"Damn bald head!"
Walking in the office building of Universal Studios, David Ellison complained as he walked, "If I had known this, I would have gotten rid of him at the last Victoria's Secret show!"
Matthew, however, remained calm. "Don't get excited, David. He's just a clown; he can't change the big picture."
David Ellison gradually calmed down as he thought about the last negotiation. Spending more time with Matthew had taught him to stay calm in unexpected situations. Anger and impulsiveness often don't solve problems. The more emotional and angry you get, the more likely you are to make mistakes.
Many problems often aren't difficult to solve once you calm down.
Over the past two years, as David Ellison aged and gained more experience, his childish ideas gradually decreased.
When he first entered Hollywood, he thought that with his financial resources and family influence, he could quickly become a top Hollywood mogul. He imagined becoming the center of Hollywood, where everyone would bow down to him just by standing there. Whether it was Hollywood stars or other movie company executives, they would all obediently follow his orders.
He imagined that Skydance Media would succeed in any movie investment, even if they brought European independent art experimental films to North America, and they would still be box office hits.
When he dropped out of the University of Southern California's film school, his thoughts were much like the arrogant Vin Diesel.
But reality was not what he imagined. The first few movies Skydance Media invested in all failed miserably. Instead of gaining respect, Hollywood stars and executives were very hostile to him as an outsider.
Despite his financial power and the Ellison family's backing, his large sums of money had little effect. He didn't gain recognition, and he could barely get involved in the peripheral business of the Big Six studios.
That's just how things were. Reality wouldn't change because of the wild ideas of a naive kid.
For him, the real change in his career came after meeting Matthew. Matthew's involvement and influence changed the situation of constant setbacks. "300" brought him his first career success.
Thinking about this, David Ellison glanced at Matthew beside him. Matthew was someone he truly admired.
In just seven or eight years in Hollywood, Matthew had developed a unique eye for selecting projects. Despite not having received higher or elite education, he honed practical skills while climbing from the bottom. He wasn't a professional media publicist, but he was well-versed in promotion and hype.
Recently, David Ellison had realized that Matthew's pursuit of women in the social scene was partly for enjoyment and partly for publicity.
If he had just entered Hollywood, he would have scoffed at this approach, but now he found it reasonable.
A star with entrepreneurial ambitions who doesn't know how to create buzz and stay relevant is truly pitiful.
Entering the elevator, David Ellison straightened his tie, and Matthew adjusted his custom-made Armani suit using the elevator's mirror.
This was a business meeting, and being well-dressed was basic courtesy.
In the entertainment industry, most of the time, luxury items are not for personal enjoyment but for work. Wearing luxury brands might be criticized by some, but dressing plainly could be interpreted as a sign of career decline, possibly leading to a series of negative effects.
When the elevator reached the top floor of the office building, a staff member was already waiting there.
"Mr. Horner, Mr. Ellison," said a middle-aged man in his forties. "This way, please."
Matthew nodded to him and followed, with David Ellison trailing behind. As they passed an open lounge door, a familiar voice came from inside.
"Matthew Horner!"
A deep, booming voice called his name.
Matthew stopped and turned to look. A bald man was sitting directly opposite the door, staring at him intently.
"Vin Diesel?" David Ellison also saw the bald man.
The bald man stood up and walked towards the door, speaking arrogantly, "Let's talk."
The staff member looked troubled, glancing between Vin Diesel and Matthew, about to urge them on when Vin Diesel added, "Ms. Hall-Fenna from the film department is currently talking with my agent. You'll just be waiting anyway."
Matthew, who participated in the last two negotiations, knew that Hall-Fenna was Universal Pictures' representative in the negotiations.
David Ellison gave Vin Diesel a cold look and whispered to Matthew, "Might as well talk to him. The lawyer and union representatives aren't here yet."
Originally, Matthew didn't want to delay business because of Vin Diesel. Hearing David Ellison, he nodded and told the staff member, "We'll be there shortly."
