Manhattan, on 66th Street on the Upper West Side, has become the former Metropolis ABC Group headquarters at the center of Daenerys' entertainment television operations.
The time is Friday, January 26th.
In a conference room in the building, a production meeting about the upcoming resumption of "American Idol" on February 6 had just ended. Others left one after another. Simon continued to sit at the large conference table with Robert Egger next to him. After discussing some details in a low voice, he got up after a while and walked over to Sister Xueer with a smile, who had been lingering on her head and said, "Simon, are you free at noon? I have a reservation at St. George's?"
Only half a season of "American Idol" has allowed Cher, whose career has been somewhat sluggish in the past few years, to return to her peak.
This actress, who has been in Hollywood for many years and is a singer and songwriter, naturally knows why she is able to do this. She extended the invitation to Simon out of her sincerity to express her gratitude. Of course, if this little man had some other interest in her, Xueer wouldn't reject it too much.
This little man is the envy of countless women. If something happens between the two of them, she will not suffer at all.
Simon took a look at the veteran diva who was wearing casual clothes and still had graceful curves indoors, and said with a smile: "It's not convenient for me to go to St. George, because I'm worried about being watched. If you don't mind dining in the internal restaurant here, I can null."
Xueer immediately said: "Oh, of course not."
He said and looked at Egg.
Before Xueer could speak again, Robert Egger immediately said: "My family and I have made an appointment to have lunch together."
I initially worked at ABC. For the convenience of commuting, Iger's home was on the Upper West Side, not far from here. After switching to Daenerys Entertainment, Iger's status in the industry has become higher and higher over the years, and his income has become more and more generous. He still has not moved out of the Upper West Side. He just changed to a better building after Daenerys Entertainment went public. villa.
Since others want to have a meal with their families, of course they cannot stop them.
Family is always the most important.
Everyone was chatting and laughing together and were about to go out, when they saw Jennifer Lopez, another judge of "American Idol" who had just left, turn around again and almost bumped into Simon. The girl stopped and apologized: "I'm sorry, Weiss." Mr. Tello, I forgot my bag here."
He said pointing to the conference room.
Robert Egger looked at the situation in front of him, just smiled and nodded, and left first, looking very hurried.
However, just as Simon was about to let Jennifer Lopez enter the conference room, Cher had already said: "Jenny, is that the red Chanel? I just saw you forgot it here and asked my assistant to send it to you. It seems you haven’t met her, go to the parking lot and have a look, she should be there.”
Jennifer Lopez was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, turning around slowly with obvious reluctance, and did not forget to say: "Thank you, Ms. Cher."
Simon watched the Latin girl disappear over the elevator and gave Xueer a thumbs up: "Awesome."
After being seen through by the man, Xueer didn't hide it, and deliberately gave a very catchy expression: "Xiao Chu'er," after saying that, she looked at Simon next to her: "This should not be your thing, Simon, why did you choose her? "
Simon said: "For the effect of the show, it is undeniable that she did a good job, right?"
No matter what, successful people have certain successful qualities that are difficult for others to achieve. The trajectory of Jennifer Lopez's fame and duration of popularity were both bizarre. She was like a certain carpet star on the other side of the ocean. Although she had no impressive representative works, she could often become a Hollywood actress with an income of tens of millions of dollars. Top the income rankings.
This is ability.
It’s okay not to admire him.
This is why Simon chose her partner in the first place. Although she is only a supporting role among the four judges, since the launch of "American Idol", Jennifer Lopez's popularity is not much worse than that of Cher and David Kruger. What is missing now is just the foundation.
When Xueer heard what Simon said, she had to nod her head: "It's indeed good, but you are actually the most powerful one. You made such an accurate choice."
Simon felt the charming glance from Sister Xueer, and said with a smile: "Don't praise me, I'm going to float."
"hehe."
The two chatted and laughed as they came to the high-rise special restaurant in the building, which was opened after Daenerys completed the acquisition of Metropolis ABC Group. The company, which was previously controlled by two stingy old men, was not willing to do this. For ordinary employee office spaces, Simon prefers open spaces, which makes it easier for executives and employees to communicate.
However, Simon has never believed in fairness when it comes to the details of workplace treatment in restaurants.
What level you are in the Westeros system determines what kind of treatment you can enjoy, including medical care, meals, accommodation, travel, etc.
This is actually a kind of distribution according to work.
