Chapter 49: The Business Mindset (Part 2)
[Chapter 49: The Business Mindset (Part 2)]
On the streets of Oakland, Ian quietly recounted his past.
Two lifetimes collided in that moment to form a unique story that belonged to Ian Carr.
It felt both real and surreal.
Gaskill shared his own life experiences.
As an outstanding graduate from Stanford University, he began working in finance early on and quickly established himself as a leader in the industry.
However, it wasn't just his sharpness and talent that earned him the chairman position at a bank; he inherited his father's empire.
That said, Gaskill was indeed impressive; he had grown Lino Bank's assets from $500 million to $2.5 billion, managing hundreds of billions in funds and gaining significant influence across California.
In this era, achieving great things required not only individual excellence but also help from others.
"You know, successful bankers and investors share one key trait: they know how to read people! Ian, I have high hopes for you; you are the most energetic young person I've ever met," Gaskill said, driving while talking.
"You just need a bit more experience and some guidance."
Ian smiled.
"I'd love to be your eager student."
Gaskill chuckled heartily.
...
Just as he was about to speak again, a man unexpectedly dashed into the road.
Gaskill slammed on the brakes just in time.
The man barely avoided being hit.
Angrily, he approached the car, slamming his hand onto the hood and shouted, "Dude! You almost hit me!"
Gaskill shrugged.
He kept his cool and didn't point out that the guy had run into the street; instead, he smiled and apologized.
But the man was clearly unsatisfied with that response.
"You need to pay up!" he yelled, coming closer to the window.
Gaskill sighed and was about to reach for some cash.
Ian slowly pulled out a gun and pointed it at the man.
"Maybe we can pay you with a bullet," Ian said smoothly.
The man froze for a moment, then stumbled back a few steps.
"This is a misunderstanding, sir!" he shouted before taking off.
...
As they watched the man run away, Ian smiled and holstered his weapon.
He turned to see Gaskill looking at him speechlessly.
Gaskill said, "Relying on a gun to solve problems is not a good habit from a business perspective."
Ian laughed lightly.
"That's how young people do things; if it's simple, why complicate it?"
Gaskill started the car again.
"I'll teach you some less violent solutions."
...
They drove straight to the Oakland Police Department.
The three of them entered, explaining their purpose.
A lethargic police officer said, "He's suspected of armed robbery and can't be bailed out."
Ian frowned.
"He didn't rob anyone; he just wanted to see Dr. Elek," Ian protested.
"Not your call, buddy," the officer shot back dismissively.
Ian felt his anger rising.
But Gaskill intervened.
"Don't be impulsive, Ian. Let me handle this."
He made a phone call, and shortly after, a sharply dressed lawyer arrived.
Gaskill and the lawyer spoke with the police chief for a while and left looking quite satisfied.
Behind them followed Philip Leyso.
Gaskill said, "See? A good lawyer can resolve many issues. Jennings is quite skilled; you can reach out to him in the future."
The lawyer smiled and extended his hand to Ian.
Ian shook hands, casually saying, "I haven't built the habit of calling a lawyer for every little thing yet."
Gaskill chuckled, "That's a more civilized way of doing things."
It seemed he had been put in his place!
Gaskill clapped Ian on the shoulder.
"I have faith in you, kid; all you need to do is drop that habit of whipping out your gun, and you'll be an outstanding businessman!"
Uh, I can't be too sure about that.
No news about explosions or scandals isn't considered headline news!
...
After getting Leyso bailed out, Ian handed over a camera and a $10,000 check, instructing Leyso to learn photography skills while monitoring Dr. Elek for more hospital information.
Healthcare information was invaluable!
It concealed countless secrets about people.
A politician's health report could determine whether he was fit for duty.
Moreover, special illnesses meant special information.
The chairman's terminal condition could drop stock prices; a big star's STD could land them in serious trouble.
A person's medical secret was crucial, and the higher their status, the more they wanted it kept under wraps.
Once, Mossad from Israel engaged in large-scale intelligence, including probing a president's health information.
They connected with a toilet from the president's office to gather urine samples to confirm his health status.
Sounds simple, right?
Try pulling that off without some help!
With Leyso's disdain for Dr. Elek, he would likely be more than willing to do this... Dr. Elek was bound to become Ian's pawn!
...
After wrapping things up there, Ian, Gaskill, and Lena returned to Los Angeles.
The next day, Ian went to Lino Bank to finalize loan procedures, and with the chairman's direct involvement, everything went smoothly.
---
Time had progressed to 2001.
Major newspapers feverishly promoted their annual publications and quarterly reviews, and television networks eagerly pushed their pay channel services or ad revenues.
A new year meant a fresh battle for sales.
Among many businesses, the Los Angeles Herald stood out as the brightest.
The Herald's subscription had risen to a hundred thousand and was still growing!
That was an astounding number, especially since just four months earlier, the paper had been a local publication with a circulation in the thousands.
Of course, many competitors scoffed at Ian Carr's promotional strategies.
"Are you serious?
Five exclusive major reports for the year!
Who do you think you are?
Just wait for bankruptcy!"
Whether bankruptcy was in the cards was uncertain, but Ian's first commercial maneuver with the Los Angeles Herald had officially begun.
---
On a typical morning, Katherine arrived at the police station, just having made herself a cup of coffee when she suddenly heard Officer Belman yelling furiously next door.
"Damn! Damn! Damn! That idiot Ian Carr, that wretched Los Angeles Herald! That pest, Butterfly!"
Upon hearing that familiar name, Katherine turned in shock, "What's wrong, Belman? Isn't that case closed?"
Belman erupted, his frustration palpable.
"This isn't about that. This guy is like the devil! Where did he get his information? The Oakland Painting Company's stock just plummeted!"
As he spoke, he tossed a copy of the Los Angeles Herald in front of Katherine.
The glaring headline read:
"Oakland Painting Company Chairman Bill Iverson Confirms Terminal Cancer; Doctors Doubt He Will Survive Three Months; Company's Outlook Grim."
Katherine raised her eyebrows, reading the report closely, and asked, "Did you buy their stocks?"
Belman sighed, "Thirty thousand bucks!"
"That's unfortunate," Katherine chuckled lightly.
She glanced at the reporter's name.
Butterfly and Ian Carr collaborated on this piece!
Was Butterfly's name finally making an appearance?
The reason for including Ian's name was twofold: it amplified the news's impact and garnered more Influence Points.
While Ian's name alone would attract attention, adding it certainly had a greater effect.
Katherine looked over the detailed medical report and sighed softly, "Guess it's just bad luck for you. Did you sell?"
"Selling now means losing two thousand bucks!" Belman groaned.
"Sell it; it'll drop even further," Katherine advised.
"Usually, a six-point drop is about right," Belman replied.
"No!" Katherine shook her head.
"Typically, yes, but there are always exceptions."
"What do you mean?" Belman asked, confused.
Katherine smiled lightly.
"Ian Carr, that cold-hearted guy, isn't someone who backs down easily. Everything in his hands gets squeezed for every ounce. Think back on the news from the past while; how many stories hasn't he followed up on?"
Belman looked stunned.
"You think he has more dirt on the painting company?"
Katherine countered, "Do you think any company is squeaky clean?"
Belman paused for a moment.
*****
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