Martin gazed at the casually dressed man before him, whose attire stood out in the formal setting of the charity event.
His lips curled into a subtle smile.
Steve Jobs—the founder of Apple Computers and one of the most influential minds of his time.
"Martin Meyers, can we talk?"
"Of course, Mr. Jobs," Martin replied warmly, though his thoughts raced.
Despite Jobs' reputation for arrogance, impatience, and a litany of personal controversies, Martin deeply respected his genius—particularly his unmatched aesthetic vision. Apple's clean, cutting-edge designs would later become the hallmark of both technological innovation and cultural status, and Martin had always admired that.
He also knew why Jobs was here.
"You're interested in the rights to Kung Fu Panda, aren't you?" Martin ventured, breaking the ice.
Jobs raised his chin slightly, a trademark gesture of quiet superiority. "Correct. Pixar's next animated feature should be Kung Fu Panda."
Martin's smile widened. This man truly didn't waste time.
"Mr. Jobs, I greatly admire Pixar's prowess in 3D animation," Martin began, "but regarding the rights to Kung Fu Panda, you'll need to speak with my agent."
Jobs adjusted his glasses, his tone laced with condescension. "I could do that, but since we're both here, why waste time? My time is quite valuable."
That subtle air of superiority—a constant trait in Jobs' demeanor—was palpable. His tone wasn't overtly rude but carried an unspoken message: It's an honor for you to even be speaking with me.
Martin leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. With a relaxed, elegant posture, he met Jobs' gaze, his own smile sharper now.
"Perhaps your time is precious, Mr. Jobs," Martin said coolly, "but you're using it to waste my equally valuable time. I'm afraid I'm not interested in discussing Kung Fu Panda at the moment."
Jobs blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His brow furrowed as if recalibrating.
"I've heard," he said slowly, folding his arms, "that you've been acquiring Apple shares. Is that true?"
Martin's smile deepened. "Indeed. If you'd like to discuss selling me shares, I'd be delighted."
Jobs leaned back, his expression tightening with a faint smirk. "I'll save you the trouble. You won't be able to acquire any significant number of shares—not without my consent."
Martin tilted his head, his smile unflinching. "I think you're mistaken."
"Oh?" Jobs raised an eyebrow.
"Quite the contrary, Mr. Jobs. You won't stop those shareholders from selling their stakes to me. In fact, you may even encourage them."
Jobs stared at Martin, incredulous. "And why would I do that?"
"Because," Martin said softly, his voice calm yet firm, "who wouldn't want a major shareholder who has no interest in meddling with the company's affairs? Someone willing to delegate their voting rights to a capable leader—someone like you?"
Jobs' lips parted slightly, his retort momentarily stifled.
Martin leaned in just slightly, locking eyes with him. "Think about it, Mr. Jobs. A silent supporter, backing your vision without interference. Isn't that exactly what Apple needs?"
A flicker of realization crossed Jobs' face. His lips curled into a genuine smile—rare for the famously stoic man. "Interesting. You have a point."
He straightened his posture, his demeanor softening. "Fine. I'll have my assistant discuss the rights to Kung Fu Panda with your agent. But let's talk about these shares."
Martin smiled back, equally sincere. "Whatever you want, Mr. Jobs."
The two men continued their conversation until the auction portion of the charity event began. As Jobs returned to his seat, Martin did the same.
Diana, sitting beside Martin, leaned in curiously. "What were you two talking about?"
"Mr. Jobs wants to buy the rights to Kung Fu Panda," Martin replied casually.
"Really? That's fantastic!" Diana beamed, completely unaware of the underlying tension in their exchange.
Then, her expression shifted slightly. "But I don't like him very much. He's so arrogant."
Martin chuckled. "I agree. I don't like him either."
In truth, Martin wasn't lying. The encounter with Jobs had drained more of his energy than he cared to admit. The man's domineering personality and stubborn will were exhausting to contend with, even for someone like Martin.
Still, the results were worth it. With Pixar interested in Kung Fu Panda and Jobs warming to the idea of Martin's involvement with Apple, the pieces were falling into place.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.