Dual Star Entertainment.
Patting Elizabeth Olsen's head, Eric coaxed apologetically, "Sorry, little Elizabeth, there are no suitable roles for you yet."
Seeing her look a bit disappointed, Eric pinched her nose. "Though there aren't any now, there definitely will be next year. That movie will feature many teenage characters, and I can give you a more significant role."
"Really?" Elizabeth Olsen's eyes widened as she asked, surprised.
"Of course, it's real. I never lie to my fans."
After sending Elizabeth away, Mary Olsen asked, "Eric, do you really have a role?"
"Of course, I do. Is it fun to lie to children?"
The movie Eric was referring to was, of course, the hunger games, a work aimed at teenagers, so it would be simple to include Elizabeth Olsen in it.
He leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs. "But Elizabeth's height is almost catching up to you two. She's developing quite early. Aside from that baby face, she doesn't really look like a child."
"Are you saying we're short?" Ashley immediately retorted, displeased.
Eric wagged his finger. "Of course not. Regarding a woman's height, weight, and age, I never comment lightly. In my eyes, you are all beautiful girls."
"A smooth-talking man," Mary stuck out her tongue.
"You should be glad you have a handsome face," Ashley snorted.
After some small talk, the two sisters began to report on the company's recent performance.
Since last time, Dual Star Entertainment had implemented a bundling sales strategy. Not long ago, MGM produced a short film that merged the classic cartoon character pink panther with the cartoon characters of the two sisters.
The short film was not long, less than six minutes, but after its release, it received widespread praise for its interesting story. Crossover collaborations have always been popular with the public.
"Eric, although this strategy has only been implemented for less than twenty days, the effect is really good. According to the data we've obtained, Dual Star Entertainment's turnover has already increased by 33% compared to last month."
"If we compare a full month, this figure should reach over 50%. The best-selling items are undoubtedly the crossover series with pink panther, which alone drove over 25% of sales."
"We estimate this figure will continue to grow next month, and the growth trend should last for at least three months. the walking dead merchandise is currently in production and should be available online this week."
Looking at the figures in the report, Eric was quite satisfied, as it proved the correctness of his decision.
"Ashley, how many production lines does the company have now?"
"Six. Actually, there were originally four, but two more production lines have been restored recently. If sales data continues to grow like this, more will need to be added within a few months. This depends on the situation."
"How many new workers have been recruited?"
"120 people, 60 people per production line. This is the optimal number based on experience. Whether it's more or less, it will lead to reduced efficiency."
Eric nodded, looking at the two young girls in front of him, who were not yet 18, but knew he couldn't underestimate them.
Although the Olsen Sisters had poor taste in scripts and their acting skills were average, over the years, their business acumen had at least been well-honed.
How many people could do better than them before the age of 18?
Let alone the United States, even if broadened to the whole world, there wouldn't be many.
According to Eric's idea, the current priority was to gradually establish MGM's own sales network using Dual Star Entertainment.
When the time was ripe, the product processing stage would naturally be moved to China to take advantage of its demographic dividend.
In this era, the wage gap between Chinese and American workers was too large. Of course, it would still be significant twenty years later, but it was even more exaggerated now.
According to data released in 2002, the average monthly salary for an employee in the United States was approximately $2,400.
The average monthly salary for workers in Yanjing was approximately 2,000 RMB, and when converted, the exchange rate difference was nearly ten times.
The cost of employing 120 people in the United States was enough to employ 1,200 people in China. More importantly, there wasn't much difference in the skill level of workers between the two sides. This explains why large enterprises and factories prefer to set up in China.
In the elevator, the Olsen Sisters saw Eric off.
"Eric, didn't you say last time you'd invite me to the MGM studio to play? When will that be?" Little Elizabeth asked.
Eric rubbed his palm. Being so busy every day, how could he remember such a minor matter?
However, looking down and seeing her somewhat resentful yet expectant eyes, Eric couldn't bring himself to refuse. He had just said a few hours ago that he wouldn't lie to his fans.
