American Gossip King

Chapter 176 The Oscars are approaching

The office of the boss of Carl Media Group.

Ian Carl looked in the mirror.

Apart from the elevator incident, he hasn't been involved in any violent news during this period. Instead, he's been the subject of a lot of Hollywood gossip. Alexander Jenkins' news is a typical sex scandal, but with a slight economic element.

This has led to a noticeable improvement in the left eye, but there is still a long way to go before reaching a higher level.

It's okay, Hollywood hasn't completely submitted to us yet, we still have enough juicy material to report.

Just as he was pondering this, his secretary, Date, entered and began reporting on the day's work:

"Steve Jobs said he could accept your proposal, but he still wants to wait and discuss the issue again in the second half of the year."

"Disney has tentatively agreed to your proposal to purchase Pirates of the Caribbean, but some details still need to be discussed."

"Marvel has reached an agreement to sell you 49% of its shares and give you priority in subsequent investments..."

Ian listened with great satisfaction.

The money from the sale of the newspaper business was basically used to buy shares in Marvel, Pixar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Apple.

Apple's current market value is only $50 billion, so 15% of that is only $7.5 million. Pixar is worth more than Apple now.

The same goes for Marvel. It's heavily indebted and almost insolvent. Ian wouldn't have spent much money to buy Marvel. The reason he didn't buy it all was to minimize the impact on its subsequent operations, since he still has the right of first refusal.

The so-called right of first refusal means that Marvel must get Carl Media's approval before it can raise funds in the future. If Ian Carl doesn't approve, they have no right to raise funds.

Besides, Ian wants Netflix and, in the future, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other platforms, as long as they exist.

However, Ian tries to avoid taking a large stake, firstly because of limited funds, and secondly to avoid excessive influence—without sufficient shareholder support, many things can change.

Many people say that Bill Gates sold a large number of Microsoft shares, and his return on investment was far less than that of Microsoft itself, but they don't know that Microsoft once experienced a major crisis.

At that time, Microsoft was at its peak, and Bill Gates became the world's richest man. However, many companies soon expressed their dissatisfaction, believing that Microsoft was suspected of monopolistic practices, which led to the forced splitting of Microsoft into two companies.

It was after that that Bill Gates began to revise his business decisions, abandoning bundled sales and continuously releasing shares to diversify investments, which led to Microsoft's continued success—of course, selling down to only 1% was a bit outrageous, and that was definitely a decision-making mistake.

So selling shares isn't wrong, but selling too many is a big problem!

According to Ian's plan, he will formally divide the Carl Group into two major parts: media and investment. For the media, which requires influence, he can release more shares. For the investment part, which is simply for making money, there is no need to raise funds to release shares within the next twenty years.

At that moment, Ian nodded in satisfaction: "Is there anything else?"

Secretary Ida replied, "The Oscars are in three days. Will you be attending?"

Ian nodded: "Of course."

Ian pondered, beginning to recall the Oscars ceremony.

Ian still has some recollection of the 2002 Academy Awards ceremony.

He recalled that "A Beautiful Mind" was the biggest winner at this year's Oscars. It was a co-production of Universal Pictures and DreamWorks and won several awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress.

Wait, Best Supporting Actress?

A stunningly beautiful face flashed into Ian's mind.

Jennifer Connelly!

Jennifer Connelly is best known for her role as Deborah in "Once Upon a Time in America," a stunning scene that captivated countless hearts.

Jennifer Connelly was born in 70 and is now 32 years old. Although she has passed her prime, she is still stunningly beautiful and captivating.

The key point is that at this time she had just broken up with Josh Charles and had not yet gotten together with Paul Bettany—this news was reported by the Los Angeles Herald, of course not by Ian himself.

A lull in the dating scene!

If Nicole Kidman can eat it, there's no reason why Jennifer Connelly can't.

Thinking of this, Ian picked up the phone: "Chatham, can you get in touch with Jennifer Connelly?"

