A party ended on a sour note.
As for the remaining folks, they were likely the ones who had to bear the responsibility. Of course, they could also choose to do nothing. However, even if other conglomerates didn't immediately turn on them, they would later set traps, and excuses were already prepared.
To be honest, they underestimated the problem. How could it not end in a fallout? This wasn't some interest worth only a few hundred million dollars. The interest groups involved could easily tear everything apart.
To be fair, the blame they bore this time was substantial. While there was definitely a case of them riding the wave, saying they orchestrated everything was overestimating them.
"What does that kid want anyway?"
"Ugh, these things are happening back to back. It's impossible for them not to suspect us."
"Calm him down first. Let's not have any more mishaps."
William White's anger was understandable. They had just agreed on something, and now, there's another problem. In a country that values personal integrity, these folks were seen as no better than garbage.
Being inconsistent isn't the worst, but at least give it some time before you flip sides. Are you trying to learn from the mustached man?
If you plan to emulate the mustached man, I'm not Chamberlain.
When these words reached their ears, a few senior figures realized one thing: this bastard was truly reckless.
The issue of the mustached man was a sensitive topic for the Jewish conglomerate, something not to be mentioned unless there was a deep-seated hatred.
Actually, there are plenty of untrustworthy people out there. Why use any people as an example? This wasn't just a slap in the face; it was blatant humiliation combined with a threat.
Murdoch was frustrated; as a dispensable pawn, he was abandoned.
To prevent conflicts from escalating, Citibank had to make the necessary gestures; otherwise, no one would talk with them. After all, who wouldn't compare their words to fart?
For Citibank, it was really an insult. No matter how powerful William White was, he was just a rich country bumpkin. What harm would a bit of pressure do? He should be proud.
But alas, the situation was overpowering. They had many things to deal with and really had no mind for further bickering.
William White's choices were quite unusual. Besides that damned Aussie hooligan, he seemed to have no other requests.
By this point, even those conglomerates relatively close to them were unhappy. If William White wanted to step in, there was nothing more to say. It was time to teach this brat a lesson.
Now that it's clear, those folks were completely unrelated. In the end, all their grievances were rooted in dissatisfaction with their previous actions.
In this way, nothing more needed to be said. This matter was up to them. If they couldn't deal with those Washington folks, they wouldn't show any mercy either.
...
"William, just how much do you hate those old guys?"
"George, which one do you mean? All my enemies are old guys. No idea if they've dead yet. Once they're gone, I'll pick on their kids."
"Wow, you're shameless, aren't you?"
"They say never bully a poor young man. The important thing is, I'm not poor, yet they dared to bully me."
"So, why not mention some other conditions? Is that Aussie old coot really that tricky?"
"It's not that I didn't want to mention it; I dare not mention it. If I ask for California and Texas phone numbers now, do you think those old geezers would tear me to shreds?"
"Texas might be possible, but California? Absolutely not."
"That's right. Texas has a lower population density and vast lands. I'd have to be crazy to go after that. Besides, even if I was eager, I couldn't show it. Otherwise, it would be troublesome."
William White knew Citibank was digging a hole for him again by casually mentioning the phone company matter. Did they really think he was stupid?
He couldn't get involved in such matters. Otherwise, he would become the target of everyone's attack. Citibank couldn't fix it themselves and wanted to drag others into their pit.
...
The Falklands war was over, and NBC went on a science spree, talking about England's colonization, naturally bringing up Mrs. Peron.
It's amusing to think they went to such lengths for a movie.
"What did he say?"
"Father, it's not what I imagined. He's not interested in those things."
"How's that possible? Foolish boy, Citibank is constrained here and naturally wants to drag others down with them."
"Those darn things, I won't be the messenger next time. This was a trap for me as well."
"Haha, how could that be? Did you think your old man was dead? Giving a reminder is smart. Not to mention that mineral water factory, we need partners like his media group."
"Father, this guy's been cozying up to the Democrats lately."
"Hehe, he doesn't like unions, so he's inherently opposed to them politically. It's just appearances for now."
To be fair, many people saw through William White's schemes. Once the news got out, other conglomerates naturally were displeased. Citibank was really playing dirty, attempting to shift the blame.
To be honest, William White's involvement was their biggest concern. This guy had both conviction and money. If he pulled a "snatch from the fire" stunt again, it wouldn't be merely a current issue.
This guy had a record. Be it gold or silver, he made quite a profit from them.
William White's Swiss bank account had already been exposed. Those mysterious offshore companies were certainly his doing.
...
"The trailer looks good, Lucas. Who's that influential to convince Spielberg?"
"Huh, how could you tell?"
"Sigh, the level is different. Today's trailers, most of them are trash. Then you look at this one, perfect."
Lucas was quite pleased. The box office for Speed had surpassed 150 million. His initial investments had paid off handsomely. If nothing unexpected happened, global box office might exceed 500 million, with at least 400 million.
With a movie this successful, the peripheral benefits were naturally abundant. The movie was still in theaters, and several video rental chains were already lining up. When the film officially left theaters, they'd absolutely want to be first in line to get their hands on those.
Movie peripherals were still a lucrative business and a steadily flowing one at that.
Don't underestimate the rental business; it made quite a bit. The most bizarre movie in previous times was The Shawshank Redemption.
The movie flopped, the Oscars flopped, but it was beloved by many. For quite a while, it was the most rented movie in rental chains.
...
"Sir, United Artists was sold for fifty-five million dollars. You get 007."
"Filson, just like that, buy it. That bastard Kirk Kerkorian is really cunning. By the way, are they selling the film library?"
"Can't believe it, boss. Who sells such things?"
"Don't doubt it. Kerkorian isn't a decent guy. He's concerned with how to recoup his investment early."
"Alright, boss, I'll try to make contact to see if that's really the case."
"Go ahead, but don't have any doubt. He's just that type of person."
Filson left, continuing to bargain for his boss. Fifty five million was nothing; they could earn that back with just one movie.
*****
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