Chapter 831: Chapter 237: Another Blockbuster
“Now, you may kiss your bride.” With the priest’s announcement, the newlywed couple beneath the altar instantly embraced and kissed sweetly, accompanied by cheerful music and enthusiastic applause.
Adrian also joined in the applause, but his raised eyebrows revealed a deeper meaning. If dear Jeremy knew what his beautiful bride had been up to just minutes before, would he still kiss her so sweetly? From this perspective, Alizée had certainly prepared well, completely concealing any traces—beneath the pristine wedding dress, desires’ pink hues and the flames of wantonness had fully taken hold.
Honestly, although he agreed to attend their wedding ceremony, he hadn’t planned on continuing his affair with her at this time. Despite having done similar things with Cindy Crawford before, Cindy had played many friendship games with him even before marriage. Just that, when faced with a daringly proactive and seductively teasing beautiful woman—like when introducing you to her family, slipping one hand behind to grope below, and during dining, boldly extending her foot beneath the fiancé’s nose.
Moreover, when alone with you, unabashedly saying seductive things like “why you could not forcibly fuck me once,” and even initiating intimate touches of her body. Of course, she transformed swiftly into a sweet and adorable demeanor whenever someone approached, quick enough to draw anyone’s attention.
In short, regardless of who faced such a woman filled with endless temptation, they might not be able to resist, let alone Adrian, who had never been a gentleman, combined with fond memories of those Las Vegas days, so…
“You’re truly not a good bride, Ali.” Watching the French girl beneath him, Adrian quickened his pace.
“It’s… it’s you who made me this way, Ed… it’s you, this bastard who…” Alizée, intensely accommodating, laughed wantonly, her hazy eyes filled with nothing but the desire for release. Only when she unintentionally turned her head towards the nearby figure, similar to last time, deeply asleep in drunken stupor—her intended bridegroom—did a moment of confusion flash in her gaze. But she quickly shivered from the stimulation again, diving further into the entanglement with Adrian.
Alright, Adrian admits, that the pure and adorable Alizée could become like this, he indeed played a significant role. Without his seduction and teasing, she wouldn’t have become so wanton. However, Adrian didn’t initially anticipate Alizée resembling Kim Tae-Hee a bit, in that she could be conquered in bed. Of course, it was probably also related to his extensive use of daring “games,” combined with the strong stimulation of “stealing,” even “stealing” in front of others, it wasn’t too surprising that she would become so unhinged. After all, Alizée was still a very young and inexperienced girl.
However, what should he do next? Whether the wedding invitation was jointly decided by the two or was mainly Jeremy’s idea, or perhaps… Alizée’s idea predominated? If it’s the latter, then it’s a bit troublesome. He remembers their wedding was originally set for November but postponed to December for unknown reasons. Even after subtle inquiries at the wedding, he couldn’t uncover the specifics, only knew there was a minor conflict.
Yet seeing her actively teasing and seducing him, and now this “addicted to stealing” guise, it should be easy to guess. Seems like for now… Right, if he remembers correctly, both Alizée and Jeremy are signed artists with Universal Music’s Europe division. Although integrating Polygram into Universal Music slightly weakened their Asia presence, it remains a top recording company in Europe, especially in these days when the record industry is generally shrinking, still very sturdy. Signing a popular French artist like Alizée was a certainty.
At that moment, a cold shiver surged from Adrian’s tailbone; his earlier distraction let him lose control and he was about to release. Without thinking, Adrian rose up close to Alizée’s cheek and let it flow out like that. Though the girl shrieked in surprise, she still let him pass the gates.
After approximately several tens of seconds, yet feeling like an eternity, Adrian let out a long breath and released Alizée, stretching his body comfortably. Looking at the new bride lying on the bed with a dazed expression, half-closed eyes, he chuckled happily. No matter what comes next, for now, he thought he would enjoy the moment. Such an opportunity—playing with the bride on her wedding night in front of a drunk groom—doesn’t come often.
The matter was temporarily concluded just like that, Adrian didn’t indulge in more rounds with Alizée like before. After all, they still had a honeymoon to enjoy, so he quickly returned from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, subsequently went to London before Christmas because “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” was premiering, and attending the premiere was essential, otherwise Little Emma wouldn’t let it pass, especially since…
“This was the worst summer vacation I’ve ever had in the United States! Not having the usual family surfing at the beach was bad enough, and missing it occasionally is okay, but missing even a single private date was too much! You really disappointed me, Ed!” Once the greeting guests left, Little Emma placed her hands on her hips, stood tall with a boyish defiance staring askance at him, the difference from earlier was like night and day.
