Chapitre 906: Chapter 908: It's This Expression
[Chapter 908: It's This Expression]
After instructing his secretary to brew two cups of coffee, Eric walked into his office with Kris Jenner.
Kris took a seat opposite him at the desk. As she watched him lower his head to read a document, she couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. Just moments ago, Eric had addressed her as "Ms. Jenner," a contrast to the warmth of their last meeting. Though she speculated that Eric probably hadn't noticed such details, she was unsure if she should simply call him Eric again.
The secretary entered with two cups of coffee, and Kris thanked her, noticing that Eric still appeared lost in thought. After a moment, she pulled the Beverly Girls script out of her bag and placed it on her lap, offering a smile as she asked, "Eric, how have you been lately?"
After a busy week, the lead actress for Iron Man was finally confirmed; it landed on Bridget Fonda. Though Bridget had briefly stepped into the Hollywood A-list spotlight after Ghost, that was now seven years ago. Despite offers pouring in over the past few years, Bridget hadn't found anything with the same impact as Ghost, causing her popularity to wane. Thus, she ultimately decided to take the role of Pepper Potts in Iron Man. Having been the lead in Ghost, her role as an assistant to Iron Man was mutually beneficial; Bridget could regain her stature through this major film, while Firefly could leverage her star power.
Eric understood that selecting a lead actor from the A-list was no longer possible. To compensate for the lack of star power in the lead role, he planned to put more emphasis on supporting characters, similar to Marvel's past practices. Many supporting roles in Marvel films were 'one-off,' especially villains, eliminating concerns about sequel complications.
In addition to Bridget Fonda as Pepper, Eric still intended to invite Jeff Bridges to play the villain in Iron Man. Though Jeff wouldn't land his Oscar until 2010, he was already a bona fide acting talent with three nominations under his belt, much like Al Pacino. Eric also discovered that the film that would earn Jeff the title of "The Dude," the cult classic The Big Lebowski, had just wrapped earlier that year, with a release planned for the following year, which would undoubtedly boost Jeff's popularity.
While deep in thought about these matters, Eric snapped back to attention at Kris's voice. He looked up, grinned, and said, "You've probably heard about all the chaos lately."
Kris chuckled in agreement, complimenting, "I don't know how many people envy your 'chaotic' life." She handed the Beverly Girls script to Eric, continuing, "This is the script we've put together. It has profiles of the four girls; take a look."
Unlike competitive reality shows, lifestyle reality show scripts lack intricate setups. They mainly outline what the real-life participants should do in each episode or season, resembling a schedule.
Eric skimmed through the girls' profiles before flipping open the script. However, halfway through, he couldn't help but shake his head. "This won't work."
Kris, surprised that Eric was already dismissing the script without finishing, felt a bit anxious and asked, "Eric, what's the problem?"
"The script flaunts the girls' lavish lifestyles too frequently. Such overindulgence might captivate viewers at first, but it won't hold their interest for long. If viewers feel removed from their own lives after a few episodes, they will gradually lose interest. So, if you want to sustain the show, you need to find the right balance. Content-wise, it should satisfy viewers' curiosity about high society but also give the impression that 'these lives aren't all that special.'"
Kris listened intently and began to understand, cautiously suggesting, "Are you saying I should include more of the girls' everyday lives?"
"Essentially, yes. But don't make it mundane; focus on the details. For instance, you could emphasize their fashion. If you can make the girls' styles a hot topic among young audiences, the show will have an enduring element to attract attention, especially from female viewers."
Kris nodded in agreement before asking, "Eric, is there anything else?"
Eric reflected on reality shows from memory, replying, "You should tone down the drama elements. At least in the first season, there can't be any severe conflicts. Start by letting the girls get along with each other. Of course, they can't be too harmonious either; otherwise, there'd be no intrigue. Additionally, since the girls are participating in the reality show mainly to gain fame, they won't pay much attention to the salary. So you should discuss with MGM about crafting a tailored promotional plan for them. The girls' rising fame could, in turn, enhance the show's popularity. However, if they leave right after the first season, all our media investment will be wasted. It's best to sign them for multiple seasons at once."
"Eric, it's true that they want to become famous. However, even though the girls are wealthy, $40,000 per season is still a lot of money for them. I've already signed them for three seasons."
