Chapter 76: Box Office Boom

[Chapter 76: Box Office Boom]

Ring! Ring!

"Ha ha, Link! Congratulations on your new film's big success! The box office for your movie is simply incredible."

"Thanks! I got lucky."

"No, it's not just luck. The movie is fantastic. I watched it twice with friends yesterday. I nearly passed out from the scares! When do you have time to grab a drink together?"

"Sure, but I'm a bit busy lately. Let's meet up once the film is out of theaters."

In his office, Link hung up the phone and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, stretching lazily.

The weather was great, sunny and clear blue skies without a cloud in sight. The rows of palm trees along the street swayed gently in the breeze, and cars streamed by. Thanks to the soundproof glass, he could see many drivers honking but not hear a sound.

...

Creak!

The door opened behind him.

"Boss, would you like some coffee?"

Lily's voice came from the entrance.

"No, just give me a bottle of water."

"Okay!"

Lily clicked her heels as she walked to the counter, fetching a bottle of water.

"Here you go!"

She handed him the water and stood beside him at the window, tucking her hair behind her ear and stealing glances at him. Unable to help herself, she asked, "What are you looking at?"

"Just looking at the beauty," Link replied with a grin.

"You.. No wonder you like standing here; it's just to look at the beauties on the street."

Lily rolled her eyes at him.

Link was the total package: handsome, charming, and talented. If only he wasn't such a horndog, he would be perfect.

"Admiring the view isn't flirting. I look at women like you'd look at flowers, jewelry, or stylish clothes."

"That's a little objectifying, don't you think?"

"Maybe. Looks like you have made some progress!"

"Of course!"

Lily laughed, remembering how clueless she had been when she first arrived. Over the past six months, she had learned so much and adapted well.

She wasn't the timid wallflower she used to be.

"So, don't pick on me. I'm not someone to be trifled with anymore."

"Alright, with all the work we've had lately, haven't you found it exhausting?"

"Not at all! I'm feeling great!"

Lily answered without hesitation.

She worried that saying she found it tough would lead Link to send her to finance department as an accountant, where she'd be stuck in an office all day. Though the pay would be decent, it would be far duller than her current job.

She loved being busy, vibrant and engaged -- it was much more exciting than when she was a dancer.

"With everyone busy promoting the film, I've prepared some small bonuses to make it up to you all. Your bonus is on your desk; go check it out."

"Bonus? What bonus?"

"Just go and see."

Link gestured casually toward the desk without turning around.

Filled with curiosity, Lily walked to her desk. After a quick glance, she spotted a long red velvet box adorned with the logo of Cartier.

"Is this it?" she asked, unsure.

"Yes!"

"What is it?"

"Don't you have hands? Can't you open it yourself?"

"Can you speak normally?"

Lily shot him a sideways glance before she eagerly opened the box.

A dazzling light burst forth, reflecting off her fair skin.

Inside the box lay an exquisitely crafted gemstone necklace, with a diamond-patterned chain made of white gold. The pendant was leaf-shaped, encrusted with a green crystal and numerous tiny diamonds that sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight.

"It's beautiful!"

Lily exclaimed, covering her mouth quickly, sneaking a glance at Link, who continued to gaze out the window.

"This is your bonus for the team? A gemstone necklace for everyone? Isn't that a bit extravagant?"

Though she didn't know the exact price, she had picked up enough from her recent shopping trips to guess that it had to be over ten thousand dollars, maybe even more stunning than the one she'd seen on others actresses.

With over twenty employees, wasn't this going to cost more than two hundred thousand dollars?

"Are you crazy? Of course, I'm not giving out necklaces to everyone. Men get ties, and women get either necklaces, gift cards, movie tickets, and more. If you don't want a necklace, you can choose the gift card."

"I don't want that. I want the necklace."

Lily said proudly.

Though she knew a shopping card could buy many things, the necklace was just so elegant. She often wore low-cut professional attire, and the necklace would perfectly complement her style. She only had a plain one before now.

She had been wanting to get a nice necklace for a while.

But whenever she went to the mall, the affordable ones didn't suit her taste, and the expensive ones were simply out of reach.

This necklace was stunning; it matched her aesthetic perfectly. She had no plans to trade it for a gift card.

"Do you want me to help you put it on?" Link turned to ask.

Lily blinked and handed him the box.

Link smiled gently, gathered her long hair aside, took off the plain necklace she had worn for a long time, and draped the new sparkling one around her neck.

When his fingers brushed against her warm skin, Lily shivered, her fragrance intensifying in the air.

"It looks gorgeous!"

Link said, resting a hand on her shoulder as they stood in front of the mirror.

Lily's face flushed as she caressed the necklace, biting her lip as she replied softly, "It is very beautiful! Your choice in jewelry is excellent. How much was it?"

"It's not worth much."

"Liar, it's designer, so it must be expensive. Is this really everyone's bonus?"

Lily felt her cheeks getting hot.

"What else would it be? A token of affection? Alright, Assistant Lily, you can head out now. Don't disturb my work."

Link waved his hand dismissively as he walked back toward the desk.

Lily tossed him an exasperated look. She felt touched by the gift and wanted to thank him, but his attitude was far too rude for that.

With a huff, she clicked away in her heels. Lily closed the door, glancing down at the necklace on her chest. She smiled at her reflection in the frosted glass of the office.

---

"Is Link busy?"

Michael Leeson approached in the hallway, holding a document, an excited grin on his face.

"Mr. Leeson, do you have good news?"

"Ha ha, the box office numbers from last week are in! Guess how much Paranormal Activity made this week?"

Usually a composed individual, Michael's excitement made him more playful as he joked with Lily.

"It opened in 437 screens two weeks ago and made $13.18 million. Last week it expanded to 1,873 screens. Do you think it could have made $30 million?"

Lily asked.

Michael shook his head, chuckling. "You can guess a little higher."

"Could it be $40 million?"

Lily's excitement grew.

"You're underestimating the movie. Think bigger," Michael encouraged.

"$50 million?!"

Lily's voice rose in surprise.

"It's $51.82 million! Box office champion!"

Michael couldn't help but burst into laughter as he entered the office and shut the door behind him.

"$51.82 million?"

Lily couldn't believe her ears, covering her mouth in shock.

In just ten days, the accumulated box office was $14.77 million, and now in the third week, they had reached $51.82 million.

Paranormal Activity had earned $66.59 million in North America after 17 days, with a production cost of less than $100,000, and promotional costs under $6 million.

"Link is amazing!"

Lily clenched her fist, beaming with joy that mirrored Michael's expression.

She glanced back at the office, fantasizing about seeing Link deep in conversation with Michael. This guy was so young yet accomplished. His playful side didn't seem like such a big deal after all.

*****

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