Chapter 102: They Will Remember You

[Chapter 102: They Will Remember You]

Today marked the official day of acquiring the Los Angeles Times.

At the headquarters of the Los Angeles Times, Ian represented Carr Media Group as he signed the agreement with the Chandler family.

The moment they signed, everything fell into place.

The hall erupted with thunderous applause, and the Chandler family left without exchanging a word, their faces pale.

Ian basked in the glow of congratulations from everyone around him. He wore a smile as he greeted representatives from DuPont Group and various executives from the company, exchanging the usual empty pleasantries:

"Let's work together to make the Times even better."

"The company needs you all; you're the elite of this organization."

"I've never doubted that; we're destined for even greater success."

Amid the flashing cameras and the crowd's adoration, Ian met with one person after another.

Scarlett happily wrapped her arm around Ian's, acting like the gracious hostess.

...

After the party wrapped up and Ian sent off wave after wave of guests, he finally made his way to the office of the chairman of the Times.

It was much grander than Ian's own office.

As he sat in the large office, Ian smiled at the two people before him: Deryl Chandler and Ezriel, while Scarlett lounged on a nearby sofa.

Ian directly declared, "I will fulfill my promise, Deryl. Starting now, you are the president of Carr Media Group, responsible for all operations of Carr Media. Ezriel, you are still the editor-in-chief of the Times and will assist Lloyd in improving the management of Herald."

Both men sighed with relief at the news.

Ian continued, "There's a reporter at the Times named Bernad, and I can't stand him. Let's get rid of him."

Ezriel was taken aback. "Ian, I know he offended you and even accused you of murder, but he's an excellent reporter. I think, at this stage, with you just taking over the Times, it's not appropriate to do this. You need to show the outside world that you..."

Ian cut him off, "I don't need to prove anything to the outside world, especially the generosity of Ian Carr! That's meaningless! People buy my newspaper not because I'm magnanimous but because I can provide them with good news!"

He smiled slightly as he added, "Ian Carr being petty by firing a reporter who reported adversely on him after taking over the Times? Now that's news!"

Ezriel fell silent.

Unlike other excellent bosses who might sell their soul for money, Ian Carr would go as far as to hang himself for it!

He might even strike some poses while instructing the photographer on angles!

Ezriel reluctantly nodded and said, "Alright, boss, we'll do it your way."

As for the news about Ian Carr being petty, that could wait; at least it wasn't something the Times needed to do.

Ian continued, "Additionally, you both need to share the Times' channels with Herald."

Deryl Chandler was taken aback. "You want to drain the Times? No, you can't do that!"

Ian waved his hand dismissively. "No need to worry; I don't intend to drain it, but I do need the Times to expedite Herald's development. Rest assured, it's just a share," he assured.

Herald had reached a bottleneck in its growth, and Ian desperately needed more channels, especially overseas, where the Times had a solid presence, while Herald was weak.

Ezriel shook his head. "Some international channels require permits and cannot be shared."

Ian coldly replied, "Those can be given up."

Deryl Chandler was speechless. "I don't understand; the Times can still fare well under your management. Why would you do this?"

Ian sneered, "I own 100% of Herald, but only 70% of the Times."

Ezriel was astonished. "The DuPont Group helped you!"

"And so what?" Ian scoffed.

Beyond the share issue, another reason was Ian's urgent need to elevate his business aura.

Herald was directly under his command; its success was a solid testament to Ian being a savvy businessman. The Times would also improve but didn't need to do so rapidly.

It served merely as a bridge -- a bridge to CBS that was destined to be sold eventually.

At that moment, Ian stretched. "Don't worry; with me at the helm, the Times will only see increased profits. It just won't surpass Herald."

"Also, Herald is expanding and will always need more manpower. Just transfer some people over from the Times."

This was a veiled way of cutting jobs at the Times, but at least it was better than outright layoffs; it preserved jobs.

Considering the Signet Daily, it wasn't the worst outcome!

Seeing the resigned and despairing expressions on both men, Ian chuckled, "You guys can leave now."

They exited the room reluctantly.

...

Standing by the blinds, Ian observed Ezriel approach the reporter Bernad, whispering to him.

His complexion turned pallid and emotionless as he quietly stood up to gather his belongings.

This reporter, who once slandered him, was now unemployed because of Ian's single sentence.

Everyone looked at Bernad with sympathizing eyes.

The new boss didn't seem interested in showcasing any generosity!

Ian sneered, letting out a slight sound.

In this world, sometimes it was more beneficial for people to fear you than to respect you!

...

On the office sofa, Scarlett stood up and walked over.

She wrapped her arms around Ian's neck and lovingly kissed his neck. "You're amazing, Ian. I love the way you take charge; it's just so handsome!"

Ian walked over and pulled the curtains shut while saying, "Does this excite you?"

"Yes, Ian," Scarlett exclaimed excitedly. "My heart is racing, and I can't wait for us to try it out in the office!"

"Don't rush, baby; we're getting ready," Ian smiled as he closed the blinds and locked the door.

---

A day later, in a hotel room in Boston, Ian stared at a photo of Atta.

Most were side shots, taken clandestinely, not very clear, but enough for identification.

Leyso sat across from him, diligently cleaning the camera.

He said, "He declined the interview; however, he agreed to have dinner with me. Unfortunately, he was quite tight-lipped and unwilling to share anything."

Ian smiled, "If he did share those details, it would be outrageous. Don't rush things."

"What should I do then?" Leyso asked.

"Find a way to become friends; don't try to extract his secrets. Wait until one day he's on a flight, and you are too; it's that simple. You don't need to disguise yourself; just let him know that all you want is a perfect report. That's not deceit, it's authenticity! Honesty is the best way to move someone. Just make him realize that only by fully voicing himself will he perform the most magnificent act!"

Leyso seemed puzzled. "You think he will hijack a plane?"

Ian answered, "He might bomb it, and then you'd die."

Leyso grinned, "A million!"

Ian shook his head, "Two million! I'll give your child two million and cover all his education expenses; he'll never have to worry about student loan debt!"

Leyso felt satisfied, but his gaze dimmed slightly.

He whispered, "When the fire comes, I will face it calmly. The heat consumes me, and I will embrace death with joy... that will be the most dazzling burst of my life!"

Hearing this, Ian felt a small stir within him.

He moved closer to hug Leyso's neck.

Leyso extricated himself quickly, "I have AIDS!"

Yet Ian embraced him again, saying, "That doesn't matter; it's nothing to fear... nothing is scarier than people."

Leyso fell silent.

After a long pause, he said, "Thank you!"

Ian looked at him.

A smile broke over Leyso's face. "I truly appreciate you; though our time was short... you've given me a new life. You kept your promise, and I will become the most radiant shooting star in this dark world!"

Ian's tone softened, "People will always remember you!"

*****

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