After committing to a $17 million partnership with Ochsner Laboratory for further research and development, New York University's president, John, couldn't contain his laughter, fulfilling his initial promise of being a "strong supporter." Bruce's status transformed. He became a researcher at Ochsner Laboratory and a Master's student in Biomedical Engineering at New York University, with Dr. Samson Bell as his advisor.
Almost overnight, nearly every media outlet was abuzz with the news about the new anti-erectile dysfunction drug "Vilda." Even if it wasn't the headline, it was prominently featured. Pfizer, Samson Bell, the stock market, and even Bruce were hot topics of discussion.
"The Mystery Behind the Patent Rights of Anti-Erectile Dysfunction Drug 'Vilda' – A Genius Named Bruce Lee?"
"History Repeats and Begins Again – Pfizer on the Path Back to Its Peak!"
"World's Largest Pharmaceutical Company, Pfizer, Announces Acquiring the Patent Rights for the New Drug 'Vilda' – Stocks Surge to Their Limit!"
"While the Overall U.S. Market Struggles, Pfizer Stands Out, Increasing Its Market Value by $30 Billion!"
"Who is this Young Man? The Newest Billionaire Worth Over a Billion!"
"One of the Main Developers of 'Vilda' – A Genius Scientist!"
Especially after both parties reached a preliminary agreement, Pfizer, in collaboration with Citibank and Pearson Hardman Law Firm, started a full-scale campaign. After pulling many strings, the drug's patent was approved in just three months and eleven days. News soon spread to other countries, and almost the entire world knew a new drug was on the horizon.
Although they didn't meet Bruce's target of getting the approval within three months, he was still very satisfied. Even the Pearson Hardman Law Firm and Fowler, who narrowly missed out on 10% of the earnings, weren't the least bit upset. After all, Bruce had expressed his satisfaction with the whole negotiation and approval process and promised them an even more generous reward than expected.
The next step was clear: ensuring that "Vilda's" large-scale clinical trials went smoothly and getting the drug approved for the market. But there was no need to worry on this front. Clearly, after the agreement officially took effect, Pfizer was even more proactive than Bruce, and this was their forte.
Bruce gently set down his copy of The New York Times. The front page prominently displayed a photo of him and Pfizer's Chairman and CEO, Ian Reid, smiling and shaking hands during the signing ceremony. Dressed in a finely tailored suit, Bruce smiled for the camera, overshadowing Ian Reid by a mile in terms of photogenic appeal. No wonder he almost stole half the limelight from Pfizer, the company that purchased the new drug patent.
"I thought you didn't like being in the spotlight, Bruce," Fowler remarked as he sipped his whiskey, swirling the glass with a smug expression. "After all, you were nowhere to be seen during the negotiations and even when the new drug was announced."
Bruce continued stirring his coffee. "Sometimes, the more you hide, the more people's curiosity is piqued, and they become more inclined to pay attention." He raised his cup, savoring the freshly ground Golden Mandheling coffee, its unique taste indeed exceptional.
"Wow," Fowler exclaimed, seemingly impatient. "So, will you agree to interviews with the TV media? I've heard that 'The Tonight Show,' 'The Late Show with David Letterman,' 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,' and 'Wild Weekends' have all sent interview requests your way."
"It's not the right time yet. The current level of attention is enough. It's not a good idea to exhaust the public's enthusiasm all at once," Bruce said nonchalantly, shaking his head.
"So, dear Bruce, why have you called me today? Is there more good news? I'm quite eager to know," Fowler said with a hint of jest.
"The money from Pfizer has been received. I've informed Archibald to transfer it to Pearson Hardman. Please let Jessica check it," Bruce replied, gesturing for Marcus to pass him a checkbook. As he scribbled on it, one couldn't help but think of Jessica Pearson, the helmswoman of Pearson Hardman Law Firm. Having her name carved on the walls of such an esteemed institution meant she was a force to be reckoned with.
"That's fantastic! Harvest season indeed. I'll let her know," said Fowler, happiness evident on his face. As an equity partner at the firm, he'd get a slice of the income. But watching Bruce's next move, his heart raced. "What are you doing, Bruce?"
"I've always said, I never let friends leave empty-handed," Bruce replied with a slight smile, tearing off a check and placing it in front of Fowler.
