Chapter 104: American Ripples
Chapter 104: American Ripples
"No salary increase! No work!"
"Our future is being robbed!"
"Don't let Cyberpunk become reality!"
"Demand human rights! Demand democracy! Oppose capitalist rule!"
"Request a salary increase! Our future cannot be manipulated by capitalist lackeys!"
...
On the streets outside, countless American workers were protesting with banners and shouting loudly.
Don't misunderstand; this protest was not solely sparked by *Edge Runners*.
*Edge Runners* is just a manga at the moment and doesn't have enough impact to incite such a large-scale strike and protest in America.
Even if it were a movie adaptation of *Edge Runners*, it wouldn't have caused this massive labor strike and protest.
The real cause of this American strike and protest was workers demanding higher wages and better benefits from major companies.
However, the tragic ending of *Edge Runners* had sparked considerable discussion.
The cyberpunk dystopian future depicted in *Edge Runners* resonated with many workers, making them fearful of a future where human rights and freedoms could be disregarded by ruthless capitalists. Hence, they couldn't tolerate such capitalist excesses!
As a result, they creatively incorporated the term "cyberpunk" into their protest banners.
Most American workers were unfamiliar with the term "cyberpunk," but after explanations from fans of *Edge Runners*, it inadvertently promoted the manga, expanding its fan base in America.
This even caught the attention of many American officials, who scrambled to find out what cyberpunk and *Edge Runners* were. Oh, it's just a manga and a term derived from it…
But... why does this manga's plot resemble their own American situation? Capitalist giants dominating the country and even becoming global puppeteers.
Isn't this exactly their current state?
Ahem... they can't say this openly.
At least... they must maintain the image of America as a beacon of world peace and a symbol of freedom and democracy!
Local officials quickly voiced their support for the strike and protest activities.
The capitalists should show some goodwill to the workers and calm the storm to avoid complications.
However, companies were reluctant to easily agree to wage increases.
Impossible, absolutely impossible.
Thus, American workers and unions began prolonged negotiations with companies.
Hollywood was also somewhat affected, with some crew members joining the protests, demanding wage increases from the film industry.
However, Christopher Nolan remained unaffected.
His latest film, *Night Demon: The Rise of the Dark Knight*, had just been released, and he was currently in a "break" period.
Listening to the bustling protest outside, Christopher was used to this frequent "beautiful scenery."
*Ding-dong—*
"Hey, Chris, are you there?"
At that moment, a familiar voice came through the intercom along with the doorbell.
Christopher immediately got up and went to the door, smiling as he hugged Kevin, a colleague from *The Dark Knight Rises*.
"Hey, Kevin, what brings you here?"
He asked with a smile.
"Chris, I'm here to tell you about *Edge Runners*."
Kevin said seriously.
"Oh, finally, there's news from there?"
Christopher's eyes lit up, and he said, "Come in, let's discuss this."
After Kevin and Christopher entered the villa, Kevin became serious. "I have to say, Chris, your insight was indeed exceptional. The popularity of *Edge Runners* has skyrocketed…"
"Can I say otherwise? *Edge Runners* is indeed a groundbreaking and excellent work."
Christopher also said seriously, "Especially after watching the final plot, it's clear that the manga creator 'Qingshan' is a genius!"
"That ending was exactly what I envisioned! Even the final moon trip was something I didn't anticipate! It elevated the work to a whole new level!"
"It's a pity... the company didn't take it seriously at first."
Kevin sighed and said, "Sorry, Chris, I did inform the company about your thoughts on the manga…"
At that time, *Edge Runners* was still serializing. Even though it had the dramatic climax of Mann's death, it hadn't yet stirred significant buzz in the American market.
"Now the company should realize *Edge Runners*' potential, right?"
Christopher frowned and said, "Then what are we waiting for? I really hope to direct this adaptation!"
But Kevin, with a wry smile, said, "Chris, you need to hear this: now, the competition for *Edge Runners* is not just us at WB Studios…"
"All six major studios are competing for the film adaptation rights, including directors like Steven, Ridley, and George, all chasing this script."
An excellent script is almost irresistibly appealing to directors.
[Translator: sauron]
A script like *Edge Runners*, with its compelling cyberpunk setting and profound thematic core, combined with eye-catching combat scenes, is every director's dream.
Once made well, it's guaranteed to be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
The popularity of *Edge Runners* adds to the confidence that the adaptation will attract an audience.
Additionally, *Edge Runners* has the extra advantage of being a Republic-originated manga, with high popularity in the Republic.
This opens up the potential for significant box office earnings in the Republic's vast and populous market!
So, Hollywood's six major studios and renowned directors began their pursuit of *Edge Runners*.
"Sigh... indeed, Steven, Ridley, and others have also noticed this excellent script."
Christopher said with concern.
"But…"
He revealed a determined look, "Such a good script, if I don't direct it, it will be my regret."
"What about the manga company? Have they indicated who they plan to sell the rights to?"
Christopher asked.
"Not yet. They don't seem to have a clear inclination to sell the rights to any specific company."
Kevin said, "It seems they are waiting to see who offers the best conditions."
"I see... Then I'll personally go to the Republic for negotiations."
Christopher said calmly.
"Ah? You want to negotiate in the Republic yourself?"
Kevin was a bit surprised.
"Yeah, I really hope to direct *Edge Runners*. It also represents my sincerity."
Christopher said, "And I also want to meet the creator of *Edge Runners* to see what kind of person could create such a work…"
As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with curiosity.
(End of Chapter)