America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 158, Section 157: Dream Manor Under Attack, Eric is Enraged

"Boss, the bidding process for the factory has been completed, and all the formalities have been finished. Now that the ban has been lifted, the construction team has officially entered the site."

During the phone call, Susan reported on the progress of the project in China.

"Judging from your tone, everything seems to be going very well."

In Leonard's restaurant, Eric was sitting in a private room, while the seat opposite him was still empty.

"Yes, boss. The efficiency of the Chinese government is very high. The procedures that I thought would take a long time were completed surprisingly smoothly."

"Those officials were very friendly and polite. If it weren't for the special circumstances, we could have started work long ago."

"And did you know that? No environmental protection equipment is needed here. Factories can start production at will without worrying about pollution at all."

"My God! The regulations are so relaxed that it surprises me. The same factory that would probably take three years to build in the United States can be completed in a year here."

Susan praised China's high efficiency, noting that it was 2003, a time for vigorous economic development, especially since MGM was a foreign-invested enterprise.

Anyone who dares to make things difficult for her at a time like this is simply blind, like an old woman eating poison, courting death!

Eric chuckled and said, "That's why I say China isn't as bad as Americans think. Although the material conditions are a bit behind those in the US, Beijing is not lagging behind."

"You're right, boss. I'm planning to bring my husband and kids here to see for themselves. This country's history is truly awe-inspiring!"

Just then, the door was pushed open, and Theron walked in wearing a blue jumpsuit and white high-heeled sandals.

Eric looked up and saw those incredibly long and beautiful legs.

Glancing down, if Quentin Tarantino had seen those feet, which were neither too big nor too small, he definitely wouldn't have been able to resist licking them.

Theron sat down, put her bag aside, and saw Eric on the phone, but politely remained silent.

She rested her chin on her arm, took a sip of the juice in her glass, and then quietly looked at him.

Eric winked at Theron, who smiled slightly, signaling him to continue.

However, with such a beautiful woman present, Eric didn't want to continue chatting with Susan and said directly, "I'm relieved that the factory is operating normally. You need to keep a close eye on the project."

"Transformers will be released in November, and I plan to release it simultaneously in China; otherwise, pirated copies will take over the market within a week."

"After the movie is released, the sale of related merchandise will start immediately. We must seize the opportunity, otherwise it won't be long before piracy becomes rampant."

"Susan, remember this: you have a few things to do before that."

"First of all, you need to provide me with at least a few production lines that are working properly. A complete factory is not realistic, so I require that production be carried out while construction is underway."

"Order the equipment in advance, and start production as soon as conditions are met. In addition, I will send some skilled workers from the United States to train the newcomers."

"Susan, the Chinese market is huge, and the purchasing power of first- and second-tier cities is enough to afford the price of genuine merchandise."

"As for smaller cities, don't consider high-end toys like figurines, but clothing, accessories, and school supplies are more profitable. You can find a reliable local company to do OEM/ODM."

"Remember to thoroughly investigate the quality of the products. Even if it's a private label business, as long as it bears our logo, I don't want any shoddy products to appear."

"In addition, from now on you will need to connect with those large shopping malls and supermarkets, and we also need to gradually open up our own sales channels."

After Eric finished speaking, Susan solemnly replied, "Yes, boss, I will definitely do it."

"Hmm, any other questions? If not, you can hang up now. I have some very important things to do."

Finding that there was no sound from the other end, Eric said, "Speak if there's a problem."

"Okay, boss, I'm just wondering, isn't the production and sales rights for these toys and related merchandise owned by Hasbro? Aren't we infringing on their rights by doing this?"

"Don't worry about this. Just do what I ask you to do. I have my reasons."

"Okay, then that's all."

After hanging up the phone, Eric put it aside. He had naturally anticipated the issue Susan was considering, and had also discussed it seriously with Sergei Hasenfield.

Currently, Hasbro has no business operations in China at all; they simply look down on the impoverished Chinese market.

Given that, it shouldn't be difficult to obtain a qualification by virtue of my relationship with Sergei.

Sergei certainly couldn't make decisions on major company matters, but he could still handle a small authorization from a third-world country.

However, the factory will definitely not use the MGM name. On the surface, they will be unrelated and will not inform Allen Hasenfield.

After all, the old man is over seventy years old and has long passed the age of having to do everything himself.

