[Chapter 236: The Pursuit of Happyness Becomes Popular]
"A new company called 'Daniel Pictures,'" the assistant said, glancing down at the documents. "The boss is named Daniel Cross."
Amy Pascal was startled. "Daniel Cross? Why does that name sound so familiar?"
The assistant reminded him, "They say actresses like Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, and Scarlett Johansson all have ambiguous relationships with him. Lots of actresses have publicly claimed he's their boyfriend."
Amy Pascal's face twisted with jealousy. "What a beast... What exactly does he have?"
The assistant shrugged. "He's the second-largest shareholder of Marvel. He's also a powerful Exorcist, one very famous in the industry."
"That explains it..." Amy muttered.
"The actresses he's dated are all currently climbing fast in their careers."
"Is it really that miraculous?" Amy asked.
...
Not just Sony, Warner, Paramount, Universal -- almost every major Hollywood studio received the news the same day. They'd originally thought it was just an opportunity to snag a bargain, only to find the person who got it had already been laying the groundwork for six months.
Chris Gardner's phone was practically ringing off the hook, but his response was always the same:
"Go contact Mr. Daniel Cross; he is the true owner of this story."
When the Hollywood heavyweights pulled up Daniel's profile... and saw that he not only held a masterpiece like The Pursuit of Happyness, already destined for awards, but also owned the rights to several core Marvel heroes, everyone lost their composure.
...
"Boss, Sony's Amy Pascal, the Vice President of Warner, and multiple independent producers have all sent meeting invitations."
Inside the villa, Chris held her phone, giggling. "They all want to buy Gardner's rights from you. Sony even hinted they'd offer three million dollars."
Daniel lounged in a backyard chair, sunbathing, fiddling with a few Five Emperors Coins in his hand.
"Three million?" Daniel sneered. "That's like tossing spare change to a beggar. Tell them the rights aren't for sale, but I'll accept joint development. I provide the script and rights; they handle production and distribution, and I take the lion's share of the profits."
Chris nodded, taking notes. "And the lead actor? Sony suggested Will Smith, feeling his image fits the struggling father perfectly."
Daniel gave a cold laugh. "No way. Get another Oscar-winning Best Actor. Denzel Washington's acting isn't any worse. He has more awards, too -- maybe this can help him win Best Actor again."
Chris smiled. "Good suggestion. Once the partner company is decided, I'll give them the candidate list."
As they spoke, Daniel's phone vibrated again.
He picked it up and saw it was Jessica.
"Daniel, the voice acting contract for the animation is signed. Pixar's Cars -- I'm playing the Porsche named Sally. How did you know they just happened to be looking for a voice like this?"
Jessica's voice was bubbling with excitement; her charm came through clearly over the line.
Daniel laughed. "Don't limit yourself to just this one. What about the other two?"
Jessica: "We're still negotiating; the outlook is very good."
Daniel: "I'll wait for your good news."
...
Beverly Hills, a private business club.
Paramount's CEO, Brad, sat across from Daniel, holding the newly signed contract.
"Mr. Cross, the $35 million cash investment has been received." Brad sighed. "Plus rights valued at $5 million. You hold 80% of the profit rights on this film. Paramount will cover the remaining $10 million production gap and handle global distribution."
Daniel lit a cigar, exhaling a cloud of blue smoke. "A 20% distribution fee -- that's the highest price I can offer."
Brad smiled. "Deal. Although the risk is shared, I have to admit, it feels more like Paramount is working for you."
Daniel lifted his coffee cup. "As long as money is being made, it doesn't matter who's working for whom."
The agreement was sealed.
The Pursuit of Happyness was officially greenlit.
...
Daniel didn't use the screenwriter Paramount recommended. Instead, he had Chris contact Steve Conrad directly.
"Revise it according to the original intent of the autobiography," Daniel instructed Steve over the phone. "What I want is that suffocating life at rock bottom, not some fake warmth. Even the scene where he sleeps in the restroom needs to capture true despair."
Steve was excited on the other end. "Mr. Cross, you understand this story better than those Hollywood producers."
...
Meanwhile, inside Will Smith's mansion.
His agent, James, rushed into the study, slamming an industry bulletin on the desk.
"Will, look at this."
Will glanced at it. "The Pursuit of Happyness? What's this?"
James said, "An autobiographical novel by Chris Gardner. He rose from the absolute bottom to become a stockbroker, and now he owns his own company."
Will shrugged. "Sounds interesting... that's about it."
James leaned in. "This autobiography's already been bought by that Daniel Cross."
"Daniel Cross? That Exorcist?" Will laughed. "Haha, he's always buying things chaotically."
James's expression turned serious. "You won't be laughing soon. This book's been on the charts for six weeks, its popularity is huge. Paramount just announced a co-production with Daniel Pictures, budgeted at $50 million. This is definitely a frontrunner for awards next year."
Will's smile froze, his eyes shifting slightly.
Perhaps because Paramount was involved, he reluctantly dropped his prejudice against Daniel.
After a moment's calm, his sharp instinct told him the role was perfect for him.
"Contact Brad Grey." Will stood. "Tell him I'm very interested and willing to take a pay cut to play it."
...
An hour later.
Will put down his phone, face pale.
"What did Brad say?" James asked, anxious.
"He said it's not up to him."
Will's voice was tight with suppressed anger. "He said that for this project, from casting to script, the final say is entirely Daniel's. Paramount is just the partner providing the channels."
"What?" James was shocked. "Paramount would actually give an independent producer that much power?"
Will took a deep breath. "Find someone to pass a message to Daniel Cross: tell him I'm willing to meet in person to discuss a collaboration."
...
Evening, Cross Hall.
Chris appeared, a teasing tone in her voice.
"Master, Will Smith sent a message through someone. He said he hopes to have dinner with you to talk about the role of Gardner."
Daniel was wiping his Lightning-struck wood sword, not even looking up.
"Tell him I'm not free."
Chris smiled. "Last time, Master didn't even compliment him; he was very disappointed. Now that you're rejecting him outright, I really want to see the look on his face."
*****
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