Chapter 77: Come Work for Me

[Chapter 77: Come Work for Me]

In the dining room of the Milo Hotel, Ian leisurely enjoyed tender, juicy veal while Scarlett, sitting beside him, drank enthusiastically, her eyes filled with admiration for him.

Soothing music played softly in the background. Under the candlelight, Deryl Chandler looked somewhat pale but overall seemed to be in decent shape. Sharon Stone hadn't shown up, probably knowing she wasn't suited for the occasion and decided to bail.

Ian smiled and said, "Mr. Chandler, you're a smart man. I know you've been against our wager from the beginning, but unfortunately, you don't have the final say. The loss isn't your fault."

Deryl Chandler felt as if he had been thrown into an ice pit.

He trembled as he said, "Ezriel?"

Ian smiled at him.

Deryl erupted in anger, "He betrayed us!"

Ian shook his head. "Not exactly betrayal. At least he didn't hand over the sensitive operational secrets to me. This guy still had some scruples; he probably just wanted to show off his loyalty to me... haha, which doesn't mean much to me."

He continued with a smirk, "Let me tell you what direction the events are headed in."

Scarlett raised an eyebrow; this sounded familiar. Ian liked this prophetic style of conversation; it allowed him to control the narrative.

Then Ian said, "The Los Angeles Times will lose the wager, and then the Chandler family will pin all the blame on you, considering you're the chairman."

Hmm, this prophecy seemed a bit too straightforward.

Deryl snorted, "You haven't won yet. Even if you expose me, it won't matter."

Ian scoffed and shook his head. "No need to act tough. We both know your wife isn't a forgiving woman. She'll go ballistic. As for whether this scandal will make headlines... it wouldn't have in the past, but now it certainly can. Think about it: the Los Angeles Times betting against the Herald, then the Herald turns around and leaks the affair of its chairman, Deryl Chandler. Combining these two events creates quite a storm. And the best part? It's an exclusive for me... You wouldn't want to compete with me on this, would you?"

Ian laughed as he spoke.

Scarlett looked at Ian with excitement.

Ian Carr, you're a genius in journalism! Is there anything you can't report on?

Deryl clenched his fists in anger. "Ian Carr, don't make it impossible for me."

Ian shook his head. "On the contrary, I'm trying to avoid that. I don't want to expose this story, as long as you can slightly assist me."

Deryl growled, "You think I don't know what you're after? I'm with the Chandler family! I won't betray my family!"

Ian replied, "Not if you're divorced."

Deryl gaped in surprise.

Ian smiled, "I know you're fed up with that foolish Isadora Chandler. This could be a perfect opportunity. When you're single, you can chase after whoever you want!"

He then looked at Deryl seriously. "Carr Media is expanding continuously, and capital operations will strengthen further. I've acquired three newspaper companies but will ultimately sell them. I don't have enough time or energy to manage everything... I'm good at capital operations and acquiring major stories, not at managing. I need a president, a president who excels in management."

Big bosses are always busy.

Because of Gaskill, Ian had one less funding channel headache than those big bosses but an increased demand for personally acquiring big stories, so his time was equally stretched.

At this moment, he speared a piece of veal and smiled, "Mr. Chandler, you're perfect for this position."

Deryl remained silent.

After a while, he asked, "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Ian grinned, "Nothing too complicated -- just play it cool when I release explosive stories so that the Los Angeles Times appears understated, helping me wrap up the bet quickly. It shouldn't be tough for you! Of course, keep an eye on the Chandler family too; if they get any wild ideas, you can let me know."

As he said this, he lightly smiled. "Actually, I could win the wager without your help. I believe you know that. But my schedule is always tight, and I don't want to prolong this. Since you're going to lose anyway, wouldn't it be better to lose sooner? Efficiency is vital; if something that could be completed in three months takes half a year, it means substantial losses! And as a young man, I usually lack patience!"

Deryl considered this seriously for a long time, then said, "Can I know what your plans are after securing the Times?"

Ian was taken aback. "Why do you want to know?"

"I need to understand the grand vision of my future boss; otherwise, no matter how hard I work, if the direction is wrong, it's all for nothing."

Ian chuckled lightly.

He thought for a moment and responded, "I don't have faith in the newspaper industry, Deryl."

Deryl stared at him, shocked.

Ian replied earnestly, "Yes, I don't believe in newspapers. They are destined to decline. No matter how hard you work on a wrong path, the end result is extinction. Right now is the last moment of glory for the newspaper industry."

Leaning in towards Deryl, he continued, "I want the Times because I need to acquire enough shares of CBS before the second half of this year, and next year I plan to sell off most of my newspaper holdings. If you're still interested at that time, I might consider selling you part of the shares in the Times and the Herald."

Deryl pondered seriously for a long time, then stated, "The internet and television have taken a lot of shares from newspapers. Transition is inevitable. I'm beginning to understand why you're so urgent. I can forgo my newspaper shares, but I want a stake in Carr Media Group."

"Not now, but it can be considered in the future," Ian raised his glass. "The current development of Carr Media relies heavily on me; one day, you will need to prove your worth to deserve that demand. You might not obtain shares in Carr Group, but you can earn shares in the industries you manage!"

It was a bit ruthless, but it also showed sincerity, much more reliable than just making empty promises.

Deryl nodded reluctantly, "Alright, it's a deal."

Once the deal was finalized, Deryl left.

...

Scarlett was stunned, looking at Ian.

She murmured, "This is the first time I've heard that even a chairman can be bought; it goes against my understanding of business ethics."

Ian laughed, "Deryl Chandler isn't the real power here. Even if he were, such negotiations are possible... It happens all the time that a chairman sells his shares and works for someone else. The chairman of a small company is not in a higher position than an executive at a super enterprise! Didn't Michael Ovitz, who founded CAA, end up working for Disney? Too bad he lost the bet. The core of everything lies in interests, so this doesn't violate business ethics; you've just been misled by appearances, darling."

Scarlett gazed at him dreamily, "I was just mesmerized by you, darling."

Seeing her beautiful face, Ian felt swayed as well.

Wrapping his arms around Scarlett, he whispered, "Did you know that dining is the best way for humans to recharge? I just restored a lot of energy, and I'm feeling invigorated!"

Scarlett playfully licked her lips, "The room is right upstairs; carry me there."

...

Ian laughed heartily and effortlessly picked up Scarlett, striding toward the elevator.

This was in plain view, causing all the diners in the restaurant to look over.

Some even took the opportunity to grab cameras and snap photos of Ian.

The adjacent security staff responsibly intervened, "Sorry, no photography allowed here."

The journalist humorously replied, "I'm a reporter from the Los Angeles Herald, and that was my boss just now."

What?

The security personnel were astonished.

The journalist flashed his ID, grinning, "My boss fell for someone else, but he doesn't want his news covered by anyone else. Don't worry, buddy; this is customer demand; you won't have any trouble."

As he said this, he rushed over, snapping photo after photo of Ian Carr.

Ian, cradling Scarlett, turned to the camera and made a peace sign, while Scarlett hugged him and planted a passionate kiss on his neck.

The moment was captured in time.

*****

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