Chapter 572: The Schemer

In the spacious office, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sat close together, their expressions quite serious. They were well aware of their situation, deeply entangled in scandals of infidelity and affairs, despised by both the media and the public. They had been hiding in Africa for over a year, having children and without any outstanding works to their name. Every appearance by America's sweetheart Jennifer Aniston triggered widespread media mockery towards them.

A true return to Hollywood wasn't as simple as walking down the Oscar red carpet. They needed to clean up their image, create widely broadcast works, and achieve explosive box office numbers.

Especially the last point—if they could prove their box office appeal was still intact, Hollywood production companies wouldn't care about any scandals.

As long as you have box office appeal, even if you had an affair with a pig, film companies would still hire you.

"Jolie, Pitt."

The speaker was a middle-aged white man wearing glasses, their newly hired manager, Corina. "Your situation is both difficult and simple."

He explained in detail, "As Pitt mentioned before, Hollywood and audiences are forgetful. As long as you can produce an outstanding work, audiences will selectively forget many things. But audiences and the media also hold grudges; if the work is bad, their ridicule can leave you with no place to hide."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt nodded simultaneously, which matched their understanding of the situation.

"In recent years, the typical example in this regard is Matthew Horner." Manager Corina continued, "Matthew Horner has many scandals and black marks, but with the consecutive box office hits of his movies, few people care about those black marks. Many even idolize his womanizing ways."

Hearing this name, Angelina Jolie felt very complicated. The once timid small figure in front of her had now climbed to a position above her. This complex feeling was something only she could understand.

Even now, she remembered how Matthew Horner had cautiously tried to please her. Who could have thought he would become so popular?

This only proved one thing: Matthew Horner was a schemer!

Corina then looked at Angelina Jolie. "I've sent the plan for you to your email." He paused before adding, "Jolie, your next focus should be on women's rights, children, and charity. Haven't you adopted many orphans? Think of ways to use them. With them, returning to your previous status won't be difficult."

"I'll look at it carefully," Angelina Jolie said.

"Pitt, your situation is different." Corina turned to Brad Pitt. "You've always been at the top and have a strong appeal. Your fame is rooted in the films themselves. Your comeback also lies in the films."

Brad Pitt wasn't foolish and responded, "I need an outstanding work."

Corina reminded him, "While ensuring success, you must avoid failure as much as possible."

"Therefore, choosing Matthew Horner is our best choice," Brad Pitt said.

"I agree with you." Corina elaborated, "Currently, Matthew Horner is in talks with Warner Bros. and Akiva Goldsman about a project called 'Hancock.' The production budget is estimated to be $150 million."

"Is there a chance?" Angelina Jolie asked.

Corina replied, "Yes! As far as I know, Matthew Horner is asking for $35 million..."

"How much?" Brad Pitt asked in surprise.

"$35 million!" Corina repeated the figure.

Brad Pitt heard it clearly this time and said subconsciously, "Is he worth that much?"

"Frankly, Pitt," Corina said directly, "I believe he is!"

He could see that Brad Pitt was still immersed in the self-perception of a former top star, so he added, "Every dollar investors pay him returns several times the amount, so he's worth it!"

Brad Pitt wasn't completely out of touch and was momentarily speechless.

Corina continued, "Of course, from our own interests, no one wants to pay such a high fee. Negotiations between Warner Bros. and Matthew Horner's agent haven't reached an agreement, which gives us an opportunity."

He looked at Brad Pitt. "I've spoken to an assistant producer. If you only ask for half of Matthew Horner's fee and your Plan B can participate in the investment..."

Brad Pitt suddenly interrupted, "Plan B can't invest at the moment." He briefly explained, "Aniston is withdrawing her investment. Plan B can't resume normal operations until she's completely out."

Over a year ago, Jennifer Aniston wanted to withdraw her investment. He had been hiding in Africa, but dragging it out wasn't a solution. Kicking Jennifer Aniston out would make him the absolute majority shareholder of Plan B.

"May I ask," Angelina Jolie suddenly interrupted, "is there a chance to snatch a role from Matthew Horner?"

