[Author Notes:
I'm adjusting the outline going forward. I've decided to cut out any additional emotional entanglements with Rachel and focus solely on Annabelle. Originally, I had envisioned Charlie marrying Annabelle after dating for some time, regardless of any arranged marriages. Now, Annabelle will simply stand as a strong, independent woman raising a child. It's not unusual for a powerful man to have an illegitimate child or two, and this keeps things grounded.
I'm also simplifying the business storyline -- reducing the involvement with MGM-United Artists and moving straight to the acquisition. The groundwork for acquiring MGM has already been laid, so there's no need to drag it out. The company name is already well-established.
Frankly, the narrative has become too convoluted. With so many storylines and simultaneous business ventures, I've started feeling overwhelmed. Some threads -- like the collaboration with Hallmark to acquire a TV platform and set the foundation for a channel -- never made it in because I couldn't find the right moment to include them.
There are just too many different subplots, and properly organizing them would take more energy than I can currently manage. I could write them, but my writing skills aren't strong enough to make them truly engaging. They'd end up reading more like business strategy reports than compelling fiction. The love stories involving Rachel and Annabelle were added later to break up the heavier business elements, but they weren't part of the original plan.
While I enjoy writing about career growth and strategy, I often struggle to find the right narrative entry point. A lot of the time, it feels like I'm just building out a simulation game rather than telling a story.
Ideally, each subplot should be tackled one by one, but I've introduced too many businesses and plotlines that are running concurrently. Some details I've skipped because I felt they didn't need to be explained. Other things that should be expanded, I assumed were self-explanatory and glossed over.
I know how to structure a story -- it's the attention to detail and the pacing that I need to improve. More than anything, I need to better highlight the dramatic elements to keep the narrative compelling.
From here on, I'll trim unnecessary details and accelerate the pace of the main storyline.]
---
[Chapter 281: Cutting Through the Last Foundation Piece]
The scene was bustling with noise.
The main creators were busy taking media interviews, and some executives gathered in small groups, their eyes wandering nervously, occasionally glancing at Charlie and his team, their strong curiosity and gossiping intentions clear.
Charlie paid no mind to the anger of the two big players; instead, he grinned and casually put his arms around their shoulders. "Oh, today is a happy day, don't look so gloomy, old friends. Haven't you heard? Saw's early buzz screenings have received very positive word-of-mouth. Both the theater chains, the few invited critics, and the fandom showed great interest. Roy, you independently hold a stake in Horror Theme Park company too. Just think about it -- our park is really taking shape!"
Since there would be no Wrong Turn 3 release this year, it was time to launch another horror film, moving the franchise toward building a horror universe.
Although the universe concept wasn't fully formed or publicized yet.
But Roy understood well: multiple stable thriller franchises were essential to truly establish a solid foundation for the Horror Theme Park.
Disney was a master at this kind of branding -- Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White, these series of animated TV shows and films laid the groundwork for Disneyland.
The audience for Horror Theme Park was mostly young adults, not families, but it was still a hugely significant market.
Roy's expression softened slightly upon hearing this.
Being older, power struggles were secondary to him; his main hope was to secure more resources for his own family. Disney had grown so huge by now, tangled with countless forces behind the scenes.
Compared to letting Disney keep growing, Roy preferred to pocket a bigger share for himself.
Tom Rothman still wore a cold face, showing his displeasure.
Charlie smiled calmly and glanced over. "Tom, you too. Working in a big corporation isn't easy. I heard you've had some minor trouble recently? I guess you understand these issues never stop."
Tom looked sidelong and smiled, "Oh, who do you think caused the trouble?"
"Definitely not me!" Charlie said without flinching. Seeing Tom scoff, Charlie added, "Your competitors will always give you headaches. Such little things can only put you on a temporary break; they can't inflict real damage. Don't take it out on me. As a friend, I advise you to think more about yourself. Climbing up a big corporation is troublesome; better to start your own business."
Tom sighed deeply, no longer pretending anger.
