Chapter 637: Director Lin Mo is the real god!

In the blink of an eye, it's already 2026; the little one is now over two years old and can run and jump.

The final box office figures for Avatar: The Way of Water finally came out—$2.477 billion.

That figure would be considered phenomenal for any film, but for Cameron, especially given the expectation of whether he could break Lin Mo's Robots record of 40.63 billion, it feels a bit delicate.

After all.

Even before its release, the film sparked heated discussion among global moviegoers.

In fact, an official agency once released a vote.

Over 50% of people checked the box believing Avatar: The Way of Water could break Robots' box office record.

The result...

By the time the film premiered, that voice had grown fainter.

Mainly, moviegoers' expectations of Avatar: The Way of Water differed somewhat from what they had imagined.

Looking at global moviegoers' reactions, first of all were our Huaguo netizens.

"Look! I said it was impossible to break Director Lin's record!"

"2.4 billion is already impressive, but compared to Director Lin it still falls short!"

"This time Cameron was truly overwhelmed by Director Lin!"

"That said, Avatar 2's effects are truly top-notch, but the plot indeed lacks the wow factor of the first."

"Avatar 2 didn't even surpass Nezha 2's box office!"

"......"

Meanwhile, overseas.

At the same time, netizens from various countries were discussing it.

For example, they all said Avatar: The Way of Water's $2.4 billion box office was already terrifying, but...

Director Lin Mo's Robots, however, boasted a $4 billion box office.

It was practically a mountain.

"2.4 billion is already terrifying, but... how on earth did Director Lin pull off 4 billion?"

"Cameron losing to Director Lin isn't shameful, after all Director Lin is the global box office number one!"

"Avatar 2's box office falling short of expectations? No, no, no—it's that Director Lin's record is just outrageous!"

"As expected, Director Lin still has the edge!"

"Director Cameron is already impressive, but Director Lin Mo is the true box office king!"

"I can't wait for the new film from the three directors collaborating—it's sure to be explosive!"

Meanwhile, when faced with media questioning, Cameron remained remarkably calm.

Because he never even thought this film could break Robots' box office record.

It's simply too exaggerated.

4 billion dollars!

Who has that kind of confidence?

Cameron even thought that, even if he teamed up with Steven Spielberg, the odds of breaking that record would be under 30%.

"Box office is just a number; I care more about whether the audience likes the story." He paused, then added: "However, my new film with Lin Mo and Steven Spielberg might make the numbers more interesting."

That remark instantly ignited fans' anticipation—Cameron is planning to join forces with Lin Mo and Steven Spielberg to directly challenge a 5 billion dollar box office!

Domestically, a professional film critic analyzed: "The reason Robots' $4 billion box office is so hard to surpass is that it broke the audience limits of animated films. Director Lin Mo used a seemingly child-oriented work to simultaneously win over global adult audiences. This all-ages appeal is the true secret of the box office myth."

Likewise.

Online, the discussion was just as heated, with a Hollywood producer tweeting: "Avatar: The Way of Water's $2.4 billion result would be championship-caliber in any year, but they happened to run into Director Lin Mo, this 'box office monster.' What's scarier is that he's now teaming up with Cameron and Steven Spielberg—this is practically a cosmic-level director lineup!"

As for Lin Mo,

He had no particular reaction, still at home playing building blocks with Nuan Nuan, as if the outside hubbub had nothing to do with him.

Nuan Nuan sat on the rug, clumsily fiddling with the building blocks with her little hands.

Lin Mo smiled as he helped steady his daughter's wobbling blocks: "Let's put the biggest block on top, like this..." He then readjusted the order, saying, "Place the sturdiest at the bottom, and you can build higher."

Re Ba walked over with a fruit platter, looking at the father-daughter duo's creation, and couldn't help but laugh: "Are you building the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Eiffel Tower?"

"It's a super big castle!" Nuan Nuan excitedly waved her little hands, but accidentally knocked over the blocks she'd just built. The little one blinked, then giggled: "It fell! Daddy, build again!"

Lin Mo affectionately ruffled his daughter's hair, about to start over, when Re Ba leaned in and whispered: "Honey, did you already guess that Avatar 2 wouldn't break your record?"

Lin Mo didn't look up, continuing to help Nuan Nuan with the blocks: "You think breaking a 4 billion box office record is that easy? Honestly, even if I tried myself now, I'm not sure I could do it again."

"You need favorable timing, location, and people—none can be missing—plus a bit of luck."

Just as he was saying that, Lin Mo's phone rang.

It was Cameron calling.

"James?" Lin Mo answered, handing the last block to Nuan Nuan.

"Lin, I bet you're watching me make a fool of myself, right?" came Cameron's teasing voice from the other end.

Lin Mo watched Nuan Nuan, who was focused on her blocks, and smiled: "I don't have time for that—I'm with the kid."

From the other end came Cameron's hearty laugh: "Come on, 2.4 billion versus 4 billion—I concede this time!" He then shifted gears: "Speaking of serious matters, Steven and I will fly to Huaguo in a few days to properly discuss our Myth Alliance."

"Sure, I'll personally pick you up then." Lin Mo replied with a smile, "It just so happens to coincide with our Huaguo New Year, so you can also experience the Spring Festival atmosphere."

Cameron's interest clearly piqued on the other end: "Spring Festival? That's the holiday with firecrackers and dumplings—Steven will definitely love it!"

Afterwards, they chatted a bit more before hanging up.

Re Ba curiously asked: "Are they really coming to celebrate the New Year?"

Lin Mo nodded: "Perfect timing—arriving three days before New Year's Eve, which also gives them a chance to get accustomed early, since the new film has lots of Eastern elements."

This year, Lin Mo didn't bring Re Ba; Nuan Nuan went back home.

Instead, they brought both sets of parents over.

It's mainly just going back home for a visit; it's too troublesome. Last year, when he went back, the media reporters swarmed and surrounded his apartment building, and every day there were fans around the neighborhood—you could say he couldn't even step out the door.

There's nothing to be done; Lin Mo's popularity is off the charts.

Just thinking about his return to his hometown this time, you can imagine the scene.

A few days later.

Lin Mo's parents, as well as Re Ba's parents, have already arrived in Mo Du.

Both sets of elders heard that during the New Year, there are relatives at home who are two world-famous international directors.

Especially Re Ba's father.

Lin Mo's father-in-law himself is part of a folk art troupe, also considered a semi-colleague; he of course knows Cameron and Steven Spielberg, these two directors, so upon hearing they are coming, his father-in-law is also quite excited.