Chapter 139: A Private Deal with Universal

[Chapter 139: A Private Deal with Universal]

The red Porsche 933 Targa version was quite rare, even in a city like Los Angeles. It sped down Fox Street at 50 miles per hour, followed by a Chevrolet. From the camera sticking out of the Chevrolet's open window, it was clear this was an independent paparazzo.

Recently, the British Rose Rachel had been appearing in newspapers constantly. Universal had also announced they invited the talented actress to star in their big-budget production The Mummy.

So many in Hollywood were both envious and jealous of her. Of course, countless others trembled with excitement chasing the American Dream she represented.

Rachel was now a rising star at the center of entertainment buzz. Her photos could fetch some money. It was said that the last time someone captured photos of her staying overnight at Hollywood's newest tycoon Charlie Corleone's mansion, the pictures sold for $900.

Some tabloids spread rumors that she climbed into Charlie's bed to achieve her dream of stardom. Neither party commented. The freelance paparazzo hoped to make a quick buck from the scoop.

Unfortunately, he didn't quite understand -- Rachel's fame wasn't high enough yet. Her personal life wasn't the main focus of public attention.

Rachel herself didn't mind being chased by photographers. She was getting used to this lifestyle.

In fact, she had never really worried about money growing up. When she first came to Hollywood to make it on her own, she met that bastard.

After Fifty Shades of Gray, her paycheck reached $200,000. Along with one or two commercials, it was more than enough to package her as a small star, plus extra to buy an expensive new car.

Of course, all of this was thanks to that bastard -- otherwise, she wouldn't have earned $200,000.

Everything was perfect except for her personal relationship issues.

She drove distractedly, imagining ways to make that bastard kneel and beg for forgiveness in tears.

Then she shuddered, imagining how the ruthless guy, with nothing to lose, would angrily charge into her luxurious estate with a double-barreled shotgun, his cold eyes flashing as he would blast her brains out.

"Ugh, how frustrating!"

Rachel's face wrinkled as she abruptly braked by the roadside, lost in thought.

"What should I do? Why did I have to meet such a guy?"

She wanted to leave but hated to let that bastard off easy. She wanted revenge but had no good plan. If she self-destructed to make him miserable briefly, she feared his ruthless retaliation.

Was that bastard's heart made of stone? They had fought together from nothing. Were all those sweet words and romance just lies?

Lost in thought, Rachel started the car again and soon arrived at the parking garage under the Haas Building.

...

Across the street at the Haas coffee chain, two men in suits laughed facing each other by the window.

Universal CEO Ronald Meyer smiled as he said something, gazing outside with a teasing look and raised his chin, "Your little cat just came to see you."

Charlie glanced at Rachel confidently striding into the building and shrugged. Lifting Evelyn, who fidgeted at his sleeve, he said, "My little cat is right here."

"Hahaha, alright, you bastard," Ronald laughed. "You really should teach me some of your tricks. I always can't handle these things. Those actresses want resources and hush money. You know, I'm married."

'Scumbag!' Charlie sneered inside but smiled jokingly, "Maybe because you're ugly and old?"

Ronald frowned darkly and shook his head, "Yeah, you're right. But I gotta tell you, Michael's doing pretty well lately."

Charlie wasn't intimidated and chuckled, "Don't be like that, man. You don't think I gave you North American distribution rights for The Pursuit of Happyness just to help me get introduced to Michael Ovitz, do you? Universal is happy to work with Will Smith and would love to see Corleone stir more conflicts with Fox and Disney."

Ronald took off his glasses, wiped them, rolled his eyes, and said, "You're just like Eisner -- domineering. You're allowed to joke, but I'm not? Although you're right."

"Hahaha, I'm not domineering just capricious. You gotta forgive a young man's whims, old man," Charlie smiled but then grew serious. "Alright Ronald, no more jokes. Corleone produces The Pursuit of Happyness. You hold North American distribution rights while Fox has international rights. We only get production and management fees; no other shares. For details, talk to CAA, your old colleague will play nice with Universal. Michael's been having tough times lately. I want to talk to him. Considering the profit share you get from the North American rights, you gotta help me influence Michael positively."

Ronald nodded seriously, "Sounds good. I have no major objections. But Charlie, are you sure about bundling international rights with Fox? Universal could offer better terms."

Charlie shook his head, "I can't. I've got enough troubles. Many of my assets belong to Fox. Murdoch is aggressively conquering America. He wouldn't like some small player making him a laughing stock in the industry."

Ronald nodded, "Alright, for now, it stays. You're quite perceptive. Corleone losing some respect among big shots like Murdoch and Eisner is worse than losing small profits."

What else? Would the billion-dollar tycoons really take Corleone as a serious rival?

Just like he treated Jada as a flea, Eisner and others only saw him as a toad on their shoe.

Charlie fiddled with Evelyn on his lap while thinking, "Here's to a great partnership Ronald. I've got Will under control. I hope you can get through to Michael. It shouldn't be hard; his failures at Disney will keep him away from top executive roles for a long time."

Ronald nodded, "Not easy, but I'll try."

"Don't worry, I can wait for a year or two," Charlie replied.

They casually discussed other industry matters, confirmed plans to sign the contract early next year, then stood up and shook hands to leave.

At that moment, Rachel fluttered in like a butterfly, pushed open the coffee shop door, came straight over with a bright smile, and said, "Hi darling, hi Mr. Meyer!"

*****

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