Now Eric calls Sergei whenever he has free time to strengthen their relationship, and he makes at least one trip to New York every month, or invites him to have a good time together for a couple of days.

Damn, she's been treating him with even more care and affection than she's with the women around her, all to win him over.

Currently, Eric is looking for the right opportunity to create a chance for the old man to meet Kate Winslet.

If Winslet could be brought into the picture, it would fill the emotional void that Sergei had experienced for so many years.

Coupled with his long-simmering anger towards Allen Hasenfeld, Sergei is someone who can be won over at crucial moments and has a good chance of standing on his side.

"Finished discussing work?" Theron asked.

Eric hummed in agreement and began to carefully observe the other person's attire today, noticing that Theron was wearing light makeup.

Perhaps it's out of habit, or perhaps out of respect, but a woman's willingness to put on makeup for a man is a good sign.

"Hehe. Sounds like a big deal."

"I invested in a factory in China and also established a film and television company, where I also handle some business operations."

"Am I bothering you? You can continue, there's still plenty of time."

Eric waved his hand: "No need. I already said on the phone that I have something very important to do, and now is the time to do it."

Upon hearing this, Theron turned her head to the side somewhat shyly; her words had a flirtatious tone.

Although she was secretly pleased, she felt it wasn't quite right, since she did have a boyfriend after all.

Although her boyfriend was somewhat inferior to the man opposite her—to be precise, there was a significant gap in age, looks, talent, status, and power—he was completely outclassed.

But after all, they had been together for over a year, and she did have feelings for Stuart Townsend.

"You look beautiful today, Theron. This dress makes you look gorgeous and sexy."

Eric continued his sweet praise, and Theron smiled slightly: "Then you should wait until I lose weight before observing me; I'll be even sexier then."

The words that slipped out made Theron involuntarily rebuke herself.

Damn it, how could you respond to him? Don't respond!

Eric's lips curled into a smile: "Then I'll have to take a good look. I have a question for you: do you know Kate Winslet?"

"Yes, we met when we attended events before, and we've had a pretty good relationship for several years."

"That would be wonderful! Could you introduce us?"

Eric slapped his thigh, finally realizing he'd found an opportunity.

Upon hearing this request, Theron immediately became alert. Kate Winslet had not yet gained weight, and the two were actresses of the same age, both being sexy and beautiful goddesses.

Moreover, in terms of brand recognition, that big ship belongs to an absolute world-class brand, while I am several levels behind.

Eric's sudden question to her naturally made Theron feel somewhat abrupt and uncomfortable.

Instead of giving a direct answer, Theron casually asked, "What do you want from her? Do you have any projects with MGM?"

"It's not about the movie. A friend of mine, who really idolizes Kate Winslet, became a fan of hers after watching Titanic."

"He's been pestering me for months, hoping I can help him create a suitable opportunity."

Eric explained the situation simply, conveniently omitting the fact that Sergei was already married, and Theron finally understood.

Knowing that it wasn't Eric who was interested in Winslet, she suddenly felt relieved, and her face returned to a smile.

"No problem, but meeting alone would be too deliberate and awkward."

"I'll think about it and find an opportunity to get everyone together. Whether you can seize the opportunity is up to your friend."

Eric's eyes lit up: "Thank you, you've done me a huge favor, Theron. I'm not sure if Sergei can seize the opportunity, but I really want to."

"Seize the opportunity. What should we do?" Theron asked hesitantly.

"you guess?"

Their eyes met, and an ambiguous atmosphere gradually filled the room.

Neither of them spoke; they simply stared at each other, as if they had said everything.

dong dong dong.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and a waiter brought out dishes on a plate.

Theron quickly lowered his head and took a deep breath.

Damn it, what's going on? Is this guy a succubus? Why am I losing control of myself?

After finishing the meal, Eric watched Theron leave.

As a seasoned player in the dating scene, he could naturally sense the subtle changes in this beautiful woman's attitude.

In order to win over Theron, he not only took the initiative himself, but also mobilized the people around Theron to assist him.

Yes, it's her again, Eric's wingman, Patty Jenkins.

When Patty was filming "Transformers," she covered for herself and kept it from Gal Gadot, so naturally she had no choice but to do it again this time.

What? You disagree! You think it's unethical to do this!

I'll add $500 million to your advertising budget, are you in or not?

No problem, my great boss, you tell me where to go and I'll do it!

On the way back to Beverly Hills, his phone rang. Eric glanced at it; it was Mike.

