[Chapter 294: You Are Always Right]
"It exploded," Daniel said as he put down his phone, his palm resting gently on her smooth back. "This movie has completely exploded."
Anne stared blankly at Daniel, the light in her eyes growing brighter and brighter.
First was Hitch, the film Daniel had pushed her into, practically insisting she take the role. That movie successfully transformed her, shedding the label of just a pretty face without any real acting chops.
Now it was The Devil Wears Prada, again a Daniel Pictures investment, and again with Anne specifically chosen by Daniel.
It broke ten million dollars on its opening day, with word-of-mouth spreading like wildfire.
Two blockbusters, two major commercial successes in a row. This was absolutely no stroke of luck.
Anne looked at the man before her with a calm expression; the worship and infatuation in her heart reaching its peak at that moment.
If before, Daniel's display of thunderous methods and exorcism abilities had given her a sense of security and protection, now his sharp business acumen and capital operations gave her the ladder to the summit of Hollywood.
"Daniel..." Anne leaned down, her eyes almost fanatical, as if she were looking at her own guiding light. "You're right. You are always right."
She murmured softly, cradling Daniel's face with both hands. "As long as I follow you, I can have everything, right?"
Daniel smiled simply. "As long as you're obedient."
"I'm obedient. I'll listen to you in everything."
Anne took the initiative to kiss him, her actions more intense and more heartfelt than before.
She knew very well that by holding onto this man, she was holding onto the elevator that would take her straight to the clouds.
...
Three days later.
The North American opening weekend grossed $46.5 million total in three days.
This was a truly astonishing figure -- far beyond Fox's highest expectations.
Moreover, critical reception was excellent, holding a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a perfect 100% positive approval from female audiences.
Anne, who was eating breakfast, dropped her fork with a loud clatter onto her plate when she heard the number.
Forty-six and a half million dollars.
That was even higher than Superman Returns -- the mega-production with a $270 million budget -- had earned in its second week after release.
A fashion film costing tens of millions, competing directly against a superhero blockbuster, not only survived but actually won.
The headlines of major entertainment papers went wild.
[Anne Hathaway: The Perfect Transformation from Princess to Queen!]
[The Masterstroke of an Exorcist Investor: Daniel Pictures Creates Another Box Office Miracle!]
[Superman Can't Fly, But The Devil Wears Prada Has Arrived!]
The media praise for Anne was overwhelming, hailing her as Hollywood's new most bankable female star.
And the legend of Daniel's "Midas Touch" grew even stronger by the day.
Countless scripts and invitations flew like snowflakes onto Anne's agent's desk -- and onto Daniel's as well.
Anne looked at Daniel, her eyes filled with pure infatuation.
In the days that followed, Anne wasn't in a rush to go out.
She declined several unimportant interviews and shut herself inside the villa.
During the day, she accompanied Daniel, drinking tea and reading the paper; at night, she devoted herself to intense, passionate nights together.
It was as if she wanted to imprint herself completely on Daniel before leaving.
Until the morning of the fourth day.
...
Molly's car stopped at the villa gate, the horn honking three times.
Anne, wearing a fitted trench coat, stood at the door with her suitcase.
She looked back at Daniel, who leaned casually against the doorframe.
"I have to go."
Anne stepped forward and adjusted Daniel's collar, her eyes betraying some reluctance but even more determined spirit.
For the next month, she would be flying all over the U.S., even Europe and Asia for promotional tours.
This was her responsibility as the female lead -- and a crucial battle to solidify her status.
"Go ahead," Daniel nodded.
Anne rose onto her tiptoes, kissed Daniel on the lips, then gave him a brilliant smile.
"You have a 30% share of this film's profits." She let go, turned, and walked toward the car door, waving at Daniel over her shoulder. "Wait for me to come back. Right now, I'm going to make money for you."
...
As The Devil Wears Prada's box office continued to soar, Daniel's name once again became the center of attention in Hollywood.
But this time, it was different from The Pursuit of Happyness.
That film had been his full orchestration; he had not only won at the box office but also secured Denzel Washington an Oscar nomination.
With The Devil Wears Prada, he simply provided the money -- no interference in production.
Although the 30% net profit share made countless investors jealous, to some "industry professionals," it looked like the luck of a nouveau riche.
"He just caught a lucky break riding on Fox's tailwind."
At a private party, Will Smith, holding a glass, said loud enough for a crowd to hear: "The real test is Hancock. A drunken, homeless Superman? Just wait and see -- that'll be Hollywood's biggest joke this year. Then everyone will realize the earlier successes were just a roll of the dice that landed on double sixes."
That kind of talk found many nodding heads.
After all, Superman Returns had just flopped, and the superhero genre was in a sensitive phase.
Daniel made no reply, quietly staying inside the villa.
...
July 14th, Los Angeles, Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
The global premiere of Hancock.
Screams thundered along both sides of the red carpet.
This was not only a major event for Daniel's film company but also Tom Cruise's first big comeback since his infamous "couch-jumping" incident.
Media, critics, and curious peers packed the venue.
A stretched Hummer pulled up at the end of the red carpet.
Tom Cruise jumped out, face stubbled. Though dressed in a suit, his wild energy was unmistakable.
He waved to the crowd, causing a commotion.
Immediately after, Daniel's car arrived.
He stepped out, followed by the evening's female lead -- Anne Hathaway.
Yes, Anne was the female lead of Hancock as well.
She wore a well-tailored pale gold gown, neither flashy nor extravagant but exuding a gentle, almost wifely charm.
This fit perfectly with her role as Mary in the film.
"Is that Daniel Cross? The man who turned Tom Cruise into a homeless man?"
"Anne is gorgeous. Is she going to dominate the screen this year?"
Camera flashes exploded.
But what drove the reporters even crazier was still to come.
One luxury car after another pulled up.
Scarlett Johansson, wearing a tight red dress and bright red lipstick, seized the spotlight with magnetic presence.
Amanda Seyfried, in a short skirt and tall boots, radiated youthful vitality.
Rachel McAdams, while wearing a modest black dress, carried the aura of an Oscar-winning actress.
Jessica Alba, in a backless dress, turned her head with a captivating smile.
Even the usually low-key Megan Fox appeared in a bold leather outfit.
These female stars, who typically headlined major productions themselves, had all gathered in one place today -- for the same man.
...
Backstage lounge.
Anne Hathaway, as the female lead, stood in front of a mirror touching up her makeup.
Scarlett pushed the door open, glanced at Anne's simple outfit, and curled the corner of her mouth.
"Anne, that outfit of yours... isn't it a bit too plain? Those who know, know you're the female lead. Those who don't would just think you're some housewife from the neighborhood."
Anne glanced at her through the mirror and said calmly,
"It's what the role requires. I play Superman's wife in the film; it needs to be understated. Unlike some people, who have no memorable points besides backless dresses and red lips."
*****
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