Ordinary employees can eat in the big canteen with peace of mind, and executives can fly on the company's private jet when traveling on business. Only in this way can employees be stimulated to strive for the best. If someone feels it is unfair, they should either work hard to climb up or leave and choose another company that they think is fair.
Sister Xueer, who has always pursued refinement in life, was initially hesitant about eating in the internal canteen with Simon. After seeing the decoration of the executive restaurant and the menu served by the waiter, she immediately had no doubts.
There are actually French, Italian and Chinese cuisines to choose from. Even though there are not many dishes to choose from, Cher is even more surprised because this is a rule only found in top restaurants. Different dishes are served at different times. , the quantity is not large, mainly to ensure the absolute freshness of the ingredients.
In the past, even when working outside, there would be someone responsible for catering. After so many years of fame, Xueer has rarely experienced eating in some company restaurants.
After ordering the meal, Xueer couldn't help but said: "It seems that I can eat here often in the future."
Simon said politely: "This is our honor."
There was no additional explanation. If Xueer came here, she might get another menu.
According to Cher's specifications, she can enjoy Daenerys Entertainment Vice President-level treatment here. Maybe the dishes will not be much different from now, but the optional drinks will definitely be different.
The bottle of Château Latour 1975 Reserve that Cher just ordered can only be ordered if Simon himself or a few people like Egger entertain the distinguished guests, and someone has to be sent to pick it up elsewhere so that it can be stored in a safe place. It's right on the Upper East Side, just over ten minutes, and it's totally worth the wait.
Simon didn't explain, but Cher actually felt something. She didn't talk much about it. She crossed her legs and turned slightly to the side in a more romantic posture and said: "I read the newspaper this morning. The box office of Batman v Superman in the latest week has reached 470 million US dollars, which is really shocking. However, when I attend some gatherings in circles recently, everyone is under a lot of pressure."
In the past box office week, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", which was in its fifth week of release, continued to take in US$38.01 million with a 31% weekly box office drop, bringing the cumulative box office to US$472.61 million, surpassing Simon's box office with "Batman" in one fell swoop. The domestic box office record of US$436 million set by "Armageddon: Begins" has successfully set a new domestic box office record in North American film history, excluding inflation.
Not only that, with the expansion of overseas markets, the overseas box office of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" has also begun to explode. Last week, statistics exceeded the 400 million threshold, reaching 429 million U.S. dollars, which is almost the same as last week's film. The domestic box office of US$434 million is flat. According to the overseas box office data for the next two days over the weekend, it is almost certain to overtake the domestic box office of US$472 million.
Because of the intensity of Batman Vs., not only the film circles in overseas countries have once again loudly warned against the invasion of Hollywood, but also a large number of local filmmakers in North America have a sense of crisis.
If this continues, will everyone still have a way to survive
When Simon heard what Xue'er said, he shook his head slightly and said, "The Super-Bat War is just a special case. There is no need for everyone to worry."
"But, how do I feel that in recent years, the DC movie universe series, the "Jurassic Park" series, and Pixar's 3D animation..." Cher raised an index finger in the air and said, "In short, I am I don’t have the courage to go to Hollywood anymore.”
This is also the true words of Sister Xueer.
After winning the Oscar for Best Actress for "Moonlight", Cher seemed to be under the curse of the Oscar. Since then, she has never participated in a blockbuster movie and almost collapsed. Fortunately, "American Idol" provided her with a turning point. Now that this reality show is so successful, it has also brought Cher's music career back to its second spring. She has planned to concentrate on this aspect and no longer compete with those or other celebrities in Hollywood. Actresses, old-school or new, scramble for resources.
Simon can actually understand the mentality of many filmmakers in Hollywood. At this time, he just said: "This is just a psychological effect. The mainstream of Hollywood is still the conventional films created by everyone. Just say that the local box office of a movie with a box office of 400 million US dollars does not count. In terms of re-releases, let me think about it: "Battlefield", 436 million, "The Dark Knight Rises", 416 million, "Jurassic Park 2", 413 million, plus Batman Vs., which is still in theaters, you see, There are only 4 movies in total, and Hollywood produces more than 400 theatrical movies every year."
Cher thought for a moment and asked: "What about "The Lion King"? I remember that it exceeded US$900 million worldwide?"
Simon replied: "The domestic revenue of "The Lion King" is only 327 million US dollars, and the bulk of it is overseas."
Cher didn't expect Simon to remember it so clearly and blurted it out, and couldn't help but ask: "What about "Superman"?"