He found it strange that Michael rarely called him at night.

After the call is connected, turn on speakerphone.

"Hey Mike, what's up?"

On the other end came Michael's very deep voice: "Eric, Neverland Ranch has been raided by the Santa Barbara Police Department. Tom Schneider suddenly led his men in."

"I'm currently being questioned at the police station. If it's convenient for you, could you please go and check on the estate for me?"

Although Michael's voice wasn't loud, you could hear the tremor in it, and Eric was instantly enraged.

These guys really did come. They won't stop until they've killed Maikou.

"Don't worry, I'm coming right away!"

"Okay, once you arrive, you can contact attorney Tom Messerio. He's excellent and trustworthy!"

It's not even 9 p.m. yet, and the roads in Los Angeles are still packed with traffic.

Suddenly, a black Wrangler abruptly swerved and turned around, completely disregarding traffic rules, and sped off into the opposite lane amidst a chorus of surprise and curses.

The drive usually takes more than two hours, but there are fewer people at night, especially with Eric flooring the accelerator.

This new car, which was only launched last year, demonstrated excellent performance, and he arrived in Santa Barbara in less than two hours.

At Neverland Ranch, Eric stood before a middle-aged man with a full head of white hair and glasses; this was Tom Messerio, the lawyer Michael had mentioned.

They're both named Tom, this one chose justice, while Tom Snyder is a mad dog.

The two shook hands, and Tom Meserio said, "Mr. Cooper, Jackson said you are his best friend and someone he can trust."

"Attorney Messerio, Michael also told me that you are a lawyer with a strong sense of justice, and that you will not succumb to evil!"

Tom Messerio nodded: "Alright, since Jackson trusts us all, let's work together to get him out."

"Let me briefly explain this to you. Jackson had an event in San Francisco today and went there quite early."

"While he was away from Neverland Ranch, Tom Snyder led the police to search the place, and the remaining people in the ranch were powerless to stop him."

"When Jackson found out, he rushed back in the afternoon, but he was arrested by Tom Schneider before he even entered the house and is now being held at the police station."

"I only received the news recently, so I rushed over immediately and have already met with him."

"I originally intended to get Jackson out of the police station first, but he sent me to find you, that's about it."

As they spoke, the two arrived at Mike's residence.

"This is the focus of the search," Meserio said. "They're eager to find out about Jackson's private life."

Stepping inside, Eric's previously calmed emotions reignited in a fit of rage.

The living room was a complete mess. Sofas, cabinets, carpets, and wall decorations were all scattered on the floor, which was covered with debris. Many items had been cut open by sharp objects.

"Son of a bitch!"

While cursing, the two walked up to the second floor, first to Mike's collection room, which was full of his collection of exquisite toys, figurines, discs, CDs and comics.

Many of the gifts were from friends. Eric even saw the dolls and records that little Elizabeth had given him during his last visit.

But now they're all shattered into pieces!

Then we went to his bedroom, which was an even bigger disaster area; it was worse than if it had been ransacked.

"Does Mike know about this?"

Meserio shook his head: "I don't know yet. If he saw all this, he would definitely faint from heartbreak."

"He told me some things, and hopefully the police didn't find them."

As he spoke, Meserio began searching, and after a while, he finally retrieved a very sophisticated camera from a corner, one that only a professional could spot.

Subsequently, several more were found in other areas.

"It would be great if this thing were still here. He said it was your suggestion to install it, and I didn't expect it to actually come in handy. It's a pity that the ones installed in other parts of the manor have all been shut down."

"What do you want to do?" Eric asked immediately.

"No matter what, let's get Jackson out of the police station first. Tom Schneider is clearly malicious, and I'm worried he might use illegal means."

"Illegal? Are these things legal now?"

"Of course it's illegal. First of all, they shouldn't have searched the place when Jackson wasn't there, which is a fundamental problem. Not to mention, their methods were so violent."

Eric nodded. "So, the police are completely in the wrong, right?"

"Yes!"

"Alright, since they've resorted to underhanded tactics, it's only fair that we retaliate in kind. I'll retaliate in kind as well."

Messerio frowned. "Mr. Cooper, what are you trying to do?"

Eric stared coldly ahead: "Of course, we need to make them pay the price, at least to prevent that son of a bitch Schneider from interfering in the rest of the trial!"

Thank you Luciferhx for the 100-coin donation.

(End of this chapter)