Chapter 68: Unexpected Gain

[Chapter 68: Unexpected Gain]

Charlie had been keeping an eye on Ophir out of the corner of his eye. When he saw Kirk finally leave, a spark flickered in his eyes, and his smile grew even brighter.

"Darling, from the perspective of a professional producer, your deep blue eyes and unique charisma make you perfect for an art film actress. I'd like you to give me a chance to introduce you to the film industry."

Vera was delighted by the compliment but quickly looked conflicted.

Charlie noticed and said, "It's settled then. Before that, could I have the honor of seeing your last theater performance? Just let me know when you're on stage.

You know, talented people should never care about the jeers of the mediocre. You should perform even the smallest role with perfection, then walk away proudly.

And when you appear again in front of those who mocked, it'll be on the live broadcast of the Oscars or Cannes Awards!"

Vera suddenly felt courage welling up inside her. How could a 23-year-old girl possibly stand up to a bastard like Charlie?

She nodded firmly, her face glowing, "I will. You must come watch me perform in the musical Chicago as Kitty Baxter!"

"I'm looking forward to it. It sounds like it's not a public performance but a small role in a one-scene, but it's starring you, Vera Farmiga."

Charlie seemed genuinely pleased. Then he glanced at his watch and said, "It's late. I need to say hi to my friend. Also, may I have the honor of driving you home?"

Vera bit her lip hesitantly.

Charlie smiled, "Don't worry, just wait for me here. My brother and driver will drive us back!"

His firm yet occasionally soft attitude was hard to refuse. At least, 23-year-old Vera couldn't say no.

Looking at that tall and dependable figure, Vera took a deep breath, cupped her burning cheeks, and drifted into thought.

...

"Haha, boss, you're amazing!" Mord excitedly winked at Charlie, amazed by his way with women.

Charlie chuckled softly, then looked at Ophir and asked, "Well?"

"Everything went just as you predicted. Kirk gave in!" Ophir shrugged. "I envy you, Charles, everything seems to go smoothly for you. I'm beginning to feel you'll be a big shot someday."

"Haha, aren't I already?" Charlie pretended to be proud. "Buddy, you'll upgrade soon too. Let's wait for Kirk's good news."

"How do we deal with the Bloods gang? And Charles, you must be alert to Suge," Ophir said with concern.

"I'm fine, but please keep an eye on Judy's safety."

"Don't worry, I got this. I have plenty of guys now."

Charlie nodded, gave Ophir a gentle hug, and punched Mord lightly. "Let's go, buddy!"

...

Minutes later, on the late-night streets of Florence, in the driver's seat of a Mercedes W140, Mord sneaked glances into the rearview mirror.

Strange, did the boss slip up? Why was he waiting here? Didn't he send that lady upstairs?

Oh, they kissed...

Whoa, the boss is back!

The car door opened. Charlie's expression was calm. He said in a low voice, "Thanks for your effort, buddy. Drive me back to Sinai District, then head home."

"Okay, boss." Mord started the car, curious. "Uh, you and that woman?"

Charlie smiled casually, "She was a bit shy, and to be honest, I wasn't exactly committed either."

After a moment of silence, he squinted out the window. "What matters more is today's negotiation."

Mord was confused.

'Really, boss? You left the negotiation halfway to go party. But you don't seem drunk at all!'

Mord seemed to figure it out and asked curiously, "Boss, is working with Kirk that important?"

"Not really. I was just very happy today."

"Because of the successful deal and a new girlfriend?"

"No, because I handled Harvey!" Charlie grinned. "Until then, those bastards -- Chief Royale, Death Row Records, even Disney and Fox's threats -- finally made me breathe easier."

Mord was stunned. "Boss, you've been under so much pressure and we never noticed."

"It's all past now. The sky cleared. And we have a better future." Charlie smiled brightly. "Convincing Harvey was the hardest step. I had to ensure he'd be patient with me for a while. If that bastard blew up and tried to give Corleone Studios trouble, we'd be finished."

"Boss, you're unstoppable!"

"Thanks!" Charlie nodded happily, thinking for a moment. "After that, discussing business with Kirk is the next stage. I'm not too worried about him refusing.

Corleone Studios is too weak now and must improve its distribution channels quickly. Soundtrack distribution seems useless now, but acquiring Death Row Records, and establishing a film fund with tens of millions of dollars, will show the world Corleone Studios' fierce fighting spirit and muscle.

That'll be a big help in expanding distribution and financing big projects like Lord of the Rings."

Charlie didn't plan to meet Peter Jackson in the near future.

Just as Harvey suspected, such a big production wasn't just the world waiting to see him mess up -- it was a major challenge to control the project itself.

Charlie was ambitious and had set up a distribution company!

To be a big shot meant facing huge pressure. Everyone else thought he didn't deserve the position and was a clown.

He had to finish several small movie projects quickly and well.

Also develop distribution channels.

The film company had to rely on box office hit movies and distribution to make money.

Charlie pushed himself hard. Many would break out in a cold sweat doing what he did.

With luck and various factors, he forcefully built a film group.

Though it seemed stable, it was weaker than peers and could collapse with one gust of wind.

Charlie didn't want that. So he operated all his limbs like an octopus, multitasking.

Pressure kept building; after convincing Harvey, he finally breathed easy.

Mord knew the boss wasn't explaining to him but just wanted to vent.

So he flattered him, "Hehe, I knew nothing could stop you, boss! Your plan is brilliant! But it's a shame you didn't have coffee at that lady's place tonight."

"Haha," Charlie laughed and shook his head. "Oh, you reminded me."

His expression became serious. "Mord!"

"Yes, boss!" Mord replied loudly, sitting up straight.

"On Monday, go to the copyright company and withdraw a $50,000 check. Work with Etto and Lamont to find some people completely unrelated to us to keep an eye on Kirk."

"No problem!" Mord agreed instantly, then asked curiously, "Boss, are you worried about him?"

"No." Charlie smiled meaningfully. "I just want to make sure that old man doesn't foolishly record evidence of me participating while working.

Except for my planned acquisition of Death Row Records, everything else won't involve me!

There's a tiny chance one day.

But the entire bar proves I was hitting on women. From beginning to end, I never talked to Kirk about providing police evidence against Suge."

Mord was puzzled and didn't quite get it.

But he sensed the boss made another very cautious decision that could reap huge benefits and happily agreed.

Charlie looked smug and ugly but smiled as he said, "Vera was an unexpected gain. Hahaha."

*****

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