Kyle is in a great mood, but others are feeling down.
For instance, Kyle's former neighbour, John Smith, and Charlize Theron, an employee who has yet to be promoted to a permanent position.
"Manager, do you think the boss has a few screws loose? Why is he keeping the store open past midnight?"
She is feeling frustrated.
Who in their right mind is working this late, especially when stingy Kyle hasn't even paid for overtime?
The young Charlize couldn't help but feel resentment as he contemplated this.
"Charlize, you shouldn't speak ill of our boss. He may seem odd and frugal, but... well, I can't quite grasp why he allows us to keep the store open this late."
John clenched his teeth, remarking, "It's simply because Toy Story has been released. I refuse to believe how popular it has become!"
Exactly, no one expected Toy Story to be a success, not even those at Pixar.
Employees at seven stores related to SpongeBob SquarePants, including the shop on Seaside Boulevard in Los Angeles, the one on Rodeo Drive, and the store in the Hollywood Highland Shopping Centre, were all fuming at Kyle.
Those who are still burning the midnight oil are Kyle's staff!
...
Ninety minutes elapsed amidst the frustration of Kyle's staff.
The initial group of moviegoers in the United States who viewed "Toy Story" exited the theatre one after another, engaging in lively conversations.
"This film is genuinely excellent."
"Indeed, I didn't anticipate that 3D animated movies could be this impressive!"
"Yes, it surpasses previous animated films by a factor of two. No, it's ten times better!"
"I adore Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie the Cowgirl, Slinky, and others."
The audience's dialogue is sufficient evidence that "Toy Story" is undeniably a triumph.
Upon hearing this, John Lasseter, who had just left the cinema, and Kyle both felt a sense of relief.
Success!
These discussions signify a promising beginning.
"Sweetheart, should we purchase some Toy Story figures? I'm fond of Buzz Lightyear."
Suddenly, a voice caught Kyle's attention.
Kyle turned his gaze to see an attractive woman in her twenties conversing with her boyfriend.
The mention of buying toys not only reached Kyle but also resonated with numerous other viewers.
"Yeah, we could also get some Buzz Lightyear and Woody figures."
"If we can't find dolls, some buckles would be nice too."
...
However, the fans of "Toy Story" soon faced disappointment.
"Sorry, we don't have Buzz Lightyear or Sheriff Woody figures available for purchase."
The cinema staff responded courteously but with an air of helplessness. Wasn't "Toy Story" supposed to have a mediocre reputation? Why were there still customers looking for its merchandise?
"Oh? That's unfortunate."
The viewers expressed their dismay.
The cinema doesn't offer them, and even if there's a strong fondness, the staff isn't to blame.
"Ahem... Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to speak."
At that moment, Kyle stood up boldly and declared, "Everyone, I know a place that sells Toy Story merchandise."
"Uh, where is it?" John Lasseter played along.
Kyle announced loudly, "If you're looking to buy Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, head to SpongeBob SquarePants. They have plenty in stock. It's just outside on the street by the cinema."
.....
The avenue on which the theatre is situated.
At this time, it was nearly two in the morning. Aside from the entertainment spots that were still bustling with patrons, only a handful of convenience stores remained open. Normally, the streets were rather empty, but tonight, a sizable crowd had gathered around the SpongeBob SquarePants store.
There were close to a hundred people.
"Wow, they have a Sheriff Woody doll!"
"This down jacket is stunning, and it features a cowgirl Trish design!"
"Buzz Lightyear is amazing!"
"Look, there's a complete collection of limited edition Toy Story figures available here!"
Almost a hundred people who had just finished watching the film were still buzzing with excitement. The urge to spend uncontrollably was undeniable. Especially among young people, who often lacked any understanding of financial management. Naturally, they would purchase items they liked when they saw them.
What is going on?!
John and Serge, who were previously grumbling, were initially perplexed when they noticed the influx of people entering the store. John was the first to react, connecting the dots after overhearing the excited chatter of the customers.
"Hi, hi, hi, everyone, welcome to the SpongeBob SquarePants store!"
John said with enthusiasm: "You heard correctly. Here you can find all the toys, dolls, keychains, clothing, stationery, and books related to the Toy Story movie. Additionally, our SpongeBob House is the only one in all of California. If you want to buy it, you'd better act fast, or it will be gone!"
Exclusive offering?
Is it better to hurry or take your time?
