The train driver in the courtyard

(North American plot; readers who don't like this can skip it.)
Things have really gotten out of hand at Xiaomei's house lately.

The occupation of Disney headquarters, coupled with the report in The Workers' Daily, caused an uproar throughout North America.

"Dream weavers who earn three cents an hour: They painted Cinderella, but they themselves couldn't even touch the edge of a pair of glass slippers."

The strikers' manifesto read: 'We don't want some damn castle, we want a paycheck to feed our kids, understand?'

Disney's exploitation of artists has completely stirred up a hornet's nest.

You know, the box office of "Cinderella" reached 1.095 million yuan. Even if you squeeze out a little bit of the profit, it's not enough to make these old artists risk their lives to cause trouble.

"At this moment, even the beautiful Snow White looks repulsive," someone shouted in the street, drawing a chorus of agreement.

Those newspapers that were originally just watching the commotion with their hands in their pockets quickly jumped out and took sides as the matter escalated.

The Wall Street Journal: A Bloody Sunset Amidst Capital Frenzy

"The Myth of Hourly Wages Behind the $1.095 Million Box Office: Unveiling the Survival Dilemma of Disney Animators"

"Non-compete agreements become shackles: Former artist says 'Disney's magic belongs only to shareholders'"
The New York Times: Forgotten Dream Weavers

"Working 12 hours a day without pay: A 90-year-old painter trembles as he laments, 'My life is burning in the paint.'"

"Snow White's Tears: We cannot paint smiles, for we have already cried our eyes out."

Los Angeles Times: Cracks in the Fairy Tale Empire

"Headquarters building overrun! Thousands of artists occupy Disneyland with protest slogans written on canvas."

The labor union urgently appealed: 'Stop glorifying sweatshops with fairy tales'
In an instant, this behemoth that created countless classic cartoon characters was swept up in a raging storm.

Disney responded forcefully, issuing a statement: "All those involved in the action will be dismissed and will be held accountable for any further consequences!"

Public opinion was in uproar. While people were shocked by his ruthlessness, they also felt that it was justified.

What can't a company that can use sticks to deal with an old painter do?

The old artist's future is shrouded in gloom; Disney's tough tactics and deep-rooted foundations are disheartening.

At this critical moment, Red Star Entertainment stepped forward and issued an invitation through the newspaper: "Red Star Entertainment cannot stand idly by while animation professionals suffer such mistreatment and is determined to fight against the industry's unhealthy practices. We are willing to hire all exploited animators, paying three dollars per hour and providing accommodation!"

This is tantamount to pouring boiling oil into a raging fire, causing the atmosphere to heat up instantly.

Three dollars? That's outrageous!

"They also provide housing?"

"Red Star Entertainment is that rich?"

"You didn't know? Kung Fu Panda is their film, which grossed over 80 million at the box office, and experts predict it could reach 150 million!"

"Support Red Star Film & Television!"

People naturally sympathize with the underdog, and both animation enthusiasts and onlookers alike will remember this little-known company and feel much more favorably toward it.

"Damn it! Red Star Entertainment is just here to cause trouble, isn't it?!" Inside the luxurious villa, Old Walter was discussing with a group of managers how to deal with the artists when he saw the newspaper report and was so angry that he smashed his wine glass on the ground.

"They're all in the same industry, don't they know that once the price of painters increases, our final profits will decrease?"

One of the managers raised his hand: "We have signed non-compete agreements with the veteran artists, and according to the law, they are not allowed to work at Red Star Entertainment."

"Yes, I think Red Star Entertainment just wants to show off."

Old Walter ignored the managers and instead looked at a middle-aged man in a gray suit, who was Qi Lin, the representative of the legal department.

Qi Lin adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said with considerable confidence:

"Please rest assured, the original non-compete agreement had no loopholes. If Red Star Entertainment dares to hire these people, they will have to compensate us with a large sum of money."

Upon hearing this, old Walt sat back down. In this world, no company is unafraid of Disney's legal department.

