1588-1590

Chapter 1588: Aggressive 

"An apology." Is this the crux of the matter? 

Yes and no. 

The key isn't the "apology" itself, but the attitude of cooperation that the act of apologizing would convey – whether Michael Lynton is truly willing to stand on equal ground with Anson and have a real conversation, whether Sony Columbia truly realizes the role Anson plays in the "Spider-Man" series. 

Edgar didn't need to whine just because Michael didn't say a perfunctory "sorry," but he absolutely couldn't ignore the arrogance behind Michael's refusal to apologize. 

The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze. 

Perhaps, the only one in the conference room who remained completely calm and steady was Edgar. After all, everything happening right now was the exact chaos and disaster he had been planning for a long time. 

Seeing it with his own eyes? It was even more spectacular than he had imagined. 

However, the main drama was still waiting to unfold. It could only truly begin after he left. He wasn't going to stick around here being an eyesore any longer. 

"Oh, look at me," he said, almost to himself. "I always have a knack for killing a conversation. Back at the company, my colleagues often complain that this isn't good for project negotiation." 

"Let me just pray I didn't mess things up today." 

"The terms, they're right there. There shouldn't be any misunderstanding. So, I'll just wait for your news." 

Talking to himself felt incredibly relaxed and easy. Edgar seemed completely unaffected by the suffocating pressure in the conference room. After finishing slowly and deliberately, he calmly rose from his seat and stood up. 

And then, Edgar unhurriedly turned back around and showed a smile. 

"Mr. Michael Lynton, it was a genuine pleasure meeting you today. Without a doubt, it was my honor." 

After saying that, Edgar even placed his hands on his chest, adopting a sincere posture, before finally turning and leaving. 

A slap in the face. 

Another slap, sarcastic and forceful, right across Michael's face. According to the rules and customs of the Hollywood fame game, no matter what happened, Michael should have put on a fake smile, escorted Edgar out without showing weakness, and then thrown a tantrum after closing the door. At least keep up appearances. 

But now? 

Edgar just walked away like that, unhurriedly, by himself. This was Sony Columbia's territory, yet he was acting like he was strolling in his own backyard, completely taking control like the host instead of the guest. 

Clearly, this wasn't normal. 

But the truly abnormal thing was Michael's loss of composure. Nobody had ever seen Michael look so flustered in a social setting. He couldn't even maintain the veneer of politeness. The insincere pleasantries and formalities were ripped apart, revealing the mess and panic underneath. The scene was a complete wreck. 

Inside the conference room, everyone looked at each other, completely losing their ability to react for a moment – 

Should they escort Edgar out? Should they keep up the politeness all the way? Or had the negotiation completely collapsed, with no chance left? 

Amidst the confusion, someone finally snapped out of it. Looking left and right, they hesitantly stood up and scurried out, trying to escort Edgar towards the elevator. 

Heads can roll, blood can flow, but face must not be lost. After all, this was Sony Columbia's territory. 

Behind him, the space was utterly silent, like falling into an ice cellar. Even the sound of breathing seemed to disappear. 

Michael sat in his seat like a statue, completely motionless, seemingly showing no particular reaction, lost in his own thoughts. 

"...Michael?" 

Someone cautiously called out, trying to break the deadlock. 

Suddenly, Michael moved. 

Bang! Crash! 

A loud noise came from the direction of the conference room, startling the entire floor. Busy glances converged, trying to figure out what gossip was happening inside. 

Edgar also reflexively looked over but couldn't see clearly. He could only vaguely sense the commotion, chaos, and panic inside the conference room. 

Beside him, that person cleverly changed the subject. "This summer is unusually hot, isn't it? Just restless. Even sitting in an air-conditioned room, you can't control it." 

While forcing the conversation, they were frantically pressing the elevator button. Their stiff smile was barely holding on. "Oh, the elevator. Every time you need it, it's never here. Just like taxis in New York. I think it must be a little joke the universe is playing on us." 

Edgar withdrew his gaze, a smile in his eyes. "Indeed." 

