[Chapter 69: Everything Progressed According to Plan]
Around 11 PM, Charlie returned quietly to his home in the Sinai community. He opened the door gently, took a deep breath, rubbed his forehead, and casually hung his coat on the entrance coat rack.
Footsteps came from upstairs. "Is that you, Charlie?"
"Yes, Mom. Sorry for disturbing your rest." Charlie immediately masked his fatigue and smiled warmly as he walked upstairs.
"No, I'm not asleep yet," Judy said as she was neatly dressed in loose, comfortable cotton pajamas. She looked at her son and said, "You've been drinking -- you smell like liquor and cologne."
Charlie chuckled awkwardly. "Just some business talks at the bar. You know, I'm a big boss now, very busy."
Judy gave him a half-smile and looked him over for a moment before turning towards the kitchen. "Yeah, I remember a few months ago when you swore you'd become a Hollywood mogul. At the time, I almost thought you were crazy. Then suddenly, you really ended up owning a film group. Kid, I'm proud of you, but being a big boss isn't easy."
Opening the fridge, Judy grabbed a bottle of watermelon juice and returned. "Here, have some juice to sober up."
"Thanks," Charlie said, taking the juice.
They sat together on the living room sofa.
After a few sips of the cool juice, Charlie felt much better. Seeing Judy's caring eyes, he smiled, "So, Mom, have those nasty neighbors around the community tried to push us out again lately?"
This was a modest, middle-low class neighborhood -- not wealthy, and the facilities weren't especially sophisticated. But at least the area was very safe.
Earlier, when Charlie got into trouble, his house was burned down. The neighbors were scared and came to tell Judy to move out!
When safety declines, property prices drop -- that affected their own interests.
Judy smiled. "No, not anymore! You quickly rebuilt the home, held a press conference announcing cooperation with companies like Miramax and Fox. Everyone was happy to have a big boss as a neighbor.
Maria and other people have dramatically changed their attitude. This afternoon, she even invited me over for a visit while I was watering the lawn."
Charlie was glad to see his mom's life back on track. "That's great, Mom! If you want, you could quit your job and become the queen of the stay-at-home moms here. You'd have plenty of time for shopping and traveling, and you'd earn the envy and endless praise from them."
Judy rolled her eyes and playfully slapped her son. "I'm not that bored. By the way, Charlie, your grandfather called today. They're very concerned about what happened to you before. When do you have time to visit?
Thanksgiving is coming soon, and then Christmas. Can you plan ahead?"
Charlie thought for a moment. "Not sure yet. But I'll be going to Las Vegas soon for some industry events, and I'll take that opportunity to visit Grandfather."
"Alright," Judy said, a bit disappointed she couldn't go with him. But she quickly comforted him, "It's okay. You just started Corleone Studios -- it must be tough. You have a lot on your plate."
"Thanks, Mom!" Charlie was touched by her understanding. He gave her a gentle hug and said casually, "Ophir got promoted because of me. He's very grateful. When I'm away on business, he'll check in on you. If you have any trouble, don't hesitate to ask him."
"Okay." Judy's mood darkened a little. "Is there anything else? Charlie, I hope you stay safe, even if that means just being an ordinary supermarket cashier."
Charlie quickly reassured her, acting cheerful, promising nothing would happen.
In fact, he had arranged for Ophir to keep an eye on things -- just in case the Death Row Records' Suge Knight decided to lose his mind.
That guy was always wrapped in trouble and probably had no time to cause more.
Besides, Charlie's current resources couldn't be compared to before.
Charlie always thought about the worst-case scenario.
He was already planning years ahead, whether Lord of the Rings succeeded or failed, how to extricate himself.
He asked Judy to help set up an offshore company where the shares of Corleone Group and Corleone Copyright Management could be kept hidden.
This would facilitate future financial operations and control of the company.
Judy sighed, "I'm glad to help, but what should I do? Why not ask Melche or your lawyer?"
Having multiple layers of security, balancing trust, the best way was to let partners only know what they needed to.
Charlie smiled and explained his twisted reasoning, "It's simple, Mom. I'll prepare all the materials and recommend a local agency. You just bring a lawyer, and it'll be done. The rest will be handled by Gert and the others."
"Alright," Judy agreed reluctantly but suddenly frowned. "Oh, I almost forgot. A lady named Alicia came by this evening. What did you do with her?"
Charlie was stunned for a moment and quickly said, "She actually came here? Did she bring anyone or do anything?"
"Don't worry, Charlie. The girl looked so pitiful," Judy said, puzzled. "She didn't do anything to me, just clung to my arm and cried for a long time, begging you to help her. I even thought she was pregnant with your kid."
Hearing Alicia hadn't lost it, Charlie relaxed, shaking his head. "It's nothing, Mom. No relationship like that. She was once my movie lead, a work matter. Don't worry, I'll handle it."
"Okay." Judy hesitated. "Charlie, I really don't want girls coming around every day accusing you of being a jerk. I know your circle has lots of temptation. Please try to manage it."
"Uh, I will," Charlie chuckled uneasily.
They didn't continue chatting. After saying goodnight, they each went to rest.
...
In the following days, Charlie first met with Gus Van Sant, the prospective director for Good Will Hunting. Although Gus had many doubts about Charlie, he carefully described his vision for the project.
Charlie gave his approval and left the contract negotiations to Lawrence Bender and Spike Lee. The project officially moved forward.
...
For the Wrong Turn project, Kevin and Gore had assembled a writing team, diligently working on adapting the script daily.
Charlie and Garen had considered these issues during the novel's commission phase and, after checking in now, he felt more confident in the team.
...
On Saturday night, Charlie invited his new interest Vera to dinner, and they went to watch Fifty Shades of Gray. Vera excitedly shared that Chicago was rehearsing and would premiere around December, solemnly giving him an invitation.
Vera seemed to treat their relationship seriously, so Charlie had to be more patient.
..
On Sunday, Charlie followed plans to picnic with Mord and Ophir's couple and invited Kevin and others.
A rare leisurely day, everyone was relaxed and enjoyed the pleasant time together.
Corleone Studios had experienced a lot recently.
...
The new week started with Fifty Shades of Gray's North American box office officially surpassing $68 million. It continued to play in theaters, with the usual sliding scale so theaters earned 100% of the box office take.
Charlie held a small celebration at the company.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.