King of Hollywood

Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Then Let’s Expand a Little First

“We can make preliminary contacts with both companies at the same time, without going too deep, just consider it gathering intelligence. Then we’ll find an opportunity to converse and analyze, just as you said, we need time and patience.” Adrian ultimately said, although he hadn’t completely given up on the idea of acquiring ABC, his heart had actually started to lean towards TBS.

Claude was right, their foundation was still too weak. ABC was appetizing, but the risks were not ordinary. While he believed that if his uncle and The Godfather could give their full support, they could safely navigate through the issues Claude had mentioned. But such support could be given once or twice, but not repeatedly, especially with that stodgy uncle… hence, that support should be reserved for where it’s needed more.

Compared to ABC, TBS was indeed much cheaper, and saving a large amount of capital could also ensure subsequent development, not to mention owning the CNN brand. Moreover, if they developed a broadcasting company like TBS to the extent of the Four Major Broadcast Companies, the sense of achievement would hardly be less than rescuing ABC.

Of course, there was another important point, Adrian had recalled some information related to TBS in his memory. According to the original timeline, Turner Broadcasting System would be acquired by Warner in 1996, and then merge with a television network subsidiary of CBS after entering the 21st century, becoming the fifth largest television network in the United States. Okay, that wasn’t the key point. The key was that the acquisition by Warner happened after 1995! This date might seem ordinary for others, but to Adrian, it was quite significant. Wasn’t Claude of the opinion that their development time was too short, lacking notable achievements? Just wait past the year 1995, and this problem would solve itself! The acquisition would also be much smoother.

So, Adrian agreed with Claude’s suggestion. They indeed needed patience and time, and as long as they paid attention continually, even if other situations arose, they wouldn’t stray too far from control.

“Let’s leave it at that, then.” Claude said, raising his coffee cup. However, he stopped halfway and peered into the cup before seriously saying, “I’ve had too much coffee already. I think we should get some wine instead, to celebrate our consensus.”

“Let’s not. If I drink, I’ll end up swinging in every direction just like you,” Adrian said with a laugh, seemingly in a much better mood now that he’d resolved some issues.

“No worries, even if that’s the case, don’t think you can beat me,” Claude shrugged, “Don’t forget, you owe me two dinners.”

“I know, I won’t forget,” Adrian said with an amused shake of his head, looking at the sky before standing up, “But not today, it’s about time. We’ve discussed what we needed to, and I should head back now.”

“Someone is waiting for you at home, right?” Claude teased, looking like he wanted to add more, but he closed his mouth and shrugged his shoulders after Adrian hummed lightly.

“By the way, Crow, there’s one more thing,” Adrian remembered something else, “Since there’s no rush with the television network acquisition, we could make a small expansion next.”

“A small expansion?” Claude raised an eyebrow at him.

“Of course, whether it’s the agent company or the publishing company under AC Media’s subsidiaries, they’re all doing well. So, a small expansion shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Adrian said with a smile.

Although the agent company wasn’t able to poach Willis’s agent, the agents for Samuel Jackson and John Travolta had joined, and they served not only Jackson and Travolta but also several other actors who weren’t well-known yet. Including the corresponding types of actors the agency already had, as time developed and with proper arrangement, the agent company’s future was definitely promising.

As for the publishing company, the “Tomb Raider” released in early April sold better than expected. Readers of adventure novels were tired of male adventurer plots, so a female version of Indiana Jones was a refreshing change. Due to various reasons, the quality of this novel was also between first-rate and second-rate, so after causing a brief sensation, it calmed down again, but the publishing company’s progress became steadier because of it.

And there was no need to mention the film company.

“Don’t forget, you still owe me a CEO position for the agent company, Ed,” Claude reminded at this time.

“You really are nitpicky, Crow,” Adrian rolled his eyes. “Of course I remember, I won’t go back on my word, but it’s not for now. I promise, in at most two years you’ll have your answer.”

“Two years?” Claude hummed thoughtfully and then brought the conversation back, “Alright, back to the topic of expansion, what do you want to do this time?”

“Acquire a record company,” Adrian revealed his plan, “extend our reach into the music industry.”

“The music industry? So soon?” Claude also stood up, shrugging noncommittally.

“I’ve told you before, since we’re in media, we should be involved in all these industries,” Adrian spread his hands out.

