"45.8 degrees. Sorry, but I asked for 46 degrees," Larry said calmly, his voice carrying a tone of subtle, unyielding authority.
James felt a surge of anger flare within him. Did Larry truly expect him to get a towel precisely at 46 degrees? Maintaining a specific temperature in a towel, given that it constantly loses heat, was almost impossible. The difference was a mere 0.2 degrees, yet Larry remained unsatisfied, as if the slight deviation were a grave transgression.
Despite his frustration, James dared not show it. He had already thought this through while fetching the towel. He knew Caroline wouldn't mistake someone's identity, and he hadn't seen Larry since high school. Larry's current status was unknown to him. What if Larry had indeed become successful and influential?
"It's only 0.2 degrees off. Can't you make an exception?" James asked, struggling to conceal his irritation and keep his tone measured.
Larry ignored him, acting as though he hadn't heard James at all. His silence was a cold, dismissive response that stung more than any words could.
Left with no choice, James looked to Caroline for help. But Caroline, eager to appease Larry, said, "If Larry doesn't forgive you, don't bother coming to work tomorrow."
James shivered, a chill running down his spine. He had worked tirelessly to get into Emperor Entertainment, climbing the ranks to become a manager. Losing this job was not an option he could afford.
"I'll get it right this time," James said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. He left the room, determined to meet Larry's exacting standard.
He returned three or four more times, each attempt falling short of the elusive 46 degrees. Finally, unable to bear the ordeal any longer, he knelt before Larry. "Mr. Hermes, I'm truly sorry. I shouldn't have looked down on you. Please forgive me. I don't want to lose my job."
Larry looked at James with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You realize your mistake now?"
James remained silent, his face a portrait of despair. He knew that any further plea would be futile without Larry's consent.
Larry then said, "Alright, this time I'll let it go."
Despite James's flaws, he was competent. Larry needed capable people to run the company and didn't want to lose a useful manager over this incident.
James, initially desperate, beamed with joy and said, "Thank you, Mr. Hermes! Thank you!"
Caroline, relieved, said to James, "Offer a toast to Mr. Hermes."
James quickly grabbed a wine glass. "Mr. Hermes, here's to you!"
The three began drinking, the tension easing slightly with each round.
**Title: Strategy Discussion: Shaping the Future of Emperor Entertainment**
Larry, Caroline and James were sitting in a stylish and modern conference room at Emperor Entertainment. They were talking about the future of the company in a serious atmosphere.
Larry leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but majestic. "We need to discuss our strategy moving forward. The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly and we must adapt."
Caroline nodded in agreement. "I think expanding our digital business should be a priority. Streaming services and online content is where the market is going."
Eager to contribute, James added: "Absolutely. We should consider developing our own streaming platform. This would give us greater control over our content and revenue."
Larry considered this, his eyes thoughtful. "It's a great idea, but we need to differentiate ourselves. What unique features can we offer that will differentiate us from existing platforms?"
Caroline chimed in: "Exclusive content is key. We can invest in high-quality original series and films. Additionally, interactive features such as live Q&A with stars or behind-the-scenes footage can also engage audiences."
"Participation is crucial," added Caroline. "We should also explore virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. They are becoming increasingly popular and can provide unique ways to interact with our content."
Larry smiled, appreciating their enthusiasm and ideas. "These are excellent points. Let's set up a dedicated team to develop our streaming platform and another team to focus on innovative technologies such as VR and AR."
James looked worried. "There are also budget issues. All of these initiatives require significant investment. How do we plan to get funding?"
Larry's expression turned serious. "Money is not an issue, I take care of it.
Caroline added: "We should also consider government grants and partnerships for our technology initiatives. There are many schemes designed to support innovation in the entertainment industry."
Larry nodded. "Well said, Caroline. Let's explore all available options. This is a critical moment for us, and our decisions need to be bold and strategic."
Caroline and James nodded, their resolve growing stronger. Together they are ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
After a few rounds, Larry, Caroline, and James left the restaurant. As they exited, a couple approached, their faces showing arrogance and disdain upon seeing Larry.
"Well, if it isn't my ex-boyfriend," the woman sneered. It was Larry's ex-girlfriend Ana and her current boyfriend, Alex.
Alex glanced at Larry with disdain and said, "A mere clerk. Ana, how did you ever date this guy?"
"Oh, I was young and naive," Ana said, clinging to Alex, her tone dripping with mockery.
Larry smirked and said coldly, "A pair of scumbags."
His voice was loud enough for everyone at the entrance to hear.
