Reborn in 2010, the AI in my mind is too powerful.
Chapter 319 The Final Consultation
Although Chen Yiran had an impulse to throw money around, Aurora was no longer the small company with a market value of less than 10 billion US dollars like FlowEDA was back then.
The entire Aurora Group has more than a dozen subsidiaries of varying sizes, with a complex shareholding structure, making the distribution of shares a very troublesome matter.
Even TED didn't rush to take his share; instead, he started helping Chen Yiran develop more comprehensive legal documents.
Chen Yiran ultimately decided to divide the spoils again at the year-end annual meeting.
He began to focus on raising his children on Lanai Island while waiting for the completion of his laboratory.
Two weeks later, an uninvited guest shattered his peace.
In late September, Rupert Murdoch arrived at Lanai Island by yacht.
He came to discuss the final terms of the Warner deal; in fact, Cook had already reached a pretty good agreement with him.
However, Chen Yiran's recent moves at TSMC and Samsung have given Rupert Murdoch a glimpse of more possibilities for the future.
Chen Yiran chose to meet Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan in a conference room at a former hotel on the island.
In his mind, these two places weren't worth bringing to his home's private meeting room.
Although Rupert Murdoch was over eighty years old, he looked quite well. After shaking hands with Chen Yiran, he began to introduce his son: "This is my son, Lachlan Murdoch, who will also be the successor of my business empire in the future."
Lachlan Murdoch is actually over forty years old, but he acts like a junior in front of Chen Yiran. He and the old Murdoch are like two peas in a pod, only he is less sharp and more composed.
Chen Yiran greeted the two men and then got straight to the point: "What brings you here today? The deal we proposed earlier should be fine, right?"
Rupert Murdoch did not answer directly: "It's actually quite good, but there are some details that still need to be discussed. Of course, I mainly have some personal requests that I hope to discuss with you."
I had this idea myself, and I was hoping to talk to you about it at this year's Sun Valley Summit. But you didn't come this year. Didn't you post photos of your child's 100-day celebration on Twitter? We old folks were quite envious."
"At your age, you've already achieved so much, and you even seem quite dashing. We never even dared to dream of it; now your legend is echoing at the Sun Valley Summit."
Chen Yiran forced down the corners of his mouth that were about to turn up, cleared his throat and said, "A little achievement is nothing. Let's get down to business. You don't think I'll give up any benefits just because you flatter me a few times, do you?"
Rupert Murdoch chuckled. "I understand. You're a very successful businessman who wouldn't let your personal preferences influence your company's strategy. I'm not trying to take advantage of you; I just hope we can exchange some benefits. Of course, mainly, do me a favor."
"Tell me about it. If it's not too much trouble, I can help."
"We'll stick to the acquisition model you mentioned before: Apple will acquire Warner first with an all-cash deal. Then you'll keep Harry Potter, CNN, and HBO. And the rest of the stuff will go to News Corporation."
What I want to talk about is the next step. The previously agreed-upon plan was for News Corp. to provide the rights to X-Men and a large sum of cash to complete the deal.
My current hope is that we'll use the X-Men rights and News Corp. shares to make this deal.
Chen Yiran asked with some curiosity, "Is this equivalent to you voluntarily allowing Apple to hold shares in you? That's a considerable number of shares. If we were to do this, we would need to join the board of directors."
"I have no objection. I will help you remove obstacles in the company. I can also give you DC as well. We only need the physical production capabilities. As for the remaining IPs, Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, and Turner Broadcasting."
"DC isn't worth much. DC movies are like a curse; they basically lose money on every three they make. It's a huge hassle. That alone isn't enough for me to be of much help."
Rupert Murdoch gave a rather sly smile: "Waterworld is one of my favorite movies. It lost a lot of money back then, but its rides were very popular."
The same applies to DC. Imagine a Disney theme park where Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and DC all co-star.
"You guys were absolutely unwilling to give up DC before, so why are you willing to give it up now?"
"Mr. Chen, I am 82 years old this year, and I was born in the same year as Mr. Morris Chang, who was recently defeated by you and finally decided to retire."
While my son faces different difficulties than Mr. Lee Jae-yong, he also faces the complex issue of succession. You previously cleared the obstacles for Lee Jae-yong's succession, and now I hope that Apple can become part of News Corp., so that in the future, if I am no longer here, you can support Lackland.”