"Then send a lawyer's letter to Red Star Entertainment as a small warning."

"Yes."

After dealing with Red Star Entertainment, old Walter turned his attention back to the old painters.

He contacted several of his congressman friends, but to his surprise, those guys who usually called him brother were now all stammering and saying that things had gotten out of hand and that if they got involved, it might backfire.

"These damn guys took so much money from Disney and now they're just standing by and doing nothing."

Old Walter hung up the phone, stood up, and waved to the officers, "You can leave now. I need to rest for a while and calm down."

Whenever Old Walter encountered a problem he couldn't solve, he would calm down for a moment, and then the person who raised the problem would inexplicably get into trouble.

They were either hit by a car, fell into a sewer, or even capsized while fishing on a cruise ship in calm waters.

These managers, who were trying to avoid it, immediately stood up and left.

Old Walter picked up the phone, hesitated for a moment, and then rang the doorbell.

An elderly man with white hair, dressed in a black suit, walked in. He was nearly sixty years old and walked with a very straight back. His waist was bulging, and he looked like a tough guy.

"Sir." Unlike the other managers, the old man did not stop two meters away, but walked directly to the desk.

“Jefferson, how long have you been in this house?” Old Ward pointed to the cigar box on the table.

"It's been forty-five years. I remember coming here when I was five years old."

Jefferson skillfully opened the box, took out a cigar, and with a "snap," the cigar cutter precisely and silently removed the cap.

He lit the cigar with a cedar paper twist, held the end an inch away from the flame, and slowly rotated it until it was charred and shiny before presenting it to old Walter with both hands.

"Only the cigars you've prepared are to my liking." Old Walter took a deep breath, the smoke billowing around him.

"There's a small matter I need you to do." He got up, took a box from the safe, and placed it on the table. "Here's two hundred thousand dollars."

He picked up another list. "There are twenty people on the list. Have Michael Corleone 'invite' them out of headquarters immediately. I don't care what method he uses, but I can give him a little advice: these artists all have families."

"Understood!" Jefferson replied calmly, but his slightly trembling fingers betrayed his true feelings.

Capitalists will use any means necessary to exploit others, whether legal or illegal.

Old Walter had often dealt with disobedient fellows in the past, but this time he really went too far by not extending the punishment to family members.

Jefferson hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Why not use Willie Biof? He's in charge of the International Federation of Theatre Employees, that's his job."

The last time Disney dealt with those artists, it was Willie Biof who led Chicago gangsters to do it.

Old Walter took a puff of his cigar and frowned. "Willie Biof is too closely connected to us; he's no longer suited for this kind of dirty work. Jefferson, you've talked too much today."

“Yes, I’ll head to New York immediately.” Jefferson felt a chill run down his spine. He knew this man, whom he had watched grow up, all too well. He seemed peaceful, but his heart was ruthless.

If you disobey him, the consequences will be dire.

After Jefferson left, old Walter was finally able to get a good night's sleep.

Someone as ruthless as Michael Corleone should be able to easily help him solve his problems.

As for the families of those painters, they deserved it. If the painters hadn't caused trouble, he wouldn't have had to resort to such a desperate measure.

"If you want to complain, complain about the painters. I had no choice."

He had just fallen asleep when a rapid knocking on the door startled him awake.

As I opened the door, dressed in my pajamas, a supervisor rushed in and reported, "Boss, something terrible has happened! Red Star Entertainment has sent someone to headquarters to interview artists!"

"Didn't the FBL guys stop them? Didn't they fire?" Old Walter was furious.

Nothing could be more humiliating for him than going to someone else's hometown to poach their people.

"They tried to stop them, and several old painters rushed out. They were worried about hurting people, so they didn't dare to fire."

After the supervisor finished speaking, he lowered his voice and said, "I think those FBL guys are just going through the motions. They're probably hoping the old artists will join Red Star Entertainment and leave headquarters as soon as possible. After all, reporters from all over America are waiting outside headquarters, and they're eager to get rid of this hot potato."

