"Because I've seen enough to recognize a masterpiece when it's right in front of me," Ethan replied firmly, each word carrying weight.
He was very serious, and he meant every word. But what was the reality?
Eva Snow suddenly burst into an unladylike laugh.
Often, the more earnest and sincere you are, the funnier the joke becomes.
"You don't believe me?" Ethan felt dejected.
Eva Snow stifled her laughter and nodded. "No, I believe you, really."
Ethan decided to stop talking to avoid digging himself in deeper.
"By the way, Mr. Visionary, I'm agonizing over audition invitations for several scripts I have on hand. Can you help me?" Eva Snow asked jokingly.
Ethan knew she still did not believe him, so he glanced at her and asked, "Aren't you filming The Matrix right now?"
"Yes, but that will wrap in two months, and the other project I signed, Pearl Harbor, will not start shooting until 2000. I have time in between."
"Then tell me," Ethan said, putting on an expert's air.
Eva Snow wanted to laugh, but held it back, then briefly described the outlines of several scripts she had received.
Ethan had not been a film buff in his previous life. He saw movies as a way to pass time, so his taste leaned commercial. For example, he liked Nicolas Cage, Spielberg, and Michael Bay, because their films were commercial enough.
Eva Snow ran through the plots in one breath. Some rang no bells for Ethan, but a few did. For instance, she mentioned that Tom Hanks had agreed to star in a deserted island survival film, somewhat like Robinson Crusoe.
That had to be Cast Away he had seen in his previous life. It seemed like a good movie, and it was said to have done well at the box office.
Another was about ancient Roman gladiators. As soon as Ethan heard it, he knew it was Gladiator, which he had also watched in his previous life.
There were a few others he had no impression of. They likely were not very commercial, at least he had not seen them.
Ethan had watched almost all the films on the box office charts. Although he certainly could not remember some, he at least had some impression. If he had never heard of a title, it was probably not a box office hit.
Of course, if she followed Ethan's suggestions, she might become a commercial actress with strong box office pull. Winning the Oscar for Best Actress would be difficult, because Ethan had watched almost none of the Oscar winners.
"Oh, by the way, there is a fantasy film in development with a huge budget, directed by Peter Jackson. It seems to be adapted from a very famous fantasy novel. They contacted my agent to ask about availability and auditions."
"Is it The Lord of the Rings?" Ethan knew as soon as he heard it.
Eva Snow thought for a moment and nodded. "That seems to be it, and they say they will shoot three films at once."
"Which role do they want you to audition for?" Ethan asked curiously.
"The Elf Princess, but I am still considering it, because the shoot will take a whole year, and I am worried it will affect other films."
"Then go for it. This will definitely be a hit," Ethan said with certainty.
"Really?" Eva Snow was a bit skeptical.
In fact, the reason she told Ethan so much was mainly because he had told her earlier that he thought The Matrix would be a hit. At that time, she had been wavering between getting married and taking the role. After hearing Ethan's words, she made up her mind to take it. As a result, she had now opened the door to Hollywood.
Although Eva Snow could not be considered famous yet, she had at least gained a foothold in Hollywood.
It was on this basis that she asked Ethan for advice.
"Of course. I am telling you, The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings will become two of the most popular film franchises of the new century. You should listen to me. Also, if the schedule works, Gladiator and Cast Away are worth taking. They sound very interesting and will definitely succeed."
As Ethan spoke, he felt it was absurd. If she really followed his advice, perhaps Eva Snow could become a major Hollywood star. Would that mean he had helped create a Hollywood superstar, maybe even an Oscar winner?
The more he thought about it, the more interesting it felt.
"From a work perspective, there should not be a conflict. But these are auditions, and they may not want me," she said. Things were not as simple as Ethan imagined. Even if Eva Snow wanted a role, it did not mean the production would cast her. She still had to audition.
Of course, the production would usually invite people they thought suitable, so there was still a chance.