She had been skeptical when Brad Pitt mentioned it in the car.

Corina said cautiously, "We have a chance if we try; no chance at all if we don't."

Brad Pitt nodded. "It's our first choice. If it fails, we can seek other roles."

If there were other ways to secure a lead role in a major production, he wouldn't resort to this method.

Last year, he tried to secure the lead in "Babel," but Paramount politely declined. He then prepared to have Plan B invest in a project called "The Assassination of Jesse James," but it fell through due to Aniston's withdrawal. Early this year, he also planned for two other top-tier productions, but one party thought using him was too risky, and he found the other too risky...

Angelina Jolie didn't speak anymore. She didn't plan to tie her career to Brad Pitt's, and Corina's words made sense.

For some reason, she suddenly thought of Matthew Horner again.

Back when they were on the set of "Girl, Interrupted," both she and Matthew Horner faced bullying from the lead actress and producer, Winona Ryder. Even she had to avoid Winona Ryder's sharp edge. As an insignificant extra, Matthew Horner had no chance of staying on set under Winona Ryder's strong pressure.

However, despite the zero odds, the schemer staged a great comeback, successfully standing up to Winona Ryder, staying on set, and even advancing his original role, earning a line...

Brad Pitt now was ten thousand times stronger than Matthew Horner was back then. With Matthew Horner unaware, he should have a chance, right?

It was also an opportunity to test Brad Pitt's abilities.

She hooked up with Brad Pitt not because of his good looks. If that were the case, given her fame and wealth, finding a few young, attractive models from the modeling industry would have been easy. She had done it before.

Those models had good looks, good bodies, and good techniques. As long as she paid them, they could drop everything to cater to her...

While Angelina Jolie was lost in thought, Corina and Brad Pitt had already discussed some detailed implementation issues.

"I've never had any business dealings with Akiva Goldsman," Corina said slowly. "But that assistant producer has agreed to help me arrange a meeting with Akiva Goldsman."

He looked at Brad Pitt. "Pitt, come with me this afternoon to show sincerity."

Brad Pitt nodded slightly. "Okay."

Corina continued, "You've always had a good relationship with Warner Bros. You collaborated on 'Troy' before. This weekend, Warner Bros. is hosting a celebration party for '300.' I've got you an invitation. Take the time to attend."

"I will," Brad Pitt, no novice, understood the importance of networking.

Angelina Jolie then said, "I don't have time this weekend."

Brad Pitt turned to her. "Can't you postpone your plans? I need a partner."

"No way." Angelina Jolie was straightforward as always. "You know I made plans to go to Cambodia ten days ago. It's important to me!"

Brad Pitt was a bit dissatisfied. "Can't you accommodate me first?"

"Pitt!" Angelina Jolie suddenly raised her voice. "You're not the only one with a career. I have one too!"

Seeing the two about to argue, Corina quickly said, "Pitt, it's more flexible if you go alone."

Brad Pitt turned back, stopped speaking, but was clearly unhappy.

Angelina Jolie, being very independent, ignored Brad Pitt's demeanor and said to Corina, "Coordinate my weekend schedule, and book a few first-class tickets. I'm taking the kids with me."

Hearing this, Brad Pitt was instantly furious but suppressed it in front of Corina. For some reason, he suddenly felt that Angelina Jolie was much worse than the gentle Jennifer Aniston.

But he didn't lose his temper. Getting out of the career slump was more important now. Once Jennifer Aniston completely exited Plan B, he would gather funds and find suitable projects to make a big splash.

As a top star, making a comeback wasn't hard! Brad Pitt always held this belief.

At Warner Bros. Studios, after lunch, Akiva Goldsman went to the post-production room to check on Guillermo del Toro's post-production work. Then he visited the preparations for "Hancock" before leaving the studio, crossing the street, and pushing open the glass door of a café.

His assistant had arranged a meeting with a manager.

The industry was changing rapidly. Akiva Goldsman had noticed the fast rise of managers. Although he only knew the manager slightly, he decided to come due to his assistant's years of dedicated service.

Walking to the end of the long aisle, he saw a well-dressed man and, beside him, Brad Pitt!

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