostly focused on my scenes. It��s a little strange that a 200-million-dollar production only has this little room. I was nervous and barely slept last night. I ended up reading a novel around 2 a.m. but still couldn��t fall asleep. I thought it would feel like a big production studio, but I didn��t picture it quite like this. I know the main studio is in another state, but there��s hardly anyone here,- Kate said.


    -I feel a bit hurt to know I��m not impressive enough,- Billy replied, taking a seat, removing his blazer, and adjusting his cuffs. It was a bit warm, with only a fan and the frosted glass window illuminating the room.


    They were close enough that their feet nearly touched. In this small, intimate setting, they were both part of the rare, precious environment where stories were built��a space that felt both loving and full of responsibility.


    -I mean the assistant; they seemed completely lost. Poor thing, they must have a thousand things to do and didn��t know where to take me. Sometimes, you take a day off, and then the next day, you��re overwhelmed with tasks. You try to focus on one thing but end up failing because you��re juggling too much at once. It��s exhausting, and you feel incapable, even if you finish the work. It��s like you can��t even catch your breath,- Kate explained, with her characteristic smile, her blue eyes lively. She was a natural in her role, confident that she��d do an amazing job, but finding something even better always amused her.


    -That��s the impression they gave you?- Billy asked. -Poor thing. Maybe we should give them a bonus to help them find their footing. Even on my longest days, I��ve never felt that level of despair, but I see it takes real courage to handle that feeling.-


    -Oh yes, so you��ll see why I��m feeling a little down, a bit overwhelmed, by this situation. I expected everything except being in a quiet room alone to read a script.-


    -I��m sorry for that, but now we have the lines. You can give me your thoughts and ideas. The main thing is to do a character deep-dive and build some chemistry,- Billy commented.


    The Titanic script was truly sequential, each piece fitting into the next. For instance, the scene where Jack wins his ticket through gambling and later stands confidently in front of Rose��s fianc�� elevates the dynamic between what Rose desires and what her circumstances offer. Or how they dance��two worlds, one sophisticated and the other free-spirited. Even by 1997 standards, the historical backdrop was different; the transitions after the First and Second World Wars had redefined the world��s view in a way that affected everyone.


    -I particularly like this scene,- Kate said, pointing out the part where they get lost on the ship, looking for a place to be alone but finding no space except what��s controlled by the fianc��.


    -The romance develops quickly,- Billy observed. -Do you believe in love at first sight?- he asked. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I don��t, but I get where you��re coming from. It must be a shock, like when you meet someone and everything feels perfect. Beyond a few provocations, love reveals itself in small gestures... But I think love sparks for Rose when he saves her. He��s like her angel, a sign of someone who stands by her,- Kate replied.


    -The catalyst,- Billy prompted. -So, for Rose, love blossoms when he saves her. It��s that moment that triggers her feelings, but it��s everything else that deepens her affection.-


    -It��s the moments, the isolation, the sunny boy who gives her the one thing she longs for��appreciation. Everyone around her traps her, restricting her freedom, and suffocating her. She sees her fianc�� as a bad man, someone who will only love her while she��s beautiful, and then trade her for his secretary,- Kate explained.


    -So I��m the savior, then... the romantic guy, who wears his heart on his sleeve,- Billy remarked.


    -That��s all you��re good for,- Kate teased.


    Billy grinned. She had a humorous, almost shy charm.


    He handed her his black sketchbook. It was filled with delicate drawings, some of which were even painted. The book took her breath away; in one image, a simple tree stood by a cliff overlooking a starry sea. In another, the same view was captured from the tree��s perspective, and yet another showed the scene from the sea, looking back at the cliff. There was also a sailor in a cloak, smoking a pipe, children dancing, and women depicted with an elegance that left her in awe.


    -So, you did all this yourself?- she asked, surprised.


    -I��m the best artist in the world,- Billy replied, jokingly.


    -Show-off,- Kate teased, admiring each drawing. She loved how he captured people with such fine detail��the sadness in their eyes, a bird flying in the background. He was one of the best she��d seen.


    -You��ll have to buy my comics and recommend them to your friends. I think I��ve created even better pieces in those. These are just for a quick 30-second scene,- Billy replied.


    Kate muttered something about not reading kids�� stuff, but she knew she��d be asking about his comics soon, and that she��d end up recommending them too. That was the appeal of good, lasting work.


    ...

 463. Now the chat continues.

    May 9.


    After the profits, the team began envisioning a format to help them create an online chat application. Using Microsoft��s platform presented many challenges in developing what would become Messenger and the early hurdles of online chat technology. However, since 1989, they have been leveraging a more than useful tool to the company: Internet Relay Chat. This instant messaging platform enabled real-time communication via multi-user channels. Although it wasn''t a modern instant messaging app, the communication capability was there.


    Creating the chat itself was the easy part; designing it, not so much. Billy had provided them with enough data to ensure the page��s layout and accessibility were as simple as possible. Security protocols, IP usage, names, and emojis were perhaps a qualitative leap in traditional chat usage. But the real challenge was a single, straightforward step: scalability and server capacity. The server infrastructure had to handle the load of millions of users connected simultaneously.


    Furthermore, Billy knew that Microsoft had an independent vision for Messenger and was already using available technology to gain online subscribers. The online instant messaging service was one of the trickiest fields to penetrate. However, in Billy��s model, unifying an app with an account wasn��t the end goal��the aim was to attract as many online subscribers as possible.


    The next challenge was to expand databases to store messages and user data. Microsoft maintained its databases but couldn��t rely solely on one company indefinitely. Therefore, from the outset, they sought a way to create their robust database. But that would have to wait; winning the race in internet development was the top priority.


    Focusing on promoting their web pages would be a tough blow for any other entrepreneur. But for Billy, it was just another step forward. His ambitions were centered on simpler, more tailored entertainment applications. First, Netflix, Instagram, Steam, and WhatsApp served as the pillars for app development, but he didn��t underestimate products like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat. Each one of these companies would be instrumental in building his organized online entertainment network.


    With platforms like Lux Web Service, ID Software: Lux Games, and Netflix, he was setting up a core structure for creation. Acquiring strategic companies with unique development models was crucial for the business��s operation, as was creating a solid database.


    -Recently, we rolled out all the connections,- remarked Aron Walter, the chief programmer, formerly of Hotmail and now heading Messenger development. He enjoyed having a sense of belonging. Working on such challenging projects was a luxury in itself. The team, once a small group of ten, had grown into a consolidated thirty, with some members handling the Steam page for video games and others working on Messenger. The web proposals were already heating up, as many of the sites were becoming more essential for the company. After a potential sale of Messenger, they would work on web pages for Lux Comics, Lux Toons, Lux Kids, Lux Animation (which included Pixar), Lux Nation, and Lux Films.


    All in one.


    -It might be time to launch it, - commented John Grew.


    -No problem; we have the computers ready. We��ll send messages from some servers in New York. Raimon will be joining us in setting up that service,- replied Aron Walter.


    Aron knew well about Raimon��s business dealings in New York; they were extensive and formidable, involving plenty of work and considerations, none of them easy to arrange.


    Over all his years of work, Aron was perhaps a level-A programmer, yet much would still need to be learned in the process of developing apps of various sizes. That was perhaps the most crucial factor.


    -What about the Java language we��re trying to implement for Steam?- Aron finally asked.


    -It��s better to stick with HTML5 than switch to another system, but for certain functions, it��s best to implement designs with stable structures,- replied John Walter.


    ***


    Billy breathed in the summer air. Italy brought back familiar memories. Every moment in Italy reminded him of past visits��his younger, carefree days without a penny in his pocket, trips with his father, and his journey with Claudia, and now this trip for , business, and Monica as his main focus.


    -We��ve got the transportation,- said Billy��s bodyguard. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A weekend awaited him in Italy. They��d stop in Rome, and from there, embark on a lengthy journey to Arezzo, around four hours, but it didn��t matter; he��d spend those hours writing as much as he could.


    For some time, he��d had  saga and  in his hands. They��d be published in the coming months, but he still had extensive work to do on the storyboards for the upcoming series. For instance,  and  were nearly ready, though some minor adjustments remained.


    As his pencil glided across the pages, organizing one idea after another, he didn��t notice the sky darkening as Friday night approached.


    ��


    Monica, waiting in a hotel, moved about lazily. She had a double bed and made sure she had a spacious room. She first refreshed herself, smoothing out her skin and enhancing her best features. A hint of black lipstick, a sheer nightgown, and the scent of cinnamon lingered on her skin. She loved those aromas. And with a little champagne, she was ready. Billy had promised no work, and although she didn��t doubt him, she was sure he��d devote all his time to strengthening their relationship in the days ahead. She arranged a few gifts she had for Billy��a pair of handcrafted leather shoes from an artisan, along with a burgundy suit for formal events, featuring a deep-cut chest.


    She��d also brought some silk shirts, so light Billy would be thrilled, along with a special wool coat, softer than cashmere. The Italians�� expert craftsmanship felt like heaven to the touch, perfect for chilly nights.


    She received a call and picked up the phone.


    -I��ll be right down,- replied Monica, brimming with excitement. Billy was likely organizing their entire stay. She bit her lip in anticipation.


    She slipped into an oversized white shirt, a long embroidered skirt, and low-platform heels. She was ready. Arezzo had many places for them to explore.


    ��


    -We��re a bit far from the capital, but that doesn��t mean there aren��t great spots,- said Monica, taking Billy to a restaurant on their second day, recommended by a cameraman. The place was cozy, with two Michelin stars; the food was incredible yet affordable, at least by Californian standards.


    -I can never complain when it comes to food,- replied Billy, taking in the ambiance, the soft violin music, and the candlelight.


    -I just love trying new places. Recently, I got another offer for a role that sounds intriguing. Although it feels surprising, I��m flattered to be considered for new opportunities,- Monica shared, her beauty radiating more than ever these past few months.


    -Everything will keep getting better, but you should stay in Hollywood for at least two more years. First, you need status; then, the big roles everyone wants will be yours, coming right to your door,- said Billy, brushing back a stray lock of her hair, and tucking it behind her ear.


    -I rented a few movies,- Monica mentioned.


    -I��m dying to get back to the hotel, but not for the movies, darling,- Billy whispered, leaning in for a kiss, their lips meeting in the moment he had been craving.


    -Oh, my love�� you��ll have to wait because now it��s my turn to take you somewhere,- Monica replied.


    ...

 464. Arezzo.

    The Italian city was beautiful, like a painting from medieval tales, a lost poem from "El Cid," a distant place where the modern world had yet to reach. People lived a traditional life, and the world was a place of vitality. Billy strolled with Monica, riding in horse-drawn carriages and walking occasionally. Their first stop that afternoon was the Cathedral of Saints Donatus and Peter, followed by the Basilica of San Francesco, and then they enjoyed some pizza in Piazza Grande from a cart selling delicious wood-fired pizza��delicious despite its humble setup.


    -That over there is the Medici Fortress,- remarked Monica, pointing in the distance. One of the 16th-century architectural gems on San Donato Hill, they planned to visit it tomorrow if time allowed. It was built by Florentine architects Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo and completed in 1540 by the order of Cosimo I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.


    -Come on, let��s buy those bracelets,- said Billy, spotting a small jewelry stand against a wall, where delicate silver bracelets with intricate Tuscan designs were being sold.


    -Do you like it?- Billy asked, admiring the intricate, web-like design that resembled a cuff bracelet. Monica tried to say no, but seeing the light in her eyes, Billy bought it without a second thought.


    They walked down two blocks and entered a bar, where they shared a glass of mulled wine that was of poor quality but enjoyed the intimacy of their conversation.


    -Tomorrow we can go to the museums, - said Monica, finishing her glass of wine.


    -We will, - replied Billy, kissing her hands, especially her knuckles, while she held her hands gracefully, appearing indifferent with a cold expression, though her eyes were lively and filled with unspoken words.


    In Arezzo, there was the National Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate, the Civic Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, and the Vasari House Museum. But the whole town was a work of art, full of details and complexities that made it beautiful on its own. Many films had been shot in the surroundings of Arezzo, capturing the beauty of its people. Its charm was undeniable.


    ��


    Billy��s kisses landed on the neck of the dark-haired woman, who let herself be carried away by his steady rhythm.


    -Sometimes our bodies blend as if they were made to please each other,- Monica murmured, followed by a deep kiss. He took off her white blouse, then unbuttoned her skirt, seeing her sheer nightgown that fell just above her knees, her lingerie perfectly matching. He loved seeing her in lace, feeling himself harden with the same ease that she felt excited about the moments to come.


    Monica knelt and unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned his pants, pressing her face against his erection, feeling the pulsing against her cheek as she moved down while he took off his shirt. Pulling down his boxers, she began to see a certain urgency in his movements, taking him in her hand. He fell back onto the bed, closing his eyes as she began to stroke him gently, feeling the warmth against her skin, and then took him in her mouth, savoring and swallowing, swirling her tongue around him and looking up to meet his gaze, caressing her cheek tenderly.


    She caressed him, focusing on the tip, the masculine scent surrounding her, thinking of nothing else. Every sigh, every small release from him was enough stimulation for her, to find it necessary to be loved.


    She could feel he was close, tightening her grip, and let him finish in her mouth, swallowing most of it, though a few white drops escaped. She wiped them away with her hand, igniting a sense of passion, and he entered her with strength; she was wet and willing. He was slow, taking her waist and following the rhythm until he hit just the right spot, hearing her breathing, each subtle movement, the intense moment when she couldn��t hide her pleasure. The rhythm was a back-and-forth that became paradise as he pressed his chest to hers, biting her ear, her weak spot, sending a shiver through her.


    -Turn around, - he said, and hearing his command, a warmth surged within her. She turned over, and he took her from behind, firmly, his hands smacking her, dominating her. This time was longer, over and over, their bodies glistening, his hands moving over her hips, taking them to the edge of pleasure. She came once, but he continued, and the next climax came shortly after, but more gently. He kissed her breasts, nibbled, and caressed. Exhausted after their first half-hour session.


    They showered and went for another round, as Monica was insatiable, only satisfied when on the brink.


    ***


    The Lux Animation comics were very popular; she thought they��d be rare but managed to find the first five volumes of , seeing the story of a boy playing basketball in a wheelchair. At first, she thought it was a real photo. But it wasn��t��it was a drawing, and it amazed her. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every detail was superbly crafted. She compared it to a DC comic, and it was like night and day; the spaces looked like scenes from Los Angeles or San Jose, the streets finely detailed.


    -I want to buy the entire box set of Lux Animation comics,- said Kate the next day after reading the five volumes available in the shop.


    -Which series? - asked the young man.


    -There are that many? I don��t know, something not too long,- she replied, looking at the various series there. So many series, so many elaborate drawings in different styles, she was continually amazed at the range of ideas a man could imagine over six years.


    -If you��re looking for something with substance,  is twelve volumes in omnibus, or maybe , which has three volumes. Each of these is a major series. Billy Carson challenges artistic concepts in both art and storytelling. If we��re purists, I��d lean towards . But we can��t always be purists.  is a romantic tale about a man��s quest for freedom; I think you��d like the theme,- the young man suggested, handing her the pack of three  omnibuses. The cover was white with intricate designs, characters, and artwork inspired by Van Gogh, making her eyes widen at the level of detail.


    -I like that one,- said Kate, admiring the design. It invited her to read it; the characters were smiling, each with a charm that showed the artist��s dedication.


    -They��re new. The author mentioned he��d take a break until next year when the next adventure starts. For now, if you want something interesting,  has seven volumes, and we have two in stock. It��s still one of the great works,- said the store clerk.


    Kate narrowed her eyes but decided to buy it and settle in at home. She started with , which exceeded her every expectation. The story was delightful and genuinely fun, from the intricate details, the concept of pirates and devil fruits, and the plot that seemed drawn from an almost unimaginable place, with a playful charm reminiscent of Looney Tunes.


    ...


    Sorry for not posting much in the last few days, I''ve been deathly sick, and it''s already passing. I got flu that didn''t let me even get out of bed. I lasted almost ten days with her.


    On the other hand, I am better now and I can perform and write more naturally. I will continue publishing. Don''t give up. P.S. Merry Christmas to everyone.

 465. casuistry

    They found themselves close together, a mix of different kinds of love reunited once more. Monica pressed kisses to Billy''s chest and smiled with a satisfied glow. She craved a lover who adored her.


    Someday, I want you to leave Los Angeles, leave the States, and live with me here in Europe. We could live by the beach in some paradisiacal mansion, with no one to bother us," Monica said, kissing his chest again.


    -Give me time. I still have to manage the company. Growth and development are crucial right now. Once the business is stable, maybe I can find the time to live in places like this... but for now, we can buy a vacation home and visit it whenever we can. When we��re tired of the cameras and the people with their fake smiles, we��ll take a drink and come here when it��s the right time.- replied Billy, taking Monica��s hand and bringing it to his lips for a kiss, one filled with love, followed by another as she held him close.


    -We have to go to the museums; I can��t wait around forever for you to be satisfied.- Monica teased, jumping out of bed and throwing a kiss as she made her way to the shower.


    The shower was running, likely a cold one to wake her up, the kind that would energize her to explore every street in Italy. Billy sent a quick message to his security team, who were now dressed in civilian clothes, ensuring his safety from a distance. He was used to it by now, a routine of sorts, seeing them trailing behind him like shadows, their watchful eyes never losing sight of him.


    -Blackberry pastries.- Monica mentioned.


    -Let��s get some.- Billy agreed, taking her hand. They walked slowly, each of them attracting glances. Monica��s graceful, seductive stride and Billy��s confident, upright stance made them look like they owned the place.


    -When I was little, I loved blackberries, but they were rare. My mother would only make blackberry desserts occasionally, with some ice cream and crusty bread. It was delicious, to see the bread blend. I loved letting it melt. Sometimes she��d make it with lemon or tangerine.- said Monica, savoring each treat as if it were ambrosia.


    -Now you have blackberries for desserts every day.- Billy replied, giving her a gentle kiss.


    -Where��s Anne?- Monica asked curiously as they wandered through the museum halls.


    -She��ll be here soon, in the next few days.- said Billy. Anne had postponed her flight with last-minute excuses, but he understood the real reason. Anne was nervous. She always had been, that powerful woman who barked orders and reprimanded and was small and vulnerable when it came to emotions, denying things just like he did.


    -I see, it doesn��t matter. She��ll be here, and I��ll hear all about it.- Monica added. �CSomeone so punctual and set in her routine wouldn��t change her travel plans like that.-


    -A true investigator, huh? Maybe I should hire you to figure out who��s been following me everywhere. Sometimes I see shadows. I could use someone like you, connecting the dots like in those mystery novels.- Billy remarked with a smile. The business was business, and if Monica didn��t understand when the time came to sign contracts, he could only begin again. His priority was the wealth he was building, the legacy of Lux Animation.


    ***


    Anne was organizing her desk for the third time, her hands trembling slightly, a bit lost in thought. The mind can be the sharpest weapon, both for those who wish to harm and for oneself. She was trapped in certain golden, intricate dilemmas, admiring the gold accents in her office, even if they were just subtle touches.


    Grabbing a basket, she stepped out of her home office, hearing the children shouting over control of the remote. She couldn��t deny that their voices brought a sense of calm, filling the house with life. She headed to the kitchen, and the smell of meat made her mouth water, a flavor she��d known all her life��hours of slow cooking with a sweet, spicy sauce that enhanced each bite. Served with potatoes a salad, and a glass of apple juice. The perfect evening was one with a lively table, where the kids would eat without a fuss.


    -You should learn the recipe, for when your man finally decides to come around.- her grandmother teased, seated in her usual spot, with a playful, rebellious grin.


    -I could learn it. Will you let me? You never let my mother learn it, and I know you argued with my aunt over it.- Anne replied.


    -Bahhh. We all make mistakes. Your aunt never needed it. I taught them many things, and always gave them the best. They wanted it out of pride and ego, not necessity.- her grandmother remarked, her words weighed down with a life��s worth of regrets and nostalgia. She was stubborn.


    -It��s just a recipe.- Anne countered. �CThat��s what bothers me. We��re family, we give each other everything we can. Our blood and our happiness shouldn��t be diminished over a recipe or a way to prepare meat.-


    Her grandmother narrowed her eyes, looking deeply at her.


    -You��re hiding something.-


    -Tell me about this man, don��t change the subject. You��ve been sighing for ages. You always hide your heart, and always pretend to be strong. But I��ve seen the truth, all my life, watching you as that beautiful, hardworking woman.- her grandmother prodded.


    -There��s nothing. There is no man.- Anne replied.


    -Then it��s that��missing someone you love. Things are always more complicated than we think.- her grandmother said. Anne turned her back, feeling that everything had been said. Billy was just a contract, unpredictable, but binding in ways she refused to admit. When the time came to be bound by contract, her intuition told her everything was set in stone. The smell of meat suddenly made her queasy, and she rushed to the bathroom.


    -You��re feeling sick?- her grandmother asked.


    -It��s just a bit of indigestion.- she replied.


    -No more wine for you, then. You need to take a pregnancy test.- S~ea??h the N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Anne��s eyes widened like two full moons, reflecting a river like an owl hearing something it shouldn��t.


    ...

 466. love affairs

    A dubbing contract awaited a petite woman with a slim resume. She was poised to conquer the voiceover world, almost like a strategic chess game. She was positioned to earn $9,000 for voice roles and potentially $300,000 for a film role, with the possibility of reaching $500,000 if, within the next three years, she was recognized as a major actress through nominations or awards from BAFTA, SAG, and other prestigious organizations.


    -It��s absurd�� but Billy Carson is a great friend you should consider. That man always draws attention and makes movies at an unusual pace��having at least one role a year could cover your agency fees and expenses. You might even land more roles, making it possible; your eyes are captivating, -  the agent remarked, with an implicit suggestion that she didn��t dismiss. The young man��s appeal resonated with her, and she replied, ��Why not?�� She didn��t care; he was young, handsome, successful, and disgustingly rich��richer than any African mogul she knew of.


    -I can consider it, but he��s like an iron wall blocking my way�� I��ve tried everything; he��s like a sculpture of ice. I flirted shamelessly, at least�� I did everything I could,- Charlize commented.


    -That��s true�� he��s not wrong. He��s a man who doesn��t attend many parties, just the occasional random gathering. Few details, but I know you can, darling. Try to get him to help improve your standing in Hollywood; at least he��s neither old nor fat,- the agent said, shining with his dubious insinuations and behaviors. She was struggling for a reason, having rejected the red sofa four times and the advances of an old man who was anything but charming and only wanted to get into her pants.


    -Thanks, but��- Charlize smiled, unable to deny how unavailable the situation felt.


    -You��re brilliant; don��t waste this opportunity. You��ve been through so much, and dreams won��t pay the bills,- he responded, revealing the secret complicity of foolish triumph. A woman who was failing, her best years being her youth, her best asset being her delicate body. How else could she succeed if she allowed herself to fail? How else could a foreigner thrive in a world as cruel as Hollywood?


    ��


    -Yes, Mom.- She hung up the phone and checked her account��$1,200. She needed to buy a dress, facing the chill of urgency. Rent was due, and she needed to find work��she needed so many things�� but she was just a woman without luck. She hoped to get paid for the commercial she participated in no less than two weeks ago, but payment was delayed.


    She sighed and took a sip of gin. She laughed at a joke on the TV while stretching her feet onto a footstool. She needed the beach, a place where the breeze could lift her spirits. Anything but the nagging sense of following a dream, a flicker in the air. She resolved it entirely��she wanted to be part of a scene; she needed to be a better actress. She felt she had failed because of her acting skills, that she had lost out simply because she wasn��t capable of being a great actress. How foolish she had been to think that only a beautiful face was enough.


    ***


    -Come this way; I love this place, - Monica said, leading Billy through the architectural marvels born from the medieval era and perfectly conjured in the Renaissance. A place of magnificent interactions.


    Monica wore a fitted brown dress that hugged her body, revealing her abdomen and back, with two golden straps that started from her lower back and twisted upward, like a fabric embrace that sculpted her figure.


    -The light here is spectacular,- Billy remarked, admiring the intricate details of the fortress. It was like a frenzy of beauty; he could already see some exquisite designs emerging from the architecture, the walls touching, reflected between dark and luminous rocks, earth, and stone.


    Monica''s hand rested on Billy''s calloused fingers. They smiled at each other, together as one. The woman with dark hair groomed herself and gazed at the beautiful and exotic woman beside her, full of vibrancy. The weight of the news now burdened her thoughts.


    Taking her hand, he brought her wrist to his lips.


    Would you blame me for being cynical? - Billy asked.


    -As long as you don��t hurt me, I wouldn��t,- Monica replied.


    -Would you blame me for doing things solely for my benefit? A man who is selfish and takes everything he has, a man who abandons his morals and what he��s always been taught in pursuit of his goals. I don��t apologize, but my actions aren��t driven by malice. I fear I want to be both envious and cowardly,- Billy confessed, kissing Monica''s lips, as warm and sweet as the first time he had kissed her.


    -Why do you say that? - she asked, intrigued and slightly nervous. A man��s decision can be decisive, and one like Billy��s could be even more so; they merely outline the truth and take it for themselves.


    -I want to marry you, but I know our relationship won��t withstand the tides of Hollywood. I can see it as clearly as day. I won��t settle down for at least ten years. My career matters more to me than anything else. I can give you what I give you now, but nothing beyond that. You deserve a man who can build a family with you. Raising someone requires two people, and I see it in your eyes��you want to be a mother,- Billy said, with a whistle, there lay his blossoming truth. More than anything, Anne was likely pregnant, and now he wanted to end things with Monica. Ironically, he failed by leaving the space for children blank but questioned everything.


    Two people united�� The dark-haired woman contemplated Billy''s words with great care and a poised demeanor. She carried in her sleeve the mistakes that gradually and surely shaped their anxious environment; their relationship would pivot based on his words.


    -You ask for my loyalty, but you don��t offer your own. You��re committed to your job. The entire company is important, and even now, your mind is on work�� do you want to pick up a pencil and draw? And what about love��would you always make love to me? Even in twenty years? Would you still find me beautiful in old age? What happens to a woman who dedicates her years to a man faithfully? Forgotten like a painting that loses its charm, or a tower that becomes too costly to maintain?- Monica asked.


    Promises from men are not a secure place to dwell, and promises are tied to their realization. A man makes a vow, and he must fulfill it, but such cases have become rare over time; even before, they often ignored their commitments. What can one do if he only asks for a place that perhaps he doesn��t belong to?


    ***


    -Do you want an $8,000 advance on the dubbing contract?- Jim Waiit then asked, a bit uncertain about the girl��s words. He wasn��t quite sure if she was a friend of Billy��s, but rejecting her wasn��t an option for two simple reasons��he might be sleeping with her or might need her for his work. Beautiful faces are always in demand.


    -I��ll ask around, and if I get the green light, I��ll call tomorrow morning for the deposit, - she replied, completely focused, on a script she had prepared for Billy. Maybe by next year, he would have the time to make another film, but for now, he was so absorbed that everything felt unfamiliar to him.


    -Puff, call Billy and tell him I��m Charlie. I don��t think he��ll mind if they pay me at the end of the month, but I need the money; what��s wrong with that? - Charlize said, nervous and caught in the chaos. Her bank balance of $1,200 had now dwindled to $24 after she made a purchase for a beautiful dress tailored to her fit, and of course, there were the weekly expenses. If they could advance those bills to her, it would be fantastic for her and for him.


    ...


    S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 467. smoke

    Billy held Monica''s hand as they discussed countless topics, from life in Italy to the nuances of living in other countries, which transported them on a journey through various cultures. Monica remarked that even in some Italian regions, atmospheres were more akin to German culture��not entirely, but the borders blurred.


    Unease and ominous conversations were left in the past. Monica��s feelings were raw, sensitive, and hurt. She wanted everything with Billy, valuing his honesty and the way he directly told her that the coming months would likely be spent focusing on his relentless work and the future of his company. Yet, he never left her alone. This was how they lived now. Perhaps she was pushing life aside, too, doubting what the days ahead might bring.


    �CWhen two people marry under this altar for a second time, it is said they��ll live happily ever after.�C The tour guide spoke as he showed them the architectural wonders of Arezzo.


    �CDo you ever think about getting married someday?�C Monica asked hesitantly, curious about his response.


    �CI would, but not now. Marriage isn��t something I��m ready for�� but I don��t dismiss my relationship with you because I��m not taking that step.�C Billy replied, looking at Monica.


    �CThat��s not what I asked.�C Monica responded, feeling again that their love story had reached another crossroads.


    �CWhat happened? Is the distance between us so great now that you must push me away? You��ve spent so much time thinking only of yourself, and now you��re set on these decisions, changing your mind. I thought things were different between us��no pressures, just love. Is there someone else?�C Monica asked, her gaze soft and devoid of resentment. She carried herself with too much dignity to be angry, too confident in matters of love to be shaken. Her cool charm could captivate any man, her doe-like eyes breaking through the sharp demeanor she hid so well.


    �CThere��s no one else.�C Billy replied, his cynicism rooted in his reasoning that Anne was merely a business arrangement.


    He could almost feel her sigh, but instead, she focused her attention on the man guiding them from one site to another.


    �CIt��s just that I see our relationship as special. I care deeply for you. I know you expect more from me, and I don��t want to disappoint you��that could happen. Asking for a committed relationship is entirely your right. Ultimately, it��s more than a simple transaction. You want to share your life with me, and I like that��I see it in a positive light. Perhaps I��m overthinking, and what I��m saying now is nothing more than my imagination.�C Billy responded.


    He was a fool, once again caught between emotions and logic, struggling to navigate when two wills diverged so sharply.


    �CDon��t confuse me�� You say little about love, and when you do, it��s complicated. You��re afraid this will end, I know that. I��m older��a woman a decade ahead of you, experienced, with a marriage behind me. But I like feeling loved and protected. My past relationships, though beautiful, turned into headaches. Men who hide things and stop loving, even when they have the most beautiful woman by their side, are never satisfied. If I were to open my heart and give it all, they wouldn��t value it. It��s the dissatisfaction of wanting to live differently or dismissing what men and women can build together. The pain of being forgotten��that��s the greatest hurt. Contempt burns more than anything else.�C She continued walking, her demeanor dignified and icy. Her words were measured but sharp, cutting like blades and full of meaning.


    �CI can see that.�C Billy admitted, lost in his thoughts. Anne��s call that morning had unsettled him, leaving his emotions in turmoil.


    �CThen it��s better not to ask such things.�C Monica said as she moved forward. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest.  A romantic evening had meant everything to her.


    She felt Billy��s hands rest on her slim waist��a waist even more defined now, thanks to her strict exercise and diet routines.


    �CI wouldn��t abandon someone who hasn��t abandoned me.�C Billy reassured her, trying to calm her spiraling thoughts. He��d done it with Alice and Gwyneth, forgetting women as he moved on to other stages of his life. It hadn��t mattered to him at the time; his work consumed him, leaving no room to heal properly.


    Anne was at the doctor��s office, her lips pale, her anxiety evident. She wasn��t sure how to handle this situation. She��d taken a pregnancy test, and it was positive, but she didn��t believe she was truly pregnant. It felt like a trap. She wasn��t ready to be a mother or endure nine months of pregnancy. She only wanted something she didn��t have and had acted out of rebellion. For the first time, that fiery vein that had driven her for so long burned even brighter. The thought of someone like Billy��a man she found worthy��overwhelmed her in ways she couldn��t explain. If not for their closeness, she��d never have attracted a man of his caliber; perhaps he wouldn��t have even noticed her.


    �CMrs. Hall, I��m glad you came in. I��m not sure how to put this, but you��re not pregnant.�C The doctor said.


    �CWhat?�C Anne replied, her voice rising.


    �CI��m sorry to say this, but you have what we call a phantom pregnancy.�C The doctor explained carefully. �CIn certain situations, not fully understood, some women experience the symptoms of pregnancy without actually being pregnant.�C


    �CSo I��m not?�C


    �CNo, you��re not. It was a false alarm. Though uncommon, this happens to women with an intense desire for motherhood. I��ll recommend some vitamins and refer you to prenatal care. You can still conceive up to the age of 37 without risk. Don��t worry��the baby will come when the time is right for you and your husband.�C


    Anne wanted to say something but remained silent. She was stunned. Now she  to be pregnant and broke down crying like a child, while the doctor, an older man in his sixties, waited patiently. The pain of not being pregnant��it made her feel pathetic.


    �CI��ll schedule some appointments to help you.�C The doctor added.


    ��


    In the car, Anne��s thoughts swirled.  She felt a wave of disgust and shook her head.


    �CIt��s all in my imagination.�C Anne muttered to herself.


    Her grandmother, Serena Wickins, a sharp and intuitive woman, quickly grasped the situation and offered comforting words to ease Anne��s conflicting emotions.


    �CNow, you just need to breathe. These things happen to many women. Sometimes, what we want most is an uphill battle full of difficulties.�C Serena said with tact.


    �CYes, I have to get to the office to resolve some matters. I��ll be home late.�C Anne replied, regaining her composure. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sitting in the parking lot, she began to steel herself. It was three in the afternoon��10 PM in Italy. Billy wouldn��t respond at this hour. She��d have to keep her thoughts to herself until the right moment.


    �CYou just need to carry on as you always have.�C Anne said, gathering her strength. Applying makeup to conceal her tear-streaked face, she prepared to face the day once more.


    ....

 468. Acknowledgments

    Forbes had been ranking entrepreneurs as part of an exclusive roster for years, highlighting the status and fame they represented and their value as some of the wealthiest individuals in the United States. Billy��s position on the list was somewhat irregular due to the private control his company maintained. That afternoon, as Billy held Monica in his arms and filled her with promises, one phrase lingered in his mind: ��You��ll never want for anything.�� It was a vow he intended to fulfill, with past mistakes as lessons for the care he��d lost over time.


    -None of that matters. - Billy murmured, kissing his lover��s chin. Monica leaned against him, naked and shy, basking in the protection and tenderness of a man who had once seemed ready to leave her, but now sought to shower her with love and compassion. She allowed herself to be carried along, uncertain about the future. She was not good at predicting what love might bring or navigating the emotional intricacies of others.


    -So, you��ll take me on a tour of England this summer? - she asked, surprised.


    -I will. Two weeks. I��ll speak with my assistant to organize the trip. And yes, it��ll just be the two of us. But as I��ve said, I��ll be swamped filming for quite some time, probably until next year. - Billy replied.


    -Do you have to leave? - Monica whispered.


    -I do. There��s so much to handle. I need to visit some companies personally. I��ve neglected the gaming enterprise and now it seems to operate without me. They��re creating projects, adhering to my formats, and developing their own. Negotiating strong contracts for the children��s channel partnerships is also on the agenda. - Billy tightened his embrace around her. It was his unique rhythm, a mix of concentrated focus and relentless effort, accustomed to working until he was utterly drained. We, like this, seemed deceptive, almost like a lie.


    Such was the nature of his work.


    ��


    As he waited for his flight, the modern design of Rome��s airport struck him, bustling with travelers. He spotted his image in a magazine��shining as the new sports magnate with an overview of his wealth. While not immediately visible to many, his constant transactions had drawn attention. Forbes calculated that the combined value of his four sports teams totaled at least $600 million. Or so they claimed.


    It seemed Forbes�� math was designed to put a price on his fortune, but bank debts and tax obligations added complexity. His investment portfolio, including stock acquisitions, was far less transparent.


    In a recent interview, Forbes asked Anne Halle, his right-hand woman, about Billy��s ventures in the sports world and his new project to construct a tennis stadium. Her response was firm and bold, laden with meaning:


    -Anne moves fast. - Billy muttered, noticing that she likely already had a sports complex in development near San Jose, where his proposed athletic facilities were based.


    Anne, pregnant, crossed his mind fleetingly. He resisted the urge to call her, but a conversation with her was inevitable. Her ash-blonde hair, rounded cheeks, and toned figure played on his thoughts.


    ��


    He arrived in Los Angeles at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, the weight of the journey and jet lag pressing on his shoulders. The tie he wore felt like a second skin, though he considered switching to bow ties in the coming months, having received a simplistic yet stylish collection from a sponsor.


    Jim Waiit was waiting at the entrance with a coffee in hand.


    -We have a lot to discuss. I negotiated the Titanic contract. Asked for a $10 million salary and secured a 7.5% share of the box office instead, just as you suggested. There��s also a clause that waives the salary if the movie doesn��t break even. I emphasized you��re not someone who does things halfway and will give your best to the project. - Jim reported as Billy sipped the coffee with satisfaction. A percentage of the box office was the sweetest reward.


    -Additionally, they��ll pay you an extra $500,000 if you handle promotional efforts through your projects. - Jim added.


    Billy proposed writing a book and using his comics for promotion. His comic sales, particularly in Spanish-speaking markets, were well-known in various outlets. Including a dedicated page for the film was innovative. He envisioned branding partnerships for the upcoming seasons.


    -Let Anne know we��ll dedicate a single, meaningful page to this. Let the brands fight over the opportunity. - Billy said.


    -You��ll need to deliver the book by October for the editors and producers to approve it. - Jim reminded him.


    -I��ve thought about creating an illustrated version. I��ll design some of the settings and key scenes myself. Maybe ten drawings to add spirit to the book. - Billy added.


    Jim shifted the topic.


    -Arnon Milchan has a new project you might like. I spoke with him and suggested you��d be a great fit for one of Regency��s upcoming films. Thanks to your rapport with Al Pacino, he agreed to take a role. The film could be a surprise hit. -


    -What��s the catch? - Billy asked. S��arch* The N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Salary. They��re offering $3 million. The budget is $50 million, but most of it is allocated to sets and locations. Production is scheduled for next year, giving you enough time to finish Titanic. -


    -Do you like the film? - Billy asked.


    -It��s excellent.  has all the elements of a major award contender. It��s a different tone than the romantic lead you��ll play in Titanic. - Jim remarked.


    Billy��s eyes lit up. A great movie could elevate his career, and he could always earn money elsewhere. His growing filmography would secure him future opportunities.


    -I��ll have to read the script. If the film is even half-decent, I��ll take it. - Billy said, finishing his coffee. They got into a car to meet with Arnon Milchan. Later, Billy would rehearse with Kate, who was brimming with energy. Filming was likely to begin next month.


    -You��ll enjoy this project. There are other films on the table, but we��ll discuss them later. Next year looks like it��s shaping up to be a big one for movies. - Jim noted, observing how the industry seemed to be picking up momentum with numerous major productions on the horizon.


    ...

 469. persecution.

    Raimon sipped from his Coca-Cola while playing with $50,000 per trade in Asian currencies. It was entertaining��leveraging, selling, profiting, and starting over again. By two in the afternoon, he was trading crude oil, clearly enjoying himself, while the person next to him snorted a bit of white powder to stay awake, having barely slept in two days.


    �C How much have you made? �C asked Crazy Lomas, watching Raimon intensely focused, completely absorbed by the numbers flashing on his screen. Raimon laughed maniacally and completed another transaction.


    �C Twelve million, five hundred and eighty-nine thousand dollars�� and counting,�C replied Raimon, his head aching.


    �C Damn,�C the man beside him responded.


    �C I don��t want to look at another screen for the rest of my life. It��s been two weeks already, �C Raimon said, glancing at the calendar next to him. �C Thanks for the info. Your contacts are disturbingly accurate��it almost feels like cheating. �C


    �C Hahaha! �C laughed Crazy Lomas.


    �C I think it��s because you��re a math genius like me. All those values are hypothetical and far from exact, but when combined with other factors, it��s possible to make money. The crashes are practically preprogrammed. You need to be careful, though��it doesn��t always work, �C Lomas commented.


    �C I see. Next time, I won��t be so overconfident! Now I��m heading to California. I��ve already wrapped up everything here. I need to get back to my job as operations director and, of course, make up for the time I��ve missed. It��s been ages since I attended any forums, �C Raimon added, slightly hyper from the sugar rush. He exhaled deeply, feeling his brain overstimulated, and realized he desperately needed a nap.


    He had managed to purchase bonds, establish connections with the Bank of America board, revitalize credit portfolios, secure discounts, negotiate a hotel deal in Manhattan, double Billy��s stock portfolio, and arrange option contracts for June. Now, there was nothing left to do.


    All he could do was hope Rachel would stop glaring at him so threateningly in the coming days. Truthfully, he just wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons with his group. He suddenly remembered he needed to talk to RPG Platforms about  and its recent developments. The game had already undergone testing on several consoles, but the 2.0 version was set to launch on May 20��very soon. RPG Platforms were founded by Billy to handle Pok��mon games, some turn-based titles like  and the  franchise, featuring characters like Arturia, Gilgamesh, and Medusa. These were among the stories slated for upcoming releases. Although Billy thought the graphics left much to be desired, they were still among the best the market could offer at the time.


    �C I��d like to go, but I hate summer. It��s always warm there, �C said Lomas.


    �C Come in December. The weather��s more breezy than hot. I��ll introduce you to some friends. You know it��s not good to stay stuck in one place. The stock market can consume us like nothing else. Sometimes, the trades pull me into the abyss, �C Raimon replied, still reflecting on the strange and divergent world of stocks, full of things that could bring anyone to their knees. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    Taking a break in the afternoon, Billy had spent over six hours practicing lines with Kate. She was trying hard and had improved significantly in her acting skills. For the role in  she was more than exceptional. He could see how her eyes now blinked with innocence in every take, embodying the idea that Rose had never experienced anything beyond the oppressive seasoning of the upper classes��a life that had trapped her in fairytales.


    �C Sorry�� I��m sorry. But doesn��t wearing that tie bother you? My God, just looking at it makes me feel suffocated! Every time I try to breathe, I feel like it acts like a noose, �C Kate remarked.


    �C I��ve been wearing suits since I was 13, �C Billy replied, thinking it might be amusing to some people to see him so accustomed to formal attire. But it had never mattered to him; he carried out his activities focused entirely on himself.


    �C That doesn��t answer my point, �C she said, miming the gesture of hanging herself with a noose and sticking out her tongue.


    �C It��s not that bad. I even have enough room to eat. The collar is slightly wider than my neck, �C he said, running a finger around the edge of his shirt collar to prove his words true. Perhaps someone unaccustomed to wearing a tie might find it bothersome, but for him, it was comfortable��just a matter of habit.


    �C Let��s keep going; we��re almost done, �C Kate said, taking a deep breath.


    �C Come on. For now, let��s focus on the ending�� the saddest part of the story, �C she suggested. Kate had a somewhat biased opinion; she believed Jack was the kind of man who could give Rose a life full of happiness. Arguments would be common, but with Jack by her side, she would be utterly content and devoted.


    �C Let��s not worry about that right now�� Let me take you out to dinner, �C Billy offered. Having frequented countless restaurants, he knew reservations meant little to someone of his stature. Simply showing up at the door would secure one of the two or three tables reserved for celebrities, or they might even improvise a table for him.


    Kate��s clear eyes paused, seemingly reading his intentions. At least, that��s how it appeared. She nodded as they wrapped up their discussion about the book he was writing based on the screenplay. It was still in the planning stages, but he already had a clear idea of the chapters and how the story would unfold. He intended to use a  format, offering different characters�� perspectives in each chapter. It would include six chapters from Jack Dawson, six from Rose, four from Rose��s fianc��, four from the Titanic��s owner��who insisted on going down with the ship��and both a long prologue and epilogue, focusing on the Titanic��s creation and its demise.


    No flashbacks. The Titanic would serve solely as the framework, and Cameron would bring the story to life on the big screen.


    �C Do you think they��ll let us in? �C Kate asked nervously, noticing the crowd outside. A man organizing the entrance waved them through upon recognizing Billy. A few cameras flashed from a distance, and Billy acknowledged them with a nod, allowing some additional photos to be taken. It was an unspoken rule, and he respected it.


    �C I can��t believe it! It must feel so unfair to people, �C Kate said, amused. There was no point in being angry about the minor perks of fame.


    �C It��s no big deal. People find it enjoyable when we��re here. It��s like dining next to someone you admire. I understand the sentiment. All we have to do is reciprocate with a kind gesture, and the rest doesn��t matter, �C Billy replied, winking at her.


    -Well, I��d rather wait in line��but not outside, �C Kate quipped.


    ...

 470. longing.

    The comics of represent a reclamation of Greek history, specifically the Hellenic period, which would later experience a resurgence through a movie and its sequel. The sequel would explore events both before and after the first film. However, the comic itself commands attention��a classic, brutally styled work that stirs strong reactions from its audience.


    Rendered with a color palette akin to realism in painting, the comic''s pages exude an intensity that stands apart from typical styles. The first 40 pages for the initial release of what would become a 10-part miniseries were already completed. Conceptually, the artwork was unlike anything before, characterized by a reddish hue leaning more toward sepia and faces sharp with complex, layered colors. The coloring process was painstaking, consuming significant time and attention. Billy, collaborating with two colorists, ensured every detail was perfected. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was artistry at its finest��like Monet deciding to create a comic, where each brushstroke was executed with precision and depth. Every page bore a vibrancy and chemistry juxtaposed beautifully with the surrounding panels. The storyline, detailing the war against Darius III, wove through these visuals with seamless cohesion.


    -This picturesque blend helps sharpen our skills, - said Jimmy Branks, surveying the intricately painted scenes. Their workflow began with a uniform light-yellow base coat, followed by delicate ink outlines, which were left to dry before applying the final colors. Jimmy��s team included artists who had ventured into creating their comics, though they often struggled with mastering complete designs.


    -We��ve got twenty more pages to go, - added Terry Choi, one of the colorists. He enjoyed observing the evolution of each design, marveling at the relationship between linework and color. Terry often reflected on how light and shadow interacted, considering even the smallest details, such as the moon��s glow or a bird��s fleeting shadow.


    The process was meticulous. Each page took an average of three hours, divided among the team. One group focused on laying the yellow base coat with painstaking precision, ensuring accurate light placement. Even the subtlest light shifts or environmental shadows were accounted for, producing a layered, dynamic composition.


    Despite the demanding nature of the work, the team found fulfillment in their efforts. Terry Choi viewed the project as an invaluable opportunity to refine his understanding of color theory. Jimmy remained steadfast, guiding his team through the intricate processes.


    -Let��s get that yellow base down first, - Jimmy said, leaning back as sunlight illuminated his face. The workspace��a rented studio supported by Billy��was abuzz with creativity. Acrylic tables held vibrant drafts, where the interplay of light and ink brought their designs to life.


    Billy��s guidance was ever-present. Though unconventional, his daily visits provided fresh insights. He would spend an hour reviewing progress, suggesting adjustments to details like tree colors, building exteriors, or atmospheric elements before leaving the execution to his team.


    -I��ve always loved the palette of  - Terry remarked as he reorganized Chapter 41. He admired the series for its tonal complexity, shifting seamlessly from dark and moody to vibrant and colorful.


    -We prioritize realism above all else, - Billy said, stepping into the room in an uncharacteristically casual outfit��a brown blazer, blue shirt, matching trousers, and his meticulously styled hair.


    -The boss is here early, - Terry quipped.


    -In the coming days, we��ll face more surprises, - Billy replied cryptically, holding scripts for   and  The  series was set to publish in two months, with five chapters released monthly.


    -Damn, that��s a lot of chapters, - Jimmy remarked, glancing at Antony, who was engrossed in  episodes.


    -You can read them, Antony, but don��t damage or misplace the pages. Number them before you shuffle them, - Billy instructed, handing over Chapters 54, 55, and 57.


    -We��re close to releasing  - Terry noted as Rosa, Billy��s secretary, entered the room. Her meticulous records ensured everything stayed on track. Rosa managed the comic team��s schedules, ensuring every detail was accounted for.


    In an adjacent room, the lettering and final coloring teams worked on the last touches, ensuring the series met Billy��s rigorous standards.


    ***


    May 17


    Anne coordinated a meeting with Microsoft, held conveniently in San Jose. Billy��s foresight in arranging the venue underscored his reputation for strategic brilliance.


    -Miss Anne, - greeted John Frontman, Microsoft��s operations director.


    -Thank you for coming. We��re extremely busy, - Anne replied curtly.


    -It��s well-known that Billy Carson prefers acting over full-time business pursuits. It��s a pity for us in the corporate world��his intelligence and strategy rival the best, - John said, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. Anne bristled internally. She didn��t appreciate anyone commenting on Billy, especially in such a familiar manner.


    -Let��s move to the conference room, - Anne said, maintaining professionalism. She was already anticipating Microsoft��s agenda.


    The discussion soon revealed Microsoft��s intentions: they needed a more substantial investment for their console technology research.


    -We��re looking at a $20 million contribution per company. Since your company holds 65% ownership, a larger share from you would be expected, - John explained. His words carried the corporate tact Anne had encountered countless times��an attempt to subtly shift the burden.


    -These research efforts benefit your operations as well, - Anne countered. - The hardware advancements won��t be exclusive; they��ll support broader compatibility. If we��re expected to contribute disproportionately, we��ll need compensation for the resulting technologies that enhance your systems. -


    -Fair point, - John conceded. - But Billy Carson��s unique patent clause favors your company significantly. The terms are outlined in the initial contract. -


    Anne weighed the implications. She recognized the advantages but knew any negotiation with Microsoft required careful maneuvering.


    -How compatible are these components with other systems, like laptops?  - Anne asked, shifting the focus to their shared technological interests.


    Microsoft��s team outlined potential applications, including advancements in portable devices. Anne made mental notes, understanding the strategic opportunities but also the challenges these developments posed for Lux Animation��s partnerships.


    As the meeting progressed, she resolved to navigate these waters with precision, ensuring Lux Animation maintained its competitive edge.


    ...

 470. glance.

    May 15


    Billy was sitting, working intently on sketching out the details. These days, he enjoyed being at the mansion in Los Angeles, feeling the wind on his face as he carefully reviewed every line he drew or wrote. The sense of fulfillment from seeing everything come together brought him pure joy.


    The doors opened, and there stood Monica, who had come unannounced to spend the afternoon with her lover. Her silhouette was as captivating as ever, exuding that fiery charm that was so uniquely hers. The way she moved, sensual and deliberate, carried a look in her eyes��eyes that spoke of longing, of passion waiting to ignite. It was her way of finding release.


    -I spent eleven hours traveling, and all I could think about was having you in my bed to rest. I even foolishly imagined you''d meet me at the airport, but it seems I was mistaken. It��s disheartening to feel replaced by a few sheets of paper, - Monica said, kissing Billy gently on the chin. She had a way of expressing her love with small gestures that proved her beauty defied the ordinary. Billy pulled her slender hips close and kissed her with the fantasy-filled passion that only she could evoke. Seeing her, with her grace and fiery essence, took his breath away.


    -My sweet and beautiful woman, this house feels so empty without someone like you around, - Billy replied, holding Monica tightly as she charmed him with her affection and gentle caresses. Her eyes urged him to take her to the bedroom, to share their love in a way that was as intimate as it was mutual.


    -Put me down! Oh my God, you''re like a child. For a moment, I almost felt like a wife coming home after a long day at work, - she teased, laughing playfully. She often had a way of dismissing things with a radiant, crescent-moon smile that lit up her face.


    -My wife has had a busy day, - Billy said, kissing her neck. Monica��s eyes trembled at the way he called her that.


    They tumbled onto a large sofa, where Billy kissed her cheeks and lavished her with affection. Monica, as always, moved to her rhythm, their love binding them in ways both grounding and transcendent.


    -Do you want to eat here, or should we go out for dinner? - Billy asked, noticing the glimmer of love in her eyes. She nodded toward going out, her lips brushing against his in a soft kiss.


    -I slept through most of the trip. First class is something, but my back and neck hurt a little. There was some turbulence, and the time zone change gave me a slight headache. I need lots of water and a salad. Though tomorrow, I wouldn��t mind having that berry sauce dessert��or apple pie. It would be delicious. That sauce, it��s divine�� though I wouldn��t say no to pie, either, - Monica admitted. She had a weakness for sweets when she was tired, and her filming schedules often left her completely drained.


    -Berries are one of your great weaknesses, - Billy said softly, planting a kiss on her lips, filled with character and longing.


    -They always have been, - Monica replied, her gaze lingering. - Even more than you. -


    Billy kissed her again, a kiss that felt like ice melting into warmth, bridging the spaces that sometimes separated them. They kissed deeply, filled with tenderness and passion, fortifying their love with every touch.


    -I''m jealous of the berries now. I want them too, but only if I can taste them from your lips, - Billy murmured, kissing her again, each kiss a serene and deliberate act of connection.


    -Let��s stay like this. Tomorrow, you owe me a tour of all the places you haven��t taken me to yet��I deserve it, - Monica said, kicking off her heels as she sashayed toward the bedroom, her hips swaying rhythmically, seductive, and full of life.


    Their luggage lay nearby as they settled in, their movements a mix of grace and ease. Under the covers, they watched a few movies until nightfall, sharing a light meal of fruit salad and pasta. They reveled in the pleasure of being together before drifting off to sleep, wrapped in each other��s arms until morning light filled the room.


    May 16


    With little work to do, they indulged in an extra day of relaxation, basking in the warmth of the weekend. The rehearsals with Kate had gone exceptionally well, yielding fruitful results.


    -Winona is coming to see us, - Monica murmured, her signature tone carrying across the room. - She��ll be here around noon. We��ll cook something and head out in the afternoon. That��s better, don��t you think? I think we��ve earned a couple more hours of rest. This bed is so warm, and my breaks feel as long as they should have always been. Let��s indulge in laziness��after all, with so much rest, my routine feels so intense. You��ve rubbed off on me, you know, with your tireless work ethic. -


    Billy kissed her forehead before heading to the shower. He had unfinished work��a project demanding his attention.


    The upcoming release of  was imminent, as was , adding to the growing list of novels he was churning out. He was nearing the conclusion of the first arc of  with Chapter 58, where Gon rescued Killua from his family and the quartet parted ways. Similarly, the initial 20 chapters of  were nearly complete, ready to transition into a pause as an animated series took shape under Olm Inc. The workload was relentless, yet Billy persisted, driven by his creative ambitions.


    Monica closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.


    Three hours later, Winona arrived, her presence marked by the subtle scent of her perfume. Though Los Angeles was her current base, she much preferred Atlanta. The midday heat was oppressive, hinting that the summer of 1996 might be one for the books��or perhaps just the beginning of a long, scorching season.


    -A glass of poison or a cup of work? I��ve been reviewing scripts. What��s on your mind? - Winona asked after their greetings had passed, and Monica, from a distance, casually mentioned she��d soon take a shower, savoring the luxury of rest.


    -Your James Bond movie? - Billy asked.


    -That��s slated for 1999. Those productions are exhaustingly long, one after the other. I wouldn��t typically accept it, but you��re right��it��s about finding the balance between art and those larger commercial roles. Right now, I feel ready to take on films of that scale. Protagonist roles can be lacking in design, and productions don��t always feel organic, but they��re still remarkable in their way, - Winona replied.


    -Would you like something to drink? - Billy asked, swiftly moving to pour her a glass of water when she declined the orange juice he had in his other hand. They took the opportunity to share ideas and discuss upcoming projects while preparing lunch.


    -Pickles aren��t bad, but I prefer them brined, - Winona said as she sliced them for a cold salad. - If I had the time, I��d love to create my movie, focusing on producing more than acting. But both are equally captivating. Each draws me in differently, whether it��s watching something take shape or being part of the process. -


    It was a surprising shift for her, considering she had never been one to take on a Bond movie or similar projects. The closed, competitive circles of Hollywood made every opportunity a fight, each space a prize.


    -What a surprise, - Monica said, entering the room in a pair of snug shorts that emphasized her figure and a tight white shirt without a bra, her entire presence exuding effortless allure.


    -It��s so good to see you! - she exclaimed, leaping forward to embrace Winona. Billy continued organizing his comic drafts, intent on finishing the final  Chapters in the weeks to come. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It has been a while, hasn��t it? You��ll see some things you��ll like later. I made a stop in Rome for some shopping, Monica said, shooting a look at Billy, who was filled with unspoken promises.


    -I brought pie, - Winona added.


    -You��re so gorgeous, - Monica said, kissing her on the lips before settling on Billy��s lap. Whispering into his ear, she teased him with a request for steak and Texan-style potatoes. "Cook for me. I want that mashed potato dish, and I��ll leave the salad to them."


    ...

 471. ceremony.

    Billy wore a blue apron with white stripes while preparing the grill. He placed bananas, and quartered potatoes with cheese and garlic, creating a calming scene as the women sipped lemonade, watching him work.


    �CHe��s been exercising more consistently than I thought he would at first,�C Monica remarked, glancing at Billy��s arms. It was no secret that he devoted at least four days a week to steady workouts, a habit he��d kept up for the past two years since he began considering acting more seriously. She admired his dedication to both his craft and their shared life. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CStop making double entendres,�C laughed the woman next to her, observing Billy as he prepared a Texan-style meal, though it seemed more rooted in his traditions. After a while, he dashed into the kitchen, tossing chunks of meat and spices into a pot to flavor the beans. Sausages and chicken sizzled on the grill��it was an impressive spread. The salad was chilling in the fridge, dressed with lime juice.


    �CDinner��s ready in a few minutes!�C Billy called out, noticing that everything was almost done. The housekeeper was helping with some tasks, and Billy thanked her warmly for her assistance, organizing every detail with care.


    �CThe potatoes are almost done,�C the housekeeper informed, keeping an eye on the frying pan.


    �CI��m glad you were here to take care of the house today. You��ve been a huge help,�C Billy said, grateful. While he was unfamiliar with many aspects of running the household, Rosa and Anne always seemed to have everything under control, ensuring that life ran smoothly.


    The table was set on the first-floor balcony, near the terrace and right by the kitchen entrance. It was laden with beans, meat, diced chicken with tortillas, mayonnaise cubes, and saut��ed vegetables. The centerpiece featured a packet of Lay��s chips and a generous bowl of beans with guacamole, alongside toasted bread and Winona��s salad. It was a hearty feast.


    �CIsn��t it fantastic? Though it��s common for him to cook meals like this in San Jose when he has the time,�C Monica smiled, savoring the tender meat that filled her with delight. She dipped into the guacamole, loving how Billy always cooked with care. She treasured the intimacy of these moments��the attention, his affectionate kisses despite greasy hands, and the simple joy of sharing a meal.


    �CI love it when you cook like this,�C Monica said, giving him a kiss, her lips still shiny from the food. She looked radiant, her wavy hair framing her angelic, artist-sculpted face.


    �CMm-hmm. Whenever I can, I��ll always make what��s best for us,�C Billy replied, savoring a spoonful of beans, bread, and chicken. It reminded him of family dinners with his father, whose birthday in September might warrant a special day off. Anne always remembered such dates, keeping things running smoothly.


    �CIt��s not blackberries, but the meat is delicious,�C Billy joked, taking another bite. He tended to overindulge during BBQs, though the absence of beer wasn��t a concern.


    �CWe��re heading out for dessert later. Want to join us?�C Monica asked Winona, who had sauce stains on her shirt, not yet realizing the mess.


    �CSure, and maybe we can hit the nightclub afterward. Some friends invited me yesterday, but I was too exhausted after the  premiere and all the work,�C Winona said.


    �CPerfect,�C Monica replied with enthusiasm, ready for some dancing.


    ...


    May 16 marked the preparation phase for the full English dubbing of . Months of work had gone into organizing everything. Gainax, the Japanese company, wasn��t just focused on ��they were ambitiously juggling projects like  and . Billy kept his promises, allocating funds tirelessly to ensure progress continued uninterrupted.


    �CMiss Rachel,�C Anna said, surprised to see her on a Saturday night.


    �CI lost track of time. I oversee most productions in the East and always try to maintain order. With completed, I may need to travel to Japan again to monitor how the companies under our umbrella finalize everything,�C Rachel explained.


    Anna was well aware of the endless challenges in the East. Government pressure on traditional businesses, cultural misunderstandings, and peculiar mishaps often complicate things.


    In some ways, Korea was easier to navigate, though not by much. Conducting international business was always fraught with complexities, regardless of the country. A deep understanding of culture was crucial for success, as seen in China, which initially thrived with an open-market approach yet faced its unique difficulties.


    �CI hear they��re great with deliveries but struggle with administration,�C Anna noted.


    That''s not entirely true. The workers are exceptional��their work ethic is outstanding. We had to invest heavily to acquire the companies and retain leaders to streamline production for the new series. We��ll arrange exchanges to learn their processes; we need those skills,�C Rachel said, aligning with Billy��s vision.


    �CIt��s an ambitious goal, challenging to achieve,�C Anna acknowledged, thinking of her struggles with children��s production companies.


    �CI fear I share similar burdens. I��ve been managing the children��s production process entirely on my own.�C


    �CIf you need help, you can always send Raimon, - as Rachel suggested.


    �CRaimon? Why him?�C Anna asked, surprised, recalling his tendency for disputes.


    �CWell, he could handle minor fiscal reviews and help with contracts you haven��t gotten to yet. He��s surprisingly good at it, more than we initially thought,�C Rachel replied, explaining in detail.


    ..

 472. May festival.

    An ice cream under the mid-year afternoon, the moment wasn''t uncommon. They attended a mansion far from all the noise, with an invitation, dressed in much more elegant evening wear. Monica clicked her heels beside him as people came and went in absurd numbers. Many were from the Hollywood elite, searching for a more cinematic and artistic atmosphere among the bohemian crowd.


    The circle, once considered large, was growing smaller. After a while, many people settled in at the party, which seemed like a modern, intricate society of new relationships. Nothing extraordinary, but it did have a rather strange vibe.


    Vases filled with various drugs were marked in the back of the room: the drinks, an assortment of cocktails overflowing with flavors beyond the usual alcoholic rule. Meanwhile, beautiful butlers handed out drinks. It was curious to see how everyone took a cigarette in their hand and chatted, with no clear dance floor, in a room that seemed designed more for sharing ideas.


    -These are the most boring parties you could ever attend in your life... but of course, you''ll make lots of contacts, the kind you''d probably like, - Winona whispered, disappearing to talk about some papers she needed. Monica sat down, while Billy had a drink. The security service was stationed at the front, waiting for their arrival, demanding of course�� but Billy��s distrust of this type of environment was evident.


    -I''ve been to some of these, but I��d call them cocktails more than anything, - Monica commented.


    Billy nodded.


    Taking a bottle of soda, was the only thing without alcohol, even the water seemed overcrowded.


    -I can''t believe Madonna''s here, - Monica whispered. She had been a huge fan of Madonna for some time.


    -Do you want to meet her? Not long ago, I invested in a movie she''s going to be in. Maybe I could reach out and get some ideas about her role, and you could talk to her a bit, - Billy whispered back, barely audible.


    -No, darling, it''s better if they come to you, - Monica replied, her big deer-like eyes filled with a particular, dazzling idea.


    -How''s your movie  going? - Billy asked, knowing it would be a huge success both commercially and artistically. It was true that behind the scenes, Miramax, a company that constantly had some issues with Disney, had made two fatal decisions. They were still in what could be called a cold war, but it was likely that something similar to what happened in 2005 would happen when they decided to take everyone from the company to form their branch, .


    -Amazing. Roberto Benigni is undoubtedly a great idol, he has ideas, ways of telling stories, and narrating. Throughout the production, he''s taught me so many things. I almost feel grateful for the opportunity you created, - Monica said, stopping. She knew the back story. - You invested a lot, mostly trying to recover your money and some distribution rights in TV and internet markets, but your decision to consider me for the role was essential. It makes me shyly think that sometimes beauty isn''t enough to achieve the things we want.-


    The contract wasn''t very demanding; maybe Jim exaggerated, but Billy saw a golden opportunity when an Italian group, Gori Group, sought American investment for a mega-production. Billy quickly released money before Miramax and hired some of their producers to help the film develop smoothly. For Billy, 16 million liras wasn��t much compared to the return Lux Films would make.


    -It''s what someone like me should do. If I don''t defend your dreams, no one else will, - Billy said to Monica, who melted with his words. The way it represented the freedom he gave her, and the maturity he expressed despite his youth, was a hot way of embodying the man she was searching for.  Even so, maybe they wouldn��t have met otherwise.


    Winona arrived with three men: the famous Robert Redford, who couldn��t be denied as one of the great actors of the time, the heartthrob of the era, along with Michael G. Wilson, who had long been one of the producers of , working for many years in everything related to Bond, and in his way, was a fan of the saga, even writing for it. Along with a young Marlon Brando, whose success belonged to past eras, but who was still beloved for what his roles represented and the uniqueness of every piece of work in his career.


    -This is Billy, - Winona introduced, beaming.  -These gentlemen are probably the ones who made cinema what it is today�� we have Marlon, Robert, and of course, Michael. -


    -It��s a pleasure to meet all of you. I know a bit about you, Mr. Michael. Your work on  has been a pleasure to watch, - Billy said, shaking his hand. - And of course, I know you. You��re legends in your own right, though I��m sure it��s hard not to know you. -


    The young man murmured as he shook the hands of the great actors. After introductions, Winona went to chat with Michael about the movie, while Robert, who had come with Marlon, told Billy that he admired his animated films. While he preferred other types of cinema, he still thought they were great movies.


    Marlon was making a movie produced by Francis Coppola, which is why Winona ran into him. He spoke a bit, a man with a strong voice and few words, but he gave Billy a lot of advice and helped him think about the roles he had taken so far. "Take a gangster role." "Men and gangsters belong together," he said, not as advice to take such a role, but it was refreshing to represent a part like that. sea??h th�� nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I��d love a role like that, but my schedule stopped me from taking such a part recently, - Billy said, listening to the advice of the old-timers. The old school had a love for art and beauty, one that invited you to dream.


    -Do whatever you feel like, - Marlon responded. He was still rebellious and tough.


    ...

 473. May festival (part 2)

    After some time, they joined the party, mingling with multiple personalities, all eager to share their thoughts and perspectives, no matter how minute the details. The atmosphere was charged with this exchange, filling the room with a vibrant energy.


    -Love should be something that endures through time. Doubtfully, I believe it only thrives when people stay committed, always presenting the best version of themselves. A woman cannot afford to let herself go�� because there��s always someone else waiting to take her place, turning it into a loss. �C replied Barbra Streisand. Her film was still in production, leaving her with limited free time, but as an avid industry member, she had started promoting her movie months before its yet-undetermined release date.


    The room was filled with intellectuals, sharp thinkers, and a few single women who, even after years, had maintained their charm effortlessly.


    -How curious that, more often than not, people say the opposite. Amen to that. �C Diane Keaton remarked, another guest who was leaving her mark with her brilliant writing.


    -Is love such a liquid concept for men that it requires endless pleasure to trigger a yes or no? It makes me reflect on surrendering to love, and calming ourselves in its embrace��be it familial, complementary, or filled with affection. �C Goldie Hawn chimed in, her witty comment eliciting laughter from both Winona and Monica, who were attentively listening. Their conversation, full of feminine strength, also carried a blend of biting humor and sharp observations, cutting through rigid mindsets with ease.


    -A society where love is governed by women��s rules seems like such a distant reality, �C Winona mused.


    -Oh darling, a woman as stunning as you should only think about the men lining up for you! �C Diane Keaton responded with a playful smile.


    Billy excused himself, stepping away from the fevered conversation. It was better to let the group continue their discussion while he found his rhythm. He wasn��t fond of aimlessly wandering around, but he did so, grabbing a glass of what appeared to be champagne. Sipping calmly, he gazed out the window and found himself amidst a group whose perspective sharply contrasted with the typical Hollywood mindset. The group��s discontent with the industry��s treatment of LGBTQ+ communities and certain corporate behaviors didn��t make their discussions any less impactful.


    He seemed slightly tipsy.


    -The new American star who turns everything he touches into gold, �C Gibson commented, his words tinged with suggestion. Billy could smell the alcohol, perhaps something more, but it didn��t matter. The party had shifted gears, though not in any predictable way.


    -Do you truly believe that? �C Billy asked.


    -Oh, I do. You��re the hard edge of Hollywood. They say even studios that cross paths with you fear facing you directly�� Your American image surpasses the boundaries of polished decency. My curiosity lies in how they��ve failed to rope you in using traditional methods. �C Gibson said, slurring slightly but still comprehensible.


    -Because they��d lose. It��s better to negotiate and make money than to burn bridges and start meaningless wars. Likewise, avoiding the press works wonders.  �C Billy replied, meeting the conversation head-on.


    -Avoiding the press? -


    -Yes, I don��t need them to validate me for me to know my worth. The press sensationalizes everything, and it��s better to steer clear. If they pay me, maybe I��ll show up, but nothing more. -


    It-Quite rebellious of you to shun interviews so bluntly. �C Gibson chuckled. �C-But, of course, everyone does as they see fit. Tell me, what brings you here to break the rules? Have you already hooked up with Winona? I must say, she��s every man��s dream. I adore her ears.�C


    Billy was momentarily stunned by the crude remark.


    -There��s been nothing of the sort. But is that your introduction? Do you want me to set you up with her? �C Billy asked, amused by the audacity.


    -Sure thing, once she ditches all that baggage. Those women around her are worse than piranhas. Each one of them would strip a man down to nothing. Be careful, son; they��ll demonize your woman. That hot European you��re with��those are bad influences for any relationship. �C


    -Oh my God! Stop pestering the boy. �C Danny Glover interjected, much more composed and respectable.


    -Danny, I thought I��d never see you again. �C Gibson said, wobbling slightly.


    -You��re meeting Billy here. He��s a tough one, who��ll take us by the horns. I��m off for a drink. �C Gibson added as he staggered away.


    -Danny Glover. You might know me from some roles, but I��m often mistaken within my community. What about you, pretty boy? �C Danny said with a chuckle.


    It was official. �C  Billy thought.


    -I came by chance, but now I��m just getting to know the many personalities around me. Of course, I know you; I��ve seen some of your films. Then again, everyone here seems to know everyone else. �C


    -You��re right, though they only admit to knowing you when they can��t ridicule you. Rumor has it you��re working on a major project. �C


    -I am. It��ll be one of the best films upon release. �C Billy said, flashing a genuine, pleasant smile. He admired Danny��s tenacity, knowing the actor would go on to build a massive filmography in the years to come.


    Their conversation was interrupted by a loud, resounding slap that made some laugh and others gasp. Mel Gibson was spinning around on skates, and Winona had landed the blow, leaving the man visibly nervous and slightly sobered by the drinks he��d consumed.


    -I think our conversation will have to pause here. �C Danny remarked. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -No problem, it��s been a pleasure. See you around. �C Billy replied, heading toward Monica, who was now discussing her movie with Barbra Streisand while Winona joined a group of friends, furiously chatting away.


    -I think it��s time we leave, darling. �C Billy said, gently brushing Monica��s shoulder.


    -Arnon has spoken highly of you. �C Barbra interjected, mentioning Arnon Milchan, one of her film��s producers. Billy raised an eyebrow at the mention of the prolific man, widely regarded as one of the industry��s best.


    -I wasn��t aware of that, �C Billy admitted.


    -Oh, there��s nothing Arnon doesn��t do. He��s constantly traveling and seems indispensable, though he isn��t�� He has an incredible eye for scripts and details. But I think we��ll have more time to discuss interesting things later.�C Barbra said, bidding him farewell with a kiss.