Upon hearing this, old Walter's face immediately darkened.

Red Star Entertainment's actions have exceeded his expectations.

But it doesn't matter. As long as they dare to hire those old artists, let them taste the power of the strongest legal department.

"Got it. Go keep an eye on things and report back immediately if anything happens." Old Walter waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes"

At this moment, in front of Disney headquarters, Ruan Qingqing faced more than a dozen microphones, a trace of panic flashing through her heart.

This was her first time experiencing such a large-scale event, but considering that Lou Xiao'e was determined to stand up to Disney, what was there to panic about?

"Everyone, please come one by one."

A reporter rushed to the front: "Madam, is Red Star Entertainment taking advantage of the situation by coming here to interview those veteran painters at this time?"

Ruan Qingqing noticed the badge on the reporter's body.

It turns out to be the New York Daily News; I can understand their hostility.

She straightened her back and said, "If you think that our willingness to provide old painters with $3 an hour and a house is taking advantage of those bloodsucking capitalists, then we admit it."

Applause came from the side.

"We're all just getting paid, why should we empathize with capitalists?"

"Exactly! Do you think it's an honor if your boss gets a Tyrannosaurus Rex SUV at the end of the year?"

"This guy's ass is really crooked."

The reporter blushed instantly and couldn't utter another word.

Ruan Qingqing continued, "Our Red Star Entertainment is here with only one real purpose: to resolve this matter satisfactorily and prevent anyone from being harmed."

The reporters watching nodded frequently.

"Now that things have blown up, Disney is playing dead when faced with the problem. Can't we just let Red Star Entertainment handle it?"

"I never expected that a newly established animation company would have such ambition."

"We will definitely support your next film."

Hearing these discussions, Ruan Qingqing couldn't help but admire Lou Xiao'e's foresight. After the veteran artists took over the headquarters, Lou Xiao'e and the senior executives of Red Star Entertainment originally planned to sit back and watch.

Once things have calmed down, we'll figure out a way to recruit these veteran painters into the company.

This is the wisest course of action for Red Star Entertainment Film & Television.

Unexpectedly, after receiving a phone call, Lou Xiao'e chose to tough it out.

Although Ruan Qingqing didn't know where the call came from, she had been following Lou Xiao'e for so long that she vaguely guessed it was someone from the mainland, the behind-the-scenes boss of Red Star Entertainment.

He has already gained a lot of support simply by making a statement, which is something that no amount of advertising can buy.

"Excuse me, could you please move aside?" Seeing that the time was right, Ruan Qingqing turned and walked into the building.

When the FBL agents saw her approaching, they all made way for her.

The FBL leader smiled at her in a friendly manner: "Madam, I hope you can resolve this problem as soon as possible."

"Thank you." Ruan Qingqing nodded and went inside the building.

Red Star Entertainment's last-minute talent grab and its confrontation with Disney made the already lively scene even more exciting.

Even the television station sent reporters to await the final result.

Is Red Star Entertainment bluffing, or is it genuinely helping these veteran painters?
Would these veteran painters be willing to join a newly established company?

Stay tuned to the CNB channel to find out what happens next.

The TV reporters were really going all out for ratings, staying right in front of Disney headquarters the whole time.

The onlookers in front of the TV had already brought sunflower seeds, beer, and potato chips (but none).

An hour or so later, Ruan Qingqing came out of the building and showed the reporters the agreement she had just signed.

"We have already signed agreements with twenty artists, who will be working at Red Star Entertainment Film and Television."

The reporter's eyes widened with excitement as he asked, "Then why haven't they come out yet?"

“Because Disney has not yet paid them severance pay.” Ruan Qingqing smiled at the camera.

"boom!"

The wine glass smashed on the television screen.

The television screen was smashed to pieces.

"Damn it, absolutely outrageous! How dare they steal people!" Old Walt was trembling with rage. He had never suffered such humiliation since Disney was founded.