"However, it's precisely because of that that people tend to leave their homes and go out for some fresh air. Not just the beaches are crowded; malls, cinemas, and bars are too. For the summer blockbuster season, that's a good thing." 

So, was he implying that "Spider-Man 2"'s box office would continue to explode because of the heat? 

The air was silent. 

Edgar chuckled. "See, I've killed another conversation. I really should learn how to talk properly." 

Finally, the elevator arrived. 

Edgar said with a relaxed air, "Or maybe the elevator showing up works too. This time, the universe is on my side, saving me from awkwardness." 

"Ha." The person next to him gave a dry little laugh but didn't have time to speak. A roar came from the direction of the conference room, a roar of towering rage. You didn't need to make out the words; you could feel the energy of a volcanic eruption just from the sheer force. 

Edgar gave the direction of the conference room a meaningful look. "Goodbye. Hope we have a chance to meet again next time." 

Before Edgar even needed to leave the Sony Columbia office building, the news had already grown wings, spreading rapidly throughout the company – 

Anson, had finally struck back. 

People weren't surprised by this. Ever since the white balloon waterfall at the premiere, the conflict had surfaced. Everyone could feel the tense atmosphere. The tug-of-war game between Anson and Sony Columbia was reaching a fever pitch. It was either one side overwhelming the other – 

Or maybe they'd just part ways completely. 

Logically speaking, everyone was sure Anson had no chance. Standing against a giant like Sony Columbia, Anson was just one individual. He had no ability to defend himself, let alone fight back. Similar stories happen often in Hollywood, but the ending is usually the same. 

Look at "Batman" back then, from Michael Keaton to Val Kilmer to George Clooney. No matter who the actor was, Warner Bros. never bowed down. And Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer's careers both hit different levels of low points, while George Clooney simply refused to do big commercial genre films again. The influence afterwards still sided with these Hollywood giants. 

However, this time was slightly different. An invisible, indescribable atmosphere was swirling in the air, making even strongly held beliefs start to waver. Sony Columbia's dominant position didn't seem as solid as expected. You could clearly sense the uneasiness in the whispered conversations. 

It didn't take long, and the atmosphere froze – 

Twenty million dollars. 15% of the box office gross, including 5% for the actor and 10% for the producer. 

A set of numbers circulated, stunning everyone throughout Sony Columbia from top to bottom. For a moment, they couldn't tell if it was a joke. 

Aggressive! Refusing to budge an inch! Full firepower! Leaving no room! 

This time, Anson came prepared. 

But it made people can't help but wonder if Anson had completely lost his mind, to the point of being insane! 

How is that possible! Sony Columbia would absolutely never agree to terms like that! One hundred percent! No room for negotiation! Forget Michael Lynton, even Amy Pascal wouldn't be able to agree. Anyone who agreed to that would be essentially pushing Sony Columbia into the fiery pits of hell! 

But... is that really true? 

Is there really one hundred percent no room for negotiation? 

Chapter 1589: The Scales Tip 

The air went stiff for a moment. They exchanged glances, dumbfounded, like wooden chickens. But then they were sucked into a storm's vortex, exploding completely— 

Sony Columbia was facing turmoil, top to bottom, inside and out. From the board of directors down to the cleaning staff, no one was exempt. 

This, impossible! 

One hundred percent! Absolutely impossible! 

But was it really? Not even a tiny bit of possibility? 

The more certain, decisive, resolute, and uncompromising the language, the more the hidden unease and hesitation wavered behind it. Behind that conviction and toughness, the cracks in their confidence were quietly widening. 

Suspicion, hesitation, wavering. 

Loudly and widely, everyone inside and outside Sony Columbia was heatedly discussing this matter. The key point was that the "Spider-Man 2" frenzy was penetrating every aspect of the industry, and more importantly, everyone realized that Anson and Sony Columbia's collaborative relationship had arrived at a critical crossroads. 

You didn't need to be in senior management, or even in the inner circle; everyone was aware of this. 

You could tell from this one detail alone that the public opinion effect caused by the white balloon waterfall at the premiere was spreading exactly as Anson had anticipated. 