Charlie's low-level attempt at sowing discord was just the inevitable downside of big corporations.
Having been tempted a few times, Tom could hardly say he had no interest in Lion Corleone.
A promising company, with even a small stake before IPO, would skyrocket assets post-listing and bring influence.
Much better than being a regular employee.
Big corporations had inherent disadvantages; emerging smaller firms naturally had built-in advantages.
Otherwise, the world would stagnate; newcomers wouldn't ever have a chance, which would break natural law.
Tom just shook his head silently, offering no reply. Looking at the lively premiere and the grand, modern style Corleone Theater, he sighed, "Charlie, you're increasingly admirable, in just over three years... Let's go in. I want to see how your film did. I'm also curious if your Horror Theme Park can become a century-old enterprise.
But at moments like this, Lion Corleone will face challenges. Freezing international distribution deal negotiations won't temporarily will not bring about any fundamental changes."
Roy said nothing but walked alongside them.
As they entered the theater, Charlie glanced at Tom, secretly amused.
This guy wasn't truly loyal to Fox -- besides his natural arrogance, no one was forever loyal.
A simple reminder was all Charlie gave, a tactful response from both sides.
But Charlie didn't continue to warmly court him.
Tom Rothman was a very capable producer, executive, and industry veteran.
But Lion Corleone was no longer the greenhorn. Michael Ovitz, Lawrence Bender, Patrick Whitesell were excellent, and up-and-comer Kevin and others were also full of talent.
There were still many executive slots open; it didn't have to be Tom. His joining was nice but not necessary.
Charlie's main aim in teasing him was to stir trouble within the Big Six.
Inside the theater, Charlie smiled and said, "The film and media industry is interesting. Lion Corleone's rise not only faces pushback from the Big Six but also attracts many to join. As long as I skillfully manage internal power and resources, nothing is an issue."
Then Charlie excused himself and headed to the lounge to greet Kirk Kerkorian.
---
That old man was a true behind-the-scenes big player, a real capitalist.
His family was considered important when Roy's father was alive; now they'd largely fallen behind.
As for Rothman, he was just an executive.
Though Kirk was only a second-tier capitalist, Charlie made sure to show him respect.
In the lounge, Charlie lamented, "Kirk, you promised to mediate and help Lion Corleone secure international distribution contracts, but the sudden delay has me stressed out."
The old man smiled and watched Charlie perform, unmoved, "I'm busy too. You still have a year, no need to rush."
Charlie rolled his eyes, knowing the old guy was playing dumb and full of bureaucratic nonsense.
So he dropped the pretense and got to the point.
"Lion Corleone's Lord of the Rings first part will officially release late next year. Starting next year, we prepare for the IPO, no later than mid-2000 for listing! We plan to have Bank of America as lead underwriter, with JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, dozens of financial institutions, plus some in Japan, Southeast Asia, and some British banks joining in. If you want, as an old friend, I'd be glad to have you join. But honestly, your stake would be small -- single digits; no board seats."
Kirk was a bit surprised and after a moment's thought asked the key question, "You're confident that after growing, Lion Corleone will still be under your control?"
Charlie's face showed no hesitation; he smiled confidently. "Yes, with support from the Joseph family, Trumm family, the Irish, and Bank of America, besides getting shares, they will not intervene in company development. Of course, I have the trust of the executives! Now, it'd be great if you also support me."
"I definitely support you..." Kirk sighed heavily, looking at Charlie with a mix of admiration and regret.
"Charlie, I've always admired you. Honestly, I wanted you to take over MGM-United Artists.
At first, you were too young; I wanted to watch you grow. But you've grown far too fast, beyond all expectations."
"But we will still be good friends and close partners, right?" Charlie smiled, then lowered his tone, "Kirk, I hope to finish Lion Corleone's last puzzle piece before the IPO. I hope you can quickly help secure the international distribution contracts. To show our friendship, the Horror Theme Park films could co-produce with MGM, and you'd get distribution rights in some countries. How's that?"
*****
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