The extra $300 million that Avatar earned above its original box office take could largely be credited to Laila's theater chain. If she hadn't opened so many cinemas and completely changed the movie-going habits of the country, Avatar's earnings that much would've been nothing but wishful thinking.
Now, with her film about to hit theaters, her chain was going to make sure The Avengers got more screens—even if they had to tighten their belts to make it happen.
And that was no small matter. It was so important that Laila personally oversaw the screening arrangements to ensure the movie would get as many showings as possible.
Her arrival with the film crew was met with huge enthusiasm from fans and media in the East. Many media outlets sent in interview requests, and after careful consideration, Laila accepted a few from the most influential ones. After all, she did want more publicity—and the moment she declared her goal to surpass Avatar, there was no turning back.
"Director Moran, can you tell us more about this Avengers film you've brought with you this time?"
The interview was part of a very popular talk show in the East, known for its massive television ratings and online views. The host was famous for her sharp and humorous interview style. Laila chose this show as her first stop, not just because of its reach, but also because—compared to variety shows that involved games and challenges—a talk show like this suited her personality far better.
Since the purpose was to promote the movie, the host naturally guided the conversation toward it—that was part of the plan from the start. Otherwise, why would Laila agree to come on?
At the question, Laila turned to the camera with a smile. "Put simply, it's the story of a bunch of superheroes saving the world."
The host was quick to follow up with a teasing grin: "And if you were to explain it complicatedly?"
One reason this show was so well-loved was precisely because the host always asked weird yet amusing questions. It was Laila's first time encountering someone like this. Normally, people preferred to simplify things when they spoke, didn't they?
Weird or not, Laila's brain was just as quick. "Do you want the version that takes a few hours, or the one that takes a few days?"
The host and the audience burst out laughing. The fans cheered at Laila's quick-witted response, as if outsmarting the host was something truly worth celebrating.
And honestly, it kind of was. The host was known for her sharp tongue—calling her the "Invincible Solo" of talk shows wouldn't be an exaggeration. Over the years, it was rare to see her ever rendered speechless.
"All right, we've just seen Director Moran land a solid counterattack," the host sighed dramatically, still grinning as the laughter subsided. Then she moved on. "It's widely known that you usually stay behind the camera. Why are you so active in promoting the movie this time?"
"It's nothing all that complicated," Laila replied honestly, as always. "If I had to give a reason, I guess it's because I want more people to watch it." Then she added, "I feel like a lot of people here in the East seem to like me."
As she said this, she waved to the fan section in the audience, which triggered a wave of screams.
The host gave a mock-jealous sigh. "I've hosted this show for so long, and this is the first time I've seen a director get everyone this excited." Then she turned to the audience with a pout. "Can't you guys scream like that for me once?"
"Haha!" Laughter echoed throughout the studio.
"That's not a scream!" the host protested.
That only made everyone laugh harder.
Turning to Laila with a mock-wounded look, she whined, "See? I'll never get to enjoy the treatment of a real star."
Laila, amused by their back-and-forth, chuckled. "It's not that hard if you want that kind of treatment."
The host widened her eyes in mock amazement. "Really? Are you saying I could hear them scream for me?"
Laila nodded, still smiling. "Of course. But first, can you give me an angry expression?"
The host immediately puffed up her cheeks and widened her eyes dramatically.
Laila struggled not to burst out laughing, while the audience had already doubled over. The host's expression did look like a cartoon frog.
"Hm…" Laila tried to hold her composure. "Now, how about a happy expression?"
The host opened her mouth wide, eyes still bulging, and tilted her head up at a 45-degree angle to "gaze at the sky."
"…" Laila rubbed her chin, pretending to analyze seriously, hiding her laughter. "You've got a very distinct look. I was thinking of having you do a cameo in my film…"
The audience, who had been cracking up at the host's expressions, froze for a moment—then exploded into even louder screams. They all turned to look at the host in shock and excitement.
That scream was for the host—because everyone knew what it meant to appear in a Laila Moran film. Even a minor cameo could make you known worldwide!
Opportunities for Easterners to appear in Hollywood blockbusters were few and far between. Even getting a walk-on role was something many people would fight tooth and nail for. And every time someone managed it, their market value skyrocketed afterward.
The host, sharp as ever, immediately caught on to Laila's tease. Playing along, she put on a look of exaggerated excitement and asked, "Really? You're serious?"
"I am," Laila said with mock sincerity. "But… after seeing your 'acting' just now, I suddenly remembered—I'm not great at shooting comedies."
She shrugged regretfully.
"HAHAHA!" The audience burst into even louder laughter. Some fans were laughing so hard they collapsed onto their friends, completely unable to straighten up.
The host's earlier expressions had just been too exaggerated. It was true—they would not get her scolded if she was acting in a full-on comedy.
The host gave a theatrical sigh. "Fine… looks like my Hollywood dream will have to wait a little longer."
"But didn't you just get the audience to scream for you?" Laila laughed.
Only then did the host remember—yes, there had been a wave of cheers aimed at her just moments ago. Instantly, she perked right back up. "You're right! I knew you guys loved me!" She blew kisses to the crowd and waved like a true star, mimicking every fan-service move in the book.
The crowd erupted again, nearly lifting the roof off with laughter.
And with that, the atmosphere reached a high point—paving the way for the rest of the interview to flow smoothly.
Laila genuinely started to take an interest in this host. In her previous life, a similar talk show had existed, but the host wasn't this one. She wasn't sure if it was her little butterfly effect that had changed history, or something else entirely—but she found herself enjoying this host's style.
Even before she came to this world, hosts like this were rare in the East. The fact that one had appeared years ahead of schedule now… maybe it was a sign that Eastern media was making real progress after all.