Sony Columbia wanted to close the doors and solve it secretly, but Anson wanted to open the doors and use the power of public opinion as a backup to change the confrontation. 

Clearly, things were now developing in the direction Anson had hoped for. 

Without waiting long, Sony Columbia quickly split into two factions internally, as usual— 

One faction thought Anson was crazy. The production cost for "Spider-Man 2" was already absurdly high. If Anson's salary kept increasing, the production cost for the third movie could exceed two hundred million US dollars. Plus, with Anson trying to cut a slice of the big cake of box office share, Sony Columbia would directly lose profits. 

No matter how you looked at it, it wasn't cost-effective. How could Sony Columbia possibly agree? 

The other faction believed Anson had the leverage to do this. The reason "Spider-Man 2" achieved such great success was entirely Anson's credit. The image of Peter Parker was completely tied to Anson. Anson had the leverage and the right to make demands, and Sony Columbia should seize the opportunity firmly. 

After all, Anson had many options, but Sony Columbia didn't. 

Sony Columbia had spent four full years trying to find a breakthrough, even resorting to the absurd plan of having two CEOs, all to desperately seek such a turning point. 

Now, the turning point had finally appeared. Should Sony Columbia give up on Anson and start all over again? 

Of course, the opinions weren't limited to just these. A constant stream of noisy voices filled the air, and you could clearly sense the instability shaking Sony Columbia like a boat in a storm. 

Everything stemmed from "Spider-Man," and also from Anson— 

It wasn't just Sony Columbia; Hollywood also felt this storm. 

Although Sony Columbia tried their best to keep the news locked within the company, Hollywood was full of well-informed foxes, every single one of them. They wouldn't miss even the slightest ripple. How could this storm right in front of them be completely locked down? 

Looking at Sony Columbia's frantic state now, and then at the stable Warner Bros., you could clearly see the difference in the company's board and management. Those old foxes in Hollywood likely all had their own calculations and plans. 

There's a storm brewing. 

Undoubtedly, "Spider-Man 2"'s sweeping success was having an impact. From now on, Anson was no longer just that handsome "pretty face." 

From New York to Los Angeles, a storm was grandly sweeping across the entire North American continent. You could feel the turmoil even outside the film industry. 

However, in a certain corner of Manhattan, it felt like a secluded paradise, enjoying a moment of peace. All the storms, all the turmoil, all the news seemed to be isolated outside. The fragrant tea mist curled and lingered in the green courtyard beyond the tatami mats, and even footsteps and heartbeats involuntarily slowed down. 

"Please come in!" 

Along with the voice from inside, slide, the moving door of the VIP room was pulled open, and Amy Pascal immediately saw Edgar drinking tea. 

Relaxed and comfortable, his every movement conveyed a sense of calm indifference, like light clouds and a gentle breeze. 

Amy looked down at her exhaustion from a full day of work, and couldn't help but shake her head slightly, laughing wryly. "The whole world outside has turned upside down, and you're hiding here watching the show?" 

Edgar made an inviting gesture, indicating for Amy to sit down. The VIP room's exclusive private butler came over and poured her tea. "Ever since 'Pulp Fiction' was released, these kinds of private rooms seem to have become popular in New York. Anson was never interested, and it's my first time too. I find it quite interesting." 

Amy didn't get an answer, but she didn't mind. Following Edgar's words, she looked around. "A small haven, a window to escape the city. Who could refuse?" 

Edgar invited Amy to drink tea. 

Amy didn't say much more. She actually slowed her pace, picked up the teacup, and slowly savored it. You could see that the tiredness and tension between her brows relaxed slightly. 

After the private butler also left the room, Edgar carefully observed Amy for a moment, then showed a smile. "You look worn out." 

Amy didn't answer. Instead, she slumped her shoulders and let out a long sigh, like a melting candle. "You should see the mess you left behind." 

Edgar chuckled lightly. "Yes, I've been following it. How could I possibly miss such a good show?" 

Amy straightened her back again. "The truly exciting part, you can't see it from here. You should be watching from the front row." 

Edgar could hear the self-mockery in Amy's words. "So, how many board members came to see you this afternoon?" 