It would have been better if they hadn't heard. But once that was said, a brown-haired beauty under 20 exclaimed, "I want a Buzz Lightyear toy and a Sheriff Woody figurine."
"I want one, too." Another voice chimed in.
"Alright, ma'am, the Buzz Lightyear toy costs $38 and the Sheriff Woody figure is $42, totalling $80."
John responded quickly.
His smile was filled with enthusiasm.
How could he not be enthusiastic? Today was a big day for sales!
"Kyle is amazing!"
"And it's so dark out!"
"The actual cost of a Buzz Lightyear toy was under $3, but he sold it for $38; the two-meter tall Sheriff Woody doll only cost $6 to make, yet it was sold at $42. Just from this one sale, he earned a profit of $71!"
John felt incredibly weak at that moment. He thought he was bad, but had no idea that Kyle was even more ruthless.
Which merchandise dares to charge so much?
There's no choice, considering Kyle is the exclusive seller now!
Not only is he the sole distributor in Los Angeles, but he also covers four entire states!
"Sir, you're interested in this down jacket, correct? Okay, it's $288."
"Ma'am, the keychains, toys, and books you've selected total $120."
"You want Buzz Lightyear's space suit, right? This is a limited edition; the price... oh, I'll buy it regardless of the cost, and I'd like two sets. Alright, the total will be $3,780."
John and Theron quickly became busy.
The excitement of nearly a hundred customers in the store vastly increased the revenues of SpongeBob House.
The boss is incredible!
The boss is unstoppable and has a dark side!
Charlize Theron couldn't contain her excitement.
"John, you absolute rascal, hurry up and bring that ready Chevrolet sports car to the store entrance for me." At that moment, Kyle and Lasseter also reached the store, and naturally, it was Kyle who shouted.
Chevrolet sports car!
Indeed, this is also a related item!
Kyle is quite frugal and generally opts for a used car, but he has arranged a movie-themed sports car ahead of time.
The cost was $80,000, and it's being sold for $200,000!
That's right.
Kyle is quite ruthless!
Don't think that Kyle's price is excessive; there are genuinely many people in the world who like to collect. In the original timeline, a limited edition Bumblebee action figure that cost less than $5 sold for $5,000, a hundred times the profit, yet it still wasn't enough to sell out.
"If they can get it, why can't I? We all have one nose and two eyes. If they dare to set such a high price, I can too." This is the reasoning of Kyle.
Half an hour went by.
The store was cleared of patrons.
Many of the Toy Story movie items in the store were purchased, along with over 20 other movie-related products. Well, the Chevrolet sports car didn't sell in the end, which left Kyleer somewhat displeased.
"Kyle, you're amazing. The Toy Story merchandise is so popular that tonight's sales exceeded $16,500."
John could no longer hold back his excitement!
You must understand, this is just the midnight slot for "Toy Story," and it has sold this many copies, so it will surely be a blockbuster tomorrow!
Kyle is making a fortune, which ensures his job security, and he also earns sales commissions; while the commission isn't hefty, only seventy dollars, it adds up to a significant sum over time.
"That's true, boss. Look, business is booming tonight. You have to give me overtime." Charlize chimed in.
You're being unrealistic.
"There's no overtime pay, but I can provide a late-night snack. Well, if you're not interested in it, then forget it." Kyle huffed.
Upon hearing this, Charlize hurriedly responded, "Of course I want to eat! I want to drain your money, you vampire."
Are you serious? You think I'm made of money?
"If I had to pay you overtime, it would be around $60, but if you went to a budget restaurant, your meal would be at most $30, likely even less. Haha, I'm such a clever guy!" Kyle thought to himself, chuckling.
Kyle stifled his laughter and quickly instructed John to reach out to the other six SpongeBob SquarePants stores for their sales figures.
Soon after.
The sales data from the other six stores was also received.
The total sales exceeded $90,000.
"Kyle, I'm feeling a bit regretful about this. I think Jobs will want to tear you apart in a few days."
At that moment, John Lasseter, who had been playing the role of an invisible man, suddenly interjected and looked at Kyle with a tinge of envy.
Shameless!
How was he able to foresee that Toy Story would become successful just a few months prior? On top of that, he acquired the peripheral rights in four states for such a nominal fee!
"Pixar Animation Studios is experiencing a significant setback!"
Lasseter internally shouted in frustration, glaring at Kyle, as if trying to see through him.
But who is Kyle?
What kind of face could be read by mere eyes?