    Monica shared that they had indeed spoken about Billy, mentioning how he had become almost like a production house through his bold investments in certain films and his ventures in other fields. His success with  had been a game-changer for some, even though many doubted the franchise could fail, given George Lucas��s popularity.


    -I see! Then I suppose they��ll continue to be surprised, one after another, especially with the upcoming release of  on June 9. �C Billy said, noting how the campaign was ramping up.  he mused. It didn��t matter; the cast was on another level.


    -Wait, I need to know what caused that.�C Monica said.


    -What happened with Winona? �C Billy asked.


    -No idea, �C Monica whispered, holding Billy��s hand as they prepared to leave.


    ...

 474. May Festival (last part)

    It was 12:04 a.m. when Monica walked with Winona. They were chatting about something, and she seemed calmer after the incident with Mel Gibson, though anger still simmered beneath the surface.


    -How about we hit a club? -Billy asked Monica, who was standing beside him. Her eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.


    -I think dancing is the perfect way to channel your anger, darling, -Monica added.


    -He��s despicable. First, he suggested we go upstairs, claiming he��d make me the happiest woman alive... Then, when I refused, he dared to preach about Yahweh and called me a slippery Jew who escaped the ovens. That was the last straw, -Winona fumed, her face red with rage. The accumulated fury of an offended woman had exploded in that sharp slap that left Mel stunned.


    -He��s a slob, lazy and vulgar... Rude and disrespectful. I can��t imagine how he treats people he has power over. He must be insufferable, -Winona continued.


    -Men, -Monica replied dryly.


    -He was definitely out of line. But I think they are just drunken words. I talked to him briefly��he downed half a bottle of champagne and was completely plastered. Your slap was enough to knock some sense into him, -Billy offered, trying to diffuse her anger.


    Winona shot him a look of utter disdain.


    -He��s an absolute idiot, a miserable wretch. Don��t defend him, -she retorted.


    -I surrender, -Billy said, raising his hands in mock defeat, knowing she wouldn��t listen to any defense of Mel.


    -Poor thing, -Monica teased, kissing Billy on the cheek. -Let��s go dance. A little fun and maybe a good gin tonic will clear your mind. -


    The atmosphere lifted as they entered a lively nightclub. The VIP area was sparsely populated, though the dance floor was packed with people moving to retro beats mixed with pop, pop-rock, and ballads. The lyrics celebrated pleasure and liberation, fueling the carefree energy of the night. Monica and Winona were radiant, exuding a vibrant joy that drew attention without crossing any lines of impropriety.


    Billy and Monica moved together under the colorful lights that danced around the room. His hands rested on her hips as she pressed against him in a way that felt bold yet playful. Monica was no stranger to a glass of wine with her meals, but stronger drinks like whiskey or vodka turned her cheeks a rosy red after just a few rounds.


    The music drowned out conversations, reducing them to mere feelings and rhythms.


    -Would you take me on a long, ceremonious trip worldwide? -the song��s lyrics whispered as Billy and Monica finished dancing and took a seat.


    -It��s getting late, -Monica murmured, nearly dozing off. Her inverted schedule had caught up with her, and the music now brought aches instead of energy. She yawned, her body glistening with the sweat of an eventful evening. Billy kissed her lips softly, and she responded with a tired but happy smile.


    -We can head home. Tomorrow, we��ll have plenty of time to rest, -he assured her, glancing at his watch. It was nearly three in the morning. Winona was flirting with a man Billy didn��t recognize, her unusual drunkenness adding a layer of unpredictability. Paparazzi flashes outside hinting at potential tabloid drama.


    The drive home was quiet, the asphalt disappearing beneath their car as they approached the mansion.


    The following morning, Billy felt the weight of fatigue. A dull headache lingered, and sleep had been insufficient. After a shower, he planned to rest a little more but first prepared his workout gear. Monica was still deeply asleep, likely until noon. It was 9:30 a.m.��not too early, but not late either.


    At the gym, Billy was greeted by his trainer, who pushed him to his limits with every rep.


    -One second, I��ve got an important call, -Billy said, stepping aside. His trainer nodded and turned his attention to another client, a wiry young man sharing the session.


    -Anne, I��ve been waiting for your call, -Billy said as he answered.


    -I��ve finalized some of the arrangements with Apple, -Anne began. -We��ve restructured. Some engineers were rehired at Microsoft Games, others at ID Software, and a few at Pixar. But we still laid off 600 people, offering generous severance packages. -


    Billy winced. That was a lot of people. He wondered if the severance would truly suffice for those struggling to find work, especially older employees often discarded by the system.


    -It��s more than I expected, -he admitted.


    -About 300 were relocated to critical roles. The rest... well, business is business, as you say, -Anne replied bluntly.


    -So, my proposals were taken into account? -Billy asked. S��ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -They were, -Anne confirmed. -I spoke with Steve and secured a $100 million investment once the company stabilizes. He��s also negotiating with Bill Gates about licensing microchips for their computers, which could expand our product line. They��re even considering making Microsoft Office available on our new Macintoshes. -


    -That��s promising, -Billy said.


    -Not entirely. We��re running low on funds. After reallocating resources, we have just enough to maintain ongoing projects. No room for new investments unless we start turning a profit. -


    -When will the Star Wars revenue come in? -Billy asked.


    -We haven��t recouped production costs yet. Most of it went toward payments, but by year��s end, we��ll see the surplus��especially with George negotiating lucrative toy licenses, -Anne explained.


    -And Autodesk shares? What��s their valuation? -


    -They��re valued at $3.2 billion, but the market is still evaluating them ahead of their public debut, -Anne said.


    -So, we��re stable for now, -Billy concluded.


    -Yes, but we can��t afford risks. Steve mentioned an ambitious idea to merge with Apple, but that was dismissed outright��such a move would be disastrous right now. And let��s not forget,  was a hefty investment, -Anne reminded him.


    -I��m confident we��ll succeed, -Billy replied, though doubt lingered. Still, he trusted that the upcoming months would bring the financial breakthroughs they needed.


    ...

 475. Baldur’s gate.

    True, the investments and growth are disproportionate, and a single failure could steer them toward an irreversible path. However, the debut of the Pok��mon series has exceeded expectations, creating a stronger impression than usual for such shows. The  series has been a gratifying experience for fans of the game. While the craze isn��t as widespread as in past years, it still sparks excitement among children today.


    By improving the investment channeled into OLM Inc., they released the first 30 episodes out of the proposed 65, airing them on screens since late April.


    With strategic use of commercials, the game has been cleverly categorized and promoted, leveraging comic book sales outlets to advertise the trading cards, which are now hitting the market alongside the games. Would anyone take such a risky move? Very few. But Billy couldn��t care less. He��s generated a market presence that not only covers costs but grows exponentially for a series with amplified growth potential.


    Not far away, the dubbing for has begun. It is planned as a springboard for the adult-oriented animation channel, DVD sales, and licensing opportunities. Having three distinct channels��one for children, one for teens, and one for adults��creates a strategy where certain series can cross audiences based on theme and appeal.


    -It remains one of the brightest ideas, - remarked Raimon, analyzing the animation schedule. He wanted to know more about the other Pok��mon, from the villains to the overarching direction of the series. But that wasn��t all. Heavyweights like , , , , and  were major hits, drawing people in for a second viewing. It was a blessing not to see the backstage chaos of a channel producing the best original series on the market.


    Not to mention , , and ��a project spearheaded by animator Jozz Stokman from Lux Nation, who had officially established himself as a key figure on the forefront of animated margins.


    -Everything we do here is promoted across America. We��ve already hit 5 million copies of Pok��mon,- commented Joseph Blinky, a Stanford graduate with ID Software RPG Platforms since its inception. He worked tirelessly, streamlining every trace of orders and diversifying the offerings, including the latest Pok��mon Gold and Silver.


    It was a small team of 25 people, but they consistently delivered. The latest masterpiece was , which Raimon had admired for some time, dedicating himself to refining the story.


    -I suppose you came for Baldur��s Gate? -  asked Joseph Blinky.


    -Yep, I did. I brought along one of the best Dungeons & Dragons experts, and it turns out he��s also a brilliant graphic designer. He��ll help us refine some character designs and environments. I��ve already spoken with Epic; they��re willing to dedicate some time to modifying and optimizing the maps for better gameplay, - Raimon replied.


    Looking at the RPG, full of diverse ideas, the world-building��complete with races and class choices like warrior, barbarian, thief, mage, archer, and paladin��showcased endless possibilities that only D&D could offer.


    -You can do it. Talk to Nicols as usual and get it done. Just keep in mind that we can��t spend any more time on this series. We��re already overwhelmed with the lengthy and exhaustive corrections, - said Joseph, shrugging. The product had passed Raimon��s approval some time ago. After three games, they had developed the instinct to identify when something needed patches or adjustments.


    -Just minor details. Some faceless characters, a few tweaks to the zombies, maybe some paper variants, - remarked Raimon, focusing on improving the final touches of the series.


    The question expert was none other than Francis Bow, a newly graduated graphic designer specializing in online advertisements with a deep study in graphic arts.


    -We��ll do what we have to, - Raimon said, letting out a grimace that revealed a hint of soul-crushing exhaustion. The game was nearing its release, with only the final touches left before recording for various formats and preparing for mass distribution across all available consoles.


    In 1996, such a gamble was rare but not impossible. It served as a catalyst. With Billy holding the rights to Dungeons & Dragons,  became the single-player modality fans craved. It bore the love of Raimon and his many friends, Billy��s vision, and, of course, the best designs possible with the collaboration of Lux Animation, Pixar, and Epic Games, merging Real Engine and Machiner into one platform for specialized game design.


    -Poor Nicols, - Joseph commented, shaking Raimon��s hand.


    ...


    RPG Platforms had been delivering role-playing games for months with charm and identity. In most cases, it focused on crafting pixelated worlds��simple yet brimming with intricate details. It was like painting a long, sprawling mural and then stepping back to view it from afar, each map a unique development. sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -So, do you plan to shut down the Baldur server next week? - Raimon asked in surprise.


    -We have to move on to the next game. Billy doesn��t settle for just one release; it��s at least two per year. And the  saga requires operators to completely overhaul the intricate maps. It took us a year for . Now I hope not to overextend  for too long,- said the brilliantly skilled game programmer John Nicols. He also had to keep up with Pok��mon, now handled by just two people mapping the worlds. Real Engine helped, but they needed to deliver improved versions for the next release.


    -Damn Billy and his insane publishing schedule,- Raimon muttered, knowing Billy��s calendar was relentless.


    -The company now has two electronic engineers shifting to systems work, coming from Apple. But they��ll have to learn everything from scratch, - John remarked.


    -I see. I guess I��ll have to put in extra hours, - Raimon replied. More often than not, he paid the designers he brought in out of his pocket. RPG received funding, but as one of the lesser-prioritized franchises, they got just enough. That was balanced by the resources and significant financial backing that ID Software and Pixar provided annually to upgrade their equipment, and software, and push the limits of their creative reach. They were now delving into special effects��at least the simpler ones.


    ...

 476. production.

    -I have to go, - she said with a blend of joy, disappointment, and a tense maneuver of terror for the producers. Time was restless, yet the entire crew moved with a unified goal: to nail the rehearsals. It was like being in the theater, a phenomenon only seen in certain productions��musicals, grand dance routines, or whenever the director deemed it essential. Each detail was meticulously crafted, all converging into one cohesive effort. Yet everything revolved around two characters, each trying to channel ideas rooted in their roles.


    -It''s incredible how things work around here, - remarked Kate Winslet. She had long understood every nuance of the film''s development��her character, Billy Carson��s, Caledon��s, Rose��s mother, even Caledon��s henchman��all orbiting around Rose��s vivid imagery. Kate worked tirelessly.


    -Do you mean the production? - Billy responded, somewhat lost in thought as his mind wandered through the swirling chaos of ideas��the early dawn exhaustion, the comics he was pushing to sell. It was an intense mix, but 1996 was the year of , , , and the  book. Alongside these was the not-so-forgotten , which is likely to gain momentum next year. These books were among the bestsellers, but in the years to come, the chase for accumulation and premise would play out like a gift and a challenge. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Yes, I love it. These invisible cities lost places. You were amazing today, - Kate said, observing the particular depth in each moment. Her cheeks were flushed. They were in a secluded room, entirely detached and hidden.


    They gazed out from a high window at the invisible city, enveloped by emptiness.


    -You��re not going to mention the elephant in the room? - Kate asked.


    -It��s an elephant�� but I believe silence should come first. Don��t you enjoy the kind of silence shared by people who truly understand each other? It��s a blessing to have someone to share that with, - Billy replied.


    He jotted down a note, opened his suitcase, and poured a small glass of wine. The liquid courage helped articulate brief, brilliant thoughts. It gave Kate confidence and eased Billy��s headache, though he used wine sparingly, often reminiscing about the times he��d shared it with his exes.


    -How awkward this is, - Kate muttered. She was marinated in nervous energy, still adjusting after ending a five-year relationship last year, a thought that lingered.


    Billy cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips. It was cold and awkward, but they both leaned into it, transforming it into something deeper. The attraction helped, though Billy��s mind remained fixated on his enchanting Monica. Chemistry tests were fiery, passionate, and unbearably uncomfortable.


    -So, what did you think this time? - Billy asked.


    They kissed again, this time more passionately, filled with heat and a touch of anger. It was messy and more intense.


    -I think this is it, - Billy said.


    -Better, exciting. I think I finally understand how to kiss you, - Kate replied, sipping another glass of wine, her nerves electrified by the moment.


    -See you next week, then. Baja California, right? - Kate said, knowing the pressures and stresses of acting would eventually catch up, as they always did in this industry.


    -Everything will turn out better than we expect. These things only ever move in one direction, - Billy said, exuding an extra dose of confidence. It was both reassuring and disappointing, a gamble like every other in this business.


    Downstairs, the producers gathered during their break. One final step remained to synchronize the production, aiming to wrap up filming by November or December. They celebrated at a private bar filled with artists. James Cameron, visibly drunk at the counter, marveled at the moment.


    -These are producer parties, - Billy murmured, enjoying the unique energy of the event. The crowd was filled with repressed enthusiasm, finally unleashed.


    -Billy, you��re a madman! - called Russell Carpenter, one of the new production team members. As the director of photography, his many roles in reshaping the team were remarkable. Richard Harris sang a ballad, his way of performing, as the closed bar shielded them from the outside world.


    -You all went overboard, - Billy quipped.


    -Not really. Everyone here knows it��s just a small gathering,- Russell replied, dragging Billy around the room. The camaraderie felt like a rite of passage. Everyone had stories, particularly Cameron, who reminisced about  in 1991 and how Billy��s script for the sequel had caused turmoil with producers who doubted the storyline.


    -But it was a great film, - Billy said.


    -That��s the thing with movies, - James said, taking another drink.  -People are filled with premonitions, and every premonition comes with baggage. That baggage is the harsh truth: films need to be poetically explained or emotionally collaborative. If a movie originates from controversy, it can create uncertainty, especially when it��s a big investment from a politically correct group. -


    -Is that true? - Billy asked.


    John Ladou chimed in as if summoned.


    -For instance, before you joined, we were at a breaking point. We needed $30 million to finish paying for licenses and other sets. Your arrival was the turning point of that meeting. Even your promise to invest made a difference. People trust someone who always does things right, - Ladou said, visibly worn out.


    -Oh, at that time, did we run out of budget and have to improvise? We shot scenes in your grandparents�� house instead of a mansion, repainted it in a weekend, and fixed it as best we could, - Richard Harris added, laughing about the chaotic budgeting woes.


    -Damn, - they all exclaimed in unison.


    ...

 477. adept.

    June 2.


    He woke up with a slight hangover from all the excitement of last night''s party. The mansion was empty, and he thought he might need a dog to care for or something to make the days more bearable. Even in San Jose, his apartment felt like a waste of time. He stirred with a bit more energy but a lingering sense of restlessness��a trip to San Jose seemed like a decent idea.


    -I have a bit of a headache,- he muttered, turning over in bed and glimpsing sunlight seeping through the cracks in the curtains. Still seated, he tried to stand but decided to stretch first. It was 8:20. His flight was at 10. A trip of less than an hour��a quick jaunt, barely worth considering timewise.


    He took a long shower. His suitcase was packed with comics, storyboards, drawing guides, and production materials. What used to take him a week to draft now only required four days, thanks to the steady improvement of his skills in drawing and design. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he selected a light blue suit, clearing his mind with the cold water, his phone buzzed with a voicemail��it was his secretary reminding him about the flight and that she would be there at 8:40 to get him to the airport by 9:00. Traveling with Billy, she thought, was just another challenge; keeping his tight schedule in order was the only way to bring structure to his life.


    ...


    -You have a meeting at 2 with Mr. Lucas about the second production. Most of it is already settled. Then, at 4, there''s another meeting with Raimon Green regarding the stock market. He''ll report the results and the investment accounts'' status. Today, you''re expected to deliver the final volumes of , , and also handle a call with ID Software about the upcoming series,- she informed him. Billy always allowed some creative chaos at the company��it was vital not to stifle innovation, even if security could sometimes be a concern.


    Without giving much thought to the details, they boarded the plane, and Billy dozed off shortly after takeoff. He was jolted awake upon landing. The time spent traveling, fleeting yet filled with intensity, felt like an instant. He blinked, and they were in San Jose. A van awaited them outside.


    He had dreamt of two things. One was comics: brushstrokes slipping through his mind, golden and radiant like a sunrise. The imagery painted a vibrant scene that consumed him. The other was the relentless pace of the days ahead. With a looming deadline for , he needed to finish the series and start working on  and , as well as another  volume, which ID Software was using as inspiration for a game.


    He also had plans for , a comic far shorter than the original series with just 60 chapters. The story blended manga, video games, movies, and anime. Each chapter spanned at least 70 pages, and with 38 published and 43 already written, the series was nearing an end��a monumental task despite its realism. His focus and effort on  made it clear that every project required its distinct intensity.


    -Once you''ve delivered everything, organized the print runs, and spoken to Anne, you can head home. We''ll be busy in the coming weeks,- Billy said, stepping out of the van, visibly exhausted from the party and the trip.


    -That would be nice,- Rosa replied. Despite being the same age as Monica, Rosa looked ten years older��an attribute that reflected her hardworking nature. Billy had had three secretaries before her, but none could keep up with his demanding schedule.


    -Well, that''s settled. Tomorrow we start at 11 a.m. I hope you get enough rest. I''ll start filming next week. You''ll be more useful working with Anne, so for the next few weeks, coordinate with her. I''ll hire a production assistant to handle my calls,- Billy added.


    Time passed quickly, alternating between moments of decorum and relentless work. Manuscripts poured in from people eager to showcase their ideas. Billy received ten proposals, each meeting all the criteria and intricately crafted.


    Craig sent in a series about children aspiring to be cowboys��a mix of classic animation and heartwarming episodes. The script reminded Billy of beloved series that transcend their initial concept, becoming something richer, blending American folklore with unresolved cases, animated battles, and endearing moments. It was reminiscent of , infused with a Western spirit.


    Another proposal involved a historical animated film trilogy aimed at adults. It depicted fast-paced sword fights, Greco-Roman combat, and conspiracies. Initially intended as a series, it was condensed into three films. The story follows a soldier battling Hannibal, serving under Scipio Africanus, and later fighting Macedonians, Gauls, and Persians��a saga of epic struggle.


    -You''re finally here, - Anne greeted him.


    -I have an interview with Mr. Lucas, and then I''ll meet with Raimon tonight to discuss the accounts,- Billy replied.


    Anne looked uneasy, burdened by a mix of personal and professional troubles. Her thoughts spiraled��failed pregnancy, mounting deadlines, and the looming shadow of infertility. Tomorrow marked her infertile period, yet the timing felt heavy.


    -I understand,- Anne said. -We''ll talk in the coming days. Tonight, I''ll review everything.-


    Her demeanor was distracted, though she tried to stay composed. Work was work, and pleasure was a pleasure. Contracts needed attention, but emotions often crept in.


    Is-Anything to note about Lucas? -Billy asked.


    -He��s been negotiating solid contracts. He wants to discuss support for the game development and the second film,'' Anne replied, her voice tinged with doubt but resolved not to misstep.


    -Thanks, Anne. Your help is always appreciated,- Billy said.


    ...

 478. glamor businesses.

    Billy was negotiating with George over a few adjustments regarding the purchase of Lucasfilm, which was proposed to take place after the end of the license. Lucas was a clever man; the first thing he did was extend the waiting period, pushing the purchase to the conclusion of the three movies��a non-negotiable obligation. Secondly, he mentioned he would only sell 49%, assuming no other company could acquire his percentage. It had to remain under his control, not in the hands of a corporation or investment fund��a costly and demanding stipulation.


    -I''ll do it, George. That margin of action seems fair to me, - Billy commented, conceding. The old man would likely demand at least $500 million for that percentage, but it was manageable. Billy stood to make far more in the long run.


    -That''s good to hear. So, when do you plan to release the second part? I''m afraid the first one has left audiences divided. While fans and children have shown their support, some critics weren''t impressed, - George noted.


    -I''m waiting, still waiting. It''s scheduled for next year, hopefully in May. Steven has a lot on his plate and wants me to handle the entire production while he focuses solely on filming, - George explained, gazing deeply at Billy. The profits Billy reported amounted to $90 million, but every penny had been reinvested. The returns were still on paper, yet Billy had put up additional funds to improve production elements, particularly the necessary special effects.


    -It''s a great film, - Billy replied, wrapping up the conversation. George observed him thoughtfully.


    -Why don��t you join my movie? I''ve seen your performances, and you''re quite good. You could play Anakin. I believe a well-executed role could give you room to grow as an actor, - George suggested.


    -I''m not as good as you think, - Billy countered.


    -On the contrary, I find you perfect for the role. You''re one of the most talented young actors we have in Hollywood right now. Even though you often sport a beard in your roles to appear older, Anakin is 20��close to your age. You''re ideal for the part; the right wardrobe, and you''ll be just the young man we need, - Lucas insisted.


    -No casting, no external approval. Only like this, - Billy asked, deliberating the opportunity. He already had Titanic on his slate, and shifting to Star Wars seemed efficient. But his ambitions went beyond just landing a role. George smiled. With Billy as an actor, he could mentor him on production work during the waiting period for the grand production facility.


    Every decision Billy made was deliberate. Filming two movies back-to-back required more time, but wasting 1997 might be a bad move. However, with some schedule adjustments, he could make it work. He just needed to secure his mark on pop culture.


    ...


    The day ended in exhaustion. The countless meetings he had attended left him overwhelmed. On his desk lay the approved publishing list, along with numerous original scripts submitted by the animators at Lux Animation.


    -Anne, I wasn��t expecting you�� I��m sorry for the delay. Work had me tied up; the meetings ran overtime, - Billy said.


    -Don��t worry, - Anne replied nervously, holding a folder of accounts in her hands. -These are the yearly account summaries. I��ve included an overview, personally reviewed and approved. Raimon is excellent with numbers. You can see how he stretched our production lines in ways I didn��t think were possible.-


    Billy glanced at the folders, noticing the evening sky darkening. He still had a mountain of work and felt utterly drained.


    -I��ll review them more thoroughly tomorrow, - he said.


    -We could go over them tonight, - Anne suggested. Her hair was loose, her glasses missing, and the vivid scent of her perfume filled the room��a subtle sign of something he might have overlooked, perhaps a signal of obligations he had yet to fulfill with her.


    -You��re right. Nothing a good meal won��t fix. Go get ready, and we��ll order something to eat. We��ll work late, reviewing these accounts. And bring the Lux Films reports as well; I want to see the balance sheets, - Billy instructed.


    -Sure, - she murmured, almost like a sigh, but her dreamy expression revealed she was hopeful. She gathered her essentials and her bag, knowing discretion was key. Everything needed to stay between them.


    Billy adjusted his thoughts and swiftly dialed a number, making one call after another in quick succession.


    -Let��s go, - he told his security team.


    The ride was short. His apartment loomed, stocked with groceries and other essentials. He knew he was digging his own grave, but Anne��s skill was too vital to overlook. Monica was everything he dreamed of��beautiful, endlessly passionate, seeking warmth and connection. Their intimacy was fiery, a shared effort to satisfy each other completely.


    Anne, on the other hand, was brimming with anticipation and desire. Alone together in the apartment, the atmosphere was charged.


    -I��m going to take a shower. I expect you to join me. From this moment on, in this place, it��s just you and me. No one else. You and I belong to each other, - Billy declared, pulling Anne close and giving her a deep kiss. He wanted to set things straight before diving into what they both knew was inevitable.


    She followed him, feeling his hands undress her, making her feel beautiful despite her doubts. She wasn��t as striking as others, but with Billy, they shared a connection that transcended appearances. He kissed her skin and caressed her hair.


    The bathwater was warm, infused with oils and fragrant soaps. They synchronized their movements, surrendering to one another. She giggled like a girl as she rested her head on his chest.


    -If we have a child, they won��t take my surname; they��ll take yours. But I��ll raise them as my own. I promise to care for them. We��ll be strict parents. I want children raised outside of Hollywood��nothing good comes from it. I want a life filled with education, discipline, and care. The best schools, a governess, a tutor who teaches them to be self-reliant. They��ll practice sports, learn music, and grow to be kind and well-mannered, - Billy mused, his finger tracing the curve of her chest.


    His hand moved lower, slipping a finger inside her.


    -So, you��ll take care of us, even when you don��t have to, - Anne said, her voice escaping in a deep moan.


    -I��ll provide for you, give you everything you need, and more. But for children�� I fear bringing them into this world. It��s a place filled with vanity and nonsense. Lives are wasted without motivation or limits. I need someone good, but that requires constant care, - Billy replied, kissing her neck and nibbling her ears��her most sensitive spot.


    -And me? What am I to you? -


    -You��re my woman now, Anne. I want you, but you know I��m not ready for commitment. Don��t ask for more than this, and I promise to give you everything else, - Billy said, cupping her breast. She arched her back, revealing her hips, which he gripped firmly. He entered her with ease, and she moaned deeply, her sighs filled with pleasure.


    -You��ll give me everything I want, - Anne murmured.


    -As long as you remember the promises I��ve made. And understand that I still have work to do, - Billy replied, his tone firm yet distracted as the rhythm of their bodies made them lose track of the conversation. Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Just don��t abandon me. That��s all I ask, - Anne said shyly. -I have no one else�� no one but you.-


    Billy climaxed again inside her. ��It��s safe,�� she whispered. ��Again,�� her voice echoed, her words a constant refrain.


    ...

 480. timeless.

    Anne spent the best three days she��d had in months, feeling so alive and full of peace that it seemed eternal. This sense of calm lingered in her mind, making work easier. She organized reports with Jobs and managed the projects Billy needed to deliver. Billy, in turn, reviewed manuscripts and prepared not only for the premieres in two states but also for presentations in the United Kingdom and Paris. At least these three locations were firmly in the minds of the producers. Afterward, he��d need to attend the studio in Baja California.


    - We have an appointment with the National Tennis Federation. They��ll help us get started on hosting an ATP tournament. It all depends on our facilities, prizes, funding, and compliance with regulations. I think it��s best to start with a 32-player tournament to award an ATP 500. - Anne explained to Billy, showing him the study plans and the rigorous requirements they needed to meet for the associations. Organizing a tournament like this was paid publicity, but it could grow into a larger event to showcase Lux Animation��s success with the Lux Cup.


    - Even in bed, you can��t stop thinking about work. - Billy teased, kissing her back. Anne murmured happily before being pulled into his arms, which she gladly accepted.


    - You��ve got an hour and a half meeting with the animators and need to finish the manuscripts for the successive publications. - Anne reminded him.


    - I need energy. I need love. - Billy said, kissing Anne on the lips, a pang of guilt invading him, worse than what he��d felt with Alice, whose memories he silenced.


    ��


    - I��ll have to swing by the house for a moment. - Anne announced as she hurried off in her car.


    She needed to change her clothes. After three days of living with Billy, she felt uncomfortable without her wardrobe. The drive home took her thirty minutes, leaving her somewhat disappointed. But when she arrived, the familiar aroma and the chaos of children preparing for school greeted her. Her grandmother, upon seeing her, could only open her mouth in surprise, captivated by Anne��s glowing presence.


    the older woman thought, preparing a hearty plate of food for her granddaughter, who finally seemed to find time to be selfish and escape her chaotic, loss-filled, and somewhat irritating life.


    - So, I guess I shouldn��t wait up for you tonight either. - Anne��s grandmother remarked calmly, convinced that the young woman might soon have her own family or at least a stable figure by her side.


    - I need to get ready for work. I��m afraid it��s over now. I hope you understand he��s a busy man. - Anne replied, trying to quiet her grandmother��s thoughts.


    - I��m not foolish�� he��s the young man who sends you packages full of clothes and jewelry. Just three days ago, he sent boxes of sweets, flowers, perfumes, chocolates, and even a gorgeous necklace with a green emerald. - the grandmother added.


    Anne blushed and headed to her room. There, she found an array of gifts: extravagant jewelry, clothes, bags��everything a woman could wish for, all in impeccable style.


    - So, what are we supposed to do? - her grandmother asked from downstairs.


    - Be quiet! - Anne shouted, shutting the door. How did he know her size? She wondered, lost in thought. There were soaps, oils, perfumes, conditioners��everything she��d ever wanted. It was exactly what she feared.


    - He��s such a fool. - she murmured, tidying her room. She noticed the candy was already half gone and shook her head, blaming the children. Still, she felt happy; being showered with gifts made her feel loved in a way she hadn��t before.


    The premiere process for  was fully underway. Curiously, Winona had started her campaign early. She was aiming for an Oscar, leveraging her close relationship with Juliette Binoche, a renowned actress stunningly appealing to European media, known for her quick-witted performances. Together, they gave several interviews in the United Kingdom.


    - What can I say? It��s a film full of meaning. It offers a unique perspective, one that makes it compelling. It portrays romance in a way that has always been seen but never explained like this before. - Winona shared in an interview with a French outlet. Despite speaking in English, she was the angel of the ��90s, and along with Juliette, she embodied everything audiences wanted. The media adored her; she was the golden girl, and anything associated with her was sought after and celebrated.


    - What do you think of your role? - the interviewer asked.


    - I didn��t want to take it initially. But Billy insisted I had to. He said it was an excellent film and that I��d regret passing it up once I saw the final project. He even sent me a signed copy of the book with a letter urging my participation. I took the role, and it wasn��t until I saw the final cut that I truly understood what I was part of. It��s a remarkable film, filled with sensitivity and deeply moving shots. - Winona explained.


    - Was it disappointing? -


    - Not at all. I think at first I just went along with it. There were scenes where I thought, ��Oh God, how is this possible?�� But it��s enchanting. The acting doesn��t add or take away; it simply does what it can. And looking back, I see a magnificent film. Besides, Anthony was skeptical. He didn��t think we could pull off a movie like this. But when you face the challenge and immerse yourself in the role, you just let go��and that��s what we did. - Winona added.


    - I think we��ll see that  has much to offer in the coming days. - Juliette commented. She also understood the gravity of the subject matter. The film addressed war, but this time, it focused on a moment of love rather than terror. Tragedy was present, but it didn��t define the story.


    Winona smiled and nodded. She was happy and determined to do everything possible to ensure the film��s success. With Billy supporting her campaign, she felt optimistic about the audience��s response.


    - Yes, my character, Hanna, is delightful. She��s a war nurse weary of life, longing for romance and a love that awaits her, seeking something within herself that won��t trouble her anymore. - Juliette elaborated, reflecting on how the film turned out.


    ��


    Winona rested, deep in thought. Billy would arrive in the United Kingdom in five days, completely unprepared but undoubtedly ready to propose a new project. Who knows what might come next? S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Thank you for the interview. - one of the producers murmured to her.


    Although the channel had sought the interview, it benefited significantly from featuring personalities like Winona. They were a national network, but having someone of her stature was a striking addition.


    - Well, see you next time. - she said to the producer.


    Juliette arrived, ready and eager to introduce her to French society, including parties and all sorts of exciting events.


    - I��ll introduce you to some people. We have to eat at a restaurant you��ll love. - Juliette told her. The two women were the center of attention, celebrities shining under countless lights.


    ...

 481. before

    june 6.


    Billy made his appearance in London��s capital on June 5th, early in the morning, long after the whispers of the premiere had spread across the city. Hiring Winona had been a brilliant move. Billy had underestimated her impact on the film for several reasons. First, he hadn��t fully grasped her success during the 1990s. Despite the rumors, she was arguably one of the most beloved figures of the decade, with performances that single-handedly drove her films to massive success. Second, her triumphs in movies that some consider cult classics had left a lasting impression on audiences, embedding themselves deeply in their hearts.


    Antony Minghella whispered to his dear colleague Michael Ondaatje, "We''ll have to attend a few interviews." The two had spent considerable time trying to finalize the film''s runtime.


    Billy sat nearby, eating breakfast, his eyes visibly tired from the journey and the jet lag. With days of work ahead, he focused on meeting key people within the UK network who could help resolve any issues. For instance, Billy knew a certain gentleman at the BBC due to connections with Discovery Channel, but he wasn��t fully aware of his significance to the British division.


    A sudden thud on the table jolted him.


    -You need some coffee. A bit of caffeine will help,- Winona said.


    -Thanks. I think today will be longer than I expected,- Billy replied.


    -I��m surprised you don��t have a pencil and notebook in hand,- she teased.


    It was true. Billy usually carried a notebook everywhere, using it to sketch and refine designs that he would later submit to a company.


    .I��m afraid I��m taking a break from any drawing plans for now. We��ll see how things go in June. Congratulations on becoming France��s new ��charmante muse.�� The press has been singing praises about the enchanting Ryder winning hearts once again,- Billy remarked with a sigh, acknowledging that this was undoubtedly her moment to shine.


    -It��s been good. That month off was exactly what I needed. I caught up with Monica a bit��they wrapped filming last week. We might take a trip once I��m done with this parade of images,- Winona replied, looking noticeably calmer. Her pale, flawless skin showed no signs of cigarettes or alcohol, a stark contrast to when Billy had first met her. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I suppose our British prince has been quite charming,- Billy quipped, alluding to her rumored romance with Colin Firth, who at the time was the epitome of what women admired in a gentleman.


    She sat down, insisting they were just friends, though photos of them dining and spending time together suggested otherwise. Ironically, in the film, Colin played the role of a betrayed husband. Winona mentioned how delightful London was in the summer as the lovely Juliette joined their conversation. Juliette was another dream figure��her striking beauty, youth, and talent as a professional dancer combined with a touch of French sophistication made her captivating.


    Winona left to get ready; she was still in her pajamas.


    -You like older women,- Juliette remarked, brushing her foot against Billy��s leg.


    Billy��s eyes met Juliette��s provocative gaze. She was French��charming, seductive, and direct. Very direct. Italian women, by contrast, tended to be more fiery and fleeting, their passions soaring unpredictably. French women, on the other hand, were more poised and deliberate.


    -It��s true. I find older women enchanting�� full of vitality, a kind that��s hard to find in people my age, - Billy admitted as she playfully traced her foot up to his knee and then back down in quick motions.


    -And so��-


    -Nothing,- Billy said firmly.


    Her foot withdrew with a knowing smile, and with a sway of her hips, she placed something on the table and walked away. The moment was fleeting as preparations for the day��s interviews and filming resumed. The premiere was tomorrow night, and the looming event stirred anxiety, especially for the director and novelist, both named Michael, who had invested years into the project.


    Billy had landed this opportunity while negotiating the film rights to  The Hobbit��s rights were already his, and he was working toward acquiring others, all with the vision of uniting Middle-earth under Lux Animation.


    ��


    The scheduling shift made a significant difference. Originally set for a November 15 release, the date was moved to June 8, aligning with the blockbuster season. This wasn��t just a grand story; it was also a daring and passionate film about a character with no English roots. Almasy was perhaps the epitome of a man consumed by passion, vulnerable to the allure of a woman who became his greatest weakness.


    -That��s right. I made this film because Saul Zaentz cornered me, insisting I invest in his movie. The catch? He promised me the  rights if I did. I didn��t hesitate,- Billy explained.


    -The irony is that he forced me to participate, claiming it was my duty, - Winona added, recalling how she had been coerced into acting in the film.


    -I simply did what I had to do��assemble the best cast available, - Billy said. He had spent countless hours collaborating with Michael Minghella to craft a film rich in character and complex themes, capturing a rhythm that seamlessly blended youth and maturity.


    With just five months left before the release of Billy��s second film of the year��an adaptation of  a novel by John Grisham��the buzz was already building.


    -It sounds utterly captivating. I can��t wait to see it, - said the interviewer, maintaining a steady pace with his questions.


    -What was it like working with Juliette? - he asked.


    -Challenging in some ways. I couldn��t enjoy it as much as I would��ve liked, - Billy admitted.


    The cameras turned to Juliette, who shrugged, her expression revealing nothing. Her gesture was a silent refusal to disclose more, leaving the spotlight to shift to the next round of questions, mostly centered on what made  so remarkable.


    -I can say the film is made up of distinct parts, and each is vital. I��m part of a segment that stands apart, - Juliette responded.


    ...

 481. The English patient.

    The cameras moved from one place to another��June 8 for England, June 10 for the United States, targeting the New York audience. Without a doubt, it would be the romance film of the year, at least for Billy, who longed to see how everything could come together specially.


    People gathered; just the act of setting up a red carpet to present the venue carried its own excitement. A Hollywood film, famous stars, security barriers, and the event held at one of the state''s most renowned theaters.


    -Everything seems to be going perfectly,- commented Winona. The critics had already published some reviews, giving an excellent starting point. They provided the indelible mark of success, fostering a strong sense that they were on the right path. The newspapers proclaimed the following, anticipating the premiere scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 10, in North America.


    ...


    Janet Maslin, :


    Roger Ebert, :


    Peter McCarthy, :


    Todd Travers, :


    Christopher Hemblade, :


    Desson Thomson, :


    Owen Gleiberman, :


    Carlos Boyero, :


    ...


    The reviews were largely positive, averaging an excellent 8.2 out of 10. Even the unfavorable weather didn��t differ much from what Billy had expected.


    -That Oscar is yours,- Billy whispered to Winona. He had orchestrated a zero-margin campaign with several people to secure wins in each category. Of course, he didn��t care, but Jim Gianopulos was delighted. Billy��s role was to provide funding and make some connections; at least he knew the fight wasn��t overly intense.


    -I��m not getting my hopes up,- said Winona. She wanted the Oscar, though she denied it. It was every actress��s dream.


    -The Oscar isn��t something that seems within reach. But you have a chance��you��re enchanting in the film. Sure, Juli also performed excellently, and in the past, she��s had a solid record. We��ll focus on supporting actresses. The director only wants me to invest in another film entirely of his ideas,- Billy explained, having already clarified many things.


    -You��re an absolute fool, doing this for me,- Winona said, her cheeks flushed, her smile bright and radiant like a giant star. The photos began to spark conversation, and the press, after seeing the film, started connecting the dots. It was likely that rumors would circulate by early morning.


    -Now we just have to hope for a strong performance. We need the collective consciousness to recognize it as a good film. It will be re-released for the Oscar season. Once we see a nomination, we��ll launch an additional campaign. Hopefully, the ideas will gain momentum,- Billy said.


    They both entered the theater. The movie was about to begin, and one of the most prominent producers made an appearance��Emma Thompson, as charming as ever and a friend of Winona from various events.


    -Darling, it��s marvelous. I love your new film. It��s fantastic to see you entering a more mature stage alongside this handsome leading man,- Emma remarked, noting the young man��s well-defined beard, which was just beginning to grow but looked striking and polished.


    -Let��s go inside,- said Billy, making room for all the guests and a few others who managed to find seats.


    -Thank you for coming,- Winona whispered.


    -Don��t mention it, dear. Among women, we support each other. I heard this film is destined for the Oscars. The race begins now, darling. Over the coming months, everything will change dramatically. You don��t need one to win, but there��s always hope. It depends on how far the leading man is willing to go,- said Emma Thompson. -Many times, they fight for their nominations. Men tend to disappoint us at the most unexpected moments.-


    -He says he doesn��t care about the Oscars, that the greatest success is the profit he��s made from animated films. He loves his comics and books more than those indisputable trivialities subjected to democracy,- Winona said, her eyes wide, trying to believe those words and embracing the idea that she was running the Oscar race with more determination than necessary. The seed was planted in her mind. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The audience entered the theater. Billy took a seat next to Emma and the British heartthrob Colin Firth, who was accompanied by an Italian woman he had met sometime later��a charming activist. She was, in less preferential terms, a delight with black hair and long legs, her caramel-brown skin glowing. The two shook hands, sharing a brief comment about the sweetness of love they were about to witness on screen.


    -You stole my wife,- Colin joked. Billy simply replied that women preferred darker men, winking, which prompted laughter.


    It was a shame the man was such a romantic. The first act follows a man who survives a plane crash caused by British gunmen. His ordeal leaves him with severe burns across his body, his mind lost in pain and grief, utterly abandoned by the circumstances that befell him.


    The cinema screen displayed breathtaking desert landscapes, using mia nimal green screen. Instead, it showcased the natural beauty of the locations, transporting the audience from one stunning vista to another. The production was filmed in segments, each narrating a beginning and an end, shot in three locations: Italy, a small Moroccan city, and a nearby desert with an adapted cave.


    ...

 482. the English patient (part 2.)

    Immersed in the ambiguous tides that reflected throughout society, he navigated the coming times of progress��long and arduous. The patient Englishman bore a convalescent role in Billy''s love, who watched the movie with a premonitory interest. A first matter, the tragedy invites Titanic. A second triumph, he must act in other films, at least to enrich that small yet deliberate beginning.


    -You''re amazing, darling. �C Emma remarked, catching Billy��s gaze. His eyes carried myriad meanings, but in Billy��s case, they conveyed character. Expressing countless emotions in a single movement was no easy feat.


    -Thank you. �C the young man whispered, his focus on the work. The editing always captivated him. After five months of pre-production, he''d only managed to see glimpses of smaller projects due to his schedule, but he had experienced the five weeks of filming firsthand. The subsequent shots were magnificent, bursting with life and timely moments, embodying the simplicity of a well-paced story, unhurried yet revealing the surprises of life.


    The elegant music wove seamlessly through the atmosphere. Each melody, every part, transformed the patient Englishman into a tale of maddening love��a love that began to fill every crevice. Interrupted beauty, transformed into an acting performance that was, nonetheless, utterly damning.


    Winona appeared, clad in an aviator��s suit, exuding strength. She was a woman of intellect and refinement, embodying a character steeped in class and education.


    Beside her stood Alm��sy��s best friend, portrayed by Billy Madox. Of course, the landscapes were a stunning masterpiece, captured in brief scenes and later perfected in production��a considerable feat. Capturing beauty is no simple task; the eye sees far more than the lens. The music was divine, interweaving two parallel stories��one set in the future and the other in the past. These details, in just the first 20 minutes, enthralled the audience.


    -'' He has an exceptional eye for detail,'' �C Winona thought, realizing she was right. It might be one of the finest films she had been part of, witnessing how the unyielding calendar took shape in unexpected ways.


    A love story unfolded��a tale rich in metaphors and comparisons, almost prophetic in its delivery. Winona found herself narrating a story as Alm��sy��s intense gaze, portrayed by Billy, struck her. His stare was sharp and powerful, expressing what everyone anticipated.


    From one scene to the next, they portrayed the dreams of a man who could no longer feel Hana��s (Juliette��s) tender care��her role brimming with sweetness and innocence. She seemed like a child, slightly older but undeniably her. Even with Carvallo, a new character, their utopian beauty disrupted the life of the patient and Hana.


    -You look stunning. �C Winona murmured to herself. Reserved as she was, she couldn��t deny the lens captured her beauty, relentless and full of character under Magnolia''s direction.


    -I think it was a mistake sitting between the heartthrob and you. �C Emma whispered to Winona. The chemistry between Billy and Clifton (Winona��s character) was undeniable. Billy often wore a furrowed brow throughout the film, while Mrs. Clifton, in her white dress exposed her delicate shoulders, enchanted with every syllable, creating a palpable tension.


    -Don��t say such things. �C Winona replied.


    -It��s true. If you��re going to make a love story, let it be with him. You both shine together. �C Emma observed, noting the potential of a pair destined for greatness. Surely, they would succeed.


    The piano filled the room, perfectly accentuating each scene. Each time the music played, it underscored a love scene with subtle gestures��a caress, a favor, a denial, or the brilliance of mutual participation.


    Even amid the desert sand, Winona glowed with beauty, dressed in beige trousers, exuding timeless elegance. Each necessity took form, uniting meticulous details with delicate moments that harkened back to classic cinema. In the arid terrain, love burned fervently, transcending events. Two sincere souls bound together, uttering words like  transporting love to uncharted territory. Billy��s hand at her neck lifted their love to celestial heights.


    The palpable tension between two strong-willed individuals filled every seat. Billy delivered an unmatched performance, and the chemistry between him and Winona bloomed like a flower. If Monica had been there, jealousy would have consumed her. The climactic moment came when Winona slapped Billy, who knelt before her, and hen kissed her with fiery intensity. The director allowed the raw emotion to linger, balancing brutality with love before moving to the next scene, where she washed Alm��sy��s hair. Together, they conveyed the nuanced dance of lovers��Winona��s nude form pressed against Billy in the bathtub, a tender yet raw reality. Their conversation turned somber, unraveling into betrayal and anguish.


    Winona��s cheeks flushed red, revealing a side of herself she hadn��t known��a prudent acknowledgment of her attraction. Through poetry and memorable lines like  the story of two people consumed by passion unfolded��a love unbound by its era. sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The acts of seizing, the scars of fire, and moments of vulnerability all converged into a portrait of two unsuspecting lovers lost in passion. They yearned for their love to manifest. Winona��s flushed cheeks captured yet another poignant scene filled with madness, infidelity, and the complexities of guilt. Even as her husband entered, the locations and growing guilt lingered, heightening the tension.


    -Excellent performance. �C Emma remarked beside her, caught in the passion the actors exuded. The sorrowful turn of events reached its zenith. Hanna��s character infused sweetness, weaving the story into something necessary��a straightforward, innocent subplot juxtaposed with the epic intensity of Billy (Alm��sy) and Winona (Katherine).


    Now, at an hour and a half, the film turned darker, imbued with layers of meaning��some alien, some harsh, reflecting cruelty unredeemed. The cinema-goers felt the weight of the final blow, as love transformed from something beautiful into a thorn piercing the lungs, stifling breath. Guilt, a madness that intoxicated every frame, enveloped the characters.


    Billy��s portrayal of Alm��sy was tormented��cold, logical, and pragmatic, reduced to a stream, a prisoner of his mind, fallen from grace.


    As the credits rolled, applause erupted. Many approached the director, others to Billy, offering their congratulations:


    Billy felt a surge of pride, even a touch of narcissism, watching himself act with such simplicity and excellence. The film was a resounding success, destined to be remembered among the best of 1996, crafted with care from start to finish. The tragic ending cemented it as a masterpiece��a tale of love, jealousy, and punishment that unraveled in heartbreaking finality.


    ...

 483. links and cocktails.

    Billy took a deep breath. After the movie came the party. Numerous people gathered in a grand ballroom, sharing various comments about the film. It was less of a party and more of a cocktail gathering.


    -Thinking about your next movie? I like young people like you��so eager to dive into project after project. It reminds me of my own time, though I found it much harder back then, no matter how much I wanted to keep going, - said Saul.


    Billy observed Saul and his guests. He��d always been curious about the man who had given Steve Parks so many headaches. Steve Parks, the genius negotiator whom Billy held in high regard, had recently closed several major deals: securing the cinematic rights to the Tolkien family��s works, and finalizing acquisitions with Parallax, Discovery, and the Golden State Warriors. Saul represented the type of person who accomplished feats that others considered nearly impossible.


    Billy shook Saul��s hand firmly��it was solid.


    -Well, this investment turned out to be much larger than I anticipated. Not only do I hold the cinematic rights to , but I also have endless plans to animate it. It- A lie, but it was better to keep his future projects under wraps for now.


    -I hope you don��t fail where we did, - Saul said with a trace of fatigue as he reflected on his work. - This here is a dear friend of mine, and also his prot��g��. Allow me to introduce you to James Mangold, screenwriter and future director, mentored by my good friend Milos Forman��someone I��ve had the privilege of working with many times. - Saul gestured at the two men, whose recognition within the industry was undeniable. Milos, in particular, had established his legacy through his European works in the ''70s, ''80s, and ''90s, earning accolades across the board.


    Billy noticed something in them��a search for what he already possessed, as Saul launched into one of his familiar business monologues.


    -So, what do you need from me? I assume you��ve got a few ideas to discuss, - Billy said.


    -We do. My friend here wants you to act in , - Saul whispered. - He liked your performance. I told him recently that you��re one of the most promising young actors out there. Filming will take place this summer.


    -IDo already have a role? -


    -Come on, kid, it��s a supporting role. Nothing too demanding, just a few lines, - Saul replied, leading Billy to a table and handing him the script. It was subversive, distinctly ''90s, and brimming with boldness��a reflection of a culture both abrasive and intriguing.


    Billy felt tempted as he read the script. Playing the lawyer seemed like a generous opportunity for him, especially with such an intriguing premise.


    -I assume you��ve already started filming, - Billy said.


    Saul shook his head.


    -We want to, but time isn��t on our side. However, we may start next weekend. You have  premiere coming up. You didn��t want to present it at any international festivals, but we have the chance to win some awards. I understand how the business works, - Saul said.


    -Call my agent. I like the script; it��s fantastic. But I��m not committing to anything just yet, - Billy replied. He recalled something about the film but decided he��d only participate if the opportunity fully aligned. It was a chance to keep honing his craft, though the tight schedule and salary could pose challenges.


    ...


    Winona couldn��t believe the praise she was receiving. Emma��s words of support had given her a strength she couldn��t find on her own. Some people even invited her to pose for more nudity-focused shoots than she��d ever imagined, including an offer from . ��No, thank you.�� She had only agreed to the role after reading the book and script. While it seemed unnecessary at first, the narrative of Katherine in the desert made it feel purposeful:


    She took a deep breath, deciding it was time for some water. The drinks were beginning to go to her head.


    -I think it��s time for us to leave, - Juliette said. They had a flight to catch in three hours. Leaving a party to head straight to the airport wasn��t ideal, and even though they��d be flying first class, Winona still felt uncomfortable.


    -Oh, God, look at the time! You��re right, we have to go, - Winona replied, downing her glass of water in one gulp. She steadied herself, her heels clicking against the polished wood floor.


    She smiled as she saw Billy in the car out front, chatting with a few people. The bags were ready, and it seemed they��d be leaving for the U.S. in half an hour��specifically New York.


    -Hey, - Winona greeted him nervously. They hadn��t spoken much, but the memories of filming lingered. ��Everything started with that shoot,�� she thought, remembering how passionately they had kissed.


    -Winona, so? What do you think? Do we stand a chance? - he asked.


    -We do, I��m afraid, - she replied.


    -Afraid of winning? -


    -I��m afraid of getting my hopes up. Winning at such a young age feels unattainable for most people. After all, it often takes more than one nomination to win. But for now, I��ll just hold on to the idea of being nominated and leave the rest to fate, - Winona said.


    -I honestly think we��ll win, - Billy said. - I enjoyed your performance. Making you rehearse again and again turned out to be a good thing. - sea??h th�� N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I suppose the next few days will tell. The press will make their final call. They��ll do their job, - Winona replied.


    They climbed into the two SUVs and a small bus that would take them to New York. Most of the group would settle there.


    -Not long ago, I got invited to star in a Woody Allen film, - Winona mentioned to Billy, who was gazing out at the scenery.


    -It��s a good opportunity for independent cinema. It can help sharpen your acting skills. I thought you were planning to vacation in Italy, though, - Billy said, looking into her dark eyes. She nodded and quickly ended the conversation. Billy returned to mulling over his plans for the next decade.


    ...

 484. hotels.

    The process of selecting movies is considerably strange. Often, roles are cast even before the script is finalized. Some writers draft their scripts with a specific actor in mind, or directors envision how an actor should perform. It��s the way things endure��the relationships, the delayed shooting schedules, the extended production timelines. It��s unpredictable every single time.


    -I don��t think it��s a good idea for you to take part in that movie, - commented Jim Waiit knowingly. He continued, -It��s not right for the Titanic role. You��re risking too much��trading a lead role for a supporting one doesn��t matter. You��ll land better films later. The British press adores you; they��ll use your name for some movie with a borderline pornographic plot. Sure, the script is good and ready, but nothing above the general rule. I promise we can secure better opportunities!-


    -It doesn��t matter, - replied Billy, grabbing a bit of seafood from the table. He was once again at another meeting, this time in the heart of Manhattan. At least he could use his hotel as a base of operations. Raimon had picked one of the best in Manhattan, valued at $44 million. The Paramount Hotel opened in 1926, features 597 rooms and offers a range of amenities, including the Paramount Caf��, conference rooms, a gym, and the Sony Hall��a basement venue historically used as a nightclub and theater. Currently, the entire hotel is undergoing renovations in line with designs approved by Paradise Hotel, Billy��s hospitality company. The building incurs an annual property tax of $500,000, which climbs to $800,000 with additional costs. They��ve upgraded the restaurant with high-end chefs, and plan to install saunas, luxury suites, and VIP areas��all of the top-tier quality. sea??h th�� NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Net revenues from Hawaii alone range from $15 million to $25 million. However, Billy constantly reinvested in the company and maintained credit lines, given the inherent uncertainty of the hotel business��or so he believed.


    -I heard this hotel is yours, - Jim said, shifting the conversation.


    -I bought it a few days ago, - Billy replied, taking in the entirety of the hotel.


    -As if it were as casual as discussing the weather, - Jim remarked, glancing around. -Don��t you think you should align it with the schedules of some of the people here?-


    -It��s partially booked. Just a few days remain. This hall used to be a storage area we remodeled for more events. It��s supposed to open next month. We��ve got some weddings, birthday celebrations, and hotel events lined up almost year-round. This space will host cocktail parties and be reserved for the Golden Globes, Oscars, BAFTAs, Nebula Awards, and Andy Awards, - Billy explained.


    -The price per night? - Jim asked.


    Billy laughed. -For you, it��s $50,000 for the entire night until 3:30 a.m. That includes hors d''oeuvres, decorations, 40 bottles of wine, and 40 bottles of champagne. It��s an economical price��for you.-


    Jim shook his head at the exorbitant figure. But this was Manhattan, where everything was of the highest quality. Renting the hall cost Billy between $18,000 and $24,000, while the service fee hovered around $60,000. The venue included a kitchen, separate bathrooms, and furnishings.


    -It��s a fair price, after all. Many times, people break glasses, there��s cleanup, overtime, staff wages��and, of course, for an additional $20,000, you can provide a meal for 60 people. Every 10 extra guests cost $1,500, - Billy noted.


    -Making money has never been easier, - Jim sighed, convinced the price was utterly unaffordable.


    Waiters poured drinks liberally as Billy greeted guests who came over to congratulate him. The hall was more crowded than he initially expected, with people coming and going. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted producer Arnon Michan, one of the most prolific figures in the business.


    -Billy, I heard the hotel is yours, - Arnon said, shaking his hand. Rumors spread fast, like wildfire, in the tight-knit entertainment circle.


    The atmosphere was pleasant, but Billy could only see the hotel��s flaws��the curtains weren��t perfectly hung, and a lightbulb in the back section was out.


    -Well, it��s not surprising, - Billy commented.


    -What about filming movies here? - Arnon asked.


    -We could do it, but everything would need to be organized months in advance��at least a few months. It��s still being adapted. For now, we��re keeping Mondays open for two months each year and reserving at least one Wednesday a month, - Billy replied.


    -It��s always business. Let��s relax a little, - Arnon said, though he should have been on the set of  by then.


    ��


    Winona was somewhat drunk. Her intelligence faltered, overtaken by the excess of champagne, as she chatted with a handsome guy who had managed to sneak into the event. She laughed and nodded, laughed and nodded.


    -Hard to believe we��re just drinking champagne, - the guy said. -Have you seen��-


    She nodded and smiled at him, too intoxicated to respond coherently. It was no surprise she ended up at a nightclub, dancing with Juliette, and woke up around six in the morning with a splitting headache. These situations left her feeling miserable. Yet again, her struggles with alcohol and long nights of partying were catching up to her. The following day, she needed to be in Los Angeles.


    ��


    Rachel was immersed in her Anne Rice romance novel, filled with vampires and the supernatural. She enjoyed it. The flight to Korea was seven hours, enough time to finish the book. She sipped on a glass of juice and nibbled on whole-grain crackers.


    The plane had just landed, and she had about 50 pages left in her novel. She had read faster than she expected��a shame, as she had another seven-hour journey ahead of her.


    Akom Productions was one of the companies responsible for animated shows, ranging from  to , along with some original series created by their animators.


    -Miss, - Rachel��s contact in Korea addressed her. He was someone who had assisted Raimon with the factories in Thailand that produced toys��at least those that met the minimum requirements of the Geneva Convention and child labor treaties. On paper, it was challenging to ensure compliance, as work was often outsourced under the radar.


    -Let��s hurry. I don��t want to stay here longer than necessary. I hate sleeping in hotels, - Rachel said candidly.


    She was there to review the company��s financial results, performing these tasks for Jun-Seo, who spoke three languages fluently��Korean, English, and Japanese. His Japanese wasn��t perfect, but he could handle some conversations and business matters.


    -The rush, the rush��you Americans are always in such a hurry. You arrive today and want to leave today. Everything is express. It reminds me of a talkative person who taught me English, - Jun-Seo said, more accustomed to casual conversation and dialogue.


    -Let��s just get the work done, - Rachel sighed deeply as they walked to the car waiting for them.


    ...

 485. added.

    Many times, Monica went to the movies, at galas and events, as a child with her parents, as a young woman with her boyfriends, and later with her ex-husband. It was how she usually spent her time. The film  arrived in Italy on Thursday, as it did worldwide. It was a bold move by Billy, thought the woman with some surprise. It was rather astonishing��a two-hour love story hitting the mark, something she usually dismissed.


    �COhhhh, hohohoho�� so this is Hollywood��s new blockbuster, huh? �C commented Roberto Benigni, who had come with his family and was looking somewhat enthusiastic. Sear?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CI don��t think it is. �C murmured Monica. According to Billy��s ideas, this was an independent film. Surprisingly, its budget was laughable compared to , whose production exceeded 100 million. Yet, it faced no competition, grossing $780 million at the box office.


    �CWe��ll need a bucket for your tears, my love. It��s one of the great summer films, with an excellent story, though not as magnificent as ours. �C whispered Roberto to his wife, Nicoletta Braschi, one of the producers of , who smiled warmly at him, as she had since 1991.


    �CYou��re a complete fool. �C commented Nicoletta. �CWe need popcorn for such a long movie. And some sweets too. Would you be so kind as to get them, dear? �C


    The man nodded and began to grumble playfully. He always made them laugh. Monica��s cold and stony gaze was not enough to deter him, though it didn��t feel unfamiliar to her. They were in the municipal cinema, one of the few remaining. Everything happened because Monica wanted to audition for a movie, and word got out through a supporting actor about the year''s great film. One thing led to another, and eventually, half the production ended up there to enjoy the film.


    �CHe likes the movie, but he fears that in time it might unsettle him since it takes place here in Italy, and that bothers him. It always happens with these kinds of things��they tend to affect him. He��ll love the movie and hate it, for the principal reason that he��s a director. It��s that pride she carries, the kind that usually drives him to excel, to push forward and improve. �C commented Nicoletta.


    �CI understand. People who are inherently ambitious and proud don��t stop with what they have��they always seek success, perfectionism, creating from scratch, the vision to execute their ideas, and the confidence to bet on them. The conviction to get others to back them, which often results in something extraordinary. �C said the woman, her angular profile and high cheekbones giving her an ethereal beauty.


    ��


    The movie was very good; the role he played suited him perfectly. A man of few words, often silent when necessary. Seeing him change, seeing that lively and passionate side, filled Monica with memories of a bed and some nights where pleasure faded like moonlight. But she was surprised by those scenes��how intense the filming must have been, how intense the heat of their union must have been, coupled with a violent detail of love, though tragedy plagued them. She rested her hands on the chair, a few rebellious tears escaping her eyes and running down her face. Surely, she was taken aback by all she had experienced��there, like a sea of hope. The movie ended as it should have, with no other ending expected. Emptiness enveloped the two fleeting, burned-out lovers.


    Anne opened her eyes and saw Billy resting beside her. Last night��s romp would have made all her relatives blush just hearing about the two bodies united in desire and solitude. It was raw and instinctual. Things were always kept reserved. She took a long shower. Hotel rooms weren��t to her liking, not at the moment. She pulled herself together.


    �CYou��ve got a flight. They��re waiting for you at the studio. �C said Anne, brushing her teeth. Billy, weary from the routine, stretched his body and tried to relax his back.


    �CThe private jet leaves when I say so. I��ll notify them to hurry with the arrangements. Do you have Lux Films�� accounts? �C asked Billy.


    �CPlenty of green. �C replied Anne from the bathroom, aware of how satisfying that sounded. Covering the other two major productions,  and  had put them in the red due to constant investments. The  funds hadn��t yet fully arrived��only the payments from North America.


    �CWhere did the money come from? �C Billy asked.


    �CIt turns out we have Raimon��s luxury cards. He doubled production twice but managed to sell them in a deal I still don��t understand. There are far more fans in the United States than elsewhere. He sold to all his friends��apparently, he��s their fan director. �C Anne replied.


    �CHow good were the sales? George has been working on toy production since January. In the coming days, we have some licenses, but the established collector��s brands haven��t taken off yet. �C Billy commented.


    Taking a suit from the door, which Anne had brought, Billy took a long cold shower, trying to catch his breath as he prepared for the trip. One of the things he hated was long journeys. Frequent travel left a lingering headache in his mind.


    Mechanically, he tried to get ready. Today, he didn��t want a tie. He just wanted to take some aspirin and rest long and hard on the bed.


    �CYou need to deliver the comics next week. You��ve got a delivery for  and another for . We have the third volume, but the fourth is still missing. And next month, you��ll need to have the fifth, sixth, and seventh. �C she said while organizing his suit.


    �CMy brain��s fried. I��ll try to stick to the schedule�� I can��t promise much, but in the next few days, I think I��ll feel better. The story��s already in my head, but no one else can draw . Still, I��ll make a good script and finish up to volume five. Gather the guys on set to help with the comics in the coming months. I need help, or I��ll go crazy. �C said Billy.


    Organizing his suit, Anne applied some hand cream and simply nodded. They both left, excusing themselves, taking into account that in the coming days, she would be in charge during his absence��a frequent occurrence.


    �CI need to sort out matters with Microsoft Games. San Diego is a step away. You should do your best to organize things with those idiots. There��s always a ��but�� and another ��but.�� They��re compliant but take their time. Give me some breathing room. �C said Anne.


    �CI��ll do it. Have a good weekend. Have them email me summaries of the problems. If they completely deny or contradict themselves, don��t bother. �C said Billy, thinking about the 60%. He��d inject money, there��d be a better investment course, align Microsoft Games with ID Software, and start carving out percentages until only they could fulfill it. Injecting money in the same way or leaving them with a reduced share. Using their tricks and filling gaps at every turn. For now, all he wanted was to improve every component, replace them with others, and of course, rebuild it to the point where it could be used by someone who didn��t need much to make it great. After all, Macs were fantastic in their day.


    �CWell, one less problem. �C commented Anne.


    �CTell Raimon to handle minor issues in other states. He��s done well with the investments. As a last resort, tell him I��ll be the next Anakin Skywalker��Darth Vader if you will��and maybe I��ll owe him a favor. �C said Billy.


    �CYou two are complete idiots! He has to do it��we pay him overtime! �C shouted Anne, utterly furious.


    �CJust tell him. It��s like giving gasoline to a little bike; it��s like giving it rockets. �C Billy replied, giving Anne a deep kiss. She was caught off guard as he tore her buttoned shirt and moved to hike up her skirt while lowering his pants.


    �CJust shut up for a second. �C said Billy. �CIn this room, you can��t talk about work. When we leave, you can��t mention it in this room. �C


    �CBut... �C


    �CCome on, darling. Be quiet. �C


    ...

 485. what to do.

    The days were lively and filled with various takes; at last, Titanic''s odyssey gave way to all the activities Billy had to manage while trying to balance his booming comic book market��an unpredictable, explosive rise, his way of orchestrating a violent dance. S��arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CSo, everything''s ready. �C Billy remarked, presenting Cameron with the final sketchbook he''d created for the production. Unlike others, it revealed a simple yet artistic take on how poverty and art didn��t go hand in hand��a fervent misconception often branding those without connections or means to realize their vision.


    It was better than expected. Billy had drawn from the era''s trends, borrowing forms from his surroundings. It took him a long time to organize all the sketches brimming with increasingly complex and intricate ideas.


    �CI like how it all unfolds. In minutes. �C Billy added. �C We��ve got a quick, brief take�� but I used the drawings to give Jack the sense of someone deeply confident in art. That��s why it��s hard for people to fully grasp every design. �C


    From women, old men, children, landscapes, and people in social gatherings, he added layers of red, blue, and yellow, blending tempera paints into scenes. He then evoked some of the best results before venturing into abstracts, though toned down to a less vital point.


    �CI like what you did with the notebooks. �C Cameron commented.


    �CHe��s an artist with paper always in his hands. That��s all he can live and breathe for��to be an artist. It��s the best way to manage something so volatile. �C Billy replied.


    �CWe��ll do what we can. �C Cameron said, still immersed in his endless tasks. �C You need to work on your chemistry as much as possible. Have a romantic dinner, sleep together, whatever it takes. There must be a love that feels full and pure. Treat her like a princess, act like a gentleman��we��re counting on it. �C Cameron instructed.


    �CI��ll take her out tonight�� Besides, it was her sketches that gave me ideas. She played along with me for the art. You��re ruthless when it comes to films, even a bit scary with how you put things. �C Billy joked, with a touch of unease, feeling the weight of the cruel entertainment world pressing down, pushing him to weave illusions for the sake of a good movie.


    �CWelcome to the adult world, kid. I��ll take these to the producers. �C Cameron said, grabbing the two sketchbooks. He seemed slightly overwhelmed, as people weren��t approaching him correctly or at all. Part of him felt guilty, especially since the chemistry with Charlize had been stronger and more pronounced. But the producer wanted Kate, and after seeing The English Patient, Cameron had agreed on two key points with the production: the actor was good and had the charisma to captivate audiences, particularly women.


    �CSee you around. �C Billy said, picking up his phone. He needed Monica, even just a brief moment of relief.


    �CMy love. �C


    �CWhen you finish filming, I need you in Baja California, or at least San Jose, for a few days. �C


    That was all he needed to hear. He yearned for his enchanting brunette to ease his burdens, someone who could guide him on how to behave and act. She was one of the few people who truly loved him in her way.


    Billy sipped some juice, exhausted from a long day of rehearsals. The night had been consumed by sketches. Kate was nervous, and the following days promised a heavy workload for everyone involved.


    �CSo, I guess you��re stuck in a rut. �C Kate remarked, visibly tired.


    The exhaustion was palpable, wearing on both of them. Each was drained from the day''s efforts. Filming was supposed to be calmer and less demanding, but James�� constant shouting and demands were frustratingly overbearing, making the entire set tense and irritable.


    �CThe silly side of us actors��it��s part of what we have to deal with. �C Billy replied, pouring a glass of wine. The improvised setting caused a bit of wine to spill onto the green tablecloth in his haste.


    �COh, God. �C


    �CSorry, the accumulated fatigue is a bit overwhelming. I might just fall asleep standing up. �C Billy confessed. �C It��s frustrating how things have to be done sometimes, but you just push through as fast as you can. �C


    �CI feel the same. I get caught up in details for too long. I focus on other things and forget the people around me��all of them. It always leads to bad decisions. I lose friends and boyfriends, and it feels like I can��t do much about it. �C Kate admitted.


    �CYou mean the little we accomplish. �C Billy said.


    �CWell, it��s not from lack of trying. �C


    They ate in a less uncomfortable silence, aiming to break down barriers through friendship. It was through friendship that they could refine their performances, harmonizing as colleagues.


    �CTrue, we were terrible today. �C Billy admitted. �C The rehearsals have been good, but we��re missing a spark. I think the only way to improve is by spending more time together. �C


    �CYou��re right. But�� hahaha, I think things take us by surprise. It��s always bad to make mistakes, but it has to be that way. If we just take a moment to breathe, we can deal with the challenges. �C Kate replied, slightly annoyed.


    �CI didn��t ask if you liked the food. �C Billy said.


    �CI thought they were going to fire me. �C Kate confessed.


    He sighed deeply, contemplating the many conflicts they faced. She was still a somewhat inexperienced actress, while he bore the weight of a pivotal new scene. It set the stage for the hard work they��d have to tackle in the coming days.


    �CTrue�� �C Billy pulled out a copy of  along with  by S��ndor M��rai. �C These are two of my favorite books. We can understand each other better through them. When you��re done, I��ll tell you what I like and dislike about them. �C


    �CI��ll get you some of mine. You might like  by ��mile Zola. �C Kate suggested, examining the books. She��d already read . Billy handed her a few films they could watch together. What better way to bond than through shared stories?


    The moment of uncertainty was replaced by a shared connection. She nodded in agreement.


    ...

 486. rhythm.

    Since childhood, people often have dreams of doing things that seem mundane, impossible, or filled with ideals. These aspirations appear difficult to parents or elders, who understand the challenges of such endeavors and the complexities tied to bureaucracy, education, effort, luck, and the randomness of fleeting sparks.


    -Give me some of that coffee. - Kate said, completely mesmerized, grabbing the cup from Billy''s hand and taking a sip of the black coffee as she examined the drawings. The details were magnificent, each line capturing a brilliance rarely seen. It was "real" in the sense of being the pinnacle of American comics, alongside works like , which Real had eclipsed. Everything about it felt like an excuse to embrace the medium''s unique, wonderful, and beautiful aspects.


    She said, utterly entranced by the way she observed the comics. It was as though the magnificent details, brimming with allegories and intricate designs, could captivate people even before the creative process was complete.


    It felt like being behind the scenes of a great masterpiece��either disappointing or rewarding. In this case, it was undoubtedly the latter. There was a distinct admiration for Billy''s ability to create elements from nothing, imbuing his work with a sense of knowledge and authority that was rare to encounter.


    -Oh, I feel annoyed, but I can��t stop looking at these drawings. I��ll buy all your work. - Kate confessed, finding Billy��s art remarkably innovative. His skill level mirrored the quality seen in manga or comics of 2020, far surpassing the competition. Billy truly embodied the prodigy who infused each of his pieces with exceptional brilliance.


