Chapter 4: C 4
Anton opened the computer file and began typing in the title of his movie project: "Batman Begins."
His Golden Finger ability didn't just grant him the DC hero template; it also made his memory unforgettable. This ability didn't simply mean he had a sharp memory—it was more than that.
Every detail from his previous life remained etched in his mind, down to the faintest memories, like the shape of a bubble he'd blown in the bathtub as a toddler.
No scene, no line from a movie he'd watched was ever forgotten. This memory was powerful enough that he could even recall every line and soundtrack piece from each film he had seen.
Despite his remarkable memory, Anton wasn't exactly skilled at screenwriting. However, he figured he could use his photographic recall to draft a loose adaptation of the original "Batman" storyline.
He planned to expand the existing background slightly and write an introductory novel with around 200,000 words.
But after scribbling a few lines, he paused, a smirk crossing his face as he remembered his status. He was, after all, an arrogant and indulgent heir of considerable wealth. Why should he struggle to write a script himself when he could simply hire a ghostwriter?
"I can just pay someone else to do it," Anton thought, smiling to himself. He decided to draft a rough outline and enlist the help of professional screenwriters when he contacted filmmakers, leveraging his grandfather's connections.
"The happiness of the rich is unimaginable to the poor," he mused as he lay back on his lavish European-style bed, smiling at the ceiling as he pictured the glitzy future ahead. His eyes slowly closed, and he drifted into a restful sleep, dreaming of fame and accolades.
The next day, Anton continued working out his plan, even devising an idea to boost the movie's popularity. He'd create a virtual fan account for Batman to generate hype, much like how iconic figures from his previous life—like characters from One Piece, mythical figures like Sun Wukong, Norse gods like Odin, and the Greek pantheon—had won massive fan followings.
Using his system, he could track "fan value," an audience engagement metric with a massive impact on his project. His strategy was to capitalize on this metric to build a loyal fan base. Though a bit costly, it would yield multiple benefits, giving him both revenue and fan popularity in one swoop.
Anton was confident in his approach. Superhero culture had already taken the world by storm in his previous life, so he knew the potential of these stories.
Now, in a world where superheroes actually existed, he believed that demand for superhero films would only grow. With his plan in mind, he felt certain that he'd achieve the desired popularity in no time.
The night passed quickly, and by morning, Anton woke up with a new determination. As he headed downstairs, he spotted his grandfather, Jonah Jameson, already seated at the breakfast table.
"The script. Where is it?" Jameson asked, casting a steely glance in Anton's direction.
But Anton wasn't fazed; he had long grown used to his grandfather's gruff demeanor. "I've got the outline," he said casually. He retrieved a stack of papers from his bag, detailing the background, character profiles, and a rough story outline.
"Do you call this a script?" Jameson's mouth twisted with a look of disapproval. The skepticism in his gaze was plain, as though he were second-guessing the idea of placing any faith in Anton's creative abilities.
"Just give it a read before you start criticizing," Anton said calmly, a hint of a smile on his lips. While his work was only a rough outline, he believed it captured enough of the essence to resonate.
Jameson sighed and picked up the papers, his brow furrowing as he scanned the "Batman" outline. Despite himself, he couldn't help but be drawn into the story. As he flipped through the pages, his expression shifted, and a flicker of intrigue replaced his earlier disdain.
"You wrote this?" Jameson asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "Or did you lift it from somewhere else?"
Anton crossed his arms, chuckling. "Where would I copy this from? I practically live at The Daily Bugle. It's not like I'm spending my days hanging around writers looking for handouts. Besides, do you think I'm some kid who'd rely on others to entertain me with stories?"
Jameson sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll admit, it's got a certain... appeal." He paused, considering his options. Given his ties in the entertainment industry, he knew he could pull a few strings to help Anton set up his project.
"Alright," he said finally. "I'll help you find someone to support this project, but don't expect a single dollar from me. You'll have to handle the rest yourself. If you can make this work, I'll consider staying out of your business from now on."
Anton's grin widened. "No worries, old man. I don't intend to give you another opportunity to interfere in my life."
As expected, his grandfather's response was one he had anticipated. Thanks to the memories of his past self, he knew exactly where he stood with Jameson.
To the outside world, Jonah Jameson was a sharp-tongued, hard-nosed businessman who valued profit above all else. Yet to Anton, he was the classic tough-love grandfather, gruff on the outside but genuinely caring on the inside. Despite his harsh words, Anton knew Jameson supported him in his own way.
As for the remaining funds he needed to secure for his bet with Tony Stark, Anton had a plan. Between his savings and some creative accounting, he'd gather the required sum. He was confident he could handle it, even if it required some clever maneuvering.
"Oh, and by the way," Jameson said, his tone softening just slightly. "You're staying at The Daily Bugle for now. I'll find a new editor-in-chief to take over your position. You can stay on as deputy editor until you make something of yourself."
"Fine with me," Anton shrugged. "So, who's the lucky successor? Don't tell me it's Betty?"
"Eddie Brock," Jameson replied flatly. "He's a seasoned reporter from Global Journal with nearly a decade in the field. I doubt you'd know him, but he's got talent."
Anton raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Actually, I've heard of Eddie."
Jameson nodded, seemingly unperturbed. "Good. Shows you've been paying some attention. He's been blacklisted by Daily Globe, so I'm giving him a second chance. Otherwise, he'd be out of work."
"But... why not Betty?" Anton asked, frowning slightly.
Jameson's expression hardened. "You became editor because you're my grandson. How could Betty, fresh out of school, hold the reins of a newspaper on her own?"
Anton sighed, conceding his grandfather's point. "Fair enough."
But as he thought more about it, a sly grin spread across his face. The idea of Eddie Brock working under his family's company—alongside the notorious Jonah Jameson, a staunch Spider-Man critic—seemed too amusing. Not to mention, with Brock on board, The Daily Bugle was likely to become a unique melting pot of competing egos, each with their own quirks and vendettas. Add Spider-Man and Venom into the mix, and the workplace would be a fascinating powder keg.
Anton chuckled to himself, imagining the antics that would ensue. The Daily Bugle was about to get a lot more interesting.
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