"Elizabeth, when do you want to go? Why don't you decide the time?"
"How about today? I don't have school today, is that okay?" Elizabeth said loudly.
Ashley patted her back. "Eric has other things to do. When Mary and my movie starts filming, we'll take you then. You can play for as long as you want."
"Will he be there?" Elizabeth Olsen looked at Eric.
"Of course, he will. Eric is the director; how can the movie be filmed without him?" Mary said.
"Alright, I'll listen to you then."
While they were talking, they had already passed through the lobby on the first floor, and the receptionist opened the door.
Just as Eric was about to say goodbye, a group of reporters suddenly appeared from nowhere and rushed towards them.
"Damn, ambushed again! This scene feels familiar!"
Memories of being ambushed last time assaulted him, and Eric subconsciously thought he had been secretly photographed again while fooling around with some girl. He turned to retreat back into the company.
But unexpectedly, these reporters were not aiming for him. Instead, they surrounded the Olsen Sisters, and their long and short lenses began to press against their faces with questions.
"Ashley, what do you think of Michael Jackson's case?"
"Mary, Fox Television aired 'Living with Michael Jackson' last night. Did you watch it? Tell us your thoughts on his child molestation case."
"Mary, you both were once invited to Neverland Ranch. Were you ever molested by Michael Jackson?"
"Ashley, do the Olsen Sisters maintain contact with Michael Jackson? What kind of person do you think he is?"
The barrage of questions made Eric understand the intentions of these gossip media. They wanted to hype up Michael Jackson's child molestation case.
This incident happened in February of this year, when Eric had just finished fleecing Hasbro in the stock market and was busy filming transformers.
When he emerged from the Nevada desert, he heard about it, but by then, the peak of the incident had already passed.
The origin of the matter could be traced back to 2000, when a boy named Gavin Avizo was diagnosed with cancer, which led to the removal of his spleen and one kidney.
Informed by the hospital that his time was limited, Gavin Avizo expressed his last wish: to meet Michael Jackson.
So, with the help of philanthropic businessman Jamie Masada, the family successfully contacted Michael Jackson.
As is well known, Michael Jackson, due to his own difficult childhood, was always dedicated to protecting and helping children; he loved bringing joy to other children.
Therefore, after he bought and built Neverland Ranch at great expense, he regularly invited children to visit the ranch. He felt joy when the children were happy.
Thus, after learning about Gavin Avizo, Michael proactively contacted him and paid for his medical expenses, arranging a blood supply team for him.
This kind of financial support, enough to bankrupt a family, continued for three years.
With Michael's help, Gavin Avizo's condition significantly improved, and once he could move normally, Michael invited him to Neverland Ranch.
Gavin Avizo visited Neverland Ranch a total of eight times. Two of those times, he met Michael with his parents present. During the remaining six times, Michael was not at the ranch, and the children were free to play.
If the story had ended there, it would have been a beautiful and kind tale, but reality often plays out as 'The Farmer and the Snake.'
In February of this year, British journalist Martin Bashir, under the condition of "connecting Michael with UN Secretary-General Annan to organize a charity event in Africa to help AIDS-stricken children," hoped to film a documentary about him. Michael naturally agreed with great pleasure.
During the filming process, Gavin Avizo and his family were also invited to appear.
But when the documentary aired, Michael discovered that Martin Bashir had not reported truthfully, but rather, through editing and leading, had portrayed him as a pedophile who wanted to do something with Gavin Avizo.
This kind of thing had happened before. That was when Evan Chandler's scoundrel used his 13-year-old son, Jordi Chandler, to blackmail Michael.
Ultimately, to avoid disrupting his career, which was at its peak, Michael's company, manager, team, and others persuaded him to settle out of court, for which he paid $22 million.
Now, with Martin Bashir using the same accusation to frame him, Michael was naturally furious and intended to sue the other party. At the same time, he also launched a counterattack.
After 1993, he had his own private photographer, who also recorded the interview process.