    -It��s all about the image. You have to think of an image, much like in acting. People focus on a character they��re portraying��imagining their walk, speech, reactions, and perspectives. That��s how you develop an idea of who you want to be. Drawing works the same way, except theoretically, it requires more knowledge than acting. You need to understand three-dimensional spaces, proximity, perspective, and style. It��s perhaps too broad for a short conversation. But essentially, you must form images in your mind and sequence them, like in a video. Frames created by your imagination��like wanting someone to run, then imagining them moving down a street, surrounded by people. The detail lies in the action, the anatomy, the space, and the technique. - Billy explained, picking up a pencil and sketching slowly. He began with a rough outline, a collage of geometric shapes.


    After a quick sketch, he erased the shapes and refined the drawing with greater detail, demonstrating the progression from a fast sketch to a meticulous one.


    -Learn to skip steps that overcomplicate the image... I think I��ll settle for just seeing the final product. People often underestimate how hard it is. I step back and watch, but it seems easier at first glance. - Kate remarked, observing the intricate process. She was wrong, though; the real challenge was rooted in genius. The work was accessible only to a rare talent, less than 1% globally. What seemed difficult to outsiders was impossible for many professionals, whose critical eyes studied every image and page, later using them as educational tools��a value often overlooked by others.


    -You truly have no idea how hard this is. - Billy said, offering a smile that subtly questioned Kate��s words, emphasizing her misunderstanding.


    The cutting bell rang, and everyone returned to their places. Filming resumed, demanding perfection from everyone involved.


    Cameras were everywhere. They ascended the stage��a bare ship deck that transformed into an elaborate set. Everyone moved to their designated spots as the organization unfolded.


    -Does everyone know their positions? - Cameron called out, standing beside his assistant director.


    Usually, the director of photography dictated some of the positioning, alongside Russell Carpenter. Occasionally, even John Ladou would lend a hand.


    S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 487. acute.

    The filming scenes ranged from 5 to 15 minutes at the very least, each long, grueling, and intense, filled with countless demands and meticulous details. This often led to James Cameron''s infamous outbursts, his shouts and relentless demands for retakes turning the oppressive heat into an unbearable ordeal. Even when the actors managed to perform, the scenes were repeated endlessly under the necessary conditions.


    Billy gradually adapted to his role��the artist whose only true possession is his life. No matter what he did, he would perform as though his life depended on it: loving, laughing, facing challenges, hating, forgiving. Jack became the ideal lover women dream of��the rugged outsider, replacing the stoic patience of the English gentleman. Now, every gesture was tender, like handling a delicate flower. With Rose, he found his muse, someone to cherish and adore.


    -DAMN IT! You look like two sheep staring at each other! - Cameron barked, his expression sour as he glared at everyone. Someone whispered something in his ear. The clock struck 2 a.m., and exhaustion was etched into everyone''s faces after such a prolonged effort.


    -Alright, let��s wrap it up. We��ll pick this up at noon tomorrow. Cameron finally relented, feeling the weight of fatigue. The scenes Billy filmed with Kate weren��t even part of the iconic three-hour cut of the movie.


    -I think you did well today, - Kate whispered to him.


    -You were brilliant, too, - he replied, glancing at Kate. She was so drained that she seemed lost, staring into the distance. Her head throbbed, and she knew she might fall asleep at any moment.


    The ride to their accommodations was short. Night shoots were necessary since Titanic��s story unfolded over three days, one of which was catastrophic. Late-night filming sessions were essential to make the most of the studio��s schedule, even though it was the ''90s and some effects could be achieved digitally. Most of the magic, however, relied on the imagination and sheer effort of the crew.


    -It��s a bit unfair to say you outshone me. It��s easy to slip between moods, but you��re making it seem like I haven��t been doing my job at all, - Kate quipped with a long yawn.


    -Goodnight, - Billy bid her farewell, heading to his assigned room. Before entering, he noticed a brunette sitting in a bathrobe, painting her nails. It was Monica, who had arrived a few hours earlier but hadn��t expected the shoot to last so long. Billy was still dressed in Jack��s wardrobe, covered by a large coat to shield him from the cold.


    A long glance passed between them. Monica��s dark, lush lashes framed her angular face; she was breathtaking in every possible way. Her love for bare simplicity was evident��she wore nothing but a towel on her head, her body completely nude, her nails painted black.


    -You��re back.-


    -I didn��t think you��d come today, - Billy remarked.


    -Plans change for both of us, don��t they? But now, I suppose we��re both too tired to do much about it. That��s fine, - Monica replied, her tone teasing as she casually revealed her body, her full breasts bare as she stretched. With just a tilt of her chin, she exuded the confidence of the most beautiful woman in the world.


    -It��s good to see you, - Billy said, leaning in to kiss her, but she stopped him, pointing toward the shower. She gave him a small, chaste kiss before letting him go. S��ar?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The night was cold, the early hours of June 9th. Billy took a long, hot shower to ease his weariness, washing away the exhaustion while his mind wandered to the Titanic book he had been reading��already 500 pages in, with only four chapters left. He recorded each thought and note meticulously. It would be his fifth published book, a project he took seriously, filling in every gap with careful deliberation.


    The TV hummed softly through the thin walls. With everything turned off, the moonlight illuminated their faces. Monica, wrapped in the glow, extended an invitation with her open arms, like welcoming a child into her embrace. She took him in, holding him close as their bodies pressed together.


    -I like you a lot, Monica, - Billy murmured, kissing her lips. She nodded, returning the kiss. Their bodies moved together, a warm, tender unity.


    Monica always relished the intimacy of touch, the melding of bodies until they became one. As they lay entwined, they shared quiet words about their day.


    -I watched your movie." -


    -And? -


    -It��s dramatic. The ending moved me��a man choosing death over the unbearable pain of knowing his beloved, his true wife, is gone. Oh, God, it encapsulates how love renders all commitments immaterial when two people are madly in love, - Monica said, her Italian accent soft but distinct after years of speaking the language fluently.


    -Things always tend to sort themselves out,- Billy whispered, resting his face against Monica��s chest. Her sweet scent enveloped him as they kissed again, more intensely this time. Their bodies were filled with desire, seeking fulfillment together. She welcomed him effortlessly, her arms tightening around him as he pulled her close. His strength, honed by years of physical effort, was evident as she felt the power growing within him.


    She bit his chin, while she moaned in thin, whispers, both of them stretching out the pleasure, him galloping at a generous pace that was not fast, but it was enough to drive him crazy, and she half-closed her legs, squeezing his member, hard between her folds, as she always did. Encountering a situation like this led them to enjoy long minutes, it was stop and continue.


    -Faster, - her voice broke, raspy, and uncontrolled.


    Billy tried to maintain his pace, though he faltered. He had no choice but to continue his task for the woman beneath him, whose need was palpable, urgent. She gripped his back tightly as he matched her intensity, pressing into her with a force that met her yearning.


    ...

 487. love and demons.

    While the rhythms danced across the plains, the wind flowed, carrying whispers that formed dissonant languages. Billy held M��nica tightly, completely drenched in sweat; his entire body was moist, while M��nica only grew more anxious, longing for time to stretch out. Deeply. Their bodies were united by an animalistic passion, filled with desires and sighs, expressing thousands of sentiments��anger, rage, deceit, love, disillusionment, and the unique scents of each other, different yet now entwined by an apparent, foreign, and colorless essence that felt natural.


    Only the movements of their intertwined pelvises created a murmur, but she felt utterly defeated, extinguished, and claimed. He finished inside M��nica; she wrapped her legs around him and pressed against her.


    ��More, we need more, my love ��M��nica remarked, watching as he withdrew from her; it was her way of urging him on. They became liquid from that moment onward.


    M��nica turned to Billy and reached out her hands to grasp his flaccid penis, filled with fluids. She lowered herself and took a long suck for five seconds. At that point, he was as hard as a rock; watching M��nica as she rose and fell, rising and falling again, then pressing her hips against him in friction as she moved fleetingly from side to side.


    ��It has been weeks, forgotten weeks; it has been weeks and weeks in which human warmth was minimal ��M��nica commented, absorbing every detail and taking in the aspects of their disconnection; it was precisely what she needed.


    Billy turned to Monica and kissed her lips fiercely while she placed her hands on his shoulders. Billy stood firm, trying to maintain his stance as she bit down hard on his shoulder while he gripped her backside tightly, going up and down. It was the decision he had been anticipating and holding back.


    A gentle slap��a moment to catch her breath.


    ��I think you won��t be sleeping much tonight ��she whispered.


    ��


    Billy woke up the next day; it was 11 in the morning. Monica lay curled up beside him, both in sync with their breathing. She always slept hugging him, resting her head,d and using one hand to get comfortable. She slept on her side, and it was practically an insult to her if she wasn��t allowed to sleep that way.


    The door was knocking.


    �CLove, the door is knocking,�C Monica mumbled, her tone slightly annoyed.


    �CI��m on it,�C he whispered.


    He got up, trying to take a long step, and realized he was completely naked, covered in what could only be described as a misguided premonition. And that premonition felt like a sign.


    �CI��m coming!�C This time, he shouted a bit louder than usual, Monica��s groan signaling her relief when the knocking stopped. He quickly slipped into a pair of shorts.


    When he opened the door, it was Kate. She saw Billy standing there, still completely disheveled. The room reeked of sex, his hair tousled, his lazy, smoldering gaze almost hypnotic. Kate, visibly nervous and shy, stuttered out a few words.


    Monica heard the young Brit��s words, irritated and eager to put an end to it. She grabbed Billy��s shirt, slipped it on, took a deep breath, and walked over.


    �CLove, is something wrong?�C she asked, marking her territory with an air of casual dominance, placing her hand suggestively on Billy��s backside with a mischievous grin. Kate was utterly flustered at the scene.


    �CI-I��m so sorry to bother you,�C Kate stammered, her voice trembling, her nervey taking over.


    �CWe need to be on set,�C Billy said calmly.


    Kate nodded, her anxiety bubbling over. She had knocked repeatedly and even shouted a bit, but she hadn��t anticipated such an awkward encounter. The sight of an intimate couple threw her off so much that she had to bite her cheek to stop herself from laughing. Trying to say something coherent, all she could think about was needing a boyfriend��someone who could whisk her away to an island.


    �CI��ll be down in a moment,�C Billy said, closing the door.


    Monica sauntered back into the room, her hips swaying provocatively.


    �CJoin me in the shower, darling,�C she said with a teasing smirk.


    ***


    Everything was already in motion. Amelia Donner Rockefeller was turning 18 in November, marking the perfect time for everything to fall into place. For five years, every detail had been scrutinized��photos, bribes, thefts, and embezzlement. They had enough ammunition to bury the boy under a landslide.


    �CI expect everything to be in the position we desire in the coming days,�C declared William Donner Rockefeller.


    For fifty years, the Rockefeller family had been fighting to stay afloat. However, a series of mistakes hslowlyeroded their empire. The Great Depression, strikes, and antitrust issues had taught them that being a society''s focal point was a double-edged sword. Selling off their stakes, they now survived by acquiring large shares in major corporations.


    They held 15% of Ford Motor Company, 35% of General Electric, 42% of Target, 32% of Coca-Cola, and substantial holdings in American investment funds involved in trafficking. But their most significant power lay in their 27% ownership of Bank of America.


    Their first attempt had been an alliance with the Mars family, but their offer had been deemed insulting and was harshly rejected.


    Now, only one option remained��a handsome, wealthy, and talented American face to rejuvenate the family and propel them to unprecedented heights.


    �CYes, sir, we have everything in hand. But the beauty pageant issues are proving to be quite complicated,�C said Charles, the family��s butler.


    Amelia was undeniably captivating, a beautiful young woman with exceptional qualities. Among her strengths was her refusal to abandon her granddaughter when faced with challenges. However, their latest plan seemed naive and ambitious, driven by a need to succeed.


    �CEvery one of my demands?�C William inquired, his voice carrying absolute authority.


    �CYes, sir. She has the best diet, and the finest tutors, and her mother has filled her head with fantasies of modeling. When she comes to us seeking a place in the competition, we��ll act according to the plan. Recently, she watched the boy��s movie and cried. She believes she has evaded us, but I fear she is still under our watch. Her desires have been planted, and she will yield to our demands, either through her mother��s influence or your word.�C


    William nodded in agreement, his expression cold and calculating. S��ar?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Maximilian had graduated with a degree in business administration and completed a master��s program, but he lacked the instincts of a seasoned entrepreneur. He was a fool, lacking the cunning needed for success.


    �CHis graduation is in a month. Tell him he can ask me for anything, and I��ll grant it, as long as it��s within limits,�C William said, manipulating his family like pawns on a chessboard.


    �CUnderstood, sir. I��ll make sure the message is delivered,�C Charles replied.


    The family��s influence, though waning, still extended far. Despite their struggles, they held on to their legacy, investing in entertainment as their next gambit. Observing the boy��s clumsy but talented maneuvers, William saw potential.


    Studying photos of young Amelia, her beauty was undeniable, though he noted she needed eyelid adjustments and a stricter diet. Everything would be taken care of.


    ...

 488. set-. part 1.

    Billy took a deep breath, the sun high overhead. Monica settled into a chair made just for her, cooled by the only fan in the room. She was every inch a beauty queen��charming, subtle, full of desire, and poised like a siren, radiant in her allure.


    There was something about this particular moment: her tanned legs, dark hair, and neckline, accentuated by a Prada dress in green with white and emerald hues, made her look beyond stunning.


    �CWe��re in the middle of what we��d call a crusade,�C Cameron remarked, wiping sweat off his brow every five minutes. Everything was progressing smoothly for now. Billy��s good mood made filming easier, and they were achieving record speeds, wrapping up scenes involving greetings, minor lines, and casual remarks. But it was only the beginning��much more remained to be done.


    Billy took a break, preparing to suit up for one of the daytime scenes. As he put on his suit, Cameron appeared, grumbling that one of the assistant cameramen had botched a shot and they��d have to reshoot the scene. Billy felt an overwhelming urge to bang his head against the nearest wall.


    �CLet��s hope this is the last time,�C Billy muttered, stretching as he set the suit aside. For now, he just needed to focus on immersing himself in the atmosphere.


    Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CCut,�C Cameron calls, his voice carrying a deliberate gentleness as he checks the camera.


    �CAlright, let��s move on to the next setup,�C Cameron says, as the crew begins their preparations. Monica watches everything, her determination growing. This is what she wants. She��s brushed against it before but knows she must embrace it fully��live it completely.


    ...

 489. set part 2.

    The recordings were progressing pleasantly, with the evening fast approaching. It was a little past five in the afternoon, and many scenes had already been shot. However, the crew was exhausted. Monica held a novel in her hand, watching the scenes unfold from afar, shifting her attention from one set to another when something caught her eye.


    -So, Billy is considered a high-tier actor for his age, but low-tier compared to the veterans of the industry, - Monica remarked, her words potentially open to misinterpretation. She had a penchant for provoking those who spoke ill of the young man, like a mother ready to defend her children, her claws poised to counter any accusation.


    -I wouldn��t put him in such a low category. He��s simply the greatest rising star, at least with his precision��something that��s rare to find, especially among the young. Though the current generation is immensely talented, the boy stands out, - commented John Ladou.


    He was certain the woman��s words carried a sting. Her extended legs, the skirt riding just above her thighs��she embodied perfection and commanded attention.


    ��


    The cameras focused intently as he viewed each take from different angles. Now dressed in an elegant formal suit, Billy had been filming for two hours already that day. The good pace brought some relief to Cameron, whose rough demeanor had softened slightly. The push from everyone to work more efficiently had sped up the schedule. Recording had now taken two months, pre-production five months, and post-production would take at least another six. By June of the following year, the grueling schedule would drain the energy of all participating actors. Of course, some scenes would take longer to shoot than others.


    For instance, the pool being built nearby to film the sinking scenes��a massive construction project to faithfully recreate every detail. The older Rose��s scenes would be shot last, once the sequences involving the great ship were completed��a reverse of what might have been expected.


    -Get your suit on, kid; we��re filming some scenes now that you��ve got the outfit, - Cameron instructed. They needed ten takes. At this point, they were filming the final scenes, where Rose dies and appears young again aboard the Titanic, alive, vibrant, and brimming with hope��holding on to the memory that time hadn��t erased.


    -I��ll grab a sip of water, - Billy said, stretching his arms. Six hours of work and the intense focus required were taking their toll.


    S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They moved on to the next take. Everyone synchronized their watches as Billy slicked back his hair. Monica thought he looked dashing, while Kate seemed taken aback by how striking he appeared, perfectly fitting the role.


    The filming circle tightened as they captured each scene from various angles. The crew gathered around to discuss a few things with him, while Billy waved to Monica from a distance, careful not to lose the intensity required for the scenes.


    The crew swiftly moved on to the next scenes. Billy took a moment to relax��his parts were done for now. The night had fallen, and more scenes awaited to be filmed.


    ...

 490. set part 3.

    James was focused, the atmosphere was intense, and the actors were completely in their element, pushing their performances to the limit. It was astounding how, despite their exhaustion, the actors retained that spark that made every scene extraordinary. Billy��s role was subtle; his charming face added a layer of meaning, filling the page with charisma and making people yearn to witness the end of the relationship. A love story was unfolding, crafted through details that some might overlook, but for those meticulous enough to observe every line, it was evident they were meant for each other.


    -I think we need to wrap this scene,- James remarked heavily. -We need to finish this scene today!-


    -But everyone��s exhausted, James,- someone replied.


    -If we finish the scene, they can rest all weekend. Anyway, we need to fix a few details��the 1905 model car has arrived,- Cameron interjected.


    -In three days, at least that��s what they��re saying from Fox,- commented an older woman, one of the silent producers who didn��t even appear in the credits but was vital to the project.


    -Good, perfect, more than perfect. Let��s finish these scenes today. We��ll handle the rest on Monday��regardless of the kid��s state, it doesn��t matter,- Cameron said, glancing at the camera and observing the boy��s artistic perfection.


    Take some coffee; he��ll be up all night. He can��t stop thinking about the film, overhearing the murmurs around him. But the promise of a full weekend of rest is enough. Some can already head home, though a few shots with extras remain��nothing unearned, but that��s just the way things are.


    -Everyone��s in position,- someone informed Cameron, who, in the villa set, found renewed energy, eager to see the ink come to life on video.


    ...


    Scene 30, Take 1.


    CUT TO THE RECEPTION ROOM ON DECK D, as the group descends for dinner. They encounter Molly Brown, dazzling in a beaded gown, with her broad shoulders and ample bust. Molly smiles when she spots Jack. As they enter the dining room, she walks beside him and speaks in a low voice:


    MOLLY: It��s nothing, is it, Jack?


    It��s a whispered question, prompting Billy to respond with a sly smile��arrogant yet faintly amused. Cameron, watching from his chair, is captivated. Everyone remains relatively quiet. Monica, observing from a safe distance, feels almost as though the ship��s motion were real, even as it��s firmly grounded. Though not a theater, two things are evident: they don��t need to speak loudly anymore, and the sound equipment can capture it all.


    JACK: Just dress like a pallbearer and keep your nose in the air.


    MOLLY: Remember, the only thing they respect is money, so act like you��ve got plenty and belong to the club.


    As they move through the crowd, Rose leans toward him, pointing out notable figures in hushed tones.


    ROSE: That��s Countess Rothes over there. And that��s John Jacob Astor��the richest man on the ship. His little wife, Madeleine, is my age and in a delicate condition. Look at how she tries to hide it. Quite the scandal.


    (Pointing discreetly to a couple) The girl continues, whispering.


    Over there are Sir Cosmo and Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon. Among her many talents is designing risqu�� lingerie, quite popular with royalty. Cal engages in conversation with Cosmo Duff-Gordon and Colonel Gracie, while Ruth, the countess, and Lucile discuss fashion. Rose lightly slaps Jack to draw his attention to another impeccably dressed couple.


    ROSE: And that��s Benjamin Guggenheim and his mistress, Madame Aubert. Mrs. Guggenheim is at home with the children, of course.


    Meanwhile, Cal accepts compliments from his male peers, who regard Rose as a prize horse on display.


    SIR COSMO: Hockley, she��s stunning.


    GRACIE: Cal��s a lucky man. I know him well, and luck��s the only explanation.


    Ruth approaches, catching the last remark, and coquettishly takes Cal��s arm.


    CAL: Thank you.


    RUTH: How could you say that, Colonel? Caledon Hockley is quite the catch.


    The party walks toward the dining room, passing the Astors as they cross the ornate double doors.


    ROSE: JJ, Madeleine, I��d like to introduce you to Jack Dawson.


    ASTOR: (shaking hands) Pleased to meet you, Jack. Are you one of the Boston Dawsons?


    JACK: No, actually, the Chippewa Falls Dawsons.


    JJ nods as if he��s heard of them, then looks puzzled.


    Madeleine Astor appraises Jack and whispers childishly to Rose.


    MADELEINE: Such a shame we��re both engaged, isn��t it?


    ��Cut,�� Cameron whispers, ending the take. They film the scene twice more, with one error leading to a fourth take. That��s how things were in Los Angeles��the City of Angels��where recordings often required three or four takes. Cameron��s reprimands fell on others, but Billy observed that the director��s roaring outbursts were sometimes necessary. On set, only one person was in charge, and that was the director.


    Billy approached Monica, who now waited for him on a small two-person chair, her feet resting on the armrests.


    -One more scene, and we can head to San Jose,- Billy said, offering her a gentle kiss.


    -Don��t worry, my love,- Monica replied. - I��ve enjoyed watching how a renowned director makes everything look so difficult yet simple. Complicated yet straightforward. Those little details captivate me��it��s glorious, far more so than runways or commercials. It��s just beautiful.-


    -We��ll talk more about it later, - Billy said, taking a sip of water. Kate Winslet watched everything from afar. There was something about Billy she liked��something platonic. She didn��t consider herself beautiful or charming.


    Scene 31, Take 1.


    INT. DINING ROOM.


    A ballroom-like setting, vibrant and illuminated by a constellation of chandeliers, teeming with elegantly dressed people and the beautiful music of the small orchestra led by WALLACE HARTLEY. As Rose and Jack enter and make their way to their table, Cal and Ruth at their side, we hear...


    Near Ruth.


    RUTH: Tell us about third-class accommodations, Mr. Dawson. Are they quite good on this ship?


    WIDER: THE TABLE. Jack is seated across from Rose, flanked by Cal and Thomas Andrews. Also at the table are Molly Brown, Ismay, Colonel Gracie, the Countess, Guggenheim, Madame Aubert, and the Astors.


    JACK: Best I��ve seen, ma��am. Hardly any rats at all.


    Rose subtly signals Jack to remove the napkin from the plate.


    CAL: Mr. Dawson is joining us from the third class. Last night, he was of great assistance to my fianc��e.


    (Looking at Jack with disdain, the actor plays the condescension perfectly.)


    This is foie gras��goose liver. We see whispers exchanged. Jack becomes the target of furtive glances. Now everyone feels daringly liberal.


    GUGGENHEIM: (quietly, to Madame Aubert) What does Hockley hope to prove by bringing that... bohemian... here?


    WAITER: How do you take your caviar, sir?


    The waiter addresses Jack, but Cal answers.


    CAL: Just a touch of lemon�� (smiling at Jack) It pairs better with champagne.


    JACK: No caviar for me, thanks. (Smiling at Cal) Never cared for it much.


    He glances at Rose with a poker face, but she beams at him with admiration.


    RUTH: Where do you live exactly, Mr. Dawson? Who is Jack Dawson?


    JACK: Well, right now, my address is the RMS Titanic. After that, I��m on pretty good terms with wherever the wind takes me.


    Salads are served. Jack picks up the fish fork. Rose watches and grabs the salad fork, signaling him with her gaze. Jack switches forks.


    RUTH: Do you find that rootless existence appealing?


    JACK: Well, the world��s a big place, and I want to see it all before I go. My father always talked about seeing the ocean. He died in the town where he was born, never seeing it. You can��t wait around because you never know what hand life will deal you next. You see, my parents died in a fire when I was fifteen, and I��ve been traveling ever since. That kind of thing teaches you to take life as it comes and make every day count.


    Molly Brown raises her glass in a toast.


    MOLLY: Well said, Jack.


    COLONEL GRACIE: (raising his glass) Hear, hear.


    Rose raises her glass and looks at Jack.


    ROSE: To make it count.


    Ruth, irritated by Jack��s success in the conversation, presses him further.


    RUTH: And how do you manage to travel, Mr. Dawson? What means do you have?


    JACK: I get by working from place to place��steamships and the like. I won my Titanic ticket with a lucky hand at poker.


    (Looking at Rose) The camera captures his gaze, making Kate tremble as she feels something primal in Billy.


    "A very lucky hand," he concludes.


    GRACIE: Life itself is a game of luck.


    CAL: A true man makes his luck, Archie.


    Rose notices Thomas Andrews sitting beside her, writing in his notebook, completely ignoring the conversation.


    ROSE: Mr. Andrews, what are you doing? I see you everywhere jotting in that little book. (She grabs it and reads aloud.) "Increase the number of coat hook screws from two to three!" You��ve built the world��s largest ship, and that��s what worries you? �C The girl��s thoughts are spoken aloud in her final words. �C


    Andrews smiles bashfully.


    ISMAY: He knows every detail of her, doesn��t he, Thomas? S��arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ANDREWS: Every one of them��three million.


    ISMAY: His blood and soul are in this ship. On paper, she may be mine, but in God��s eyes, she belongs to Thomas Andrews.


    ROSE: Your ship is a marvel, Mr. Andrews, truly.


    ANDREWS: Thank you, Rose.


    We see Andrews falling under Rose��s spell.


    -Cut. -


    ...

 491. phrases

    June 15.


    These are more than just great presentations; the press was electrified by the acclaim Billy had garnered for . The audience was mesmerized by Winona Ryder''s performance, showcasing a kind of sensuality rarely seen in her films.


    �CYou��re one of Hollywood��s rising stars. Your roles might still fit on two hands, but each one is a powerhouse that fills the screen with new stories. Every character you��ve chosen breathes life into the narrative. Critics recognize your glorious talent�� blah, blah, blah. Billy Carson surprises us with his upcoming performances. On your list of films, , premiering in September, and , releasing in December, are strong contenders for the big showdown of 1996.�C


    �CThe next pages detail your prowess in animation and then explain how you��re the owner of the company of the moment,�C Monica remarked, holding a cigarette in one hand and wearing white tights that left little to the imagination. She was draped in a white robe that revealed her dark, lively, and free nipples.


    �CTalk about how lucky I am to have a stunning brunette by my side,�C Billy said, kissing her neck.


    �CMy love, you need to get to your recording,�C the brunette tried to say but faltered as she left her neck exposed. The kisses were gentle yet a weakness, making her tilt her head back, surrendering to the moment.


    �CLet me sleep. You��ve got wet hair, and it��s freezing. Let me sleep a bit longer��it��s too early,�C Monica murmured.


    �CI need to write and draw, but filming starts a little later. The production team thinks next week��s schedule will be adjusted to nighttime shoots, so at least the evenings will be entirely ours,�C Billy said, placing a light kiss on her lips.


    For now, the remaining shoots would focus on secondary scenes where he played Jack, while the studio prepared the set for more extensive night shoots as the production progressed.


    �CAlways drawing,�C Monica muttered, finding a spot on the bed and mumbling incomprehensible words.


    Richard Boll worked tirelessly, spending countless hours watching the company��s latest video games in action. He tested how the games performed across various consoles, from the PlayStation 1 to the Nintendo 64. Despite the releases, the programmers often needed time to unleash their creativity. Playing was part of the process��observing, enjoying, and relaxing. The company encouraged this culture as it fostered the development of outstanding series.


    Updates were underway for titles such as , , , , , , and the latest . The teams had been working relentlessly, going above and beyond to push these projects forward. Meanwhile, the second team focused on , a horror game featuring a first-person perspective.


    ID Software collaborated with Epic Games, Raven Software, and its own Atlanta branch to refine software design, improve functionality, and elevate games to their peak performance.


    The second team delivered two projects: one entirely original  by Billy, with two parts��one based on Crash and one mad professor. Both told origin stories through dimensional gameplay, incorporating minigames and a simpler plot compared to the main  series. Another designer created a game inspired by , featuring a map with portals leading to various tasks across changing worlds. This game, , revolved around a castle dungeon.


    The third team tackled , , and , three series spearheaded by "the two maniacs," John Romero and John Carmack. The duo had signed contracts for six games and delivered five so far. They recently extended their agreement for another game, complete with lucrative commissions and executive-level salaries. Each earned at least $500,000 in bonuses, commanding teams of 30 members each.


    Their third series, , depicted intergalactic battles in an arena, resembling . Characters included ancient warriors like Achilles and Spartacus, alongside lore-specific creations inspired by barbarian warlords. Billy also hired a writer to craft stories for publication, archiving them in the grand science fiction and fantasy library.


    The fourth team worked closely with Parallax Software and Epic Games, which had established a robust office in Texas resembling a corporate fortress. This setup included fast-food subsidiaries��T-Box Burgers, Pizza Box, and Sushi Box��offering employees perks and integrating into the corporate ecosystem. S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their projects included , , and . A fourth game, , combined RPG-style labyrinth exploration, turn-based battles, and open-field skirmishes. Its story revolved around an original character, a tiny fairy mage with a yellow wizard��s hat and control over wind, rain, and water. The character was set to become a franchise icon.


    Finally, the fifth team was developing a  fighting game focused on the East Blue saga and early  concepts under the  banner.


    Parallax handled , while Raven took charge of  and the  series. With a combined workforce of 270, all five teams were dedicated to delivering exceptional games.


    �CWe just need to create extraordinary games,�C Richard Boll told Tommy Summers, the creative lead overseeing character design, graphic details, and collaboration with Pixar and Epic Games.


    �CThe design for , one of the potential mascots, draws inspiration from , , , and . Our protagonist is a fairy mage with elemental powers. The water world is in testing, and so far, everything is on track,�C Tommy Summers explained.


    �CExcellent. Let��s keep creating fantastic characters,�C Richard said, reviewing the designs.


    ...

 492. super smash.

    The Yellow-Clad Mage, the video game Luxury, was a magical world overflowing with spells. Thousands upon thousands of mages and magical creatures populated its lands. Few warriors existed, and the only other beings were fairies, central to the world of Luxury��the realm of magic. The intricate details were stunning, and plans were in place to create three types of games: one styled as a Metroidvania, with visuals pushed to absurd levels of refinement; another, an open-world game akin to Pok��mon, featuring diverse spells and stunning animation bursting with vibrant colors.


    The central mission revolved around ascending the Great Sky Tower, leading to various realms, from labyrinthine worlds and war zones to coliseums and high-speed tracks. At the tower''s peak, a wish would be granted, but only if it reflected the true desire of one''s heart.


    Notably, the fairy from Luxury made an appearance in Super Smash Lux, set to debut soon. The process of creating countless games with diverse maps was nothing short of rebellious and intricate. The roster boasted 30 characters in total. From the Crash franchise, three characters stood out: Crash himself, who had a stampede of rhinos as a special move; his sister, a supporting character; and Dr. Cortex, who wielded chemical potions, defensive shields, rocket launchers, and Nitro traps. Of these, two were playable. S��ar?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Quake contributed two characters: Ranger, the protagonist, who could create portals for ambushes, armed with a shotgun, throwable axe, and lightning gun, which electrified surrounding fields; and Shub-Niggurath, the final villain.


    Coliseum, an original game by John Carmack, focused on combat stances and weapon intricacies, from martial arts to dagger throwing. Its roster included Atlas, the Greco-Roman gladiator protagonist; Achilles, a divine spear master; and Spartacus, the enslaved warrior clad in a hate-fueled armor, wielding a Roman sword and shield with time-slowing powers, albeit limited to eight seconds per use.


    Other notable entries included Jill Valentine from Resident Evil; Ash, who utilized his Pok��mon as formidable allies; and Lance, the Dragon Master, riding his Dragonite. Two characters from the Gargoyles series joined, alongside two from Samurai Jack��Amy and Puffy, packaged as a duo. The roster expanded further with Anakin Skywalker, Hardman Slash with his guitar that sent shockwaves and doubled as a baseball bat, Dexter, Billy and Mandy (a trio with skeletal support), the Powerpuff Girls (interchangeable as a single character), and their villains Mojo Jojo and ��Him.�� Additional entries included two characters from Shaman King, a Power Ranger, Hellboy, Luffy from One Piece, and Arlong, the villain of the East Blue saga.


    Most of these characters were also featured in Lux Karts, a racing game with seven circuits and four tracks each, pulling locations from various worlds. The game pushed cartridge memory to its limits, thanks to collaborations with multiple modeling and development companies. ID Software, once again setting benchmarks, turned it into a masterpiece.


    Modes like Duel, Tag-Team Combat, and Rescue offered countless hours of gameplay, especially in multiplayer.


    -How impressive. This year will undoubtedly be one of the most prolific for the franchise, - remarked Raimon, who oversaw company finances and traveled to monitor software development��by far the most resource-intensive branch, covering proprietary programs, licensing, and new code.


    -Sales have doubled over the past year, - Richard Boll added.


    -Once again, Billy was right to invest in a special gaming console that dominates the market entirely. And that''s not all��the time spent gaming by consumers keeps growing. We''re confident the market will see bold growth over the next five years, - Raimon noted while reviewing projections, which showed that the company had already surpassed its 1995 earnings and was on track to triple them.


    -We make the best games, and we offer the best services, - Richard concluded, calmly running a hand over his tanned, round face, his balding head disguised under a hat.


    Super Smash''s 15 maps introduced new dynamics, such as map shifts, travel mechanics, prizes, and major events, including accelerated gameplay, rain, strong winds, and tornadoes.


    ***


    "The English Patient" was here to stay. By June 23, 1996, its box office gross had surpassed $100 million from an initial $30 million investment. The consistent profits cemented Billy Carson''s reputation for delivering cinematic successes, instilling confidence in Lux Films'' participants with each step forward.


    -You even forgot your birthday, darling, - Monica teased, arriving in a stunning white Prada dress with a plunging neckline.


    -Well, things like that happen, - Billy replied, receiving Monica''s congratulations. She had been in San Jose but spent little time taking calls, focusing instead on acting and delivering the works she had accumulated.


    "Mortal Engines" had reached its third book, each expanded from 100 pages to 500, resulting in a detailed sextet. Meanwhile, Billy had advanced "Real" to 13 volumes, with four chapters in reserve. By January, he planned to have at least 25 chapters. "Bleach," now releasing four monthly chapters, was up to Chapter 96, extending the "Agent Shinigami" arc from 70 to 98 chapters before planning a series hiatus.


    -These things don''t just happen. It''s a bit irresponsible of you to work so tirelessly. You��ve got dark circles, and your skin could use some collagen. Rest a little, -Monica chided.


    -I��ll have time to rest, but the next few months will be like this, - Billy sighed deeply. It was 9:30 p.m.


    The drawings on the table were magnificent. Monica caught a glimpse and noticed the ink still drying.


    ...

 493. families.

    June 23, 1996.


    The graduation of Amelia Rockefeller took place on June 23, 1996. She was just a step away from becoming useful to her grandfather. At 18, and about to turn 19, she had not only one of the most comprehensive basic educations but also a wealth of extracurricular skills. She could play the piano, practiced equestrianism, synchronized swimming, and tennis, and was fluent in both French and Spanish.


    At the same time, her mother had been teaching her everything she knew about modeling. Amelia was the spoiled child of her parents, getting everything she wanted as long as her grandfather approved. At the graduation party, there were nobles, children of the wealthy, established families, and geniuses. It was perhaps the most elitist school in all of Europe.


    -Grandfather! - Amelia shouted, greeting the patriarch of the Rockefeller family. Beside him stood one of France''s wealthiest merchants, Vincent Dassault. His son was in the same grade as Amelia. The gathering was exclusive, with only 50 graduates.


    -My dear girl, we do not shout in public, - he reprimanded, making her blush. She immediately fell silent, refraining from giving any response. She was absorbed in her lapse of decorum, and tried to mutter an "okay," but failed miserably.


    She momentarily blocked out her education and nodded, recovering her composure. Her radiant blonde hair was magnificent, complementing the figure she had inherited from her mother. It was remarkable how this bold young woman became so timid in her grandfather''s presence. She waited patiently as William Dommer continued to speak sternly about market shifts and the rise of the Japanese economy. sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dassault, noting the impatience of youth, glanced at his son with a sharp, somewhat resentful look. He wrapped up the conversation with promises for future discussions and departed.


    -I must be off, - Vincent said, shaking hands.


    -So be it, - William replied with measured calm. At seventy, he was patient but didn��t entertain delays.


    Amelia smiled, clenching her fists tightly.


    -We��ll talk after the ceremony, - William remarked.


    -But... -


    She was silenced by a single, furious look that demanded absolute obedience. The scream she wanted to let out was swallowed, replaced by a nod of respect. Her entire life had been shaped by fear, almost imprinted into her upbringing.


    There were only two options: to rebel or to conform. Her older cousin chose rebellion and was completely cast out��his allowance cut off, his connections severed, from clubs to social gatherings. Essentially excommunicated from the family, his pride cost him everything. He spent years living as middle class in a small apartment before being evicted and begging for a place back in the family fold. Few are brave in life and the Rockefeller household.


    The graduation event was stunning, and ostentatious from every angle. The red and white gowns and caps were vibrant against the baroque school theater, adorned with life-filled artwork and a ceiling painting inspired by Goethe, representing the paradise of nihilism and art. The acoustics were brilliant, enhanced by lighting and courteous applause.


    -Do you know the difference between wealth and education? - William Dommer asked his son as they observed Amelia��s graduation. - Education is necessary but doesn��t guarantee wealth��at least, not the kind we enjoy. It merely sustains what you have; it doesn��t grow it. Education allows those of lesser means to rise and earn their place, but it is neither wealth nor opportunity. -


    -Of course, Father. But we��re doing well, - Augustus replied, reviewing company accounts and financial statements. The business was growing at an annual rate of 3%, steady and sufficient for a good pace.


    -Yes, - William said, restraining the urge to roll his eyes. His son��s obtuseness made him want to smash his head against the pavement.


    -We do get sentimental with age, - William muttered, taking a breath and signaling to his butler to leave the event. It was 2:30 PM, and he needed to call a small friend in London about oil and gas prices.


    Augustus pretended not to notice.


    ...


    After the ceremony, there was a small cocktail gathering where families mingled, served drinks, and enjoyed hors d��oeuvres��canap��s, perhaps tuna-filled crackers, slices of raw salmon with mayonnaise and parsley.


    -It��s not possible that you��d throw your life away for modeling. What nonsense! I pay for the best education and provide the finest teachers, and you act like a fool, wanting to waste your future, and flaunting your body. Do you want to earn money as an escort? Charles, give her $30,000 to shut her up, - William Dommer declared, harsh and unyielding.


    Amelia��s tears streamed uncontrollably as she tried to silence her thoughts, fleeing to the bathroom to wash away her shame. Her classmates whispered as they watched her closely, while she tried to hide beneath her hair, trembling with fear of everything.


    Her mother only shook her head at her father-in-law��s manipulations. He always tested everyone��s limits��their strength, their resilience.


    -I��ll talk to her, - Shawn said, while her eldest son nodded, unwilling to interfere in their relationship.


    -Mother, just leave her alone�� She��ll understand later, - George Dommer said.


    -Don��t touch me, - Shawn snapped, swatting her son��s hand. He would never understand a woman��s suffering, armed with their power to dictate what was right or wrong.


    ��Damn men,�� she muttered as she walked elegantly toward her daughter. She was a vision of mature beauty.


    -My love, - Shawn whispered, taking Amelia in her arms and wiping away her streaked tears. Her red, swollen eyes glistened as she looked at her mother. All the strength she had moments before crumbled like a dam swept away by a raging river.


    -It��s unfair, Mother. -


    -It is, my dear. But we won��t let this become an issue. Your mother has a plan. I know people who can help us. You��ll make enough money and be free of your grandfather, - Shawn said, kissing her gently on the forehead.


    -Then�� - Amelia��s eyes shone with hope as she grasped the difficulty of being surrounded by wolves.


    -Then trust your mother. I��ll do whatever it takes for you, my beautiful girl. Later, you can become a businesswoman, marry a rich athlete or celebrity, and travel the world�� Anything you want, my sweet child, - Shawn assured her.


    -Mommy, - Amelia murmured, her voice trembling. It was a bittersweet blow for Shawn, who endured her father-in-law��s manipulations while trying to play a game she couldn��t entirely comprehend.


    ...

 494. advent.

    Billy was in his apartment, which still had the feel of a bachelor pad��except for the subtle touch of a woman that transformed its atmosphere into something entirely different. The only unchanged spaces were his side of the closet and his drawing studio, sparsely furnished with a single cactus that needed watering every two months. Billy��s curiosity often fixated on how personal touches could alter spaces so subtly yet significantly.


    �CHappy birthday. �C Monica��s cheerful voice broke the silence, her smile widening as she succeeded in surprising Billy. Following her instincts, she had gathered Thomas Carson, Helen Carson, and Richard Carson��now in a wheelchair after moving to California to receive care from Billy��s family. His social circle was small, but the room was filled with warmth.


    The guests held luggage in hand, while the room was adorned with simple black-and-white posters, helium balloons, a cake, and a meal��a thoughtful gesture that drew a rare, genuine smile from Billy, reserved for special occasions.


    Richard was no longer the lively, energetic man he once was. Illness had slowed his speech to short, mumbled words, and now, still, in pajamas, he muttered unintelligibly about being tired. His once-vibrant youth had been drained by the passage of time, leaving one to wonder if he still remembered his golden days as a dashing young man. The years, ruthless as they are, erode everything they touch.


    Monica smiled as she set the table, her golden earrings��a recent gift from Billy��catching the light. Her hair was tied back, exposing her graceful neck. She looked stunning, moving delicately yet confidently as she arranged everything.


    �CYour last movie was amazing. �C Thomas Carson remarked, referring to , though he also mentioned , an animated film that had won hearts with its unforgettable scenes.


    �CIt was great, indeed. �C Billy replied. �CHow��s the food franchise doing? �C


    �CNow that people know you own it, there��s been a surge of interest��it��s free publicity. Your friend always orders some pizzas�� and I think the Italian restaurant is about to open in New York. You��ve bought quite a few buildings there over the years. �C Thomas added.


    �CI always forget about the food business. �C Billy murmured. �CI hope it continues to do well. Maybe it��s time to buy a dessert shop, one with a solid reputation. Food franchises have been very profitable lately. �C He spoke in a low voice, recalling the 56% net profit growth he had read about two months earlier. Expanding into food courts, where people could linger, had proven to be a winning strategy.


    Monica��s large, deer-like eyes met his, silently urging him to set aside business matters for once. But the gap between father and son remained a chasm that made meaningful conversations difficult for both.


    �CThanks for the gifts from your siblings. �C Thomas said, his tone hinting at the weight of supporting a family.


    �CIt��s no trouble. Special occasions call for thoughtful gestures, even if they seem impersonal. I think Livy has put the money to good use. �C Billy replied.


    �CShe has. We moved to that area we always admired during road trips when you were little��a large house, half a million dollars, 400 square meters, with a pool and space for the whole family, which keeps growing. �C Thomas explained.


    �CIt must be wonderful to live there. �C Billy commented. He had motivated Livy with the help of Raimon, striking good deals on two rental properties that now covered the mortgage payments��a manageable and worthwhile effort.


    Monica��s cheeks flushed as she took a seat beside him, her movements shy. Helen, ever the strong and wise matriarch, had the composure of an ancient oak��steadfast yet capable of delivering sharp, honest words when necessary. She waited for a moment of privacy before speaking with heartfelt sincerity.


    �CGrandson, you��re a grown man now, but still a boy in some ways. You��ve learned much, but life still has lessons to teach you. You should visit the family your father has built more often. They never meant to push you away, but your proud nature��it��s something men carry, regardless of name or age. They hold so much in their hearts that it��s no wonder failure often leads them to places they should never go. �C


    ��


    Later, as the afternoon sun bathed them in warmth, Billy and Monica sat together, embraced. She ran her fingers through her long hair, left uncut for the recordings.


    �CDo you think it was beautiful? �C Billy asked Monica, who smiled knowingly before pressing her body against his for a kiss. She knew how to be the perfect wife, always eager to make him happy.


    �CIt was very thoughtful of you. Now, I just want to stay in this corner, letting the world spin while I avoid commitments I don��t wish to make. �C Billy confessed, kissing Monica with tender sweetness.


    �CIt��s no trouble. �C Monica replied, keeping her thoughts to herself. Anne, a poor liar, was someone she chose to overlook. How idyllic it was to feel threatened by the games of love. S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the last five years, the world has entered an era of unprecedented technological change. Investment, research, and development in machines, the internet, processors, and user-friendly designs have brought everything to a new level.


    �CIt��s impressive what the power of persuasion can achieve. �C Steve Jobs commented, marveling at the results of recent efforts. Billy��s computer designs and research had brought a vision of the future within reach.


    �CWell, we��ve certainly learned from the mistakes of the first Macintosh prototypes. �C Frank J. Carter, a software programmer, replied. Together with ID Software, Autodesk, Microsoft, and Intel, they had developed 32-bit microprocessors (which, in reality, were dual 48-bit devices with a secondary 16-bit chip for background tasks). Both Microsoft and Apple now had cutting-edge technology at their disposal.


    �CNo, the real breakthrough is the introduction of USB ports. Acquiring the patents and enabling the use of 500MB memory devices��that��s what users will love the most. �C Walter Scott chimed in.


    �CLong live technology. �C Jobs said, still in disbelief. Apple was flourishing like a cherry blossom, buoyed by staff cuts, mergers, and strategic alliances. With his role as CTO and advisor, coupled with Lux Animation��s support and a solid 25% stake in the company, Jobs felt he was playing on a naturally advantageous field. Yet even his stake was dwarfed by Billy��s 62%, bolstered by shares in other ventures.


    �CWe just need to improve every component, starting with RAM and machine memory. �C Frank suggested, though he remained uncertain about the ambitious expansion plans.


    �CWe��re already proposing investments and collaborating with universities to double memory capacity in the next three years. �C Jobs explained, focusing on making everything sleeker and more user-friendly��thinner, more innovative for its time.


    EDO (Extended Data Out) and SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) technologies were under intense scrutiny. Apple, having learned from the failure of Gil Amelio, was avoiding cloning strategies that had previously weakened its position. By calling in favors and making calculated moves, they steadily enhanced their technological offerings. All eyes were now on Micron Technology, Lexar Media, AMD, and Digital Equipment Corporation��key players in developing powerful processors.


    Apple had become almost fanatical about finding new ways to improve existing technology, driven by the goal of creating computers with twice the performance.


    ...

 495. immediately.

    June 26.


    The offices of Lux Animation were impressive enough to make it clear that Billy��s dominance was no joke. His wealth seemed to float in the air, resting on heavy, stable clouds as solid as the earth itself. Without a hint of doubt, Monica looked down, surveying everything he had built. Anne entered the office, and the two women locked eyes. Anne had always been shy about personal matters, but when she was in work mode, she exuded a strength that was almost unrecognizable.


    -You''re here, Anne, dear. How lovely to see you. - Monica crossed the room and planted a kiss on her lips, making Anne blush. She always felt more desired when she could move someone so deeply. S��ar?h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It��s nice to see you too�� Where��s Billy? We��ve got a meeting with Apple��s board of directors, and I thought he was aware of it. -


    -He��s on the second floor, talking with some animators. Everyone��s very excited, Anne. I didn��t realize they were planning to release the second part of . There��s such a magical atmosphere everywhere��it just makes me think about the media, the fans, the enthusiasts who will watch the movie. It��s fantastic what they create here. -


    -Yes, but I feel like strangling him right now��always doing whatever he pleases when I need his support the most. - Anne tried to mask her nervousness with anger.


    -Sweet are the tastes of your lips�� - Monica murmured as she sat down, her skirt riding up almost to her thighs. -I think they can wait a little. This is Billy Carson we��re talking about. He likes to be everywhere at once, breathing life into things with his ideas. If they came here, it��s because they need something from him, and he can deliver. -


    -Well, they came under my conditions�� - Anne wanted to curse, rolling her eyes as she grabbed Billy��s chair. She picked up the phone and called her secretary to inform her that the meeting would be delayed by five minutes and to send a cart of cookies to the board members. She��d join them shortly.


    -I have to go for now. Let Billy know I��m heading to the board meeting. - Anne instructed before leaving, making sure security would send someone to fetch him.


    ...


    Moments earlier, Billy was with the animators at Lux Nation��also known as Lux Toons��sorting through all the overlapping projects piling up. The first team had  scheduled for November, and  slated for June 1997, though some maps had already been designed, suggesting the calendar might be pushed to May. Everything depended on the next few months with .


    The second team, meanwhile, was working on , planned for February 1997, with additional animators borrowed from DreamWorks to meet deadlines. They aimed to release  by December 1997.


    The third team was juggling  for December and  from the  series, tentatively planned for 1997. Unlike , this project didn��t have Billy��s direct involvement yet. The anticipated release for  was set for 1998, with additional input from Pixar for the music and effects.


    The fourth team was gearing up to release  in April 1997, though the schedule might shift to accommodate another original movie, , set to debut in 1998. This family-friendly horror film, conceived by Jared Bowosky, followed a detective caught in a seemingly haunted case. Aimed at a +7 audience rating, the film was intended to fill the Halloween and Christmas slots. Despite being the smallest team, they had the full backing of a well-oiled system of writers, designers, animators, and coordinators.


    -I think it��s a fantastic story. - Billy commented, captivated by the caustic narrative. It reminded him of  but stood apart with its themes of interstellar travel and lost civilizations, embodying everything associated with space opera while staying confined to the solar system. It carried traces of Arthur C. Clarke, whose attention to detail always moved him, especially in mapping a journey to Jupiter��s moons filled with philosophical musings.


    -It��s called . It��s the story of a man traveling through the solar system. As we narrate, we explore not just the fear of undertaking such a journey but also profound existential questions. It��s an adult movie, but I believe as long as it��s good, it will resonate. - said Glasco Frinech, a German animator who had been with Lux Animation for three months. His concepts were eccentric but endearing.


    -We��ll do it. Consider it greenlit. - Billy replied, knowing the story would likely find its perfect audience in the coming months. His vision was clear: draw the stardom with more vivid strokes, infuse the graphics and plans with the delicacy of a brush painting stunning colors.


    -Brilliant. I��ve drafted some powerful layouts on how to execute the scenes and map out the color palette. Mixing whites and blacks with reds, blues, and yellows to create incandescent marvels. - Glasco was utterly immersed in his own vision.


    Billy finished reviewing the scripts when he was informed the Apple executives had arrived.


    ...


    -I think it��ll be a pleasure to see everything come together, one small step at a time. - Billy said, listening to Jobs.


    -There��s just one step left. We need to inject another $50 million. - Jobs remarked calmly.


    -How much will you invest? - Billy asked.


    -Well�� -


    -I��ll do it, but you know the conditions. I can inject that sum, but I��ll require a stake in return. - Billy stated firmly. -With $50 million, I can triple the return in a year, but I need assurances from you. -


    It was a tough stance, but Billy knew Jobs was more rebellious, stronger, and more demanding than he appeared.


    Anne was there, taking notes and observing the nuances of the conversation. Not long ago, she had mentioned the company had limited funds, minimal expenses, and ambiguous financial challenges that Billy often overlooked. To her, the way he managed to generate money was a mystery.


    -We do this and that. - Billy remarked, aware that  was nearing $150 million at the box office. With , all debts would be settled. At least he knew it was an extraordinary movie.


    ...

 496. the ship.

    June 27.


    Thirty days of filming had passed, not just from Billy��s perspective��they had been acting for a long time. Politically, the great ship had been in production for 45 days. At least on paper, with the many trades involved, all the scenes were recorded, starting with the simpler ones that didn��t require much work.


    -Good morning. �C Kate whispered. The scenes that followed were more intense, slightly more daring, and suggestive, with a touch of risqu��. Kate��s cheeks flushed lightly, almost imperceptibly.


    -Hey. �C Billy commented.


    It felt like a festive season. Around them, they were shooting all the Sunday scenes��the day of the iceberg collision. It was the hour of disillusionment, the hour of romance between two people on the verge of creating an iconic drama.


    -Everything��s organized. �C Kate said, fully engrossed in the journey of becoming an actress in the grand project she had fought tooth and nail for. She wanted to excel and not disappoint the people who had helped her land the role.


    -We��ve got work to do regardless. �C Billy replied.


    But the day turned out to be much longer. They only managed to film a few scenes due to issues with cameras 2 and 4. Later that evening, Billy was sipping wine while Kate, exhausted, tried her best not to appear too tipsy.


    -I want to be a great actress. I want people to recognize me for my remarkable roles, to say, ��She��s fantastic,�� so I can feel proud of what I do. A hard-working, extraordinary actress. The best who��s ever graced the industry. But it��s tough; many roles go to other, more beautiful women. �C Kate confessed, drinking deeply from the bottle of wine. It was her third glass from the second bottle. Billy had only finished one bottle��his way of coping with different situations.


    -That��s a very noble dream. I think you��ll achieve it. People will at least recognize you as a great actress in significant roles, even if they��re not mainstream ones. You��re always demanding about the parts you take, and that��s not a bad thing. �C Billy remarked.


    -I should��ve studied economics. �C


    -We��ll never know what might��ve happened if you had. �C Billy replied, taking a light sip of his drink.


    -Maybe it��s for the best. I��m not very good at math anyway. �C Kate said, thinking of the challenges awaiting her in the coming days��or so she believed, smiling brightly, her youthful charm embracing a calm approach to things.


    -Tomorrow��s another day. �C Billy commented, yawning and finishing his drink.


    ...


    INT. GYM �C DAY


    Jack closes the door behind him and peers through the rippled glass window toward the starboard railing, where the gym instructor chats with a woman on a bicycle. Rose and Jack are alone in the room.


    ROSE: Jack, this is impossible. You can��t be seen.


    He places his hands on her shoulders. Billy can see her shrink slightly but lean toward him. His height difference with Kate is more noticeable; Billy stands taller than Leonardo.


    JACK: Rose, you��re no easy girl�� you��re spoiled, even, but beneath that, you��ve got a strong heart. You��re the most incredibly amazing woman I��ve ever met, and��


    ROSE: Jack, I��


    JACK: Wait. Let me try to say this. You��re incredible�� and I know I��ve got nothing to offer you, Rose. I know. But now I��m invested. You jump, I jump, remember? I can��t turn away without knowing you��ll be alright.


    Rose��s eyes well up with tears. Billy reaches out to her, caressing her cheek. Jack is open in a way Rose has never encountered before. Kate shows this, closing her eyes and resting her cheek against Billy��s hand. There��s warmth in the gesture��a profound connection.


    ROSE: You��re making this so difficult. I��ll be fine. Truly.


    JACK: I don��t believe you. They��ve got you in a glass jar like a butterfly. You��ll die if you don��t get out. Maybe not immediately, because you��re strong. But sooner or later, the fire in you will burn out.


    ROSE: It��s not up to you to save me, Jack.


    JACK: You��re right. Only you can do that.


    ROSE: I have to go back. They��ll miss me. Please, Jack, for both our sakes, let me go.


    -Cut. �C


    -Five-minute break. �C one of the crew members announced.


    Everyone took just enough time to catch their breath. The next scene wasn��t Billy��s, so he took a seat.


    ...


    INT. FIRST-CLASS LOUNGE �C DAY


    The most elegant room on the ship, decorated in Louis XV Versailles style. Rose sits on a divan, surrounded by a group of women. Ruth, the Countess of Rothes, and Lady Duff Gordon are having tea. Rose is silent and still, like a porcelain figure, as the conversation flows around her. S~ea??h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    PIETY: Of course. The invitations had to go to the printer and the bridesmaids�� dresses! Let me tell you what an ordeal it��s been...


    MOVING SLOWLY TO Rose as Ruth continues.


    ANGLE, ROSE��S POV: A tableau of MOTHER and DAUGHTER having tea. The four-year-old girl, wearing white gloves, delicately picks up a biscuit. The mother corrects her posture and how she holds the teacup. The child tries her best to please, her expression serious. A glimpse of Rose at that age, showing the relentless conditioning��the pain of becoming an Edwardian geisha.


    ON ROSE. Calmly and deliberately, she tilts her teacup, spilling the tea on her dress.


    ROSE: Oh, look what I��ve done.


    -Cut. �C


    Billy observes from the corner, knowing mistakes can be corrected in editing. By now, everyone had adjusted to the process, and the scenes were taking less time to film.


    EXT. TITANIC �C DAY


    The Titanic speeds toward us at twilight, glowing as if lit by the embers of a giant fire. As the ship looms closer, FILLING THE FRAME, we move toward the bow. Jack stands there, at the very tip of the prow��his favorite spot. He closes his eyes and lets the cold wind clear his head.


    Behind him, he hears a voice.


    ROSE: Hello, Jack.


    He turns, and there she is.


    ROSE: I changed my mind.


    He smiles, studying her. Her cheeks are flushed from the cold wind, her eyes sparkling. Her hair whips wildly across her face.


    ROSE: Fabrizio said you might be awake...


    JACK: Shhh. Come here.


    He places his hands on her waist as if to kiss her.


    JACK: Close your eyes.


    She obeys, and he turns her to face forward, toward the direction of the ship. He presses her gently against the railing and steps behind her. Then he takes her hands and raises them until she��s standing with her arms outstretched. Rose follows. When he lets go, her arms remain aloft, like wings.


    JACK: Alright, open them.


    Rose gasps. There��s nothing in her field of view but water. It feels as though the ship has vanished beneath them, leaving only the two of them. The Atlantic unfolds before her��a hammered shield beneath a twilight sky. There��s only the wind and the sound of the water below.


    ROSE: I��m flying!


    She leans forward, arching her back. He places his hands on her waist to steady her.


    JACK: I��M THE KING OF THE WORLD!


    JACK: (singing softly)


    Come, Josephine, in my flying machine...


    Rose closes her eyes, feeling weightless above the sea. She smiles dreamily, leaning back against him. He gently nudges her forward. Slowly, he raises his hands, their arms outstretched, until his fingers meet hers�� fingertips touching softly. Then their fingers intertwine, moving gently together, like the bodies of two lovers.


    Jack leans his face toward her windswept hair, inhaling her scent until his cheek rests against her ear. Rose turns her head until her lips are near his. Lowering her arms, she turns further, finding his mouth with hers. He wraps his arms around her from behind, and they kiss like that, her head tilted back, surrendering to him, to the emotion, to the inevitable. The kiss begins slowly and tremulously, then grows with passionate intensity.


    For Kate, it��s sensual��feeling Billy��s lips, the way he grips her hips. She doesn��t resist leaning into him slightly more until they break apart. The girl��s eyes remain closed, and a hint of madness lingers in her expression.


    Jack and the ship seem fused into a single force of power and optimism, propelling her toward a magical journey, rand ising into a fearless night.


    -Cut. �C


    The mid-afternoon sun was already on the horizon, casting long shadows. Kate felt a desire to keep kissing, her platonic love for Billy like a drop of water lost in a rushing current.


    ...

 497.The Big Ship. Part 2.

    The late afternoon sun left one of the most beautiful legacies in cinema��the romance between Rose and Jack��accompanied by a magnificent song by Celine Dion, whose delicate voice touched the hearts of lovers everywhere.


    �CWe��ll be working late today,�C Cameron remarked. For them, the scenes stretched into the night, creating a distinct and distant atmosphere. The night brought contrasting challenges, full of varied setbacks. Sometimes, the darkness hindered filming, forcing them to rely on special lighting sources that created a dark ambiance while still fantastically highlighting every frame.


    White tables were set up, and the recording set transformed into a nighttime dining space. Everyone was utterly exhausted��some yawned, others simply closed their eyes, attempting to snatch a half-hour��s rest. Dinner consisted of rice with potato and tuna salad, cuts of chicken, slices of beef with plum sauce, boiled eggs, and a final dish of sweet apple salad.


    Billy ate a serving of potato salad alongside generous cuts of meat and greens. His morning exercise routines left him ravenous, and on the other hand, he held the final chapters of his Titanic manuscript. The entire series amounted to 1,400 pages, a product of the countless hours he had poured into this monumental work.


    �CI hate eating at night,�C Kate commented, wearing a flowing white dress paired with a brown wool coat.


    Billy nodded in agreement, eyeing the substantial portion of her plate. Perhaps her comment was laced with sarcasm��she was eating almost as much as he was. Her round cheeks, framed by red hair and pale skin, stood out to him.


    �CI��ve nearly finished the book. I might send it to the editors next week so you can take a look. I��ve tried to give the series on the great ship the structure it deserves,�C Billy murmured. He enjoyed sharing those quiet, thoughtful details, ones that could make women dream. His portrayal of Jack was an impassioned one��a man hopelessly in love, ready to give his life for Rose, treating her like a true princess. He imagined women devouring the book, losing themselves in it, and then watching the film only to think of him. That kind of resonance was worth more than a few dollars. Nothing was better than a legion of women defending his artistic vision.


    �COh my God, I��ll read it and love every second of it. The opening chapters were amazing. I adored them,�C Kate murmured through a mouthful of beef, her lips painted as if with rouge.


    �CDon��t be too harsh. Writing romance is a challenge for me��crafting plots and fleshing out the nuances of love doesn��t come easily. I��ve had some ideas but insisted my editors consult both a male and female romance expert to give me broader insights,�C Billy replied, chewing a piece of meat.


    �CDon��t forget to share it with me,�C Kate said, aware of how unpredictable things could be. In the coming days, she knew she��d get hooked, reading nonstop and sharing her opinions at length.


    The crew began preparing for the next scenes of the day.


    103. INT. ROSE��S SUITE.


    ...1912. Like a dream, the elegant woodwork and satin upholstery rise from the rusty ruins. Jack is overwhelmed by the room��s opulence. He places his sketchbook and drawing materials on the marble table.


    ROSE: Will this light do? Don��t artists need good lighting?


    JACK: (in a bad French accent) True, I��m not used to working in such horrible conditions. (glancing at the paintings) Oh�� Monet!


    He crouches by the paintings stacked against the wall.


    JACK: Isn��t the use of color extraordinary? I once saw it�� through a hole in the fence of this garden in Giverny.


    She steps into the adjoining dressing room. He moves toward the safe, searching for the combination. It��s captivating.


    ROSE: Cal insists on bringing this thing everywhere.


    JACK: Should I expect him back soon?


    ROSE: Not while there��s cigars and brandy to keep him occupied.


    Clunk. She opens the safe, glancing at Jack��s reflection in the mirror behind it. She retrieves the necklace and hands it to him, his hands trembling as he takes it.


    JACK: What is it? A sapphire?


    ROSE: A diamond. A very rare one. They call it the Heart of the Ocean.


    Jack stares at a wealth beyond comprehension.


    ROSE: I want you to draw me like one of your French girls. Wearing this. �CShe smiles.�C Wearing only this.


    He looks at her, stunned, unable to believe what she means. Surely, she��d wear lingerie.


    �CCut,�C Cameron calls, discussing some details with Rose. He picks up a piece of charcoal, preparing for the next scene��a moment requiring complete authenticity. Seeing Kate fully nude requires intense focus as he sketches a delicate, vivid image.


    The unnecessary crew members leave, extras disperse, and only those essential remain.


    ...


    104. INT. ROSE��S BEDROOM.


    On the butterfly comb, Rose removes it from her hair. She shakes her head, letting her hair fall loosely over her shoulders. A fleeting 20-second shot.


    105. INT. LIVING ROOM.


    Jack arranges his pencils like surgical tools. His sketchbook lies open, ready. He glances up as she enters, draped in a silk kimono.


    Kate is trembling, her nipples erect. Being nude in front of Billy makes her feel vulnerable, uncertain of how to act as she approaches him.


    ROSE: The last thing I need is another portrait of me looking like a porcelain doll. As the paying client, I want what I want.


    She smiles, handing him a dime, then steps back, letting the kimono slip from her shoulders. While the script suggests she��d be in lingerie, the only thing she wears now rests against her creamy chest. Her heart pounds as the fabric falls, revealing her fully.


    Billy/Jack raises an eyebrow, momentarily stunned. Now fully in character, he gazes at her as a young man deeply in love, his emotions overflowing. His mouth opens slightly, his eyes tracing her form. His admiration grows with every glance, from her legs to her stomach, down to the floor, as his cheeks flush deeply. He imagines Rose in his arms, holding her close, and hearing her whisper his name, telling him she loves him.


    ROSE: Tell me when you��re ready.


    JACK: On the bed��the�� chair.


    He gestures clumsily, faltering in his improvisation.


    She reclines on the chaise lounge, curling up cat-like into the pose for the sketch... almost.


    JACK: Just�� bend your left leg slightly and�� lower your head. Eyes on me. Perfect.


    He adjusts his position, his gaze fixed on her. His eyes keep returning to her chest as he breathes deeply, his cheeks burning. Sweat forms on his brow, and his arm trembles slightly as he begins to draw.


    ROSE: I think you��re blushing, Mr. Great Artist. I can��t imagine Monsieur Monet blushing.


    JACK: Sweating. �CHe grins.�C Landscapes don��t do this to me.


    Jack focuses on his sketchpad, his eyes darting over the edge to capture every detail. His hands move with skill, his charcoal tracing and erasing, forming a stunning work of art.


    ...


    When the cameras capture the completed drawing, Cameron yells, ��Cut.�� Kate slips back into her kimono, retreating to her private space. She feels her body��s intense reaction��her skin tingling, her nipples hypersensitive as though thousands of nerve endings have come alive. She��s weakened, utterly and inexplicably aroused.


    Staring into the mirror, she tries to steady herself. It��s the first time something like this has happened.


    ... sea??h th�� Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 498. The Big Ship (Part 3)

    The night grew colder as the filming shifted to various setups. Kate had makeup smeared across Billy''s face��a recurring occurrence. Every kiss they shared left him covered in makeup, which she applied to make her skin look as pale as it did in the film.


    Billy sighed inwardly as he attempted a run that was rejected. They had spent two hours on a small scene, and his feet were cramping from the discomfort of the shoes.


    �CThis one has to be the take.�C someone from production remarked.


    James was shouting at a few people, his patience wearing thin. Billy''s calm, bright eyes contrasted with the reprimands he overheard. Despite his unusual shyness, there was a certain strength in the way he worked that managed to temper Cameron''s frustration.


    Scene 103, Take 15�C


    112 INTERIOR �C SUITE HALLWAY


    Rose smiles mischievously and gestures for Jack to be quiet. Rose and Jack slip out of their cabin, closing the door behind them. She leads him quickly down the hallway toward the B-deck lobby. They��re halfway through the open space when the sitting room door swings open, and Lovejoy steps into the hallway. The valet spots Jack with Rose and takes off after them.


    ROSE: Let��s go!


    She and Jack dash past a few startled ladies and gentlemen. Rose leads him past the staircase to a bank of elevators, where they nearly collide with an operator.


    ROSE: Down! Quickly, quickly!


    The operator scrambles to obey. Jack even helps shut the steel door. Lovejoy runs up just as the elevator starts to descend, slamming a hand against the bars of the door. Rose makes an unladylike and rude gesture, laughing as Lovejoy disappears above. The operator stares at her, open-mouthed.


    A quick adjustment follows as the cameraman moves in a rapid sequence.


    113 INT. B-DECK LOBBY / ELEVATORS


    Lovejoy emerges from another elevator and rushes to the one Jack and Rose used. The operator is closing the door to ascend again. Lovejoy runs around the elevators, scanning the lobby for Jack and Rose. Not finding them, he tries the staircase leading down to F-deck.


    114 INT. F-DECK HALLWAYS / FAN ROOM


    A functional space with access to machinery areas (fan rooms, boiler intakes). Jack and Rose lean against a wall, laughing.


    JACK: This guy is relentless for a valet.


    ROSE: He��s a former Pinkerton. Cal��s father hired him to keep him out of trouble... to make sure he always returned to the hotel with his wallet and watch after wandering the less respectable parts of town.


    JACK: Kind of like what we��re doing now... uh-oh! Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lovejoy spots them from a nearby corridor and charges toward them. Jack and Rose sprint around a corner into a dead end. There��s a door marked "CREW ONLY," and Jack flings it open.


    In a swift motion, the cameras capture a dynamic, fluid sequence.


    They enter a CREW COMMON ROOM, filled with noise and chaos. There��s no exit except for a staircase leading downward. Jack locks the door, and Lovejoy pounds on it moments later. Jack smiles at Rose and gestures to the stairs.


    JACK: After you, my lady.


    -cut.-


    Billy was thrilled, nailing the scene perfectly. Both actors delivered flawlessly. As the door closed, the call for a cut was heard, and Billy exhaled while Kate celebrated their success.


    �CI think we nailed it.�C murmured Kate. It was almost ten in the morning.


    She wore only a dress, using gloves and a scarf to shield herself from the cold between takes. Before each shot, she would hold Billy��s icy cheeks in her hands, smiling. It was a silly but endearing gesture.


    �CIt was the cameramen��s fault; they were a bit confused about the lighting.�C Billy remarked.


    The room was empty, resembling a wooden warehouse. They opened the door to see the crew bustling around, organizing the next scene. Billy descended the stairs. The grand ship seemed distant; the lower section was part of a smaller set.


    �CIt feels strange to go down.�C Rose commented.


    Scene 104, Take 1�C


    116 INT. BOILER ROOMS FIVE AND SIX


    Jack and Rose descend the escape stairs, gazing around in awe. It looks like a vision of hell itself, with roaring furnaces and blackened figures moving amidst the smoky glow. They run along the boiler room, dodging stunned firemen and stokers with their coal carts.


    JACK: (shouting over the din) Keep going! Don��t mind us!


    They sprint through an open watertight door into BOILER ROOM SIX. Jack pulls her into a sweltering alleyway between two boilers, where they stop in the shadows, out of sight from the workers. Hidden, they watch the firemen shoveling coal into the insatiable furnaces, the roar of the flames echoing all around.


    A quick cut transitions to them running down a corridor, caught in their own world. Billy, too, is lost in his. He��s there, entirely immersed, without anyone watching or directing him.


    Jack and Rose rush through rows of stacked cargo. She clutches herself against the chill after the stifling heat of the boilers. They stumble upon William Carter��s new Renault touring car, strapped to a pallet. It looks like a royal carriage from a fairy tale, with brass trim and headlamps perfectly complementing its deep burgundy color.


    Rose climbs into the luxurious rear seat, behaving like a queen. The walls feature crystal flowers, each etched with a rose. Jack hops into the driver��s seat, savoring the feel of the leather and wood.


    JACK: Where to, my lady?


    ROSE: To the stars.


    From above, Jack��s hands emerge from the shadows, pulling her back over the seat. He lands beside her, their breaths loud in the quiet darkness. He gazes at her, and she smiles. It��s the moment of truth.


    JACK: Are you nervous?


    ROSE: Quite the opposite, darling.


    He strokes her face gently, caressing her. She kisses his artist��s fingers, then, daringly, says:


    ROSE: Put your hands on me, Jack.


    Billy adjusts Kate��s posture, his eyes reflecting an infinite desire that captures the lens��s glow.


    �CYou��re beautiful.�C Jack/Billy whispers, improvising, before pulling her close and kissing her.


    He kisses her neck as she tilts her head, exposing her collarbone. They continue kissing passionately, to the point where the cameras stop rolling, but no one calls for a cut. He breaks character briefly, noticing the cameras still focused on them.


