Chapter 496: 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.
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.
....
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
rollo1019to
rollo1019to Like it ? Add to library！
Chapter 497: 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.
–Honey, 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. – 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.
–I 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. – 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.
–I'm afraid we're having a great time here without you. – 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.
–I have to hang up; I need to attend a meeting. – 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 The English Patient and the potential release of Toy Story, success seemed to follow him like a shadow.
–I 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. – 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 Star Wars sagas while strengthening his patience. Meanwhile, he played with investments and acquired properties in Billy's name, later scaling them for rental arrangements.
–So now you finally have work to do. – Rachel commented snidely to Raimon, irritated by his strutting through the halls as if he could do whatever he pleased.
–I'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. – Raimon said, brimming with self-satisfaction.
Rachel slapped him on the back and walked on. –Big 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. –
–Anne's skills. –
–You're insufferable. – 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.
–Mr. Carson, we've been expecting you. – 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.
–A pleasure. – 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.
–So, we're deciding the company's future in this meeting. – 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.
–I suppose your accountants have already approved the financial statements and adjustments. – Braim said.
–They have. As I promised, the investment will be $300 million. – Billy replied, tapping his fingers against the glass.
–Wait, that's not what we asked for. –
–It 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. – 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.
–We thought you were hesitant about the patents. – Braim noted.
–We are, but this business is worth it. I'll ensure further deposits by year-end. – 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.
–Let's finalize the details. – 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: Star Wars, The Musician, and The English Patient have been his recent triumphs. Meanwhile, he anticipated the success of Toy Story 2, confident it would allow him to keep playing for another year.
...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
rollo1019to
rollo1019to
Like it ? Add to library！
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
29 Power
stone ![Female Pornstars X Male Reader [LEMONS]](https://noah-image.webnovel.com/noah/img/c72400dd98494ddd8ae42069efbd6eb0.png)
Paragraph comment