Eric suddenly realized he had fallen into the trap of thinking too narrowly about finances.
Considering his wealth now, it was impossible for him not to care about several hundred million dollars. Even in Beverly Hills, a $40,000 income was substantial, especially for young girls just starting out in life.
Kris didn't know what was on Eric's mind and continued discussing script changes.
About an hour later, as the conversation wrapped up, Kris sensed that Eric was signaling to conclude the meeting. She invited again, "Eric, we've just moved back to Los Angeles and are planning a housewarming party. Are you free soon?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Eric shook his head. He only valued Kris's potential in reality show production and didn't plan to get too tangled up with her family. "I'm pretty swamped lately. I can't spare the time."
"It's just in the evening; it won't interfere with work," Kris persisted, changing tactics. "Plus, Kim really hopes you can come. She's been envious of that graffiti shoot you did with her."
That night turned into a blast of girls taking pictures together. Eric only remembered pressing a "Williams imprint" on Kim Kardashian's side, something all the girls shared, but he didn't delve deeper into Kim's fabricated little fibs of vanity. Instead, he shook his head, saying, "I really don't have the energy for that right now. All I want after work is to go home and sleep."
Kris felt disappointed, realizing Eric wasn't likely to change his mind. If they could get Eric at the party, they would surely be the talk of their social circle. Aware that her efforts were likely futile, Kris didn't give up, saying, "If that's the case, you could at least hang out with Kim sometime. It's still summer."
Eric felt a little disgusted by Kris's relentless pitch about her daughters but quickly recalled the antics her counterpart had pulled in the original timeline, feeling a bit more forgiving. Looking into Kris's hopeful eyes, he said, "You might not know that I'm not particularly interested in young girls. I tend to prefer mature women."
Kris's jaw dropped in surprise; feeling Eric's gaze scrutinizing her, a suspicion crept in. Did Eric Williams want her to produce this reality show specifically because of her? She had heard about the young billionaire having a thing for certain types.
Recollecting the way she had grilled her daughter earlier, Kris realized the job had unexpectedly fallen into her lap, as her daughter hadn't even mentioned her name to Eric. He must have seen her somewhere, perhaps on a TV show where she had made a few appearances.
Coming to what she thought was a conclusion, Kris felt little hesitation or resistance. With her personality, if she could climb the social ladder with someone like Eric, what would she lose by giving up everything she currently had? Affectedly acting demure, she said, "Well, Eric, if you want, you can call me privately."
Eric had anticipated various reactions from Kris: embarrassment, or perhaps a righteous indignation, at least on the surface. He didn't expect her to be so straightforward.
Kris stood there in a well-fitted black suit, and Eric couldn't help but indulge some wicked thoughts. "What if I want it right now?"
Kris glanced around, nervously responding, "Uh, is this the right place?"
Eric crossed his legs, looking indifferent to the situation with no intention of offering her alternatives. "I prefer it here."
Kris hesitated just briefly. Realizing she had no leverage to maintain any semblance of modesty in front of Eric, her need to keep him happy took precedence. She stood up, walked around the desk, and, a little shyly, approached him. Her eyes flitted about before she bent over Eric's imposing desk.
Eric watched her voluptuous figure, reaching out without hesitation to smack her on the curves tightly wrapped in the black skirt. With her pained gasps, he commanded, "Who told you to do this? Get down on your knees."
After being spanked by Eric, Kris became even more submissive, quickly rising to kneel before him, smiling ingratiatingly.
As Eric reached out to her, he lifted his toe and playfully kicked her, saying, "Not here. Go under the desk."
"Uh, okay. Sure."
...
As the workday was ending, Peter Rich arrived from Century City, greeting a few acquaintances as he approached Eric's office. Just as he was about to speak to the secretary outside, the office door swung open, revealing Caroline and Melanie stepping out, and they spotted Peter.
Melanie noticed Peter's fleeting expression of guilt and suspiciously asked, "Peter, we're just about to punch out. What brings you here?"
"Something from FFM TV; boss sent me," Peter replied, exchanging pleasantries with Caroline and gesturing towards the office door.
