Chapter 80: Harvey Joins and IMAX

[Chapter 80: Harvey Joins and IMAX]

In that moment, Harvey seemed to feel the noisy conference room fall completely silent. He rubbed his neck speechlessly and said irritably, "So you've said all this just to lure me in and strengthen your position?"

"Mr. Godfather, you're really something," he added.

Nearby, George Clooney watched the two of them with great interest.

Charlie calmly nodded without any embarrassment, even speaking confidently, "Of course. You don't honestly think I have free time to just sit around and report my business plan to you, right? I was actually planning to use the last half-day off to relax and hang out with my new girlfriend!"

He smiled warmly as he waved over to Vera in the distance.

Harvey frowned, following Charlie's gaze, muttering, "Where the hell did you find such a woman with that kind of unique charm? I really feel sorry for her."

Charlie's eyes squinted with a gleam of wit, saying, "Oh really? I think the women you've dated are the luckless ones."

Harvey furrowed his brow for a moment but didn't take the comment to heart. He said seriously, "You seem pretty confident about getting me involved in your business plan?"

Hearing this question, Charlie's confidence soared as he nodded with a smile. "Honestly, I can't think of any reason why you'd say no."

Harvey straightforwardly asked the punchline, "What's the payoff?"

"Death Row Records was partially acquired by Corleone Studios. According to our contract, Miramax was supposed to pay $3.5 million. I'll have that covered for you."

"You should get that money from Eisner," Harvey remained unmoved, aware that most of Miramax's assets belonged to Disney.

"We can sign an agreement: after you leave Miramax, the shares in the record company will be transferred to your new company at equivalent value. The purchase funds will still be covered by my film fund."

Harvey fell into deep thought.

He couldn't sell himself the lie that he wouldn't leave Miramax. Thanks to Charlie, he was basically at odds with Disney and would eventually leave. Given Eisner's iron grip, the Miramax brand would certainly be lost to him.

Starting fresh with shares in a record label would be a friendly move. These shares were worth at least one or two million now. Although Charlie wouldn't personally pay that much, it was equivalent to him using that much capital to recruit Harvey as his middleman.

Moreover, if Harvey left Miramax but still had shares in Death Row Records, it would keep his relationship with Charlie close and cooperative.

Harvey thought it over carefully. It seemed like a good deal with almost no risk, so there was no reason to decline.

Having made his decision, he immediately inquired about the plan's key details. "Death Row Records is a gang-affiliated rap brand, not just anyone can take over operations."

Charlie immediately replied, "I found the right successor, and the contract is already signed."

"After Tupac's death, his record value is very high and many eyes are on it, which is complicated."

"Will used to be a singer. I've enlisted his and Spike Lee's help to bring in a friend who will take care of the troublesome stuff for us."

"Who's providing the funds?"

"The Colorado Fund will contact the Bank of Los Angeles to assist!"

"And the most crucial point -- the owner of Death Row Records. How do you plan to get him to agree to sell the assets?"

The exchanges were quick and sharp. The questioner pinpointed the crucial issues, and the respondent answered confidently, demonstrating thorough preparation.

The last doubt was the key prerequisite for the acquisition plan's success.

Charlie smiled meaningfully, "The rap rivalry between the East and West Coasts is heating up. I suspect that Suge Knight, the owner of Death Row Records and center of the storm, might soon face criminal charges."

Harvey gave a crooked, grim smile, pointing at Charlie, "You're a truly cunning bastard. Suge will definitely regret using you as a diversion."

"What are you talking about, man? I don't get it," Charlie laughed out loud.

"Deal!"

The two exchanged knowing smiles and shook hands.

George who watched the entire meeting, seeing the two shameless bastards decide a business plan with laughter and ease, had a look of surprise on his face.

Although George didn't know many of the important details, he knew Harvey well as a capable Hollywood mogul.

The young and ambitious Charlie confidently sparring with Harvey surprised and impressed George.

As an actor climbing his career peak, George secretly harbored presidential ambitions.

Thinking for a moment, he rashly said, "Sir, if you need help, I can pitch in too."

It was clear Harvey and George had a friendly rapport. Harvey smiled and said, "George has always been passionate about social causes. He's a loyal friend."

Only then did Charlie look at the handsome man before him, who looked much younger than remembered, more seriously.

He had some impression of this Hollywood star, who followed the path of his actor predecessor, aiming to make a similar impact. With his striking appearance, he stood out, though others preferred the bodybuilding champion who rose to leadership through his wife. This guy hadn't had any political achievements before Charlie's rebirth.

Charlie rolled his eyes inwardly, wearing a polite yet indifferent smile, "Thanks, George. I heard you starred in Batman & Robin. Congrats -- that's one of next year's most anticipated films."

"Darling!" Vera, dressed in a purple mini-dress like a fluttering butterfly, flocked to Charlie's side.

"Had a good rest?" Charlie kissed Vera's forehead and smiled, "Let me introduce you..."

...

Not far away, Etto looked at the dejected men and said, "Sorry to interrupt, but did I just hear you mention IMAX technology?"

Wearing black-rimmed glasses and a scholarly air, Ferguson's disappointment turned to hope and enthusiasm. "Yes. It's a new film format and screening system featuring ultra-high resolution and giant screens, providing audiences with a more thrilling visual experience.

Are you interested in bringing it to your theaters? I'm Ethan Ferguson, Senior Assistant to the Chairman of IMAX Corporation. May I have your name?"

Etto chuckled dryly, "Uh, Etto Romano, Vice President of Corleone Entertainment Group."

Ferguson and his colleagues immediately looked disheartened again.

What was some unknown film company doing here trying to get involved?

Etto thought for a moment and asked, "Our company is planning to buy or rent filming equipment. I'd like to learn more about your technology."

Indeed, although the promotion of the new screening system had hit obstacles, they could start by introducing filmmakers and producers to the high-resolution cameras.

Ferguson regained his enthusiasm, unaware that Corleone Studios mainly shot low-budget films at the time. He went on passionately about IMAX's 35mm and 65mm formats and the cameras.

Etto listened carefully, though puzzled about why Charlie wanted to know all this. He made sure to remember keywords like high definition and widescreen.

After a few minutes, they exchanged contacts. Ferguson and crew looked somewhat disappointed as Etto returned to Charlie's side.

By now, Harvey had already left with George.

Charlie wrapped an arm around Vera's warm, delicate waist as they leaned in close, whispering to each other intimately.

*****

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