King of Hollywood-Chapter 217 - I Collect
Chapter 217: Chapter 217: I Collect…
Chapter 217 -217: I Collect…
Adrian couldn’t possibly be unaware of how much vitality Apple had regained after Jobs made his return. It was one of the reasons he initially forged a good relationship with Jobs, with Pixar being the second.
But he was unclear about how Jobs could have made his way back to Apple or why he directed Apple to adjust its course. Perhaps the success of Pixar had increased his leverage and influenced him, but perhaps not—who knows?
Of course, just like that famous saying from Hollywood: no one is indispensable, not even Jobs was 100% irreplaceable. If Adrian were to take the CEO position at Apple, as long as designers like Jonathan Ive remained, he might not match Jobs, but he could at least achieve 80% of what Jobs did. Okay, perhaps that example wasn’t quite right. Without Jobs, Apple might have faltered and declined, or they might have found a better CEO and achieved even more brilliant successes. The future draws people in with its uncertainty.
However, this was exactly the scenario Adrian wanted to avoid. His greatest reliance and advantage lay in his foresight, so naturally, he always had to be mindful of minimizing the butterfly effect. Besides, with Jobs, Apple was going to be a super massive cake in the future—compared to it, Pixar’s benefits were a drop in the ocean. It would be a pity to lose that.
Yet, if he really chose to share Pixar’s power with Jobs, he would likely have to haggle with him later when it came to integrating the animation sector—this guy was no pushover. So, what to do? Adrian still had to think it over.
It only took a few days for Adrian to make up his mind.
“You mean, you want to spend tens of millions on a computer animation studio that’s been losing money for seven straight years, with losses of over a million each year?” Claude opened the wine cabinet in his study and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses, then turned around to pour the wine while staring at Adrian.
“It won’t exceed 50 million. Uncle Regret has collected some information for me. Just a few weeks ago, Jobs thought about selling it to Microsoft at this price, but Microsoft thought it was too high and didn’t accept. I don’t think Jobs would ask for more now,” Adrian said calmly, taking the glass to raise it high and inspect it. Then, he swirled it and brought it to his nose for a deep sniff before finally closing his eyes to taste a sip.
“An ’83 Margaux? You really know how to enjoy yourself, Claude,” he said, opening his eyes in surprise at his old pal.
“It’s because I’m hosting you,” Claude shrugged, then showed a curious look, “But how did you guess it right the first time? Even the year.”
“The wine bottle is right in front of me—I can read the number and words on it,” Adrian pointed at the bottle in his hand.
Claude’s mouth fell open in astonishment, and then he burst into laughter, “Do you think I am Conan Doyle driving a cab?”
Adrian didn’t reply, tasting the wine again before looking back at Claude. Claude obviously knew what he meant and smiled, shaking his head before speaking, “No problem, I’ll contact Jobs.”
Now it was Adrian’s turn to show a look of astonishment. He stared at Claude for several seconds before speaking in a surprised tone, “Wait a minute, Claude, you mean… you agreed?!”
“Yes, I agreed. What’s wrong?” Claude asked, befuddled, shrugging his shoulders, “Have you changed your mind?”
“No, no, no!” Adrian waved his hands hurriedly, looking at him as though he were viewing a rare animal, “Shouldn’t you be opposing this? Shouldn’t you be lecturing me about investment and risk?! Shouldn’t you be trying to dissuade me from taking such a big risk!”
“Right, I did think that at first. After gathering some data and consulting with some professionals, I also believe computer animation has a future. But spending such a large sum to buy a studio that’s been losing money for years doesn’t seem wise,” Claude said, making gestures, “But then, upon reflection, I’ve rejected several of your proposals already. If I did it again this time, my CEO position might not be secure. So… I compromised.”
That performed concern caused Adrian’s mouth to twitch involuntarily, but he quickly composed himself and, with a distressed and anxious demeanor, waved his hands, “How could you do this, Claude! You should stick to your principles! You should keep opposing and convincing me not to take such a big risk!”
“Hey, what’s going on? When I disagree, you insist I agree; when I agree, you don’t want me to?!” Claude looked at him, utterly baffled.
“Because I had already planned for it. You agreeing would disrupt my plans,” Adrian spread his hands wide, and before Claude could ask questions, he explained, “From the previous proposals, I knew there was a good chance you’d oppose this acquisition since you are always cautious about these matters. So I prepared in advance, ready to have Uncle Regret buy Pixar in my name if you rejected it. Then once Pixar soared, I would integrate it into AC Media, to squeeze your 25% of shares even more!”