She’s already begun transforming into adolescence, becoming more striking, and a few freckles on her face only accentuated her cuteness. That young freshness had a unique allure.
“Alright, alright,” Adrian sighed, “I’ll make it up to you, I promise—but wait!”
He suddenly frowned: “What do you mean by not having a private date?”
“I call spending time just with me a private date, is there a problem?” Little Emma confidently retorted.
“Uh… alright, no problem.” Facing the little one’s words, Adrian wisely chose to concede.
“Well then, I’ll go find George and the others. Seems like someone’s waiting for you.” Little Emma mischievously smirked, glanced at the distant girl, lifted her chin, and hummed lightly as she left.
Becoming increasingly unruly; really hope Lily doesn’t turn out like her. Adrian rolled his eyes and shrugged, then proceeded towards the girl Little Emma glimpsed at, quietly standing in the corner, indisputably Liu Yufei, who played Cho Chang in the soon-to-be-released “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” oh, and of course, her inseparable mother.
This time Liu Li finally earned the privilege to attend the movie premiere, although she couldn’t walk the red carpet like her daughter, attending this kind of occasion undeniably added some aura and topics to herself, while also keeping an eye on her precious daughter. Over the past two years, she’s gained some practice in social circles, at least no longer displaying her shallow thoughts as she used to, nor always eager to present herself. Of course, there are still things she can’t avoid.
“Feifei has been working really hard; during the broomstick riding scenes, she fell several times, but she never complained,” Liu Li, arm-in-arm with her daughter, smiled happily, the charm of a mature woman increasingly evident, blending perfectly with the vibrant Liu Yufei, “Just her social skills aren’t great, even though she attended parties with classmates as you advised, she remains somewhat bashful, only manages good relations with Emma and a few other girls.”
Isn’t lacking social skills because you’re constantly hovering over her? Adrian really wanted to retort this. But he didn’t actually say it. The cause behind Liu Li’s intensively guarding this daughter was clear without saying. Despite her also sharing a bed with Adrian, and putting considerable effort into maintaining her allure, and even with… yet the more this was true, the less she could tolerate losing, hence whenever there was a chance, she would manifest her presence before him, both for her daughter and herself.
“Achieving this stage is already quite commendable, Feifei. Keep it up. Playing Cho Chang is just the first step; you will surely become a dazzling star.” Adrian smiled at Liu Yufei, who nodded with a blushing face in this setting, showing no signs of the wildness seen on the bed.
Since the last breakthrough, she has become increasingly unrestrained. However, with her mom by her side and an excellent agent team to package her, she handles it well. No matter how wanton and unrestrained she is under him, outside she remains as pure as a girl next door, completely unlike her previous persona after a few years in the industry. This makes Adrian quite satisfied.
“By the way, Liu Li,” Adrian suddenly thought of something and said, “when this movie is released in China, Feifei will have to go there for promotion. You should take good care of her.”
“No problem, rest assured.” Liu Li’s eyes lit up but quickly regained her composure, nodding firmly and seriously.
Seeing this, Adrian didn’t say more. Liu Li understood his meaning, and hopefully, she could do it. Actually, it’s not a big deal—going with her daughter to China for promotion is what Liu Li wants most right now. It’s a classic case of returning home in glory, which is perfect to let her hold her head high compared to everything she suffered initially and the challenges of going abroad.
However, precisely because of this, it’s hard to say whether she might blurt out some thoughtless, contradictory statements amid excitement and pride. Before this, the agent team created a good identity for her. When the media reported on Liu Yufei, the fortunate Chinese girl who had immigrated to the UK for just a few years, the description of Liu Li was brief but easily portrayed a resilient mother who moved to a foreign country and struggled hard while raising her daughter. If an improper comment tarnishes this image and implicates Liu Yufei, it would be somewhat counterproductive.
This is not impossible—Liu Li has some acumen, but it’s only a small cleverness, plus the return in glory… Nevertheless, Adrian is only slightly worried. Even if the image suffers, as long as it’s not a big issue, it would only be confined within China. Moreover, Liu Li has somewhat honed her social skills in the community, importantly knowing how everything she has comes about, and already breaking boundaries, she’s very obedient. Since Adrian said so, she’ll be careful.
“Wear that lady suit tonight,” seeing that the screening time was approaching, Adrian whispered to Liu Li while preparing to leave, then glanced at Liu Yufei, “Feifei too.”
“Alright, no problem.” Liu Li smiled charmingly.
“You should come early, Uncle.” Liu Yufei’s face flushed with a look of anticipation.
