Chapter 260: Surging Stamina

[Chapter 260: Surging Stamina]

As the film screening concluded, Link received the system's evaluation of the movie.

[Film production complete; box office subsidies are being calculated...]

[Host participation rate is 71.1%; film completion rate is 92.2%; market alignment is 78%.]

[Reward: 2.9x box office subsidy; Director experience +15%; stamina boost +20%; film quality increase +15%.]

The system's evaluation of the movie was on par with Se7en.

As Link felt a 20% boost in stamina, he suddenly experienced a warmth within him, especially around his abdomen. It felt like a fire, making him eager to release that energy somehow.

However, the timing was not right.

Harvey squeezed over to congratulate him, praising him for creating a great film and asking if he was planning to release it before the end of the year.

Link responded that he intended to premiere it early next year.

Releasing it at the end of the year felt rushed. Furthermore, the theme of the film wasn't suitable for the winter break; spring was a better fit in March or April.

...

After the screening ended, Link brought the film master copy into the editing studio to review it again.

With the 15% quality increase, The Butterfly Effect was nearly 100% complete. The cinematography, lighting, sound effects, and special effects had seen subtle adjustments, enhancing the realism and intricacy of the film, making for a better viewing experience.

He watched the film twice, gradually feeling the heat subside, and noticed he had broken out in a slick sweat, akin to melted butter, with a faint stench.

...

Link handed the film over to the staff for safekeeping and headed to his office for a refreshing shower, scrubbing down completely.

After his shower, he felt significantly more relaxed and invigorated.

Link increasingly believed that the benefits of making movies were worth more than making hundreds of millions of dollars.

He decided to film The Sixth Sense first, and once that was wrapped up, he would move on to Batman 3.

With a tighter schedule, he could also attain more stamina boosts.

...

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in."

His assistant, Lewinsky, entered, clutching a stack of scripts and placed them on his desk.

Back in April or May, he had tasked Lewinsky with taking two or three screenwriters to Columbia Pictures to review scripts, summarizing their contents concisely for him to check during his downtime.

Lewinsky and her team had done well, reviewing over two thousand scripts in the span of three months, through which Link discovered many familiar films, including Primal Fear, The Fifth Element, Charlie's Angels, and The Mask of Zorro.

"How many scripts did you all organize last month?" Link asked as he flipped through the materials.

"417 scripts. Now, aside from those Columbia Pictures refused to showcase, we've gone through everything else."

"Great job."

Link perused the documents, noting that while he didn't recognize many scripts, each one had been summarized succinctly and accurately by Lewinsky and her team. This would allow him to find scripts more easily in the future, relying directly on these records.

Additionally, since Lewinsky worked on a computer, the office had a digital record of these materials, making it convenient for others in the company to search for scripts online.

"Sir, how waas it?"

Lewinsky sat at his desk, her arms resting on the table, her big eyes peering at him with anticipation.

"Very good; I'll inform Annie to prepare an end-of-year bonus for you at standard employee rates."

"Thank you, sir!"

Lewinsky hesitated for a moment. "Sir, my internship is almost over, and I'd like to continue working here after I graduate college. Can I still be your assistant?"

"Your major suits a career in politics better. Have you considered that path?"

"Honestly, I would prefer to join a vibrant and competitive company like Guess Pictures, where I can truly utilize my skills."

"All right, Monica. Given your impressive performance during your internship, the company would be happy to have a capable individual like you on board."

"Thank you, sir! I promise I'll work hard and serve you wholeheartedly in the future."

Lewinsky jumped up excitedly, running over to hug him, nearly trying to kiss his cheek.

Link waved his hand, asking her to calm down. She should focus on her graduation preparations first. There would be plenty for her to do once she officially joined the team.

Lewinsky nodded eagerly, her excitement evident as she bounced on her feet, looking adorably endearing.

...

"Link, how did the screening go today?"

Lewinsky had just left when Lily entered with a folder.

She wore a stylish blouse paired with a knee-length skirt, and although she already had a great figure, her time with Link over the past couple of years had improved her living conditions, resulting in a fuller silhouette. Her skin was now smooth and fairer.