Even if he had anticipated it, the sum on the check - twelve million dollars - almost made Fowler's head spin. "Oh, no, Bruce. We've already received our portion through the firm for this..."
"This is a bonus for your outstanding performance. Accept it. I'm not accustomed to refusals," Bruce said, capping his pen. Marcus quickly gathered the checkbook and pen. "There are many days ahead and endless money to be made. There's still much I'll need from you."
Bruce raised his coffee cup in a toast to Fowler. It was a long-term project, and instant results couldn't be expected. "I've decided to host a small celebration party at my new house. Don't forget to attend."
"Of course, of course. I'll be there," Fowler replied, pocketing the check with a slightly envious expression. He had heard about Bruce's almost $180 million mansion, 'The Top of the Sun Shine', from Lisa and couldn't help but marvel at Bruce's ability to both earn and spend.
"You'll have your time too. Trust me," Bruce assured, standing up and patting Fowler on the shoulder. Holding his coffee cup, he walked to the room's window, looking down at the ant-like movement of cars and people below the Waldorf Tower. Ever since the agreement was signed, he had moved to a luxury suite in the Waldorf Tower - the true essence of the Waldorf Hotel.
"From heads of state to top-tier billionaires, from great scientists like Einstein to the most handsome '007' Pierce Brosnan, from the official residence of the American president in New York to the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, from the signing of the 'World Peace Treaty' to the establishment of the United Nations... The Waldorf Hotel and its Tower are like a standing history. It's said that someone once called the Waldorf Hotel asking to speak to a king. The operator politely and calmly asked, 'Which country's king are you referring to?'"
The authenticity of this anecdote might be unknown, but it provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the Waldorf Hotel. After renovations by the Toppan Group, the number of hotel suites, once reputed to host ten heads of state simultaneously, dwindled from three figures to fewer than 40. One could surmise that if it wasn't for the iconic status of the Waldorf Hotel, Toppan Group would have reduced even more.
Bruce currently resided in one of the four-bedroom "Emperor Suites," priced at eleven thousand dollars a night. After acquiring "The Top of the Sun Shine" at 432 Park Avenue, he wasn't interested in buying a mansion at the Waldorf, but long-term leasing of a suite was essential. He cherished the feeling of being at the pinnacle. Once, in the Devil King City of Mihuttonmars, Mephisto gazed upon mortals daily, dictating the fates of countless demons in a similar lofty fashion.
"I have to admit, that final report was a real coup de grâce. You seemed to have had an extraordinary confidence in the new drug from the very beginning, Bruce?" Fowler remarked, clicking his tongue in admiration.
"Oh, that? It's a unique formula. It's much more potent than you'd imagine," Bruce said, looking at the scene below through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a smirk adorning his face. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Once we reap the fruits, another phase will commence."
"You mean... Do you have a new plan, Bruce?" Fowler's energy perked up, akin to a cat catching a scent. Fresh off a recent sweet victory, he was quite motivated.
"Archibald is currently scouting a biotech company for me. I've asked for at least three viable options. After I personally sift through them, we'll embark on a new beginning," Bruce revealed, realizing that merely merging demonic knowledge with the world's technology was feasible but inefficient.
For exponential progress, more researchers and resources needed to be involved. Acquiring a biotech company, which he could fully control, had become imperative. It would also ensure most of the benefits would be for him and prevent another Pfizer-like mishap.
"You mean for me to serve as the legal advisor for this new company?" Fowler, catching on to Bruce's hint, looked excited. For some reason, he seemed to have boundless faith in Bruce. Naturally, he wouldn't understand that this was due to the strong mental projection he had been under, a result of prolonged exposure to Bruce.
This effortless method was incredibly useful. Repeated psychological control sowed deep, irrefutable constraints in the minds of the subjects, just like with Dr. Samson Bell. In Bruce's plan, this legal expert was also meant to be brought under his command.
"Of course, why not? We've had a pleasant collaboration, and it's only going to get better. Fowler, we are different from the mundane masses below. They will never realize that a new era is dawning!" Thinking of his upcoming plans, Bruce felt an excitement he hadn't felt in a while. It was the taste of power, war, and blood. He fondly referred to it as: Dominion!