Really obedient. Turning to leave, Adrian thought to himself, clicking his tongue in thought. He was particularly pleased considering Liu Yufei’s flexible body, having never given up dance training as per his request. Not to mention… though imagining tonight’s show in his mind, upon entering the screening room, he immediately turned his attention to the movie about to play.
Despite having memories of the original movie’s plot, this one is directed by Michael Neveill, not that Spanish adult film director, so it’s still worth watching to see any differences—well, not much really. The differences lie in composition, color use, and story progression, and so on. At any rate, this movie’s production is entirely controlled by the producer and original author, and key plot decisions require Rowling’s approval. Even if the director wants to express differently, there’s little room.
So after filming, Neveill more than once half-jokingly complained to Adrian, saying that had he known earlier, he wouldn’t have taken on the job, but he signed for two films, so he still had “Goblet of Fire” to work on after “Azkaban’s Prisoner.” However, no rush, the production speed can slow down now. Previously, releasing one film a year was partly to lay a solid foundation for the series novels and partly because the young actors were growing too fast; otherwise, conflicts with the novel’s descriptions would arise, affecting production.
For now, the three most child-friendly films are completed, and Rowling has begun transitioning to a more mature and dark style, allowing the production pace to slow down.
This version of “Azkaban’s Prisoner” is quite good; although the colors aren’t as dark as the original, the atmospheric depiction of the characters’ inner emotions is spot on, especially Hermione’s punch, which strongly displays individuality, appearing on the screen thanks to Adrian’s suggestion. Besides, Cho Chang has some scenes despite her limited role, and Liu Yufei performs well too, with her clear and distinct facial features giving off a pure aura, especially when flying past Harry on a broom, her black hair flowing attractively, at least to Adrian, reaching a level that made Harry’s heart skip.
Because the color and atmosphere created are more suitable for children, and the rhythm of the teens growing up is handled well, after receiving many positive reviews post-release, the movie achieved over $100 million in weekend box office in North America during its first-week weekend. Though similar to “The Matrix Revolutions,” it barely surpassed $100 million, surpassing nevertheless. So far, every movie with over $100 million in first-week box office is from Universal Pictures.
Undoubtedly, this made other film companies envious: how did Universal get hold of the Harry Potter series, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Matrix trilogy? And how did it align with Marvel… well, everyone knew, all due to one person. Whenever they thought about this, they’d become exasperated—how was Adrian Cowell, such a freak, born?
Adrian wasn’t bothered at all; even if these three films achieving over $100 million in their first-week box office in December belonged to AC Media, the previous scenario of one group occupying a quarter to a third of North America’s annual box office wouldn’t repeat. The outstanding tree attracts the wind; sticking out like that once is sufficient, so he only cared that knowing this, the IMAX version of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” should have been released.
“The Matrix Revolutions” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” both had IMAX versions, discussed before release, as a form of support and partnership with IMAX. This Canadian company holds AC Media shares.
Knowing IMAX was discussed when AC Media and Viacom contended over Canadian theaters, as U.S. domestic media groups can’t own theaters, but foreign ones are exceptions. Speaking of this company, it’s both unfortunate and resilient, established in the sixties by a few directors and producers, developing poorly for a long time, limited primarily to science museums, with films mostly focusing on wonders. Even when they went public in ’94 and won numerous technology awards, securing space at movie screenings in New York, it didn’t alleviate their financial struggles.
In such circumstances, Adrian extended a helping hand, providing substantial funds since ’97, gradually acquiring some shares. Like other companies in his hands, though holding board seats and being a major shareholder, he rarely interferes with operation, even supporting this year with IMAX releases of “The Matrix Revolutions” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
Regardless, it would still take years for IMAX to be profitable. However, Adrian isn’t worried; IMAX is essentially controlled. He vaguely recalled that IMAX only began large-scale promotion and potential popularization after developing a certain model of digital projector—of course, its success was partly due to a blockbuster movie.
Cameron is currently busy with the live-action “Transformers,” even indicating that regardless of future box office results, he won’t sign a sequel and hopes Adrian supports his new film. Judging by his meticulous style, the “Transformers” live-action won’t be released until 2005 at the earliest, likely causing that blockbuster to be delayed compared to its previous timeline.
Adrian also urged IMAX to develop technology capable of simultaneously projecting 2D, 3D films in DCI format or IMAX digital format. It might miss it, but that’s not much of an issue as Adrian has many films at hand, and screening technology will surely surface first. Cameron, being a technology enthusiast, would readily collaborate once introduced, ensuring a greater stir if other blockbusters set the stage first.
Ah, being able to foresee the future is really nice. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote for it on Qidian (). Your support is my biggest motivation.)