Chapter 97: The Excited and Anxious Daddy Kirk

[Chapter 97: The Excited and Anxious Daddy Kirk]

During the short few days off, Charlie stayed at the Texas ranch, keeping in touch with Kevin and others by phone every day for remote coordination.

Business negotiations were often tough, requiring the teams on both sides to constantly communicate over extended periods, discussing every clause and gradually pushing the cooperation forward.

Yet sometimes, things went smoothly.

As the big boss, once Charlie handled all the other bosses, the rest was just a matter of time.

The acquisition of Death Row Records progressed very smoothly.

Daddy Kirk made the first move, followed swiftly by Ms. Lewis and others.

When Congressman Kelly nodded, things got even easier.

As reported in the newspapers, Charlie didn't even have to show up. After lawyers from Kirk Entertainment negotiated with Suge Knight, the other side agreed to sell the record company at a low price to quickly get out of their trouble.

Soon after, Tupac's music rights were immediately acquired by Puff Daddy and others in New York.

The remaining portion of Death Row Records was taken up by all prepared parties, who pulled out their pre-arranged contracts for final negotiations.

...

Charlie hadn't been back long when Gert reported this good news to him.

Today he's here representing the copyright company to sign the deal!

The two walked side by side into the Hilton Hotel. Gert laughed, "Boss, I never expected it to go so smoothly. Last evening, Mr. Kirk invited us to the bar to celebrate. He was so excited, tugging at his jacket and twisting his bulky, wrinkled body like a maniac."

Charlie smiled, gently holding the little kitten on his shoulder, and headed to the lobby to meet Melche, Etto, and others waiting there.

Everyone was in a great mood, chatting and laughing as they walked to the reserved venue.

Inside the small hall, long tables covered with white tablecloths were arranged like a major negotiation setting.

Upon entering, everyone immediately greeted each other.

"Hi, Ms. Lewis!" Charlie gave a light hug and cheek kiss to the blonde businesswoman in her forties, dressed sharply in a woman's suit.

She warmly smiled, "Mr. Corleone, you helped push through a great partnership."

Charlie modestly smiled, "It's nothing. Please send my regards to Mr. Royale. Corleone Studios will also sign a long-term cooperation with Corola Law Firm; we wish for a happy cooperation."

His words sounded like a subtle hint that Lewis might be profiting from something else, though not too obvious. Lewis had a slight doubt but seeing Charlie's usual smile, she nodded, "Of course!"

"Daddy Kirk, no, soon I should call you the CEO of Death Row Records?" Charlie joked as he walked over with a smile.

"Hahaha, don't say that, Charlie. Just call me Kirk. All of this is thanks to you. Moving forward, I'll be taking your advice a lot for Death Row's growth," Kirk said, his dark face split by a big grin showing half his white teeth.

...

This negotiation involved multiple parties: the Corola Foundation, Corleone Studios, Los Angeles Bank, Kirk Entertainment, Merrill Lynch Securities, Residential Records, and of course, Death Row Records' executives and Suge Knight's lawyers.

With so many people, casual introductions took around ten minutes.

Charlie was the most eye-catching person there. Everyone knew this cheerful, towering young man had made it all happen.

He didn't even have to show up during crucial moments!

The Death Row acquisition involved funds over one hundred million dollars!

A 19-year-old young man had pulled all this off -- it was simply unbelievable.

What surprised everyone more was the little kitten perched on Charlie's shoulder.

His quirky appearance puzzled many.

Still, it didn't stop people from wanting to get to know Charlie, leaving his face frozen in smiles.

Finally, everyone took their seats.

...

As the main intermediary team's lawyer, Gert first took out documents, "Ladies and gentlemen, our..."

After over two hours, all parties basically sorted out the information.

Then, under the watch of a specially hired recorder, Charlie and others signed their names on the documents.

"Happy cooperation!"

Everyone raised champagne glasses, toasting and laughing joyously.

...

"Goodbye, Ms. Lewis."

"Goodbye, John."

As the most notable party, Charlie patiently said goodbye one by one.

Eventually, the venue quieted down, leaving only Corleone Studios and Daddy Kirk.

Kirk loosened the top button of his suit collar, looking relaxed and smiling, "No outsiders now. No need to be so serious. These days, wearing a suit all the time feels like more than my whole life before."

"You'll get used to it," Charlie smiled.

Kirk pulled his chair closer and said quietly, "Charlie, about Suge Knight..."

The moment he started, Charlie's expression turned serious and he interrupted, "Stop, I don't care about that guy anymore. You know what I mean."

Kirk chuckled awkwardly, cursing inside. This kid had hinted at all the trouble Suge Knight got into but now wanted nothing to do with it.

"Now that Death Row is ours, the agreements with Pillow Health Partnership Group signed..." Charlie shifted the topic.

Suge Knight's matter was over! After today, due to insufficient evidence, Suge Knight would be released in court.

Corleone Holdings would also drop lawsuits regarding injuries and defamation.

In fact, the evidence was indeed insufficient; the murderer in Wallace's case had already been killed on the spot.

Through this ordeal, Charlie gained connections like Royale and Lewis.

Also, he showed many people his meticulous tactics.

Insiders might guess Suge Knight's downfall was Charlie's behind-the-scenes revenge.

But all that guesswork would remain just speculation.

Daddy Kirk better not try to make rumors come true.

From now on, it was all about a network of interests. Charlie simultaneously warned Kirk not to cross boundaries and also tempted him with benefits.

He smiled and introduced Pillow Health Partnership Group's cooperation with Frank Giustra.

"In the future, this company's financing agreements might truly make money. As long as Corleone Studios' films keep succeeding, Frank Giustra won't mind selling partnership stakes. I've invested as well. Kirk, maybe your paper assets could be sold by Frank."

Etto explained Frank Giustra's background.

Kirk was stunned. The bastard's moves were strong. He actually had a financing company? Could he really make money?

Watching Charlie casually smile, half-turned, playing with the little kitten on his hand, Kirk suddenly pictured Charlie as Marlon Brando in The Godfather.

For a moment, he felt like the Godfather was right there in front of him.

Shaking his head to clear the fanciful thoughts, Kirk joyfully said, "Well then, I look forward to Corleone Studios' growth. If the paper contracts from Pillow Health Partnership can bring some profit, that'd be great. Charlie, I thank you in advance."

The old man implied there would be no further investment.

Charlie rolled his eyes. Was it really necessary to be so cautious? Did he really look like a con man?

*****

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