Red Star Entertainment's actions are tantamount to throwing his face on the ground and stomping on it with their shoes.

"Does this company from the East really think this is a place for reason?!" Old Walter snapped out of his rage, picked up the phone, and dialed a number: "Sue them! File a lawsuit against Red Star Entertainment Film & Television immediately! I want to see them go bankrupt!"

"Don't worry, our legal department is ready and we'll head to the court immediately."

The confident voice coming from the other end calmed old Walter down a bit.

He picked up a cigar and was about to press the doorbell when he remembered that Jefferson had already left.

"Judging by the time, Jefferson should have arrived at the hotel by now." Old Walter lit a cigar, took a few puffs, and picked up the phone.

The call was answered quickly.

"I am planning to go to the Corleone family's estate."

“I’ve changed my mind. No need for threats anymore. Let Mike kill all the families of those old painters!”

"Huh?!" The other side was clearly stunned for a moment, and said worriedly, "Isn't this too cruel? If we make a big move, it won't be good for us either."

"Don't worry, as long as Michael isn't caught red-handed, the FBL won't bother him." Old Walter's lips curled into a cruel smile: "I just want to tell those Hollywood guys that I'm not so old that I can't move."

Upon hearing this, Jefferson, who had been with Walter for decades, understood his intention.

Hollywood is a place where big fish eat small fish. Even though those bigwigs from the film companies had a good relationship with Walt and often attended parties, they still managed to survive.

They had their eyes on this lucrative opportunity long ago.

Disney has just suffered a major blow due to its box office failure, and now the old artists have caused trouble. The other party will definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity to grab a piece of the pie.

The only way is to make them understand that Old Walter is fully capable of dealing with them.

Capital is born with blood in every pore; that saying will never be outdated.

"Understood." Jefferson felt it was a bit much, but he still agreed.

After the whole thing is over, he will go to the church to pray for the souls of the dead, hoping that they can ascend to heaven soon.

Just as Jefferson was preparing to head to the Corleone family's estate, the American media broke another bombshell.

Disney is suing Red Star Entertainment for hiring artists despite knowing the artists had non-compete agreements, and is demanding huge compensation from Red Star Entertainment.

The already heated atmosphere was instantly pushed to a climax.

"They're here, they've finally arrived, the strongest legal department has come out."

"I think Red Star Entertainment Film & Television is in big trouble this time."

"That's for sure. Last time, I drew a Mickey Mouse myself and was ordered to pay Disney five dollars."

All eyes turned from Disney headquarters to the location of Red Star Entertainment.

The once deserted storefront was now surrounded by reporters from various newspapers.

The person in charge of receiving reporters was still Nguyen Thanh Thanh, who had just been appointed as the press officer.

Lou Xiao'e considered that Red Star Entertainment Film and Television would frequently deal with the media in the future, and that Ruan Qingqing was a particularly bold and articulate girl, so she wanted to appoint her as the public relations manager.

Ruan Qingqing, however, felt that the name was associated with all sorts of messy things.

Finally, Lou Xiao'e consulted Li Aiguo and ultimately created the position of spokesperson.

The job duties were similar, but it felt very formal, and Ruan Qingqing was very satisfied with the position.

"Now that Disney has officially filed a lawsuit against you, what are your strategies for dealing with this?"

"Where is your company's General Manager, Ms. Lou Xiao'e? Could you please have her come out and grant us an interview?"

Ruan Qingqing dismissed the reporter's first question with a casual, formulaic response.

To the latter, Ruan Qingqing could only say, "I'm sorry, Manager Lou has important work to do right now and cannot accept your interview."

"Can you tell us where Manager Lou went?" one reporter asked, unwilling to give up.

"Sorry, this is a company secret," Ruan Qingqing continued to evade the question.

In fact, even she didn't know what Lou Xiao'e was up to; she had only told her not to disturb her today.

Even Aunt Mei, who had always been by Lou Xiao'e's side, had disappeared without a trace.