“Alright, I’ll keep an eye out, but it’ll take time,” Claude didn’t refuse.

“I hope it can be sooner,” Adrian urged, “Of course, I’m not pressuring you. I’m just considering an idea that might be combined with the record company.”

“An idea, combined with the record company?” Claude looked curious, “Can you tell me?”

“Sure, I was just about to tell you,” Adrian nodded, “You know, if a record company wants to grow, it needs the support of popular singers. But now, those singers with a bit of fame have been divided up by other record companies. If we can’t poach them, we’ll have to cultivate our own. However, that’s not easy either. While we can have people scour the streets or bars for talent, that alone isn’t enough. So, I was thinking, maybe we could target the backup forces of other record companies.”

“Um… Could you explain that in detail?” Claude continued to ask.

“Well, let me give you an example. Because I’m in a decent relationship with Disney right now, so I know some things. They had established a Mickey Mouse Club a few years ago, specially recruiting kids around 8 or 9 years old for training. Those who were suitable were signed and became club actors, then they would perform around the country, sing, and appear on TV. However, I’ve recently heard that the program is on the decline. If it does not improve in the next few months, there’s a big chance it will be cut, and those child actors will probably be dispersed. So, I was thinking maybe we could use this opportunity to discover a few outstanding kids. Think about it, Claude, they’ve received professional training and have stage experience, which is much better than complete newbies. Maybe we could even cultivate a pop diva to rival Madonna,” Adrian said persuasively, a barely noticeable sly smile crossing his lips.

“That doesn’t sound too bad,” Claude said after thinking it over, “But as you said, it’s not certain. If this… Mickey Mouse Club remains popular, then it’ll keep going, right?”

“Of course, I was just giving an example. If not Disney, there are other companies. We can keep an eye out for this kind of information,” Adrian dismissed with a wave of his hand, “The main thing is still to acquire a record company and prepare for the future.”

“Yeah, anyway, it’s all ‘you say, I do,'” Claude sighed teasingly.

“Stop complaining, Claude, you clearly enjoy it,” Adrian laughed, “Alright, I’m off. Let’s get together again sometime—of course, I remember that dinner I owe you; I won’t forget it.”

The sports car drove out of the golf club and quickly took to the highway. Adrian put down the roof and felt the cool breeze against his face. On the whole, he was in good spirits. Claude had given him a big surprise, which made him even more convinced that they were bound to succeed. Although the subsequent discussion about acquiring a television network was a bit disappointing, he quickly adjusted. Such things were normal. Although he had been reborn and had a considerable advantage, it was not as if he could have whatever he wanted; he still had to strive and always remain calm and rational to gain the greatest benefit.

Whether to go with ABC or TBS, better wait until he had gathered enough information. Adrian thought silently while driving, though he was leaning towards TBS. As for the record company, there was still a few months’ time; best to let Claude get everything ready first, hehe, the Mickey Mouse Club…

After about 20 minutes, Adrian arrived back at his villa, greeted Mrs. Galen who was busy in the hall, and, tossing his coat aside, made a beeline for the kitchen.

“It smells good, pity it doesn’t taste as nice,” he leaned in the doorway with a smile, watching the attractive figure bustling at the counter.

“You can choose not to drink it,” Kate turned and gave him a look.

“How could I do that? It’s made especially for me. I even turned down Claude’s dinner invitation for this,” Adrian said, walking over to Kate’s back, wrapping his arms around her waist, and taking a deep breath of her hair.

“Compared to that, your flavor is much better,” he remarked with a double entendre.

Kate, who seemed like she wanted to roll her eyes again, pouted and then posed another question, “Is the soup I made really not that great?”

“It’s not bad, but it’s not great either,” Adrian kissed her earlobe, “Getting to this level is already quite impressive, especially since you’re at school every day. You can’t expect to practice in the kitchen whenever you like, like I do.”

“But it still feels weird…” Kate sighed with a pout, “Plus, your cooking is always so special.”

She suddenly turned around again, “But Mrs. Galen said, she’s never seen you busy in the kitchen before.”

“Silly, do I need to step into the kitchen when she’s around?” Adrian laughed heartily, without a trace of other emotions, “How about this, if it makes you uncomfortable, then from now on, I’ll just stick to compliments.”

(To be continued. For more, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)