    He lifts her and places her on his lap. She squeals in surprise as he unbuttons her shirt and nibbles her neck. She presses her face against him.


    �CCut.�C


    ...

 499. Order to integrate.

    The journey had taken longer than anticipated for a recording session. July 20 would be the next big date for the company, which had already scheduled the premiere, and everyone was focused on two main things: the release of the  book and the  trailer, which was now causing a stir in the industry. The improvement in graphics was a monumental leap, a 180-degree shift that made upcoming projects look dazzlingly promising.


    -I saw the news, and I think Billy has done an amazing job, - commented Anne from her office while skimming through some newspapers. She usually read three to four papers a day to stay informed about significant events that could potentially impact the company. Now, her focus was split between the trailer, the praise it was receiving, the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, a looming oil war, and the meteoric rise of the Asian economy. sea??h th�� n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -So, darling, will you come with us to Italy? - Monica asked, sitting with Winona and Uma Thurman. The latter had recently become close friends with Winona and Monica. The three of them were stunning, and Anne couldn��t help but feel like the ugly duckling in their company.


    But she nodded. Maybe she could find herself a great man who wouldn��t forget her come morning.


    -I��d love to, - Anne replied. -I��ll arrange the trips... -


    -Billy bought a luxury apartment in Italy. There��s room for all of us, - Monica interrupted, though Anne was more focused on her calendar. She needed to be back by July 18, but everything was already set, even the meetings with Microsoft that Billy had taken care of.


    The two women entered through the door. Winona��s hair, shoulder-length, had a violet flower tucked on the right side. She wore a white dress that ended just above her knees��enough to make anyone drool. Uma, on the other hand, had on tight jeans that hugged her hips and revealed just a hint of her curves, paired with a crop top exposing her toned abdomen.


    -It��s a remarkable company, - Winona said as she wandered through the halls, entering the director��s spacious office, which even had a balcony. Her laughter always revealed a slightly sharp canine tooth.


    -For you, maybe... I��ve been here so long it��s become boring, - Monica added, looking radiant in black skinny jeans and a pink button-up shirt. Her hair was loose, giving her a Californian vibe.


    Anne wasn��t sure, but she craved some quiet in her office, even though she had already delegated all her tasks.


    -Let��s go grab something to eat, - Anne said, standing up, her thoughts already drifting to vacation. She had partially left things in Billy��s hands, as well as Jim Gianopulos, while Raimon handled Apple, Lux, and Toys.


    -It��s about time, - Monica said, clapping her hands playfully as Anne wrapped up her work.


    ...


    The  trailer was captivating. It showed Woody being discarded by Andy, who mentioned he was no longer needed. Then, a scene of him missing an arm, followed by a sequence in a car and another on a plane. It was all poetic in a way, contrasting perfectly with Pixar��s essence.


    -It��s still an incredible image, - said John Lasseter, observing how every scene created by the animators was flawless��the shine, the colors, the development, and the 3D animation. It stood as a wall against those who underestimated the industry. Technological advancements were accompanied by significant investments and epiphanies born of necessity.


    Meanwhile, James Cunningham was fully engrossed, brimming with hungry energy. His eyes, though tired from endless work, remained sharp. After finishing , he moved on to the next project: . A film filled with dilemmas, yet far from complete. Still, he was determined to improve, to envision these stories, to create characters. He held his dream job in his hands and wouldn��t trade it for anything.


    -I feel like I got it wrong somehow... How do I put this without sounding overcommitted? It��s just that if we made the movie now, it would have better designs. We��ve improved a lot in rendering human faces with the new software and doubled our special effects for fire and water. We��ve added better features. I think if we were to make it now, it��d be a superior film, - James said with a smile.


    -We��ve planned the script up to , along with a great spin-off about lost toys that explores Buzz Lightyear��s life between movies five and six. Billy gave us seven scripts to refine, but they��re already fantastic. We��re also planning a twelve-episode series and writing children��s books. The company��s future is bright... And, of course, the nine scripts for  films, were all developed by writers. We have so much work ahead, - John Lasseter added, leaving James stunned.


    -You mean you have that many movies lined up? - James asked.


    -We do. Six  films, plus various Halloween and Christmas specials, two spin-offs for Prince Charming in a ten-episode series, and five  films, - John Lasseter explained. It was all part of the long-term planning for the  franchise.


    -Let��s grab a beer. I��m exhausted. This feels like a lifelong project, - James said, knowing full well that in the coming months, they��d be producing multiple films from the mentioned projects. Billy had promised four new projects for the two teams by year��s end, with  already underway. It seemed almost impossible.


    Andrew Stanton nodded in agreement. He and John were eager to branch out and create their television series. They wanted to make their film adaptation of , crafting an enchanting world filled with unique charm.


    Another project, however, was , centered on superheroes. Yet there was also a desire to continue making original films. For example, John Lasseter dreamed of creating a Western.


    A classic one, based on cowboy myths and stories.


    -We have so many projects in the pipeline. But I think the best approach is to use what Billy has and turn them into great IPs. Billy always says that a world can be made bigger and that establishing something endless is a brilliant idea. To breathe life into it and not waste the opportunity, - John Lasseter remarked, confident they could achieve anything they envisioned.


    ...

 500. First come, first served.

    July 5.


    The English Patient had a solid month in theaters, grossing an average of 198 million at the box office. Offers poured in for Winona with such force that she felt like an inevitable award winner in the making. It was the sweetness of her youth and the sultry scenes that cemented her status as Hollywood��s great beauty. Fully aware of her success, she knew she had to capitalize on it. But first, she would take a much-needed vacation to ease the back pain from her relentless workload.


    -I don��t want any more work. Just give me a break. I need to breathe, and I have commitments with Alien, which, honestly, I��m not too thrilled about. I��m in France, Louis, but I need this well-deserved break. - said Winona, sipping a rich coffee at Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, where the turquoise waters lapped gently. The yacht they had was anchored nearby as the group of four beautiful women basked in the sun and were photographed from every angle. They were soaking in the serene details of their surroundings, eager for rest.


    -I heard you��re dating some rookie actor who��s gotten pretty deep into the film industry. - Winona remarked with a soft sigh after finishing her call.


    -Shut up. We��ve crossed paths in several films. I first met him on Batman and then again on Gattaca, a science fiction film. Oh, and Billy was there too. What can I say? He��s smart, funny, and has this bohemian charm that makes you want to listen to him debate a thousand things you don��t fully understand all night long. - Uma responded, still mulling over her relationships. She didn��t see dating the guy as anything serious, certainly not something that could evolve into a true commitment. S��ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Uma was striking, with her long blonde hair, almond-shaped eyes, generous figure, and shapely curves. She was every bit the embodiment of a woman made for love.


    -Oh, Billy has done so many films since I met him. I think he��s worked on two, maybe three, just this year, but that big production he��s part of has been consuming most of his time. - Monica added. - Well, Anne usually knows more about what he��s up to. -


    Lounging on a beach chair, Monica wore no bra, exuding natural allure in a bikini that barely covered her sun-kissed skin. Her dark hair was tied back, her angular features accentuated.


    -Even I don��t always know. Sometimes he just disappears for a while and comes back with a new project, new tasks, things I still don��t fully understand but know are important. - Anne chimed in, dressed in a white beach cover-up over a simple black one-piece. Unlike her companions, she wasn��t as proportioned, preferring to focus on moderation over their regimented diets, exercise, and constant work.


    -He��s filming. - murmured Winona.


    -Girls�� trip plans? - Monica responded with a playful tone.


    -What was that movie they wanted you for? -


    -G.I. Jane. They called me for that. Around the same time, I got offers for two love stories and two dramas. It��s poetic. - Winona smiled. - But I don��t want more films right now. I��ve had enough. -


    That sounds like a plan. - Monica murmured, closing her eyes as the warmth of the sun caressed her skin with comfort and rest.


    -Yes, let��s just relax for a bit. I��m exhausted. - Anne agreed, setting her book aside and letting the shade of her umbrella and the sun on her feet lull her into a deeper state of calm.


    ***


    Billy was exhausted from the half-day of work already behind him. They were deep into the production of Titanic, and time seemed to crawl with the mounting challenges. Days passed, and the actors watched from the sidelines as the production team struggled with the logistics��moving the ship, sinking it, lifting it, capturing the fall. None of it was simple.


    Billy sketched from his station, focusing on shots that required a real sense of time and precision. His work on Bleach reflected influences reminiscent of Evangelion, and the Titanic book had already been sent out. The editors were juggling three different book series: Mistborn, Altercabano, and Mortal Engines. Now, with a fourth��Titanic��it was a labor-intensive, rewarding writing project.


    Billy worked on illustrations for covers and character profiles, preparing an illustrated edition. For now, he was advancing on the Hellsing series, aiming to complete up to chapter 90 before transitioning to Eyeshield 21, a football anime series.


    -What are you working on? - Kate asked, walking up to him with a cheerful smile. She was thrilled to see Billy��s drawings, as there wasn��t much to do until a few more scenes were completed with the partially flooded ship.


    I justfinishedg some scenes for Hellsing. - Billy replied, focusing on the intricate design of a pair of pistols featured in a dramatic close-up. The series, by his estimates, would span 110 chapters; he was already on chapter 72.


    -I don��t have that one. - Kate admitted. She had been engrossed in Game of Thrones books, finding them both magnificent and rich with fan engagement.


    -I have so many series. It��s funny��I don��t mind, but sometimes some of them just get overlooked, lacking the fandom to keep them alive. That leads to their market decline. For now, I can publish the series I like without worrying about losing printed copies sitting on shelves. A second chance will come, especially once I can make an animated series or film. - Billy explained confidently. Most of his series had long-term potential. For example, One Piece��a mid-tier project��was perhaps one of his most beloved IPs.


    Despite modest sales��printing no more than 60,000 copies, just enough to break even��it was sufficient for Billy. He had anticipated this and stored 100 copies of the first editions in a specially refrigerated warehouse. Every series had its place on large, well-organized shelves.


    -So, even if you lose now, you��re banking on them succeeding later when you turn them into a series? - Kate asked, taking a seat. She had grown a bit clingy after their on-screen love scenes, though things had cooled off in predictable ways.


    -Of course. If you don��t believe in what you��re doing, even in failure, what��s the point of doing it? - Billy answered, adding fine details to his sketches. By evening, he would finalize all the drawings at his special desk, leaving the black-and-white work for his colorists to handle.


    As he worked, a team member approached to discuss the next day��s project, ironing out every detail, including the dialogue. It was a long process, made more manageable by a capable team.


    ....

 501. cautious.

    July 7.


    "Incomprehensible," were the words Monica used when speaking to Billy, saying these moments were the most important in the history of cinema. The way she spoke, Monica only wished he would be with her, to take her as his lover, his woman, his wife. She wanted to be loved in the same way he longed for the peace of continuing his days as they always had, without focusing too much on events beyond Billy��s control or reach.


    �CHoney, I see you��re busy, but try not to go overboard. It��s good to rest. Go for a massage, exercise, and be careful with women��use protection. �C Monica murmured the last part. She knew he had a lover; it was so obvious. But that didn��t matter. Over time, she had learned to deduce the details, his nervous words. He was an open book, but he spoke no more, only dedicating himself to caring for her, showering her with gifts, and seeking her company��at least most of the time.


    �CI can leave, but not too far, honey. However, Anne has everything arranged. I organized the documents for your trip with her. Take care, and I hope you come back as soon as possible. �C Billy commented over the phone. He was somewhat eager to see her��Monica, as beautiful as ever, with her deep black eyes. Eyes that always seemed on the verge of breaking into sadness when she fell silent. Two perfect eyes to pamper. They were dark and open, a gaze made of enchantment, a secret charm marveling in its shy, feminine way of observing: the way a woman looks, with a sensitivity made for love, every lash fluttering with pure curiosity, capable of captivating anyone.


    �CI��m afraid we��re having a great time here without you. �C Monica replied. The best hotels, the finest food, a day with no schedules, and nothing but rest. Living like that wasn��t bad. After much work, five days of rest were enough for Anne to function like clockwork again. But by the eighth day, she surrendered to sleeping in, taking long naps, resting as much as possible, eating in bed, and indulging in lengthy bubble baths that brought her the relaxation she needed.


    �CI have to hang up; I need to attend a meeting. �C The man responded, stretching in the back seat of the car. He was in Seattle, where all the Microsoft magic happened. For now, he has had a long discussion with the executives about Microsoft Games. After his success with  and the potential release of , success seemed to follow him like a shadow.


    �CI hope you surprise me here in Italy. If you manage to do so, I might consider that thing you once asked for. Even if you deny it, I know you want to see me completely under your control. It��s a masculine impulse, seeing me undone, tied, and ready for you. �C Monica teased, her Italian accent provocatively stirring a feeling of excitement in Billy.


    She laughed and hung up the phone, leaving behind the thought that trying new things might not be entirely bad. But she doubted it would be as expected��things tended to lose their charm when faced directly.


    Raimon took his time, carving out space to enjoy the new  sagas while strengthening his patience. Meanwhile, he played with investments and acquired properties in Billy��s name, later scaling them for rental arrangements.


    �CSo now you finally have work to do. �C Rachel commented snidely to Raimon, irritated by his strutting through the halls as if he could do whatever he pleased.


    �CI��m the most productive in the company. Did you see my success in the video game division? I did my job flawlessly; I might as well call myself the best. I multiplied revenue, negotiated contracts, and expanded the hotel chain by two new properties. Plus, I increased production lines for trading card companies. �C Raimon said, brimming with self-satisfaction.


    Rachel slapped him on the back and walked on. �CBig words. I stabilized those companies, reviewed the accounts, and adjusted contracts to our advantage��things others couldn��t do. My skills are what stabilized the company. �C


    �CAnne��s skills. �C


    �CYou��re insufferable. �C Rachel shouted, storming off to her desk, completely out of patience. The company was in full swing now that Anne had left her position. Everyone was regrouping��new operators, new employees, new divisions for every enterprise. The strategy from the start was different: create a rapid chain of companies, a parent company to handle administration, and another company on top of that to manage control. That��s what they had done. The next step was acquiring a legal and accounting firm, buying 39% of it, and dedicating it solely to handling their business.


    It was an initiative from both Raimon and Rachel, for similar yet differing reasons. They wanted better fiscal control. The firm would organize the company��s resources theoretically, while the treasury wouldn��t move funds without the firm��s approval and the directors�� consent.


    ***


    With Microsoft Games, things were going exceptionally well, thanks to Steve��s friendship with Bill Gates. At least on paper, Apple had managed to balance its books and produce the microchips needed for gaming consoles.


    �CMr. Carson, we��ve been expecting you. �C Braim Chard, Microsoft��s Vice President, greeted Billy. Alongside COO John Frotman, he would handle the finer details regarding Microsoft Games, which was a massive enterprise.


    �CA pleasure. �C Billy replied, having read through all the contracts and identified potential loopholes beforehand. At least two were evident: issues with investment management and patent utilization. But both could be leveraged to his advantage.


    �CSo, we��re deciding the company��s future in this meeting. �C Billy joked, causing a faint smirk. They didn��t enjoy dealing with the owner; they preferred Anne, who was more reasonable. This one was more like a guard dog.


    �CI suppose your accountants have already approved the financial statements and adjustments. �C Braim said.


    �CThey have. As I promised, the investment will be $300 million. �C Billy replied, tapping his fingers against the glass.


    �CWait, that��s not what we asked for. �C


    �CIt is. You said you needed funds to address specific issues. My accountants identified the problems from multiple angles. For example, I addressed game controller development, graphic processors, connectivity systems, and technological delays all. Now, I believe the amount is $300 million, distributed accordingly. �C Billy explained. Microsoft had used the funds to enhance processors, CPUs, and software cores but had neglected the rest. Billy simply amplified and financed the remainder.


    �CWe thought you were hesitant about the patents. �C Braim noted.


    �CWe are, but this business is worth it. I��ll ensure further deposits by year-end. �C Billy responded, aiming to double his equity stake. After all, he only needed the contacts and machinery��the rest was about injecting capital to adjust things to his benefit.


    �CLet��s finalize the details. �C Braim suggested.


    Billy didn��t mind taking on debt for something as significant as dominating the video game market. Technology would propel his company to greater heights. His recent successes in movies and series were merely the icing on the cake.


    To summarize: , , and  have been his recent triumphs. Meanwhile, he anticipated the success of , confident it would allow him to keep playing for another year. sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 502. Tor – of ideas.

    Steve Parks adjusted his wool vest, savoring the cold air brushing against his face. He was a man who cherished and embraced the chill, though it was a pity he worked in California. Taking advantage of his travel expenses, he visited a woman he considered a rare beauty��an author crafted to be loved. He had met her one day when she wasn��t wearing a bra, and he had been captivated ever since.


    �CGood afternoon, Johanna, as beautiful as ever.�C Steve said, kissing her knuckles and lingering slightly. As always, Steve Parks wore a hat to disguise his bald head. His sideburns were streaked with gray, teetering on the edge of youth as he had just turned forty.


    �CMr. Parks.�C


    �CI��m sorry to bother you, but could you join me? There��s a matter of utmost importance we need to discuss.�C Steve said, holding her hand gently.


    �CDo be careful, Mr. Parks.�C Johanna murmured, a touch anxious.


    Throughout dinner, Steve never broached the topic of business. Instead, he asked about her life, her favorite books, and how her work was progressing. His questions were personal yet delivered so politely that she couldn��t help but answer candidly. Steve Parks was the epitome of charm and decorum.


    When they had finished dining, both were sipping wine, and Steve began to share some good news, albeit in a roundabout way. First, he reassured her that her grant would remain intact until 1998, long enough to publish the first volume of  The second volume was nearly ready, but more time was needed before its release.


    �CThat��s wonderful news.�C Johanna Rowling remarked.


    �CGood news always comes like pearls of joy. Sales statistics show you��ve sold 25,000 copies, which is an exceptional achievement for a debut writer. At Tor Books, as a non-profit initiative, we hope those numbers continue to grow, encouraging more people to cultivate reading habits.�C Steve Parks explained. Though he found her delightful, his demeanor retained the calculated undertones of a seasoned negotiator. He knew how to flatter, draw people in, and strike a deal��understanding the true value of something often meant leaving its price deliberately vague, shaped by factors like friendship, opportunity, and even deception.


    �CIt��s fantastic that you focus on supporting writers.�C Johanna said.


    �CWe do what we can, but there have been some challenges.�C Steve admitted.


    She frowned, puzzled as to what problems a large company like Tor Books could face.


    �CWhat could go wrong?�C she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    �CWell, it��s always about money. They want more rights, but as a non-profit organization, giving more would harm the scholarship initiative. Writers tend to move on to other companies once they��ve tasted success. To make the program sustainable, we��ve extended the recovery period to fifteen years. Right now, we��re supporting 20 scholars globally, to reach at least 100.�C Steve replied.


    �CA noble goal... but your owner, Billy Carson, is said to be quite wealthy.�C


    �CBeing wealthy doesn��t mean having excess. He��s rich because he knows how to create wealth��something not many can claim.�C Steve countered.


    Steve��s aim was clear: to secure long-term rights for everything from royalties to merchandising, ensuring decades of profit for the company.


    �CBut let��s not dwell on that for now. Let��s enjoy the day.�C Steve concluded with his characteristic charm.


    ***


    Tor Books specializes in publishing science fiction and fantasy. The clauses of their agreements were well-received by many prominent writers, including Terry Brooks, Neil Gaiman, and Ursula K. Le Guin, all of whom supported the ambitious project. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rachel had been in talks with Ursula K. Le Guin for weeks, aiming to bring  to life through animation. They discussed every detail meticulously, with Ursula having final approval. Billy, along with other enthusiasts, drafted a screenplay, but the author would have the last word.


    Since its inception in 1969, the  saga has grown, with subsequent novels released in 1971, 1972, and 1990. Ursula was now overseeing its adaptation, involving a major investment in animation. Lux Toons, the chosen studio, had established a new headquarters in Atlanta, benefiting from tax incentives and completing its construction in record time. A dedicated team of 19 animators along the East Coast was already hard at work.


    �CGood morning, Ms. Ursula. It��s an honor to meet a writer of your caliber.�C Rachel greeted her enthusiastically. She had read many of Ursula��s books, marveling at their exploration of magic, personal growth, and gender perspectives. Though she had set them aside years ago, this project had rekindled her admiration.


    �CDear,�C Ursula replied warmly, exuding simplicity and grace.


    �CIt��s true. Now that we��re here, let��s go over the contract agreements.�C Rachel said, beaming. She loved the thrill of traveling, negotiating, and witnessing the birth of great cinematic works. Even playing a small part in the process brought her immense joy.


    �COh, my dear, let��s have some coffee first and talk about the contract later.�C Ursula suggested.


    The agreement granted exclusive rights to Lux Animation for Ursula��s series. Beyond  she also created  in 1959 and numerous other works up to the 1964 release of  part of the


    �CI spoke with Billy over the phone. He assured me I would have complete freedom before production began. We��ll refine the scripts for the trilogy, following my characters�� journeys. It��s a massive investment. I��m curious, though��who is Billy Carson?�C Ursula asked.


    Rachel sipped her coffee thoughtfully. The question stirred a mix of admiration and wistfulness for her boss��a brilliant man with a penchant for dating models. Though she harbored a distant crush, she knew him best as an astute and visionary leader.

 503. of water

    July 14.


    The events on the sinking ship are complicated, and capturing the scene is a real headache. Filming certain sequences is simply exasperating. After some delays, they were ready for the key shots, one of which involved filming water scenes in enclosed spaces.


    These spaces are certainly not for the claustrophobic. As the water fills up, Billy has adapted to some quick rehearsals on how to act in the water''s environment. The best way is to work in a confined area and mimic the real scenes.


    -I tested the water a bit. We''ll warm it up with some heating; as long as it''s around five degrees, it''ll be bearable,- commented Conrad Buff, the editing supervisor.


    He was joined by six other crew members, all with a singular goal: to execute the grand set design of the Titanic''s corridors and the sinking. This remained a monumental operation, filled with tragedy and backed by a massive production team paying the box office price.


    -Let''s make sure everything is done the best way possible,- added Conrad, jotting notes in his script. Billy stood nearby in his modest costume: simple fabric pants, a plain shirt, and a light jacket that barely shielded him from the cold and harsh conditions.


    -They say you''re a fish,- Kate teased, lowering her voice when they were together, instinctively leaning closer, a detail she couldn��t control.


    -For now, I hope you don''t freeze. They''ll warm the water, but there will be scenes where the temperature can''t be regulated due to certain issues��like when it''s released at high speed, which makes proper heating impossible,- Billy explained.


    -It''s just cold water; it''ll be fine,- Kate replied. Behind them loomed an impressive green screen, capturing a magnificent shot and blending old-school techniques with new ones��a process more intricate than merely capturing a detailed image.


    -It''s curious how they''ll sink the ship this time,- Billy remarked. Not long ago, he had seen all the models: six different sizes, each with numerous intricate details. Miniatures and production techniques enriched the woven storyline, from green screens and models to Digital Domain��s special effects. Real ships were used to film the machinery interiors, while the green screens would later enhance every element seamlessly.


    A 1:1 scale set of a lake and a divided ship allowed each section to tilt at various angles, where Billy recorded his scenes. It was remarkable how often he had to repeat each sequence on the green screen after filming.


    For the iceberg interaction, they used real ice launched through a tube, followed by miniatures filmed in tandem with green screen effects to place everything precisely.


    -Are you afraid of drowning in the tank?- Billy asked. His eyes sparkled with control despite the fear; the sinking had three phases, each involving stunt doubles performing numerous scenes. The set, though made of rubber to look like metal, offered safety, while Billy and Kate were only there for a few green screenshots. The extended shooting schedule had been utterly exhausting.


    This workload had driven Cameron to madness at the slightest error. He acted like a madman, berating anyone who made mistakes.


    -We''ll be filming until the early hours,- Kate yawned, sitting on a small chair. They were lifted by cranes to the ship''s upper deck and sat on its uncovered side.


    The model was built on a scale, with only the left side detailed while the right remained empty. The hallways and elements were designed to replicate the sinking accurately.


    -They threw ice at us earlier; now they''ll toss water,- Kate whispered, preparing for her scene.


    ��.


    INT. MASTER AT ARMS�� OFFICE / CORRIDOR


    Jack pulls the pipe with all his strength. It doesn��t budge. A gurgling sound emerges. Water seeps under the door, spreading rapidly across the floor.


    JACK: Damn.


    He tries to free one hand from the cuffs, working until his skin is raw�� to no avail.


    JACK: Help! Can anyone hear me?


    Billy lowers his head, trying to act as naturally as possible. The water, chilly, reaches his knees.


    -This could be bad.-


    The hallway is deserted. Floodwaters rise a few centimeters. Jack��s voice is faint through the door, but there��s no one to hear him.


    ��.


    Meanwhile, Rose rushes to save Jack. He��s desperately trying various ways to free himself from the cuffs that bind him.


    Jack pulls at the pipe again, his face turning red from the effort. Collapsing onto the bench, he realizes he��s in real trouble. Then he hears her through the door.


    JACK: Rose, here!


    Less than a meter away, Rose films her transitions as directed from the lobby. Hearing his voice, she turns and runs back, finds the right door, and opens it, letting in a small wave.


    ROSE: Jack, Jack, Jack�� I��m so sorry, I��m so sorry.


    Their reunion is almost embarrassingly joyful. Jack offers a big smile��a lover��s smile��closes his eyes, and tries to compose himself.


    JACK: That guy Lovejoy slipped it into my pocket.


    ROSE: I know, I know.


    She moves closer and hugs Jack tightly, and he melts into her embrace, reciprocating with equal warmth.


    JACK: See if you can find a key for these. Check those drawers��it��s a small brass one.


    She kisses his face and hugs him again, overwhelmed by her love for him.


    JACK: So, how��d you figure out I didn��t do it?


    ROSE: I didn��t. - She looks at him. - I just realized I already knew.


    They share a glance before Rose resumes searching the room, rummaging through drawers and cabinets. Jack spots movement through the porthole and looks outside. It��s a green screen, but it appears to be a lifeboat.


    JACK: You need to go find help. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ROSE: I��ll be right back.


    JACK: I��ll wait here.


    She runs off, glancing back at him from the doorway before splashing away. Jack looks down at the swirling water, unsettled but resigned.


    -Cut.-


    Cameron beamed, pleased with how everything was coming together. It was 12:04 a.m., and many scenes remained to be shot. Billy prepared for his next scene, taking deep breaths to manage the complexity of the sequences.


    The cameraman signaled to raise the water level until it nearly reached Billy��s shoulders. He settled into position, shivering from the cold but pushing through with a burst of energy. It was time to act.


    Kate stood nearby in her dress, holding an axe that looked metallic but was rubber, except for the handle, which was real metal. The blade��s tip had been lacquered with aluminum for a convincing finish.


    -We��ll start in two minutes. Take your positions,- came the foreboding voice over the radio.


    Kate gripped the axe.


    -It��s heavier than it looks,- she said, taking her place and exhaling deeply.


    ��


    INT. MASTER AT ARMS�� OFFICE


    Jack stands on the bench, clutching the water pipe. The water level is higher now. He holds the axe above his head.


    ROSE: Will this work?


    JACK: We��ll find out soon enough.


    Both are terrified but do their best to suppress their panic. Jack places the chain of the cuffs over the steel pipe. The chain is, of course, very short, leaving his wrists exposed on either side.


    JACK: Take a couple of practice swings.


    Rose raises the axe and hits a wooden cabinet.


    JACK: Now try hitting the same spot again.


    She delivers a powerful blow, the blade sinking about four inches from her target.


    JACK: Alright, that��s enough practice.


    He winces in anticipation as she lifts the axe again. Her target��a piece of steel two and a half centimeters wide��requires all the force she can muster. Kate��s expression shows her determination as she grips the heavy axe.


    JACK: You can do it, Rose. Hit it as hard as you can��I trust you. - His tone is calm. -


    Jack closes his eyes. She does the same. The axe falls with a loud clang. Rose cautiously opens her eyes to see Jack smiling, his hands-free.


    The cuffs had been broken with a set of bolt cutters Billy had used earlier, a realistic touch added during filming.


    JACK: You��re amazing, my love.


    The improvised line carried immense emotional weight, perfectly fitting the scene. As the two moved closer, sharing a kiss, Cameron observed, approving of the authenticity it brought to the sequence.


    ��


    Drenched, Billy felt the fabric of their wool costumes cling to their skin.


    JACK: You��re incredible, Paul Bunyan.


    The water was now chest-high, rising steadily with each passing moment.


    JACK: Damn! Excuse my French. Oh, this is freezing. Come on, we need to get out of here.


    ROSE: God.


    Rose began heading toward the stairs, but Jack stopped her. Only the edge of the stairwell was visible.


    JACK: Too deep. We need another way out.


    -Cut,- Cameron called out, his booming voice echoing across the villa meters away. Occasionally, he directed from cranes high above, but this time, the scenes were being filmed in a water tank, with meticulously designed corridors serving their purpose perfectly.


    ...

 504. behind the scenes.

    Billy struggled to catch his breath. The water scenes had drained him, and at three in the morning, the icy walk back to his hotel filled him with an overwhelming urge to sleep. Still, when he thought about it, he could see James Cameron''s fascination with water��scenes that brought pleasure to film, each take meticulously reviewed. With James'' skills, he could easily start a production school of the highest quality, refining processes for his future series and film productions.


    �CI don''t think I can sleep,�C Kate muttered, coughing heavily. They had been drenched repeatedly over three hours of filming late into the night.


    �COn the contrary, I''m exhausted from the last stretch of shooting,�C Billy replied. �CDo you want to watch the Olympic Games footage? We could record something from it. They''re in Atlanta.�C


    �CI just want hot chocolate,�C Kate said nervously, coughing lightly again. The water scenes had gone on longer than anticipated, and Billy now understood why she was sick. Her skin was ice-cold after so much exposure to the freezing temperatures.


    �CActually, I��ve got hot tea in my room. I tend to be a little disorganized with time, but this time I planned and ordered a hot kettle, knowing I''d be freezing,�C Billy said.


    As they approached the hotel room, the worn blue carpet stretched beneath their feet. All the rooms on the floor were the hotel��s best��practically suites. Kate''s was across from his, though Cameron oddly preferred sleeping in a small trailer. Billy, however, appreciated the comfort of a proper hotel room for resting, even if it meant...


    �CTake me there,�C Kate said, stepping into Billy''s room. �CWhere��s this kettle? Funny that Americans even have tea. Or was this just an excuse to bring me here? To be alone with me? You��re quite skilled at these things, getting girls into your room.�C


    The spacious room had a small kitchenette with two burners and a mini-fridge on the left. The kettle was a fine brand with a steam release button to prevent gas buildup.


    Billy turned on the kettle and filled it with water in one swift motion.


    �COf course, these days I just leave the door open, and they walk in. Even when I don��t invite them, they show up. You��re decent, though; some just undress and climb into my bed,�C he joked, pulling a small container of milk from the freezer as the kettle bubbled away. sea??h th�� n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kate focused on pouring the tea with an almost sinister precision as if performing some complex chemical experiment.


    �CYou��re supposed to steep the bags for just the right amount of time for proper fusion. Since we��re adding milk, I assume you brought honey,�C Kate said.


    �CI��ve got honey. Even lemon. My assistant is very thorough,�C Billy replied, only to get a playful slap on the arm.


    �CThen why did you add milk?�C Kate retorted. �CTea tastes better without it. I hate milk in tea, but if you��ve got honey, I might forgive you.�C


    �CI do, so stop complaining,�C Billy said, pulling out a jar of honey with a red lid and strap. It was his go-to item, perfect for passing the time quickly.


    �CFine. At least that makes up for this mediocre preparation. It��s been ages since I��ve had tea with milk,�C Kate remarked. �CYou should come to my place sometime. My nanny makes the best tea. Though, I imagine it��d be hard to convince the great Billy to visit mere mortals.�C


    Billy grabbed a large gray sweater he used for cold morning runs and put it on as Kate drank her tea. Her curly hair bounced as she sipped, resting and smiling with the oversized sweater wrapped around her. She subtly inhaled the fabric��s scent now and then, as if it carried some magical quality.


    �CI think tea is the best thing to buy after a long day of work,�C Kate said, savoring her drink. �CThough, if it��s this cold, why not invest in a coffee maker? A good one is surprisingly useful for nights like this.�C


    �CI can��t sleep after coffee. I��ve never been friends with it at night. Studies suggest tea has reactive effects and can keep you awake. Though that hasn��t happened to me yet, it��s still better than coffee,�C Billy said.


    Kate sipped her tea, wearing knee-high black boots and sporty black pants paired with a gray sweater that could double as a onesie. She glanced at Billy��s desk, covered in blank sheets and scattered sketches. Trying to sneak a peek, she leaned too far and nearly toppled off her chair.


    �CTea has never kept me awake. Maybe it��s the conversations. Whenever you drink tea, you always end up talking about everything. Conversations keep you up�� That��s what the article should have said. Tea is perfect for good talks. I could agree with that,�C Kate said, laughing.


    Billy nodded, but his gaze stayed on her. He was exhausted, and her endless chatter only made it harder to stay awake. As his eyes drooped, he decided to change into his pajamas.


    �CTea wakes people up,�C Billy muttered, noticing it was already 4 a.m.


    �COh, I��m so sorry! How embarrassing. I always talk too much when I shouldn��t,�C Kate said, taking a final sip.


    �CAlways the chatterbox. Close the door on your way out,�C Billy said.


    ��


    The next morning was a headache for Billy. Filming began at 11 a.m., but it was even tougher for the crew working with the green screen. They recreated some scenes to refine the design. Billy barely had time to finish sketches and notes for the next volume of .


    �CI��ll never escape the water,�C Kate murmured, now armed with three changes of clothes, her towel, and a hairdryer, despite being provided those things.


    �CYou��re the one who survives in the end, dear Rose,�C Billy quipped, pulling Kate into his arms.


    Both performed a silent dance of movements for the scene, without microphones, whispering and mimicking the gestures of the previous day. Recreating every hug, kiss, and caress was a challenge, including the iconic ��Jack, I��m Flying�� scene. Using Digital Domain��s effects, they combined several layers of visuals.


    �CI��m freezing,�C she whispered, clinging to him as water poured over them.


    �CWe��ll break at five. We��re filming late again tonight,�C Billy replied.


    �CTea after filming?�C


    �CAlright���C


    They jogged delicately down the corridor, slowing to navigate the set��s labyrinthine design. Though it was just an L-shaped structure with shifting perspectives, the lack of sound made Cameron��s shouting all the more jarring. His insults ranged from ��useless idiot�� to ��donkey-faced fool�� for Billy, and for Kate, ��terrible Brit�� and ��second-rate actress,�� with others unfit for polite company.


    �CA little more urgency,�C came the assistant��s translation of Cameron��s words.


    ...

 505. toys, in action.

    July 20.


    The day of judgment arrived like a long-awaited meteor striking Earth. Pixar had poured a significant amount into this film. This time, Tom Hanks asked for $5 million, although he confirmed he wouldn��t mind reprising his role as Woody in future movies. That was merely a consolation prize.


    The other actors also demanded higher salaries, along with additional investments in equipment to enhance existing software. The process moved quickly, with a lively and creative pace. Veterans were brought in, some projects were delayed��like , which was pushed back nearly a month. However, with $80 million on the line, this was by far Pixar��s most expensive animated movie, primarily due to software costs, especially FX for special effects added during scenes, serving as a third layer in the filmmaking process.


    By 10 a.m., the franchise��s iconic characters arrived on set, accompanied by people in costumes handing out wristbands featuring Buzz, Woody, or Jessie, the newest addition to the screen.


    ��


    Anne returned from her trip to attend the premiere, bringing along four elegant women who had been invited. She wouldn��t miss the publicity. Meanwhile, Monica showcased her emotional intelligence by inviting Jim Carrey, Amanda Donohoe, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington��friends from her modeling shoots. The premiere was already drawing attention.


    Billy, absent and sought after by the cameras, was notably missing, but three directors and a line of prominent entrepreneurs made up for it. On one side stood George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, gracing the event with their presence. On the other, business magnates like Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Steve Jobs, Arturo Moreno (model agency mogul and sports team owner), and Philip Knight, CEO of Nike, attended with their families.


    It was a parade of stars, bustling about to witness an animated film��a rarity but a spectacle that delighted attendees. For children, it was extraordinary.  was a beloved movie, with its toy-themed storyline captivating kids who adored the characters�� antics.


    -So, Mr. Lasseter, - Anne said, sizing up the man. She hadn��t forgotten she was in charge. Nearby, Randall McArthur updated her on company details, while Jim Gianopulos sat sullenly in a chair, speaking on the phone. Anna Washington remarked that the call was about Discovery Channel and not the movie.


    -It��s been amazing. We believe we��ll break records, and earn some nominations. People will see something no one else can replicate for at least the next ten years. We��re making history,- said John Lasseter.


    -Anne, darling, let��s be honest. John tends to exaggerate sometimes, but not this time. The movie is fantastic. The critics have given it glowing reviews. I particularly appreciated the piece in , a superb critique. I think we��ve secured a solid A+ rating. The market can��t deny quality when it��s this good, - said Ed Catmull, grounding the conversation.


    -I��m impressed by your guest list. I thought we were at the New York Film Festival��it��s rare to see so many fashion icons here so quickly,- Lasseter said, glancing at Anne, who shrugged. Monica, acting as the perfect hostess, had orchestrated the gathering. The notable absentee was Billy, who, as Anne understood, was too busy to participate, despite this being an opportunity to recover some of the funds he had recklessly invested.


    -Billy��s called you? His silence is irritating, - Anne remarked.


    John laughed.


    --He��s busy, but I bet we��ll surpass , last year��s big hit. -


    Anne frowned but remained silent. That confidence unnerved her, as it did everyone. It was almost a guarantee as if he didn��t care about taking risks or breaking social norms. She decided it was best to approach Jobs to discuss advancing the agreements with Microsoft regarding components.


    ��


    Jim Carrey, hand in hand with his partner, charmed the cameras with his signature wit.


    -Well, no one invited me, but here I am. Let them try to kick me out, - he joked, striking a short karate pose that drew smiles. Sear?h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -But why attend? - a sharp reporter asked.


    -Why not? I think Pixar is amazing, and now no one can spoil the ending for me. A might spoil it for you��cover your ears if you don��t want to know,- Jim quipped.


    -Would you ever work with Lux Animation? -


    -Maybe I will, maybe I won��t. I��m open to possibilities, but I think picking roles requires that spark I��m looking for, -Jim replied. Internally, he admired Pixar��s revolutionary approach. These films carried a fresh spark, presenting concepts in non-linear ways, and addressing themes previously untouched with such clarity and simplicity. It was the reward of striking first��all eyes were on Pixar, making animation a frontrunner in entertainment.


    ��


    -He��s always causing a stir,- Steven Spielberg commented, admiring the themed decorations��games, food, stickers, bracelets, and the red carpet, now white and adorned with balloons and toys. Companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, and Fisher-Price were present.


    -What are you talking about? -


    -Oh, just that this event is funded by Hasbro and Mattel. They handled distribution and licensing. I think it��ll set a new standard for premieres in the coming years, - Lucas explained, his eyes gleaming at the marketing genius behind it. Selling something others would give away for free��it was the hallmark of the young man who had tried to buy Lucas�� company six years ago.


    A bold move for a kid who slapped $100 million on the table like he was buying candy from a corner store. Now, Lucas agreed that $600 million for 45% of the company was a fair deal. The boy would take the company to where Lucas always dreamed of: Star Wars museums, observatories, planetariums�� He made it happen.


    -Oh, I see, - replied Martin Scorsese, looking at the event with newfound appreciation.


    -Children��s cinema is underestimated. Creating something good takes time, but their creativity always leaves me speechless��again, as a screenwriter,�� Martin added diplomatically.


    -No doubt, it��ll be magnificent,- Lucas affirmed.


    The three veterans entered the theater.


    ��


    The critics�� reviews were another wave of praise. Some companies tried to block the comments, but you can��t fight a hot iron with bare hands. Better to bend it slightly with a hammer.


    -But what happened to Billy? - they asked Monica.


    -He��s working, as he always does, - she replied.


    ...

 506. film summary.

    July 20.


    Anne, perhaps the proudest to see  in theaters, couldn��t help but feel nostalgic as the Lux Animation logo appeared��a city illuminated at night��followed by the iconic lamp hopping into view, marvelously forming the Pixar logo.


    This time, the introduction was set against a galaxy backdrop. Unlike before, space now features a more sophisticated design that better captures the vastness of the universe. The improved image quality was evident. Buzz Lightyear soared over a desert planet, showcasing remarkable advancements in character design. His gestures were more expressive, and the textures of his suit included stunning neon highlights and glowing lights. Each detail, from the materials used to Zurg��s enhanced villainous redesign, reflected the team''s commitment to innovation.


    The scene transitioned seamlessly to a video game, where Billy��s voice brought Rex, the dinosaur, to life. Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the classic characters returned, joined by new additions from Mattel and Hasbro. It was perfect��flawless in execution for everyone involved.


    Then came Andy, playfully enacting imaginative scenes with his toys, a testament to the creativity inherent in childhood. Beneath its seemingly simple storyline, the film delved into profound themes from the perspective of toys, offering a narrative that resonated deeply. The complexity and brilliance of crafting such a meaningful story around toys became a symbol, stirring not only audiences but also filmmakers, who recognized that Pixar had done it again��a colorful, magnificent tale that captured the imagination.


    The yard sale scene drew laughter from John Lasseter and several directors, who appreciated the wit, meticulous attention to detail, and even the portrayal of the dog, which was superbly crafted.


    Moreover, character design has reached new heights. Humans now featured improved anatomy thanks to collaborative efforts with Autodesk and other third-party companies. Since 1994, the team has worked tirelessly on perfecting software akin to Marionette. While it wasn��t flawless yet, a preliminary version significantly improved graphical quality. It was predicted that by 2000, the software would reach its second iteration.


    -We used version 3.0 of Ring for various textures and achieved great progress in optimizing workflows for our team. These animations are easier to produce now, - Lasseter explained. -As you know, Marionette is the software Pixar uses to create and animate human characters. It��s a state-of-the-art tool that allows animators to breathe life into 3D models with unparalleled realism. Alongside Marionette, we utilize RenderMan for image rendering, DeepCanvas for digital painting in a 3D environment, and Wild Films to streamline production. By working in 15-second scene increments, we can assemble the final film more efficiently.-


    -Billy wrote an excellent script,- Anne remarked, visibly captivated by his work.


    The film introduced new characters, each as endearing as the last. Anne marveled at Pixar��s ability to seamlessly integrate them��Bullseye, Jessie, and Stinky Pete were all perfectly developed.


    A toy museum, new designs, and the addition of iconic brands were highlights. Anne scrutinized every detail with a critical eye, knowing the stakes. When the film reached the toy store scene, she was even more amazed by how brilliantly the branding was incorporated. Every element, down to the meticulously choreographed Barbie sequence, was handled with care.


    -From this point, we��ll develop a 10-episode animated series with holiday specials for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine��s Day, and Fall,- Lasseter announced.


    Anne gave him a glance, then refocused on the film, entranced. There was a clever satire on toys that created a standout scene, accompanied by a nostalgic song. Each character radiated charm, making the experience unforgettable. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The studio had two more films lined up�� in October and  in December. Reaching $300 million would break even and recover the investment. If the subsequent films succeeded, the company��s triumph would be assured.


    -That was a magnificent film,- Anne declared as it ended.


    -Another hit,- Lasseter murmured, preparing to address reporters to discuss the film��s plot��a necessary step with critics arriving the next day. The company had even sent sponsorships to various newspapers. The worldwide premiere demanded careful orchestration.


    -I��ll handle the questions. There��s no need to worry, - Lasseter assured. Before embarking on a press tour, the company planned to harness curiosity as its most compelling marketing tool.


    ***


    El Pa��s:


    "Surpasses the original in wit, brilliance, and precision. A smart, delightful film that parents will enjoy as much as children. Gestures and emotions from the toys provide immense satisfaction."


    La Vanguardia:


    "An imaginative, thrilling adventure... a masterpiece of animation... another pinnacle from the creator of . Screenwriter Billy Carson��s ideas are endless. Here��s to more successes."


    Le Monde:


    "The story��s simple and unpretentious appearance hooks you from start to finish. Non-stop action, flawless narrative, subtle humor, and meticulous visual craftsmanship still astonish."


    The Guardian:


    " returns with unmatched wit and charm, making past children''s adventures seem prehistoric. Pixar continues to redefine animated cinema."


    Empire:


    "If only all sequels were this good... It��s as impressive as the first film and leaves you wanting more. According to insiders, Pixar isn��t ruling out continuing the series."


    Roger Ebert ():


    "Introduces a captivating animated world. While the technology will improve, detailed storytelling remains essential. Rating: ����? out of 4."


    Variety:


    "Expands the saga with originality, humor, and gratifying emotional depth."


    The New York Times:


    " impresses effortlessly, showcasing three years of hard, dedicated work that truly shines."


    Collider ():


    "One of the best sequels ever made, subtly addressing mortality and the passage of time without pretension."


    BBC:


    "As good as its predecessor... If Pixar maintains this standard, a third installment will be highly anticipated."


    ...


    ...

 507. time to check the weather.

    July 22.


    Billy took Kate to the cinema to watch  a place they both felt they had to experience. It was an old theater with only two showings, at noon and 2 PM. They managed to catch the film, knowing they would need to wait for a few green screen scenes to wrap up later. For now, their afternoon was free.


    -No one would believe that just wearing glasses would hide you,- Kate remarked, wearing a straw hat, while Billy settled for sunglasses and a cowboy hat. Both were dressed casually.


    -They��ve seen us, but we��re not famous enough to make a fuss,- Billy replied, shaking his head as he carried two tubs of popcorn, sodas, and some chocolates.


    -If it weren��t for that guard looking over at us every so often, we��d blend in completely. It��s almost like there��s a spotlight on us��we��re walking bait,- Kate said, glancing at Billy��s bodyguard. Little did she know, someone else in the theater was keeping a closer watch from the shadows.


    -It��s just for safety. Let��s hurry before the movie starts," Billy said as they entered the theater, which was frequented mostly by families with kids.


    -A little secret��I fell asleep watching the first one,- Kate whispered. Seeing Billy��s expression, she burst out laughing. -Haha, it��s not my fault! We had the DVD for my nephews, and I just couldn��t stay awake. But they said it was pretty good.-


    -It��s ironic. Don��t doubt it,- Billy replied. -Movies are meant to be experienced in all their forms, and animation is part of that. Sure, it��s often seen as kid stuff, but we��re aiming for something bigger��something for everyone.-


    Everything about the experience promised greatness. If it went well, Billy already envisioned making enough profit to fund another year of bold investments, a just reward when the stock sales came through.


    -Boring,- Kate teased playfully, munching on popcorn and sipping her diet soda.


    -I��ve been dieting for ages,- she admitted. "I hardly eat sweets��just salads and proteins. But sometimes I get anxious, and this feels like a treat. Six months on a diet, and here I am, sneaking caramel and salted popcorn from you.- S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -No one has to know you broke your diet, - Billy said with a grin.


    As the movie began and the credits rolled, Billy couldn��t help but puff out his chest with pride. The animation was outstanding in every scene, far surpassing the first film, though he could still see areas for improvement. In his mind, he was already thinking ahead to the fifth installment, envisioning new technologies to push boundaries even further.


    -I need to talk to universities about fostering electrical engineering, computer systems, and robotics programs,- Billy thought, knowing that innovation had to align with academic progress. He reflected on his stake in NVIDIA, now holding 50% of its shares and collaborating with Apple on a unique processor project funded by significant investments��even down to microchips.


    They were both deeply engrossed in the movie, and Kate couldn��t tear her eyes from the screen. For the first time, she truly understood that Billy Carson wasn��t just about books and comics; he was a cinematic force. Over the next two decades, his influence would shape entertainment across all mediums, taking film to unprecedented heights.


    Although Billy��s name appeared only as the third credit, it was there, marking his ownership of something wholly his.


    -That was an incredible movie,- Kate murmured, realizing it would likely dominate the headlines again.


    -I liked it. There��s always room for improvement, though, - Billy replied, noting subtle additions like Zurg��s integration into Andy��s toys. The extra five minutes added depth, and the expanded runtime offered more to savor.


    -I love how captivating it was,- Kate said, still immersed in the film. -Being a kid in this generation must be such a privilege, growing up with so many stories that open your eyes. A lot of them will fall in love with what you��re doing.-


    ��


    -How was Billy��s new movie?- Cameron asked, knowing from reliable sources that Billy was a prodigy in storytelling, a gifted screenwriter, and a director.


    -It was fabulous! We should plan for the whole crew to see it. It��s fantastic��a profound story about the passage of time, almost poetic,- Kate replied.


    -I doubt we can pull that off... but we��ll figure something out,- Cameron responded, bundling up against the cold while Billy and Kate stayed in their casual, often damp attire, running around trying to keep warm between takes. Their filming days were far from glamorous.


    -No problem, then. It��s fantastic, - Kate continued with a playful laugh. -The Oscars race for Best Picture... I��m afraid it might beat you,- she joked, teasingly poking fun at Cameron, whose big-eyed reaction sent her off to redo yesterday��s performance��acting entirely frozen.


    -Alright, today��s another busy day! - Cameron announced, knowing that tonight and the early morning would likely be full of work.


    Kate guessed correctly that these scenes would take a toll. Her persistent cough disrupted the shoot, and the makeup process was grueling. She felt utterly drained. Still, the movie pressed on, capturing Jack and Rose��s desperate escape from Titanic��s lower decks, running through a labyrinthine, perilous ship on the brink of collapse. They were just twenty days away from wrapping up filming at their current pace.


    ...

 508. short film – feature film.

    July 27, 1996.


    Cameron woke up one day completely out of shape, overwhelmed by an unshakable urge to start filming from scratch��not everything, but certain scenes that failed to satisfy him as they should have. They left him with a nagging feeling that he was heading down the wrong path. It was hard to admit, but he needed to talk to someone about his hunches.


    -You have to listen to me. We need to redo the scenes��some things just don��t align with my vision. When put together, it��s a disaster, losing gold over something so trivial, -  James told John Ladou.


    -James, the costs will skyrocket�� I thought we got it right. Everyone has pushed themselves to the limit, - John replied, his face showing exhaustion and his words laced with resistance to James�� instincts. Cameron swallowed his frustration; yelling wouldn��t help now, especially when he wasn��t the director.


    He spent the day venting his disappointment during the green screen shoots. Something about the scenes didn��t feel right, though he couldn��t pinpoint what it was. A gnawing sense that everything he was doing was wrong consumed him.


    -Move like a rogue!- he yelled at Billy, who was drenched in water. Kate, standing nearby, made a face that Billy couldn��t ignore, though Cameron was too lost in thought to notice. His mind was a tangled web of chaotic information, a director trapped in the stigmas of time. They had been filming for 63 days, over a year into production, fine-tuning every intricate detail.


    -We��ll shoot the scene again! - Cameron announced. The crew gathered around Billy to discuss the issues, while Cameron sat on a chair, casting a disdainful look at everyone around him��a now common occurrence.


    He spoke with the editing team and the rest of the production crew, but they were unanimous: the story was perfect. He had to live with the unease of creating something that didn��t feel right. Perfectionist��an accurate term to describe him, but it went deeper. In the days ahead, he would likely...


    ��


    -He��s angrier than usual,- Kate observed, frowning at Cameron.


    -Not my business. His anger is like a ticking bomb, always ready to explode,- Billy replied.


    Kate made a face. After a week of daily drenching, her cold was becoming obvious, accompanied by her usual headaches. It was clear she��d be bedridden with the flu soon. The studio, illuminated by giant bulbs simulating daylight, was devoid of windows, a testament to the magic of lighting with its blend of white and yellow tones.


    Two crew members passed by, taking measurements as the actors braced themselves for yet another round of cold water. The water started warm but quickly turned icy after prolonged exposure.


    -Let��s go. We��ve got work to do,- Billy told Kate, who was soaked and shivering lightly in her coat.


    -No choice,- she replied.


    Cameron��s shouts were intense, but they managed to complete two scenes that day. Only the final scenes remained��those requiring minimal action, just the actors at the ship��s stern, awaiting the inevitable sinking. A meticulously designed set allowed extras to jump into the water.


    Billy filmed the scene where he led Kate to safety, a race against time amidst the tragedy enveloping the young man. A few more scenes remained, but things didn��t go as planned. Two key issues emerged: first, Cameron halted production to argue with the studio about why continuing as planned would be a mistake; second, several intermediate scenes with other characters were still missing.


    ��


    -I heard you want to reshoot some scenes, - Billy said to Cameron, who sipped from a glass Coke bottle, wearing a thick black jacket, faded jeans, and a blue collared shirt. The man seemed defensive, as though under attack.


    -What do you mean by reshoot? -


    -That��s exactly what I mean. You��re redoing some scenes you think need another take, - Billy replied.


    Cameron studied him closely, then decided to show him the footage from the camera, every take they��d done. Billy didn��t see anything wrong. His mind raced, drawing parallels between the old and the new. Countless details about Titanic flooded his thoughts. He recalled Don Lynch and Ken Marschall��s book,  which expanded on the tragedy. Compassion filled his mind as he reviewed every scene and image.


    -I think you should redo scenes 23, 34, and 65��they��re missing some life. You could add a few extra cuts. If it means making a short film, why not leave it at two hours and fifty minutes? For example, stretch our love scenes with Rose. Running by the engines could use some extra touches, - Billy suggested, pointing out scenes that hadn��t been fully captured but lived vividly in his memory. He described each one in detail. Together, they worked late into the evening, delaying the schedule by an hour.


    Cameron realized Billy was right. The film needed to be longer. Now that he had a broader framework to work within, his mind teemed with ideas. He could channel his energy into refining the scenes marked for reshooting. He envisioned an extended, character-driven sequence, but that wasn��t the plan.


    -So, we need a scene where Jack is desperate to see Rose, which shows his anguish as a man in love. He could steal a hat or a suit to sneak into first class, - Billy suggested, sketching adjustments he��d noted in his book.


    -We have to do it, - Cameron replied, his confidence now unshakable.


    The rest of the crew was shocked to see James enter the Titanic mega-set with a smile. It resembled a small lake with a metal structure on one side. Several scenes from the first act still needed to be filmed because production had mistakenly left space for later adjustments. The hotel was a 30-minute drive away, bustling with extras contributing daily to the Titanic illusion.


    ��


    -We were going to grab some coffee, but you disappeared, - Kate said as they prepared for another long night.


    -I was talking to Cameron. Looks like we��ll be filming some additional scenes he deems necessary. We sketched out some ideas, - Billy explained.


    -Another nude scene, Mr. Carson? - Kate teased. S��arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You wish. But no, we��re leaning toward the kid-friendly side of things. James thinks some scenes need more depth. Though I could suggest you want more screen time nude, - Billy joked.


    Kate laughed; she didn��t mind nudity. Being completely bare was just part of the job for her, and in a film as romantic as this one, nudity carried an artistic and emotional significance.


    -A body is a body��it��s magnificent. I might regret it later, but maybe I��ll remain intact in people��s eyes. In twenty years, they��ll see the beauty I was, - she said, her crooked smile returning.


    -Oh, they will. Titanic won��t be forgotten. When we��re no longer here, people will revisit the film. Even future generations will take time to admire the great movies and say, ��They don��t make love stories like this anymore,�� -Billy replied. -To be eternal is a grace��being remembered as the best. When someone watches  for the first time, seeing Marlon Brando or Al Pacino��s performances, they can��t help but marvel at their brilliance. -


    -Then it doesn��t matter, - Kate concluded.


    -Women, - Billy muttered under his breath, still lost in thought.


    -Everyone will adore Mr. Billy Carson, who had the chance to date the most incredible woman in the world but gave it up for some Italian woman, - she teased.


    ...

 509. parents is from parents.

    Thomas Carson had spent years working with care and precision, always watching over his son from the shadows. He knew his son had his flaws, but none of them diminished the deep love he felt for him. His son remained the loving and kind person he had always been. As Thomas flipped through the newspapers that often mentioned him on their pages, he saw stories about new comic series, movies, businesses, or a new woman in his life. All of them��models, actresses, celebrities, or unknown figures��exuded an undeniable aura of charm.


    Now, he was certain his son was working with an actress trying to make a name for herself. The report detailed their filming in Rosarito, where Billy was dressed in sportswear, with his long hair and a face full of determination, greeting someone with a nod.


    Billy Carson''s new movie was set to release in October. It was about a lawyer, , based on a novel by John Grisham, one of the most renowned legal thriller writers of recent years, with several movies adapted from his books. The film boasted an impressive cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey��fresh off his acclaimed role in ��Donald Sutherland, and Kiefer Sutherland. sea??h th�� N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thomas heard the sound of children running around as Livy chased after them, dressed in her overalls that highlighted her slender figure despite having gone through three pregnancies.


    -We��re going out for steak,- Livy said, posing it more as a question.


    -We will,- Thomas replied.


    -Claudia��s still asleep. When she wakes up, you should talk to her about moving to London. She��s too young and hasn��t finished university. She won��t listen to me,- Livy insisted.


    -I��ll do what I can, but she��s just as stubborn as you are.-


    -It doesn��t matter; just do it.-


    -I will,- Thomas reassured her.


    Soon, the doorbell rang with a delivery��a birthday gift. Every year, Billy sent gifts for the twins, who were born on August 2nd. Without fail, he ensured they received presents. Thomas opened the package to find high-quality clothing��a blue outfit for one twin and a pink one for the other��along with toys suitable for five-year-olds. There was also a jar of early childhood protein powder, packed with vitamins B, C, B12, calcium, and zinc. The set included three large jars with clear instructions.


    The gifts were always arranged by Anne, Billy��s assistant, who handled such matters. Thomas left a voicemail for his son, thanking him and inviting him to join the family for Christmas. They had recently moved into a large house with six bedrooms and a separate guest house, which had once been the studio of the previous owner. Even the family from Texas planned to join them in San Jose for the holidays.


    Maybe Billy would come, or perhaps he would just send gifts and an apology through Anne, who often handled his absences.


    -Oh, new clothes,- Livy said, admiring the designs for their children, who grinned with delight.


    -Piano lessons,- she noted, scanning a music lesson contract.


    -Well, the kids need extracurricular activities and good connections. Now that we have more money and you don��t need to work, you can focus on their education. They��re the future, after all,- Thomas remarked, unaware that Livy was pregnant with their fourth child.


    -Yes, I think it��s good for them,- Livy agreed, as the noise upstairs signaled Claudia was awake. She motioned for Thomas to go and talk to her moody teenager.


    ��


    Rachel Sanders was Anne��s second-in-command, primarily assisting with managing the comic book factory and toy store operations. Her responsibilities included overseeing the accounts for both businesses��a demanding job, as the toy store now had nine locations nationwide and partnerships with numerous companies.


    The comic book distributor was a massive operation with outlets in other countries. Their first partnership was with Titan Distributors, which handled the UK and British Isles. Neptuno Distributions covered Spain and Portugal. FM International managed Canada, while Coliseum Distribution oversaw Italy and France under tense relations.


    The company also owned 15% of Dark Horse Comics and Sunrise Comics, which handled distribution across North and Latin America. Lux Toys served as their primary brand, with seven stores located in California, Chicago, Florida, New York, Atlanta, and Texas. They planned to open new locations in Colorado, Ohio, and Montana.


    Opening a store wasn��t simple. It required production lines, a suitable venue to display comics, games, and merchandise, and at least four employees and a supervisor. Lux also owned TSR (Tactical Studies Rules), the creators of  as well as Workshop Games (), Panini, and Skylerbox. The stores stocked everything from Lux Animation figures to other merchandise agreements.


    -So you want to host a Dungeons & Dragons tournament?- Rachel Ruset asked, reviewing orders.


    -Yes, I have a group. We��ll gather at the new Colorado location. Since it��s the largest building, I think we can set up a big stage for fans,- Raimon explained.


    -Then let��s use the Blitz rules for two-hour games,- Rachel suggested.


    Raimon��s jaw dropped.


    -Wait, what?-


    -The Blitz rules,- she repeated.


    -I know what they are! Don��t act like I don��t, rookie,- Raimon retorted, irritated by Rachel��s teasing.


    Raimon spent much of his time studying the products, which distinguished him from Rachel Sanders, the director of operations and his professional rival.


    -We��ll offer a special edition  set and a  game pack as the tournament prize. The following day, we��ll sell the same packs for $400 each. We��ll need about 100 in stock. I��m sure they��ll sell out, and it��ll boost the store��s popularity,- Raimon concluded, already prepared with his team.


    ...

 510. rush

    Breaking box office records often results in one of two outcomes: either it stirs criticism from those who believe a record-breaking film is automatically good, or it earns a somewhat unanimous approval that what is truly good will shine on its own merit. The success of  was bolstered by some well-placed investments, but the payoff was undeniable. Public sentiment around the film was mixed due to the dramatic spectacle surrounding it, but one thing was clear:  once again shattered box office records, previously held by .


    With $78 million in its opening weekend in the United States and $190 million in its first week, the numbers exceeded expectations. Disney��s stock took a hit after yet another resounding defeat, one that couldn��t be rationalized from any angle. Lux Animation was dominating in 2D, 3D, and animated series��it was exactly what American audiences craved and consumed religiously. Along with the $200 million grossed globally, analysts were projecting a total box office haul of $800 million, comparable to the first  movie. This performance far outpaced competitors like the animated musical adaptation of  which garnered $390 million following its June release but didn��t compete with  in the adult film category.


    also managed to pull in approximately $290 million, but most of that revenue stayed with the film companies. With  however, the profit distribution was different��money flowed cleanly, covering debts and leaving ample funds for reinvestment.


    -We��ve done it again,- Anne whispered as she reviewed the results. Now, Microsoft Games could move forward with Billy��s $100 million investment, while Apple had secured $150 million. The sums were astronomical, and just seeing them on contracts made Anne��s heart race under the weight of responsibility.


    -Only two more movies to release this year, and everything will be wrapped up,- Anne said to herself as she refined her work. Lux Animation films were reliably profitable, maintaining balance with ease. Despite occasional doubts, the company had been investing in Atlanta to establish an animation production hub worth its name. With a small team of 25 people in a converted sports equipment warehouse, they operated on tight budgets and schedules.


    -Margot, please send in Rumino and Rachel,- Anne ordered, arranging papers into two folders.


    -This will be your project for next year,- she said, eyeing them from head to toe. �CYou��ll have access to company resources to bring this plan to life. We own a large property there, which will be developed to support this project and elevate our standing. The local governance board is on our side, and Coca-Cola is offering its support as well. This idea comes from Billy, and we hope to replicate it in two more locations, one in Ireland and one in Spain. As for Asia, Korea and Japan are potential options, though the purchase of land remains uncertain for now.-


    One of the reasons Billy held Anne in high regard was her understanding of his ambitions. His goal to create a virtual entertainment network that everyone could access and use local markets to expand the library was a key to his success. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Call Steve Parks and have him head to the offices,- Anne said. She needed a negotiator for the next task.


    Raimon sent out the final designs, feeling satisfied. All that was left was to tie up a few distribution agreements, and he could finally take a breather. His bachelor pad was a disaster, so he called for an express cleaning service. Then, he hopped into his car adorned with a Batman logo and headed out for pizza. Despite eating less, his anxiety remained, and he often channeled it into playing on Wall Street, an addictive pursuit. He also explored other ventures, like navigating CFDs without losing everything��something he managed to pull off��or trading currencies through minute-long operations and dabbling in options. Screwing people over was a regular pastime.


    He managed Billy��s account along with his own, earning $50,000 daily for himself and $500,000 for Billy. Afterward, he��d unwind by playing


    Raimon was a compulsive buyer. He gifted his entire group of friends  kits and  games, expenses that easily exceeded $50,000. But it made him happy to spend the money.


    He bought a house two blocks from his mother��s in Illinois and rented it out to cover the mortgage. A pure and unabashed consumer, his home was filled with action figures, costumes, posters, and collectibles��a geek��s paradise that continued to grow. But he was content.


    -I need to buy AOL shares without the board suspecting they��re mine. Any ideas?- Raimon asked Gred, a genius who was undervalued by his superiors. Gred earned a modest $120,000 salary annually but tripled that by playing the stock market, betting small amounts and sending his winnings to his family in Pennsylvania.


    -I��ve got it. How much do you want to buy?- Gred asked.


    -Maybe around $10 million. Billy already owns a bit more, and his limit with the board is 5.5%,- Raimon replied.


    -Here��s the plan: make a contract with Billy to transfer the shares, valued at $10 million, whenever he deems fit��say, in a year or six months,- Gred explained, taking a sip of water. �CThen hire someone to buy shares on his behalf under an anonymous investment fund agreement. If you��re caught, it might be considered fraud, but who cares?-


    Gred chuckled, amused at the thought of Raimon��s boss trying to undermine the company. But he didn��t mind.


    -Thanks, I��ll think about it,- Raimon said. �CBy the way, Billy mentioned that for the next  movie, he might introduce us to the cast. Apparently, he��ll be involved, and we��ll get to meet Yoda in person. And the real king himself��Mark Hamill��will be there too.-


    Gred��s eyes lit up. The small, windowless room suddenly felt warmer as the two found camaraderie.


    ....

 511. one step away.

    August 5.


    The most extended recording session he had attended was utterly different from the usual. Scenes were repeated over and over, the director demanded twice the perfection, and the studio��s conditions and replicas were in no way simple.


    -You��re sick, �C Billy said, taking Kate��s temperature. She was completely unwell, wrapped in layers of cloth, but it wasn��t enough. Her refusal to get an injection was a bit stubborn.


    -Give me three days. If I��m not better by then, I��ll get the shot. Be a good guy and bring me some of that honey remedy you make, �C Kate said, bundled under a thick layer of blankets. She was slightly on edge, worried someone might see her in this state.


    Billy spent his days wrapping up the details of the saga. Chapter 100 had been completed the day before, fully colored, and ready to be picked up by the premium courier service for printing. If he could reach chapter 104, they could add another publication to the monthly release schedule. The current four chapters per month could become five��or he could stick to four and finish the  volumes, which initially had six planned but had stretched to ten, with volume seven already in the works. The first five volumes had launched in June, and the remaining five were scheduled for November.


    He could then focus on  and create a horror story inspired by Bram Stoker��s , envisioned as a comic set a thousand years before Dracula''s time, when demons were mere whispers, and the vampire race was just beginning. The story would trace their evolution, culminating in Dracula''s arrival and the fear he brought to the world��a terror that gripped society long before the story itself became known.


    Billy finished preparing a glass of honey mixed with orange juice and ginger, a Spanish recipe passed down from his grandmother, which he always used for cases like this.


    -Here you go, �C Billy said.


    -Thanks for the remedy��and the book. When my headache eases, I��ll read it all in one go. For now, I just want to avoid wearing myself out, �C she replied, her eyes watery.


    -It��s been selling well��12,000 copies on the first day and heading toward 50,000. Even though it��s a love story, I think some of my fans are women. That could explain the sales, �C Billy commented, noting he had only printed 100,000 copies for the first edition.


    -Give yourself some credit. I still can��t understand how you managed to convince the producers to license the rights to the novel, �C the girl said sleepily as she adjusted her position for a nap. It was mid-afternoon, an unusual time for such a long rest, but her eyes closed, and Billy shook his head, turned off the entry light, and left quietly.


    ��


    For the next nine hours, he focused entirely on perfecting the  saga. He added many details to the world, incorporating perspectives from other characters who met their ends but were given more dignified deaths and calming backstories. He even introduced new factions��besides the Bounts and the Plus, there was now a clan that forged contracts with Hollows. He polished the story into a more cohesive and expansive narrative.


    If this had been the original manga, it would have reached chapter 180 by now, partly because his comics were longer. Unlike manga��s smaller pages, Billy��s works were almost letter-sized, with about 15 extra pages per issue. His rule was always to make his series more substantial.


    The more detailed, the more engaging the series became. Many shows expanded their stories only toward the end or in sequels, like , where each chapter enriched the lore. Although some of that lore was sidelined over time, it eventually found its place. Billy could elevate the series in unpredictable ways since he knew the story inside out and kept adding layer upon layer. Everything he drew was documented in a notebook. A reviewer meticulously compiled notes on everything from main and secondary characters to plot points, building the world based on Billy��s input while asking clarifying questions.


    By nightfall, the black-and-white drawings for chapters 101, 102, and 103 were finished.


    He rested his eyes, realizing that if he kept this up, he might lose his vision and need glasses due to the strain and constant focus.


    A knock at the door drew his attention. When he opened it, there stood Monica, as stunning as ever, wearing her best dress that revealed her toned abdomen and long, tan legs.


    -With these heels, I��m almost as tall as you, �C Monica teased, standing nearly face-to-face with Billy, who was 184 cm tall��a height he had long accepted wouldn��t grow any further.


    y, you are, �C Billy replied, kissing her.


    She entered, as lively as always, but was stopped by her luggage. Two hotel staff carried her large, luxurious suitcases.


    -I asked one of your bodyguards to do some shopping. You need to improve your eating habits if you��re going to play sports or stay holed up here, �C the Italian remarked as she rummaged through the room, looking for anything to throw away. Her love for cleanliness was well-known��everything had to be spotless.


    -If you��re going to clean, do it naked, �C Billy joked, playfully slapping Monica��s rear as he adjusted his jacket. He needed to do some exercise to relieve the day��s workload. Monica frowned at the slap but said nothing, her bright eyes taking in the already pristine room, thanks to the hotel��s cleaning service.


    -I��ll join you for your workout, �C Monica offered.


    -I��m just going to jog a bit and do some basic exercises. �C


    -Let��s go. It doesn��t matter, �C she said, opening her suitcase to find something more athletic. Her slender frame was tempting to anyone, and she knew it. The way she undressed did nothing but draw his attention. She was, as always, a forbidden fruit.


    -When do your movies premiere? �C Billy asked.


    - hasn��t finished filming yet. They only recorded my scenes first due to the set schedule. I think it wraps up next month.  still has a few scenes left to shoot. I only played minor roles, �C Monica explained, slipping into a tight white shirt. �CWhere��s your co-star? �C


    -She��s sick. We��ve been filming several scenes in the water, �C Billy replied, helping her tie her shoelaces.


    They both left the hotel and headed to a small park, where they did some basic exercises using a jump rope and a chair. They worked out together in the cold, desolate Rosarito night, which was unkind to anyone outdoors. Monica, on her honeymoon-like visit, was always eager, giving Billy kisses after every completed exercise. S��arch* The N?velFire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    I''m surprised by many things about this shoot, which is one of the longest, with 120 days of production. The maximum shooting time is usually 80 days, during which the actors work every day without a break. In this case, they worked late at night, in cold conditions, were constantly getting wet, and for reasons beyond their control, errors occurred in the 1:1 scale model (i.e., actual size). Many scenes were filmed backward to give the impression that they were filming from a different position.