When this genuine video was released, public opinion saw a reversal, and Gavin Avizo's family also stated that Jackson was a good person, not a pedophile.
Under these circumstances, if Michael and Gavin Avizo had always stood together, the situation would certainly have gradually turned for the better.
But human hearts are unpredictable. This family, like the Evan Chandler family, eventually chose to compromise with money.
Their whereabouts began to become strange. They no longer spoke out for Michael but instead began to contact child protection organizations and legal authorities.
Some media also photographed Gavin Avizo's mother, Janet, going to the offices of the lawyer and psychologist who had helped Evan Chandler frame Michael back then. Her purpose was not hard to guess.
Just yesterday, April 24th.
Fox Television aired Michael's more complete interview recording, which naturally reignited public and media attention to the somewhat dormant incident.
The Olsen Sisters were also frequent guests at Neverland Ranch back then, and now they were celebrities of varying degrees, which is why they attracted media attention.
Facing this group of bloodsucking leeches, Ashley and Mary could only remain silent. They had to be cautious about this matter. One careless slip of the tongue and countless accusations would be hurled at them the next day.
But the media clearly wouldn't let the two sisters go, continuing to press them with questions, most of which carried obvious biases.
Scandalous rumors and gossip are always what the public loves to read, no matter the era or the country.
"Michael Jackson is innocent!"
Amidst the chaos, a deep roar erupted from Eric's mouth, yet it clearly reached the ears of everyone present.
As if smelling blood, the sharks of reporters suddenly all turned to look at him.
"Eric Cooper."
A paparazzi shouted, seemingly just realizing who was standing next to them.
"Big fish!"
Realizing Eric's identity, the paparazzi immediately turned their cameras, all pointing their microphones at Eric.
"Mr. Cooper, could you please repeat what you just said?"
A paparazzi asked, his eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty light.
Ashley and Mary hurriedly tugged at Eric's clothes from behind, signaling him not to comment.
But as an MJ fan in his previous life, Eric knew the whole story very well. MJ couldn't be treated like this!
Good people shouldn't be pointed at with guns, and innocence after death is not innocence.
He pushed the Olsen Sisters, signaling them to move away, and called for Dual Star Entertainment's cameraman to ensure his full statement was recorded.
Only then did Eric say emphatically, "I believe Michael Jackson is innocent, not only this time but also of the 1993 accusation."
"Michael was too kind, so much so that his kindness was exploited again and again, just like the farmer and the snake in 'Aesop's Fables.'"
"The venomous snake not only enjoyed the warmth the farmer gave it, but after enjoying it, it wanted to kill the farmer and even take his property."
"Some people are poisonous snakes, and some media act as the snake's fangs!"
Hmph!
The paparazzi on the scene immediately grumbled and gasped with dissatisfaction.
"Mr. Cooper, why are you so certain Michael Jackson is innocent? Do you have proof?"
He looked at the other party's name tag. It was a reporter from The Independent.
"I don't have evidence to prove Michael's innocence, so may I ask if you have evidence to prove he committed a crime?"
The reporter sneered, "I don't have evidence either, but everyone saw the documentary and the 1993 incident. Moreover, the United States is a country of free speech. Reporters are responsible for letting the public know the truth. I am just exercising my rights."
"Is a reporter's right to mislead? You have the right to report, not to mislead. Do you think you can make decisions on behalf of the law, Mr. Reporter?"
Glared at by Eric, the other party's tone softened. "No one can replace the law, I just..."
"Yes, no one can replace the law, but whether in 1993 or today, the law has not found Michael guilty."
"If you continue to use such language, I must question your professional ethics and whether The Independent is still a newspaper that stands for fairness and impartiality."
"Please tell me, does The Independent still represent fairness and impartiality as it did in the past?"
Intimidated by Eric's aggressive demeanor, the reporter was left speechless. This question was impossible to answer. Suddenly, he seemed to forget that he was the one holding the microphone.
Behind Eric, the three Olsen Sisters showed a peculiar look.
"This guy, he's actually quite good."