Melanie and Caroline stepped aside, watching Peter knock twice on the door before entering. Melanie remarked to Caroline, "Something's definitely up. Dad used to show that same expression when he was sneaking a smoke."
Caroline chuckled and gently pulled at Melanie. "Let's go; Peter's probably here for work."
"Hmph, it's probably some shady business just between the guys, and they're keeping it from us," Melanie murmured, glancing at the secretary at the desk adjacent to theirs. Noticing the secretary was too far removed to have any insider knowledge, she leaned in, keen to gossip, "Mia, do you know what Peter's here for?"
The secretary, Mia, smiled and shook her head. Though she did know a woman had been in the boss's office all afternoon without coming out, she couldn't share that with anyone. Although her position was far inferior to Caroline's and Melanie's, she cherished her job, which involved basic duties like answering calls and serving refreshments. As such, she couldn't risk that for any gossip the two seemed to enjoy about their relationship with the boss.
After failing to extract any information from Mia, Melanie groaned, pulling Caroline away. Still, as they left, she told Caroline, "I bet it's just like I guessed. Caroline, later I'll teach you how to read those male expressions."
...
Eric hadn't anticipated that his assistant would be so keenly observant. The abrupt debacle of the afternoon left him with some matters best not handled by Caroline or Melanie. So, he decided to call on his former assistant for some backup.
After receiving a small box from Peter, Eric exchanged a few words about the FFM TV projects before sending him away. He then pushed through the door leading into the adjacent bedroom. Although he seldom rested there, the office was equipped with all necessary amenities.
The woman, tucked under a thin blanket on the bed, was awakened as Eric entered with a glass of water.
Eric opened the small box Peter had left behind and took out a pill plate, pressing one out and offering it to the woman's lips, instructing, "Open up."
Kris knew well what the pill was. She received the glass and took the pill down, playfully opening her mouth for Eric to check, then asked, "Eric, what time is it?"
Eric picked up her clothes and placed them at the bedside, saying, "It's five o'clock. Get dressed. You need to head back."
"Bruce went to New York for recording a show. I'm fine to stay tonight," Kris answered hopefully, noticing Eric's lack of response and feeling a bit deflated. Boldly, she teased, "Eric, you can call me whenever if you want. Once Kendall and Kylie get older, it'll be less likely."
Feeling awkward, Eric quickly placed another pill directly in her mouth, saying, "No tricks. Focus on making the Beverly Girls right. If the ratings are good, there'll be additional projects for you next year. If you mess this up, you might as well become a housewife."
Kris noted Eric's mildly annoyed expression and stifled a laugh, afraid to show it. Hearing that Eric might have more projects for her next year excited her; this sacrifice truly felt worthwhile. She obediently swallowed the pill in her mouth and began dressing.
The new project Eric hinted at was another reality series revolving around spoiled wives, inspired by Kris Jenner's idea for Beverly Girls. This series would fit nicely into the Bravo channel's lineup. Given that she was already a housewife, Kris might find it easier to manage than Beverly Girls. However, with MGM's recent acquisition of Bravo, adjustments would take time, and there was no need to rush.
...
After sending Kris off, Eric promptly made his way to Firefly Studio, heading for a restaurant in Venice Beach, where he had arranged to discuss the acquisition of Apple with Larry Ellison.
It was infuriating; after securing the promise of a $300 million investment from Eric, Larry had begun raising funds by claiming Firefly Investments would take part in the Apple acquisition. Firefly Investments' impressive track record in IT investments was well known. So, when it was reported that they would engage in the acquisition of Apple, even some financial players who initially hesitated began to give way.
Last week, Eric had inquired, and Larry had raised over $2.5 billion already. Given that Apple was valued at just $2 billion, even with some acquisition premiums, the amount seemed sufficient. Yet with the funds in hand, Larry had developed a desire to push Firefly Investments aside. Eric was certain this had been spurred by Steve Jobs, as Eric's previous refusal to license the MP3 player patent had left Jobs fuming; he was notoriously vindictive.
Eric held a nonchalant stance towards acquiring Apple. After laying out all the groundwork, if he still couldn't monopolize the future smartphone era, he would simply accept his misfortune. Still, he wouldn't allow anyone to exploit Firefly Investments' name, secure funding, and then try to distance themselves from him.
*****
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