"By the way, I still do not know what you do," Eva Snow asked with a smile.
"I work for a football club in Manchester," Ethan said.
"Do football clubs go on business trips too?" Eva Snow was obviously not like her grandfather. She knew nothing about football.
"Occasionally."
The conversation drifted into lighter small talk.
After chatting for a while, Ethan felt tired and leaned back to sleep. Eva Snow flipped through her magazine. When she reached the article Ethan had just read, she was clearly annoyed.
Becoming famous was a good thing, but the scrutiny that came with fame was not something ordinary people could bear.
Raised by her mother, Eva Snow was conservative at heart. Now the media and magazines had splashed it everywhere, which made her uncomfortable.
She wanted to find someone to talk to, but Ethan next to her was sleeping like a log.
After glaring at her neighbor in frustration, she simply closed her eyes to rest.
The plane arrived at New York's JFK International Airport at midnight.
As soon as Ethan appeared, Mark David, who had been waiting, shouted and waved him over.
"Mark!" Ethan smiled and hugged him.
"Ethan, do you recognize him? This is my older brother," Mark immediately introduced him.
"John, long time no see." Ethan smiled and hugged John David. They had played together when they were young. John was older and better in school. Later, he went to study in the United States and never returned.
"Ethan, it has been years and you have grown up. Mark told me you did something big in Manchester," John said warmly, with no sense of distance.
The three reunited friends chatted as they left the airport and got into John's car. They first went to a restaurant near the airport for a late-night snack, then headed home.
"Ethan, sit down and make yourself at home. Mark, help Ethan carry his things upstairs." As soon as they got home, John told his younger brother what to do.
It was a villa. Not luxurious, but quite spacious. There were several rooms upstairs. John seemed to live alone, but now Mark and Ethan were staying too.
"John, I think we should get down to business," Ethan said, sitting on the sofa in front of the TV.
"Do you not want to rest?" John went to the kitchen to pour coffee.
Ethan shook his head. "No, I napped on the plane. I feel refreshed. I think I have even shaken the jet lag."
John came over with a laugh, set a tray down, and placed three cups of coffee at the corners of the table.
"Actually, Mark already told me about your investment plan. I have been keeping an eye on it for you. Professionally speaking, you have a good eye. Apple is indeed worth investing in."
"What about Google?" Ethan asked, concerned.
Compared to a thirtyfold return on Apple, Ethan valued Google's huge upside more.
"For now, there is no such registered company in the United States. Coincidentally, I am a Stanford graduate. Based on the names you gave me, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, I did some digging and found they are my alumni, and they are actually looking for investment."
"Honestly, Ethan, I really doubt how you knew this. Their fundraising outreach is limited to Stanford," John David said incredulously.
Ethan smiled mysteriously. "I heard about them from a friend, and I am very interested in their research. Can you arrange a meeting? Tell them I am interested in investing 5 million dollars to help them set up a company to develop an online search engine."
"Five million?" John was shocked. That was not a small sum.
Ethan smiled. After the World Cup, he cashed in his winnings and now had 30 million pounds on hand. Five million dollars was only a portion. If he could use it to exchange for Google's original shares, it would be worth it.
"You know my parents left me a substantial inheritance and insurance payout, and I also sold the family shop," Ethan explained with a smile.
John was taken aback, then had to shake his head and sigh. "You are a fanatic."
Ethan laughed. It was not the first time someone had called him that.
"Alright, I will help you," John finally agreed.
"Also, invest another 20 million dollars in Apple for me. Steve Jobs is a madman too. If he goes all out, he will bring huge changes to Apple."
John had no objection. On the contrary, after his brother mentioned it, he had specifically looked into Apple's performance and found that Ethan's vision was truly sharp, even more so than many professionals. He had to admire Ethan, and naturally did not object.
"Anything else?" John asked.
Ethan thought for a moment, then nodded. "I am going to use the remaining money to make a big bet."
(To be continued.)