Amy looked quietly at Edgar but just smiled without speaking. 

Edgar said, "Alright, let's phrase the question differently. More than you expected, or less?" 

This time Amy didn't play coy. "More. Definitely more." 

Edgar nodded gently. "That's good news." But he left it at that. Edgar didn't probe further, maintaining the posture of someone confidently waiting. 

Amy knew very well that Edgar had the right to observe the show from the sidelines. 

All afternoon today, Amy was exceptionally busy, literally her feet barely touching the ground. Her office phone and private cell rang incessantly, one after another. 

Sony Columbia board members came to see her one after another. Some were furious, some complained, some ordered, some vented, but no matter how they expressed themselves, peeling back the emotions to glimpse the essence, they all conveyed a similar core idea: 

Michael Linton had messed up. 

The board members had promoted a second CEO with the goal of guiding Sony Columbia onto the right track and, through competition, finding the right person to steer the ship. But now, just when Sony Columbia had finally gotten on track with great difficulty, the key contributor (Anson) who had achieved everything they saw was about to turn around and leave? 

Here, the "contributor" was clearly Anson, not Amy. 

But Amy didn't mind, because that was reality. Everything was about interests. Even though they held the prestigious title of CEO, it couldn't change the fact that they were essentially still employees. 

At the same time, precisely because things were returning to Amy's control, the board members, in different ways and with different attitudes, expressed one consistent goal: 

Sony Columbia needed Anson. 

Everything was that simple. The balance of victory and defeat was tipping towards Amy. 

Chapter 1590: Sincerity 

Box office numbers? They're a kind of voice, you know? 

After two weeks of release, the cumulative North American box office for "Spider-Man 2" is already close to four hundred million dollars. Watching it potentially break "Titanic"'s record, the entire Hollywood industry and even the global film market are in a complete frenzy. How could Sony Columbia not hear the voice of those box office numbers? 

Those numbers? They're not just numbers. They're all about profits. 

What's more, "Spider-Man 2" has more than just box office going for it. The movie soundtrack, premiere merchandise, and so on are sweeping the entire market, opening up a completely new situation in an almost unbelievable way. It's pushing open the door to a whole new world for how comic book adapted superhero films can make a profit. 

No need to remind them, the elites at Sony Columbia can all think of a good comparison: 

"Pirates of the Caribbean." 

Disney's original reason for making that movie was because the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in their theme parks was getting old. Fewer and fewer kids were interested. They could just remove the ride, but doing that in different parks globally would cost a massive amount of money, and they'd need a new attraction anyway. Considering the huge investment needed for all that, wouldn't it be better to make a movie to reawaken the interest of the new generation of kids in the Pirates ride? 

And so, "Pirates of the Caribbean" was born. 

The success of "Pirates of the Caribbean" absolutely wasn't just reflected in the box office numbers. For Disney, the real profit came from the parks and merchandise. The full revival of the Pirates ride and the sales of movie merchandise? It was not only massive but also continuous – it was practically a gold mine. 

That's why, a full fifteen years later, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series is still being made, and Disney even thought about replacing Johnny Depp just to keep filming. 

The reason isn't the box office; it's the chain of revenue generated by the movie. 

Right now, it's the same situation with "Spider-Man 2" – 

But where it's slightly different from "Pirates of the Caribbean" is that the revenue from the "Spider-Man" series merchandise all comes from Anson's creativity and ideas. 

On one hand, Sony Columbia needs to give Anson a share of the profits; on the other hand, without Anson, Sony Columbia's merchandise ideas might just hit a dead end. 

Of course, Sony Columbia will set up their own departments and gradually try to break free from Anson's influence, but this takes time and process, it can't be done overnight. What's more, Anson brings something new and fresh with every premiere. To some extent, they can't just give up on Anson immediately. 

Profits. Profits. It's all about profits. 

What's staring them in the face right now: on one hand, an exploding box office; on the other, a brand new world of merchandise. The profit numbers are just gushing out non-stop. 

