Chapter 198: Behind the Scenes

[Chapter 198: Behind the Scenes]

"Alright, don't be sad anymore."

In the office of the president of Paramount Pictures, Sherry Lansing gently stroked Tom Cruise's cheek, wiping away the tears from the corner of his eye. "The media is focused on him now; he won't dare to come after you. Plus, there have been plenty of negative stories about him lately. His reputation is suffering, and it will be hard for his next film to earn the support of fans. Once his movie flops, he won't have the energy to deal with you."

Tom looked up and asked, "Did you arrange those dirt stories with the media?"

"I didn't need to. Link has stood out too much, and the seven major studios have already recognized him as a significant competitor. He's also become rather unpopular. They only need to leak a bit of news, and their affiliated media will automatically change their stance, focusing more on Link's negative stories."

Sherry smiled lightly while ruffling Tom's hair.

Tom's eyes lit up. "You mean the seven studios are planning to team up against Link?"

"Guess Pictures has performed very strongly this past year, with total box office revenues surpassing Disney and MGM, ranking sixth in the industry and third in pure profits. This is a company only two years old, generating revenue comparable to the seven major studios. If this momentum continues, Guess Pictures might surpass the seven studios, becoming the most profitable film company in Hollywood."

As Sherry spoke, she couldn't help but think of that young, handsome man. Although he was a competitor, his demonstrated talent and management skills made it impossible not to recognize him as a remarkable and charming figure.

Tom Cruise responded with excitement, "Guess Pictures has been too aggressive, stealing market share that rightfully belongs to the seven studios. That's why their parent companies are pushing negative news about Link, to tarnish his reputation.

But isn't this tactic a bit mild? With the power behind the seven studios, they could easily bankrupt Link and Guess Pictures, ensuring he can't continue to stand in Hollywood."

The seven major studios all had parent companies, and those parent companies primarily held major shares controlled by Wall Street capital. This capital dominated the entertainment and media sectors, both in America and globally. If they teamed up, a slight effort could easily crush Link.

Tom didn't understand why they didn't take that approach. Merely using tabloid gossip to undermine Link's reputation didn't seem to have much effect on him.

Sherry shook her head. "You have to understand one thing: capital seeks profits. Wherever profits can be made, capital will gather. Link and Guess Pictures are currently positioned as the most profitable part of Hollywood's film industry. The entertainment capital wants a slice of Guess Pictures and Link to earn more profits, not to destroy them. If they pushed him out, no one would benefit; it goes against the growth model of capital.

The problem is, Link is unwilling to share the spotlight, and that has undoubtedly angered the entertainment capital. They will apply pressure through their subsidiaries to make him yield.

If Link continues to refuse to share, the capital might consider eliminating him and Guess Pictures altogether."

Tom nodded. "Link is too greedy."

Sherry replied, "Link is not just greedy; he's also smart. He's actively collaborated with Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema under Warner Bros., and Miramax under Disney. This has made the capital unwilling to unite against him openly, keeping him in the limelight, preventing him from choosing one party over another for future investment. This is a result of competition among entertainment capital.

Link understands this, which is why he has so successfully navigated under the seven studios. However, Guess Pictures has become too prominent, and if he continues to keep things to himself, those Wall Street players won't let him off the hook. He's walking on a tightrope."

"Hmph, I hope he falls off that cliff and shatters into pieces," Tom said angrily.

Sherry smiled gently, still stroking his hair.

...

While they were chatting, an assistant called in to inform them that CNN was airing an exclusive interview with Link. Sherry had previously told the assistant to remind her when the program aired.

She grabbed the remote and turned on the television.

On screen, Link sat comfortably on a couch, dressed in a dark casual suit, his well-groomed hairstyle complementing his strong brow and straight nose. He exuded a mature charisma.

Watching Link on television, Sherry suddenly thought that Tom Cruise didn't seem that good-looking anymore.

"Link, can you talk about your romantic life? I read in the paper yesterday that you have over a dozen girlfriends and have been linked to more than thirty actresses, including Monica Bellucci, Jennifer Connelly, Brooke Shields, and Sofia Coppola. When I saw that news, I was very envious -- no, I should say jealous. I think I'm not alone; any man seeing this news would envy you," CNN host Larry King said with a grin.

CNN, a cable news network under Turner Broadcasting, was known for its relatively impartial news reporting and was not affiliated with any media group.

Larry King was the highest-paid talk show host in America, earning $12 million a year. His program, Larry King Live, had one of the highest ratings on television.

Link replied with a smile, "Yes, anyone would be envious to be linked with so many wonderful women, including me."

"Including you? Are those stories false? Link, you need to know I've worked in television for over thirty years, interviewing thousands of celebrities. Most people can't get past my discerning eye if they're lying."

Larry pointed to his eyes and then to Link.

The audience erupted in laughter.

Link sat up straight, feigning tension. "I guess I have to come clean now."

"Yes, Link, be honest -- are you a playboy? If so, I'd advise all the girls watching to be cautious of you; don't fall for his charms," Larry said, his tone turning serious.

The audience erupted in laughter again.

That was the appeal of a talk show master; he could say anything, and even if it wasn't funny, he would get some laughs.

Link shrugged. "It's all fake news. If you don't believe me, you can use those magical eyes of yours to take a good look at me. My words can withstand scrutiny."

Larry squinted, fixing his gaze on Link as if he were undergoing an intense examination.

The audience roared with laughter.

"Larry, are you done with your examination? Lunch hour is approaching," Link said, glancing at his watch.

"I really can't see any signs of you lying; I'll give you that. So, can you tell us who your girlfriend is?"

"I'm single!"

The audience erupted into a chorus of disbelief, and Larry looked skeptical.

"Okay, it's Monica. We've been dating since early '92, and it's been two years now."

Link raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.

...

"He's lying," Tom Cruise remarked. "The last time I saw him, he was at a bar with Jennifer Connelly, and their relationship seemed very close. This guy is definitely not a good man."

Sherry shook her head. "Link is a billionaire, worth over a billion; having multiple women is just normal for him."

Tom furrowed his brow. "Shouldn't we arrange for the media to interview Jennifer Connelly and the others, so they can expose Link?"

"It'd be useless. Link has given them enough benefits to keep them quiet. To coax them into speaking out would require much more in return, and you should be prepared for failure," Sherry replied.

Tom recalled their previous gamble, where he had invested millions to bring Link down, only to end up with nothing. The thought of another attempt with such high stakes made him uneasy.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.