Chen Yiran glanced at Lachlan Murdoch, who had a simple and honest look on his face, and then waved his hand: "Go out for a moment, I need to talk to your father alone."
Without any hesitation, Lachlan Murdoch nodded and walked out of the conference room.
Chen Yiran watched his retreating figure and said softly, "You need to understand, Samsung is different. Samsung faces external pressure. Your family's situation involves a struggle between several children. Are you sure you want me to get involved and take sides?"
Rupert Murdoch said with considerable pride, "Lachland grew up amidst criticism, but he has never changed. He is more conservative than I am, but he will also adjust his stance for business interests."
He's a hands-on father, which is better than me. Although he's a bit more laid-back than me, he's still quite decisive.
Most importantly, he is ultimately a family man, and I believe that if he were to take control of my business empire, he wouldn't jeopardize his siblings' trust. However, I cannot guarantee the same for him.
"Couldn't you have settled all these things while you were alive? Like clearly defining the shareholdings and such."
"In 1986, I made a bad decision. I established an irrevocable family trust with terms that stipulated that after my death, my four eldest children, Prudence, Elizabeth, Lachlan, and James, would each have Class B voting rights in the family business. My idea was equal governance."
However, after several people joined the company, there was constant infighting, and it was clear that I had made a mistake. But now, trying to revoke the trust is legally very complicated.
Moreover, we're talking about an estate worth tens of billions of dollars, control of a mega-corporation with a market capitalization of nearly a hundred billion dollars. No matter how it's handled, or how a will is made, litigation is still inevitable.
However, if there is an outsider to rely on, there is not much I can do about my children. I hope that the final outcome can be as dignified as possible.
My family's affairs may seem like a show to outsiders, but in reality, they're incredibly cutthroat. James and Elizabeth each have their own agendas. I'm also afraid they might go to extremes and bring in other forces.
Mr. Chen, I've thought about many people, and none of them are trustworthy. But regarding you, although outsiders think you're a bit unconventional, I believe you're a trustworthy person. Those who are your allies have generally received your care.
I'm getting old, but after so many years of fighting in the business world, I still have some friends. I believe you won't lose out by allying with me.
Putting everything else aside, I can assure you you'll have plenty of support in terms of public opinion. I saw you mention on Twitter that you're hoping to start buying Premier League teams? You know, the British can be quite strange sometimes. On one hand, they want teams to improve and have more funds, but on the other hand, they feel that outsiders will dilute the team's traditional spirit.
However, *The Sun* is the UK's best-selling newspaper, and *The Times* is the UK's most authoritative serious newspaper; both have a significant impact on society. *The Sunday Times* is the most famous investigative reporting newspaper. Sky Broadcasting is the broadcaster of the Premier League.
Although everyone talks about freedom of the press these days, let me tell you the truth: editors aren't stupid. They know exactly who pays them. They're professionals; they can criticize you while simultaneously helping you achieve your goals.
Chen Yiran thought for a moment and it seemed there was nothing he couldn't agree to: "Okay, if Apple gets the shares and board seats of News Corp. according to the current plan, we will support Lackland in the future vote."
Rupert Murdoch visibly relaxed, then added, "There's one more thing. I have two little girls, Grace and Chloe, who are both too young."
"I do know that. To be honest, as a Chinese person, your ex-wife has a certain degree of fame in China, though it may not be a good one."
"I understand. Although it's hard for me to explain to you, the most important thing for an elderly person is companionship. She makes me feel very happy."
If the trust issue with these two daughters cannot be resolved smoothly, it will depend on her brother. Although I have great faith in Lachlan's love for his family, if problems arise, I hope you can kindly remind him.
"How am I being friendly? He's twenty years older than me, but I feel like I'm his elder."
Rupert Murdoch suddenly burst into laughter and said, "Success comes first, Mr. Chen. I won't bother you any longer, Mr. Chen. If you think today's decision is fine, contact Cook and we'll prepare to officially announce the acquisition plan this week."
This plan should be acceptable to both the Republican and KMT parties. Even if there are any doubts, our lobbyists will help us resolve them.
"Okay, let's announce it then. To be honest, I'm already looking forward to what Disneyland will look like in the future. Universal and Six Flags (famous American amusement parks known for their roller coasters) are probably having trouble sleeping."
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