After a year in the PR department, where she often called the shots, her demeanor had matured, radiating a high-class, professional vibe that was miles ahead of what she had been a few years prior.

"It went well -- almost entirely positive feedback."

"Did you change clothes? Was it because of Lewinsky?"

Lily scrutinized him with her bright eyes, her pretty face showing a hint of concern.

"What are you thinking? I was just in the editing room, sweating profusely. I came back to shower and change. What's wrong? You don't think I'm fooling around in the office, do you?"

"I don't need an explanation. It's just that I feel the office should be a serious place for work, and we shouldn't engage in any inappropriate antics that could create a bad impression."

Lily said with a dismissive tone.

Link shook his head, playfully nudging her shoulder as he bent down to the trash can and picked up his t-shirt for her to smell.

Lily nearly fell over in disgust, retreating a couple of steps, wrinkling her nose. "What's that smell? Did you fall in the toilet?"

"Just a guy's smell; you still doubt I'd misbehave in the office?"

"Who doubted you? I just wanted to advise you as a subordinate not to compromise the company's integrity. It's for both your and the company's reputation. As head of PR, looking out for your good name is also part of my job."

"Well said! You're the only one in this company brave enough to take charge of me."

Link teased by giving her a playful pinch on the backside. But Lily was not one to be trifled with and promptly slapped him on the back, scolding, "You haven't changed!"

"What's this?" Link asked, pointing at the folder on the desk.

"Work."

Lily pulled out a chair and sat across from him. "Over the past few weeks in North America, there have been several homicides, mostly involving homeless individuals, streetwalkers, and addicts.

Initially, these cases didn't concern us, but several tabloids claimed that the killers were fans of Se7en, mimicking John Doe's murders, alleging that Se7en incited these killings. Many mainstream outlets picked up on this, and we found ourselves in a public relations crisis.

To combat the negative press, our PR department has been working tirelessly for days and investing quite a bit into publicity."

Link flipped through the folder, noting that over two million dollars had been spent on PR management. In Los Angeles, that amount could buy a decent house.

"Was this Michael Ovitz's doing?"

"Uncertain. Guess Pictures is currently Hollywood's most profitable company, so there are plenty of hostile forces against us. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly who is behind it."

"Even if it isn't Michael Ovitz, he's likely behind it with allies. Let's keep track of this."

Link noted the folder with his fingers, pondering ways to counterattack Michael Ovitz and others; he couldn't solely absorb the loss while his adversaries faced no consequences. That would just make them look too easy to push around.

"The backlash from these stories has damaged our image a bit. I suggest we continue our PR efforts to maintain the company's reputation. That's our plan."

Lily flipped to another page.

Link glanced at it, recommending that the company invest in several charitable organizations, including the women's and children's protection organizations, a fund for homeless assistance, and an animal protection group, with an estimated cost of 1.2 million dollars.

Through these charitable endeavors, they could promote a positive image for the company.

After reviewing it, Link removed the homeless aid and environmental protection projects, keeping only the women and children's organizations and child illness recovery funds. He added the Hope Project and the Red Cross.

"I plan to establish a charitable foundation responsible for all my donation activities, primarily focusing on projects in Asia, Africa, and other third world countries, such as building schools and helping impoverished, disabled children return to education. What do you think?"

"Sounds fantastic! I support you."

Lily's eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, smiling warmly.

"If you're interested, we could collaborate at the foundation and do some charity work together."

"Sure, I'll follow your lead."

Lily blinked her beautiful eyes, half-jokingly inquiring, "If you love kids so much, why don't you have one yourself?"

"How would I do that? Would you help me?" Link chuckled.

"Stop joking!"

Lily shot him a glare, her cheeks flushing like a bride's.

"I'm serious, Lily. How about helping me out in the future?" Link teased, holding onto her delicate hand and laughing.

Lily's face grew even redder as she stood up, taking the folder and heading towards the door. "If you weren't so crude, I might consider it."

"All right, let's aim for ten kids."

Click!

Lily tripped slightly in her high heels, almost falling.

She steadied herself and turned back, shooting him an annoyed look, before striding out, her heels clicking rhythmically against the floor.

*****

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