"What did you say?" Alex glared, his voice filled with anger.
Ana also looked furious, not expecting Larry to insult her. He had always been so obedient to her before.
"Do I need to repeat it? I knew you two were low, but this low?" Larry sneered.
People around them stifled their laughter.
"You insolent little clerk, how dare you talk to me like that!" Alex was furious and wanted to teach Larry a lesson.
"Who do you think you are?" James stepped forward, his position as Emperor Group's manager making him fearless of Alex.
"Forget him, let's go!" James said, pulling Larry away.
James spoke confidently, but he was unsure of Alex's background. Larry, however, seemed relaxed, not caring about Alex at all.
Larry had no interest in revealing his identity to the couple.
As they left, Alex and Ana's faces were livid.
"They're dead! Who was that guy with Larry?" Alex asked, trembling with rage.
Someone nearby whispered to Alex, "That's James, the new manager of Emperor Group's entertainment department!"
"What? And Larry?"
"You both can go home; I have some matters to attend to," Larry told Caroline and James.
Larry drove his new Lamborghini to New York City's top private hospital. His heart was racing with excitement because he had just learned that his sister, Cristina, had woken up.
Rushing to the hospital, he entered the high-class ward.
Larry sat by Cristina's bed, his eyes red with emotion.
"Larry, don't cry. I'm fine now," Cristina said weakly, smiling serenely.
"Alright, alright. I won't cry," Larry said with a silly smile.
For a long time, his heart had been weighed down by Cristina's condition. Now that she was awake and safe, he could finally relax.
Cristina looked around, worried. "This room must be very expensive. I'm sorry for causing more trouble."
Larry lovingly patted her head. "Don't worry. Your brother is rich now. You just focus on getting better. When you're out of the hospital, I'll take you out for a big meal and buy you whatever you like!"
Cristina shook her head and said sweetly, "I don't want anything. Just being with you is enough."
Her words made Larry's heart ache. He felt guilty for not being able to take better care of her. Since their father abandoned them, they had become orphans together. Cristina had endured as much hardship as Larry, if not more, but she had never complained.
To Larry, Cristina was irreplaceable. He would do anything for her.
They talked for a while longer, but Larry urged Cristina to rest since she had just woken up. He then left the room, his mind racing with plans for her recovery.
In the hallway, the hospital director approached him.
"Director, do you need something?" Larry asked.
The director nodded. "Sir, after your sister woke up, we conducted a comprehensive examination and found an issue."
Larry's heart sank. "What kind of issue?"
The director explained, "Although your sister woke up, her recovery might leave her with some disabilities due to the extensive surgery."
Larry felt a wave of dizziness. Cristina was in the prime of her youth, beautiful and sensible. How could she be left with disabilities?
"Director, please, no matter the cost, make sure she recovers fully!" Larry pleaded.
"Mr. Hermes, there's no need to worry. Her condition is treatable. However…" The director paused. "For the best results, we recommend transferring her to the UK for rehabilitation. It will ensure a full recovery."
"No problem. I'll go with her!" Larry said decisively.
"Mr. Hermes, it's better for you to stay here and stabilize your position. We're arranging a special team to accompany your sister. There's no need to worry about her safety. The process will take one to two months."
Larry's phone rang—it was William. Larry stepped aside to answer it.
"Young Master, I assume the director has informed you about sending your sister to the UK for treatment."
"Yes, and I want to go with her," Larry replied.
William advised, "Young Master, you've just taken over your father's legacy. It's not the time to leave. Also, sending your sister abroad has another purpose."
"What do you mean?"
"Now that your identity is revealed, the Clinton family might come after you. If they target your sister, it could be disastrous."
Larry suddenly understood. The Clinton family was a dark shadow from his past, the source of his hatred. He knew he would have to confront them someday, but he wasn't ready yet.
He needed to grow stronger and ensure his sister's safety.
Larry took a deep breath. "I understand. When will she leave?"
"I've arranged a private jet for tonight at eight."
"Alright."
Returning from the airport, Larry felt empty remembering how reluctant Cristina was to leave. He had convinced her to get the best treatment, and with William personally accompanying her, he wasn't worried about her safety.
He hoped she would return fully healed.
Since Cristina had left, Larry drove straight home, the weight of his responsibilities pressing heavily upon him. As he navigated the city streets, his mind was filled with thoughts of the challenges ahead and the determination to protect his sister at all costs. The road to confronting the Clinton family and securing his and Cristina's future would be arduous, but Larry was ready to face it, driven by his love for his sister and his desire to rise above the adversities that had shaped his life.