Chapter 146: Saying Goodbye to the Old and Welcoming the New

[Chapter 146: Saying Goodbye to the Old and Welcoming the New]

"No way! That bastard wouldn't dare hit me! Only that call girl, or that black girl, ever played those kinds of games with him," Rachel replied indignantly.

Emma looked puzzled.

"Uh, why would you think of such weird games? Also, your tone sounds more like jealousy than anger. Do you hate him, or love him?"

My God, this woman really had no hope! It seemed like she'd never be able to escape the grasp of the 'Godfather.'

Shaking her head, Emma decided not to argue with her friend anymore. She even thought maybe she should find time to take Rachel to see a counselor.

"Wow, that bastard called? That's rare. Someone must have ratted me out!" Suddenly, a ringtone sounded. Rachel leaned over Emma and grabbed the phone on the coffee table, her voice filled with both joy and worry.

Emma rolled her eyes again silently. Having her friend bring up the multiple schizophrenic-like issues related to Corleone all day was driving her crazy.

"Hi, darling, what's up? I probably can't come to see you today. I need to prepare for my role in The Mummy," Rachel said with an innocent tone, smiling as she answered the phone.

...

At a Pacific community villa in Santa Monica, Charlie was lying on the couch, casually playing with a kitten in one hand and holding the phone in the other, speaking casually: "Next time, use a better excuse. Don't worry, I'm not scolding you, just giving advice. Don't argue so loudly in front of so many people. It just makes you look ridiculous.

What I really want to say is about Peter Jackson. Patrick already told me, but you? Why didn't you tell me? You know how much I care about The Lord of the Rings project, and I haven't outright rejected that New Zealand director yet."

"Hmm, I forgot. I was going to tell you. I'm just a small-time actress; I don't know much about this," Rachel replied, sounding a bit aggrieved.

This woman had gotten bad, turning a little sassy.

Charlie rolled his eyes. "Alright, now you get it. You know what to do."

"I don't get it, darling. Could you be clearer? I promise I'll behave," Rachel smiled and blinked.

Damn, what a pain!

Charlie suddenly sat up, and Evelyn in his arms startled. "Damn it, speak properly! I swear I want to punch you until you cry! Come over here right now."

"Bastard, what did I do wrong this time? If you hit me, I'm calling the cops!"

"Don't worry about it."

...

An hour later, Rachel stormed over to the Pacific community villa to confront Charlie. Both were angry and ended up arguing and even getting into a physical conflict. They fought fiercely into the night.

In the end, considering work the next morning, Charlie decided to call it off.

...

Early next morning, Rachel held Evelyn, eating breakfast while glancing at Charlie.

Charlie finished a sandwich quickly, then looked up grumpily, "What are you staring at? I've been so busy recently, not in the best shape, and I got some belly fat. Got a problem with that?"

"No!" Rachel laughed and shook her head.

Charlie rolled his eyes again and decided not to keep talking about it. His expression turned serious. "Alright, no more jokes! The Lord of the Rings is very important to me. I can let you cause trouble and get your petty victories many times, but I want you to know my bottom line. You can contact Peter Jackson and slightly reveal that The Lord of the Rings will officially start preparation next year, the director is not confirmed, and his chances aren't high."

"Okay, darling!" Rachel didn't care about Charlie's tone; she thought he was just acting macho. The face she used to hate now seemed a bit cute.

Charlie thought the same.

He felt this woman was so easy to toy with. Just give her a little candy, and she's happy and lost.

...

After breakfast, Charlie called Uncle Lamont and headed to the company, and Rachel, not allowed to stay, drove off herself.

Charlie first went to the IP company, found Nina's commissioned creative team, and reviewed the latest story content for How to Train Your Dragon, along with two other series' writing status.

Currently, the commissioned creative team was expanding with a new pay standard. The writing team could not only get credit but also share royalties after book publication.

Except for copyright, Charlie was giving as much as he could. The IP company was an incubator and couldn't afford mistakes.

Afterward, Charlie and Locke discussed Harry Potter plans, confirming to start early next year.

Locke had already sent more staff to sabotage Rowling's attempt to sell copyright in the UK.

In the afternoon, Charlie returned to the Haas Building and handled many trivial tasks.

He also contributed ideas to the screenwriting department regarding the scripts for Wrong Turn 2 and American Pie.

...

At the end of the year, Charlie was very busy. Besides focusing on company growth and leading the team to sign a series of complex contracts, he had to attend so-called high-society balls with Frank, Bobby, Jason, and Lewis from the Corola Foundation.

These events did not bring new funding to Pillow Health Partnership Group. Instead, he ended up giving away tens of thousands of dollars here and there to some government officials and local security funds in Los Angeles.

The money wasn't much, but Charlie had to appear in person to maintain the interests.

...

Finally, year-end came, and Charlie and Judy took another trip to Mann, Texas, and Memphis.

Unfortunately, he didn't get to see that girl, Ivana, again.

...

After the New Year, Lion Corleone Film and Entertainment Group officially signed a contract with 20th Century Fox to handle international distribution for the next three years.

This time there were no contract loopholes, with initiative on Fox's side, but Charlie put forward some promotional requests to try to reduce the duration.

Thus, this company, established only half a year ago, now had strong North American distribution capabilities and stable, well-revenue international channels.

...

The company headquarters on Breno Street underwent partial renovations. Corleone's people began moving in.

After a short holiday and with the new office, everyone was eager to get started.

Charlie, having rested, began diving into the new year's work.

In a spacious and bright conference room on the second floor of headquarters, Charlie hosted a meeting to discuss the planning and launch of the latest projects.

*****

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