    Several takes were made on ga reen screen, in real life, and in controlled settings, which lengthened the process twice as much. Along with the 10 ship models in different scales, the film was indeed cinema in its purest form.

 512. sinking of the sea.

    Agosto 12.


    Billy was completely soaked, gripping the railing of a ship. He was freezing, suspended at a 90-degree angle by a harness that kept him in place. He and Kate had agreed to take on a completely daring maneuver. Kate��s hand trembled as she clung tightly, swaying with the height��34 meters above the inevitable freefall.


    -We��ll start filming in a moment. The ship will rise in slow motion, and you��ll hold onto the railing. When we call it, you��ll shift your position upward. The tilt won��t be too extreme, but you need to move quickly,- shouted the cameraman with commanding intensity.


    After three failed takes, they kept falling into the trap of being caught off guard.


    -You look frozen,- Kate said, her voice edged with concern.


    -You look like an iceberg. Even your hair looks stiff. If you kiss me, you might freeze yourself too,- Billy joked.


    -Action!-


    -Cut!-


    An hour and a half suspended on a ship��a unique way to spend the night, hanging from one end with no chance to move or do anything else.


    -I think we��ve spent too much time on this ship,- Billy muttered.


    -Apparently, that��s it for now. The director will begin shooting the water scenes tomorrow, but of course, you already knew that- Kate replied, now dressed in a simple, form-fitting dress with a large wool coat that made her appear smaller.


    -Let��s get something to eat. Monica��s making dinner.-


    ***


    For Pixar, it was a significant setback. Their software had become increasingly challenging to run on existing computers, even though those machines were dedicated exclusively to the task. It was a minor problem that often escalated into a major obstacle.


    -There��s only one thing left to do,- said Randal McArthur, slamming his hand on the table. -"We need to make a statement. We used to have the hardware, but it was sold off. Now we just need a machine powerful enough to run our software."-


    -We��ve made some operational integrity adjustments, allowing it to run, but it��s neither effective nor efficient. Billy Carson always says a company shouldn��t box itself into a specific task��it��s a long-term waste of resources,- added Ed Catmull.


    -What we all want is to improve our work. This time, we��ll revive the old operations we used to rely on,- said Alvy Ray Smith.


    -Pixar Developments.- S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A Pixar built on hardware.


    -We��ll focus on promoting graphical acceleration and improving storage, while simultaneously securing a contract with Apple. It��s a brilliant way to generate extra income through research, patents, and results,- Randal explained, his tone brimming with confidence.


    ID Software was collaborating with Autodesk to enhance RAM and develop intelligent applications for process optimization. Meanwhile, Apple aimed to revolutionize RAM, CPU systems, and overall hardware design, striving for lighter, smaller components using cutting-edge semiconductors. Microsoft pursued advancements in processors, parallel computing, and system compatibility. They knew that several companies were already developing their own graphics cards and joining this aggressive technological race.


    -Then let��s improve the technology in the way we envision. We��ll move forward with Pixar Developments,- Randal concluded.


    The best way to thrive was through constant investment��investing in even the smallest details, however seemingly insignificant, to perfect the craft. Universities, brilliant professors, dedicated workers, and curious researchers were all part of a world pushing the boundaries of innovation.


    -We��re just waiting for Billy��s approval,- John Lasseter chimed in. He was one of the few who knew Billy was acquiring 45% of Lucasfilm for $500 million, with an additional $50 million in commissions��a deal that had caught everyone��s attention.


    ...

 513.small steps

    A big project can start with a simple idea, something intangible, just a fleeting comment. In a way, that��s Pixar��s business��starting with an idea. Their strength lies in their software, but that idea eventually intertwined with Apple and the brilliant Steve Jobs. He witnessed how  shattered the North American box office, pulling in $100 million in its first week, and by the third week, surpassing $250 million, dominating the July season with sheer force and leaving August completely in its shadow. Pixar had become a heavyweight, one that Billy always avoided. Building a computer designed solely to enhance animation activities fell short of consumer expectations for a machine that could revolutionize the market. Moreover, Pixar received funding... from none other than Billy Carson��s independent company.


    -So, this is how things stand,- said Steve Jobs, sitting at a conference table with Microsoft��s COO, the head of ID Software, IBM, and Intel. Each of them brought their unique expertise to the table.


    -It��s the most ambitious project I��ve ever seen, a leap that��s going to require extensive collaboration among dedicated institutions,- remarked Graham Adrel, systems engineer and Intel��s director of systems. They weren��t just selling computers; they were manufacturers, and holding a stake in a patent during its research phase would skyrocket the company��s prospects for decades.


    For now, IBM would take a lead role in capitalizing on Caps, the previous program, and structuring the necessary components to optimize every system in a computer. Their research into semiconductors, RAM, and internal memory��supported by Apple��had already progressed rapidly, with contracts drafted within a single week. Steve Jobs managed to secure a $300 million credit line with the singular goal of realizing these ambitions. But the Pixar deal? That was a persistent headache for Billy, as it channeled substantial revenue to Pixar.


    -As an animation company, our partnership is solely aimed at ensuring our software performs at its best. We face numerous issues with processing loads, and even overheating has become a significant concern. It has, in some ways, disrupted our work, particularly the consistency of function tracking,- said Ed Catmull, who, along with Randall, was one of the key figures steering the meeting��s agenda.


    Anne observed everything with calculating eyes, a mix of frustration and resentment toward Billy, who had agreed to take on more debt after just clearing previous ones. It was another blow for their company, where the parent corporation managed and then transferred debts, relying on the success of two particularly profitable subsidiaries��Lux Animation and Lux Comics.


    -I agree,- said Anne, the linchpin of support in Billy��s world. After all, Billy only trusted Anne with the company��s finances. Every dollar Pixar earned went to an account managed by the parent company, which then allocated funds based on a meticulously planned accounting strategy. Profits, losses��everything passed through Anne, Raymond, or Billy, sometimes all three, whenever inconsistencies arose.


    As everyone exhaled deeply, John Mayer, curious about the power wielded by the woman at the forefront, noted her apparent authority over the financial matters of the companies. It was clear he lacked some critical information.


    -So, our achievements will proceed as agreed: we act as Apple��s contractors, retain patent rights after three years for our use, and take 5% as contractors, with a bonus based on gross sales percentage,- interjected John Mayer, his silver hair glinting under the room��s lights.


    -That��s correct. We��ll formalize everything with our lawyers, - Anne responded. -I��ll draft the terms and include a performance clause. There��s no point in planning for the future if we miss deadlines. Many companies are moving competitively. The Japanese, French, British, German, Korean, and Norwegian markets are growing, and their innovations yield results. Think outside the box and focus on needs. For example, the German market aims to advance industrial and business technologies, demanding diverse services.-


    -It��ll be in the contract, Anne. I��ll handle it,- Jobs replied, though his tone suggested a lingering feeling that it wouldn��t matter in the long run. He knew the caliber of the individuals in the room. Intel and IBM were giants capable of miracles��they just needed to seize the opportunities before them.


    Anne was a meticulous administrator. While not an expert in computing, she attended every major business and tech fair. She never underestimated Intel��s leadership in the market and its groundbreaking developments. Representing Lux, she wouldn��t hesitate to demand accountability, even from a president. That was why she was twice as firm.


    -Either way, it will happen. You��ll meet the objectives, earn significant profits, and our investment will be returned��one way or another,- Anne concluded. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    Billy was a little worn out. The constant flow of information left him with little time to relax, and fine-tuning the details of his comics had become an increasingly demanding task with little to no reward beyond the edits. Hiring someone else didn��t feel like an option.


    -Sweetheart,- Monica called softly, kissing the back of his neck. -It��s so late. You��ve been at this all afternoon, and it��s your day off. I hope you take a break; you do so much, and it��s not healthy. You need some peace. Want me to give you a massage? We could shower together.-


    -You��re tempting,- Billy replied as she perched on his lap and kissed him. Their lips met in a playful battle of tongues.


    -You��ve kept me cooped up in a hotel for four days. There��s nothing on TV, and you haven��t touched me in ages��so long. All this work, all these commitments, but where��s the love? Love me! A lover is meant to love, every inch of our bodies made to be kissed, she teased, taking his cheeks in her hands and laughing lightly before kneeling in front of him.


    A knock at the door shattered the intimate moment like a spell broken. Time-shifted entirely in the following seconds. She cursed in Italian, though her eyes promised that this would be resolved later. Even in her oversized white pajama shirt and workout shorts, she looked stunningly beautiful, almost unreal in her elegance.


    It was Kate, her cherubic cheeks flushed, her demeanor prim and proper��the epitome of English restraint.


    -Sorry to interrupt, but I was bored��very bored��and, well, I brought wine, thinking it might cheer you up,- Kate said, revealing the bottle she��d hidden behind her back.


    -Of course, come in. I just wrapped up my work not long ago. Though we were planning to head out,- Billy said.


    -I��d like to join,- Kate chimed in.


    Monica chuckled warmly, fetched three glasses, and began pouring. Billy rarely drank wine, and when he did, it was usually for social occasions. It didn��t matter, though��Monica knew that once he was slightly tipsy, his touch would become more insistent, something she secretly adored.


    Kate downed her first glass of wine quickly, and Monica poured another. Kate chatted about the details of Billy��s novel while Monica retreated to a corner, preferring to read in Italian over English. There was something about the language that she savored. She often had to keep a dictionary at hand, though comics were easier to follow.


    -I��m amazed by how you managed to create six complex characters and craft a story that builds from start to finish, full of remorse, subtle but powerful. It��s the kind of story that hints at characters burning under their weight, and then, bam! You create this romantic, tender atmosphere that fills me with joy,- Kate said, already on her second glass of white wine and third of red.


    -It was painful at times to give the story that identity of tragedy and romance. Making everything seem fine only to end it with such regret�� I ended up adding 100 more pages. But it was worth it,- Billy replied.


    The book had grown to a staggering 180,000 words, eventually expanding to 300,000 during drafting. It was later trimmed to 275,000 words after editing, resulting in a hefty 910-page volume��a true behemoth born from an intense focus.


    -I loved the parts with Rose and Jack. They were so subtle and romantic, and when they talked about running away together with no money, it just exploded with emotion. That should be added to the scene��it��s so romantic!- Kate exclaimed.


    -You should suggest it to Cameron. A scene like that only needs two people, but it��d be tricky after so many takes, -  Billy said.


    -When��s it coming out in Italian? I��m dying to read it now, more than anything else,- Monica interjected, eager to dive into Billy��s works, which lined the shelves in both English and Italian.


    -I don��t know when the translation will be ready, but I��ll request it. We��ve sold reasonably well. It wouldn��t hurt to add Italian, French, Portuguese, and Spanish editions, at least,- Billy replied.


    -Meanwhile, you should write more novels. You have a gift for it. Very few people can produce a novel in a month. It��s a lot of work and dedication. Some writers spend years crafting their works, but you make it look effortless and brilliant,- Kate remarked.


    By the end of the evening, Kate, now on her tenth glass of wine, was thoroughly charmed by its effects. Her rosy cheeks gave her an even more enchanting air. She tried on some of Monica��s dresses, and Monica suggested a beautiful brown one with white accents, open at the back.


    -Thanks for everything. I��ll rest a bit; I have work tomorrow,- Kate said with a laugh as she bid Monica goodbye, though Monica��s longing to love Billy still lingered.


    -My love��-


    ...

 515. pool of water.

    August 17.


    Toy Story 2" continued to dominate theaters, proving to be so exceptional that it was hailed as the animated movie of the decade, sparking countless debates. It grossed a staggering $1 billion at the box office, far surpassing any previous standards in animated film history.


    Disney��s stock dropped three points after witnessing its fledgling success with a $200 million grossing film. The triumph was so monumental that Lux Animation secured credit approvals with minimal interest rates��just 8.5% annually. It seemed like highway robbery, but the fair terms allowed Lux Animation to stay in the green with financial institutions.


    �CYou��ve broken the general rule for animation. Cinema is changing, and it��s all thanks to you,�C Cameron said, raising a glass of whiskey in congratulations. He, more than anyone, understood how rare and complex it was to reach $1 billion. Two factors made it possible: first, the film��s universal rating, appealing to all audiences; second, its ability to bring families together. If a child wanted to watch it, chances were they��d bring their parents and siblings along.


    A third key point was the nostalgia of young viewers who had seen the first installment. The sequel, with its stronger story, resonated even more with them.


    �CCheers to that. But let��s not forget this movie. It��s going to change cinema as well. It��s a remarkable film��I believe it might even surpass "Toy Story."�C Billy��s kind words lit up the room, and Cameron felt reassured. Billy didn��t just understand his creative process; his tireless attitude inspired those around him. Cameron was comforted knowing his efforts didn��t go unnoticed.


    "Toy Story 2" now ranked only behind "Jurassic Park" (1993), "Ice Age," and "Star Wars: Episode I" in the box office hierarchy.


    �CHere��s to that. Though I don��t like celebrating prematurely, I believe in your market vision. I had my doubts with my partners, but your recent moves have caught my attention. I��m prepared to offer you 30% of Digital Domain,�C Cameron said, making Billy��s eyes light up at the prospect of stepping into computer-generated effects. This new venture would completely revolutionize the films he was working on, pushing cinema closer to his vision with major franchises in the pipeline for the century��s end.


    �CRumor has it you bought Pixar at a near-laughable price,�C James remarked.


    �CIt wasn��t. It was my entire fortune at the time. I emptied my wallet, took out loans, and injected capital. I saw an opportunity and seized it. Though people say I bought it cheap, Pixar back then wasn��t even remotely recognized by the industry and had little market influence. We survived by creating commercials for brands, while our main animators worked tirelessly for their shot at something bigger.�C He took a final sip of his drink. �CWhen you planned "Titanic," you found an opportunity as a director. It��s easier in some ways, but even then, you face challenges. Now imagine entering a sector considered taboo by Disney, spending ten years on the brink of bankruptcy, and investing everything into it.�C


    James narrowed his eyes briefly before shifting the conversation to the next topic: the final scenes of "Titanic," where Jack and Rose face the last moments of their lives. S~ea??h the N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CI��ve read part of your novel, and I wasn��t expecting the depth you gave it. Jack wishing for Rose��s happiness in his final moments is utterly enchanting,�C Cameron commented.


    �CLiterature has a way of adding depth. Words create layers that can��t always be captured on film. Movies are beautiful in their way, but books allow for extended exploration of thoughts, feelings, and the consequences of actions.�C The debate naturally turned to whether books or films were better at conveying stories.


    �CI love the way you think. I��m considering adding a moment where Kate cries as she arrives in New York, rain pouring down her face. It��s poetic, and I��ve had that frame in my mind for a while,�C Cameron replied.


    ...


    Beneath the pool, Billy prepared for the immersion sequence. Each take was met with rejection from Cameron. He was shown the errors and instructed to dive deeper. The water tank wasn��t very large, but the technique required precision. Billy braced himself, exhausted from repeatedly diving and resurfacing.


    �CYou need to fall into the water as though pulled, drop backward, spin underwater... be lost momentarily, disoriented, and then rise slowly, gasping for air.�C These were the directions from the crew.


    Billy nodded wearily. After countless attempts, he finally managed to twist his body underwater, point downward, then upward, and break through the surface with force, gasping for air. They filmed two shots: one solo and another with Kate farther away to be composited later.


    The maneuver took almost thirty seconds, leaving Billy breathless. He emerged from the water, panting heavily. For now, they only needed this moment. What happened after he surfaced could wait.


    �CCut!�C


    The crew moved quickly to adjust for the next takes. Time pressed on, stretching the shoot an hour and a half longer than planned. Now, they had to shoot in the cold, providing minimal relief to extras with heaters before plunging them into the enormous pool. Even James dove into the water himself. The 25-meter-deep tank, paired with a green screen, created an expansive illusion. To perfect the scene, they planned additional shoots in other pools.


    Billy was handed a towel and sent to his trailer, where Monica was waiting with a few lights on, reading his novel in English, carefully piecing together the phrases.


    �CYou could wait for the Italian edition,�C Billy teased.


    �CI don��t want to miss the story. What if the book takes months to arrive?�C Monica replied, fully engrossed.


    �CI��ll get it to you next month, darling,�C Billy said, kissing her lips and grabbing dry clothes. He��d have to wait another hour before everyone was back in position.


    She smiled faintly, feeling appreciated.


    �CIf you make me wait too long, I might just finish it in English,�C Monica teased, running her fingers through Billy��s long hair, which now reached past his nose after six months of growing it out for the role.


    �CI have to get back to the set,�C Billy said.


    �CI��ll be here reading. Maybe I��ll nap. Come get me when you��re done.�C


    ...


    Back in position, Billy joined Kate in rehearsing their swim for the next sequence.


    �CCut!�C


    �CLet��s go again. Mind your expressions!�C

 516. billion scenes.

    Filming began at 8:00 PM. Despite all efforts, the scene started with them vanishing into the ocean. The ship had already sunk, and the cries echoed intensely from every direction, making it difficult to record. But that was the charm of these shots��the realism they conveyed, a stark contrast to the fast-paced, predictable product people often expected.


    ��


    279 EXT. OCEAN / UNDERWATER AND SURFACE


    Bodies spin and tumble��some limp like rag dolls, others spasmodically struggling, as the vortex pulls them under and twists them around.


    Jack and Rose appear among them. They barely have time to breathe before people begin clawing at them��crazed by the freezing water, 28��F, a cold so biting it��s indistinguishable from death by fire. A man pushes Rose under, trying to climb on top of her... a desperate, futile attempt to escape the water, to climb onto anything. Jack PUNCHES him repeatedly, freeing her.


    JACK: Swim, Rose, swim!


    She tries, but her strokes are less effective than his, hindered by the life jacket. They manage to break away from the group of people. Jack has to find something, anything, that will keep her out of the icy water.


    JACK: Keep swimming. Keep moving. Come on, you can do it.


    Around them, cries and groans echo��a chorus of tormented souls. Beyond that, there��s nothing but endless black water stretching to a hopeless horizon. It��s overwhelming.


    Jack strokes rhythmically, the effort keeping him from freezing solid.


    JACK: Look for something that floats. Debris... wood... anything.


    ROSE: It��s so cold.


    JACK: I know, I know. Help me. Look around.


    His words keep her focused, distracting her from the wails surrounding them. Rose scans the water, gasping for breath, barely able to think. She turns and... SCREAMS.


    A FRENCH BULLDOG suddenly appears, swimming toward her like a sea monster in the dark, its coal-black eyes wide and wild. It speeds past her, heading for Newfoundland, or so it seems.


    Beyond that, Rose spots something in the water.


    ROSE: What��s that?


    Jack sees it too, and they swim toward it together. It��s a piece of intricately carved wood. He pushes her onto it, and she slides onto her stomach. But when Jack tries to climb on, the plank tips and nearly tosses Rose back into the water. It��s clear��it��s only big enough for her. Jack clings to the side, trying to keep his upper body out of the freezing water as much as possible.


    Their breath forms clouds around them as they pant from exertion. A man swims toward them, aiming for the piece of debris. Jack warns him to stop.


    JACK: It��s only enough for her. You��ll push her under.


    The man hesitates, desperate.


    MAN: At least let me try, or I��ll die out here.


    JACK: You��ll die faster if you come closer.


    MAN: I see. Well... good luck to you then. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The man swims away, murmuring a faint "God bless you," as Jack and Rose remain, the scene capturing an unparalleled sense of presence.


    CUT.


    -It��s perfect. It��s magnificent.- James could see things falling into place. The scene had an unmatched weight of tragedy. Rose��s demeanor was exactly what he envisioned for this moment.


    Back on the set, all eyes turned to the director��s orders.


    ��


    -My God, I think I��m going to freeze to death,- Kate said, thoroughly drenched. The water wasn��t 28��F, but to her, it felt that way. After getting into the boat, she was visibly miserable.


    -You could always come back into the water,- Billy quipped.


    He was also shivering. A makeup team quickly began painting frost and varying degrees of hypothermia onto them, even giving Billy the appearance of blue lips frozen by the cold.


    -Try to keep your head out of the water, at least until the makeup sets,- one of the makeup artists��a kind woman��advised.


    -I��ll do just that.-


    James approached with a few cameras to make adjustments. The water only reached their waists, and anyone could stand, but soon both Billy and Kate would film in a much larger pool.


    -Billy, great job. You know your lines. Try to minimize your expressions and tremble slightly��you��re nailing it. Cuddle up on the plank and channel what we call ��grief.�� We��ll be filming for two hours, and we��ll likely capture most of the scene today, - Cameron directed with clarity.


    ***


    Scene 198, Take 1.


    EXT. OPEN OCEAN.


    Jack and Rose float amidst a choir of the damned. Nearby, Jack spots Chief Officer Wilde. He��s furiously blowing his whistle, knowing the sound will carry for miles.


    JACK: The boats will come back for us, Rose. Just hold on a little longer. They had to row far from the suction, but they��ll return.


    She nods faintly, his words giving her hope as she lies on the plank. She��s shivering uncontrollably, her lips blue, her teeth chattering��symptoms of the freezing cold overtaking her.


    ROSE: Thank God for you, Jack.


    People are still screaming and shouting for the lifeboats.


    WOMAN: Come back! Please! You can hear us, for God��s sake!


    MAN: Please... help us. Save a life.


    Jack and Rose float under a star-filled sky. The water is crystal clear, barely rippling. Rose sees the stars reflected in the black sea. Jack takes the waterlogged coat and tucks it tightly around her legs, rubbing her arms for warmth. His face is pale against the darkness, the faint sound of groaning surrounding them.


    ROSE: It��s going quiet.


    JACK: Just a few minutes more. It��ll take them some time to organize the boats.


    Rose doesn��t move, her gaze fixed on nothing. She knows the truth. No boats are coming. Behind Jack, she notices Chief Officer Wilde. He��s stopped moving, slumped in a life jacket, appearing almost asleep. He��s frozen to death.


    JACK: I don��t know about you, but I plan to write a strongly worded letter to White Star Line about all of this.


    She laughs weakly, her breath shaky with fear. Rose finds his eyes in the dim light.


    ROSE: I love you, Jack.


    She takes his hand.


    JACK: I won��t let go, Rose. Don��t give up. Don��t.


    ROSE: It��s so cold.


    JACK: You��re going to get through this... You��re going to live. You��ll go on and have children and watch them grow, and you��ll die an old lady, warm in your bed. Not here. Not tonight. Do you understand me?


    ROSE: I can��t feel my body.


    JACK: Rose, listen to me. Listen. Winning that ticket was the best thing that ever happened to me.


    Jack struggles to catch his breath, fighting to make her hear him.


    JACK: It brought me to you. And I��m grateful, Rose. I��m so grateful.


    His voice shakes from the cold, but it cuts straight to her heart. His gaze is unwavering��a golden moment captured in the rippling water that reflects the sea.


    JACK: You have to do me this honor... Promise me you��ll survive. That you��ll never give up... no matter what happens... no matter how hopeless it seems. Promise me now, Rose. Never let go of that promise.


    ROSE: I promise.


    JACK: I��ll never let go.


    The words touch not only Rose but also Kate, who wishes they could extend the shoot by another five months. For now, though, this is the fateful ending.


    ROSE: I promise. I��ll never let go, Jack. I��ll never let go.


    She clutches his hand, and they rest their heads together. The stillness overtakes them, broken only by the faint lapping of the water. It��s freezing, but it feels like the perfect place, not for kisses but for shared souls. They��ve danced, laughed on set, and spent afternoons watching the Olympics. Billy��s meticulous care in preparing meals lingers in her thoughts.


    CUT.


    It��s a triumphant ending.


    ��Great job.��


    Cameron, directing the scene himself for the first time in years, was captivated by the shot��a masterpiece in the making.


    Billy delivered an exceptional performance, from the soulful depth of his eyes to how he conveyed cold and discomfort through every movement. It��s a haunting sight, but one that offers an unforgettable experience.


    ....

 517. the sour taste of the passage of time.

    August 27.


    Officially, the team had completed the filming of Titanic, a process that spanned over 100 days. He had caught a cold and cough during the production, as the constant drizzles disrupted his sense of belonging. But the journey was already planned, his bags packed. Every detail of the movie reliably contained the necessary scenes for the rest of the production. For now, he had to focus on some meetings with DreamWorks Pictures, which was starting to produce its first films. Additionally, Regency Agents, with whom he had established a collaborative relationship, had approached him with two simple opportunities in film and rights acquisition. Regency wanted money, and Billy wanted to make movies to expand his library while securing roles, reproduction rights, and some profit, at least enough to be consideredinterestingt.


    -If you decide to stay in Los Angeles, don��t hesitate to call me. We can meet up and talk a bit. �C Monica said to Kate, who nodded. Kate was flying back to London that night, while they were taking a private plane with stops in Los Angeles and San Jose.


    -I��d love to sit down for tea and chat more calmly. I want to know everything about Rome. You know so much, it surprises me that Billy never talks about it. But, well, the timing never came up. I hope we can take a trip together. �C The two embraced, their usual way of showing affection since they had first met. Kate��s sweet demeanor, contrasting with her slightly nerdy nature, was always sincere and a bit nervous, despite her efforts to hide it. She had a vibe reminiscent of Winona.


    -Well, goodbye. �C Kate finally said after a while, her gaze fixed on a particular point. It all felt like just another story written down. Time passes, and one realizes that��s how it��s meant to be. Unlike others, age doesn��t make people immature. But Billy wasn��t immature��he was quiet, conservative, and a bit clumsy when it came to emotional intelligence, like an old man unsure where to properly direct himself.


    They parted ways with a brief trip to a nearby terminal with little traffic. The ride lasted less than an hour, but they arrived in the mid-afternoon. The heat was challenging, filled with a sharp, stinging sun that made you sweat the moment the humidity hit like a filter.


    Billy took a long drive that kept him stuck in traffic for some time before reaching his destination. Jim Gianopulos was there, working alongside his right-hand man. Meanwhile, he had been in contact with television production companies, which, despite being well-regarded, had a proper but competitive place in the industry. Of the 20 to 30 series released monthly, only a few managed to survive in the market. That was the gamble, and these companies often sought to solve these challenges through external funding. For instance, Billy was covering 40% of the production costs for , a figure set to rise to 50% to share costs equally with CBS. The signed contract stated that, upon its conclusion, Billy would hold near-perpetual distribution rights for his channel and exclusive internet rights��a friendly deal to justify the hefty investment over the current two seasons and a potential third.


    -I��ll wait for you at the mall, love. �C Monica said, kissing Billy as her slender steps stretched out a bit. They were in one of the most luxurious locations, with hand-painted storefronts and the finest decorations imaginable. It was just a matter of walking three or four blocks down to meet at a nearby shop.


    -See you tonight for dinner. �C


    She stepped out of the car, and Billy made his way to the entrance, meeting Jim, who was talking with Arnon Milchan. As always, Arnon wore a light suit paired with a contrasting tie, a flat smile, and rectangular glasses that seemed slightly too small due to their fit.


    -Now that you��re here, we can discuss the projects we have in mind for the upcoming seasons. We��ve started some films, but new projects constantly arise that need funding. �C Arnon said.


    -With Arnon, I��ve seen many incredible projects. From my perspective, they��re excellent and will interest you. �C Jim Gianopulos added, showcasing his expertise.


    Three films were planned for the next season: , , and . These were the ones requiring some investment from Lux Animation. Billy took a thorough look at the production formats and a summarized script that outlined all possible ideas.


    -Okay, let��s move forward. I think these three films are solid choices. Jim will adjust the budgets. �C Billy remarked. He had some familiarity with these projects and saw potential in them as Sunday afternoon movies.


    -What I��m interested in is the  project. I��d love to make that film. It��s fantastic, though I think presenting it at a foreign film festival would be a bad idea. Sundance seems like a better fit. �C Billy replied.


    -We set that project aside. �C Jim responded. �C With all the projects you had on your plate, I didn��t see time for you to tackle anything else. But we can start reviewing the script. �C


    Billy hadn��t known the film was initially intended for an international film festival. Who knows whom he had spoken with��perhaps Chuck, the novel��s author? At the Venice Festival, it was entirely booed, a moment that made history. But over time, the film gained a strong reception and became a cult classic. It��s that cult status that draws some actors, who see something and say, "I must be part of this someday." Entertainment seeks to perpetuate people in their work.


    -I��m afraid it��s better to postpone it until next year. Regency is a bit swamped with various programs right now. �C Arnon commented. He, with his recent project to establish Lionsgate Entertainment, saw a potential partnership with Billy for the project. The initial investment would be steep, but he felt it would be a worthwhile gamble.


    -No problem. Next year is fine. �C Billy replied. �C We��ve got all the time in the world. �C


    Billy hoped his role would come to light sooner rather than later, as  was slated for a late-November release.


    -One more thing: would you be willing to work with Fox to help them establish their animation studio? They recently bought one and would greatly appreciate your help in refining the details. �C Arnon proposed.


    Billy barely had time to be surprised by the sly fox sitting across from him. Arnon was skilled in business matters and had a good sense of what Fox could achieve in creating major films. After all, he was eager for the United States to enter a new era of animation.


    -I��ll do it. I don��t mind the competition. It seems reasonable to create more job opportunities for animators and those pursuing the animated arts. A new studio could foster the culture we��ve always aimed for. �C Billy replied, straightening his posture in his chair and directing a penetrating gaze at Arnon, seated just three feet away. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Opportunities come, but they also demand. Billy knew well that many of his ventures were driven by investments or connections with a distributor capable of competing internationally.


    -Great to hear. �C


    -And what will I gain from helping them? Or is this a personal favor you��re asking? �C Billy inquired.


    -It��s a personal favor. �C


    -Very well, I��ll do it. Let��s leave it at that... Between partners, certain moves are necessary. I hope what you��re asking for is worth it. �C Billy concluded. Jim Gianopulos didn��t fully understand but planned to ask later.


    ....

 518. organize.

    After a deep business conversation with Arnon Milchan, Jim Gianopulos explained everything Billy needed about relationships with multiple television networks. Jim Gianopulos was somewhat puzzled, but he also needed Billy''s required. So, they allowed us to sign the contract, and we now have our source of financing. -


    - That''s not it. The contracts with the television production company were outstanding��we earned enough in total to invest in the two films with Regency and cover the long-term contracts with CBS and NBC. We also closed a deal in Poland for Commissioner Rex, and we can secure the rights. - Jim said, rubbing his forehead. - It''s just that they asked me for a favor��they want you to appear as a special guest at next year''s Miss United States pageant. They''re looking for a fresh face alongside beautiful women, presenting the American ideal with the Golden Boy and the next most beautiful woman in America. It��s an eye-catching concept. -


    - I''ll do it, though I hope you can coordinate the event with Jim Wait. I have some doubts about my schedule for the coming days, but I''m fine with it. - Billy replied.


    - I''ll speak with Jim Waiit and the networWaitset the dates. Likely, his commitment won''t be more than a single night of pressure��we still have over a year. - Jim added.


    Now, the currency of exchange had shifted. Money was one thing, but costs were another. For some, being a presenter was a pivotal career moment.


    - Handle everything related to Atlanta. We need another production team to take charge of the fighting series project��One Piece and Bleach, along with Van Helsing. They would be produced at the Atlanta branch with a well-organized distribution of roles. We need a specialized team to handle this carefully; they��ll be responsible for the series. At least 100 new animators are required. Before that, they��ll work on smaller projects to train those rookies in animation. - Billy said, closely monitoring the development of these productions. Rachel had already contacted some animators in Japan who were seeking higher salaries and stable jobs for at least ten years. The requirement was five years of experience and intermediate English, with the expectation of achieving full fluency.


    - Six candidates from Japan��one with 17 years of industry experience, asking only for assistance relocating his family. He was laid off and has been searching for a job for a year. Along with him, six others meet the standards. In Korea, there are two, and we have two senior animators from a Disney studio. Three people from here also want to join. In total, we have 20 employees��young CalArts graduates��and two from Spain. - Anna Washington reported, deeply involved in the process. For now, the project was ambitious, and the first three months would focus on training.


    - What about the corporate expenses? How are we handling them? - Billy asked. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - The contracts require a minimum three-year commitment, but we secured a ten-year deal with incredible guarantees. Justin helped draft the contract, which was later reviewed by your father''s firm. It��s a comprehensive document that will help us maintain corporate secrecy. - Anna Washington explained.


    - Good. I need everything in order by the end of the year. - Billy instructed.


    Anna nodded, noting down several details in her agenda��everything from the children''s market strategy to the expansion of the Atlanta headquarters. Part of the facility would be dedicated to 3D animation, focusing on rapid and dynamic production for children''s series. However, with adjusted timelines, they would now prioritize only animated series. The building had only two floors, but plans were in place to expand it to six, requiring discussions with architects to refine the design.


    - Now, regarding the challenges we''ve faced with Discovery, the subscriptions have dropped slightly. However, once the new serieshitst the screens, we might see an increase. The issue is that we need to inject $30 million, which has made things difficult for now. But thanks to the success of , that��s no longer a problem... We need to strengthen our contracts with certain organizations that seem to be looking for money. If you could join some of these negotiations and lend your voice, it would help us get permission for filming. - Jim Gianopulos said after discussing matters with the Discovery board and various organizations. He was structuring the results and setting the necessary frameworks in order.


    The BBC was already doing excellent work, efficiently handling media operations through their well-oiled teitsion production unit. Many logistical issues had been resolved by subcontracting small studios.


    ***


    Arnon Milchan always received positive feedback from Jim Wait regarding Billy��s involvement. The truth was, Billy was an outstanding actor��his performance in  had been remarkable, and his recent work in  had exceeded expectations.


    - We��re more than willing��this kid is always looking for new films to work on. If there��s a good movie, he��ll be in it. - Jim Waiit said, pleased not only with a potential role but also with the confirmed one��, a secondary role Billy had secured with Steven Spielberg��s approval.


    - We��ll start filming in November. For now, Al is busy with . - Arnon Milchan replied.


    - No problem, the kid will be ready. - Jim WWaitassured, already starting to put things in motion.


    Filming for was set to begin next week at Universal Studios before moving to Hawaii for at least a month. Spielberg��s shooting style was lightning��fast and among the best in the industry. He had spoken with Billy after the premiere of , which led him to offer the role. The agreement with Billy was simple: provide enough exposure in the film industry while earning a few extra dollars.


    - You see? Just like I told you, the role is yours. It��s a schedule that will be exhausting since you��ll have a promotion in October, filming in November, and more promotions in February. And by then, I��ll be looking for another movie��shoot, wrap, and move on. - Jim Wait said.


    But participating in films earned Billy points��points that allowed him to continue acquiring new series, which always came with endless expenses. Buying series, upgrading, and perfecting his skills was no easy feat either.


    Billy Carson:


    Drawing: 39.00900


    Literature: 37.4950


    Acting: 38.0000


    Points: 450


    To reach 38 points, he needed 9,999 more. To hit 40, he required 99,999.


    �C 25 points


    �C 20 points


    �C 15 points


    �C 25 points


    �C 20 points


    �C 23 points


    �C 30 points


    �C 20 points


    �C 20 points


    �C 30 points


    �C 45 points


    His recent acquisitions were significant. He was always somewhat exhausted, and the latest purchases had drained him. Still, he was sure that by next year, he wouldn��t have to worry much about what lay ahead.


    - We��ll keep working, Jim, doing everything we can. - Billy said, taking a sip of water. In February, he would likely take on . For now, he just had to keep himself entertained.


    ...

 519. recurring day.

    September 3.


    George Lucas was pacing back and forth, trying to piece together the events that had just unfolded. Thanks to Monica��s connections, he managed to get in touch with someone who facilitated introductions in Italy, and the proposal he received left a remarkable impression on him.


    Due to the aging of the population, they were allowed to purchase a grand estate that had been abandoned for 20 years, under the condition that they would restore and renovate it along with the surrounding villa and inject funds into the area. The deal with the Italian government was sealed for �20,000, but the total investment would need to reach around �1 million. The property could not be resold, but Billy claimed it as his own. It was breathtaking��perched by a lake, surrounded by vast meadows and cultivated fields, it naturally embodied the aesthetic of the scenes they needed to film.


    -How long will it take to build the set? - asked George.


    -About a year, - replied Mauri, an Italian whose English was rough but who was the best in the field of restorations. The cost of materials seemed entirely disproportionate to him, but this had to be a luxury villa. Perhaps the town itself could be adapted into something reminiscent of Naboo. If only one family lived there and everything else was abandoned, it didn��t matter.


    -Then there��s nothing more to discuss. We��ll accept the deal, - George stated, sealing the agreement while examining the villa designs and how they would be incorporated in the coming days. Every detail had to be considered, from purchasing second-hand furniture to acquiring large tapestries. After all, the idea of  wouldn��t just fade away after three films; they were planning at least 15 more, with sequels already written for Luke and further expansions into Darth Vader��s life. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -What do you think, Steven? - George asked his friend and ideological ally, who stood nearby with his usual calm demeanor.


    -It��s a very good investment��expensive, yes, but a long-term project that aims to create a new kind of setting. It��s similar to what Paramount did with . They had a vision, but eventually sidelined it, and that��s likely why they lost many fans. Planning always takes time, and the environments we��re aiming for require just that��time, - Steven remarked.


    Thinking about the grand dome, they had built most of the sets for the original films, the new ones, and additional locations planned for the upcoming  series, which had already been discussed. The entire project was simply ambitious.


    -A similar idea. Change always finds us in ways we can��t foresee. I just hope everything turns out as it should, - Lucas commented, curious about how things would unfold in the coming months. He was signing contracts with various entities, securing characters, and facing the expensive reality of hiring actors. The production budget was reaching $100 million��excluding prior investments��pushing the total to $130 million, an astronomical sum for managing such an extensive cast, characters, sets, and filming logistics. Steven meticulously reviewed everything, taking photos as the trilogy''s director, his work defined by a minimalist precision.


    -We��ll shoot grand scenes here, but everything looks too subdued for a fantasy series of this scale, - Steven observed.


    The two men walked at a leisurely pace, adjusting their steps to match one another.


    -I heard you offered Billy a role without even having him audition, - George remarked as they descended a steep, two-meter slope.


    -I did, in fact. His talent is exceptional, and he has consistently delivered in various films. I convinced his agent that this was an opportunity to strengthen ties with Universal��a favor for a favor, settling some outstanding matters, the director responded, following George closely, lost in thought.


    -Well, I want him too. Charisma is essential for these characters who will soon take the stage, - George added. He was uncertain whether the young man would accept the role, but it wasn��t just any role��it was one that truly mattered, perhaps even one that could help satisfy a relentless hunger.


    They took a few more photos before getting into a small van parked nearby, not far from their hotel. As they rode, George made a mental note: Billy might just buy the hotel.


    ***


    In New Zealand, a young man��though not so young��was gulping down a large mug of beer, drinking eagerly from different angles, trying to cool himself with every sip. In his hands, he held a thick script, almost like a ream of paper��the script for  resting on his lap. It contained everything needed for the grand saga, a project he had been working on for quite some time.


    Anna Washington, exhausted from the long journey, arrived carrying a test��an exam on  compiled by some of Raimon��s friends. Raimon was an expert on the subject, unlike the heavyset director who had admitted it wasn��t his specialty and that he preferred  instead.


    -So, we��ll be reviewing the script. Billy is interested in producing a film, and he��s willing to invest, as long as the project is ambitious enough, Anna said, looking over the script, which she intended to have reviewed. She handed a questionnaire to Peter, who seemed taken aback.


    -You have thirty minutes, Mr. Jackson. I expect you to answer the questions within that time, Anna instructed. She already had most of the answers in her folder. If the man responded with a simple "no" to any of them, it was merely a test to gauge his knowledge on the subject and to preempt any potential conflicts with the Tolkien estate.


    -What is this? -


    -An interview, Mr. Jackson. We want to determine if you��re truly a worthy director. As a director, you need to be fully aware of every detail, Anna explained.


    Peter carefully examined the exam, pausing at some of the more complex questions. It covered everything��from maps detailing the Fellowship��s journey to the names of the great Elves, battles, fortresses, and quick-fire questions about every major event. It left him genuinely astonished.


    Anna ordered a glass of wine and waited as the man completed the test.


    -I think that��s everything�� You��ve surprised me! - Peter admitted.


    -My boss never traditionally does things, - Anna said. -I believe now you can share the rest of the information with me! -


    -Yes! Well, it��s bold, but I plan to film all three movies simultaneously, with a budget of $250 million, - Peter Jackson said, shifting in his seat at the daunting figure.


    -Then do what you have to do. The production plan must be meticulously detailed in every aspect��I expect it within four days, - Anna replied.


    -I already have it prepared. If you can accompany me to my home, my wife has been helping me with everything, - Peter Jackson offered.


    Anna nodded. They were close to confirming everything. Little did she know that Jackson had already scouted locations, taken countless photos, and created a detailed plan that seemed unreal. Few people dared to take this man��s words at face value. Anna was there out of obligation.


    But once they arrived, they met the two ambitious spouses��lovers of fantasy��who had bound their vision into pages that even Anna, despite her skepticism, could not ignore. Billy��s words resonated like two stars colliding:


    Billy had committed to with a minimum budget of $400 million. He wanted to recreate Tolkien��s world on a full scale, with fortresses and castles built inside a massive production studio akin to to create a live-action saga spanning nine films. And beyond that, he intended to use the franchise to establish a theme park.


    Now, he was meeting someone with a similar vision, though not quite as ambitious or audacious. This was the dividing line, a wake-up call for what they hoped to achieve with . They weren��t just assembling the best cast��they were reshaping it in ways that felt almost cold and calculated. It was an approach Anna had never encountered before, but now, she understood.


    ....

 520. change of plans. part 2

    After everything had been said, even by the assembly team, Steven finally decided to move forward with the jungle shoots. Given the challenges��humidity, relentless rain��it was a wise choice to relocate the shoot to the jungles of a nearby Hawaiian island, as they should have done from the start.


    -The heat is unbearable, and we have very little time to film due to the constant rain, but let��s make the most of it, - Steven told his directing and production teams, who were already planning the next steps to ensure smooth shooting.


    -Any questions?- he asked the crew. No one moved a muscle; they were all on board.


    The dedicated team began setting up water-resistant equipment in key locations, organizing the biomes, and bringing in the dinosaur��scale models that would be used for wide shots. The largest barely measured over two meters, and they even had a baby dinosaur, a toy-like prototype that would serve as a mold for several scenes.


    Hollywood was a place where models and illusions ruled. The magic of cinema lay in small modifications that made everything appear larger than life. One such model was a miniature T. rex, a reminder of how the industry thrived on these tricks.


    ��


    Billy��s arrival in Hawaii was sweltering. His trailer was far from what he expected��a large black tent, well-positioned, fully enclosed except for the open lower edges and the entrance, which was draped with a white curtain to keep the mosquitoes at bay. There was also a small wooden structure with a short front wall for privacy��a compact 4x4 space. There were at least six similar setups for the lead actors, while the stunt doubles slept on a boat, sharing bunk beds.


    Billy set up his drafting table, preparing to work on his upcoming projects��delivering , , and . He already had the scripts; now, it was just a matter of executing the visuals. Unlike manga, these projects didn��t require major modifications.


    It was mostly about adaptation and adding details that connected the films and their sequels. For example,  was already slated for release next year. Though production might take longer, by June or July, the film would be completed, with only final touches left.


    -It��s not as glamorous as I imagined,- Monica admitted. The island had two sides��one well-known and picturesque, and the other, hidden and far less inviting. She stretched, turned on the radio to add some warmth to the space, then kicked off her sandals and sprawled out on the double bed. Taking a deep breath, she quickly drifted into sleep.


    Billy, meanwhile, finished sketching the drafts for  and , which needed to be delivered when Pixar resumed work in October. He then moved on to storyboarding , , and .


    Once he wrapped up, he grabbed his coat and headed out to shoot his scene. It was an exhausting process, but that was just how things were��quick shots while pretending to be drenched in the rain.


    -Is everyone ready?- Steven��s assistant called out. The actors were gradually arriving, and the crew was already in position.


    Scene 4.


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    ��


    He returned soaked, exhausted, and covered in mud. He wiped himself down in the designated area, peeling off his drenched gear.  he thought bitterly. His previous shoots had all been rain-heavy��a genuine nuisance.


    -Great work,- Billy told a crew member. Despite all the obstacles, they had pulled off stunning shots in record time. That��s what held them together��a seasoned team with years of experience.


    He sorted out his clothes and retreated to his cabin, where a much-needed moment of peace awaited him. It was late��well past midnight.


    Monica instinctively curled up against him, seeking warmth in a way he had grown used to.


    Tomorrow, he��d have to get back to organizing the next round of .


    ...

 521. Frugality.

    September 24.


    The filming of  continued at a slower pace than what was ideal for a production, but every detail was completed. The important thing was that they were at the final stretch of the shoot, being chased by two massive Tyrannosaurus Rexes in the jungle. This time, the rain poured down on the entire cast like torrents from a relentless storm.


    Billy felt a new kind of irritation as mosquitoes bit at his skin. He took a deep breath while everyone around him was slightly anxious at the sight of the fantasy coming to life��the dinosaurs.


    - It��s the funniest thing when a dinosaur tries to lick you, - Vanessa Lee remarked.


    - Well, that��s not for science to decide. That��s up to the production team. Maybe they want to add that extra touch of fear,- Julianne Moore commented.


    Much younger than he remembered, her cheeks were flushed, and her dark red hair, under the light, gleamed a striking crimson. She carried herself with serene grace.


    - We survived till the end, - Julianne said, clapping hands with the other girls as they played a hand game��a preferred way to keep the younger girl entertained. Julianne had a knack for keeping her focused enough to ensure she stayed engaged for the next scene.


    They couldn��t change out of their wet clothes to maintain continuity, a crucial aspect in the immersive nature of the film. They had to run through what remained of a small set from the previous movie. Apparently, both Steven Spielberg and Billy had envisioned a trilogy��like ��but in 1993, the idea had been completely rejected. The decision had deeply frustrated Spielberg, who scrapped the project and left the abandoned set on the nearby Hawaiian island, which had originally been built for the planned trilogy.


    After the so-called , which still brought in over a billion dollars at the box office��let alone the merchandising profits, which multiplied that figure tenfold��Universal was scrambling to course-correct. They wanted the sequel to be done with absolute diligence. But the old fox wouldn��t budge; Spielberg had only one demand��that they help him establish DreamWorks in collaboration.


    Once studio head Meyer accepted the deal, Spielberg was moved by the gesture and set everything in motion for . He assembled his teams and pushed the production forward as quickly as possible, even as  had already started filming��a movie Billy was also involved in, splitting his investment between DreamWorks and the project.


    - How ridiculous is that? - the girl laughed. - I mean, what a massive tongue! Do dinosaurs even have tongues, or is that just our imagination? Well, it doesn��t matter��I think I��ll get some rest. - She took a sip of water and grabbed a few biscuits.


    Across the room, Billy took a deep breath while Monica flipped through one of his books. This time, she was engrossed in , holding the Italian edition, her avid reader��s curiosity in full swing.


    - Next week, we��ll be filming some scenes in Los Angeles. We just need to wrap things up here, then we can head to San Jose and relax. I want us to go to a barbecue and sleep all day, - Billy said to Monica. She was still absorbed in her book but looked up and nodded.


    - I had to go to Italy. -


    - Now, your time is with me. You��ll go later. I��ll come with you��I have business to handle at the company, and I need you by my side, - Billy said, kissing her lips softly. She smiled slightly in agreement.


    - Now, let me read my book, - Monica replied.


    - I thought you wanted to know about your birthday present. But now I fear I was mistaken��what a shame. -


    She tried to stop him, but in doing so, nearly toppled off the chair she was sitting in. Billy smirked and winked at her before heading back to set.


    Scene 45, Take 2.


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    - Cut! -


    Billy sat down off to the side, waiting while the others continued their action sequences. He took a moment to catch his breath. The shoot had taken far longer than expected due to various technical models. Stunt doubles handled the more dangerous shots, while the actors only participated in specific close-ups.


    The scenes were spectacular. Each take was meticulously planned, with the production team executing flawless work. The animatronic dinosaur heads, the way glass shattered, the masterful use of camera angles��it was all crafted to perfection.


    Billy watched the finished takes and pondered about what truly made a show exceptional.  came to mind for one simple reason: it aimed to make every detail as cinematic as possible. If he wanted to establish Netflix, this was the way to do it��by ensuring impeccable execution. It wasn��t just about production; it was about performance. That level of control required relentless effort.


    And yet, when it came to television, he still believed HBO delivered better quality. But Netflix? Netflix had the advantage in sheer volume and long-term development.


    A tricky balance, no doubt.


    ...

 522. Animations.

    September 29.


    Billy was in San Jose, escaping Monica��s marital grip while she had a girls'' day with Winona and Sophie Marceau, a close friend of both. They had taken a vacation together. It was always interesting how the circle of women shifted with such strange and random frequency. But this time, they were the guests, spending the day in the finest venues and dining at the best restaurants.


    Billy was busy in multiple ways, but reviewing new projects, ideas, and the sheer madness of the characters, each brought to life by animators who poured love into their designs and creations, was invigorating.


    - So, what do we have to do? - he asked.


    What was the pressing matter? Simple. He had to visit Lux Animation to see what was new��how the series was progressing, the latest publications from Lux Animation, which provided a versatile update on their activities. Many animated children''s series have landed in the recently acquired Lyrick Studios and Hit Studios, both of which are integral to the animation industry. Lux Kids, in particular, has become a captivating channel in many ways.


    - Now that you''re here, the creative side is crucial. Review the planning and our future innovation projects, and confirm whether we��re on the right track. And of course, check in with Lux Comics, which is currently working on Men in Black and Star Wars. It��s a small team, but they know what they��re doing�� for now, they��re expecting you at Lux Animation. - Anne informed him.


    - I��ll take care of it then. - Billy said, walking towards Anne. Two months ago, he had bought a necklace of large pearls that he had been meaning to put on her��things had to be done a certain way.


    He adjusted her hair; she was so nervous she was on the verge of hyperventilating, fearing Billy would do something indecent. She pressed her back against the chair, but he simply arranged her hair and placed the necklace around her neck. S��arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - A gift for you. - Billy said. - You��ll be shopping for expensive lingerie for our meeting in five days. For now, I��ll focus on Monica��s birthday. I��ve scheduled a meeting��apparently, we��ve secured the rights to The Grinch from Audrey Storm, along with her stories, for $8 million, plus 1% of box office revenue and a 5% merchandise deal. But it��s ours, on the condition that we build a children��s amusement park near her hometown. You have a meeting with the city, which our good friend Bill helped arrange. Monica saw the paperwork this morning and complained, but no one says no to the government. We��ll inject $1 million into each sector��health services, education, security, and infrastructure restoration��but we��ll keep Lux Animation alive in multiple ways. We can make all the necessary adjustments to the park in the great location we secured, set up our comic store, and reinforce the image of our franchises. I also want to create space for Pok��mon and some of our other characters. -


    - So, you��ll be using public space to boost our sales. How much will this cost us? It seems a bit questionable, but you��re the boss. - Anne remarked, blushing, now slightly nervous.


    - Yes. Alright, I��ll prepare for the trip tomorrow morning. I��ll meet with the right people to sign the agreements and review the commitments. - Anne responded.


    - The family was tricky, and it gave me a few headaches. However, I played to their tastes with the right promises. After watching Toy Story 2, they agreed to every single term, like butter. - Billy sighed deeply. Now that they had the rights, the next step was negotiating with Universal to do something similar, extracting as much financial benefit as possible. But he was confident that just  alone would ensure a return on investment, becoming a permanent fixture in their library alongside other potential animated projects like , , , and others yet to find their place.


    - We need scripts. Check with the Writers Guild to see if there are any available screenwriters. If not, talk to some of our own who can at least develop an animated feature, except for The Grinch and The Lorax. - Billy directed. He wanted to see how much could be refined in the upcoming scenes; there were many ways to improve.


    - We��ll organize everything. I��ll see what can be done, but throw the ball to Lux Animation��they��ll do the work for free. Let��s wait three years and see what comes of it. You��ll handle the rest, as always. - Anne stated.


    Billy carefully reviewed the innovation plans, crossing out numerous ineffective ideas for now and streamlining the process. He had a clear vision for his company. For now, he would focus solely on web pages to enhance children''s projects, though he was waiting on a few companies to help finalize these simpler aspects.


    When he stepped onto the production floor, the place was in complete chaos. Everyone was so absorbed in their work that they seemed lost, immersed in the madness of their creations. Billy couldn''t turn away��after all, he didn��t know when he��d be back here.


    The team immediately lit up upon seeing him. After all, he was the one who made their dreams a reality without bureaucratic hurdles. Each of them was brilliant in their way.


    - I��m here for the day. If you��ve finished everything, bring me the complete package. If not, you can come to see me��I��ll be in the meeting room. Each of you gets fifteen minutes. Take a number, go one at a time, and once everyone��s had their turn, we��ll do another round��though I doubt we��ll need to. There are too many of you. But we��ll do what we can. - Billy announced.


    For now, he was only meeting with the series teams. The film teams worked separately, forming groups of ten to build teams of fifty. Two groups were enough for the current workload.


    This day was dedicated to creators and those with ideas to discuss��about 25 people, with a six-hour window. One by one, they presented their projects. It was morning when they started; now it was afternoon, and Billy was growing tired. But he still had to go over the projects on the table. The anticipation in the room was palpable��every team had a role to play. The bulk of the film production was nearing completion, though they still had a virtual gap to close.


    - This is a really good series. - Billy remarked, examining a new concept with a minimalist yet intricate style, reminiscent of a dramatic film or a virtual tragedy involving multiple characters.


    - It��s called . - James Linkes introduced, presenting a deeply emotional design, filled with raw human sentiment.


    - Work on the story a bit more. We don��t have a solid beginning or end yet, but we need to pull out key morals or deeply moving life moments��something that truly connects with people. - Billy suggested refining some of the artwork. The script��s length made it evident that this kind of story would fit well in a 12-episode series.


    - Each story should focus on a specific theme. - James replied, pursing his lips.


    - Twelve short films within one project. We want the animation to last for a long time��refine every pixel, and we��ll have a masterpiece. - Billy said, taking in the rest of the team''s feedback.


    ...

 523. birthday coat.

    Billy didn''t have to wait long before the women, who had spent their day shopping, enjoying the spa, and dining, arrived at his 150-square-meter duplex apartment. A chef, hired for three days to prepare the finest dishes, was already waiting. As it was dinnertime, he placed a menu on the table. At the same time, the oven finished baking a cheese and basil pizza alongside another topped with cheese, tomato, and pepperoni��twelve slices, perfect for indulging throughout the night. Later, they would head to a party aboard the yacht , Billy''s birthday gift��a sleek, state-of-the-art, 40-meter vessel, one of the finest on the market. It was brand new, secured through Raimon, who pulled some strings to help the nephew of a bank that dealt in luxury yachts. Though Raimon paid $3 million, the purchase was signed under Monica��s name. Billy had merely given his approval��this was simply how the world of the wealthy operated. sea??h th�� N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three women��Winona, Sophie Marceau, and Monica��wore exhaustion on their faces after months of work. Each of them was starting to nod off.


    -They have an excellent massage service, but their sauna is a total failure, - Sophie remarked.


    -Tell that to the owner. -


    Sophie laughed, Monica raised an eyebrow, and Winona chuckled as well. There was something oddly dry in her tone��almost sarcastic.


    -The hotel belongs to Billy. He bought 40% of it alongside some businessman I can''t recall, and sometimes he tells me to use all the services, rate everything, and point out any flaws. He completely relies on my critiques to make improvements. But since I''m demanding, he has a lot to work on. -


    -It stops being funny when someone buys up every decent place around and never bothers to mention it, - Monica said.


    -He''s ��but being so young, he must be full of energy, in business, in love, in bed... Does he have lovers? - Sophie asked, making Monica purse her lips and nod slightly. Sophie poured herself a glass of wine. Winona opened her mouth to say something, but Sophie handed her a glass as well��her usual way of silencing her. Winona took a sip.


    -Honestly, it��s just a suspicion, but I haven��t found any proof. Maybe some of his co-stars, but it doesn��t matter. Sometimes I think it��s just my imagination. If he is, he hides it well. At the end of the day, I get the respect I deserve, - Monica said. - I think it��s best if we forget about it. If we can set this aside, that would be ideal. -


    Sophie nodded, sensing Monica��s reluctance to dwell on the subject. Fear, perhaps? The unspoken desire to deny even the possibility, just to avoid getting hurt. A true contradiction.


    -I want one of those shrimp pastas, - Winona said, steering the conversation in a new direction.


    -Oh dear, we completely forgot to order food,- their hostess remarked.


    She picked up the small menu as the chef��a man in his early forties, with a slight belly��stood there, utterly perplexed by his job that evening. Serving three stunning women while awaiting their verdict, which would determine his pay grade for the day.


    He moved swiftly, arranging his tools to ensure the best possible results.


    ��


    The women didn��t rush to get ready. Instead, they gathered for a small pre-party, listening to music, unwinding, and dancing while sipping wine. By 11 p.m., Billy stepped into the apartment in his usual business attire��a tailored navy-blue two-piece suit, a red tie, polished brown leather shoes, and his hair neatly combed.


    As he entered, he saw Monica, her cheeks flushed. She looked radiant, exuding a certain magnetic charm. The moment he closed the door, she approached him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and pressed a deep, warm kiss to his lips, which he eagerly returned.


    -My love, the chef left a light pasta salad. You should eat something light before bed, - Monica said, her voice dripping with warmth. She clung to him, running her fingers through his hair, kissing him every few moments.


    -Let me introduce you to Sophie, - Monica said.


    She led him to Sophie Marceau, who looked utterly captivating��her dress barely grazing mid-thigh, her hair damp with sweat. She was, by all definitions, a sex symbol. Monica smirked playfully before greeting Sophie with a kiss on the lips. Sophie then kissed Billy on the cheek, while Winona, suddenly flustered, simply extended a trembling hand and muttered a shy "Hello."


    -Now, eat something, my love. In an hour, you won��t be able to leave my side, - Monica teased, leading him to the kitchen.


    She reheated the pasta in a pan and quickly prepared a fresh lemonade. Her black dress, hugging her curves, paired with a crisp white apron, made for a stunning contrast.


    -Then I suppose the best thing would be for you to stick to me day and night. The farthest we should be from each other is the length of your outstretched arms, - Billy quipped.


    His deep black eyes caught the light, revealing a mesmerizing gleam��an unforgettable, almost incandescent intensity. The flickering glow in them resembled tiny dancing flames.


    -Come, eat. I��d offer you some wine, but we already drank it all, - Monica laughed.


    The only drinks left were the strong ones��whiskey, tequila��or maybe a beer. Not that it mattered.


    -It��s delicious, don��t you think? - Monica said as she perched on his lap, feeding him bite after bite.


    Billy��s half-lidded eyes observed her. She was more affectionate than usual, constantly kissing him, spooning food into his mouth, utterly devoted.


    -How was your day? - Billy asked.


    Monica simply nestled against his shoulder, pressing kisses to his neck. Like a playful kitten, she nibbled at his arm before drawing herself closer, with that delicate, practiced gesture that nearly made time stand still.


    ��


    They planned to have an intimate birthday celebration on the yacht before flying to Italy the next night to celebrate with family. But it wasn��t long before a few extra guests arrived��Uma Thurman, hand in hand with her friend Mira Sorvino, and Katherine Keener.


    -Damn, that��s a fine yacht, - Katherine Keener remarked.


    -What does a girl have to do for a man to get her one of these?- Uma mused, swaying her hips effortlessly. - Not even my husband got me something like this. -


    -I suppose that��s beside the point. The real charm is that he planned all this for your birthday above everything else, - Winona said.


    ...

 524. risk interests.

    October 3.


    "Killing Time" had begun its extensive development phase, almost like a reminder that in the coming weeks, Billy would have to oversee how the interviews for the project unfolded.


    -John, it''s great to see you again. - Billy greeted the author of , one of the most renowned writers of his time. His masterful storytelling and unforgettable character development had made his books favorites among lawyers, students, curious clients, private investigators, judges, or an unsuspecting third party who had stumbled into trouble. The gripping plots of John Grisham were exactly what people needed to unwind.


    I''m happy to see you, too. It''s been a fantastic year for you��I��ve seen your book sales rise, and your private initiative to create a fund for writers is truly commendable," Mr. Grisham responded, his prominent forehead lined with stress, a telltale sign of deep contemplation.


    -I enjoyed your performance in . - the man added, his tone courteous and thoughtful, quite different from what Billy had expected.


    -I hope this one won��t disappoint you either. - Billy replied, thinking about . The film premiere was less than a week away. He glanced at the poster, where he appeared much older, with a beard and makeup, yet the transformation was quite effective.


    -You should join us��we have the best contracts. One of the things that always stands out is how much more competitive we are compared to companies still fighting in outdated ways. We��re just looking to organize and promote writing across all sectors. As we reinvest all profits into the company, there��s no risk of loss. - Billy stated.


    -It won��t disappoint me. I��ve already seen it, and I liked the film. The work was outstanding, and you managed a phenomenal portrayal of my character. Also, I can consider your offer��my contract ends in 1998. If you can secure the right to distribute all my books, I��d be willing to agree with you. - Johnny Grisham remarked.


    He shook Billy��s hand firmly as the meeting with various industry figures stretched on. It was the magic of Hollywood��an unusual, almost surreal spectacle, where people admired the extravagant and sometimes wasteful spending that often came from Lux Films. Excessive luxury was also a way to show gratitude, a common practice for behind-the-scenes favors that shaped the entertainment industry''s politics.


    Arnon had invited the enthusiasts��those who craved the same luxury, those who would likely return for future opportunities, and others who were simply there to maintain their social standing. The event had the grandeur of the Oscars.


    Billy spotted Jim Gianopulos and considered approaching him to ask about the cost of such an extravagant affair. The sheer opulence was both overwhelming and wasteful��a dazzling display of excess.


    -Billy, isn��t this magnificent? - Arnon Milchan asked, extending his arms toward the lavish ballroom filled with 300 of the industry��s biggest executives.


    -I can see that. - Billy replied.


    -We��re on the verge of signing for our new film production company, . We��ll focus on the teenage audience. It��s incredible how cinema serves as a powerful platform��one that will help us secure strategic advantages in the market. Young people are a key demographic, Arnon explained.


    -How much money are we talking about? - Billy inquired. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -A modest investment to start. I��ll take 20%, and you and my partner will split the remaining 80% equally. It��s the best way for us to do this, on our terms. - Arnon started with his usual intensity��a confidence that was both rare and unwavering.


    Billy smiled. That was all he needed to hear.


    -Maybe if we can form some ties with Regency, that would give us an extra edge. - Billy suggested.


    Arnon let out a laugh.


    -Only if you bring money to the table. That��s the only thing I ask��money on the table. Money and more money. The world runs on money, and money runs the world. -


    -How much are you asking for? - Billy asked, his tone devoid of amusement but carrying that sharp, persuasive edge he was known for.


    Arnon, however, merely chuckled, sidestepping the question with the effortless poise that came naturally when he was setting himself up for a bigger win.


    -And that��s exactly why supporting roles often go to veteran actors. A strong supporting role can captivate audiences with just a few powerful moments��it doesn��t require extensive memorization, and the workload is significantly lighter. - Arnon remarked.


    -I see your point, Arnon. - Billy replied, quickly jotting down a number on a card��the company��s valuation, a figure carefully calculated based on the library''s worth and 20% of the business.


    Billy continued through the event and soon encountered Charlize Theron. She greeted him with a kiss and whispered in his ear.


    -Thanks to you, I got the role. So you can take me if you want. -


    She laughed as she caught Billy��s momentary look of surprise. With Charlize, everything was like this��playful, flirtatious interactions. The press snapped a few pictures, capturing a rather suggestive pose as Billy held her just below the small of her back.


    Before he could respond, two familiar figures approached��The Wachowski siblings. They carried a script, one that, as Billy skimmed through it, was practically indecipherable. He now understood why it had faced so many rejections.


    ***


    had finally wrapped up its season, and Al Pacino was in his element. He loved this new wave of young actors��brilliant, full of promise. The film industry was at its peak.


    The script for  was in his hands. It was a masterpiece. He could feel the weight of the role as he read it��the rebellious intensity required for the performance, the commanding presence his character demanded. The second read-through was even better; the layers of the character came to life, breaking through any initial hesitation.


    -This will be a full-scale production��a film that won��t be forgotten. - said Taylor Hackford, the film��s director.


    -Who are my co-stars? - Al asked.


    -Billy Carson and a young actress with exceptional talent. She��s beautiful��stunning. - Taylor responded.


    Al Pacino continued reading. The name Billy Carson struck a chord. His reputation preceded him��an actor with an uncanny ability to pick successful scripts, a filmmaker whose projects always became the talk of the industry. More than that, he was known for never failing in his ventures, for creating massive, groundbreaking productions that left even Hollywood��s most seasoned producers wary.


    It was difficult enough to be excellent in one area. Mastering three? That was almost impossible.


    -Well then, I guess I��ll just have to satisfy my curiosity. - Al Pacino remarked.


    ...

 525. Major renovations.

    The Wachowski siblings had been planning the script for months, maybe even years. In their spare time, during leisure moments, they worked on it, filling it with a sense of grandeur. Charlize was eager to see it, while Billy flipped through the pages. She was speaking with Larry Wachowski about women in cinema. The South African actress radiated joy, her dimples deepening as she smiled at the philosophy of Johan Cohen��s wife. Billy, half-listening, was surprised by the woman''s intellectual depth.


    - It��s a great idea, - Billy finally said. - But it needs refinement. The script should be purer. There��s a lot of philosophy here��we could keep that as complementary material. -


    Charlize noticed the collective sigh from the two women, who hadn��t expected such approval.


    Andy Wachowski, the more diplomatic of the two sisters, asked, "So, are you willing to invest in our film?"


    - I fully support it. However, the investment would have to begin next year. There are some logistical challenges, and the company��s investment funds are already allocated for this year. I��d be open to it if you''re willing to wait eight months. In the meantime, I can provide a modest salary to cover early production and previsualization work for each sequence��\he paused, thinking. - That is, if you��re prepared to shoot everything in a single production cycle. -


    Billy knew the script was at least 800 pages long, filled with intricate dialogues. What struck him was that it didn��t rely on grand visual set pieces��just simple yet striking imagery, shaping a reality that was something other than the truth, a world where everything was a lie.


    The sisters exchanged glances. Neither of them had expected such a swift acceptance, and oddly enough, that very approval made them uneasy.


    - I can say it''s a revolutionary idea. But first, we have a major challenge with visual effects��it will require substantial investment. Second, this is a bold new approach to the Greek myth of the cave, reimagined within virtual reality. It transcends Plato��s materialist philosophy of body and mind, incorporating elements that remind me of Asimov and William Gibson while also pulling from . I believe if you refine the script and enhance the visual design, this could be a phenomenal film�� We might not make much money, but I can already see it. - Billy commented, pulling out a pen. From memory, he sketched a machine, a power source, and the design of humans waking up��so quickly and precisely that the women at the table were astonished by his creativity.


    - That��s true, but our series is meant to critique social control��the acceptance of the self as an entity of the state, both socially and politically. We have everything you��re asking for. With more time, we could fine-tune the series to raise awareness about the manipulation of reality. - Larry added.


    - By next year, we��ll be ready for full-scale production. You can start assembling your team, scouting actors, and securing everything needed for the shoot. I��ll also look into renting a studio for the duration of filming. - Billy said.


    - To cut costs, we��re considering filming in Sydney. We plan to conduct six months of action-scene rehearsals with professional stunt performers. We haven��t chosen a lead actor yet, but we want someone fresh. - Andy Wachowski responded. She had plenty of ideas on how to reshape most of the sequences.


    - We��ll make it happen, but we need a long-term vision. If I��m going to invest in three films, we could structure it similarly to what I did with ��on a smaller scale. - Billy replied.


    - That would be incredible! For a film like this... why not have Billy direct? He��s brilliant. - Charlize said, noticing it was the second time that evening she had witnessed someone propose a series.


    - Would you be willing to take the reins? - Andy asked.


    Billy wasn��t just tied up with different series��San Jose had , Los Angeles could host , possibly in Atlanta, maybe South Bay or Torrance, somewhere along the coast where films could be made for the next twenty years. The only issue was the humidity.


    Steve Parks had taken it upon himself to handle all logistics for the  mega-studio. They were building a full-scale, Victorian-style castle for $100 million, staining the cement with pigments to mimic aged stone, laying vast stretches of concrete, and revitalizing a vacant area near a bay. Even a replica of Hogsmeade village was in the works, complete with an indoor set containing the Hogwarts Express and other crucial filming locations.


    - How much are you investing? - Johanna asked, astonished by the scale of the project.


    - At least $500 million for production. By 1999 or 2000, everything will be ready. This construction is designed as a shared creative space. We recently did something similar for ��a five-story production facility, 150 meters by 150 meters. We��re aiming for the same here. - Steve Parks explained.


    - Then I��m going to sell a lot of books. - Johanna responded, taking in the sheer scale of what was being built, including a small-scale version of different locations��Hogsmeade would be open to the public, featuring restaurants, candy stores, comic shops, and toy stores. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - You absolutely will. Billy is extremely ambitious. I hope all of this excites you��so that when you��re a billionaire, you��ll consider joining our education, sports, and arts foundations. - Steve Parks replied.


    - What other sets are you building? - Johanna asked, curious since she had only written two books so far, with one still awaiting completion.


    - For now, just the castle grounds and the village of Hogsmeade. The buildings will reflect an 1800s aesthetic, and we also plan to recreate the Weasleys�� house. - Steve Parks said.


    - Then I��ll keep writing. -


    - Billy has been reviewing your books. He wants to meet you. He recently published some young adult novels himself��you two might have a lot to discuss. - Steve Parks added.


    ....

 526. The world.

    -Would you be willing to take on this job? - Larry asked Billy, his voice echoing with a vibrant and unforgettable energy.


    -Well, it would be amazing if we could do this together, - Billy replied. Charlize widened her eyes and nodded. Billy glanced at the golden dress she wore, its rich hues illuminating her blue eyes, which sparkled like two stars. The golden highlights in her ash-blonde hair made her look even more radiant.


    -Then I think that settles it,- Larry Wachowski responded.


    -That''s right. You have my number and Jim Gianopulos'' number. I''ll talk to him when I get the chance, but having his number should be enough. - Billy jotted down the numbers on the side of the script for the sisters to use. They were far from the norm��even with their arrangements, people tended to feel a certain apprehension about approaching them and their work, which defied conventional rules.


    -We''ll work with a stable producer who will help us manage the entire production system. I''ve worked with him before, and he''ll be a great coordinator for you, - Billy added.


    -Minor details, then, - the man remarked with some wisdom. The Wachowski sisters were confident in their success��a renewed kind of excitement. Even so, they knew they couldn''t demand a set percentage yet. The salary negotiations would come later. Knowing the goldmine they had, it was wiser to invest now and reap the rewards later. Matrix was an invaluable opportunity, one that couldn''t be measured in trivial details. It was a luxury only Billy seemed to grasp. Still, he was aware that, given the sisters'' approach, they would likely negotiate with other key players in the industry. If he offered too much, they might be tempted to seek out bigger studios.