“You were actually scheming against me!” Claude looked at him with feigned shock.
“Hey, how can you say that? I clearly discussed it with you, but you rejected the proposal, so of course I had to buy it with my own money,” Adrian raised his hands innocently, “It’s a completely normal business move.”
“But now I’ve agreed, and you’re asking me to reject. If this isn’t scheming, what is it?” Claude said, somewhat argumentatively.
“Have you ever seen a scheme laid out so openly… hey… you idiot… I’m warning you, Claude, if you keep this up, I won’t be polite anymore!” Adrian parried Claude’s jabs, furrowing his brow in warning.
“Is that so, kid?” Claude immediately jumped up, gesturing with his fists, “Want to throw a few punches?”
This scenario left Adrian momentarily stunned. Images flashed through his mind unexpectedly, memories of a past self. He remembered boxing with Claude in a private club before, but why did he now feel an inexplicable wave of emotion spreading from his heart? It lasted only seconds before disappearing, but…
Adrian suddenly laughed and then jumped up, loosening a button at his collar and took a fighting stance, gesturing with a wave of his hand at Claude, “If you’re looking for a beating, come at me.”
“You speak with such confidence, Ed,” Claude threw a few punches as a warm-up, “I’d defeat you effortlessly, if this weren’t my study, if I weren’t without my boxing gloves, you’d already be lying… ah!”
With a thud, Claude fell to the ground, while Adrian, having thrown a heavy punch that missed, took several steps forward before looking down, somewhat between laughter and tears, at Claude clutching his head on the floor.
“You’re still the same, no change at all. My fist didn’t even touch you,” he teased.
“Do you expect me to wait for your punch to hit before I lie down? You’re someone whose blows are neither light nor heavy,” Claude said indignantly as he sat up, “There’s no need for… ”
He suddenly closed his mouth. Adrian was first stunned, then realized what Claude was worried about and couldn’t help but laugh freely, “No worries, you can always tell The Godfather.”
“Don’t mention it, my father would just tell me to hit back with my fists,” Claude said as he got up lazily.
The two men bumped fists, then shared a laugh. Certain things between best bros didn’t need to be spelled out.
“How about finding an opportunity to go into the ring and have a couple of proper rounds?” Claude suggested as he settled back into his chair.
“No problem, I’m ready whenever,” Adrian said, clapping his hands in agreement as he too sat down.
“Then it’s settled, I’ll contact Jobs as soon as possible,” Claude steered the conversation back, “The bottom line is that we must get Pixar, right?”
“Yes,” Adrian nodded, “It’s better if you negotiate with him personally, to show our serious intent, to emphasize how important Jobs is to us. I’m convinced we can get more out of him.”
“As you wish,” Claude raised both hands, then with a mischievous smile, he added, “Well, if all goes as planned, we’ll soon have ownership of Pixar, and you won’t be able to use that trick on me anymore.”
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“What a shame, I’ve already asked Uncle Regret to prepare to buy out Silicon & Synapse, so I’ve got plenty of opportunities,” Adrian said with a “cold laugh.”
“So confident, huh?” Claude raised an eyebrow.
“Just wait and see, Crow,” Adrian laughed heartily, “How about we celebrate with another bottle of good wine?”
“Let’s finish the one we’ve already opened,” Claude suggested, raising the bottle in his hand.
“That won’t do. You have a great collection of wines, how can you fob me off with an ’83 Magor,” Adrian commented, then pondered, “How about we open that bottle of 1784 vintage white wine from Chateau Vineyard?”
“Don’t even think about it! That’s a collectible for viewing only, drinking it would be a sacrilege!” Claude exclaimed.
“Not drinking it would be the real sacrilege,” Adrian muttered, but then waved his hand, “Alright, alright, I won’t target your collection.”
He wasn’t seriously considering that bottle, just seizing the opportunity to tease Claude. Collectibles, in a sense, are more like trophies, mostly for showing off. Just like those people who collect famous paintings or antiques love to show them off to guests, and even ordinary folks collect stamps or whatnot. Many animals have such habits, and after all, humans are higher animals.
“I remember you used to like collecting cars, seems like you’ve lost interest now?” Claude suddenly asked.
“Yes, I’ve moved on,” Adrian nodded.
“So what do you collect now?” Claude inquired with interest.
Adrian was about to say nothing, but then an idea popped into his head.
“Now I…” he began slowly, looking at the dark red glow in the glass in his hand, a playful smirk appearing on his lips, “collect women!” (To be continued. For more, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)