The board members were all itching with anticipation, every single one of them. No one could possibly refuse Anson; only an idiot would. They desperately wanted to continue working with Anson, to firmly grasp this opportunity for Sony Columbia to completely reshape the landscape of Hollywood film companies. This wasn't some difficult decision. 

However, Michael Lynton failed to persuade Anson. 

To be precise, Michael completely messed up. 

From box office participation to merchandise rights participation and even soundtrack royalties, if they really signed everything according to Edgar's proposal, Sony Columbia might have to pay Anson a hundred million dollars or even more. 

This... is just too outrageous. 

As you can imagine, all eyes were suddenly busy looking at Amy, hoping she could somehow salvage the situation. 

And so, this was the scene that unfolded this afternoon – 

The buzz? It was all revolving around Amy. 

After all, they needed to hurry. Every day they delayed, Anson's advantage became more obvious. It wouldn't take long before Sony Columbia could completely lose the initiative and be backed into a corner. 

Amy looked at Edgar. She knew that the choice and decision now rested entirely with Anson. On the surface, she might seem to be turning the situation around, but Michael could flip it back in an instant. If Michael somehow persuaded Anson, or if Anson chose to collaborate with a rapidly rising third party, the current situation could be shattered at any time. 

To be accurate, Sony Columbia had already lost control of the situation. 

So. She needed to understand why Michael failed, and she also needed to understand the key to succeeding in her own task. 

Thoughts lingered in her mind for a moment, then Amy spoke again. But she didn't anxiously jump into discussing "Spider-Man." Instead, she carefully brought the topic back to Anson himself. 

"I heard last time," she began, "that Anson is preparing to work with the director of 'Harry Potter' on a war movie? A second 'Saving Private Ryan'?" 

Edgar glanced at Amy, didn't say much else, and just went along with her topic, keeping the conversation casual. "Heh, not everyone can be Steven Spielberg, of course, but yes, Anson is very excited to work with new directors." 

Soon, Edgar realized Amy was serious. She wasn't just making polite small talk or beating around the bush. She was genuinely discussing Anson's next plans – 

As an actor, his ideas about roles, projects, and types of performance. 

People often see the brilliance of Tom Cruise and Will Smith, but few calmly stop and think about the logic behind their success. 

Why these two people? These two out of tens of thousands of actors in Hollywood? Why hasn't Hollywood mass-produced more top idols like these two after them? What are the concepts and rules behind a manager building an actor's brand image? 

Now, Anson is exploring a path no one has tried before. So, what's the next step for him? 

Then, Amy chatted with Edgar again, asking if Anson had considered the subsequent story for Peter Parker. 

In the second film of the series, Peter Parker and Mary Jane finally got together. So, what's next? How should Peter Parker's growth arc develop? Should the movie continue to stay in the college years, or should it explore Peter Parker entering society and the workforce? Does this mean "growing pains" is no longer the movie's theme? 

You could tell Amy wasn't just saying things; her eyes were sparkling with genuine sincerity. 

Actually, Amy and Michael were discussing the exact same thing: 

Packaging the third and fourth films of the series together, truly building Peter Parker's complete growth arc, and inviting Anson to be an important part of this classic character. 

The difference was, Michael thought the focus of the negotiation was on profits – eighty million dollars in salary for two films. That number was meant to be impactful and intimidating; Anson presumably couldn't refuse. But Amy thought the focus of the negotiation was on building a connection, shaping the character around Anson's ideas and vision. 

Of course, Edgar understood that part of the reason Amy couldn't immediately throw out numbers was pressure from the board; she needed to control the damage. 

But Edgar could still tell that Amy had done her homework. She even mentioned the effort Anson and Sam made to rewrite Mary Jane's emotional arc during the filming of the second film, which was shot down. It was precisely these kinds of details that showed Amy's effort and the difference she could make at the helm of Sony Columbia compared to the previous regime. 

Edgar believed this was very important. 

So, at just the right moment, Edgar interrupted Amy as she continued painting her picture of the future. "Before you continue," he said, "I need to correct a basic understanding." 

Amy was taken aback. 

Edgar stated simply, "There is no fourth film. The third film is the end."