    -Well then, it''s a pleasure to be working with you,- Billy said, shaking their hands. - I imagine it must be difficult for people. -


    His face remained impassive, but inside, he was overjoyed, filled with life at the chance to be part of one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises, one that could even spawn additional spin-offs exploring the era when machines conquered humanity and the true explanations behind their purpose.


    ...


    Charlize was somewhat taken aback by how quickly Billy had accepted the script. She crossed her legs and leaned in closer, sipping her wine with great interest as she tried to get some insight out of him.


    -Why did you accept so quickly? - she finally asked. She leaned in, seeking not just an answer but the comfort of conversation. She wasn''t sure if silence suited her, but as she looked around, she realized her companion was nowhere to be seen. She felt somewhat alone at the party and had no desire to have an aging producer lurking in her corner. So she moved closer to Billy, her body language subtly flirtatious.


    -It aligns with the genre I��m looking for. After all, my company specializes in producing science fiction and fantasy series. That��s a space where I can help them work from different angles. Sometimes, all it takes is for different minds to tackle projects in ways we never expect. It��s a way to keep expanding my business��while they do the work, I take the opportunities. Even if the product isn��t finished, I can complete it myself. That��s why I never fail, - Billy answered with such confidence that Charlize blushed slightly. There was a power in his voice��something unusual, something that made her feel small in comparison. It touched on a deep-rooted insecurity she had carried for years, a lingering need to be treated with admiration, like a lady, full of love and purpose.


    -That sounds incredible. Would you teach me to see what others don��t? - Charlize asked, inching closer.


    -I don��t know, - Billy replied. S��arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hope flickered in her eyes. The idea of being seen as more than just a pretty face delighted her. She moved toward Billy with newfound enthusiasm, her emotions shifting unpredictably.


    -With conditions. Of course, I��d teach you,- Billy added.


    She lowered her gaze, resisting the urge to refuse. Wasn��t she enough as she was? What kind of conditions was he talking about? Maybe he didn��t realize it, but she knew��people were never truly kind without reason.


    -Conditions? What kind of conditions? - Charlize asked. Maybe he wanted to sleep with her. Would she be willing? She studied his face. If he wanted something in exchange, perhaps she could sacrifice something to obtain the power he held. She needed to be more than just an actress. Maybe a director, a producer, something that paid more.


    -First, you have to know the history. You can��t judge something without understanding it. You��ll watch countless films, read science fiction, fantasy, and comics. But if you want to focus on another genre, that��s up to you. Developing depth will allow you to see details that others miss. And, of course, you��ll need to familiarize yourself with the theory. This industry is tough. I believe luck plays a role in my success, but that doesn��t discount the importance of knowledge and the people around me, - Billy explained.


    -Oh, come on! Who says I haven��t studied? - Charlize replied, slightly offended by the implication that she was uneducated. She had worked harder than most to stand out.


    -Well, I think you��re looking at it the wrong way. You need to study it from the perspective of an actress, a director, or a producer��someone who understands what captivates audiences. It has to be artistic, daring, and profound while still maintaining a commercial appeal that people enjoy. It needs to be something extraordinary. If you can convince yourself from that standpoint, you��ll create films that resonate across all audiences��movies that everyone loves. That��s what you should always aim for. Studying lightly isn��t enough,- Billy said.


    -You talk like you know everything, but I��m older than you,- Charlize countered.


    -That has nothing to do with it, - Billy replied. He shifted slightly, bringing his face just two inches from hers. His presence sent a small, subtle tremor through her lips.


    -Then don��t do it. Put your own money on the line. Business is business, Charlize. When it��s your capital at stake, that��s when you��d seek an expert��someone who can see things from all the angles I just mentioned,- Billy stated.


    -I was joking. You have no sense of humor,- she teased, her hand drifting dangerously close to Billy��s leg.


    -No, you weren��t! We��re making a movie together. During that time, you can study. Pick a genre, - Billy responded.


    -Mmm�� - She thought for a moment. - I want action. There��s something about action films that feels so otherworldly. The idea of being powerful has always intrigued me,- Charlize admitted.


    ...

 527. fraudulent.

    October 6.


    Billy took a glass of wine at breakfast��one of Monica��s habits, always starting the day with at least a delicate sip. The routine had settled in, and even while working on , he never stopped juggling the countless activities he was accustomed to. Now, his days were filled with reading potential scripts, handling business details, and keeping up with the comics, which continued to be produced at such an intense pace that condensing thousands of chapters into a single volume was becoming exhausting.


    The mansion in Los Angeles felt somewhat empty. Monica had decided to stay an extra day to spend time with her mother. She was always anxious when it came to family. Billy took a deep breath as he finished his workout routine��his body had grown more rigid, yet still had a few soft spots. He needed to be in top shape if he wanted to perform well for  in March.


    Checking his schedule, he didn��t find anything new planned for the upcoming year, but he did have a meeting the next morning at six with Steve Parks and the not-so-famous-anymore J.K. Rowling. She had been insistent about speaking with him, but for Billy, the challenge was the complex idea of expanding the universe. A millennium��s worth of stories could be spun from the history of Hogwarts, and with Rowling��s help, he had once seen endless possibilities to broaden the series. But her ego had held things back. Now, without the same fame or opportunities she once had, she seemed more open to dialogue and acceptance. He could mention that he liked  and propose making comics based on the series. With that license, he could create new stories while she continued writing her own, which was now in its third installment. So far, no money had been deposited, and financial logistics had yet to be put in place.


    -What should I make for lunch? - - he mused aloud.


    The room was empty except for security. Maybe he could make some pasta with chicken, following Monica��s recipe. Perhaps some breaded chicken with cream, a little bacon, cilantro, and corn��though it was a sacrilegious combination only he needed to know about. But he needed protein to regain his strength, and what better way than through a good meal?


    He put on some music and started cooking. The housekeeping staff would be arriving the next day to tidy up, and he needed to restock supplies. Luckily, he could order everything through a delivery service that handled grocery shopping for fifty dollars, not a bad deal.


    -Great idea,- he said to himself. - I could expand the  series. If I refine the fight sequences, I could build an extra storyline, blending elements from  and giving a fresh twist. Doesn��t matter how the rest plays out. -


    It would be fantastic to keep expanding universes, working on extra projects in gaming and animation. When  went on hiatus, he could shift focus to , and also resume  for its second arc, picking up when Gon wakes up and it��s revealed that Killua was disqualified. The manga had stopped at Chapter 41, and he needed to draw another fifty for the second  arc. But with all the ongoing projects, it might not be enough��he could end up adding another twenty chapters, considering each volume contained four to five extra pages.


    His phone rang. It was Charlize. She wanted to know which action films she should immerse herself in. Billy realized this wasn��t exactly his area of expertise, and that it might be better to start with a more foundational genre��drama, romance, or maybe historical films.


    -I��ll watch a few movies now that I have time, but I think we should go over our lines for . Still, that won��t be enough. You have to  the art, - Charlize remarked.


    -Start with , , ,  (1943),  (1948),  (1952),  (1931), (1958), and . And maybe read some Charles Bukowski... By the way, where��s your place? - Billy asked.


    -On 54th.-


    -I��ll send everything to your house, with the promise that you��ll watch them. That way, in the next few days, we can have a real conversation about it. I��ll add a few more books too. - Billy said.


    -Yes, - she whispered, pleased at the idea of receiving gifts.


    ***


    Anne was organizing some packages, taking deep breaths as she thought about the new licensing deal for . From her perspective, it was a huge win. The company��s financial records were at an all-time high, though there wasn��t much money available to spend freely. At least, everything was in good shape.


    -Raimon, what��s this about expanding the gaming division? - Anne asked, looking at a proposal for a $500,000 investment in a major overhaul of their gaming company��an amount that sounded alarmingly reckless.


    -One hundred and twenty thousand will come from the gaming division itself. Plus, I can structure it so that the company remains financially stable. We need to expand our catalog to include Tor Books and upcoming game releases. We��ll be the direct distributors of everything we create and offer solid promotions during special events, ensuring a robust collection. In my view, it��s the perfect move to grow our market, - Raimon explained, going over the details. - I thought I was clear: this is a major opportunity to scale up our designs, and I��ve structured it carefully. -


    -Alright, show me your numbers,- Anne said, reviewing each aspect of the project. It was ambitious��laying out a five-year plan for doubling profits through regional tournaments and making gaming more competitive. S~ea??h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -We��ll roll out half the project first, testing its success in select locations, - Anne decided.


    Raimon nodded. With that budget allocated to just one site, he could make it twice as impactful.


    It was impressive how something so straightforward could capture fans�� attention in so many ways.  was already the biggest name in the business.


    ...

 528. scheduled papers.

    A day before the premiere ceremony of , there were several things he had to take care of. He continued his rigid and steady development of comic drafts while a small, select group handled the rest. The level of detail and Billy��s relentless work ethic put pressure on the six-person team trying to keep up with him, but they couldn��t manage, giving the young man a headache.


    The first thing he did was read some books recommended by the director. Among them were  by John Milton��a subtle masterpiece of biblical reinterpretations, violent and grotesque from different angles��and Andrew Neiderman��s novel, on which the screenplay was based. The idea was to shape himself for the role. He had to become a vain lawyer. It hadn��t been easy to go to the best law firm in Los Angeles and talk with them for a while, seeking out the best and most highly paid criminal attorney to mentor him. He had done something similar before, but that time, John Grisham��s script was structured from different angles��not from the perspective of vanity, but rather from decorum and decency.


    was the setting where the lawyer he needed would prevail��one without scruples, a liar, built to deceive. Because through deception, he could find his strongest points.


    ��Your next role is more intense than I thought. ��Monica commented as she watched him study. Normally, he read the scripts and waited for the producers to hand him the role. He would immerse himself a little, but that was it. However, now he was truly studying. Everything had changed since the . She thought that something had hooked him into cinema, feeling a growing desire to scrutinize acting more closely.


    ��This is a defining moment. I need another performance that measures up, something that raises the bar. A little more complicated than just acting. I need two films where I stand out, without distractions. This is the next one. I already have a ship; now I need a courtroom drama with a powerful performance�� Unfortunately, in , there weren��t any strong scenes for me. Don��t get me wrong��it��s a good movie, and I did a solid job, but it lacked force. Maybe I got too emotional with it. It needed something different, that intensity�� A pressure that would push me toward a great role. I need passion, and I want to achieve it. I need arrogance from the start��one that��s masked with nobility and na?vet��, only to shatter under the weight of his decisions and his strength. ��Billy said, pulling Monica into his arms and holding her tightly. sea??h th�� n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ��But let��s not talk about you. I find it curious that you haven��t been asking for roles or focusing on your next project. ��he asked, noticing she had been rather quiet.


    ��I didn��t like my last role�� I mean, I did, but now I��m worried that in the coming days, I��ll want to dedicate myself to fashion. At least for an extra two months, then I��ll commit to another movie. Though I��d prefer a series��something simple, where I can relax. Traveling somewhere else to film is a hassle. ��Monica said, stretching her arms, a bit nervous. For now, she felt somewhat constrained by Billy��s growing success. The independence she had always wanted for herself made her wonder if, given his rising stardom, it would be better to set her career aside.


    Actors�� filming schedules usually lasted around two months, at most. But if she considered the entire production timeline, it could take three to five months. With some touch-ups here and there, for example,  had started filming in October 1995 and wrapped in February 1996��a five-month process, carefully structured to hit theaters the following year in February. It was designed to make an impact. Meanwhile,  was set for release in June 1997��the start of the season.


    ��You don��t have to pressure yourself. Take all the time you need to go step by step. Watch some series, but nothing overwhelming. I��ll help you with this and your next project if it��s weighing on you. ��Billy reassured her.


    ��Yes, but�� What I mean is, I don��t want a job. I want a family. I want a child. I want children�� without marriage. Just something to hold onto. ��Monica admitted timidly. That was it��a surge of fear over how things were supposed to unfold. She was being driven by impulse.


    Billy tried to keep his expression neutral. Now, with Monica sitting on his lap and the script in his hand, he felt cornered. What a difficult decision��this was what they would call a breaking point. It was even more complicated than marriage. With marriage, a prenup would take care of things, but now�� Now, he was completely failing to see how this could turn into a major challenge.


    ��I don��t think I��m ready to have kids. ��Billy admitted, creating a distance between them that hadn��t been there before. The look in her eyes��a woman hurt��was enough to reject the idea without saying much. She didn��t respond, but she shifted uncomfortably to the side, trying not to let it show.


    ��It��s normal. Don��t worry. ��Monica said now. Billy noticed the crimson polish on her nails, trembling slightly, but she pulled her hand back, rubbing it lightly. She was nervous now. She muttered an apology before heading to the kitchen.


    ��I��ll get something to eat. ��


    ��


    In the days ahead, full immersion into the role would be necessary. The obvious thing was to step into that world and embody the image. He needed to build strength as a lawyer, something different to fill in the gaps. Sometimes, the way people hid from themselves��and everyone else��was what mattered most.


    ��I need strength. I need something beyond mere utility. ��he told himself.


    What could he do when tomorrow, he had to get ready for the premiere? This was how he was��pushing problems further down the line, avoiding responsibility, his abrasive and dazed way of refusing to face things. Because when someone tries to deny something, the way they deny it doesn��t always lead to the best decision.


    Like a plant that dries up from lack of water, breaking apart into brittle, yellowed, withered, brown, and lifeless fragments.


    It starts with a slow death. A slow death, built on the illusion of love. Was love really that hard? What happened to couples? He felt fondness, he felt desire, he felt admiration��but love? He doubted he felt that. The cynicism in his life always brushed against that feeling with a touch of pain. Never truly feeling supported, still young, his insatiable hunger made love seem almost unfair.


    But now, it was different.


    He focused on his role. On his role. To become the man who would take on the challenge before him. That was the only thing that mattered��improving for his part. What happened to the people around him?


    Fine. He needed anger, controlled force, the steady evolution of a man who turned a deaf ear��because he was a lawyer. If he pulled it off, nothing else would matter. He just wanted people to see the transformation. Weak at home, strong in his work and social interactions. That dichotomy was what made a case compelling. With his wife, he was vulnerable; with everyone else, he was strong. Not cruel��strong, with distinction.


    ��Dinner��s ready. The housekeeper left a few things. The chefs did an excellent job. We have some vacuum-sealed marinated meats and fresh vegetables we can use. ��Monica said, though her voice carried sadness.


    ��I��ll be there in a second. Give me ten minutes. ��Billy replied.


    Seizing the moment in his favor, he was just a short while away from fully developing his character.


    ...

 529. Time to Kill, Part 1.

    This is a film filled with controversy, politics, and countless decisive elements open to interpretation. One of those interpretations was the way certain states opposed racial integration, supporting the notion that men of color should have fewer opportunities and rights. It was how people distanced themselves, rejecting one another.


    Curiously, Billy didn��t arrive hand in hand with Monica. As soon as the cameras spotted him, they did their job. Billy had arrived two hours early��he needed to finalize some business with John, who was set to become the next major signing for Toor Books. He was the one who would boost book sales, his works always finding their way into the hands of unsuspecting readers. His books would always be in demand��sometimes soaring in popularity, sometimes lying dormant, waiting for their moment.


    Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest appeared.


    -Miss Rowling, it��s a pleasure to have you visit me. I must say, this is quite a surprise. - Billy remarked, shaking hands with the woman walking arm-in-arm with Steve Parks.


    -I was told you wanted to see me��the author of the major film project you��re planning for next season, they said. - Joanna replied.


    Poised and composed, her flushed cheeks betrayed her nerves, a contrast of crimson against the depth of her blue eyes.


    -Have you seen my animated films? The ones from Pixar and Lux Nation? - - Billy asked, leading her toward Johnny Griesman, who was waiting with a cup of coffee in hand. - Forgive me��this is John, and Joanna�� Joanna is a young adult fantasy writer, and John is our next big signing for Toor Books. He specializes in noir fiction, crime novels, and contemporary fiction. -


    -Pleasure to meet you. Now we��re colleagues. If you ever need anything from me, don��t hesitate to reach out. - Johnny Griesman said.


    -Thank you, that��s very kind. - Joanna replied.


    -Then, speaking frankly, I feel confident in saying that Joanna has created one of the greatest fantasy series of this decade, one that will be remembered for generations by her fans. - Billy added.


    -Sounds like you��re an incredible writer. - Johnny commented.


    -I just try to do my best. -


    -So, as we discussed, Johnny, we��ve spoken with the publishers and acquired your works. You��re now officially part of Toor Books. All we ask is that you continue making waves��your stories are remarkable. - Billy said, handing him a report on the sales statistics of his novels. - You should consider writing a trilogy, just as a trial run. Expanding your writing beyond its current limits can sometimes lead to unexpected rewards. -


    With one great author on board, the rest would follow. Pairing his work with the resurgence of dungeon and dragon-inspired books, it was only a matter of time before Warhammer would ignite a new wave of interest.


    ��


    Half an hour later, Billy was deep in conversation with Joanna about her future and what he envisioned for her series. Sear?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I don��t think you��ve fully realized it yet, but you��ve created an entire world��a world filled with signs, history, plot, expansion, and charisma. People won��t just see Harry��they��ll see the magical world itself. - Billy told her.


    She didn��t believe him, though. She had only sold 40,000 copies so far, and that had been enough for her to consider her work done.


    -You don��t believe me? Fine, let��s leave it at that. I just want you to keep writing. My idea is for us to develop a close working relationship. When the time is right, I��d love to create a comic adaptation of each book, illustrating the moments that can��t simply be imagined. - Billy continued.


    Joanne nodded. She had already seen Real, a work commissioned by Steve Parks. To her, it was the most impressive artwork she had ever come across. She watched in fascination as Billy��s talent unfolded before her.


    Billy placed five comics on the table. Joanna picked one up carefully.


    -Are these yours? - She asked, captivated by the book. Every stroke was vivid, the colors striking, each story a fantasy in its own right. - Oh! I recognize this��Van Gogh! How interesting. -


    -I like this one.- Joanna finally said, pointing to , which blended Impressionism with Realism, wrapped in a cyberpunk aesthetic of the era. The backgrounds bore Impressionist tones, while the characters were rendered in sharp realism��childlike, yet seamlessly integrated into the cyberpunk genre. A style both reminiscent of  and yet uniquely distinct.


    -We��ll use that as the foundation for the  comics. Since I��ll be the one illustrating them, they��ll sell like never before. We��ll print so many copies that our first run will have to be 10 million per volume. - Billy said. - We��ll split the profits 70/30. -


    Then, they would move on to the story of the Founders, a parallel tale about Merlin��the architect of the modern rune system��and a film about Herpo. The idea was to expand the  universe through animated films and, later, animated series.  would be restructured, condensed into earlier decades, with the sole purpose of keeping the wizarding world alive with magic.


    -That sounds fair, but what do you mean by taking on more challenges? - Joanne asked.


    -Simply doing what must be done. It��s about adding one plus one��expanding the scope of storytelling. Sometimes it pushes beyond limits, sometimes it doesn��t. That��s just how it works. -


    ��


    Monica arrived at six, as captivating as ever. She wore a dress that left her shoulders bare, her sleek black hair perfectly styled, and a bold red lipstick that stood out against the deep burgundy of her manicured nails. She was breathtaking.


    The film was set to begin in an hour, and cameras surrounded them from all sides. Billy��s allure was becoming something else entirely��drawing people in, compelling them to follow him.


    -I suppose you��ll all have to wait. I haven��t seen the film yet, but if Billy had a hand in it, I��m sure it��s been done masterfully. - Monica said, excusing herself as she navigated the sea of flashing cameras, each step leaving a trail of light that shimmered against the fabric of her gown. She was a vision��composed, poised, and unwavering. A face of stone, yet with an undeniable presence that commanded attention.


    -I don��t like it when you make me wait. - Monica whispered, wrapping her arms around Billy, who had promised to pick her up.


    -It��s impossible to see anything with this crowd. Things have been crazier than I expected. - Billy replied, pulling her close, one arm wrapped around her waist. With her heels on, they were perfectly level in height. The red was striking against her sheer black stockings.


    -You look stunning. -


    ...

 529-2. Time to kill. Part 2.

    It was a well-crafted ceremony. The cinema radiated grandeur, much of it born from the film that was mere seconds away��a story rooted in books. It begins in the least expected way: a group of white men cruising through town in a pickup truck, while in the background, a young girl carrying a grocery bag is snatched by them. To rephrase, in the small town of Clanton, Mississippi, two white men, Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard, kidnap, brutally rape, and torture a 10-year-old African American girl, Tonya Hailey. The crime sends shockwaves through the community, especially her father, Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), who seeks counsel from Jake (Billy) to understand whether the perpetrators will face consequences for their crimes.


    The scenes of Jake Brigance (Billy), a white lawyer and friend of Carl Lee, deciding to defend him trigger significant repercussions that intensify over time. Though aware the case will be grueling due to racial tensions, Jake believes in the cause and is willing to fight for justice. There��s also the ego tied to high-stakes cases, alongside the myriad complications surrounding this one.


    But the situation shifts when Carl Lee takes justice into his own hands. The emotions on display are raw: Carl Lee (Samuel L. Jackson), desperate and enraged by the legal system��s injustice, chooses to act. When the two accused men are brought to the courthouse, Carl Lee lies in wait and shoots them dead in the building��s lobby. He also wounds an officer in the process, sparking severe upheaval in the Mississippi community and, more personally, in the life of Jake Brigance, who grapples with guilt over missing critical details. Soon after, Sandra Bullock enters as a supporting actress, charming, youthful, and captivating in her physicality.


    Jake (Billy) transitions from representing a victim to becoming a defense attorney, an entirely different role. As chaos escalates, the narrative twists: characters become entangled in the community��s racial tensions, polarized protests, and violent clashes. The Ku Klux Klan resurges, threatening Jake, his family, and his legal team. Jake��s home is burned down, forcing his wife and daughter to flee town for safety��a pivotal moment that traps Jake (Billy) between a rock and a hard place, amplifying the themes of violence and oppression.


    -'' You��re doing excellent work. This film could be worthy of nominations�� I prefer it to the last one,''- whispered Monica, who was riveted by the plot��s development. The tension, paired with Billy��s performance��his face shifting between stress, panic, and reflection��delivered a warmly received, accomplished portrayal.


    -Thank you�� Though I��m not fully satisfied, it��s good to hear praise from the team, - Billy replied.


    -You��re fantastic. If only you could see what I see�� -


    -We��ll have to wait for your premiere. I��ll go see how it all turns out for you in , - Billy said to Monica, who nodded. She adjusted her dress and refocused on the screen.


    -The sequence where Jake Brigance loses his home and Ellen is briefly kidnapped, though later rescued, builds toward the trial. The trial unfolds in a charged atmosphere. Jake argues that Carl Lee was not in his right mind due to the trauma inflicted on his daughter, acting under ''temporary insanity. - The prosecutor, Rufus Buckley (Kevin Spacey), masterfully channels venomous resolve, aiming to prove premeditation.


    By all appearances, the case seems lost. During the trial, harrowing testimonies emerge, including Tonya Hailey��s account of her ordeal. It��s also revealed that the legal system would have failed to adequately punish the rapists due to racial bias. A critical blow comes when an expert witness is accused of sleeping with a minor, cornering Jake further. Yet, the defense hinges on a final, raw, and powerful testimony��a brutal truth that stirs the courtroom, eliciting murmurs of outrage and striking at precisely the right moments.


    After intense jury deliberation, Carl Lee is acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity. The verdict divides the community: some cheer the justice served, while others deem it a miscarriage. The resolution includes arrests and closures, but when Jake visits Carl Lee with his daughters, the moment lingers with unease.


    ...


    While others received accolades, a few quietly praised Billy��s stellar performance, though it was overshadowed by the plot��s dominance. For seasoned viewers, the goal isn��t to outshine but to immerse audiences in the film��s world. That��s what Arnon Michan appreciates. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -You��ll need to arrive first thing tomorrow to start filming in Florida. Time��s flown, and everything��s ready for your role, - remarked Arnon Kopelso, a familiar name? The producer behind , who, under Fincher��s advice, hired Billy. Now, he observes how Billy��s craft has evolved without losing its luster: two lead roles this year, and everyone knows no one else could embody these characters as he does. His acting prowess speaks for itself��now portraying a morally driven lawyer who, ironically, loses sight of that morality.


    Joel Schumacher, also connected to the project, initially wanted involvement. But due to the O.J. Simpson trial��s media frenzy, he stepped back, and Warner��s interest waned. Thus, the film landed at Regency, which agreed, though Billy��s salary neared $2 million to meet Pacino��s demands.


    -No problem. I��ll take the role. Tomorrow, - Billy answered succinctly. His priority was wrapping up the comic series, consuming most of his time, aiming to conclude it by Chapter 50��at least until he finishes other projects. For instance, , currently at 65 chapters, might stretch to 75, though ideally to 120 for richer storytelling.


    Juggling the series and a flood of ideas requires constant reference to guidebooks to maintain narrative coherence��a relentless effort to track additions, cuts, and improvements.


    -Then I��ll just say: good work. I hope we continue collaborating as we have, - said Arnold. A challenge, as Billy yearned for a breather. Noting how many veteran producers were retiring, he wondered if cinema��s quality might dip without fresh, skilled blood stepping in.


    -Of course. And Arnold, if possible, I��d like us to collaborate further, - Billy replied, closing the conversation to mingle��a far more lucrative endeavor than any party invitation. Sealing deals amid celebrations seemed the unspoken rule.


    He approached Monica, who was chatting with Sandra Bullock. Sandra wore a white dress paired with black heels, sheer stockings, and a black cord trailing from her exposed back to her waist like a choker.


    -We��ve got everything we need, - Monica remarked.


    ...


    Hello everyone, how are you? It''s been a while since I last left a message. It''s because I started studying a specialization in corporate law in January. Along with work and writing, I barely have time to breathe when I''m coordinating everything. I''ll be leaving work in May to take a two-month break and look for a better-paying job. I hope everyone is well and that I can finish this series in the coming months.


    I want to take Billy down the path to fame. Even though it''s not said, he has an ideal plan to continue his fame. Fame sells. It''s a game of Monopoly, with all the good ideas that arise from having future knowledge.

 530. portraits.

    The arrival was swift. He didn��t spend much time with Al Pacino, but they had to film quickly. Some scenes needed to be shot immediately, mainly due to budget constraints��getting them done as soon as possible was the priority.


    -You need to shoot a Star Wars scene, and I want it to shine both for its love story and its laser battles. - Lucas said over the phone.


    Billy had long known that trust was essential for love stories to work��two people sharing something deeper. Trust was the foundation of success, just as it had been with Kate.


    -I��ll do my best. I heard we signed a contract to develop a new software��LucasArts, Pixar, Autodesk, and CGI are creating something truly groundbreaking. Is that true? - Billy asked.


    -It��s true. We have six actors lined up to create clones. We''ll use them as the basis to generate at least six different clone models. But outfitting real actors in armor is costly. - Lucas replied.


    -Partially, yes. But if I join the project, it��s better to give space for the Clone Wars miniseries. We��ll use that to introduce Ahsoka. - Billy added. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He took an overlooked animated movie and reworked it into a ten-episode miniseries featuring the same cast, purely to satisfy the fans. This idea wouldn��t just make Ahsoka shine; it would also give Ventress, Darth Maul, and Grievous the prominence they deserved, far more than they had been given.


    -That, and the presentation of Weta Digital, has been a breath of fresh air. - Lucas responded. - How did you manage to secure a stake in their company? -


    -Money and opportunity. Money and opportunity. - Billy said with a smirk. - Along with a few well-placed incentives for a brighter future. I think you��d better ask me once I have 50% of Lucasfilm in my hands. -


    -Ohhhhh, the offer just went up to 650 million a little while ago. - Lucas laughed.


    Always looking to make more money, more than seemed possible with the sale of Lucasfilm, but the deal was structured around collaboration and growth. Billy, for his part, was eager to invest.


    -I have to go, but Lucas, I��ll do my best to meet with Natalie�� From what I understand, she��s in the middle of her exams. - Billy asked.


    -We need to talk about the arcade room! - Lucas exclaimed, completely on board with the idea. In the coming days, under Raimon��s initiative, specialized gaming spaces would open, featuring dedicated Star Wars machines. One of them was a state-of-the-art game console.


    -Talk to Raimon. I don��t have much insight into that, but we��ll take the necessary steps to make it to your liking. Some arcade distributors have shut down recently, and a few machines are available at good prices��we can use that to our advantage. - Billy replied.


    He could buy a few of those machines on request and put them to good use.


    After saying goodbye to Lucas, he entered the small production studio where he had his dressing room once again. There, he found Charlize, rocking back and forth as she read one of his comics.


    -So, how��s it going? - Billy asked.


    -You��re good. There��s no doubt about that. - Charlize commented, still absorbed in the pages.


    She was well aware that "Yu Yu Hakusho" was deeply cherished by its fans. It was one of the oldest and most discussed series, with an average of a hundred theories surrounding every detail. Each arc fueled endless speculation among enthusiasts.


    The next film from Lux Animation was "Mulan"��the story of the young woman who conquered China. It embraced simplicity while incorporating different cultural elements from China, beautifully structured through an intricate storyboard and carefully designed character concepts. The script drafts were layered with the best refinements.


    -I like this movie. - said Michel Schools, one of the finest animators in the industry, known for his work in film development.


    DreamWorks had been subcontracted, slightly increasing Mulan��s budget from 35 million to 45 million. For "Treasure Planet," it climbed to 47 million, all to ensure that these talented former animators had a full year to refine their work. This allowed the core team to split up and push each element of the film to a higher level.


    -I think "Treasure Planet" is a better film��there��s more visual potential to explore. - commented Alex Hunter, a young artist taken under the wing of James Baxter.


    Not only that, but Kristof Serrand and William Salazar had also helped refine his skills. Many of these animators had drifted away when 2D animation fell out of favor, replaced by 3D.


    For now, they were all signed under Billy��s growing vision. The traditional principles of animation remained the guiding rule, yet economic efficiency was increasingly driving production choices. Advancing technology meant that hand-painting acetate frames and large-scale illustration work were often still superior to the slow, labor-intensive 3D process, which now required more people or extended work hours.


    -We��re busy right now, but I heard Jeffrey Katzenberg has already submitted the final script for "The Prince of Egypt." They want to move forward with its release immediately. - said Samuel Goorkeust, a DreamWorks artist working on a contract basis.


    Over the years, he had contributed to various adaptations, both in television and film. Now, it was time to leave San Jose��a growing city��to head for Los Angeles.


    -There��s been talk for a while that they��re planning two consecutive films. - Alex Hunter replied.


    -I��d love to see that. -


    The Lux Animation team was eager to see what lay ahead. The studio was at a crossroads, facing two major developments. First, the addition of three new TV channels meant that series were now being produced in much greater volume. This surge in content was comparable to an explosion��keeping up with the momentum required a delicate balance of licensing, advertising, and audience loyalty.


    The studio��s success was not only tied to its shows but also to its films.


    ...


    iris. - go go dolls (sound track)

 530. proceed, risk examination.

    Curiously, the highly anticipated trailer arrived ahead of schedule��a swift teaser for , rated for all audiences. The backing of Universal and Fox played a significant role, despite the irony of aiding in the creation of their competition.


    The foundation of ''s development was rapid, showcasing a picturesque landscape. The initial sequence depicted Mulan handling horses and being prepared to fulfill her duty as a concubine, followed by a fresh scene of the Huns marching to war. Quick and sharp, the trailer��s final ten seconds featured Mulan wielding her sword, cutting her hair, and executing a striking blade movement.


    The trailer aired repeatedly across five channels available to Billy, scheduled every two hours. In some variations, Mushu was included, delivering moments of comic relief.


    -It��s perfect. A brand-new animated film from Lux Animation.- murmured Michael Eisner, utterly defeated. Though it seemed irrelevant, they had once again lost in different ways. The film��s composer was an Oscar contender, had amassed over $1 billion��the first animated film to achieve this milestone, and the highest-grossing film of all time. This turning point forced every studio to reevaluate animation, now competing to craft stories that were more intricate, weightier, and infused with a unique sense of fantastic realism.


    Billy��s approach to animation extended beyond traditional styles. He ventured into more mature, dramatic, and realistic storytelling, pushing the boundaries of the genre.


    -We have several films lined up for release this year. In Florida, we��re establishing a solid production team, but producing two films annually is still a challenge. We simply don��t have the means to sustain that pace.- responded Michael Ovitz, whose standing with the board was increasingly precarious. This time, he was unable to execute his usual strategy of strengthening the company��s business model. There were two primary obstacles: they needed a major success, and their market value couldn��t rely solely on talent acquisition.


    What they lacked was attention��fame. That was where they were being crushed. Their films had grossed between $120 million and $150 million, but that was insignificant compared to their rival, which had not only surpassed them in revenue but also in cultural impact. Children adored their films. Their presence was cemented in key markets��television, technology, hospitality��and they weren��t afraid to exploit their properties through vibrant advertisements or towering character displays in the main streets of Los Angeles, San Jose, and New York, transforming these locations into must-visit photo ops for tourists.


    -So, our main difficulties are time and money.- Eisner remarked, increasingly irritated by the word ��time.�� He suspected that Michael Ovitz failed to grasp the abyss they were approaching as a company. Their operations were stable, yet they were plummeting like shooting stars.


    -I fear that, in most cases, the risk lies in the company itself�� It was difficult to foresee such expansion. Our acquisition of ABC has somewhat fragmented our investments.- Ovitz exhaled deeply. -As for a possible solution, I believe the best approach is to replicate the model, test the waters in Korea and Japan. Their labor costs are low, and they have established animation studios. If we build a sustainable relationship, this could help us compete with Lux Animation in the long run.-


    -That won��t work.-


    Eisner dismissed the idea outright. Most films were produced domestically, and they were now venturing into live-action series��a move that directly contradicted the company��s original vision. Simply imitating their competitor wasn��t a viable path to success.


    Ovitz noted the simmering anger in Eisner��s mind, but he maintained his cold, corporate demeanor, though something about his stance seemed slightly different this time.


    The industry was growing amidst struggles and setbacks.


    Anne remained acutely aware of the tangled web of investments entangling Apple and Microsoft. Now, as third parties, they were funneling money into opportunistic firms that never ceased demanding more capital. But Anne had played her hand well, following the strategy of gradually scraping away at shares in response.


    -They underestimate the gaming industry. Still, Jobs is content with his 10%.- Anne remarked as she discussed the matter with Rachel Sanders, who managed corporate connections in Asia��a task that never exceeded her workload. The real challenge was maintaining operational control. Two companies were now generating revenue at unprecedented rates.


    -Then what��s Jobs doing with the extra earnings?- Rachel inquired.


    -Various avenues��investment promotions, technology development�� It differs across resources, but I fear we need to start pushing back. Jobs�� influence over the board needs to be curbed, yet Billy is the only one with the authority to do that. Unfortunately, he��s too engrossed in his new film franchise. I doubt he��ll be of any use until next year.- Anne admitted. S��ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rachel struggled to grasp the nuances of revenue allocation and boardroom power dynamics. Apple had repurchased the majority of its shares in scattered portions, leaving five individuals on the board with minimal ownership stakes. Billy controlled 83% of the company, while Jobs held 10%, and the remaining four members shared between 1% and 2% each. Despite this, Billy continued investing.


    -You��ll handle Jobs. That��s your responsibility now. Conduct an exhaustive review��turn time into our ally. By January, I expect you to have scrutinized every contract down to the last detail. I��ll send Anna Washington to Korea and Japan. You��re the most skilled in operations��I need you to analyze every single agreement with a magnifying glass.- Anne Hall commanded, her tone carrying a decisive authority. -One mistake, and you lower yourself in rank. I��ll personally inform Jobs that you have full jurisdiction over this matter��it��s Billy��s order.-


    -Yes, Director.-


    Rachel flipped through her notes. Apple was investing in processors, RAM enhancements, connectivity solutions, portable computing, and microchip development. The Macintosh line needed a revolution, and that was precisely what Jobs intended. But he had fast-tracked multiple projects, bridging time gaps with financial leverage and forming alliances beyond Intel, including IBM and Pixar. His goal was to develop a groundbreaking series of computers by 1996, far ahead of the current technological curve. Jobs had a keen eye for selecting the right partnerships, while Billy was planning a merger with NeXT, Jobs�� company, valued at $200 million. That, too, was another key factor in the power struggle.


    Did Anne suspect sabotage? It was her job to foresee failure. But Jobs was ambitious, and that very ambition could be the company��s downfall.


    -This job��-


    -You��re right, Rachel. You��re sharp. I want you to take a permanent leadership role at Apple. It��s a promotion. However, you��ll need to train a replacement to take over your current duties. We��re working with HR on recruitment, and we have strong candidates lined up. That brings us to the next step��do you want to choose your successor?- Anne asked.


    -Yes, Director, I��d like that.- Rachel replied, suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia. She tucked her hair behind her ear, nervously stirring her coffee, watching the contrast of dark and light swirl together. She truly loved her job as Director of Operations.


    -Good. We��ll discuss your formal appointment at Apple later. You��ll take on the role of President alongside the CEO. In some cases, you��ll share responsibilities and act as a direct advisor for your superior��s interests.- Anne stated. She had long wanted to take charge of Apple��s internal affairs. However, there was a glaring issue��handling Jobs would require at least two people. It was a daunting task. His request for an annual salary of $3 million was already a red flag.


    Even CEOs like Gianopulos only demanded compensation tied to their workload, yet Anne couldn��t ignore the ambition in his eyes.


    Was everyone in this industry making that kind of money?


    ...

 531. dressing rooms and walks of fame.

    Billy took a breath. The first scene he had to tackle was crafted to test all his acting skills from start to finish. Immersed in his role, he needed


    ��CUT.�� sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The judge nods, and the room exhales collectively. Billy��s flawless performance earns a nod from the director. Taylor Hackford watched intently, absorbing every nuance of Billy��s craft.


    ��Back to positions. We��re rolling immediately.�� Taylor Hackford called.


    Billy stayed locked into his role��methodical, immersive. Becoming the character was his pathway to authenticity. Not easy, but possible with deep breaths and relentless focus. How fascinating, he thought, to act under such pressure, molding performance through the strain of becoming someone else.��


    ....

 531. long take, part 1.

    They wrapped a shot in just an hour, covering all its different angles��a solid way to stay on top of each frame. Billy��s pacing remains steady, not the best you��ll ever see, but always reliable: precise, methodical, hitting his marks on time, synced up, no wasted movement. But now he��s added a new ingredient to his method: a habanero pepper, a raw intensity that could burn through the role itself. It��s not healthy if unchecked, but for Billy? No problem.


    - - Charlize remarked. "


    The jab might��ve landed another time, but today, Billy met it with a flat stare and cracked a faint smile, almost shy, tinged with something like an apology.


    -" Billy replied.


    We should grab drinks once we wrap. We��ve got time. They say, "At your pace, we��ll be done here in California in four days." Charlize��now sporting a perm, her curls framing lively blue eyes��was Ann, an enigma to him. Today, they still have three extra scenes to shoot in this building.


    -" Billy said.


    His mind drifted to the  draft waiting for him, alongside sketches for the new American football series��plotting a tighter, grittier overhaul to ground the story in realism.  was the blueprint, the launchpad for redefining spectacle across every franchise he touched. Now, he just needed to pave the way for hockey, tennis, volleyball...


    -" Director Taylor insisted, hungry for coverage. The actor playing Gettys had stolen the scene��s thunder.


    -" replied Andrzej Bartkowiak. He and Mark Warner manned the cameras��visible and hidden��as Billy repeated the take with unflinching intensity, then moved to the next scene.


    Five minutes later, Billy stood before a bathroom mirror.


    S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -


    Charlize, blue eyes gleaming, lingered as they prepped to reshoot. This time, Billy��s Kevin Lomax would recuse himself��casually, decisively.


    -" Charlize said.


    Billy felt the quiet admiration��his live-wire acting, subtle yet seismic, a career highlight. Now, he��d have to replicate it.


    -" he replied, grinning.


    ...

 532. long take, part 2.

    The trip for the next production shift led them to a small bar that had been rented from a local in town. Everyone gathered for a walkthrough where they would discuss how the case had been won and how they would approach the upcoming results.


    -Then I guess it��s my time to shine, - Charlize remarked.


    -I��m looking forward to it. -


    -The shot will move from right to left. Charlize, darling, try to be the opposite of the stern, reserved lawyer. You��re his ray of light. And Billy, show that contrast with Charlie��I want the relationship to stand out. She��s everything Kevin Lomax desires as a husband, as a man, and as a person. -


    Taylor Hackford preferred a slow lens, slightly delayed, with longer takes and theatrics that adjusted to the actors�� expressions. He was a traditionalist with some modern touches, but his passion for projects was undeniable��he would dedicate hours to crafting just the right feel.


    -Yes. No one will see me coming, but I��ll have Billy in the palm of my hand. -


    She laughed so effortlessly and contagiously that Taylor joined in. He didn��t have much to say to Billy��his instinct told him that some actors were better left to their own devices when it came to the role.


    Night was creeping in, but the Florida sky remained a deep blue. Sunset wouldn��t arrive until around ten, so they hurried to shoot the road scenes. She wore a lovely pastel-colored suit and did everything a woman in love was supposed to do.


    INT. FLORIDA NIGHTCLUB


    A rock-and-roll bar. Florida style. But it��s early, and the place is empty. Kevin sits at the bar with Mary Ann, two attorney friends, a reporter, and someone��s girlfriend.


    Twelve shot glasses, two rows of six. A perfect tequila shot and��


    ATTORNEY #1 (O.S.): In case we all get drunk and forget, I propose we skip the ceremonial nonsense... (raising a glass) To the best trial lawyer in Alachua County. -


    Kevin, lost in thought, watches the others drink.


    REPORTER: So, Kev, off the record��how does it feel to get a guy like Gettys through the door of reasonable doubt?


    MARY ANN: No. (Gesturing for the reporter to leave.) I already told you, we��re not talking about that damn case anymore. It��s done.�� (Turning to Kevin.) ��Right?


    Mary Ann pulls her husband close, reading to him. He has no desire to talk about problems. She pours random drinks while the group unwinds.


    KEVIN: I��ll drink to that. (As he does.)No business talk. You heard the lady��I can��t say no when she��s this persistent.


    Tequila keeps flowing as the night goes on.


    MARY ANN: Sweetheart, have another drink.


    Billy feels the liquor burn down his throat as he moves onto the dance floor, two more shots in hand. Charlize leans in and kisses him. It��s not in the script, but Billy kisses her back, holding onto her waist.


    Two extra beats, then they dance off toward a distant bar for the next take.


    INT. FLORIDA NIGHTCLUB �C MEN��S ROOM


    S~ea??h the nov��lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Taylor calls it. The cameraman is sweating, struggling to move with the rhythm of everyone shifting back and forth, capturing this vibrant display they call dancing.


    -That��s a wrap for today. I think the best thing I can say is��we did a damn good job, - Taylor says, scanning the 25-person crew. - Let��s celebrate a little. We��ve got the place rented out��we can take a break. -


    It��s 10:30 PM. They��ve spent four hours shooting in the bar, and they��re finally done.


    Billy dances with Charlize in a corner. He��s got liquor in his system, though he doesn��t show it. Charlize, on the other hand, is visibly a mess.


    Sighing deeply, they dance another round before Billy guides her to her dressing room. The blonde mumbles something about being completely drained.


    -Rest, -Billy murmurs before heading to his trailer.


    There, he finds Monica, striking in her signature look��tight jeans hugging her figure and a white shirt that leaves just enough to the imagination.


    -What are you doing here? - he asks, surprised.


    -Shut up and make love to me,- Monica sighs, throwing herself on Billy with desire.


    Her mind is flooded with thoughts of how to drive him crazy with pleasure she hasn''t yet discovered. Pulling his body closer, kissing him, licking him, she displays all her charms and the most lascivious tricks to make him succumb to temptation.


    In the end, she has him completely under her dominion, her tongue running over every part of him until the release reaches her breasts as she controls him with fellatio.


    -Dominate me, mi amor,- she whispers in Spanish, knowing it is the language Billy prefers in intimacy.


    ...

 533. papers of a model.

    Thomas Carson knew little about fast food, but his conversations with Anne had made one thing clear��the path his company needed to take lay in the quality of its burgers. Improving the product and expanding into different states, particularly cities where a franchise could thrive, was the way forward. A company of this caliber required significant support, but one certainty remained: people would love the food for its quality and taste.


    - So, what we need to do is ensure our investment targets the right locations and places where it can truly take hold. It��s not about being the cheapest option��it��s about the quality of our food. Among the places we want to establish ourselves are shopping malls in certain cities, where we��ll stand out because of our meals. However, it would be even better to invest in real estate from the ground up, allowing us to offer a service tailored to our vision. For example, we could also expand into universities, cultural centers, and even partner with bars that would share their space with us. - said Felicity Thompson.


    - So, what are you suggesting? -


    - Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey as our next expansion targets. We could use Billy��s comics to market our food, offering coupons tailored to the young audience within our reach. - Felicity replied.


    - Very well. And how will we proceed? I understand Raimon has a fantastic strategy that will help us manage risk. - Thomas commented. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Yes�� But I don��t fully grasp his ideas. Raimon plans to selectively pledge our locations as collateral to secure capital without depleting our resources. Then, we would transfer that mortgage to the newly acquired property after some time, while keeping an initially low tax rate for the first few months. In other cases, we could divide the properties into rentable spaces, generating revenue from leasing. - Felicity explained.


    - He��ll handle all those financial maneuvers? - Thomas asked, surprised by the method.


    - He will. Our profits will be limited for the next three months while we prepare the locations, but that doesn��t diminish the long-term value of the service we��re offering. The properties we acquire will be an asset. It��s similar to what Billy does in the hospitality sector��this is how Raimon has been expanding the number of available hotels. - Felicity said.


    The plan was laid out, but Thomas��s eyes widened as if he were staring at two giant screens. Raimon��s formula was simply brilliant. He had money readily available to invest in office spaces or perhaps even a small commercial property separately.


    - Raimon is the expert in these kinds of deals�� but I think we could ask for his help. I don��t know what he��s up to��he never seems to have time, yet somehow, he��s always playing board games and attending premieres. It��s odd. - Felicity remarked with a shrug as she went over the numbers.


    The small business circle wrapped up their meeting. They were gathered on the second floor of a burger joint, a 20-square-meter space that doubled as both an office and storage room, holding posters, equipment, uniforms, and minor administrative materials.


    Thomas took a deep breath. Livy was sitting at a table with their three kids, while four-and-a-half-year-old Richard Jr. munched on French fries. Meanwhile, not-so-little Claudia was absorbed in a book by ��mile Zola.


    - So, are we going to your father��s birthday? - Livy asked.


    - Of course, we are. Fries, Little Richard? - Thomas asked, placing his son on his lap.


    - Tasty. -


    - Delicious fries��no doubt about that. - Thomas said, as they discussed expanding side options and different ways to prepare fries that would enhance customer satisfaction without increasing costs.


    The family headed out to their large gray minivan, an unremarkable six-seater, but spacious enough for the whole family.


    - So, are you going to tell him? - Livy asked, referring to Claudia��s idea of taking a trip across Europe with no responsibilities.


    - What can I do? Once she��s finished university, she��s free of all obligations��just like you. -


    - Don��t do too much! - She retorted with a sharp nudge.


    - I didn��t think you��d come to humid Florida. - Billy sighed, still groggy after waking up to resume filming at 10 a.m.


    - Well, I already did my brand presentations. The commercials were easy��just a short dance for the fragrance campaigns. Prada wasted no time; they sent me a dress for Milan. They want you to come too. Now that your suit deal has stalled, Caneli put a major contract on the table, but they can��t match Brioni, who wants you as part of their brand. However, my suggestion is that you negotiate with Caneli for a stake in the company��become a partner, and position it as a luxury brand. - Monica said, adjusting his tie.


    - Sounds like a good idea, though I��m not sure what challenges I��d face as the brand ambassador for Canali. - Billy admitted. The role of Kevin still lingered on his skin, his mind wrapped around the idea of embodying a man with an explicitly direct persona. But Monica had a way of pulling him out of those rigid states with her gentle touches of love and ease.


    - Demand more. Push for a higher level of luxury in their suits so that exclusivity becomes your signature. My love, just focus on looking as effortlessly charming as always. - The Italian whispered, kissing his jawline.


    Billy nodded. When business was going well, everything seemed to move faster than necessary, almost with urgency. Every decision felt like a stepping stone toward success.


    - What��s on your mind? - Monica asked.


    - Nothing strange. Just that I never considered branding as one of my paths��fashion, making money from it. But now it opens up a new challenge. How much can I leverage a brand? How much does fashion matter? I know very little about it. - Billy said, finishing up and leaving the dressing room with Monica.


    The large production bus now had Monica aboard, looking as stunning as a nymph in a crisp white button-down shirt��unbuttoned just enough to tease��a pair of high-waisted brown slacks, and pointed heels. Her figure was temptation incarnate.


    - When is Milan? -


    - Three days��Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. - Monica answered.


    - We��ll go. A quick trip in and out. We��ll wrap up most of the scenes tomorrow. I think we��ll have time before I have to be in New York. - Billy said, knowing that sometimes scenes had to be reshot simply because they didn��t feel quite right.


    Outside, a small cart awaited to transport them through the muddy production site. Charlize was there, eating a burger, ketchup smeared on her lips, sipping a Coke through a straw.


    The two women glanced at each other but didn��t exchange a single word. Yet, their sidelong glances revealed an unspoken power struggle��subtle, distant, but undeniably present. Billy, however, remained oblivious to every trace of it. Now��


    ...

 534. animated series.

    Lux Animation tried to bring a complementary order to its animated series, but it was simply chaos. The new animated series was set to premiere at 4:00 PM San Jose time, and children were eagerly anticipating Lux Animation��s latest show. It perfectly complemented the fact that trailers for  and  were airing��both films subtly enhanced by Billy in small yet significant touches, with intense focus and refined script adjustments. The result was nearly identical films with slight changes that improved the flow of dialogues and responses. S��ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each film��s structure was developed from different angles. But creative freedom had given rise to many series before, each a massive undertaking in its own right. For Billy, seeing all the archived records in the company was a true source of pride.


    The animators anxiously awaited the moment of the joint premiere.


    Raimon was there, holding a jar of gummy candies, whispering a few words about the new  series. But now, he could only steal glances at his muse, Anna��designed to be the muse of all men.


    1991 to 1993


    1994


    (Production)


    (2D, 10-minute shorts)


    ��A studio was contracted to produce the series. $8 million was paid for 50 episodes, with an additional $2 million added to complement  and another potential original series.


    Other productions:


    Saban:  (1991�C1994).


    Structured by Saban, Billy��s acquired licenses allowed all these series to continue beyond 50 episodes. Marvel��s animated series progressed alongside , which had three seasons, each with a unique aesthetic. These were produced by Saban and distributed by Lux Animation under its brand.


    In early 1995, they acquired , based on some of Billy��s scripts, and developed it with great care.


    1995


    (Completed)


    (Gainax production)


    (KMO Productions)


    (KMO Productions)


    �C Jay Ward


    (OLM Inc. production)


    Expansions of  and , as well as new series for  and , were developed by Saban Entertainment.


    Their competition was significant, but it could still be shaken by Ronald Perelman��s reckless ventures. He had engaged in numerous initiatives from different angles, yet had completely failed to compete with the original series. Instead, he had become an unnecessary financial drain on Marvel. With Lux Comics shutting down, comic book sales had plummeted.


    Producing these series remained a difficult endeavor.


    1996


    (Produced by Pixar)


    (OLM Inc. �C In production)


    (Gainax)


    (Madhouse)


    (Lux Nation / Gainax & Madhouse �C In production)


    (OLM Inc. �C In production)


    (Production started in October 1996)


    A  series was also in the works, reimagining the monster as an undercover agent in a supernatural world, maintaining order through various missions. The show featured a loosely linear storyline incorporating urban legends and a touch of Lovecraftian mysticism. It was developed by Butch Hartman, Joe Murray, Shem Cohen, and Craig McCraig.


    Midday Orchidsfollowsd the story of gardeners and a mother struggling to provide for her children while coping with family solitude, financial struggles, and an emerging war in society.


    Meanwhile, Astronauts was a family-oriented series about a household tasked with colonizing one of Jupiter��s moons. However, an unexpected twist led them astray, forcing them to wander across the universe. The show was both an adventure and a challenge, as they encountered the wonders of space. It included astronomers and scientists who provided real-world insights into space exploration. The series was created by Greff Lomz.


    -I think it��s an incredible piece of work, Greff, - Craig commented, still slightly envious of how magnificently everything had come together. The animators agreed��the landscapes evoked  and , with more humanized spacecraft designs. Beneath it all was a gripping survival chase, viewed through the lens of a five-member family, each with unique skills and logical reasoning shaped by their knowledge of the cosmos.


    -It took us seven months to complete 15 episodes, but we still have space for another 45 that we can release gradually,- Greff added, examining the designs, which had also been partially crafted by a small group of DreamWorks animators.


    The pilot episode, , told the story of how a family of five fought for a place in space. One scene depicted a child working on mechanical repairs with his mother, while his older brother strategized flight maneuvers and conducted various scientific experiments��none of which had been seen before.


    -Then it��s a great success,- Craig said, his eyes narrowing. However, Greff��s triumph was overshadowed by three key factors that cast doubt on his achievement.


    Everyone watched as various short-form projects were developed. Each was a learning experience, an opportunity to refine their craft. The animation style echoed  in subtle ways.


    Jozz Stockton, the creator of , was utterly astonished. He felt an overwhelming sense of withdrawal, realizing how incredible it was that each individual could push their creative limits. The competition for the best series was fierce, and Greff was emerging as a formidable contender. However, Billy remained outside the debate��after all,  was one of the greatest series of all time.


    -I think we need to keep going with our series, - James Linkes muttered, slightly resentful of how masterfully everything had come together.


    The  of the industry had reached a new peak.


    Everyone took a deep breath before returning to their work. Thousands of original series, and countless resources��now requiring time, dedication, and motivation. Seeing masterpieces they could never create on their own left them both awed and frustrated. Their ambition, their desire to be recognized as future creators, kept them striving forward.


    ...

 535. capital that changes the world.

    October 13.


    The arrival in New York was essential for the next set of perpendicular shoots that required Billy to be in the Big Apple��the city built to break barriers. He also needed to review his investments, assess the growth of his investment funds, and calculate the profits he had made with Raimon. Additionally, Atlanta was on the agenda, where plans were underway to establish a production studio for the Lux Series. There was also a scheduled visit to Marvel, while simultaneously setting up another studio in Chicago��a small facility on the city''s outskirts, designed to accommodate 100 people. Though modest, given the city''s steady growth studio had room for expansion, given''s Natalie, right? �C Billy greeted the 16-year-old girl who had been waiting. Her parents stood not far away, and Billy nodded in acknowledgment, inviting them to sit with him. Natalie Portman��s father wasted no time sitting beside her, though his rigid demeanor made her visibly uncomfortable as she fidgeted with her hands.


    -It��s a pleasure to meet you. Lucas was quite insistent that we get together. �C Billy remarked, motioning for the servers to bring out some dishes.


    -I heard you''re a vegetarian. I hope you don��t mind if I have some fish. �C Billy said.


    -I didn��t know there were vegetarian options. �C Natalie replied, scanning the menu.


    -I��m friends with the manager. He can do me a small favor and prepare a vegetarian dish, though I hope it��s given the same attention as the main courses.�C Billy responded. The Paramount Hotel was his, and now it was just a matter of expanding his portfolio gradually. His next move? Acquiring The Palace, a luxury hotel near Santa Monica, along with several high-end properties in Atlanta, to solidify his hotel empire in a strategic and structured manner.


    -That��s very gracious of you, Mr. Carson.�C Natalie commented, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush, clearly surprised by the gesture.


    Billy took a sip of juice as he engaged in a long lunch with Natalie��s parents. Lucas had a clear approach when it came to these matters, ensuring both sides were aligned. After all, Natalie and Billy would soon have to develop on-screen chemistry as a couple in upcoming Star Wars films and series, a long-term project unfolding in strategic phases, with key milestones set in two-year intervals leading up to 1997. It was a fast-paced development plan, but one that couldn��t be ignored, as success was already on the horizon.


    ��


    Descending through the intersection, Billy arrived at a massive building��apparently, one of Donald Trump��s properties, temporarily loaned for production. A few adjustments had been made, and the stage was set for filming.


    Billy and Charlize were about to shoot a few scenes in a small hotel apartment. The film was gradually picking up momentum, though the shooting schedule was anything but conventional. Some scenes were filmed at dawn with a tracking camera crew, while others took place in residential areas during the afternoon. Additionally, various sequences would be shot in front of a green screen at a side studio.


    That led to this moment��Charlize standing there in an oversized shirt that barely reached mid-thigh. It was almost the only thing she was wearing, and the realization hit Billy in an instant. Without hesitation, she stepped into character. Her role intensified��her performance shifting seamlessly from joy to anguish, embodying each emotion with striking fluidity.


    Sear?h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy exhaled deeply. The small set was part of the larger production facility where they would soon begin shooting Milton��s scenes��the character rumored to be the Devil himself.


    -It��s hard for any of us to bend the rules in our favor. �C Billy muttered as he made his way to the makeup room. Behind him, Charlize let out a carefree laugh, amused by his evident nervousness. He seemed flustered, thrown off by her presence, and she enjoyed watching him struggle with it.


    They handed him a beige Canali suit, a light blue shirt, and a deep navy tie, striking in its contrast. His next stop? A conversation with Al Pacino. This was a role he wanted��one that carried weight, that could evoke fear and unease. He understood Milton��s nature, the moral dilemma at his core. The character embodied human weaknesses��desire, arrogance, corruption��reflected and magnified.


    -We��ll be ready in thirty minutes. �CA production assistant informed him. The man, fresh out of film school, was red-faced and sweating as he rushed back and forth across the set.


    -Thanks, I��ll wait. �C Billy replied, fully prepped now.


    Charlize entered, her usual rebellious gaze fixed on him. She had swapped her outfit for a pair of jeans, but she still wore the same shirt. Billy couldn��t help but notice how effortlessly she played the game��how seduction seemed second nature to her. The way she moved, the way she looked at him��it was no wonder relationships in this industry never lasted. The deception was part of the game, and relationships were constantly tested.


    -Back to work, then?�C Billy murmured, watching as she closed the distance between them.


    -We��ve got time�� just seconds. �C She teased, a glint of mischief in her eyes. She was close enough now that he could hear her breathing.


    -And what exactly are you expecting from this? �C Billy asked, locking eyes with her.


    -Stop talking nonsense.�C Charlize cut him off, pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss.


    The sensation was familiar��reminiscent of Gwyneth. Billy understood now: for women like them, persistence was just another challenge to overcome. They gave in but on their terms. It didn��t bother him, but it made him more aware of how fleeting these moments were.


    Her lips were hungry, urgent. Fortunately, her lipstick didn��t smear onto his��only the natural flush of her lips remained.


    -You have a scene to shoot��be careful. �C She whispered, grinning.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Raimon had arrived in New York. Now that Billy was back, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The numbers spoke for themselves��his efforts had paid off.


    -Then, we wait. �C Raimon told the real estate investor assisting them in acquiring luxury properties. New York was the prime target, with only a select few locations deemed worthy investments. The Plaza Hotel was under consideration, though doubts remained. But with Billy��s capital, securing it could be a major step forward.


    -We just need to stick to the plan. �C said Allen Root, the real estate expert leading the negotiations. They were also looking at purchasing buildings in key Manhattan streets for future resale. The 90s had ushered in an era of transformation, and the real estate market was no exception.


    Billy entered, visibly exhausted from the day��s shoot. He spotted Raimon in a black suit that looked almost comical on him, standing next to Allen, who was ready to guide him through his next major acquisitions.


    -Apologies for the delay, gentlemen. �C Billy said, extending his hand.


    First, he needed to conduct a thorough review of their ongoing transactions. Precision and diligence were essential for success.


    -Not at all��you��re only ten minutes late. �C Allen replied.


    Raimon, however, barely hid his frustration. The Plaza deal seemed more distant than ever, an infuriating challenge to the established rules of the game.


    ...

 536. investment shares

    The investments were in order. The coming days would present challenges, guided by a general rule of making acquisitions. The purchase of the Plaza came with other types of acquisitions, each carrying a favor in return. For example, Allen found the properties surrounding Central Park to be particularly overvalued, while he viewed Brooklyn��s real estate favorably, as it was constantly being supplied by real estate investors. These properties weren��t just recent ventures; they were part of broader corporate strategies, involving neighborhoods in Long Island, Queens, and the emerging Atlanta market. This new market was starting with significant deals��always different, always geared towards growth. However, the prevailing rule dictated that these investments would double in value, a principle that applied naturally to stocks.


    - Then buy the nearby properties. I just want to double my stake in Manhattan. Debt isn��t an issue with the wealth generated by the surrounding companies and the benefits of the real estate circle, - Billy remarked, eager to initiate all transactions in full force.


    - I��ll start gathering all the necessary information, - Allen replied, signaling the end of the conversation. Meanwhile, Raimon gave a slight nod. They would stretch the debt to unimaginable limits, leveraging the Paradise Hotels corporation to seek $200 million in debt across three banks. This debt, three times its valuation capacity, would be consolidated by Raimon for investment and tax purposes, effectively doubling the company��s benefits.


    - I��ll make the necessary arrangements for the funds to be deposited. Paradise Hotels will expand its operations for now solely to generate returns. Our current rule must be to focus exclusively on five-star properties��our only guiding principle. That��s our confidence. We can turn this into a triumph to enhance our outlook, - Raimon stated.


    ...


    - I��ve been working on stock accumulation for a long time. I��m afraid my role has been streamlined for some time now. I have significant insights into how we can improve, but I don��t think it��s necessary at the moment. With the price surge secured for 2001, I see it as the right time to double the value of our earnings. When you��re ready, we can explore some interest options at the appropriate moment. -


    Billy��s Stock Holdings:


    Coca-Cola: 769,870 shares


    WorldCom: 15,333,500 shares


    Walmart: 856,450 shares


    Home Depot: 1,843,875 shares


    McDonald��s: 530,227 shares


    General Electric: 10,287,727 shares


    Cisco Systems: 10,400,231 shares


    Intel: 9,990,000 shares


    Oracle: 11,349,345 shares // 12%


    Sony: 150,000 shares


    Microsoft: 21,345,000 shares // 9% stake


    Sun Microsystems: 5,725,000 shares


    Berkshire Hathaway: 2,235,000 shares


    AOL (America Online): 15,340,123 shares // 14% stake


    Qualcomm: 9,450,000 shares


    Nokia: 12,700,000 shares


    Lotus Development Corporation: 8,233,943 shares


    The Cheesecake Factory: 23,423,000 shares // 21% stake


    Yahoo: 15,345,000 shares


    Marvel: Sold its position for $21 million to Ronald Perelman, with a repurchase right.


    Toys.com: 1,200,000 shares + 600,000 additional shares


    Pfizer: 300,000 + 300,000 shares �C 7.23


    Amazon: 900,000 shares


    Starbucks: 8,000,000 shares


    Monster Beverage (MNST): 11,000,000 shares // 26% stake


    Investment Funds:


    Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): $11 million


    ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK): $13 million


    Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund (VDAIX): $14 million


    - You��ve been working extensively on the go. You��ve been selling almost twice as many shares as we expected, - Billy commented confidently as he reviewed the figures. This guaranteed him the ability to purchase any service, no matter what. His diversified holdings and stocks allowed for a major sale.


    - It��s fantastic. Our investments are only growing. Are these the favors you extended to Ronald Perelman? Have you contacted the bank for the bond purchase? - Billy asked.


    - We have them, but I��m afraid it��s not as straightforward as we expected. Several players are in the mix, driving up prices unpleasantly. However, I managed to increase our offer in different forecasts��almost double, - Raimon replied.


    - What��s the estimated price? - Billy asked.


    - $130 million. It��s a steep price for the stock acquisition, - Raimon commented. S��arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy almost laughed at how insignificant that figure seemed to him. Marvel was already poised to expand its animated empire to such an extent that it could soon be considered a megacorporation. All that was left was to refine certain strategies and improve the various revenue streams it faced. He only needed to close the deals that had always been within reach and craft a plan so robust that those seeking to claim fame for themselves would be relegated to mere bystanders, naive and foolish.


    - Buy it. I don��t care. Then verify the validity of the offers. If they don��t hold up, reject any investment from the Bank of America line and make sure the executives understand why we��re turning them down, - Billy stated. - Our resources are vast, and losing our share is merely a significant blow to their firm. -


    From experience, he knew that this loss wouldn��t be his only advantage. He was certain that, in many cases, he would be offered a better deal later. Everything would realign in his favor, at least partially, since transactions always tended to strip him of credit due to the endless bureaucratic hurdles.


    - Then it may be necessary to make contact in the coming days. I��ve left the deal open with a 40% offer. I doubt they��ll receive another one like it, but we can arrange a meeting. Ronald is very shrewd and has left himself a 5% buffer��even with delays, he can leverage that as a true improvement index, something we��re not privy to, - Raimon responded, striving not to make mistakes in his upcoming financial maneuvers.


    - Good. Keep acquiring shares in these companies. By next year, we��ll start selling. We��ll begin unloading all these stocks at the end of 1999. We need to sell more than 50% of our holdings. It��ll be a massive sale, and we��ll use it to buy our prized studio��maybe even pick up another studio or two along the way, - Billy replied.


    - I��ll see what I can do. You��re overleveraging, and this portion of the investment might be rejected, - Raimon replied, marveling at the idea of a 50% sell-off. Given price increases, it would amount to a sale exceeding $500 million. General Electric��s stock was currently at $34 per share, a modest figure. Little did Raimon know that, in the coming years, it would soar to $300 per share��a price surge that could be considered both inflated and unsustainable.


    ...

 537. antecedents of the animated world.

    It was difficult, complicated, and full of colors. The animation of was calculated using a mix that some found unsettling. The production incurred extra costs, but two new techniques were tested��one of them being the integration of certain 3D environments alongside 2D drawings. It was the undeniable form that hammered away with caution, in dark ways. The animators weren��t too keen on getting involved, but the cost savings were significant.


    A well-utilized technique could be a major achievement compared to other films. Now, it was beginning to be used in upcoming productions, like , which incorporated 3D-modeled environments drawn from multiple angles.


    �C Then I fear it may be true that hand-crafted animation, made by us animators, is coming to an end, �C said Roy Graham, a former Disney animator, sighing inwardly. Things always started this way��captivating and appealing in the way they could almost sense the future. However, it was a mistake to believe this shift was truly necessary. The beautiful artistry of traditional animation was being replaced by something cheaper, less labor-intensive, and simply automated.


    �C People resist change, but you''re being dramatic. We work for a company where the pay is good. At Disney, the lead animators always get the biggest share of the money, or those producers are just spoiled kids, only knowing how to demand things without any real knowledge or work. Without merit, they make twice the salary. It��s almost futile. They always blame the inflated budgets, but those so-called promoters end up punishing us in the press��the rotten system that underpays us and judges us too quickly. �C responded Bob Schools, speaking about the real struggles of animators. Some did their jobs well and then were forgotten. Though DreamWorks seemed to be doubling salaries��a grand gesture that attracted many employees��he could see through the deception. Jeffrey Katzenberg took a $10 million paycheck, while everyone else��s pay was reduced to minimal project-based earnings, a fact that disgusted Roy Graham, who firmly believed they weren��t being valued.


    �C We work for passion, but they try to rob us. That��s the nature of this business. Sometimes, I consider leaving Lux Animation, but at least here, a ��producer�� isn''t necessary. We use a different system, one that allows me to relax. It makes me want to keep managing these coordinators and animation agents. They��re Billy��s best invention, and the compensation is undoubtedly better than anywhere else. �C Roy Graham replied calmly, taking a deep breath after everything that had happened.


    �C I think I��ll have a drink tonight. I��m exhausted. �C Roy added, watching as everything was finally coming together.  was nearing completion��a story that had made its mark on American screens, capturing audiences with its stunning visuals. Space adventures, explorations of uncharted universes, and shops brimming with treasures��treated with the same finesse as , unknown worlds, and long-sought riches. The film blended novel and old-fashioned ideas about technology, featuring star cruisers designed to resemble ancient seafaring vessels, navigating the starry ocean without disturbing the natural order of things.


    �C I think I��d like that. Baxter��s been wandering around here, eager to get an up-close look at Lux Animation��  has caused quite a stir among the old guard. It��s a real mess. �C commented Bob Schools, fully aware that the project was the envy of many. Seven books, seven films, and limitless creative freedom for each animator, working tirelessly like puppets in an endless training cycle.


    �C I don��t complain about my salary. My cousin is a surgeon��he makes $600,000 a year. He says med school was a complete disaster for him, not to mention the responsibility of every surgery. The stress has left him partially bald�� I look at myself��I make half of what he does, I work a lot, but I do something I truly enjoy, and it doesn��t stress me out. There��s no constant race against the clock, and next year I��ll earn more because I��ll have been with the company for five years. So, yeah�� I consider myself lucky to be at Lux Animation. �C said Jamal.


    Another former Disney member, a background artist, now worked from home, creating landscapes that he sold to Billy��s companies at good prices, as Anne particularly liked those kinds of images for the hallways.


    �C So, you��re talking about your  idea. �C asked Sarah Kino. The story revolves around the power of emotions left behind in objects and the treasure the Piper had hidden in an old Danish castle. Archaeologists discover the , long thought to be a myth, only to find it holds truths beyond what people can comprehend��until it��s stolen by a collector thief who ends up testing it in a game, summoning rats to his aid. He then embarks on a journey to uncover the real story behind the legend.


    �C You��ve got it all figured out. My wife teaches kindergarten, and she��s been helping me refine the details. We��re planning a trip to Europe��if I get the bonus, that is. �C said James.


    �C Oh, or you could just wait for the kid to buy a hotel in Europe and go there. He��s been expanding his operations at an alarming rate. �C Bob Schools remarked.


    �C You��re right, but even with an Italian girlfriend, he still hasn��t made the move to Europe. �C Jamal replied.


    Craig arrived, drenched in sweat.


    �C The Goo Goo Dolls�� they��re here. I can��t believe they got them for . �C he said, on the verge of what could only be described as a panic attack. He had been a fan for ages, and now, breathless, he couldn��t contain his excitement.


    �C Oh, he paid a fortune. There are rumors that  might even get Metallica for the miniseries. �C Roy Graham commented. Though not a fan himself, he understood how difficult it would be to secure such a deal.


    �C That��s just epic. �C Craig breathed out, listening to the Goo Goo Dolls in action. His signed t-shirt, his enormous smile��it was the expression of a man in love.


    ��


    Children watched from different angles as the sun rose. People took their time in the afternoons to watch their favorite programs without interruption. It was  that opened their eyes. In the ��90s, deciding to watch a movie meant not getting stuck wondering what was happening��it meant going to school the next day and talking to all your friends about how much you loved being part of that cinematic experience.