"'Superman' domestically is $363 million."
"Wonder Woman?"
"371 million."
"Jurassic Park, Part One."
"356 million."
Sister Xueer's head and eyes shone a little, and her tone was full of admiration: "No wonder you have achieved everything you have now. You can remember so many box office figures clearly. It's really amazing."
Simon smiled and said: "Hearing you praise me so much, I won't tell you that I actually just saw these data this morning."
"Haha, it's still great. I can't remember so many things anyway." Xueer said, then returned to the topic: "So many local movies with a box office of 300 million US dollars also make it difficult for everyone. As far as I'm concerned, probably only George's reboot of the "Star Wars" series can compare with these movies."
Simon said: "No matter what, everyone will find their own place. In fact, what I just said is more inclined to commodities. I still prefer real movies, like the one that won you the Oscar back then, "Moonlight" , I have watched it many times.”
Cher was a little surprised: "Simon, isn't this a compliment? I remember that many people didn't like this movie, and they also said that it was far-fetched for me to win an Oscar."
"Of course it's not a compliment," Simon said: "This is a movie that can touch the soul very much. It's certainly not the so-called soul shock of those movies that are deliberately sensationalistic. The whole movie exaggerates a restless atmosphere. After watching it, It will make people have the urge to find someone to fall in love with right away so that their life will not be wasted.”
"Oh, Simon, you really know how to talk."
At some point, Sister Xueer's body had leaned forward slightly, her arms resting on the dining table.
The two chatted like this, and then the waiter served lunch, and the guests and guests enjoyed the meal.
At the end of lunch, Sister Xueer's fingers had reached across the dining table and hooked on the back of Simon's hand. Such a young and handsome man with all kinds of auras could attract a group of women to stick to him even if he didn't say anything. What's more, During the lunch that had just passed, the knowledge and humor of the other party's conversation was really irresistible.
Sister Xueer thinks it would be a shame if she didn't take the initiative and missed it: "Simon, are you still free tonight? Maybe we can have dinner together again. It was fun just now, wasn't it?"
Simon just shook his head: "I'm sorry, I already have plans for the evening."
Xueer asked: "So, what about the weekend?"
"Not even on weekends," Simon said, retracting his right hand that was teased by Xue'er, and said with a smile: "Since this lunch was very pleasant, let's keep it in our memory. Some things are too much."
When the man said this, Xueer felt regretful, but she no longer struggled: "It's such a pity. However, you can call me at any time when you are free."
As the two talked, Cher's assistant brought the woman's windbreaker. Simon stood up on his own initiative, took it and helped Cher put it on in a gentlemanly manner, and left the restaurant together. He didn't return until he sent Cher into the elevator.
The afternoon work schedule is still here.
So busy that in the evening, Simon took a helicopter to the manor in the northern suburbs of Greenwich.
Noon rejects Cher, on the one hand Simon is abstaining from sex recently, on the other hand it is also Sophia Fessy who came from Europe today.
When dusk fell, they returned to the manor in the northern suburbs. The woman was already preparing dinner. Daniel and Gemma, who had already started school, were also here. They had been together for a long time, and because of the birth of the other two little ones, there were almost some Simons here. A feeling of home.
Except that there is always a little awkwardness when Daniel and Simon get along, there is nothing else. Gemma, who has a simple and straightforward personality, will occasionally call Simon "Stepdad", in a very formal "stepdad" tone, deliberately a little bit inappropriate. , in fact, it is also some kind of recognition in the girl’s heart.
Dinner was equally cozy.
Sofia talked about work, the two children discussed study and life, and Simon also talked about all kinds of trivial matters recently. Sofia's parents who were dining together also tried their best to cooperate with this atmosphere. Over the years, the couple also recognized Simon With their daughter in this state, especially since Simon's status is getting higher and higher, Feisi's family is also living better and better, and the couple has no other thoughts.
After dinner, Sofia's parents and two children very wisely took the initiative to return to the residence next door, leaving the space for Simon and Sofia.
However, Simon and Simon did not immediately engage in a heated exchange, but instead talked about some very formal things.
Inspired by some recent events, Simon is planning two plans and has given them two code names, one is 'Troy' and the other is 'Sowell'.
The three closest women around her, Jennifer is devoted to home, and Janet is already responsible for many things. Moreover, considering the nature of the two plans, the most suitable person to discuss these things happens to be Sophia, so the women are asked to help with the consultation. Among them, She is still responsible for executing some details.