****
Inside the large office, Aunt Mei stood by the window, looking down at the reporters huddled together below.

Lou Xiao'e, just like before, kept flipping through the newspaper even while sitting at her desk.

The newspaper in her hand was a free newspaper distributed on the street, and most of its content was related to campaigning.

Even ordinary workers wouldn't bother reading this newspaper because it was full of deceitful lies, but Lou Xiao'e read it with great interest.

The telephone was placed in a prominent position so that it could be answered immediately whenever it rang.

“I just received news that Walter’s butler has appeared in New York, and his destination should be the Corleone family’s Long Island estate.”

While observing the scene below, Aunt May said, "I've already contacted the Hongmen brothers over there, and they've agreed to keep an eye on Corleone. However, for a godfather-level figure like him, I think I should still go over there myself."

Lou Xiao'e flipped through the newspaper and said, "Of course I'll go, but before I head to New York, I need to deal with that old Mr. Walter first."

"How about I kill him for you?" Aunt Mei asked in a low voice after hearing Lou Xiao'e's words. "I won't tell anyone. I'm just very curious. What kind of security would a big shot like this set up in the manor?"

"Brother Aiguo said that we are doing legitimate business and cannot kill people indiscriminately." Lou Xiao'e looked at Aunt Mei: "I don't know what arrangements you made, but since Brother Aiguo entrusted my safety to you, you must have brought a lot of people with you."

Finding a hitman or paying a hidden fee can solve the problem.

But we'll get investigated by the FBL, which is incredibly annoying and not worth the risk. Our Red Star Entertainment Film & Television is about to make a big splash; we can't afford to lose sight of the bigger picture for a small gain.

"But their legal department is very powerful; I've heard they've never lost a battle."

Aunt Mei knew perfectly well that neither Li Aiguo nor Lou Xiao'e would allow her to kill people casually, but she still didn't want to let this opportunity slip by.

"Then I'll just have to teach him a lesson for free. Old Walter has been bullying the lower classes for too long. He thinks everyone else is ignorant and weak. Even if they are bullied by him through his so-called Ministry of Justice, they only know how to fight back with their fists. Then they are beaten to a pulp by the FBL, which he colluded with beforehand."

Dealing with him is simple. Although he's a respectable man in clothes, he's still human. The simplest and most direct way to deal with him is to take his clothes off first. Without that sharp suit, he'll realize that he's no different from any other person.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Mei glanced at Lou Xiao'e in surprise. How could this girl be so bold as to say such shameless things today?

Seeing that Lou Xiao'e's face was already flushed with embarrassment, Aunt Mei understood that these must be Li Aiguo's original words.

Lou Xiao'e realized her lapse in composure. Just then, the phone rang, and she quickly picked up the receiver.

"Understood, Brother Aiguo, I'll be right there, it won't delay anything."

Lou Xiao'e mumbled into the phone for a while until the other end hung up, then reluctantly put down the phone.

If only Brother Aiguo could come here in person and face these raging waves with her, how wonderful that would be.

Lou Xiao'e also knew that Li Aiguo was currently unable to come to North America, neither because he could nor because he wanted to.

"You're going to respond to the lawsuit? Do we have a chance of winning?" Aunt Mei pretended not to see Lou Xiao'e's happy little face and turned her gaze away to ask.

“Responding to the lawsuit is exactly what Old Walter wanted. He set the rules and got everything in order. What chance do you have of winning? So, Brother Aiguo found a legitimate way to help him take off his clothes.”

Lou Xiao'e picked up her handbag, opened the office door, and walked towards the back door: "I've made an appointment with a very important person, someone very expensive. Do you want to go and see him? If all goes well, it won't be long before I can take off his clothes."

Aunt Mei asked in surprise, "An important person? You contacted him?"

"Let's just say that." Lou Xiao'e turned and left the office, and Aunt Mei quickly followed with a few men in black suits.

She knew very well that this important person was Li Aiguo, or even someone with connections within the organization.

(End of this chapter)