    Monica did so while working out.


    A young man on a hoverboard, executing daring jumps, warships battling a black hole, and a grand planet filled with gold. Quick, 30-second transitions, evoking allegorical vibes of an unknown world. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The children��s eyes lit up like fireflies, like two sides of the same coin. It all fit perfectly as if it had always belonged.


    �C I love that movie. �C Monica said, taking a sip of juice. She was drenched in sweat��her intense workout routines left her body exhausted. Now, she had incorporated yoga sessions, performing incredibly uncomfortable poses.


    �C Just watching you work out over and over again makes me feel exhausted and anxious. �C Winona commented, reading a book by the window. But she took a moment to watch the trailer. Once again, she was amazed at how each scene managed to move children so profoundly. Even critics wanted to be part of the praise, though they did so in silence.


    �C I think we should go to the beach now that it��s a bit colder. The weather is mild and probably won��t last beyond next week. These chilly days are perfect for relaxing. �C Monica said, taking a break.


    �C I want to read all day. Resting doesn��t satisfy me��going to the beach�� I don��t know. Lately, I��ve been thinking about making my movie, something that explores these issues I sometimes feel are important. Just standing before people and being invisible to them. �C The girl sighed, closing her novel. The first steps of her career as a producer were already taking shape.


    �C Staying home is boring. Let��s have some fun. What��s the harm? Breathe in the fresh air, call some friends, go to a nice restaurant, and have a glass of wine with a good song in the background. �C Monica replied.


    ....

 the world of animation fights with the strength of thousands of companies.

    The premieres would begin in two major trailers in less than ten days, and less than 20 days. The Goo Goo Dolls were wrapping up the final touches on the animated series, and as always, Billy took on a crucial role as Jim Hawkins��or Jimbo, for short. That''s how he always refers to these characters. Interestingly, Emma Thompson was part of the casting process, but surprisingly, her salary didn''t reach the expected amount. The value didn''t exceed the standard pay range Lux Animation offers for big stars��a range that, so far, only Tom Hanks had broken with Woody. But there was nothing to be done about it.


    Beyond his involvement in both trailers, which were shaking up the production studios of major teams, what was on everyone''s minds? What was running through the heads of those closely following the shareholders'' developments? It was like a rocket veering off course at full speed, crashing straight into a wall like a stampede. A painful blow, yet the real problem wasn''t recognized��the overwhelming success observed by outsiders. Four animated films in a single year from the same company��this positioned them among the greats. And considering that each film had been a hit, the collapse of , which grossed $1.21 billion, was a slap in the face. Meanwhile,  bringing in $296 million was a brutal reality check for corporate developments.


    -That kid doesn''t deal in gibberish��he just does what he needs to do, and he does it in an unstoppable way. Disney''s stock is at $19��it was $21 yesterday��and if success continues at this rate, the company could find itself between a rock and a hard place. It''s already difficult enough facing such fierce and relentless competition. We never expected their growth to unfold this way. In less than ten years, they''ve been releasing two films per year, and that makes me wonder��how long will this debate last?- asked Bill Mechanic, CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment. Alongside him, Thomas Rothman, president of Fox Searchlight Pictures, discussed the numerous concerns stemming from Blue Sky''s new requirements��a harsh reality for the administrators and executives appointed by the Murdoch family.


    -What I believe is that we need to advance our technology. Billy Carson has acquired various software from Japanese firms, as well as his own, and with the knowledge he gathered from Hanna-Barbera, he realized that the key shift lay in merging traditional animation with the modern technology now in use. That makes me wonder��how long are we going to wait before upgrading our equipment? Or will simply licensing technology be enough?- responded Chris Wedge, co-founder and creative lead at Blue Sky Studios, who had negotiated the sale of his studio for $75 million along with a lucrative contract filled with benefits.


    The boardroom was filled with co-founders. Eugene, for example, believed there was no need for new technology, as they already had a strong rendering software development process, which they used extensively to craft their films exactly to their vision.


    -I''m afraid it''s a mistake to think that licensing alone is useful. We know that Pixar''s system is rooted in traditional animation, adapted to new challenges. The use of vectors, symmetry, and materials is innovative, but it''s not something we haven''t considered. However, their additional software, packaged as data, is where the real advantage lies. That makes it clear that if we want to succeed in the animated film industry, we need a complete overhaul.- Michael Ferraro, another founder, delivered these harsh words, laden with his own experience, only for them to be left forgotten in the void.


    -Then I''m afraid you all have a lot of work ahead of you.- stated Peter Chernin, who had been advising Billy on production management. It was almost like setting up a fresh, structured assembly line��five scripts were selected, two were approved for production every six months, and then another two were chosen and developed in order. This was followed by co-production efforts involving artists, writers, and screenwriters, enriched with input from specialized professors, shaping a clear story and letting imagination flow as a healthy challenge.


    The  video had been a journey through Chinese culture, and  was a direct adaptation of Stevenson''s novel. Now, all that remained was to spread their wings and use every tool at their disposal.


    -Someone must have tipped them off�� that much is certain. Whoever it was known we had been planning a  adaptation for a long time, but we shelved it in favor of the  sequel.- Michael Eisner spoke in complete frustration. He was furious at the realization of this development, but how could they have known? Supposedly, when they had wrapped  at the end of last semester, they were set to move forward��but before they could even sketch out a single blueprint, the competition already had a completed film.


    -It''s all Musker''s fault for being too demanding with his animations��they stole our design.- Eisner raged, completely beside himself. He felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders, crushed by the pain of failing to steer the company where he wanted. The first decade had been brilliant, but the start of the second was consuming him like a storm-battered display window.


    His anger lingered for a few minutes before he took a deep breath, his finger hovering over the secretary''s intercom button. He had a meeting with Musker and Clements, the directors of the project. They had shuffled through several options, but their initial estimate of a 500-person team had been humiliated by Billy Carson, who had accomplished the same with just 50 people and the fledgling resources of DreamWorks. It was a painful defeat.


    Both men entered, shifting uncomfortably in their seats. The recent developments had left them completely shaken.


    -From my perspective, it''s clear that producing a quality film with only 100 people is nearly impossible.- Musker remarked.


    -I''ve received all the information��the kid did all the work at his own pace, from settings to character designs and every aspect of production. He even wrote the script himself, almost exactly as suggested. It''s as if he poured his thoughts onto paper, and they turned it into a fantasy. But�� I still want to hear your explanations.- Michael Eisner, though slightly weary, remained sharp.


    -We have a story, and we''ll create something great��only time will tell. But in less than three years, we''ll surpass Billy Carson''s production.- Clements asserted, though his heart wavered.


    -Your words don''t fool me. Three years is too long. But beyond that, we lack a real soul. Unfortunately��and I dare say this��Disney needs to change. You will open a new division in Nevada and acquire the Lux Animation license. I just hope that, in three years, your decisions won''t leave me soulless. We already have some animators��we need fluidity and promotion.- Eisner''s words hit hard and clear, striking the hearts of both men, who suddenly felt abandoned in the cold Nevada night. S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...

 539. a strange shelter.

    October 25


    recordings of "devil''s advocate"


    New York, a virtual city of thousands of people from different cultures, is recognized worldwide for its landmarks, once a great port in ancient times, perhaps the most memorable among films. The air of New York is breathed differently, and now it is the city of sin, the one that awakens the coldness in people, their passions, ambitions, and the darkest, most trivial desires.


    - What a beautiful view from here. - Billy heard the producers. They were in Trump Tower, leased for a month while filming began.


    Monica was happy, delighted��she was part of the cast, even though she had to perform a sex scene. Her scenes were, at the very least, filled with lust. She was stunning with her chestnut hair, slightly reddish, styled in gathered waves. Her figure was magnificent��wide hips, full, voluptuous, now growing more toned with exercise.


    - Who would��ve thought we��d be actors�� sharing the screen? - The Italian woman spoke, looking more beautiful than ever in her fitted, dignified costume. Even now, every gesture of hers was imbued with desire��her flirtatious way of acting, her natural rebelliousness, so powerful it was impossible to ignore.


    - Well, I always tell Jim to handle negotiations for me. I don��t like getting involved in the movies I invest in unless it��s for contractual matters... It��s a hassle, and it only disrupts the production business and those who truly care. It��s good to have you here. - Billy spoke, waiting for his scene. There was still time.


    - It��s no problem, my love. - Monica replied.


    - Well, someone once murmured about wanting to take a break and go to Italy. I guess that��s in the past now.


    Billy teased.


    - I want to be with you, at least for now. - Monica said.


    - We could find a movie to do together... doesn��t matter if it��s in Europe, let��s make something, just the two of us. - The young man placed his hands on her slim waist��no doubt, she had the figure of a top model, her skin silky smooth under Billy��s touch.


    - I��d love that... Maybe we should ask Jim what��s being planned in Europe. - Monica suggested, once again entertaining the idea of continuing in acting��something that perhaps was an intrinsic part of Italian cinema.


    - You��ve already been to the Berlin Festival. I think�� that opens doors for you to do another role. Now you need to go to Venice, then we can head to Cannes. -The girl replied, lost in her thoughts.


    - Everyone to their places! - A shout rang out. Monica snapped out of her trance. She wore deep crimson lipstick, her smile starting shy but soon widening.


    - Scene 44, take 1. -


    INT. LAW FIRM LOBBY �C DAY


    The firm��s offices. A grand central atrium. Offices border this space. The lawyers come in all shapes and sizes. The assistants, both men and women, are equally attractive. The HUM of serious BUSINESS hums in the background.


    HEATH


    We have forty partners at the moment. Around six hundred associates. This is the main office, but we have quite a few international agreements, so Mr. Milton spends a lot of his time in the air.


    Besides our corporate clients, we currently represent about twenty-five foreign countries��the Middle East, the Balkans, Central America, and West Africa. Interesting work, but it requires a lot of travel.


    Kevin slows as they pass an open door��


    HEATH (O.S.)


    You��ve been scheduled for fifteen minutes, which is a good sign, so make the most of it...


    INT. LAW FIRM �C CHRISTABELLA��S OFFICE �C DAY


    THROUGH a large window, we see a woman pacing inside her office. She wears a headset, speaking rapid-fire Italian. She is a goddess. Her name is CHRISTABELLA. She is stunning beyond reason. She also happens to be a brilliant EUC attorney.


    She turns. Sees them looking. And just like that, the Venetian blinds SNAP shut. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    INT. LAW FIRM �C DAY


    Heath is now far ahead. Kevin quickens his pace to catch up��


    INT. LAW FIRM �C ARCHED HALLWAY �C DAY


    Kevin has taken about six steps when suddenly, he looks down. He stops. Completely frozen.


    HEATH


    Gotcha.  Man, I love that��


    The floor is nothing but glass. Sixty stories up in the air. A bridge between two skyscrapers.


    HEATH


    Saw a senator piss himself right where you��re standing.


    KEVIN


    Great.


    HEATH


    He��s waiting for you. Good luck.


    Kevin steadies himself. Starts walking. Ahead, there is nothing but an open door.


    - Cut. -


    - Good take, let��s move on to the next shots. - Taylor Hickford called out, his voice calm yet commanding.


    Billy exhaled. It was nice when scenes moved quickly, but now he had to reshoot the same scene from a different camera angle. He watched the practiced walk��this time, the camera would track behind him. Another shot would focus on Heath as part of the dialogue exchange.


    Monica waved at him before heading to her next scene, which was to be shot from a different angle��a rooftop set with black railings almost reaching chest height, covered with a green screen for special effects. And of course, the safety net below is the next priority for the security team.


    The next scene was with Al Pacino. And just like Billy��no�� better than Billy��he embodied the method, fully immersed in his craft. His presence was indescribable. He was consumed by his performance, eyes widening, perhaps observing, flashing a rebellious smirk before turning away.


    ��


    Nightfall was approaching. Breakfast had been lavish in the morning, but lunch had been lost between takes.


    - Scene 45, take 3. -


    INT. MILTON��S OFFICE �C DAY


    First, it is round and vast. The walls are stone. There are no windows. Beams of dramatic natural light shine from above. It is starkly minimalist, unnervingly pristine��no papers anywhere.


    Kevin stands, taking in the space.


    MILTON (O.S.)


    Behind you.


    Kevin turns. There he is.


    MILTON


    Sorry. Didn��t mean to...


    KEVIN


    No, please.  Kevin Lomax.


    MILTON


    John Milton.


    KEVIN


    A pleasure to meet you.


    MILTON


    Have we been treating you well?


    KEVIN


    Very well. Thank you.


    MILTON


    Your wife? Has she been enjoying herself?


    KEVIN


    She sure has. It��s been great. Everything��s been great.


    MILTON


    Good. That��s our secret. We kill with kindness.  What��s your secret?


    KEVIN


    Couldn��t say.


    MILTON


    You were a prosecutor.


    KEVIN


    Straight out of law school. Five years in the Jacksonville D.A.''s office.


    MILTON


    Sixty-four consecutive convictions. That��s quite a number.


    KEVIN


    I like being in court. Didn��t take many plea deals.


    MILTON


    How��s that? One day you��re locking them up, the next you��re setting them free.


    KEVIN


    Takes some getting used to.


    MILTON


    But it pays better, doesn��t it?


    KEVIN


    Yeah, it pays better.


    MILTON


    The math teacher. The Gettys case. Heard you were brilliant.


    KEVIN


    The prosecution didn��t do their job.


    MILTON


    Really. Do you think your man was guilty?


    KEVIN


    I didn��t say that.


    MILTON


    Then what did you say?


    KEVIN


    How about this? I started the case with a clear conscience.


    - Cut. -


    Taylor called out.


    Billy exhaled. The intensity of the performance had been no small feat, but in just three takes, they had nailed the entire scene. Almost like a mere detail��yet they had crafted a long, impactful sequence.


    - Let��s call it a day. - Someone whispered to Taylor. They could sort everything else tomorrow.


    Stepping out of the tower, three blocks awaited Billy before reaching his hotel��the Paramount, where the crew was staying, courtesy of Jim. It didn��t just attract attention��it gave them a sense of familiarity, a closer look into the workings of the industry, even noticed by the camera crew.


    ...

 540. guarantees

    October 16.


    Michael Ovitz found himself caught between various corporate figures, trapped between an idea shared with Michael Eisner, the entertainment directors, and the animators, who had a tangible concept of creating frame-by-frame drawings on a single acetate sheet. That is, to produce one second of movement, they needed 25 frames. And even if they needed to arrange a good frame�� they required order, not just for the character but for the entire composition of images.


    It��s a real problem when people get involved in making decisions they don��t want to make, yet others push them into doing so. As Disney��s president, the board expected him to orchestrate a shift in ideology, aligning different individuals to compete against the young Lux Animation, which had been investing in animation technology for seven years.


    The trick was this: Lux Animation used an image on acetate, scanned it frame by frame, and uploaded it into a CAP (Caption Motion) system. This software rendered the images with connection and refresh functions, allowing them to be painted and reused through artificial reproductions and touch-ups. With a single acetate sheet, they could generate two seconds of animation, but those frames could be refined and repurposed.


    By minimizing production risks, an animator could complete a minute of work in three hours. Ten animators could produce ten minutes; forty animators, forty minutes. For mega-productions, however, the timeline tripled. With 3D-rendered frames, everything was modeled digitally, making it practical with the right software. It created the illusion that a well-crafted frame could simulate movement, textures, and effects, though these elements were a headache for animators.


    The three-hour benchmark was crucial because it ensured a flawless frame, free of errors or repetition.


    To create a high-quality animated film within eight months to a year, at least 50 people were required. Yet Disney remained steadfast in its theatrical approach, insisting on a traditional system they held dear. However, after suffering losses in both 2D and 3D animation, the impact was severe. In 1993, some had predicted it would take 15 to 20 years to see visible progress, yet in just seven years, the industry had evolved at a staggering pace.


    This transformation was driven by a collaborative effort involving Autodesk, a company of 1,000 employees; Pixar, a specialist in animation software; and id Software, which contributed Real Engine to refine forms, rendering, design, environments, and AI-driven character processes��enabling autonomous movement and special effects like explosions.


    Through intermediary contracts with various companies, they improved their workflows. These partnerships alone had generated millions of dollars for different firms. Additionally, Autodesk and others had successfully commercialized their software, with each advancement becoming a marketable product. Every improvement and every detail was acquired with a single goal: to power animation.


    And beyond all that, the visionary mind of a young creator pioneered different animation styles from every possible angle. He had designed a business model capable of producing new titles year after year, distributing interests, and establishing a system of approval dictated by competition among talented workers, people who admired and revered Billy. Not as a businessman, but as an artist. They respected his passion and his relentless spirit. They respected someone who played the game on his own terms��and won.


    -This is my resignation letter. �C Michael Ovitz asked.


    -It seems the board has already fired me. �C Ovitz commented, reflecting on the difficulty of it all. How complicated and treacherous it was that his friend Eisner had betrayed him. As he sat down, he held the resignation letter in his hands. Ah, how tough and bitter it was to take the stage under these circumstances.


    -Do you know what this entails? �C he asked the legal counsel, a young man, perhaps twenty-four years old��a boy, really, with nothing to say except to twist in his own discomfort.


    -Well, I��m not entirely sure about the matter, but it��s signed by the board members, positioned, and marked at the bottom of the page. �C The young man replied nervously, struggling to articulate what was happening.


    Ovitz merely watched him. It seemed he would be leaving through the back door, a man walking away in failure��his downfall stamped with the seal of miscalculation. A deep discomfort coursed through him like a river of schemes, flowing against the current. Perhaps now was the time to call a ceasefire, to stop completely. Maybe a long legal battle, stretching three years, while he worked on securing a new job or establishing his own representation firm.


    -I suppose I have to vacate the house by five today.�C he replied, fully aware of how humiliating it was to be fired, to walk out carrying a cardboard box while others watched from the sidelines, whispering about the company��s slow death��watching, as life as he knew it came to an end.


    The hallway awaiting him was empty. And at the end of his path lay a tide of murmurs, which he met with his head held high. All that remained now were his unexpected ��vacations�� and the task of networking and rebuilding connections that might have been lost. But that��s just how life goes.


    ***


    October 25


    Billy skimmed through the news of Michael��s dismissal in the papers, ten days after reports of Ovitz��s departure had first surfaced. It seemed the matter was only finalized yesterday when Ovitz received his severance and officially cleared the way for a new administrator.


    The headlines detailed the hefty sum Michael was owed��$130 million��a so-called ��golden parachute,�� a corporate agreement that might soon become a legal battleground. Perhaps it would bear fruit. Meanwhile, with rumors of certain Miramax assets being siphoned off by Jim Gianopulos, commercial stability was within reach. Lux Films was emerging as a promising investment project, poised to finance multiple productions.


    -Buying that score would be difficult. �C Billy mused, thinking about ESPN, the sports television network. It was a powerhouse, with many factors in its favor. If leveraged correctly, it could facilitate a strategic stock acquisition. But convincing stakeholders wouldn��t be easy��it would create discomfort. What to do, what not to do to gain the upper hand? Right now, his focus was on closing a deal that had been on his mind for some time.


    -Anne, did you hear? This is the opportunity we��ve been waiting for. With Disney out of the picture and our films gaining traction, we can throw a few jabs��see how the market reacts, now that the problems are being handled one by one. �C Billy remarked, carefully laying out the facts, maneuvering each step with precision. He was destabilizing Eisner��s standing, reminding the next in line of what was at stake��success, failure�� perhaps Eisner was just a step away from collapse.


    -Then we��ll conduct a market study for the ESPN acquisition, just as you��ve decided. I don��t think we��ll have to wait long before we own a sports network. But I believe the right moment will be around 1998 or 1999. �C Anne replied. With Lucasfilm and Marvel already in their portfolio, adding ESPN would be a logistical challenge��quantifying shares, managing assets, and navigating a new level of corporate complexity.


    -Let��s take it step by step. We can apply for a mortgage if we decide to purchase ESPN. Raimon has already started working on plans to build a coliseum. �C Billy added.


    ....


    Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 541. double entry.

    Billy enhanced many aspects of the film, each in different ways, to create a solid, layered, and multifaceted narrative. It was structured from various angles, allowing for a non-linear depiction of a world full of stories, quite different from simply telling a long story that, when edited, could be cut down.


    For example, Jim��s house was destroyed by a spaceship in the middle of the night, and the event is captured in photographs on the wall. They were then pursued, eventually infiltrating the captain��s ship. Secondly, the plot featured a fast-paced sequence in which time was condensed into under five minutes, showing how the boy transformed from a well-behaved child into a rebellious youth.


    The lunar city was defined and presented from multiple perspectives, allowing the true villains to be revealed between the lines and introducing key characters to turn the journey into an extended voyage across the universe. This also set up the death of the captain��s first officer. This event would ultimately help Jim defeat the true antagonist, recover a great treasure, and be recruited into the navy, following in his father��s footsteps.


    As the film neared completion, and at the captain��s suggestion, some scenes were cut while others were added as extras. The removed scenes were released as three-minute shorts on Lux Nation and its various channels at the time of the premiere, serving as part of the film��s marketing campaign.


    Spain


    Diario El Pa��s


    Andr��s Mara?��n


    United States


    Clarence Ebert


    United Kingdom S��ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    William Thomas �C The Empire


    United States


    CNN �C Paul Clinton


    United States


    The New York Times �C Andrew O. Scott


    United States


    Chicago Reader �C Sam Stamets


    United States


    Variety �C Andy Klous


    United Kingdom


    BBC �C Nev Pierce


    United States


    Slant �C Ed Gonzalez


    United Kingdom


    Liverpool Times �C Sloan Freer


    United Kingdom


    Time Out �C Tom Charity


    United States


    The Washington Post �C Keith Phipps


    The reviews were somewhat harsh, but that didn��t matter��it was a film for kids. Still, Anne had her doubts about the financial outcome. With a budget of $41 million, the film needed to gross at least $75 million to cover all expenses. That was the break-even point��the number that would make the project minimally profitable. But Billy believed that all these criticisms were��


    Anne said.


    Jim Gianopulos responded. In truth, he had managed to create a genuine space opera, packed with extraordinary phenomena that would captivate children.


    added Anna Washington. That brought Anne some relief��she now saw the number drop to $71 million, and further deals with Hasbro would lower it to an even more manageable $70 million.


    she thought, walking through the theater, searching for a quiet spot to focus on the numbers.


    ***


    Billy wrapped up filming. No matter how much time he had spent immersed in the various scenes, Monica was waiting for him. She wore a stunning blue dress by a renowned designer, complemented by a red belt tied in a bow at the back, elegantly accentuating her exposed shoulders. Billy, on the other hand, wore a matching blue suit, a red tie, and brown shoes.


    Monica said, adjusting his suit and gently brushing his cheeks.


    Billy replied.


    The invitations were extended to everyone involved in the production, along with his friends from Marvel and other close business associates. Some members of the Discovery Channel production team were also present��they had just reached financial stability after investing $80 million, supplemented by a $50 million mortgage for major productions. The company was now beginning to sustain itself, largely relying on a subscription-based model. While this wasn��t the most profitable approach, their second initiative was proving promising: launching a free documentary channel, developed in collaboration with the newly established History Channel.


    Monica murmured as she stepped onto a quieter street, inhaling the crisp Thursday night air.


    They got into the car for a short five-block ride. The bodyguards were stationed nearby, though only the captain remained constant��his team rotated periodically as per company policy.


    Billy said, handing two $100 bills to the guards for parking arrangements.


    The restaurant was on the 125th floor��a breathtaking surprise. Billy took a moment to admire the view, watching as the city that never sleeps buzzed with life. Though the chill of the approaching winter was beginning to set in, the sight of the illuminated skyline from such a height was mesmerizing.


    Billy said to Monica, who nodded in agreement.


    ...

 542. lux animation.

    October 29.


    Raimon continued his complementary work, filled with effort and diligence�� but it seemed that a few well-placed donations had led to Marvel��s acquisition. In just a few hours, 93% of the company would be in Billy��s hands, broken yet captivated by dark, honest eyes. His work would be rewarded with that percentage. First, they would negotiate closely with Ronald Perelman to acquire the remaining 7%, the last piece needed to consolidate full ownership. The first step would be to issue a notice for delisting from the stock market due to industrial management issues. Now, they had to quantify the debts, which extended beyond bonds, salaries, social security, and severance payments�� essentially, he had just bought a bankrupt company drowning in failure.


    Raimon emerged from the ordeal, his mind racing, almost tormented by the financial headaches he would soon face. But the operational bonus might just be enough to pay for the 1982 Star Wars promotional action figure collection��pristine condition, $12,000��and perhaps even some new luxury suits for Comic-Con�� He needed another bookshelf.


    -I��ve got something stuck in my head that I can��t shake. �C Raimon muttered to himself, but his words were overheard by Loco Lomas, the short-selling maniac and champion of speculative asset purchases, a gambler who played the global currency markets like a Wednesday afternoon at the casino.


    -Talking to yourself? I think you need some sleep.�C Lomas replied, filled with foreboding and the unmistakable feeling of a rest-deprived disaster.


    -Just thinking out loud. I��ve got a lot on my mind�� In the next few days, I think I��ll be leaving these offices to focus on reorganizing a new company my boss just bought. Unfortunately, it��s a problem I can��t ignore. �C Raimon said, itching to tell Lomas about the Marvel acquisition. It was almost a dream, a spectacular event he wanted to scream to the world. But first, he had to draft some memos, craft justifications for securing 100% of the shares, and deal with those stakeholders whose identities Billy dismissed as nothing more than dividend collectors��individuals unwilling to embrace the creative utopia Billy envisioned.


    -So, I take it you enjoy making money. �C Lomas quipped.


    -We need to meet. I might need your help acquiring more AOL shares, maybe securing a 20% stake across different companies, and launching an aggressive sell-off to drive stock prices to historic lows. �C Raimon whispered.


    -Sure, man, nothing that can��t be done here, where the wolves sing and feast like bold configurations. I can��t wait to see where this madness leads. �C Crazy Lomas laughed, already suspecting it was an aggressive buyout��full of under-the-table maneuvers designed to shake up ownership structures and transform companies in ways that always ended in something truly�� legendary.


    Carl Icahn cursed under his breath as the bond losses hit, but he had been outmaneuvered, overwhelmed by swift and strategic financial moves. Someone had snatched away what he had coveted through a combination of capital and shadowy dealings he had failed to foresee. S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It��s true. The bond purchase happened when I least expected it��fast and seamless. They moved a month ahead. �C Icahn muttered to Avi Arad, who quietly swore under his breath. Playing both sides had backfired spectacularly. And now, he could only marvel at how quickly Billy had taken control of the shares.


    Uncertain of how to react��since this was supposed to be privileged information, or perhaps a setup��he wondered if Billy had been deceived into funneling all the acquisition details. But as it turned out, it was he who had been tricked. And where was Ronald in all of this?


    -Why didn��t Ronald push for a counteroffer? �C Avi asked.


    -More than 50% of capital debt weighed against the company��s reserves. That brat made a deal with the lenders, promising repayment within a year using promissory notes while covering half of the debts immediately upon acquiring the shares. If they had pressured the bank, he would have used federal insolvency laws to force a liquidation sale. �C Karl Icahn murmured, seething. He had dreamed of making a move just as bold, filled with rebellion and the crude thrill of brute financial power.


    -Marvel could end up reduced to a privately held corporation, with a single majority shareholder controlling all decisions. The moment it went public, it became a joint-stock company, but now�� it could revert to a limited liability entity. Billy would have absolute voting power to dismantle the board of directors. With more than 75% of the shares, he now wields the ultimate authority�� Honestly, I think everything is up in the air now. �C Avi replied.


    -I guess the dream is over. The profit we hoped to gain from Marvel��s acquisition is now finished.�C Karl Icahn muttered before hanging up the phone. He took a long drink, sighing as he watched the deals he had pinned his hopes on vanish like smoke.


    ��


    Raimon received the official notice. Payment had been processed instantly, and the securities would be settled within a month. The notifications arrived swiftly, detailing every aspect of the transaction.


    ��


    Billy received the update��he had secured the bond purchases at a 35% premium, but it was worth every penny. Every cent would be reinvested into smaller sectors that would soon experience tremendous growth.


    Stretching his arms, he turned his focus to the final details of the series. Chapter 119 was already printed and ready for proper processing. The goal was to wrap up the initial arcs��the  arc had stretched across 82 episodes. The  arc, spanning 112 chapters, wasn��t even halfway done; at least 200 more chapters remained. He would use every tool at his disposal to expand the story, refining the battles and training sequences.


    Because that was the essence of it all��a grueling, painstaking process that consumed hours upon hours. Each illustration had to be envisioned, revised, and improved tenfold.


    ...

 544. suitable.

    The Devil��s Advocate journey continued with more direct scenes filled with raw intensity. Billy was approaching when he might have to push his performance to the limit, while handling the steamy scenes with Charlize and Monica, who danced slowly in the fire.


    Charlize ran her fingers through her long hair��she was moments away from cutting it, a bold move considering how rigorously the film industry always defined her image. But things were different now. With more daring actors willing to take risks, her natural, unfiltered look was a stark contrast to her upcoming years. Where once insecurity was masked by distrust, now she embraced every trace of herself with laughter and confidence.


    On the terrace, Monica tilted her face upward, studying the skyline. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The pace was quick, with night and day blending. Many scenes were shot on the building��s rooftop, and for now, most of the extras had wrapped up their main work.


    Billy took a breath, trying not to react.


    - It��s incredible when you act with such intensity. - Monica whispered at his side. She was thrilled to be part of it. The production was reaching its final stretch, arriving at the most provocative moments in each scene. Those deep, different eyes��cautious yet filled with desire��traced her body as if two distinct people inhabited the same frame. It was unlike anything she��d seen before, as if Billy had transformed into someone entirely new, wanting to strip her bare.


    - We still have a few more scenes. - Billy noted, observing the changes��her lighter, slightly reddish hair, the tight dresses emphasizing her figure, the deep crimson of her lips.


    The next scene took on a different tone.


    - We have a break. Tomorrow, we��ll be filming together again, my love.-  Monica purred, savoring the moment. She spotted Al Pacino arriving, effortlessly slipping into character. Whenever he became Milton, it was as if he transformed completely, ready for any role he took on.


    - Good work, kid. - Al Pacino remarked.


    - Just a whisper. - Billy replied. None of them truly stepped out of character. Milton��s irreverence was refreshing, helping the flow of the performance. Monica approached Billy hesitantly, making Al chuckle.


    - Then I guess we��ll see each other to wrap up these scenes, son. - Al Pacino added.


    Monica moved closer to Billy, who smiled at her before stepping into his next scene with Charlize.


    From a distance, Monica watched. The boom mics were up, preventing them from talking freely, but the tension between the two women was a challenge��each look between them sparked with electricity.


    Billy took her arm and gave her a subtle wink.


    ***


    When Billy bought a comic book distributor in Santa Monica, he stumbled upon by Lowell Cunningham, originally published by Malibu Comics in 1990. Seeing its potential, Billy Carson proposed the project to Amblin Entertainment, setting the stage for a strategic move. Unlike the comic��s dark and conspiratorial tone, the adaptation took a more comedic, action-driven approach��a suggestion from producers that led Universal to join in. In a unique collaboration, four major studios became involved: DreamWorks, Universal, Amblin, and Lux Animation. The latter two would handle distribution, as the project was expected to be a major box office success.


    Planned for filming in New York with a multimillion-dollar budget, the film was poised to be a bold triumph in the months ahead. Science fiction was finding a new niche, one that resonated with late-night conspiracy theories��the hidden world of aliens, secret societies, and lost civilizations that seemed to vanish from history.


    - We have some recommendations, but I��d strongly consider bringing in Rick Baker��one of the best special effects designers. And of course, we could involve Industrial Light & Magic. I believe they��d take us on. - Steven Spielberg, one of the producers, suggested. He had a keen eye for striking visuals and knew how to craft a cinematic masterpiece.


    - Interesting, but I think Barry Sonnenfeld would be the best choice for director. - Walter F. Parks insisted, ensuring that the film��s comedic tone remained intact. With Billy��s creative input and a strong script, the project was shaping up to be something remarkable.


    Barry Sonnenfeld��the man behind ��had close ties to Universal. His unique style made him the perfect fit for a story about New Yorkers and aliens, blending flying saucers, rocket ships, and the peculiar magic of places like the Brooklyn Tunnel.


    - Billy recommended Will Smith for the comedic lead, alongside Tommy Lee Jones as the film��s anchor. - Parks added. With that, the team set up auditions for the supporting cast, solidifying the film��s foundation.


    - I��d love for Danny Elfman to compose the score. Laurie MacDonald, the final producer, chimed in.


    - Are all the licensing agreements in place? - Spielberg questioned.


    - Almost. Universal has been incredibly cooperative in securing the necessary rights. - Laurie confirmed.


    ...

 545. redesigned and adjusted.

    November 6.


    I try not to fall into the trap of women, but it was a total failure when he realized he was caught between a rock and a hard place. With just a month left before 1997 began, there was a terrible banking crisis. Though not a rule on his part, some were hit hard by economic instability. Tech stocks were categorically rising, and despite the failure of some, the increase in interest rates posed a management and character challenge, forcing him to consider his next moves.


    - I can��t do anything if loans are soaring. Let��s keep going as we always have��we��ll pay off the debt later, Anne. It��s interesting when our profits are covered; we��re bound to make some extra money to reinvest. You don��t need to worry. If I must, I��ll find the money. �C Billy replied.


    He paced back and forth. The debt was a loss of several tens of millions, and he was already beginning to accept it.


    - It��s frustrating that you refuse to reconsider the facts. �C Anne remarked.


    - I��m not going to slow the company down. We��re at a crucial moment��growth is our only focus as a corporation. As an S.A.S. company, profit should be our only concern. We��ll sell shares if necessary��I have plenty that just went up in value�� Besides, don��t you see? The Asian recession is giving us a chance to buy some land, maybe a good building for Olm Inc. and Madhouse. We need to corner the Japanese market. �C Billy responded. S~ea??h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - So, invest when there��s a crisis looming? �C Anne sighed, rubbing her temple.


    - Anne, relax. Just review the numbers for Lux Comics. There��s been a slight dip in profits, and I need you in New York to break the news to Ronald Perelman. His bonds mature in March, and I, coincidentally, have no desire to face that man. �C Billy commented.


    - Fine. I��ll see you in a week�� I took a first look at the movies. Spirit was fantastic, and Osmosis Jones was a bit unpleasant�� However, I think the low budget works in its favor. But honestly, I don��t see anything redeemable about the series�� Being as critical as you always want me to be, it��s the worst show you��ve produced in a while. �C Anne remarked.


    Shifting topics, they wrapped up their conversation and planned to meet in New York soon.


    In another room, Monica was getting ready for a lingerie runway show. Her body was stunning as she practiced in high heels.


    - So, this show is for�� -


    - My love, you negotiated with Prada and Versace. �C Monica replied. �C Now, I just fear that in the coming days, you��ll have to watch me strut around in high heels. I hope I don��t disturb the neighbors downstairs. Though I have to admit, wearing these stockings with these heels is a bit uncomfortable. �C


    Monica loved being barefoot; it was rare for her to wear stockings unless she was wearing sneakers. Only then would she tolerate them.


    - Well, you��re disturbing your closest neighbor�� I can hear your footsteps. �C Billy replied.


    - Stop teasing me. �C Monica murmured, pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss. Their nights together were always filled with passion��intense, radiant, and electric. That slow-burning desire, the uninhibited and independent attitude that always captivated him.


    She moved closer, and Billy felt her firm body, that intoxicating desire almost palpable in the air, carrying a sensuality that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. The weight of the cameras, the pressure of countless eyes, the insecurities that others would crumble under��none of it mattered now. Her golden-brown skin moved against his, their desires intertwining in a dramatic, feverish rhythm. She was intoxicating, and her scent carried the memory of moments that lingered just within reach.


    - We have recordings. �C Monica whispered.


    - As always. We��re just rehearsing. More kissing scenes. �C Billy commented, pulling her into another passionate kiss, stirring the atmosphere around them.


    - So�� what are your plans for the next few months? Looking for more roles? �C Monica asked.


    - Star Wars and some other films. But for now, I��m focusing on the company. I need to disappear from Hollywood��s radar for a while�� live a boring life. �C he murmured, kissing her lips again, a slow and tender kiss, filled with the fleeting warmth they both craved.


    - Tell me the truth. Did you sleep with Charlize? -


    A ticking time bomb.


    - I didn��t. But I��m afraid I did kiss her. We were testing our chemistry. Is that a problem? I suppose if that counts, then I��ve also cheated on you with Winona. �C Billy replied, pressing his lips to hers again.


    - Stop saying that. �C Monica shot back.


    - You��re jealous�� I never expected you to act this way. To be so different from the composed, confident woman I know. When you act like this, it intrigues me�� When you were in another position, when you behaved in ways I didn��t understand�� what��s going on with you? �C he asked.


    She lowered her eyes and bit his arm, struggling with something she couldn��t quite express.


    ***


    For Jim Wait, the number of submissions was endless. Every day, thousands of scripts poured in, each one a new gamble. From inside the CAA offices, people were starting to seek him out.


    Now that he was well-known, his status had risen��not just as the representative or agent of Billy Carson, but as the man working behind a massive animation company. Every day, its influence grew stronger, intertwining with the industry in powerful ways.


    - So, a partner in the company now, sir? �C Jim''s assistant commented.


    He nodded. In a few months, perhaps as a minor partner, his role might not seem that significant. But for now, he had a voice-a powerful voice, one that was finally being recognized. He was exhausted from the countless hours spent in empty boardrooms, attending endless meetings for Billy��s company.


    - What do we want for the next few months? �C Jim asked, exhaling deeply. What he wanted now was a wife��someone who was a schoolteacher, far removed from the entertainment industry. Someone who dreamed of a beautiful home in a great location, maybe by the beach. A homemaker, free from stress�� or perhaps living in San Jose, where Billy��s business hub was.


    - Call my mother. I need a break from all of this. Tell her I��m coming back to Wyoming. I��ll take five days off and try to clear my head. We��ve been working nonstop for five years, and now, I have no space left for anything but rest. �C Jim replied.


    - I��ll book a flight. �C Mrs. Wellerman responded.


    She was one of those truly seasoned women, the kind who decided to keep working even after the glamorous long-legged secretary had betrayed her secrets and been replaced by her. Mrs. Wellerman was a tough woman, stereotypically so, but the best assistant Jim could have asked for. He took a deep breath.


    - Thank you. Make it for after the board meeting this Saturday. �C Jim said.


    - Consider it done, sir. Also, the Wachowskis sent a message a while ago. They have a script for the golden boy. �C She added, somewhat absentmindedly.


    Jim would have to send it to San Jose and then forward it to New York��so many expenses. But he knew one thing: Billy liked these kinds of scripts.


    ...

 546. comics talk.

    A film that had everything to succeed but little interest from certain companies. As Billy predicted, the Wachowskis pulled their move, using their name to sign with other companies for their next film, demanding higher salaries and different production terms.


    For a month, they faced rejection after rejection until word reached Jim Waitt. He neither denied nor acted against them; he adjusted his contract, making room for them while employing a small trick to lower the value, such as allowing Lux Animation to use the franchise for potential spin-offs.


    But that hardly mattered. Jim Waitt was in Wyoming, relaxing at his family��s home. For the first time in five years, he wore loose sweatpants and slept in until noon every day, attending church with his mother.


    They introduced him to many young women, ten years younger than him, fresh out of college. Nothing impressive. They all seemed to crave a life of chaos; none had that homely air he longed for��a space of peace.


    -No calls,- Jim Waiit muttered, glancing at his cell phone. It was that young woman he had taken on as a client less than a year ago, a beautiful brunette.


    -Liv.-


    -Mr.Waitsorryy to bother you on vacation,- said Liv Tyler. -I know this is complicated, but I got a role through a friend. I need my agent. I''ve been lucky��I have a part in a movie,  It''s through a friend of my father, and well, we also used Billy, who is your client. You��d confirm the script''s delivery and have him read it. I��d love your help negotiating.-


    Jim pondered for a moment. The script had been on his desk for over a year, left forgotten. Now he had to check with Mrs. Wellerman. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Have them send the contract to my office. I''ll review it tomorrow or the day after. If you can, give me the producer��s number and let him know Billy might have availability, but he��ll need five days while I get in touch with him�� all depending on whether he likes the script.- Jim Wait replied.


    He took a sip of tea, breathing deeply. He had a blind date with Audrie Foster, six years younger than him, approaching her thirties, a regular churchgoer, a devout Catholic, and the administrator of a nonprofit animal welfare foundation.


    A good profile�� Jim now only saw profiles, looking past the surface of every person, studying every trait, every detail.


    The  comics delivered by Billy had become canon in New York art universities. Over time, multiple courses emerged in different institutions to study the applied art of comics, using Billy��s work as an example��from panel design, sound integration, and ghost movements appearing subtly in the background, to his signature way of incorporating historical narratives.


    His approach to text in comics stood out, diverging from the usual norm. Instead of pages filled with excessive dialogue, he balanced text with immersive settings and, of course, distinct artistic styles.


    -Thank you for being here,- murmured one of Joel Schuster��s sons, a 35-year-old man.


    It had been a year since Joel Schuster��s funeral. The family held a private ceremony, and Billy was not invited. Months later, while going through his father��s notes, Andrei Schuster found a letter dated a week before his passing��a long monologue expressing deep gratitude for Billy��s help. The letter included an invitation to his art school, aimed at inspiring the next generation.


    Andrei honored his father��s wish. It was his way of staying connected to the man who had lived a life filled with both mistakes and triumphs. One thing was certain��the old man had a way of getting under people��s skin, especially the best of them.


    -I��ll be in New York until the end of November. In December, I��ll be in L.A. for some work. If not now, it��ll have to be later�� better to do it now,- Billy replied.


    These gatherings had drawn thousands of fans, eager to participate in a Q&A gala about his books. The local news was present with their cameras, but the entire press corps was also there. It felt less like an academic lecture and more like a press conference.


    -Good afternoon, everyone. Here��s how we��ll proceed: I will only take questions from art students. Unfortunately, the press will be ignored during this session. If there are questions at the end, we��ll see. Otherwise, have a good day.- Billy announced, activating a small projector against the wall.


    Displayed on the screen were thick, detailed comic images stored on a DVD. Billy flipped to one of his favorites�� It would be the first topic of discussion.


    The series had gone on hiatus before reaching the  arc, but its artistic evolution was top-tier. The addition of new characters, some extraordinary and others cunning deceivers, gave the world of  a captivating air of mystery.


    -I believe the concept is the most important element, and here, the concept is ''mystery.'' Everything is a mystery waiting to be unraveled. When I develop characters, they stop being interesting once everything about them is known. That��s what makes the series so brilliant.- Billy explained.


    The show thrived on friendship, challenges, and comedy. Its creators were geniuses, but Billy had meticulously found ways to twist the narrative, opening doors here and there, building a society with distinct factions and ideological conflicts. He introduced a political structure for supernatural powers, ignored by the government out of fear, curiosity, and uncertainty. It was a bright yet dark world.


    For example, in  the core concept was sports as self-improvement. It wasn��t about being the best��it was about gaining recognition for something one was not, proving one��s worth beyond being a burden. It was a personal battle.


    -If we consider drawing and writing as concepts, how can a series transform into exactly what we want it to be?- a young student asked.


    Billy nodded.


    -In my view, there are two ways to write a story��either from a complete understanding of its structure or through improvisation. When designing a character, they need a name, a family, a community, a language, a religion, a profession, friends, beliefs, and customs. That, in itself, is a concept. A story needs to understand its core concept.- Billy paused, then continued, -Here��s an idea. Say you like a sport, swimming, for example. You need to create a medium that justifies its use. Does your character want to have fun, compete, or simply swim along the coast? Does he play other sports? Will he have a girlfriend? Friends? A story is told with the intent of reaching an ending. Your ending might simply be showing how much you love to swim.-


    Billy went on, detailing his process��from using journals and voice recorders to world-building sketches and story derivatives. Never locking an idea in place, always making it flexible, crafting expansive worlds rather than linear ones.


    Anything could be taken and stretched to its limit, shaping the world around the vision one wished to bring to life.


    ��


    He explored various approaches to character development and the idea that limits only existed because people assumed everything had already been said. Why must a world have gravity? Why must characters be human? Why must people have motivations?


    Creating a world meant embracing an idea and pushing it to its absolute limit.


    ...

 547. Movie lights.

    DreamWorks had two heavyweights and two new market opportunities to address fully. Hollywood��s competitive pond was a battlefield of negotiations, investments, and strategic moves. With Billy, who handled money like a fish in water, they secured the property purchase, began construction, and established a modest production studio.


    At the same time, they restructured the animation team and started organizing the administrative unit, bringing in young managers to oversee operations. Various administrative projects were lined up, including a $36 million film, , set to debut the following year under DreamWorks Pictures. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Animation was moving forward with , already in production��an ambitious launch for both divisions, paving the way for major films and significant deals.


    -Who would��ve thought we��d have a way to fight back�� It��s more complicated than we imagined. But that kid is a brilliant administrator, - remarked David Geffen, who had invested a considerable amount of money. The usual power players had been sidelined.


    -More than just a visionary, he understands exactly what a company needs. The innovation he brought to animation, combined with his business acumen from a creative perspective, is pushing the entire machine to its limits, .- Jeffrey Katzenberg added. He was now convinced that while movie stars were valuable assets in productions, sometimes high-quality voice acting��delivered by seasoned professionals-was��was even more crucial. And Billy was leading the charge in promoting American dubbing.


    -But stars are appealing, - Steven Spielberg pointed out.


    -That��s irrelevant to kids. Billy has proven it time and again. Sometimes, all they need is a recognizable face in the audience. But if we allocate high dubbing costs toward animated channels, schools, shopping centers, and theme parks, it becomes far more profitable than just focusing on one film, - Katzenberg explained. The asymmetrical nature of the children��s market, unlike adults, responded to entirely different stimuli��it was all about finding the right approach.


    -I��ll bring in new music stars. Our place is at the top��just like when United Artists came together to form a new kind of film company, - Spielberg said, envisioning their ambitions. The industry was shifting, entertainment was settling into new patterns, and it felt like the coming years would be golden, though, in many ways, they already were.


    Success endures through crises, and every crisis reshapes the landscape. Generational shifts were evident��major directors were retiring, fresh talent was entering the industry, and new actors and writers were emerging. But perhaps, more than anything, animation was the game-changer they had been waiting for.


    -We��ll use some intermediaries��we need to strengthen our relationships with the elite, - Spielberg said.


    -I��ve sensed some tension with the music industry�� unsettling currents moving in calculated ways. I��ve often seen hidden tricks at play. Sometimes, looking from the inside, I fear we might be misjudging things. But it has to be done, - David Geffen sighed. The coming years would bring heavy responsibilities in navigating these relationships.


    -We can always justify ourselves with ��the grandiosity of art,�� but in the end, that won��t matter. What will matter is the need to talk, to whisper behind closed doors, - Geffen added, though he seemed unconvinced. Katzenberg, as head of operations, was rarely involved in that world, but Hollywood��s nature dictated constant reinvention��change locations or be left behind.


    Spielberg and his allies were consolidating their vision. Katzenberg had officially joined DreamWorks, and alongside Spielberg, they were shaping their ideas. Billy, surprisingly, chose to align with Spielberg, founding his own company but opting to collaborate rather than compete.


    One recurring issue in cinema, both grammatically and inherently, was how nudity was handled. Two scenes had Billy particularly on edge: one with Monica in the entrance hall and another with Charlize. Both pushed his comfort levels.


    -What could be more provocative than a scene like this? - Billy whispered.


    But in the end, it didn��t matter. This was the world of cinema��the discomfort of his body under the scrutiny of cameras. He had filmed such scenes before, but this time, it felt entirely different.


    -I think you understand the challenge this presents. The camera will be just two handspans away. We��ll do one close-up shot and another from above, - director Taylor murmured, studying the setup with fascination.


    S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Billy exhaled, finishing as quickly as possible. The scene had played out, and in the brief pause, he spotted Monica chatting casually with Charlize. He didn��t fully understand women, but their ease in such moments never failed to surprise him.


    -You don��t like being naked in front of the camera, do you? - Monica murmured as she approached.


    -That��s not it. It��s not that I find it inappropriate, - Billy replied. - Not in the way you��re thinking. Sometimes, it just feels unnecessarily sexualized when the scene doesn��t add much to the story. But it��s not a big deal��I��m just rambling. The scene felt awkward, even on paper. -


    Fully immersed in his character, he did what was required and chose not to dwell on it.


    -Your voice changes when you talk about this. It fascinates me, Monica noted.


    -What do you want from me, woman? I do what I can when playing a character who is always in control. And when that control slips, that��s when he starts to break.-


    -You want me naked��just for you.-


    -Always so provocative. -


    Not wanting to misinterpret her intentions, Billy let her kiss him. Then, with a sway of her hips, she walked away.


    There were only three scenes left before the film wrapped. The final sequence, set to be shot at dawn on a fully closed-off street, was the grand finale. It was the moment to convince himself that this was a great film��one that would soon premiere. And Billy knew that by December 1997, his position in the industry would shift. He still had more films to shoot and business ventures to pursue in the coming year.


    -You should take a breather��you��ve been rather intense these past few days. Every morning and every night. - Billy remarked, gripping her waist.


    -A woman has her needs. -


    ....

 548. intransigent between series.

    November 13.


    The feeling from the first Star Wars movie was still alive��fans bought every tape, from the standard edition to the special edition colorized by Billy. It was a different way of making films, with every detail carefully crafted and cherished by Billy, who poured his love for artistic composition into the project. He devoted himself to creating great works of art that spoke for themselves.


    George was already thinking about his next film, . The first thing he asked of Billy was to shave off his beard completely��no trace of facial hair��and to change his hairstyle to something more youthful. Meanwhile, another actor, sporting a thick beard and long hair, would take on a contrasting role, his features accentuated with heavy makeup.


    �CI��m not that picky, but you look like an adult.�C George said, eyeing Billy��s outfit.


    �CIt��s no big deal... I just hope it��s worth it.�C replied Billy, who at the time was juggling a variety of roles��some much younger, others significantly older. He always seemed to miss the mark. In this role, he was supposed to be two years younger than he looked, and older than the actress who was meant to be several years his senior... the opposite of when she played the role of a queen at her real age. She wasn''t quite as good an actress as she had been years ago, but Spielberg��s magic in bringing characters to life always hit the right notes.


    �CC��mon, you wrote the script yourself. I have faith in this... we��ve invested so much in all of it.�C Lucas said, brushing off Billy��s doubts.


    �CBut not the money. We need at least $300 million in box office revenue just to break even. Everything else is just a forgotten notion��we��re deep in the red.�C Billy pointed out, though he knew it wasn��t true. His calculations had long since moved past the breakeven point. The expenses had been absorbed months ago. It was an expensive venture, but one that would pay off in the upcoming films.


    �CThere are still two more movies to go��they��ll hit even harder than the first, I��m sure of it. This one has more action, and I��ve thrown in some slower transitions. Plus, Pixar delivering the promised animated series by the end of the year helps.�C Lucas replied.


    �CThey will, they will... Pixar��s been growing at an unstoppable pace. Recently, they developed new explosion software and other special effects. When they go into full production, it��ll be a marvel.�C said Billy. The software was an early version of what would one day be considered top-tier special effects. It was a masterpiece, using cutting-edge 3D technology and segment layering to blend into the film. It was expensive... slow... but worth every frame. Each one was painted with a mouse, and the samples exceeded expectations. Now all they had to do was wait until better technology arrived. For the moment, they were relying on a near-military-grade supercomputer that could process data in seconds��something from the future, embedded in mega servers. It was the clearest path forward.


    �CIt��s good doing business with you.�C Lucas said.


    �CThe best is yet to come.�C Billy replied, flipping through scripts for upcoming series. He would use every Star Wars character to build massive shows. By 2006, they��d released , followed the next year by .


    Over the next ten years, they would fully explore the Clone Wars and reimagine the birth of the characters, from animated features, miniseries, series, spin-offs, and animated films... an ambitious project that would define the decade��until the eventual pause and then revival with episodes seven to nine, along with miniseries about a young Han Solo. But everything hinged on one thing:


    That the project be crafted with meticulous care. Billy had the future at his fingertips. George had imagination within reach and a legacy as a producer. If they could, with help from others like Steven Spielberg, pull off what seemed impossible, they��d set a new standard, one so high it would slip under the radar.


    �CI wish I could open your head��someday I��ll find out what��s in there. But I fear by then I��ll be too old... and maybe a little jealous.�C The words were calm, though laced with a touch of envy. Perhaps jealousy... but George was more a businessman than an idealist. He always observed closely what served best and adapted quickly. Always with money in his pocket��a quality many envied.


    �CIt��s nothing... you��re just imagining things. I��m just curious to see the movie finish. I had the pleasure of seeing the first one on VHS, but I wish I could��ve seen it on the big screen. There��s something nostalgic about Star Wars that even as an actor, you carry close to your heart.�C the young man said, stirring his coffee, quietly waiting for filming to begin��maybe even hoping to skip ahead in time and see himself there. S��arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CAward season��s coming up soon. I hope you��ll keep this period discreet��we don��t want to ruffle any feathers among the more finicky members.�C Lucas replied.


    Volume 32 of  wrapped up what could truly be called the first arc of a major series, covering the first five volumes. Each book contained 50 to 60 pages and would later be compiled into three omnibuses, nearly 900 pages each.


    It told the story of a troubled young man, Afro. His demeanor was rough, aggressive... but he fell for a woman who, because of him, ended up in a wheelchair. That moment changed him. He realized just how wrong he had been. Billy didn��t just capture the emotion of love��he also brought in a different, deeper tone: the tragedy of regret. Nomiya, considered a thug, a criminal, a man with no future, hit rock bottom.


    When he did, even cigarettes and alcohol became meaningless habits. The story turned heartbreakingly somber, infecting readers with a profound sense of loneliness.


    The desire to change, to move forward, with a heart trying to forget the past and turn to hope... but that past haunts him again and again. He hits bottom, truly, when he finally understands the words of his elders and realizes the mistakes he once thought were triumphs.


    This series made waves across the U.S.��the best-selling comic series in history, surpassing Superman, Batman, and the X-Men, with 10 to 13 million readers per issue. The artwork was top-tier��what others could only dream of creating. Countless companies wanted to make a film or series out of it. Offers poured in. But  was simply the reigning champion.


    With 343 million copies sold, Billy decided to take a break in December, while launching new series that were already fresh in his mind and ready to debut. A much-anticipated  mini-series of 30 chapters, a 10-part run of , , and ��at least the first three arcs.


    He submitted drafts for , , , , , , and . Each series or film took no more than three days to produce. Nothing compared to , which consumed six hours a day, thirty hours a week, just to complete a volume, without color.


    Then came the colorists��three of them��a letterer, a proofreader, all polishing the work to perfection. The extra three days... so much time... too much. Time that could be used to push ahead on dozens of other projects that now seemed more urgent.


    took only a quarter of that time. And he even had time to do the coloring himself. All he had to do was write and draw it however he pleased.


    ...


    �CNominated for twelve categories.�C Anne whispered beside Billy. They were in bed, wrapped in each other��s arms. Anne had longed for this moment with such intensity that she forgot everything else��everything but closeness-as she gave in to the warmth and silkiness of desire.


    �CI love this series for everything it represents to the company.�C Anne said. She couldn��t stop feeling how deliciously she was being taken. She clung to Billy, wanting it to be all toaster.


    She curled her legs around him, not wanting to let go. She loved being held like that, craving his lips, kissing him deeply. Was it wrong? It was. But she didn��t care. Her reason faded with his words. To feel that adoration... it was the way to make something so filthy feel so perfect.


    Later, lying in bed, she curled up with a little peace.


    �CHave you thought about the consequences of stopping?�C Anne asked.


    �CI have. But honestly, I want to move on to other series and then come back to it. People already have plenty to read. It gives them time to catch up. More time for sales. More time for purchases.�C Billy answered, climbing on top of her, gripping her from behind as he pulled her hair and pressed their bodies together.


    �CI��m going to be late for the meeting.�C Anne whispered.


    Sin, when a relationship is born from prohibition, there''s something almost supernatural about it��a spark of madness, of crossing lines. Something intoxicating. Power complicates everything, blending decisions with difficult shades and blurring limits.


    Billy bit her shoulder hard as he pulled her tighter against him. She pressed her chest to his.


    �CI��ll finish in your mouth.�C


    Anne didn��t think. She just obeyed every word.


    ...

 550. recognize the company.

    It was astonishing to see how, in their eyes, scenes were just empty frames waiting to be filled by the actors in their own way. Sometimes, they failed to realize that they were merely empty glasses, waiting to be filled with the ideas of others. Failure often played a role when people stepped in and transformed a performance into something that once seemed impossible.


    I don��t feel like thinking about anything other than my comic projects, Billy replied. I''m sorry, Jim, but I need to stay ahead for my fans.


    -I think the same. You have two major productions lined up for next year. However, you have a minor commitment with  in January,  in May��when the European weather is fantastic��and then  in October in Australia, when the heat isn��t unbearable. -


    -I see. Then we��ll do what we can with what we have. I��m not expecting anything exciting, but if you come across an interesting film, give me a call. I sent you some scripts in L.A. to both offices. With a little luck, you might fall in love with one of them, - Jim Wait responded. - We handled the proper submissions for the script you sent, but from the looks of it, it��ll be difficult to do anything beyond ensuring copyright compliance. - Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Then enjoy your retirement, Jim. I don��t think work is all that great when you end up losing all your hair�� I��m afraid that��s not very healthy, - Billy replied, trying to organize his thoughts.


    -Ha�� The day I retire will be when I have so much money that my only goal will be to rest until my last day. But in a country like this, luck isn��t always something you can count on. For now, we should relax, - Jim Waite responded.


    -Well, a nice house, a solid and luxurious pension plan without excessive taxes��just enough��some investments in real estate, and of course, a few stocks with growth potential. I could recommend some with good prospects, but there��s always Coca-Cola, which has a strong dividend distribution system, - Billy said, now seeing Coca-Cola as one of those corporate giants that simply wouldn��t fade away.


    -I��ll take your advice. I��m no fool. A young man who became richer than half of the wealthy elite in less time than any of those great families�� I��d be an idiot not to, - the agent replied, taking a deep breath as he waited for his appointment with the professor he had been so highly recommended.


    ***


    Anne walked into the Marvel boardroom with confidence. She now held control over a retroactive buyout, which they called a hostile takeover through debt acquisition. The request had already been made to Ronald Perelman, who was rather indignant but lacked the funds to fight back. They just had to wait three months, and it would be theirs. But opportunities were slipping away, like a dwindling gold mine.


    He hadn��t shown up. He refused to engage. He stood on shaky ground, forgetting everything, determined to snatch up the last scraps of money from his remaining 8% stake before Avi Arad refused to part with his 2%. Meanwhile, 90% of the company was now in the hands of Lux Comics, the aggressive consumer.


    A lawsuit was an option, but Anne had already delivered a painful blow, exposing the company��s financial state and Perelman��s administrative failures. He had driven a beloved American comic company into financial ruin, sinking it far below the market value of its competitors. It was an utter disaster��one that made his stomach churn.


    -Mr. Perelman, I was told you were afraid to face a woman barely over five feet tall. But I think that when you hear my offer, you��ll be grateful for my presence and drop that sour expression - Anne said, her hair neatly pulled back. This was the sharp edge of Billy��s influence, solidifying into an absolute truth. Her tough demeanor, her commanding presence��years of experience had shaped her into a force to be reckoned with. A blossoming corporate powerhouse.


    -You mean buying out my debt and humiliating me. Please, let��s not speak so plainly. Many words cross my mind, but among them, there��s a lie, - Ronald replied.


    Ahhh, the pride of men. Look, with all due respect, but you had no idea how to run a comic book company. It��s not the same as the traditional entertainment business of film and television. Your skills are better suited for acquisitions, sales, management, and mergers. You excel at treating companies like market commodities. Unfortunately, art ceases to be a product when it loses the essence of those who create it.


    Take sunglasses, for example. When you add value��s, such as UV protection, people buy them, regardless of whether the frames are cheap, production costs are slashed in stores, or a new metal is introduced. What matters is their utility. But comics aren��t valuable because they��re useful��they become useful through the passionate criticism of fans defining what a comic should be.��


    The realization Anne had been waiting for flashed across his face in an instant��but then it faded. It was a mistake he knew well as an experienced businessman. The adjustment was merely Anne��s way of delivering a sharp blow to the arrogant investor��s ego.


    -So Billy proposes a different deal: $10 million for investments in tech stocks, to be sold once the Nasdaq hits 4,800 points. The investment companies have already been chosen, promising returns between 100% and 300%. This, along with the collection of thousands of individual stakes pooled into these companies for public buy-in, under the condition of future sale, Anne continued, handing him a contract with a built-in $20 million premium for managing a fund tied to acquiring Marvel��s remaining 8%. A Trojan horse. It listed AOL as the focal point, a tool meant to drive Warner into the ground��one blank check and another way to capitalize risk through a third collective investment fund.


    One led by Raimon and his friend  Lomas, worth $35 million. Another belonging to Billy, with assets totaling $600 million, supplemented by short selling and earned profits. And now a third, aiming for $500 million. That was enough to crush the shareholder percentages of future acquisitions, all while securing a lucrative commission from the profits to be distributed. It was a flawless deal.


    A shame that MGM, Universal, and Paramount didn��t fit into these plans��major studios that could have been a crucial part of their endgame.


    -So, how decisive are we in putting a deal on the table? - Ronald asked.


    -Corporate acquisitions. We buy their shares, sell them high�� they fall��though I doubt they will��and then we buy what matters and sell at an even higher price, - Ronald said after weighing Anne��s succinct summary outlined in the contract.


    -I believe a comic book company shouldn��t be underestimated. But a deal worth twice as much, without the headaches, seems like a better fit for your skills. I can see the doubt in your eyes, and I don��t have much time, - Anne said, excusing herself as she left the office, reflecting on Billy��s vision of turning his business into an expansion empire.


    He had invested in multiple tech companies. The latest to go public, Yahoo, had been carefully selected for personal profit��shares had climbed from $27 to $50. He initially held a 30% stake, which he diluted for further investment. With a total of 18 million shares under his control, it was only a matter of time before they were sold in bulk. The account stood at a billion dollars.


    She didn��t understand why Billy hadn��t sold yet. Each investment diluted his shares, yet he remained steadfast in executing his carefully planned strategy.


    Outside, four men in suits, all wearing dark sunglasses, stood waiting. They looked like Secret Service agents. As Anne walked in, flanked by these men, the secretary couldn��t find the nerve to deny her entry.


    ...

 551. The end we expect.

    November 26.


    Just days before  premieres nationwide,  has raked in $157 million at the box office��a blow, yes, but still profitable enough to keep Disney in the game, continuing its high-stakes bets, its bold new animation designs, and the daring improvements it imposed on the industry. Now, it was moving forward with a female-led film, seemingly an upward punch to shift the world''s gaze��and perhaps even spotlight Disney under a different light. A turbulent revolt of low blows and sharp contrasts, one that might very well mark the end of an era�� for the birth of another.


    A new animation giant.


    S��arch* The n??el Fire.n��t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ��


    The newspapers hit with hurricane force, shaking Disney stock by two extra points as competition rattled the public''s perception of the company.


    Billy was pacing the hallway, a habit now, walking as he sorted through thoughts. The next films were going to be a huge leap. But that didn��t matter now.


    He glanced toward the set. They were about to shoot. It was early morning��maybe 4 a.m.��and cold, but the scene had to be filmed while the city slept. The final scene. The climax for Kevin Lomax. A moment that stuck with the skin.


    Monica watched from afar, wide-eyed, already in wardrobe, already slipping into the scene about to unfold. It was a long take��at least nine minutes��but the director didn��t need to push his actors. They were already moving in perfect rhythm.


    ��Take 2, scene 159.��


    ��CUT.��


    The collective breath was tremendous. Only five minutes left to film the concluding finale.


    He was soaked in sweat, but he couldn��t change costumes now. He inhaled deeply��each word etched into his mind like scripture. Every beat, crafted for a flawless performance.


    ....

 552. Preceded.

    She now took everything in silence as the recordings fell into place. Monica wore that fiery red dress, and a certain kind of desire spread through Billy as he watched her alluring figure, playing with her expressions. The shapes intensified.


    The way they drew closer, framed through the lens.


    -Cut. �C Director Taylor remarked, knowing that all that remained was to congratulate everyone, though it wouldn��t be necessary, as they were about to enjoy a traditional celebration designed for such occasions.


    -Please, let��s not get worked up. We��ll wrap up with a great scene so we can redeem ourselves at the party. �C Taylor Hickford announced, ushering everyone into a grand hall where the feast awaited.


    The tables were elegantly set with platters of pork, beef, chicken, potato salad, and a variety of choices, including pasta, heavily drenched in sauce��enough to make Monica grimace at the excess, though she continued sampling each dish with appreciation. A rich treat for him.


    -I love it when you make that face. �C Billy murmured, slipping an arm around her waist. He was utterly enraptured��her bronzed skin, her dress, a temptation to any man. Hee seized her by surprise.


    -I like pasta, but you drown it in sauce. It��s practically pasta soup. What��s with these liquid sauces? I hate when they overwhelm the dish with such a strong aroma. �C Monica remarked.


    -Then try the meat. It��s divine, especially with the mashed potatoes. �C Billy suggested.


    His hand rested on her thigh, the warmth of his palm seeping through her skin. Her dress barely reached her knees, and she was slightly taken aback when Billy��s fingers traced up and down. That was enough��desire clung to her like a second skin, as intoxicating and provocative as a rose of passion.


    Her spine straightened, her cheeks flushed. Venus graced the banquet table, her gaze burning like Charlize��s, as if surrendering a round, losing to intimacy, slipping into the background. What a disgrace, what an invisible defeat.


    -You always eat meat. And you always love it. You eat so much of it��it��s surprising how much you enjoy it�� Maybe Spain would be good for you. In Galicia, they sell a special kind of meat you��d love. �C Monica responded, sweeping her hair back with deliberate care, each strand falling into place just as she liked it.


    Billy��s hand remained on her thigh, unwavering. A current of electricity pulsed between them, like a sudden bolt of thunder.


    The way everything churned within her��the way he took his time��each deliberate touch sparked countless images in her mind.


    -You��ve been so busy with everything�� except drawing and drawing. You forget about me. �CShee whispered, so softly yet so tragically.


    -You want a trip to Italy, I get it, and we can go. It��s just that my schedule has been insane. �C Billy admitted, taking her hands, savoring their warmth, their softness.


    -I know�� It��s just hard being alone. �C Monica murmured, taking a bite, her gaze sighing in silent longing.


    -I want you to take me. I��m only wearing black lingerie. I��m yours��to be claimed. But you��re slipping away�� from my life.


    With a deep breath and the way she uttered those words, she tried not to speak further, but his hands pressing into her legs, gripping a little tighter, spoke of something deeper. A desire simmering, waiting to erupt. S��arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ��


    the kisses were rough, full of a way of waiting...of people making a quick appearance, a big deal that could be taken without help.


    Monica''s breasts pressed against Billy''s chest, the Italian was filled with an air of sensuality that didn''t seem to be something common and easy; it was like the way people took a point. When with a squeeze they, tasted her skin, Monica was more than willing by the way she came and plunged her sex with such a way they both performed a rude detail to her as she cursed, Monica''s laughter as she reached orgasm and asked for another bit, her hips danced up and down, and forward and back hard as she felt.


    She bit down hard, with the force that would leave a mark, and they squeezed their bodies tightly together. Embraced, as they enjoyed the pleasure, when they began to act with the slightest detail, but the legs came closer.


    -There, please, hard, hard. - Billy squeezed her hips and came up; she came undone, in desire as things began to move her with a gesture of discomfort. The desirous past, that carried her with an attachment of wonder.


    The two bodies were mirrored, between kisses, embraced, and filled with a movement. She withdrew her body and allowed herself to subtly lower herself to be moved, taking his penis with her fingers, while stroking up and down, Billy arranged her hair and she put her face against him, about to explode, extended her tongue and burst.


    Hearing the moans, she knew she did a great job, with her face occupied, she sucked her fingers clean all over. He was ready for a second stroke; what she wanted now was another three rounds, until their bodies were frozen with the deliciousness of desire.


    -Yes, what a delight. -


    -Then we must do a little politeness. -We must show a little politeness. -


    They made love slowly and succulently, slowly and fervently. This time, the way Billy finished was inside her; the next time, on her stomach. And a final one, after a bite to eat, in the wee hours of the morning, they took another trip, a quick dance, and they took three hours later and finished at six in the morning, with Monica full of self-realization at the way she was taken care of.


    A smile on her face.


    ...

 554. lux sports.

    The sports brand was revitalizing athletics across San Jos��. Billy��s investments extended far beyond multiple football and basketball academies, many of which were sponsored by the professional teams he had acquired. The Golden State Warriors were at the forefront, nurturing young talent and developing female teams across different age brackets every two years: U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19. It wasn��t just about competition; substantial funds were allocated to infrastructure, including ice rinks, tennis complexes, and multi-purpose sports centers, expanding into various locations��San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jos��, San Mateo, Alameda, Monterey, and Los Angeles.


    -You��re hired.- said Jolie Carter, the HR manager, as she signed the final document for the new Lux Sports Foundation. This non-profit organization was dedicated to expanding sports throughout California, providing generous donations and top-tier equipment, funded by Lux Animation, a powerhouse conglomerate. The foundation��s divisions were structured with a clear mission: to support education, sports, and entertainment.


    Its operations focused on identifying talent and recruiting young hopefuls eager to make headlines. The initiative promised to elevate teamwork and foster strong collaborations with major sports institutions, such as the NBA, FNA, and elite open tournaments��highly competitive events that shaped the sports landscape.


    -I guess we should brace ourselves for countless challenges. Sports have always intrigued me, but leading a foundation of this scale�� I see nothing but hurdles ahead.- said Aaron Murphy. A lesser-known basketball player, Aaron retired at 26 after struggling to secure a place in the professional leagues. However, he redirected his focus, returning to academia and specializing in sports management with aspirations of becoming a team assistant. He studied under top executives, later becoming a professor at the University of Colorado, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Business Administration. His dissertation on ��Corporate Human Capital�� was widely praised.


    With a decade of experience as an athletic director across three universities, he now found himself at Lux Sports��one of the most attractive enterprises in the U.S. market. The company, beloved for its extensive ventures across multiple industries, had set its sights on an ambitious project involving professional teams and youth development programs. Becoming the executive director of a non-profit wasn��t just a career move��it was a stepping stone. The salary, while slightly higher than that of his university positions, wasn��t extravagant, but it covered his expenses and offered an excellent benefits package.


    -Then get to work. The headquarters is still under construction, but you��ll need to make frequent visits to oversee our progress. For now, you��ll have two people under your supervision. You��ll need to develop a management plan, draft corporate manuals with our legal team, and establish administrative processes.- said Jolie Carter, handing him a thick binder��a comprehensive ten-year strategic plan outlining financial forecasts, integral project roadmaps, and independent team development structures.


