Chapitre 21: Chapter 21 The Key
The movie begins.
Bruce Wayne's background resonates deeply with Tony Stark.
The conflict between Tony and Howard Stark only surfaced as Tony aged and his personality matured.
Before the tragic car accident that took Howard and his wife's lives, there was a major fallout, and Tony hadn't spoken to Howard for a long time.
When Tony finally regretted it after their passing, it was already too late.
In this sense, Bruce Wayne had it even worse.
He lost his parents at a young age.
Before he was grown, his family's business was taken over by others, leaving him only with his butler. Even when it came to his childhood crush, Rachel, he was timid, unable to break through the wall between them.
The more Tony Stark watched, the more stifled he felt.
Just as he was tempted to leave, Bruce Wayne in the movie made a choice.
He decided to leave Gotham, hiding his identity, traveling the world to find the sharpest methods to fight crime, to strike fear into the hearts of the most vicious villains.
He inherited his father's legacy, determined to change the decaying Gotham City.
He trained rigorously in the mountains, gaining strength from the League of Shadows.
When Bruce Wayne returned to Gotham as Batman, the dark tone of the movie shifted slightly towards a triumphant narrative.
Bruce Wayne regained control of the family business.
He ordered Lucius Fox to create his suit.
He turned his childhood fears into his guiding principle, adhering to a no-kill rule, transforming into the Dark Knight, the Batman. With astonishing skills, sharp intelligence, and high-tech gadgets, he began transforming the city.
The Americans love this kind of heroic individualism.
Many people were thrilled.
Finally, the main antagonist appeared, none other than Bruce Wayne's former mentor, Ra's al Ghul, the leader of the League of Shadows.
This dramatic twist was surprising.
An unexpected but logical plot twist conveyed the screenwriter's sincerity.
When Bruce Wayne defeated the main villain, the screen went black, followed by a teaser for the sequel, and then the end credits rolled.
Everyone knew the movie was over.
Clap clap clap!
People couldn't help but applaud.
Tony, however, wore a sullen face.
Though he wasn't thrilled, he had to admit that the movie was well-done.
It followed a classic three-act structure.
In simple terms, there was the beginning, climax, and end.
The creative ability that Anton displayed in this movie left Tony unable to believe this was the same "old friend" he once knew.
Even the wealthy young crowd, initially there to spectate, applauded in respect.
They looked at Anton with newfound admiration.
Many in the audience noticed the credits during the last few minutes of the movie.
Director: Anton.
Screenwriters: Anton, Browning. Editor: Anton.
Anton's name was in several key positions.
Even though the names of a dozen assistant directors were eye-catching, those familiar with Anton were almost popping their eyes out in shock.
Especially Betty, standing beside Anton.
Jameson felt incredibly pleased.
He felt that Anton had finally found his calling.
With Anton's recent performance at the Daily Bugle, even after Jameson was gone, he was confident that Anton could take the family name to new heights.
"Thank you, everyone."
Anton went on stage to speak, calm and collected, joking easily with the crowd.
After the premiere ended, he specifically approached Tony, who had planned to leave but suddenly took an interest in the actress playing Rachel.
"Tony, thanks for the fifty million," Anton beamed, seeing the audience's reaction, which gave him more confidence in the film's success.
Though Tony foresaw his loss and was extremely irritated, he wasn't about to sabotage someone else's success.
He might be petty, but he had standards.
Otherwise, Stark Industries, constantly undercut and slandered by Hammer Industries, would've driven him mad ages ago.
"You just won once," Tony retorted with a dark expression. "And I've beaten you countless times at past parties. Don't get cocky; I assure you, there won't be a second time."
"Looking forward to it."
Anton had a smug look that seemed to say, "What can you do?"
As the defeated party today, Tony had no comeback, feeling frustrated, and didn't want to speak with Anton anymore. He left with Pepper, even forgetting the actress he was interested in.
For once, Tony got a taste of what it was like when he used to drive Anton away at parties.
"Sorry for the poor hospitality, I won't see you out!" Anton shouted after him.
Tony quickened his pace.
"Dear, it looks like it's just the two of us now."
Anton turned to the lead actress, who often stayed up late discussing the script with him, shrugging with a helpless smile.
"Then tonight, you can't run away again," the actress said, smiling enchantingly.
"Of course."
The next morning, Anton rose, holding his back, his legs slightly trembling.
Next to him, the sleeping beauty lay with a flushed face, curled up in the blanket, breathing evenly, like a princess waiting for the prince's kiss.
But Anton dared not kiss her.
He nearly surrendered last night; if there was another round today, he'd be humiliated.
The saying of old was indeed wise.
There's only a tired ox, not a ruined field.
Being a man was really tough!
Anton thought that once he got the Batman suit, perhaps he could revive himself through a bit of role-play.
Putting on his clothes, he left without any hesitation.
When he arrived at the Daily Bugle, Betty had been waiting for a long time, throwing a report in front of him.
"Congratulations, the movie is a great success."
Betty, expressionless, said, "Midnight box office reached 14 million. For an original film lacking a fanbase, you've proven yourself. Of course, you might owe some thanks to Tony Stark's influence."
"I've already thanked him in person," Anton shrugged, then turned the topic, "Betty, you seem in a bad mood. Is it that time of the month?"
Betty coldly replied, "If you could wipe off that glaring lipstick mark on your neck, I'd feel much better."
"Oh?"
Anton gave a mischievous smile, lowered his voice, eyes filled with emotion, "Could it be… you like me? I know I'm charming, no need to say it. Tonight…"
"You wish!"
Betty said bluntly, "I was up all night working while you were off enjoying yourself with a starlet. If you weren't my boss, I'd kick your butt."
"Alright, double bonus this month."
Anton, slightly embarrassed, decided to let money do the talking.
"That's more like it."
Betty was quickly convinced, turning back to business, "I suggest ramping up the marketing effort; right now, only a few critics have spoken up. Ratings will naturally dip over time…"
"Got it, you handle it."
Anton waved her off.
These work matters were giving him a headache.
Especially after a tiring night, he wasn't up for it.
"Just do whatever it takes to boost the box office."
Anton gave his final word.
After all, he wasn't as concerned about the box office itself as he was about the visibility it would bring.
The fan count—that was the real key.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone