After Bai Luan finished Wall-E, he was not in a hurry to release it, but instead prepared to drop a trailer to build anticipation.
On one hand, this was to allow enough time for the news of Wall-E 's imminent release to ferment and spread, letting anticipation slowly build up in the audience's hearts.
On the other hand, it was to wait for the commemorative work of Clockie being produced by Stelle's team.
Since Bai Luan's three accounts held significant influence, there was no need to worry about box office issues; most people would likely choose to watch both films.
This is reputation.
Therefore, Bai Luan felt that since they didn't have to worry about competing for box office revenue, they might as well release them simultaneously.
Bai Luan thought his decision was perfect, but for the Animators at Clock Studio, this decision was agonizing.
Wall-E had already completed its internal screening at Clock Studio.
Now, they were the only ones in the entire universe who knew how awesome this movie was.
When creatures like humans see something good, they just can't help but want to recommend it to others.
Currently, all the Animators at the Studio were in a state of overflowing desire to share.
They were now the people in the entire universe who most wanted this movie to be released!
Seriously!
The movie is finished!
We even watched it!
The trailer has also been released!
But you just won't release it—aren't you just purely teasing people?
Now, do we have to fiercely hold back from spoiling it for others, enduring until the release date?
That's too challenging, sir!
Wait until the Clockie commemorative work is finished, and then release them together?
What else is there to say!
Brothers, let's rush the production!
Stelle looked at the Animators, who, despite having no competition, still maintained a high level of enthusiasm for their work, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Hmm, worthy of Uncle.
This move was practically the strongest open strategy, allowing them to maintain such work efficiency even if they lost.
Truly a top-tier battle of wits,
which made her break out in a cold sweat just watching it.
Holding this admiration, Stelle found Bai Luan and praised him for his strategic planning.
In response, Bai Luan merely scratched his head blankly:
"Huh? Did I think about all that?"
"Uncle... you didn't?"
Stelle asked back in surprise.
Bai Luan looked at Stelle, expressing his question with his eyes:
"Do you think I did?"
Stelle also looked at Bai Luan, replying with her eyes:
"I think you did."
The two of them stood silently like this, communicating wordlessly only through their eyes, maintaining the standoff for quite some time.
Finally, both of them couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing simultaneously.
"Uncle, we feel so weird."
"So you know that's weird!"
Hearing Bai Luan's complaint,
Stelle laughed even harder.
"Hehe (*^▽^*)"
Bai Luan originally wanted to step in again and help the Animators at Clock Studio with some of their work.
But those Animators protected their work like a mother bear protecting her cub, holding it close.
"Mr. Bai Luan! Please! Leave some work for us!"
"Exactly! If you steal any more, we'll truly have nothing left to do!"
Bai Luan: ...Since when did work have to be fought over?
How did these words combine into a single sentence?
I don't understand.
I think you guys are quite weird too.
Seeing their pitiful expressions begging him not to steal their work, Bai Luan didn't insist.
He merely gave them a brief work plan, then estimated their completion time based on their production speed, and finally scheduled their release date.
After finishing all this and happily slacking off for a long time, the Anywhere Door's cooldown period ended.
Before leaving, Bai Luan looked at Stelle:
"This glorious mission is entrusted to you!"
"Rest assured and leave it to me. Although we lost to you in speed, when it comes to quality, uh..."
She hesitated, seemingly choosing her words carefully, and finally stated firmly:
"We will strive to match yours!"
"Actually, I feel it would have been better without that last sentence."
"No."
Stelle looked at Bai Luan, shook her head resolutely, then put her hands on her hips and said earnestly:
"I am very rigorous! I must stick to the facts!"
"Alright, whatever you say."
Bai Luan smiled and shook his head, then turned and stepped into the Anywhere Door.
Bai Luan returned to the Space Station, edited some movie clips, and created a trailer for the currently-in-production Clockie commemorative work and Wall-E.
Afterward, Bai Luan uploaded the trailer to his three major accounts.
"Done."
After uploading the trailer, Bai Luan didn't pay much attention to the online reaction but immediately turned his focus back to manufacturing curios.
Not long after the trailer was released, Screwllum came knocking.
Bai Luan was completely unfazed by this, as it was something he could foresee.
What must come will come, so Bai Luan nodded in acknowledgment.
After Bai Luan acknowledged it, he could clearly feel a subtle change in the way Screwllum looked at him.
Hmm, this was also predictable.
And the next thing that happened was something Bai Luan had not anticipated.
Screwllum actually told him that the Divergent universe matter could wait, suggesting that Bai Luan should first focus on the post-production and promotional affairs of Wall-E, and not be distracted by other things.
This left Bai Luan feeling somewhat dumbfounded and amused.
"Mr. Screwllum, the movie is actually finished. If you can wait one day, I can use the Anywhere Door to take you to Penacony.
The special viewing facilities there will allow you to experience the best audiovisual enjoyment."
Although Bai Luan had the complete original film on hand, watching it on the Space Station's standard screening facilities could not compare at all to the unique immersive viewing technology available in Penacony.
Naturally, Bai Luan hoped that Screwllum could see the best version of Wall-E.
"It's already... completely finished?"
Screwllum's tone carried a hint of rare surprise.
Bai Luan nodded.
"I have already transferred the files to Clock Studio in Penacony. As long as you go there, you can watch it anytime."
"Clock Studio... I understand."
Screwllum offered Bai Luan an elegant salute, then turned and left the laboratory.
Bai Luan looked at Screwllum's retreating figure, feeling slightly regretful.
It was a shame the Anywhere Door had just been used, otherwise, he could have let Screwllum go watch it right now.
After the Anywhere Door cools down, I'll go to Penacony with Screwllum again.
Bai Luan turned his attention back to curio research. After an unknown amount of time, Bai Luan's phone vibrated.
Bai Luan picked up his phone and saw a message from Stelle.
Stelle: Uncle, why is Screwllum here?
Bai Luan: Huh?
Bai Luan: He's already arrived?
Stelle: [Image]
Bai Luan opened the image,
The image was indeed Screwllum.
Wait, wasn't that fast?
Bai Luan scratched his head and checked the time on his phone.
Not much time has passed, has it?
Never mind. Since Screwllum is so interested, then let him watch it.
After all, he made a special trip to Penacony.
Soon, the length of one Wall-E movie—98 minutes—passed, and Screwllum sent Bai Luan a message.
Screwllum: The only evaluation I can give consists of just two words: astonishment.
Screwllum: This work deeply moved me.
Screwllum: You truly are a genius.
Bai Luan: You flatter me, Mr. Screwllum.
Screwllum: I plan to record a brief promotional short film for this movie.
Screwllum: I might make a small joke related to you.
Bai Luan: You aren't going to ask if I agree, are you?
Bai Luan: That's too formal, it's just a joke.
Bai Luan: A genius appearing in a promotional short film... I should be paying you a fee for this.