Chapter 12: Redemption

"Success!"

The [Music Box] lay quietly in Allen's hand, its scratched and weathered appearance seemingly unchanged from before.

However, what thrilled Allen even more than the [Music Box] appearing out of thin air in his hand was the line of garbled text that flashed across the system panel at the last moment:

“&...Link%￥Failed...&@#Partial***Permissions Verification￥#&Unlock...”

This garbled message was significant. It indicated that Allen had gained the ability to exchange for props from the system backend not just this time but with every script he created in the future.

For now, he had only exchanged a small [Music Box].

But what it symbolized was an entire extraordinary world that would captivate anyone’s imagination.

And the key to unlocking this world was firmly in Allen’s hand.

"This is a small step for me, but a giant leap for the world!"

In his cheap apartment, Allen clenched the [Music Box] tightly, his declaration brimming with passion.

However, the next moment, his eyes fell on the [Music Box] in his hand, and he decisively returned it to the drawer.

No way. The system panel had clearly warned against opening it.

Moreover, as the writer of the script Loop, which featured the [Music Box], Allen knew better than anyone how eerie it was. After witnessing Anthony's fate firsthand, Allen wouldn't dream of testing the [Music Box]’s effects as long as he had a functioning brain.

After all, even though he had a rough understanding of the system's capabilities, Allen was still an ordinary person.

Until he had ensured his safety, he wouldn’t recklessly put himself in danger.

The first step to ensuring safety was figuring out how to move out of Compton.

As for how to accomplish that, Allen already had some ideas. He just needed more time to test them.

...

“Overall, Universal Pictures has had a rapid growth trajectory in the film market this year. Compared to last year, the company’s market share increased by over 30%. Although there is still a gap between us and Paramount, Sony, Warner, and Disney, that gap is visibly narrowing.”

New York, Universal Pictures Headquarters.

Ron Meyer was presenting the year-end report to the company’s board of directors.

“While the market share growth met expectations, overall, the box office performance of Universal Pictures' productions this year hasn’t been ideal.”

“Don’t we have blockbuster hits like The Bourne Ultimatum and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

Hearing Ron Meyer’s report, a board member voiced confusion.

Compared to the previous year, which had only one film barely breaking the $100 million mark, this year’s performance seemed stellar for Universal Pictures.

Three films grossed over $100 million, with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre emerging as the biggest surprise of the Halloween season.

However, Ron Meyer’s report suggested otherwise.

“Indeed, The Bourne Ultimatum and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre have performed exceptionally well at the box office, especially The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which has been Universal’s most successful production this year. A quarter of the company’s impressive financial results can be attributed to this single film.”

Even Ron Meyer couldn’t help but admire The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a low-budget film that turned out to be a dark horse.

“But despite its success, it doesn’t overshadow the flaws in Universal’s film distribution strategy this year. For instance, Evan Almighty, starring Steve Carell, exceeded its budget repeatedly, ultimately costing $175 million. Recovering that investment seems unlikely. Similarly, The Kingdom, a big-budget action film starring Jamie Foxx, underperformed at the box office, not even reaching $50 million.”

“Why can’t we invest in more films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

Upon hearing Ron Meyer’s report, some board members who had been optimistic about the company’s market share growth couldn’t help but express disappointment.

“...”

Ron Meyer chose to tactfully ignore such comments.

Movies like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre are rare gems in Hollywood history. Universal was already lucky to have stumbled upon one.

“Based on the trends in this year’s North American market, the distribution department has evaluated and identified three key films for Universal Pictures to focus on next year. These include the comic adaptation Wanted and two sequels: The Mummy 3 and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.”

...

“Mr. Ron Meyer, there’s a call for you.”

After leaving the meeting room, Ron Meyer let out a long breath.

The conclusion of the year-end report marked the end of his annual workload.

Reflecting on Universal’s steady upward trajectory, Ron Meyer’s steps unconsciously became lighter.

As he approached his office door, his secretary’s voice stopped him just before he could enter.

“Who is it?”

He turned around, looking at his shapely secretary.

“It’s Mr. Allen.”

“Allen?”

Hearing the name, Ron Meyer raised an eyebrow, a young Asian face flashing through his mind.

“Transfer it to my office.”

Nodding, Ron Meyer gave his instructions to the secretary.

Ron Meyer always had ample patience for talented individuals, especially those who had recently helped Universal Pictures make a lot of money.

...

“Mr. Allen, I just finished reading the script for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. As always, it’s brilliant.”

“Oh, a new script?”

“A TV series?”

“Perhaps we need to discuss the details of your new script, Mr. Allen.”

---

(End of Chapter)