"Sir, according to inside sources, there's a development regarding Japan," an assistant reported.
"Ha! Good things take time," William replied.
"They're probably scared now; losing their position as the top creditor can be a shock to them."
"Ha! Who cares about that position? To me, the biggest boss is the one with the most debts."
Years later, Filson reminisced about his boss's words and couldn't help but feel nostalgic. Who would have thought that offhand comment would turn out to be so prophetic?
"Hey, Filson, didn't Japan's bank ask us to repay our loans early?" William inquired.
"No, but they are taking measures to recover yen," Filson replied.
"Well, I might've borrowed a bit too much. They must be in a tough spot," William mused.
Filson thought to himself that calling it 'a bit too much' was an understatement -- Japan's banks were probably close to tears.
Not just Japan's banks, but American conglomerates were also troubled. As they planned to team up to rob Japan, they found signs of William White everywhere. They couldn't comprehend how much he had invested in Japan.
What infuriated them the most was that it was their own people who were spreading the word. That rascal William White never offered to help. He was just enjoying the show.
Filson left feeling conflicted. "How can you worry about filming at a time like this?"
William wanted to explain that this was his way of managing stress; some people just didn't get it. He knew his remaining investments could flow with the tide, and he didn't have to worry too much.
...
"Hey, she'll be a beautiful princess, don't worry!" he reassured the pregnant woman in his arms, knowing that women could be sensitive during such times.
"Really, you'll love her."
"Ha! What's this nonsense? How could I not love my own daughter? Don't be silly."
In two lifetimes, this was his first child. How could he not love her? In fact, he'd made sure to carve out as much time as possible for her.
"Hey, Suzuki, you've packed on some pounds lately. Been keeping up with your training?"
"I've had a heavy training regimen lately. Just that, my appetite has been great, so I've been eating a lot."
"Ha! She must take after her dad; a little piggy! Don't starve her!"
"The doctor said the baby is quite big; giving birth might be a bit challenging."
"Don't worry! The medical team is coming in a couple of days. Everything will be fine."
With that reassurance, the woman soon drifted off to sleep. But for William, sleep was still a far-off luxury; there was so much going on this year, and he needed to keep up with those reports.
...
"Sir, Disney is delaying its IPO; this year doesn't look promising. They might not go public until next March at the earliest."
"Hmm, is this due to dissatisfaction with us or the valuation?"
"Probably both. They didn't demand a change in publisher, so it looks like just a posturing."
"But that posture is crucial. Have we heard back from the satellite project?"
"Yes, William White is indeed in talks with Europe. Besides the four satellites, there will be two specifically for European operations. According to insider information, the European Space Agency will secure this contract."
"Ha! That old guy over there will have to cave, won't he?"
"Yes, they're running out of options."
"That sly kid is certainly becoming tougher to deal with."
Though he said that, the old man regretted helping Murdoch; it had burned some bridges. Unless he received something in return, their relationship would continue to linger in a state of frailty.
He had really lost his touch. He had so much history with Citigroup that he had never dared to cross them completely.
Now, William White was really on par with them. In truth, he was lacking in several areas. But what's done is done; they could only tread lightly and mend relations slowly.
...
After finally completing the acquisition of Fox, a confident Rupert Murdoch prepared to make his mark. However, the old man hadn't figured out how to proceed when he received a flurry of resignation letters.
Well, although he intended to poach talent from William White, he ended up stumbling instead. As for his target Barry Diller, there was no way he could accept Murdoch's offer. Even if everyone shared the same beliefs, sometimes it didn't matter. Hollywood ultimately was a place that measured power.
"Filson, does he really think I'm easy to bully?"
"Sir, Murdoch is a bit presumptuous; with such a vast power gap, he likely won't achieve his aim."
"Filson, this guy's identity helps him a lot. In the media and entertainment industry, the top talents are all Jewish."
"Maybe that's his confidence."
"It's just a pity he has his priorities all wrong," William said.
Filson had nothing else to say. He thought it was reckless for a newcomer, who hadn't even established a foothold yet, to try to step on toes.
...
In Hollywood, William White could only be described as a man of immense power. To challenge him with such meager strength was, frankly, laughable.
"Going after William White's talent? What is that old man thinking?"
"Who knows, he's got some nerve, trying to poach Barry Diller."
"If you really want to do that, it's possible. How would anyone find out?"
The big shots of the consortium were speechless at Murdoch's actions. Even they, if there wasn't substantial profit involved, wouldn't easily provoke this hot-headed kid.
When he was still weak, he dared to go head-to-head with Warner Bros. Ironically, Warner ended up backing down.
If you had confidence that would be one thing, but instead, the already fractured Fox was left completely incapacitated this time.
...
"Darling, you're not chasing after someone again, are you?"
In response to Sophie's teasing, William White dismissed it, claiming he was just going after tech experts. Actors couldn't be monopolized anyway. California had that talent act.
"Impossible; I'm not interested in the old man," he replied.
"Humph, Fox has quite a few starlets," she countered.
"Please, they're all from CAA; that's not my concern," he shrugged off.
"Darling, why don't you let me sign with CAA? Do you have some nefarious motive?"
"Yeah, I plan to monopolize you long-term, so you're not escaping," he teased.
"Humph, you have plenty of others in mind to monopolize as well."
William White found himself at a loss for words, realizing his mention of having a daughter triggered her jealousy. Thankfully, being thick-skinned, he quickly shifted the subject.
"Ahem, your English teacher skills aren't cutting it; can't you even fix your accent?"
"Then maybe you should teach me," Sophie said lightheartedly.
"Ha ha, there are too few words between us," he joked.
"Don't, don't move; not today," she retorted.
Someone, unable to teach English and feeling frustrated, eventually left, unable to tolerate the heavy tensions.
...
CAA was expanding, and the number of artists in their hands kept increasing. Although their relationship had eased somewhat in the past two years, the fundamental ideological differences were a matter of principle, with no room for negotiation.
However, White Films had grown into a behemoth. Operating a small agency was manageable, but daring to expand it massively would certainly provoke a strong backlash.
Nobody cared about that tiny agency now; everyone could see it was unprofitable. William White was merely making better arrangements for his woman.
Well, although some complained, most just shrugged it off. If the richest man didn't have any personal pursuits, why not just earn all that money for nothing?
*****
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