The staff member hesitated but then walked alone to the office at the end of the corridor.
Matthew and David Ellison entered the lounge where Vin Diesel was.
Vin Diesel stood in the center of the lounge like a boss meeting his subordinates, his hands behind his back, staring at Matthew and David Ellison with disdain.
"Long time no see," Matthew said calmly.
David Ellison looked at Vin Diesel coldly, considering if he should take him out of the picture.
"Do you know why Universal Pictures stopped negotiations with you?" Vin Diesel said coldly. "Why did they change their attitude?"
Matthew didn't respond, nor did David Ellison. The recent two negotiations were directly between them and Hall-Fenna, kept extremely confidential, so outsiders didn't know.
Those who could get a little information assumed Universal Pictures had stopped the copyright negotiations with Skydance Media.
Vin Diesel had specifically come to Universal Pictures today to submit his plan for the "Fast & Furious" sequel because he had heard that Matthew would be meeting Hall-Fenna at Universal Pictures.
Due to the confidential negotiations, he didn't know the details but guessed from appearances. After his intervention, Universal Pictures stopped the negotiations, making Matthew's attempt to acquire the "Fast & Furious" sequel rights a pipe dream.
With financial backing and a plan, how could Universal Pictures still sell the series' rights?
More importantly, Vin Diesel had to admit that any project Matthew Horner eyed was unlikely to be sold by Universal Pictures.
"Because of me!" Vin Diesel pointed to his chest, saying, "Because this is my series!"
Taking something away from Matthew Horner gave him an indescribable satisfaction.
"That's it?" Matthew didn't care.
A few days ago, when Universal Pictures stopped the negotiations because they knew he was behind it, he and David Ellison had guessed that the news might have leaked. The subsequent negotiations were conducted secretly to avoid complications.
Vin Diesel said in his deep voice, "No need to talk to Universal Pictures anymore. Save your energy. From today, the 'Fast & Furious' series will completely belong to me. Soon, Matthew Horner, you'll see..."
He pointed at his chest again. "Me! Hosting the press conference for this series!"
"Are you insane?" David Ellison couldn't help but say. "Do you think this is the first 'Fast & Furious' movie?"
"You're right!" Vin Diesel said confidently, "In the first 'Fast & Furious,' I was the boss, and I... will always be the boss of this series!"
In Vin Diesel's mind, his smile was worth millions of dollars, and his muscles were worth billions.
"Crazy!" David Ellison said casually.
Vin Diesel glared at him, raising his arm, but Matthew coughed and said, "Confidence is good."
Hearing Matthew, Vin Diesel quickly lowered his raised arm, remembering the wrist pain from the night of the Victoria's Secret show.
"Overconfidence is foolish."
Matthew left the room, calling David Ellison, "Let's not waste time here. Let's go."
He walked out first, with David Ellison following.
Vin Diesel watched their backs and said, "When you enter Hall-Fenna's office, you'll know who's the fool!"
They didn't look back. He added, "When I release the new 'Fast & Furious' movie, I'll send you premiere invitations. I'm generous and don't hold grudges."
Matthew and David Ellison left, meeting a middle-aged man in a suit who seemed to be an entertainment agent based on his demeanor and attire.
The agent glanced curiously at Matthew and David Ellison before entering the lounge they had just left.
Shortly after, Vin Diesel's angry voice came from the lounge, "What? How is this possible? Universal Pictures..."
The two walked farther away, unable to hear Vin Diesel anymore. After their last secret negotiation, the outcome was already decided.
Arriving at the office of Hall-Fenna, the head of Universal Pictures' film production department, Matthew and David Ellison waited for the arrival of the relevant lawyers, notaries, and representatives from the Producers Guild. Universal Pictures then signed a formal contract with Skydance Media.
Meanwhile, Vin Diesel, with a grim face, went downstairs but didn't leave. After sending his agent away, he waited alone in the lobby.
He wanted to see what Matthew Horner, that despicable man who only played tricks behind the scenes, had done.
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