Chapter 138: A Suggestion

Chapter 138: Chapter 138: A Suggestion

"You actually dared to ask for final cut rights?" Shelly’s eyes widened, even more surprised than when hearing Britney’s scandals. "That’s a privilege only top directors get. Fox at least has a history of collaboration with you, but Disney actually agreed without much pushback?"

Irene laughed, "How could they not push back? They were surprisingly reasonable. But I have Fox’s support, so it shouldn’t be a big problem. Besides, this is my bottom line. I have to do what others can’t to achieve results that others can’t reach, right?"

Shelly clicked in wonder. "You’re still the best. The Oscar nomination really gave you a lot of confidence. However, it’s reasonable that both Disney and Fox want to wait until The Italian Job is released before moving forward."

"So, we need to go all out from here on! The promotion for The Italian Job cannot have any slip-ups. It’s not just about the box office for this film. It’s also about the future of Pirates of the Caribbean."

Back home, Irene unexpectedly received a call from Mark Zuckerberg.

The voice on the other end carried the youthful awkwardness of a teenager, yet it also revealed a hint of uncontrollable excitement.

"Irene, congratulations on your Oscar nomination! I usually don’t pay attention to Hollywood affairs, but yesterday in the school cafeteria, my classmates were all talking about it. They said you’re the youngest Best Screenplay nominee. That’s amazing!"

Irene answered with a smile. "Thank you. I didn’t expect you to call specifically for this. How is your music app coming along? Last time you said you were still refining the features."

Mark’s voice pitched up instantly. "Thanks to you, after I uploaded it to Slashdot, so many people are using it! People from Microsoft found me and said they want to recruit me. They’re even willing to provide me with specialized technical training and let me join their core team directly after I graduate."

It was indeed the same development as in the previous life.

Speaking of this, his tone sank again, carrying obvious hesitation.

"My family has different opinions. My parents think this is a good opportunity, stable and promising, but my sister thinks I’m still young and should have my own ideas. I can’t make up my mind at all right now, and I suddenly thought of you. You were able to see the potential of the app at a glance back then. You must know better than me how to choose."

Hearing this, Irene felt a stir in her heart.

She had talked at length about Mark’s design and future back then precisely to build rapport, so that one day if he encountered problems, he would think of her. Who knew this day would come so soon.

"Mark, I suggest you refuse." Irene’s tone was firm, without a shred of hesitation.

"How so?" Mark asked, puzzled.

"What Microsoft is offering you looks like a shortcut, but it’s actually a cage. They value your talent because they want you to serve their products, not to support you in doing what you want to do.

The most precious thing about the music app you developed is your original ideas and unconstrained creativity. Once you enter Microsoft, they will definitely boss you around and try to prune you into the shape they need. Those whimsical ideas of yours will soon be smoothed away."

Irene paused and continued, "Microsoft can give you resources and a platform, but it can’t give you the space for free creation. You already have a user base and Microsoft’s recognition, which shows your direction is correct.

You are still young, you haven’t even entered college yet. Why not go to college first to learn more knowledge before considering future development?"

There was silence on the other end of the line for a moment, with only the sound of slight breathing audible. Irene did not rush him. She knew this decision needed to be thought through by Mark himself.

After a long while, Mark’s voice came through again, much calmer than before. "You’re right. Actually, that’s what I thought too. I don’t want to do what others tell me to do. I want to do things I truly like. It’s just that I still need to communicate well with my parents."

Irene said with a smile, "Take your time. Use your persistence and ideas to convince them. You’ve already proven your ability. They will understand. If you need help, or when you can’t figure something out, feel free to call me anytime."

Mark’s voice became lighthearted again. "Thank you so much, Irene! You not only helped me find a way to promote the app, but you also helped me clear my thoughts. When I make an even more amazing product in the future, I’ll definitely tell you first!"

"It’s a deal then. When you’ve made a product and are short on investors, you can come find me." Irene smiled. I’ll be waiting for you, big shot.

"Hahaha, okay, it’s a deal."

Before the official Oscar ceremony, Irene was quite free. As it happened, Britney also had some free time due to the news of Edward and Justin fighting over her, so the two arranged to go shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Winter had just passed, and now was the perfect time to buy spring clothes. Britney was wearing a short wool coat and flared jeans, stylish and warm. Her hair was worn loose, and her face held an unadorned, sweet smile. She was holding a freshly bought ice cream, looking like an ordinary young girl.

"Eating ice cream in winter is just the best." Britney licked it, holding back her teeth from chattering as she spoke.

Irene looked at her, amused, and could only nod in casual agreement. "You’re right." Then she took a sip of the hot cocoa in her hand.

After Britney had a couple of bites of her ice cream, she looked at Irene longingly.

Irene helplessly handed over the hot cocoa in her hand. The other person didn’t hesitate at all and took a big gulp.

"Hmm, not as good as the one at my place, but it’s okay."

Irene was already used to this little girl temper of hers and naturally took the hot cocoa back.

Suddenly, she saw a nice bracelet in the Cartier display window and nudged Britney. "That bracelet is not bad. There should be a couple’s version. Aren’t you worrying about what birthday gift to give Edward?"

Britney immediately turned to look and dragged Irene into the Cartier store.

Just as they pushed the door open, the light from the crystal chandelier shone on the dazzling array of jewelry, making it overwhelming to the eyes.

The store manager immediately walked up to greet them. "Good morning, Irene, Britney." As they walked, she invited them to the VIP room. "We just received a new batch of goods yesterday. What kind of jewelry would you two like to choose?"

The two in front of her were the hottest young idols in the United States right now, and both were VIPs of their Cartier store, with extraordinary net worths.

The luxurious upholstered decor complemented the pure marble tabletop. As soon as Irene walked in, she felt the grandeur.

After she sat down on the sofa and saw Britney just looking around at everything, she had to speak first. "Help us bring some men’s necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, and tie clips for us to see."

The manager smiled. "No problem," and turned to leave.

In less than three minutes, several staff members in uniform returned to the VIP room, holding trays, while others brought in drinks.