    -It��s a long-term undertaking. I��ll start with just one team��the basketball team��and from there, we��ll create the necessary framework.- replied Aaron Murphy, choosing to begin with what he knew best. From that foundation, he would gradually expand into other divisions, shaping the organization step by step.


    *** S��arch* The Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Golden State Warriors were in good shape, led by Garry St. Je, n��one of the most seasoned players in the game. Billy had assembled a team with remarkable synergy, but now came the crucial decision: the draft. Three names stood out��Kobe Bryant or Steve Nash, both available for selection.


    Billy��s demands were ambitious, perhaps even overly aggressive. But talent was talent. Even if the price doubled��three or four million dollars��it was an investment worth making. His goal was to attract top-tier players, reshape the team��s image, and establish a legacy far beyond the usual business dealings of the league. If he could bring in elite coaches, legendary athletes, and major sports personalities, his vision would materialize.


    -The owner didn��t ask for immediate results.- said a nervous Garry St. Jean, analyzing the figures. The contract was structured around pure meritocracy: $1 million for two years, another million for making the draft, $2 million for reaching the semifinals, $4 million for making the finals, and a staggering $8 million for winning the championship. An enormous incentive��but a distant dream when compared to the meteoric Bulls, who dominated every aspect of the game with ruthless precision.


    -In a way, we��ve reached a position that seems to be exactly what we wanted. But that desire will only be fulfilled if we work through the obstacles ahead.- said Mike German, the general administrator. While his financial power was limited for now, he was deeply involved in every operational detail, almost like an owner himself.


    -We just need to make the right bets to strengthen the roster. It makes sense to invest in massage therapists and statistical analysts. Integrating technology into sports isn��t a bad idea��it��s just the natural progression of a great team.- replied Garry St. Jean.


    Nearby, the organization had already acquired a small plot of land to build outdoor courts, gyms, and nutrition centers, ensuring regulated diets for the athletes, at least during training sessions.


    -Let��s focus on restructuring. We��ll work with what we have and improve as we go. I prefer technically skilled teams over those that rely purely on aggression. But right now, we need to innovate our playstyle, refresh our squad, and experiment with new strategies��it��s our best option.- said Mike German.


    The Warriors were near the bottom of the standings, but they were just five spots away from breaking into the top eight.


    ***


    As player contracts were being finalized, other divisions of Lux Animation were actively seeking partnerships with various organizations for the upcoming winter sports season. With Panini Albums providing promotional coverage and Lux Sports backing multiple initiatives, small yet strategic revenue streams were flowing in. Lux��s sponsorships extended to U.S. athletes and provided support to the national sports committee, which was rapidly expanding across the country.


    -We��ll be distributing essential equipment to underprivileged players. In total, we have 31 athletes who need full gear.- said Anne. Since leaving New York, she had embraced a newfound sense of confidence and authority.


    -Yes, ma��am.-


    -Make sure everything is handled transparently. I don��t want any irregularities��everything must be public. If you��re overwhelmed, just let me know.-


    -No, director, I��ll personally oversee the funds and ensure every last dollar is accounted for publicly.- Anne replied firmly. Despite her composed and professional demeanor, deep inside, she was still captivated by the days she had spent with Billy��days that had left a lasting impression on her. Beneath her poised exterior, her heart burned with a longing she knew was both profound�� and forbidden.


    ...

 556. Trapped.

    The premiere of Mulan began with a new invitation extended to the entire social circle connected to Lux Animation and those associated with Billy. Though not particularly famous, he noticed that more people attended than expected��from the usual gang of directors, who were now almost a fixture on his guest list, to others whose presence was more surprising. For Billy, their attendance was practically a rule of his invitations.


    Steven Spielberg arrived accompanied by George Lucas, who had postponed the release of the second Clone Wars film to 1998 during production, allowing time for special effects improvements with the help of Pixar. In the coming months, the first ten episodes of  were set to be released��one of the finest animated series to date.


    -It has exceeded our expectations for quite some time now, - commented Jim Waiit, alongside his namesake, Jim Gianopulos. Both had been working behind the scenes, handling production matters, managing bond rates, and securing financial interests driven by their lucrative successes.


    But that wasn��t all��Martin Scorsese and Francis Coppola were also present, along with Coppola��s daughter. David Fincher and Robert Zemeckis had joined as well. The atmosphere was buzzing for a simple reason: the new Oscars section was about to launch. It was interesting to see the cast of , including Danny DeVito, and even some actors from  mingling in the crowd. In another corner, Kate Winslet appeared with her boyfriend, while several members of the  cast were in attendance.


    -Well, this is starting to feel like a royal gala. We��ve got a lot of people looking to network��some of them are seeking production opportunities, - remarked Jim Gianopulos as he scanned the room for various actors and directors. Productions in L.A. were scheduled for December,  was set for March, and  was on track for the same month. Meanwhile,  was gearing up for June, launching a trilogy to be filmed within seven months��a major challenge for the Wachowski brothers.


    Jim Gianopulos wasn��t far away when he approached Billy.


    -You know what to do, kid. You need to talk to people, especially the Universal producers��they have a vested interest in us, Jim advised.


    -Looks like I might have to put in some extra work over the next few years, - Billy muttered to himself, contemplating the challenge ahead.


    Taking Monica��s hand, he made his way to the concession stand, ordering a large popcorn and a lemon soda. He focused on his snacks, doing his best to ignore the people approaching him. For Billy, the ideal scenario was if no one bothered him at all.


    -You should say hello, - Monica whispered.


    -I��m not in the mood right now. When you put all the pieces together and the sum turns out to be a mistake, I��d rather not engage. Though, to be fair, some of them are genuinely nice, - Billy admitted, watching as one of Hollywood��s most intriguing couples, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, approached.


    -You��ve got a packed schedule, - Ethan remarked.


    -Sorry, I wasn��t around when you were filming  with all your dedication. I got caught up in other work, - Billy replied, shaking the man��s hand. Meanwhile, Monica was engaged in conversation with Uma, both of them drifting toward Quentin Tarantino, who stood slightly apart, appearing indifferent. Not far away, Uma spotted Natalie Portman and made her way toward her.


    The media frenzy had escalated to an almost unhealthy level��dozens of photographers had caught wind of the event, even though it was meant for children.


    -Danny wants to see you, but he told me you tend to be a bit grumpy at these kinds of events, - Ethan chuckled.


    -Not at all. It��s just that I don��t have anything particularly noteworthy to contribute... and everyone seems so determined to engage in small talk, - Billy responded, taking a handful of popcorn. - Give me two hot dogs and two slices of pizza. -


    Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    -Wow, that��s quite a lot of food, - he said, surprised.


    -I need to know what they��re selling and try it out. I might buy this place�� or something similar. Haven��t decided yet, but I want to own a major studio for my premieres, - Billy said. - ��Want to invest some of your money? Being part of the production industry doesn��t exactly allow for these kinds of purchases.�� -


    -So that��s why you��re buying the entire menu... But let��s talk about something else. Funny thing��I wasn��t planning on coming tonight, but now it feels different, - Ethan admitted, leading Billy toward Danny DeVito.


    -Andrew, great to see you, - Billy greeted, shaking hands with the former director of , where Billy had played a supporting role.


    One of the downsides of these events was the forced smiles.


    -Likewise! It��s a great feeling��landing a big role is no small feat. You��ve become the master of hosting premieres, - Andrew said, acknowledging the spectacle.


    -Any new projects? - Billy asked.


    -I do have something new in the works,- Andrew replied.


    -Maybe we should discuss it later��-


    -It��s an allegory, somewhat similar to ,- Andrew revealed.


    Billy spent the next hour weaving through a maze of greetings and conversations. Soon, it was time for the audience to settle in for the screening of , a new animated series. It was a bit overwhelming��so many people gathered just to see the premiere. As Billy approached one of his financial backers, the excitement was palpable.


    -I hope we get the chance to collaborate on something similar. Lately, these premieres have been giving me a certain motivation, - Steven Spielberg admitted.


    -Then these moments must be essential�� We��ve been toying with the idea of a massive production for a while now. Want to join in, kid? - Steven asked. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -Then I assume you have a new idea, - Billy replied.


    -I do�� It��s just that sometimes, these ideas take shape, and I find them exciting. When I see something interesting�� when I sense that success is on the horizon.  made me realize that some films require extensive groundwork, - Steven explained.


    -It always works that way. Though I think you should set up a space to review some scripts... I��ve been thinking about a new series, . I��ll give you my answer by the day after tomorrow, - Billy said, making use of his time in L.A.


    -I��m throwing a party for one of my goddaughters. It would be kind of you to attend,- Steven invited.


    -Consider it done. Send a memo to my assistant, - Billy confirmed.


    -I won��t bother you anymore, kid, - Steven said, strolling off to rejoin his group.


    -Andrew Niccol has a great film in the works, - Billy commented.


    -I��ll talk to him,- came the response.


    It was a surprise to find himself surrounded by three women and a slightly overwhelmed Ethan, struggling to keep up with the conversation.


    Amid all the overlapping discussions, it was Monica who stole the scene��her elegant Italian style, the way her form-fitting dress accentuated her curves, always had an almost hypnotic effect on people.


    -A party, - Monica murmured.


    -Come on, it doesn��t matter. We��ll make the event work, - Billy replied, stepping into the theater.


    ...

 557. papers.

    It''s a historic project that began to take shape in , with everything needed to produce 65 anime episodes, covering all the episodes the series should have, along with the additions Billy made. Not only did he expand on the stories of Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law, but he also provided more context for Roronoa Zoro and added depth to secondary characters like Whitebeard��s crew and Marshall D. Teach��s men, making a clear and deliberate effort to flesh out the extended cast of the anime.


    What made it significant? He eliminated filler and paved the way for the series to evolve with stronger storytelling. Previously, many characters'' backstories had been neglected and then awkwardly inserted later. The world-building had been limited, but now it had a clear purpose��exploring the different seas, from the South Blue to the North and West, giving proper screen time to characters who deserved it. Even if this approach went against convention, it allowed for deeper life stories and character growth that would later prove vital to the series.


    For example, Buggy��s backstory with his crew was now reinforced, showing how they became like brothers.


    -How much will this cost us? �C asked Anna Washington.


    -It��s incredibly expensive, but essentially, we��d be using all of Atlanta��s production facilities while hiring additional teams, including personnel from San Jose��s Team 2. Plus, we need to secure a director to oversee the animation process once it��s fully underway�� I estimate animation alone will cost around $190,000 per episode. If we factor in music, voice acting, and promotion, it��ll be $230,000 per episode, �C replied Ted Anderson, one of the coordinators. The sole coordinator in Atlanta is already overseeing the expansion of Lux Animation, responsible for recruiting Japanese, Korean, Valencian, CalArts, and NYU animators. The increasing price tag reflected the industry��s rising production costs.


    -That��s a high price tag for an animated series, �C Anna murmured, understanding the financial and logistical complexities involved. A $15 million project that represented only a fraction of the total budget, all hinging on a single principle: securing voice-acting contracts for at least the next 20 years. That was Billy��s strategy��long-term contracts. By the time those terms expired, the next 65 episodes would already be completed. Officially,  was set to enter production in March 1997.


    -For now, let��s just lock in the budget for these 65 episodes. Atlanta needs to improve its divisions and animation pipeline�� The costs may even exceed my estimate by about 10% because we��re still missing key resources, and that could easily drive expenses up. We need to level up as a team, Ted noted. He had experience in the industry, but while some of the crew had prior work on animated series, others were complete newcomers. Long hours would be spent training them and refining workflows.


    -Let��s just keep pushing forward. How else are we going to get this done? �C Anna murmured. �C We��ll schedule a meeting so everyone gains some experience. There are new series coming, and the new hires can help with them.�C


    Anna knew that 2D animation��s greatest ally was cutting-edge technology. It was the backbone of Lux Animation, and with it, production techniques were evolving at an unprecedented rate. The studio was positioning itself at the forefront of an industry undergoing massive change.


    ***


    Billy finished episode 16 of . Not long ago, he had set a goal of restructuring each series to his vision, and he was determined. In the next two days, he planned to complete episode 20 and then move on to his other projects, all of which were gearing up for release.


    -Five days, and I still haven��t finished�� �C Billy muttered darkly.


    Monica��s deep gaze was all the answer he needed. In the distance, he was fully aware that the coming days would be even more demanding than he had anticipated.


    was perhaps one of the most emotionally heavy series he had ever had the pleasure of working on. Its story was brief, but its weight never failed to leave him stunned. The sheer depth and drama made it one of the most intense projects on his plate.


    Loosening his tie, he took a deep breath. Nine straight hours of drawing had left him drained. He needed to rest his eyes and hands. The sketches in front of him seemed to refresh themselves as he blinked, but ten days of non-stop work had been worth it. Rubbing his tired eyes, he decided to take a break, pressing a warm cloth to his forehead for some relief. His glasses sat nearby��a necessity for reducing eye strain. He needed something like this every time.


    By the end of January,  would begin filming, and he was counting on everything to come together. He was still uncertain about how to structure the coming months. Unlike the practical effects-heavy , this new film required a different approach. He would be playing a shattered office worker who could barely sleep��he needed to find the right mentality for the role. For that, he wanted Brad Pitt, who, at this point, still didn��t have the fame he deserved.


    Luckily for Billy, Pitt was lean, with barely any muscle mass, which worked for the role. He was curious to see who else would join the cast. The project had been greenlit a year earlier, and now the production schedule was finally aligning. Helena Bonham Carter��s involvement was already locked in.


    Meanwhile,  was moving forward with a production timeline that paralleled , though the two had different scopes.  had also started taking shape, with large-scale miniature sets and cutting-edge digital effects from Weta Workshop. That project alone would take at least two years to fully realize. So much was happening at once��Lux Animation��s future was nothing short of overwhelming. And with it, the demand for visual effects was skyrocketing.


    The door creaked open.


    -I got the tickets. We leave in three days. We��ll spend Christmas and New Year��s at my parents�� house, Monica announced. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -I don��t think that��s possible. We have a beautiful villa near Rome, and the whole family is gathering there. My assistant already made the arrangements, �C Billy replied, kissing her lips.


    -That��s true, but we also need to go to Paris. You have some friends to meet, and we can visit a good friend in London. After that, we can disappear into Austria, just the two of us, where no one will recognize us�� in the cold, just you and me,�C Monica murmured.


    Billy nodded, running his fingers through her hair. She let him, as he gently smoothed out the rebellious strands that always seemed to stray.


    ...

 558. Collective vacation.

    December 10.


    Billy took a deep breath. The first week of  had been a success��$25 million, half the cost��something that sparked joy among the animators, who now only waited for the announcement of collective work vacations, along with the annual bonus that Billy granted based on revenue. Anne mentioned that the company��s earnings were in excellent shape.


    -The atmosphere here is festive too, - Monica replied.


    Following Microsoft��s acquisitions, the video game industry was booming. Billy��s multiple animated series had become landmarks that never failed to surprise. Now, he was preparing to launch a fourth animated channel, one dedicated to mature themes with a variety of programs tailored for that audience.


    -Since I��m going on vacation, I decided to grant collective vacations across most of my companies. I��m going to spend so much money that this might as well be the most expensive vacation ever. - Billy responded.


    Offering extraordinary, fully paid collective vacations had become a tradition��a reward for years of continued success. From ID Software to Pixar and Lux Nation, all employees benefited, except those at Lux Atlanta, where veteran workers were exempt due to scheduling constraints.


    -But it��s sweet. Everyone looks so excited about where they��re going. - Monica noted.


    -Hawaii, New York, London, and Toronto.- Billy murmured, already envisioning his plan to acquire a hotel in Toronto. - For now, it��s business, but Paradise Hotels is doubling its revenue, and I think it��s time to invest in more tourist destinations, especially in Europe. -


    -But the trips are free. What more could they ask for? -


    -The most expensive vacations in history, no doubt about that. I��ve spent at least $15 million on this collective break for almost 1,000 employees. Distributing the resources alone was costly... It��s a good thing my accountants handled everything for the tax office. I��ll save about $4 million, so the total comes down to around $11 million. - Billy said, flashing a smile at Monica.


    She made a face upon hearing the amount.


    -But it��s wonderful��eight fully paid days off. And you��re making sure that these families not only get discounted flights but also get to truly rest, to have something more than just work and responsibilities. Some of them haveneededg a break for a long time. - Monica replied, already set for an entire month of vacation, a rare opportunity to enjoy their time together without stress.


    A direct passport to all of Europe, with their security detail reduced to just two, fewer than usual for a trip of this scale. As Billy surveyed everything that belonged to him��the new building under construction, the land purchases��he began envisioning a high-end development project: a park with luxury hotels. For now, the 60 acres could expand to 100, maybe even 200. Not necessarily amusement parks, but themed destinations��the rolling hills of the Shire, the castles of , the wonders of ��nothing surprising, just the perfect settings to sell merchandise, each piece more spectacular than the last.


    -It��s so sweet, my love. The cleaning staff mentioned that many of them have never left the country before. Traveling abroad has been a lifelong dream for them, and thanks to you, they��re getting a 70% discount��it��s incredibly generous. - Monica said, her voice filled with admiration. - You make people��s lives better. A company and wealth should be used for that��to help those who need it. If you turn this into a tradition, maybe every five years, or even every four, people will look forward to it. -


    A company that gives everything for its employees, offering educational support, structuring a corporate plan filled with work regulations, risk mitigation strategies, and efficient workflow structures. Everything would soon be neatly compiled into PDF documents, showcasing how problems were solved with remarkable efficiency.


    -I hope so. It would be a real problem if they decided to form a union and make things difficult for me... California is always a hassle, but we��ve improved employee conditions by negotiating and offerinsustainable financial incentivesle. Still, it��s frustrating when things get out of hand. Damn communists and their unions.- Billy muttered, taking a long sip from his drink.


    The first 20 volumes of  sat on his desk, with five more about to be completed. Added to that were ten extra chapters of  and the early drafts of , which already had three episodes. During his vacation, Billy planned to finish at least 50 episodes by February.


    -My love, but that��s a different issue. You just need to relax. Besides, you��re already a master at making money��what��s a few extra dollars? - Monica teased.


    -That��s the thing��it��s never just ��a few dollars.�� It��s always more than that. - Billy replied, flipping open his blue notebook, a thick journal filled with white pages outlining the entire  series from the first arc to the last. In his estimates, the series would reach 500 episodes, with various improvements��enhanced battle sequences, new additions, and the early introduction of powerful characters like Konan, Sasori, the Raikage, and the Mist Village��s civil war. The final stages of that war would bring more  warriors into the spotlight. Kishimoto had simply been lazy when it came to fleshing out the other villages by the end of the series, so many characters with potential had been left behind.  would now center around three core themes: hatred, sabotage, and deception.


    -You said you wouldn��t work.-


    -I��m not working. I��m playing. Drawing has always been my passion. For me, drawing is like wine is for you. Creating worlds is as fulfilling as witnessing wonders��it��s a way of leaving a mark on the world. Seeing books from new angles, watching these universes take shape and become real challenges for others to overcome�� It��s almost contradictory. It��s both a challenge for me and for those who seek to surpass it. I create more complex scenarios, introduce more characters, each with their own goals and struggles. Writing and studying them take up most of my time. So, in the end, my life is an unquantifiable division of time dedicated to drawing and acting. - Billy explained, grabbing another book and a thick portfolio-sized sketchpad with 300 bound pages. It was his tool for long drawing sessions, the only thing he needed to refine the next episodes of  and , which were about to reach new heights.


    -When you talk like that, I can��t say no to traveling everywhere I want to show you. -


    -Don��t worry, my time is yours. We��ll do it, we will��I could never deny you anything. - Billy answered, taking her hands and pressing soft kisses to her knuckles.


    -Then I��ll have to treasure you as much as I can. My man deserves the best. - Monica responded with that precise, affectionate air that made her who she was. S��ar?h the ��ov��lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With both notebooks in hand, Billy was ready to sketch out the upcoming chapters��stories that were becoming increasingly urgent to bring to life.


    ...

 559. Brindle.

    The next major bet in cinema, , had been in production for a long time, but a blockbuster premiere was typically set for June 8, 1997. After all, what better way to launch it? A massive production needed a grand stage��what better season than summer, when audiences were at their peak? S~ea??h the ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -It��s the best date we can pick, and a love story like this will give us media visibility. So many opportunities in this glorious release window, and I don��t see many big productions posing a real challenge. They��re in an off phase��, , and, of course, a few kids�� movies. But right now, I don��t see anything that can stand in our way. We��ll crush all those low-quality productions.�C James Cameron said, having wrapped up the last minor details of the film, confident as ever in his position as the industry��s frontrunner.


    -I wouldn��t get ahead of myself like that. �C responded John Ladou.


    -It��s better to stay ahead, and I predict success, as I should. Success comes from my confidence. This movie is everything I could have asked for and more. We��re days away from victory��that��s a fact. There��s little time left to secure our position. A bit of business maneuvering, and we��ll steamroll the competition. I don��t see anything coming from other studios that��s remotely impressive or even acceptable for that time frame.�C Cameron remarked.


    -Well, lucky us, then. Meanwhile, I have Paramount and Fox breathing down my neck, pushing us in different directions. It��s exhausting.�C John responded, his words tinged with frustration. Hollywood was tightening its grip, from production pressures to financial constraints that left them cornered. The sheer costs were enough to strain their investors, who bombarded him with angry calls demanding updates��when would they see returns on their money? Had they simply forgotten?


    -I��m afraid the next few months will be more of the same, John. I stopped answering the phone once we passed the $200 million mark. I suspect they��ll go back to hating us��at least until we win. �C Cameron said.


    There was no denying it: the coming months looked bleak for the film industry. Few movies were on the horizon, and the market seemed stagnant. But that was about to change. Award season was approaching, and with it, the chance to claim a prime spot.


    had secured seven Oscar nominations, including Best Actor. Billy had earned his place, and the actresses had as well. Unfortunately, their competition might have an edge��particularly  and Kim Basinger��s performance.


    -Billy��s book is still on store shelves, though it didn��t get much publicity. The kid seems to have sold just under 30,000 copies��not exactly great, at least from what I gather. �C


    John Ladou closely tracked book sales. However, if even half of those 30,000 readers went to see the film, it would be a significant win. That could translate into an audience of 50,000, nearly the population of a small town.


    The best way to visit the Old Continent was with an inherently profitable plan. The last time he had been here, his father had ended up marrying a woman fourteen years younger than him��somehow, she had given him four children, expanding the Carson family like never before and leading to fractures along the way. Later, Billy had traveled here with Monica, though their layover had lasted no more than four hours before heading to the set of .


    -This is where I bought you that sandwich when you came to visit me in Rome.�C Monica said, now ready to spend an entire week indulging in the city��s culinary delights. Every restaurant, every spot in Rome��s central square, was on their list. Many of these places boasted Michelin stars, some of them notoriously difficult to book. But the names  and  carried weight.


    Dressed in winter coats and matching hats, they looked every bit the celebrity couple, ready to make an impression.


    -Diana��s Place is divine. We have a reservation at 6:00 PM. Then there��s the  place overlooking the Colosseum, a luxury spot.  is perfect for seafood on Tuesday, and Wednesday we��ll be at a private hotel for an exclusive event hosted by a friend. She��s bringing in a renowned Spanish chef. Thursday, we��ll head to a beach party, and on Friday, we��re off to Venice for some fun before moving on to Florence, Milan, Ravenna, and back to Venice. Then we��ll stop in Pescara before finally reaching Umbria for New Year��s. �C Monica explained, her excitement making her seem even more radiant. She was like a greenhouse flower escaping the shade, blossoming under the sun.


    -Then I guess I��ll need my mornings to rest. Afternoons for socializing. I��ve set up a little schedule��10 to 12, and then 1 to 3, for you to draw. In the evenings, some nights you can sketch from 7 to 8, or 6 to 9, depending on how long our dinner plans run. �C the Italian added, already thinking about making an impression for their next trip. January would be spent in Umbria, with a stop in Spain.


    -Then take care of everything, darling. �C Billy replied, pressing a soft kiss to her full lips. They never seemed to lose their smile��hope was etched into them.


    -I think you need a new suit. I ordered a few from Canali��one in blue, with a white background and red sleeves, to match my dress. Sometimes, I like a touch of blue. �C Monica said, exuding her usual seductive elegance with every move.


    Another kiss. As Europe embraced them, they felt more at home here than in the United States. Perhaps it was because of one simple reason��a young man and an older woman. There was something almost wickedly enchanting about them, like characters straight out of a storybook. The gossip never stopped. Beauty was a currency, and with it came the weight of scrutiny, even during a simple meal in a foreign city.


    -Well, I suppose I can��t say no when your eyes refuse to take no for an answer. What can I do when your arms wrap around me and fill me with warmth?�C Billy murmured, pulling Monica into a tight embrace. She was radiant, irresistibly happy.


    -Believe it or not, I have a role lined up for February, so this vacation is important to me too.�C Monica admitted.


    She had landed a part in , which was wrapping up production and set to begin post-production between late January and early February. It wasn��t a lead role, but secondary roles were opening doors for her, helping her carve out a space in the fiercely competitive film industry.


    ...

 560. Attractive.

    December 14.


    The collective vacations at Lux Animation are the highlight among employees, who are more than happy to use the time to rest. And as time goes on, the excitement only grows. The concept follows two formats: first, to showcase how Lux Animation is a company that stands above the norm, a place worth working for, where employee comfort is a priority, as reflected in various work manuals.


    Billy��s university thesis focuses on labor practices and corporate manuals, detailing methods for defining and structuring regulations, safety standards, legal certainty, social benefits, and corporate perks. It was precisely this, along with the work itself, that motivated him so much.


    -Well, I��m afraid I��ll be taking Mom to Hawaii. Last time, she had an amazing time, and she wants another trip like that. �C said Raimon, making it clear to Anne that her disapproval was irrelevant; the decision had already been made, and in the next few days, he would be stepping away from business entirely.


    -Alright, but I need to know what you��ve done with Lux Investments. �C Anne replied. No less than three months ago, they had established a new company�� a family agency��to manage all investment enterprises tied to their income, including real estate purchases, stock acquisitions, land, and more.


    -You��d be surprised, but I��ll leave you some paperwork. The hotel expansion has been moving forward, and with our new business ventures�� we��re looking to buy a few buildings in the coming months, especially in New York, which is in constant growth. If we��re lucky, Hotel Para��so will have three new locations ready to operate. And assuming no unexpected issues arise, we plan to expand into Bali, Thailand, and Malta as our next targets. �C Raimon responded, already envisioning the hotel expansion, backed by high-risk loans for development, which would be structured once the hotels were fully operational. sea??h th�� novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -The stocks��any last updates?-


    -We keep doubling down. I executed several put options and growth strategies, ranging from 40% to 60% returns on tech stocks. At this rate, in the next two years, we might own so many shares that selling in certain companies could become nearly impossible without a structured negotiation, which, at best, is a complicated situation. �C Raimon explained, having already doubled multiple positions.


    -Acquire holdings in stocks we don��t plan to sell, like American Cheesecake, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble. �C Anne instructed, to which Raimon nodded in agreement. He was trying to apply the same intuitive market sense Billy had always demonstrated, a knack that often seemed almost predictive.


    -I might be overstepping, but tech companies can be sold in bulk to collective funds at a premium price, doubling their value in one go. Investing in those portfolios is a solid move, but it��s also quite conservative, a bit�� academic. However, since your goal is to shift positions and enter new markets, I believe our best strategy is to keep doubling down. �C Raimon added.


    -I��ll review our results over the past few months.�C Anne replied.


    She let out a deep sigh. Without making any firm commitments, she moved through the third and second floors. The animator��s house was bustling��people seemed to be moving at a frantic pace, as if failure weren��t an option. Everyone worked in sync, pushing to complete at least some of the projects on their minds. The American work culture had been fully embraced, demanding double the effort and endless overtime.


    -I��ll conduct the production review during the break. In thirty minutes, I want to see the status of every ongoing project. �C Anne stated. She intended to oversee all productions in the roundtable review, unwilling to ignore the fact that delays were beginning to pile up and would likely continue over the coming months.


    -Director. Someome of the employees greeted her as she passed.


    For some time now, the nights with Monica were frankly intense, full of those libertine allegories carried to the extreme what was desire...but it was different, loving and affectionate people in due, rule, from food, wine, and passion with integrated taste every feature. They slept naked, and she always sought his embrace, in the cold of the nights, both embraced each other with delicate affection.


    -My love, it''s very cold. - The black-haired woman approached him, looking for him not to get up for work. Billy looked at the clock; it was nine o''clock in the morning.


    -It''s almost nine in the morning. - Billy answered.


    -That''s why it''s too early, sleep another hour with me. Another hour, I ordered breakfast for ten. - She answered, opening her eyes and kissing him, while her hand stopped at his private parts, and played with him, getting under the covers, and kissing his chest, at least once a day was the rule they both had. But that overcame the appetites of both and led them to exceed, by far, that rule, sometimes it was three times or four times a day. In the intricate role in which they both found themselves, it was almost necessary not to get bored while people were organizing a job.


    -because you always cheat on me.... - she whispered, but with Monica, who was intensely wary, her lips tasted Billy''s member; she already knew which points to touch, and when she acted with intensity, she was rewarded.


    -My love always does what she wants. - Billy sai, taking a seat, as he grabbed Monica''s hair, black and thick, somewhat stiff with sweat, but combined to perfection with her angelic features, a true muse of love, and a true muse of charm, every trace of her was enchanting in such diverse ways.


    She felt she was about to end up in his mouth, and decided to end it there, as she let him go in there, the way they both entered smoothly, as they were taken by surprise, and almost with the ease of chewing a piece of gum. The back and forth of two people, taking the union, and it was hot.


    Monica felt the point where he was about to come, just another little bit, but his exquisite way of squeezing and his hot way of mingling, ent electricity for both of them as people. Playing delicately, and trying not to adjust anything but the end, she used her hands to caress his button, and that gave a spasm that she enjoyed, in release, painting it White.


    A round was not enough, they finished, being interrupted by the breakfast that was just a step away, and even if it was, hot how to a feature, the how for both to take your time, of rest, Monica''s naked entrance to the bathroom, while Billy received breakfast, of baked eggs and sanchillas, a sumptuous breakfast unlike the espresso with caneoli, some sandwiches, made to give an order, and not be left aside.


    -I like to start the morning like this. - Monica replied.


    With her hair washed and with a different kind of desire, she was more enthusiastic.


    -You seem enthusiastic. - Billy replied, taking her in his arm, she settled into his arms, giggling like an eight-year-old, as her curls danced, all wet.

 561. The beautiful city.

    The streets of Venice: The Floating Jewel of the Adriatic. They had never had so much time to explore places so thoroughly, though they had to avoid the cameras. Some people recognized the couple strolling through the streets, guarded by three bodyguards��one visibly present and two others keeping watch from the perimeter.


    A unique city, built on 118 islands, connected by 400 bridges, and crisscrossed by 177 canals. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an epicenter of art, history, and romance. That��s what Monica would say, enchanted by the way Venetian women seemed to dance as they walked, taking their time to revel in the beauty around them. The Byzantine architecture, the breathtaking Basilica of St. Mark��they admired it up close, marveling at how wealth allowed one to experience the world so differently. The Doge��s Palace, a symbol of Venetian power, housed works by Tintoretto, and of course, the Campanile offered a stunning panoramic view of the city. They took photos there��Billy, in particular, focused on capturing different angles to later sketch them, fascinated by the power of memory.


    Art had always been a passion. Art was timeless, he thought as they explored various collections, contemplating the price of history and the genius behind masterpieces. Great art workshops, a gallery featuring Picasso��s works, and, of course, the works of Tintoretto.


    They dined at a restaurant that, under the soft glow of streetlights, felt utterly enchanting. They sampled everything��sweet-and-sour sardines in trattorias, salted cod tapas in croquettes, anchovy pasta with onions, and squid ink risotto.


    These were recipes perfected over generations, refined through years of careful selection and mastery.


    -People have come to understand that fantasy isn��t just about observing a restaurant��it��s about the entire experience.- Billy mused, speaking to Monica about the undeniable charm certain places seemed to exude, especially when accompanied by traditional music and a talented singer in the background.


    -It��s divine when the flavors simply melt in your mouth.- Monica replied, savoring each bite.


    -The fish is exquisite��it truly melts on the tongue.- Billy commented, taking in the scene. Everything around them gleamed with an antique, almost ceremonial magic. People watched them from a distance��the price of fame. But at least here, in foreign lands, they could sometimes roam freely without constant disturbances. That was a luxury they could never enjoy in Los Angeles.


    -Try the Prosecco. It��s incredible��there��s this moment, just a second after you sip it, when the flavor ignites on your palate.- Monica suggested. She wore a flowing red dress with a plunging neckline, draped in a white scarf she used as a shawl.


    -It��s a perfect pairing, but I don��t think I have the appetite for another dish like this.- Billy admitted after finishing his third plate. Even when the portions were small, the richness of the flavors was deeply satisfying.


    -Same here. But we could dance for a while, and later tonight, you can have me any way you desire��just as long as we keep the upcoming schedule in mind.- Monica��s voice carried a sultry promise. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.


    -Shall we dance, my love?- Billy said, signaling for the check and casually leaving a handful of lira on the table. Without a second thought, he left a generous tip.


    -You look stunning. Let me fulfill all your wishes.- Billy whispered. Monica met his gaze, caught off guard by the intensity in his eyes. But the warmth on her cheeks betrayed her��she loved the way he treated her. The way he caressed her palms, the way their fingers brushed together. Every touch carried an unspoken understanding, something that had grown between them over time. When Billy leaned in and kissed her deeply, she simply closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.


    They walked two streets before taking a carriage to an exclusive high-society Christmas gala. The entire venue shimmered in festive brilliance. There, they took their time, swaying to the rhythm of the waltz, the paso doble, and even a dance Monica insisted on teaching him��nothing compared to the joy of movement.


    -One step back, and then forward.- Monica whispered, reveling in the elegance of the dance.


    ***


    -You��re a complete idiot.- Michael Eisner growled, his frustration barely contained. The boardroom was thick with tension as Roy Disney��s latest confrontation unfolded. The growing dissatisfaction among the board members was impossible to ignore. Ever since Michael Ovitz had been fired, the company seemed to be spiraling downward, and now they were pouring money into developing a 3D production studio.


    Gazing into the mirror, Eisner reflected on the months��and perhaps years��ahead. Would Disney soon find itself in a new battle for dominance?


    Taking a deep breath, he summoned the board members. Even during the so-called ��festive season,�� discussions never stopped. Strategies were constantly being devised to counter Lux Animation, which was dominating the industry with its fresh, creative ideas. While Disney still functioned as a corporation, it lacked the agility of a true creative powerhouse. And yet, success remained within reach. With the ABC merger, they had become a media titan��a production juggernaut spanning newspapers, radio, television, and news networks. They were a force to be reckoned with.


    -He��s clever��- Eisner muttered to himself.


    Nine people were present, along with several major shareholders. There was a quorum. Many had been part of the company for years, though their priorities seemed to have drifted from Disney��s long-standing traditions.


    -This extraordinary meeting is something we need to take seriously. And while I dislike starting discussions on this note, the agenda is clear.- Eisner stated.


    -We all know why we��re here.- Roy Disney interjected, anticipating the topic at hand.


    -It��s good when we can address these matters in a measured way.- Bob Iger added.


    As the president of ABC, Iger was fighting to stabilize the network��s ratings. But acquisitions were no longer a viable option��not after a $19 billion merger that had left the company in a cloud of uncertainty.


    -We need to take control. There��s no other way to ensure we seize opportunities. It��s a fact��we can��t keep operating like this. We��re being crushed across the board.- Eisner stated bluntly.


    -Well, ESPN is still a strong asset.- Eisner added, knowing full well that in the coming months, they would need to reshape the narrative in their favor. The Disney-ABC merger had been framed as a strategic alliance, yet it struggled to compete against NBC and was steadily losing ground to Lux Animation in the animated series market.


    Production was the heart of their business, and the strength of ABC as a family-friendly network needed to be leveraged. They had to realign their focus, ensuring their investments turned profitable instead of continuing down a path of diminishing returns.


    -The problem is that Lux Animation has captured the emotional connection kids crave. Their market share is at 19%, and in peak periods, they exceed 25%.-


    The charts spoke for themselves.


    ... S��ar?h the Nov��l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 562. Marvel: lux marvel.

    December 21, 1996.


    Anne, along with Jim Gianopulos, decided their best strategy was to strike fast and hit hard. How would they do it? By leveraging the appeal of a company that stood above the competition. First, they published several articles and promoted the idea of collective vacations for employees, aiming to showcase unity and a positive work environment.


    A newspaper closely linked to MGM had previously criticized their salaries as "not very competitive." Still, Lux Animation countered with its economic approach to providing social security, offering a solid pension fund, comprehensive health insurance covering immediate family, access to education, open workspaces, year-end bonuses, and now, collective vacations.


    What defines Lux Animation��s corporate identity? A commitment to service, corporate unity, and the development of its workforce.


    These companies constantly battle to outmaneuver each other through strategic positioning, minor plans, alliances, favors, ambitions, or sheer chaos. Perhaps it��s all a coincidence, but it should never be taken personally.


    When Apple laid off 800 employees, many were absorbed by Billy��s various companies, either through new jobs or generous severance packages with job placement assistance. Yet, he was harshly criticized, labeled a shark, a cynical businessman, and a liar.


    The media was relentless, spreading headlines about corporate quality and efficiency, as well as restructuring a company through high-level hires and strict selection processes. No one saw it coming. It wasn��t until December 22 that some began to understand what "We Are a Great Company" truly meant.


    In America, corporate image couldn��t simply be brushed aside. He was seen as a madman��The Good Wild.


    The headlines spoke for themselves:


    Recent sources indicate that Lux Animation is in the process of acquiring Marvel, with the deal estimated at around $120 million��a staggering sum, considering Billy Carson��s acquisitions in recent years. This move signals not just a seismic shift in the comic book industry but also Lux��s continued expansion into the entertainment sector.


    ��


    What can a young man do with just a pencil and paper? Billy Carson has revolutionized the comic book world; his methodical drawings, filled with structure, talent, and technical precision, serve as a benchmark for future innovations. Now, as Marvel��s new owner, what can we expect in the coming months? Could this be the rebirth of the beloved franchises we grew up with? Fans dream of seeing groundbreaking new series that go beyond the repetitive stories we already know by heart.


    ��


    For years, many have questioned Marvel��s administrative decisions. Now, with a fresh slate, the company seems poised for reinvention. Fans long for fantastic stories��mutant academies, friendly neighborhood heroes, and narratives that truly capture the essence of their legendary characters. When a superhero company is known more for its boardroom drama than for its comics, disappointment is inevitable. But now? The golden age of superheroes is set for a triumphant return.


    ��


    -This means that in the coming years, we��ll have a true marketing war on our hands, - remarked Jenette Kahn, President and Editor of DC Comics. She had played a key role in keeping up with Lux Comics, pushing for the modernization of production lines, shipping logistics, and overall print quality.


    -He might not have the time, - replied Paul Levitz. - Right now, he has too many series to manage. It��s no secret that, for years, he��s been running a one-man show in comic book publishing. -


    -We should just let him buy us out, - joked Mike Carlin, DC��s creative director.


    Jenette Kahn shot him a sharp look, but she could see Paul and Mike exchanging glances like two mischievous schoolboys.


    -We need to find better ways to develop our stories, - she said firmly. - And when I say stories, I mean creating narratives that outshine anything Marvel produces. I��ll talk to Warner��s executives and secure additional funding for our projects. -


    She was determined to revamp DC��s talent acquisition strategy, ensuring that promising creators joined them before Marvel could lure them away. With new acquisitions in sight, it was thrilling to compete in Marvel��s playground.


    -Warner Bros. has made its stance on DC clear,�� Diana Nelson added. ��1996 wasn��t a great year for us, and we��ve been knocked down hard. Our animated series has been our saving grace, keeping us relevant. -


    -My goal, she continued, is to reorganize our franchises��Vertigo Comics, our mainline series, and expand into broader markets for kids, teens, and adults alike. -


    -But we could use more resources, - Jenette admitted. sea??h th�� NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ***


    -I could arrange some meetings, - suggested Mike Richardson, an old associate of Billy��s. Their relationship was less about business transactions and more about talent scouting and strategic partnerships, spanning franchises like  and


    -Well, now that we have Marvel under our belt, we can use it to launch new series, - replied Mike Mignola. - I have a lot of friends eager to see the changes Billy promised. -


    Alex Ross, one of the key figures in both Marvel and DC projects, chimed in. He had already begun working on new ideas for Dark Horse Comics, which controlled ��a character with the potential to be repositioned for specific narratives.


    -He��ll pay, as he always does, - Ross added. - What surprises me is how seamlessly Billy pulled this off. No one saw such a clean acquisition coming -


    -So if everyone knew�� why did no one say anything? - Mike Richardson asked.


    -Two simple reasons, - Alex Ross replied. - No one messes with the comic book market. No one takes over a company and walks away unscathed. -


    -When people try to shake up the industry, there��s always backlash, - Richardson murmured. ��So what happens now with DC? -


    -That��s a different story, - Alex said with a smirk. - No one��s dared to mess with Superman like that�� yet. -


    ...

 563. I train

    December 23.


    The region of Umbria, somewhat arid, in some parts like a green sheet��a magnificent meadow bursting with vegetation��even the soil, when treated with care, could be used for small greenhouses. But it took hard work; cultivating such land was no easy task. The family owned a 10-acre villa, a somewhat remodeled old house. Charming��perfect for the backdrop of an Italian series, a small love story, or to bring  to life��it felt like a narrow corridor of meanings.


    They welcomed him with open arms, doted on him as if he were one of their own. Though young, they gave him all they believed he deserved. It mirrored what he had experienced with his father��a warmth so striking it made him want to call him, even if it wasn��t exactly a thoughtful impulse. It felt good knowing his father had found such a loving family with Ivanova and her three children, plus one on the way. Meanwhile, everything around him played out like a dance, song, and celebration.


    �CCome, come, have a bit more and dip it in some wine �C Monica��s mother insisted. She was an older woman, silver strands framing her strong features. She handed him more as he accepted it. They made the pasta from scratch, everything done organically, as they would later explain on more than one occasion.


    �CYes... well �C the young man was compelled by the woman��s intense gaze. She was already calling for another bottle of wine to be opened, smiling at him with what looked more like a grin than a gentle smile.


    Monica��s father was a simple man who took his time resting in a chair, listening to music, while relatives bustled around in the background.


    �CBilly, we have canap��s��try a few. The canap��s weren��t much more than little puff pastry balls drenched in Bolognese sauce, topped with basil and cheese. Some came with serrano ham, others with a special cheese that seemed to melt in your mouth��a yellow wheel cheese that, according to them, required three months�� notice to order due to its aging process.


    The flavor was sharp and crunchy, the puff pastry giving the food an almost airy texture.


    �CSo, what do you think? Isn��t it beautiful breathing in the countryside air, being here on the family estate? �C The woman asked, taking a seat beside him. She looked completely different from usual, wearing a long white dress that fell just below her knees. It suited her perfectly. With only red lipstick and her hair in layered waves, she seemed to embody the saying that a beautiful woman needs no embellishment.


    �CCharming, especially when there''s not much else to do �C Billy replied, gazing into the distance at a house that used to be a shed. Monica had renovated it to have a place of her own to return to. It was large, with two floors, the second with a balcony and a single bedroom.


    The morning sun was bright, but the house was oriented so that the first rays didn��t hit the window until 10 a.m., and even then, they never quite reached the bed, thanks to its diagonal position. Simple architecture, but intimate.


    �CI left a space where you can draw in peace during the summers. Relaxing under the shade while you write one of your stories sounds like the loveliest thing, the Italian woman said, gently brushing his cheek. That peace, perhaps, was found in moments like this, when he could finally shake off the tiredness that usually rested on his shoulders.


    �CNot a bad idea at all��and not contradictory in the least�� seems like I already have a reason to come back �C Billy replied, watching her smile, delicate in her way.


    �CThat��s why you need to work on your posture. I��ve noticed you��ve been a bit hunched from all the time at the desk. I spoke with your trainer, and you��ll be doing some exercises as soon as we return �C said Monica, adjusting his tie and pouring wine into his empty glass, her gaze soft and full of emotion.


    �CAlright, my dear �C Billy replied, knowing perfectly well it was a losing battle to argue about whether his posture was fine or not. �C I do have a question, though. Do you need help with dinner? I��m not sure how I should behave �C


    He whispered.


    �CDon��t worry about it. You��re a guest�� Besides, we brought gifts when we came��maybe you can give something to Papa when we get married, not after �C Monica answered, her brilliant black eyes like pearls swirling with color, holding so many thoughts in a single blink.


    �CWhat��s that supposed to mean? �C he asked, more curious than anything. �C Is that something you always do, or is it just�� �C


    �CBecause you��ll be family. And when you��re family, gifts don��t matter��not really��because they��re family gifts. That��s something you and your father don��t quite get. You��re both so quiet and reserved,d it��s like you miss the point entirely?


    �CI get it. There��s just always so much to do �C


    �CDinner will be ready in a few minutes. When you taste the food, you��ll savor every part of it. Watching it melt in your mouth, and tasting a real tomato��that��s the experience �C


    Just as she said, they set two tables with white tablecloths, each for six people. The table was laid with trays of lasagna, salads, and bread in abundance. The rule was clear��a short prayer first, then the person at the head of the table would begin the meal. Tradition ran deep in Italy, or at least in Monica��s family home. Following the rituals, everyone ate, immersed in conversation or their thoughts, while she whispered to him how each dish was made, how sometimes they replaced meat with vegetables, and what her favorite way of cooking had been when she was younger.


    �CSo, it��s simple. The trick is to saut�� the vegetables before adding the meat. Once the meat is in, you start seasoning. The tomato sauce is made the day before��you have to stir it for at least two hours and leave it sealed in the oven. Nona used to leave it there all night, then add pastrami the next day to give it more body �C she whispered every step, including how they buttered the dish before putting it in the oven to give it a slow, full flavor. S��arch* The ��ovelFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CThat��s the one you make for Sundays �C Billy asked, to which Monica nodded.


    �CBut it��s never quite like Nona��s. I��ve been focusing on improving how I cook meats �C she whispered.


    �CBut now everyone wants to try your roasts �C


    �CExcept your father �C


    �CDoesn��t matter �C


    ...

 564. 1997.

    Another year, and a new one arrives curiously brimming with thousands of ideas. Without rest, everyone gathers strength and throws themselves into new opportunities��those long-held ambitions their minds had urged them to chase. The film release calendars are packed, and some of the most important names at Pixar rush back in after the holidays, ready to finalize details for a film destined to become one of America��s most beloved.


    Billy wrote the screenplay, the storyboard, oversaw production and directed the film from beginning to end. He was the one who chose which scenes stayed and which were left out of the final 127-minute cut��two hours and seven minutes. He even pushed for the music selections, considering it all as essential as composing a photograph. He was incredibly demanding.


    �CWe broke the rules. �Csaid John Lasseter, clearly stunned. And by breaking the rules, they brought in a luxury cast: Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Mike Myers, and of course Billy, who once again voiced a secondary character��this time with a sharp, gingery tone. It was the charm of a massive production, signing off on four films with sky-high contracts. The budget soared to 70 million dollars, a negligible cost given the franchise��s prestige, which far exceeded any monetary gain. What mattered was the wave of young fans��and soon-to-be fans��who would adore every inch of a series that eventually grossed nearly four billion dollars at the box office.


    �CWe broke it completely, but I believe we��re creating something innovative, something genuinely funny. Besides, Billy has an incredible sense for the audience��this movie was practically made by him. �Cadded Ed Catmull, one of the pioneers behind the film��s new special effects. The tech created for  led to significant advances, especially in simulating body movement, both for creatures and human characters. The animation appeared almost magical.


    Billy had even planted seeds for future characters from the next four movies, using subtle cameos of two or three seconds to hint at what was to come.


    �CNow it makes more sense to break the mold for upcoming productions. I want to shatter that format��we''ve got some projects in the pipeline, and this will help us down the road. �CLasseter continued with a yawn. He hadn��t slept this well since 1993, when they��d taken a collective break after  success. Back then, the company had fewer than fifty employees��now they were at three hundred.


    �CGentlemen, let��s get back to the  meeting. Can we launch the film in June? �Casked Randall McArthur, aware that the animation team was halfway through production but still had the hardest part ahead��perfecting the movement in certain key scenes.


    �CWe��d be putting too much pressure on the team. The project��s release date is set for August 1997. �CLasseter replied, shrugging. Sear?h the N??elFir��.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CThen get out of my office. For the next three films, there��ll be no delays and no broken rules. However, if Billy can deliver a concept that meets the project��s expectations, then we��ll move forward accordingly. �CRandall concluded, letting out a sigh. With Pixar��s main team present, he could now take a trip with his family, leaving twenty people in charge. But as the boss, he couldn��t walk away completely.


    �CEd, what��s the update on the new software development hires? �Casked Randall.


    �CWe��ve got solid prospects. The programmers from id Software are some of the best, always able to find solutions where no one else looks. Somehow, it just works. I think in the coming months�� �CEd Catmull replied. As always, the most organized of the three executives, he had that air of someone who could handle any task in record time.


    �CWhat about the short film issue? I��ve seen reports saying the new tech requires top-tier processors to run. �CRandall added.


    �CThat��s true. But at id Software, they found a workaround��a backdoor fix. It��s not a complete solution, which is why Alvy was sent to Intel to assist with microchip processing. We��re aiming for 1-gig processing speeds. Though the tech is still uncertain, with a 10-million-dollar investment and Stanford��s resources, we might hit that goal quickly. The higher the processor��s capability to detect data, the more we can accomplish��if tech continues to advance. But that progress depends on collaboration with academics. �CEd responded, raising a glass in Alvy��s absence.


    �CThen we wait. That��s our best option now. �CRandall said with resignation.


    ***


    Billy was exhausted��completely worn out. The New Year��s party in Italy had been far more draining than he expected. Almost like a decree, he felt Monica��s warmth beside him. She held him close, and since he couldn��t sleep, he began brushing her hair, running his fingers through her thick black curls, full of life. With each stroke, she pressed herself close, like a cat curling up.


    �CGood morning, my love. �CMonica whispered, hugging him a little tighter. He could feel her soft body, her gentleness, not very strong, yet she clung to him with more force than usual.


    �CYou know, I didn��t mention it on Christmas, but I��ve got a gift for you. �CBilly told her. Throughout the year, he had given her various presents��jewelry, a share of a villa in Livorno, a yacht named after her, anchored beautifully in the San Francisco Bay.


    �CWhat kind of gift, darling? �CMonica asked.


    �CMaybe I��m not always present, but I do listen when you say you��ve always wanted something�� And how could I not spoil you, when you��re always so understanding? �Che said, kissing her forehead. A luxurious apartment in one of Paris��s most exclusive neighborhoods, a proper house in the city center��so extravagant it carried a price tag of one million euros. A number completely out of reach for most people.


    �CWhat could a man who has everything possibly give me that he hasn��t already? �CMonica asked, eyes wide, resting her forehead against his neck.


    �CI won��t tell you, love. When you least expect it, I��ll give it to you. And when you see it�� I hope you��ll love it. �C


    �CTell me�� �C


    �CNope. Now you have to wait. Just two days, my love. In two days, we��ll be back in the United States. �CBilly replied, kissing her lips. �CI just have one meeting left with Panini, then we��ll board the private jet. �C


    �CThen I don��t want to leave. Not yet. Another moment, another month. A month isn��t much. �CMonica whispered in Italian, her native language, which she carried with pride, as she should.


    �CJust a little more�� a few more days together. �CMonica said softly.


    �CI have to shoot a few scenes. �CBilly replied, kissing her again. Kissing her was addictive��everything was returned with such love.


    �CI understand�� We have to leave, but it��s so hard�� It feels like a dream, being here again with you. �C


    �CNext year, we��ll come back. But first, we��ll walk the streets of France. That has to be our next stop. �CBilly said, catching the gleam in her eyes��the sparkle of someone yearning for another month just like this one.


    �CThen it��s a promise. And you have to keep it. �CMonica told him.


    �CI��ve got two big productions lined up for next year�� and . Maybe even , but there have been some production changes. George decided to push it to the end of the year. �CBilly said as he sat up, a bit uncomfortable. He checked the time��noon. It was already late.


    �CTell me, my love. �CShe whispered, leaning into him.

 565. France.

    Parisian fashion had a way of being so direct��it revealed how active a person was, and when that energy began to rise, Monica met someone who completely unsettled her: Julie Delphy. She had just seen the movie , and it stirred something unpleasant in her��an irritation, a bitter taste of indignation.


    Billy was walking through the park, trying to take a step along the muddy paths that felt slippery underfoot, caught in the charm of two people slowly approaching each other.


    �CI never expected you to like older women, but it makes sense. You need a mother figure to take care of you, and young girls aren''t smart enough��they don��t understand that serious look in your eyes, all you��re looking for is a little peace�C said Julie. She was different. Unlike all of Billy��s other friends, Monica had the least to worry about with her, but still, she remained alert. What made Julie so striking was the way her character always seemed to seek intimacy through conversation.


    �CI don��t think that��s what��s happening�� It��s just that she always knows what to do, especially when you least expect it. And sometimes, I realize it��s not just about making mistakes��it��s simply that being with her feels easy. Like when people need a little push to get moving, to breathe, and maybe in the next few months, they get caught up in it.�CThe boy said. �CBut the thing about love is that it moves in strange ways, and when those ways shift, it��s warm and simple. But it doesn��t feel like deep love��it feels like connection, but not the kind you always long for.


    �CThe impulses�� But what about the connection? That thing that always seems to live in your mind, and when it disappears, you run from everything and bury yourself in work, like you��re fighting an inner war to be the lone wolf�C


    �CThe lone wolf dies...


    �CI read your  book, but I wasn��t referring to that. It��s just��you��re different. That��s okay, though. Even if it doesn��t seem like it, you��ve written some really good poetic lines. You��ve improved a bit, cowboy�� Don��t get me wrong��it��s very good, just not my usual style of reading.�C Julie replied.


    �CSolitude isn��t something we seek out of desire. When something��s not right, you simply have to cut it off. The problem is, it takes time to realize you��re wrong��and that��s why I come off as indecisive. I just take my time to weigh things, not immune to the mistakes I tend to make.�C Billy had an idea that constantly felt flawed, always in need of refinement, and even if he was lost and mistaken, it mattered little. So many things to do in the coming days were slipping away like water through his fingers, as if the lights were dimming and the current pulled his hands into hollow caves.


    �CPeople do seek it��those who draw their muses from the night. And when everything seems to align for a meeting, it feels absurd. But we become absurd when we treat solitude as a friend, and that friend seems to forget us.�C


    �CPeople are delicate�C said Billy.


    �CThey are. We all are when things don��t go our way. You��re a Gemini��you tend to wrestle with social conflict.�C Julie added.


    �CI don��t like horoscopes...�C S��ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CSigns are inventions that make us prone to our own mistakes. But it doesn��t matter��let��s fill spirituality with something other than ideological trends.�C said Julie.


    �CThis is the kind of talk that deserves a sequel... I��m freezing.�C Billy said.


    �CNot before I fire my last rounds, so they become the future of our next conversation.�C The girl lifted her hands and looked toward the horizon, so much left to say��for instance, how Billy had picked up two books,  and , each more brilliant than the last, told from Jesse��s point of view. The contradictions he embraced as a writer were first-class.


    They took another walk through the garden. Walking had become a good routine over the past few months, especially when trying not to show too much emotion, and realizing that maybe the perceived mistakes were simply human.


    �CIt��s heartless when someone tries too hard not to be wrong. It can be infuriating when you justify your lack of empathy and hide behind it, even knowing the error, preaching about a man who just keeps going, Julie Delphy concluded her thoughts.


    �CAre you saying that about someone in particular?�C


    �CNo one in particular. I just find it uncomfortable when you excuse ignorance. Men should be honest and uphold honor.�C replied Julie.


    �CWhat��s uncomfortable is that I��ve stopped caring. I��m not trying to be liked or justify my ignorance. When I speak the truth, I treat it for what it is. And the truth is��I don��t understand it.�C Billy said, glancing at Monica, who was up front, sipping some coffee, dipping a piece of bread. She waved from the new house they had bought, a charming place with white doors. It was cold��freezing, even.


    �CLike white flower bouquets��they always make me uneasy. When I was younger, I��d always get white flowers. Not red enough to imply commitment, but perfect for formal invitations. Though yellow ones are lovely.�C Julie said.


    �CAnd that big house��damn. Something about it. It smells like marriage, and you can��t ignore that as a woman, no matter how sexy you might look in lingerie.�C Julie added.


    �CThat��s how business works... The house is for my use, but it��s under someone else��s name. That��s what��s interesting about estates. In some countries, taxes are better for Europeans. But I don��t plan on getting married anytime soon��not out of fear or ignorance. It just feels disheartening to even think about it when I have so many goals that probably go against the idea of starting a family.�C Billy replied.


    �COhhh, so it��s not sincere then?�C


    �CIt is very sincere. It��s just that sometimes, it��s smarter to have a solid plan.�C Billy said. �CEven if you have to pay taxes, it works out better for everyone. And that��s that.�C


    �CI wasn��t talking about taxes.�C said the girl with almond-shaped eyes, who looked somewhat sad.


    �CMarriage, then. You��re right. Maybe it wouldn��t be sincere for the people involved with me. Monica already knows, and she��s good at making it known.


    �CYour next movie��when is it?�C Julie asked.


    �CJanuary. End of January, if I remember correctly. Or maybe early February. This film is going to be good��it��s different from the ones I usually work on.�C Billy replied.


    �CEveryone��s known that for a while now. The thing is��it��s terrifying. But I have to go! I��m meeting a friend for food.�C She tried to keep her distance from the 80s-style pursuit Julie always gravitated toward. Her style was fresh and free-spirited; even in the cold, she wore jeans and a black wool sweater.


    �CMonica. See you tonight.�C Julie said, kissing both of her cheeks.


    Even if it didn��t look like it, she adjusted her hair with a hint of discomfort.


    �CDon��t you think she��s beautiful?�C Billy whispered in her ear.


    She liked being that way. Even if jealousy didn��t seem part of her identity anymore��past relationships had ended for that very reason��she was trying to be smarter now when it came to these things.


    ***


    The Parisian party wasn��t just any party��it was the kind where each group had three people, and many groups were celebrating. The lights were dimmed, and within those shadows came clarity.


    �CSo she is...�C


    �CShe is. And it looked like you wanted to bore a hole through her temple when you saw her�� I thought it was funny.�C Billy replied.


    They were dancing, testing their rhythm on the starlit floor of the bar. A bit of closeness��something entirely different from America, where Europe now seemed to prefer ballads full of feeling. A mix of rock, pop, and unknown artists that didn��t seem to belong to any particular place.


    �CI don��t know what you��re talking about.�C Monica said.


    ...

 566. Festival of Lights.

    The colored lights started to flicker��vibrant, pulsing hues that filled the room. The party was well into the night, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Julie stood off in a distant corner. She was remarkably good at concealing her more conventional sides, though she didn��t care much when cameras were strictly forbidden and the dancing seemed to be all about unleashing a kind of freedom that fervently defied time itself.


    �CAnother drink for a night that seems to have no purpose,�C Billy said, lifting his sixth glass, savoring the way freedom��absolute and without responsibility��gave his mind a break from running at a thousand miles an hour. His thoughts spun like a library packed with thousands upon thousands of ideas: worlds, characters, concepts, circumstances, twists, talents, and layer upon layer of plots��some vivid and visual, others deep and philosophical.


    �CYou��re not a good drinker,�C she said after sipping some wine and a cocktail. Her head throbbed with a sharp edge; her mind was still stuck on something unpleasant. Both of them moved, sweaty and light-hearted, enjoying the kind of dancing that could only be described as liberating. Everyone was lost in their moment.


    �CNo one��s good at drinking for the fun of it,�C the boy replied, grabbing Monica��s hands and leading a simple dance, something more traditional, occasionally fused with the misnamed Eurodance��a style that mostly meant shaking your body and flaunting yourself in front of everyone else.


    �CHahaha, it��s been a while since I��ve seen you so free. Seeing you without a tie feels strange��you know, they say success starts with how you dress. You look older, more refined in those tailored suits of yours, and of course, there''s always that well-put-together air about you,�C Monica replied, brushing her golden hair to the side. It gleamed under the red neon light as they shared a deep kiss, mouths and tongues seeking each other with careful affection.


    The party had started early and showed no signs of slowing down, taking place in a spot where Parisian youth gathered to welcome the New Year, with even a few visitors from London.


    Kate Moss arrived later, along with the stunning Laetitia Casta, Eva Ionesco, Mathieu Kassovitz, and other youthful, vibrant personalities. They greeted Julie and her more alternative, less jet-set crowd, each bringing their energy and charm. Among them were three individuals who naturally drew all the attention in the room. Just when it seemed like the night might be winding down, it rolled into another hour. By the time it ended, it wasn��t quite morning, but deep into the night. Despite the hour, cameras suddenly came out, and when the flashes began, they turned into the unexpected highlight of the evening. S��arch* The N??eFire.��et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �CYou��re Billy Carson. I��ve been curious to meet you for quite some time,�C said Mathieu Kassovitz.


    �CTo what do I owe the pleasure of your curiosity?�C Billy asked, eyeing the production assistant who, while just starting his career in showbiz, was already quite well-known, at least in Paris.


    �CWell, I get it��things aren��t always what they seem�� but you��re Billy Carson, the American legend of entertainment culture. From several perspectives, your companies are what we call the trend��pioneering tech that makes any competitor look outdated,�C Mathieu replied.


    �CSo it''s the entertainment business you''re fascinated with? That��s a relief. I��d hate for it to be something else,�C Billy said, shaking his hand firmly, well aware that this was the moment to start introducing himself into this scene, something like the Soho of wherever you might be.


    �CThese stunning women are the best companions for any Paris fashion event. Laetitia Casta, Antonia, and Mirabella��each more beautiful than any Englishwoman,�C Mathieu joked, making all three laugh. They stood out not just for their beauty, but for their energy. Antonia, with her curly black hair slicked back and a generous bust nearly bursting from her dress, wore a strikingly angled gown that clung provocatively to her figure.


    Mirabella was slender but full of life, like a high-end model pulled straight from a runway. Laetitia, known as the jewel of Paris, possessed a sensuality that could stir even her gender on a good day.


    �CLadies,�C Billy said, drawing Monica close, placing a protective hand on her back. She leaned into him, her cheeks burning with warmth.


    �CHe��s a charm, my dear,�C Antonia whispered to Monica, who had crossed paths with her before during some lucky Prada campaigns.


    �CHe��s invigorating when he lets go of work and lets that Latin side shine through. When he slips out of the rigid American mold rooted in the islands, he��s just as captivating as anyone else, Monica replied, embracing him tightly.


    �CSo���C


    �CNo, dear, he��s not. But maybe we can include you in a more private occasion,�C Monica whispered, referring to their relationship. The other woman responded that she was rather conservative and would make a public scandal of even the most subtle attempt, oiscreetly, that neither of the men caught on.


    �CLast year, you surprised us with ��a film adored even from here. What��s in store this year?�C asked Mathieu.


    �COh, I��ve got some great ideas. It��s just a shame they��re all still in early development,�C Billy said. �CBut they��re sure to make waves in the entertainment world once they land. Maybe even go beyond a simple thank-you. It��ll be fantastic. But enough about me. Tell me, Mathieu��what do you do?�C


    Billy watched Monica chatting with a few models, all of whom were eager to get what they called a "settled life." There were a few ways to do it: climb the fashion ladder, start a company, or the third��and most tempting��option: marry a rich man. Someone whose monthly income could equal what they��d earn in five, even ten years.


    �CActor and director. I��m currently working on a project I plan to release mid-May. If you get a chance to see my work and hire a director, that��d be fantastic,�C Mathieu said, handing him a card, not before scribbling the name of his film in English: . Mathieu had recently won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995. A good year to win.


    �CCongratulations, by the way,�C Mathieu added.


    �CFor what?�C


    �CRight, I almost forgot. Two films�� and ��are both nominated for Best Picture. The latter is also for Best Musical or Comedy. And you��ve got nominations for Best Actor for  and Best Supporting Actor for . That��s a lot of awards,�C Mathieu said.


    �CTrue. It��s been a good year.�C


    Mathieu laughed. �CMan, you��re the devil of Hollywood. Three films where you played the lead��, , and ��all topping the charts.�C


    Billy nodded. Mathieu had forgotten , but the only nomination there went to Samuel Jackson.


    A striking dark-skinned woman entered, dressed like an Arabian dancer, her stomach bare. The music swelled. The shouting became part of the atmosphere��a perfect signal that the night was just beginning and would carry on straight through to sunrise.


    ...

 567. hits, and comics.

    January 8.


    Who can blame them when things start to pick up, when a month isn��t enough, and they��re forced to return to reality?. The first place to be is at the regular shareholders'' meeting, where all those who are��or at least appear to be��the right people to receive the copyright agreements were summoned. And for a simple reason: this would put to rest any doubts future copyright claimants might have regarding any litigation or related matters. A waiver of claims for any Marvel work currently or potentially under litigation, stipulated in a contract drafted and agreed upon by Billy. Different types of contracts, all prepared under a copyright law firm, containing every clause necessary so that when Billy uses the MCU, all prior agreements would be automatically void. Affidavits would be signed, and Lux Nation would handle any unresolved matters.


    After 2008, Marvel faced 30 copyright lawsuits from writers who insisted their ideas were their own��something that had been known for a long time. And when the paperwork speaks for itself, many future costs can be avoided.


    �CSo as I see it, it��s a way to avoid future lawsuits �C said Stan Lee.


    �CNot with you, but with your children, grandchildren, or anyone else who might come forward with a claim�� and also to ensure proper payment for what these comics have earned, to at least compensate part of it �C Billy added, handing over the contract, which was not only a share package from the company, but also included a $4 million payment for any future profits they might generate, along with an enviable work contract offering creative freedom. The payments were substantial, but only three people reached such sums: Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby, among the first, who had the strangest gaps in their contracts, and ironically, were among those who earned the least despite all the work they did.


    Fifteen individuals were on the list, while others simply received amended contracts granting better social security benefits and bonuses��advantages covered by a special fund that ranked among the top in the country, managed by a very demanding Swiss firm.


    �CThose are some good conditions �C said Stan Lee.


    �CWell, I had to go for a rather unnecessary capitalization for some, but the $50 million injection helped a lot to put an end to future legal disputes �C said Billy, who saw his ownership percentage drop to 98.7% after that capitalization. A bit invasive, but necessary, to get a handle on the liabilities and unpaid balances Ronald Perelman left hanging. After all, everyone��s salaries represented half of Marvel��s cash, which would now be used for new series.


    �CI just want to take Marvel into a new golden age. I can��t fire the people who were hired, so our next step is clear��upgrade the animation team. We��ve got 30 animators who��ll now have to undergo extensive training and master 2D animation at the highest level �C Billy replied.


    �CWill you rehire those kids, Ronald? Let go? Some had to work outside the industry �C asked Stan Lee. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    �COf course. Contact them all first thing tomorrow. I want their help not only with Marvel. I��m also planning to adjust a few other comics I have in mind, like Men in Black, Hellboy, The Walking Dead, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Doom, said Billy. Expanding all those titles under Marvel would help not just in series production��it would lighten his workload. New people bring new ideas. And fresh ideas can lead to great scripts, especially when he has Netflix in his hands.


    For instance, Resident Evil had 45 episodes based on the five games, nine episodes per game. It was only a matter of time before he adapted the original saga to his advantage��what Billy would call "the franchise strike."


    �CWell, I couldn��t ask for more �C said Stan Lee, signing and helping the others to do the same. That was the deal��one he fulfilled immediately by handing each person a check, already issued by the company as a certified manager��s check.


    �CThat��s good, because I��m going to give you so much work over the next few months that you��ll wish you had turned me down. I want you to be the creative director, help young writers find their stories, and guide them in creating amazing series. I won��t interfere with the work, but we will establish a few ground rules, like Dark Marvel. It��ll be printed in black��adult comics, Stan �C said Billy.


    �CThat��s what makes me feel alive��being useful and helping take Marvel to the top �C replied Stan Lee.


    �CI��ll buy the entire building and breathe new life into the facilities. This place needs its cafeteria, healthy food, not-so-healthy food, and ergonomic chairs �C said Billy, noting that a company��s condition begins with the tools it uses, and clearly, the state of the furniture was far from ideal.


    �CKid, go for it��unleash everything you��ve got. But I expect my Hawaii vacation. Word��s getting around��everyone��s already dreaming of a company-wide getaway �C said Stan Lee.


    �CTwo years. The company doesn��t have the finances for that right now, Stan. But in two years, I��ll take it to where it always should��ve been �C said Billy.


    With countless ideas already lined up, he was preparing to reinterpret new movies, starting with the X-Men, Spider-Man, and fantasy series that were already on Fox��s radar. Even though they didn��t own the rights, they could share them with Billy��a relationship he knew he��d need in the coming months. Although the Murdoch family was as dangerous as Old West outlaws, he was certain he had to be extremely cautious, knowing that the methods people used weren��t exactly conventional��from wiretapping to encoded microphones, hacking, and all sorts of tactics that seemed designed solely to hinder him due to the innovative work underway. But again, America��especially at that time��was the land of progress, at least in terms of big corporate ventures that thought beyond the present. Maybe that��s why investors welcomed the idea, only to fail when the bubble burst.


    ...


    Hours of work followed, during which Billy, along with Raimon and his team of lawyers and accountants, made all necessary adjustments to Marvel��alongside, of course, a representative from the Securities Commission, whose only goal was to oversee the transition to a privately held, non-listed company.


    �CAvi, let��s take note of everything we need to do for our next steps �C said Billy. �C Don��t make that face. We��re taking Marvel to the big screen, and the question is, how much are you willing to invest? �C


    Avi simply observed the calm stance. After merging with Marvel and collecting shares, he followed the bond game and received a total of $40 million in shares. But everything was far more sinister. The fact that a young man, no older than 20, had taken full control��not just of the company, but also of the toy division��and legally held all the money, even his lawyers viewed litigation as a double-edged sword. Because proven mismanagement was a real issue, and when that gets proven, everything changes.


    �CYou��ve got good money. I��ll buy the studio in Santa Monica, open a subsidiary��Marvel Films��and borrow some capital for a movie. In this case, X-Men. Are you in? �C asked Billy.


    �CThen the shares? �C


    �CInvestment contract. But I��ll give you 5% equity if you want. There��s no other way. �C


    �CI don��t have a choice. �C


    �CYou��ll get your money back��and double it. What more could you want? I was honest with you. We were going to make money, but at the last minute, you went with that businessman Karl Ikahm, who got cold feet. You don��t play roulette with pocket change, Avi �C Billy answered.


    ...