Chatham on the other end of the phone was taken aback: "Of course, she's from UTA, what's the problem?"

Is Jennifer Connelly a member of UTA?

That would be wonderful.

Ian has already contacted UTA to acquire it. As a media giant, it is good news for the agency, since their artists need media promotion and publicity.

However, the two sides have a large price difference and have not yet reached an agreement. Ian Carl is now used to buying companies without paying a premium, just like he is now used to taking out loans and only paying interest. People who are used to enjoying privileges find it difficult to accept the standard.

However, it's understandable that they didn't pay a premium when buying UTA, given how heavily reliant the agency is on the media!

Since Jennifer Connelly is a member of UTA, things become much easier.

Ian said directly, "You contact UTA and Jennifer Connelly and tell them that I can get Jennifer Connelly the Best Supporting Actress award at this year's Academy Awards. It's a small favor I can do for them, but it can't be used as leverage to ask for money."

Jennifer Connelly was destined to win the award, thanks in no small part to the efforts of film and television companies and her agency, but whether she actually won it was uncertain to anyone.

As the owner of the exclusive broadcaster of the Oscars, Ian Carr has considerable influence over the Oscars. If he says he'll help, then the deal is practically a done deal.

To put it bluntly, Ian was just using something that was destined to happen as a favor.

Chatham chuckled, "Yes, sir. Would you like me to arrange a meeting between you and Miss Connery?"

"Of course," Ian replied with a smile.

Chatham may not be a great guy, but sometimes that's exactly what makes him useful; he can understand your meaning with just a few words.

He hung up the phone and looked at Ida: "You can go now."

Ida took a few steps, then stopped and said, "By the way, Miss Jessica Alba called. She's coming to your place tomorrow night with two new friends. Should I tell them to reschedule?"

Ian smiled and shook his head: "No need, I have plenty of energy."

Ida sighed softly.

The latest novel is first published here!

I'm beautiful too, okay?

Unfortunately, the boss never cared about the women around him.

Are all men like this?

Are wildflowers always more fragrant than cultivated flowers?

At least you have to eat it to be considered a family member, right?

………………

In a luxurious restaurant in Beverly Hills, the stunningly beautiful Jennifer Connelly, dressed in her finest attire, gazes at the young man before her.

This young man is only 26 years old, but he is already a highly sought-after business tycoon and media mogul in the United States.

The key is that the entire Hollywood trembles at the mere mention of his name—you never know when he'll expose a bunch of dirt on you.

The amount of information he supposedly revealed is less than one-tenth of what he actually possesses, and the quality is less than one-twentieth of what he does know!

For this reason, all the major Hollywood film and television companies treat him with great respect.

At that moment, Ian happily sliced ​​the veal, smiling at the beautiful woman before him: "Ms. Connery, don't you like the dinner here?"

"No, it's just that I'm a little nervous having dinner with someone as important as you," Jennifer Connelly replied.

She is a woman who is very good at flattery.

Those who can make it in the film and television industry are not simple people. Although Jennifer Connelly debuted as an innocent and pure girl, she later took the sexy route.

A person's outward appearance and true nature are never related, and fortunately, Ian doesn't care about the other person's true nature either.

In some respects, this is more appropriate.

Ian then laughed and said, "There are many people who are richer and more powerful than me, and I'm sure you've met quite a few."

Jennifer Connelly smiled charmingly: "But there aren't many that can make all of Hollywood afraid."

Ian clicked his tongue and shook his head: "It sounds like I don't have a very good reputation."

Connery then leaned closer: "The ability to instill fear is also a kind of power."

Her eyes held an unusual gleam.

"And what about you?" Ian chuckled.

Was the other party being so proactive because of Ian Carr's reputation? Or was it because Ian Carr promised her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress?

It doesn't matter anymore, we're all smart people.

As Jennifer Connelly had already said, "I'm not afraid of men like that; I'll only like...and even possess!"

Ian chuckled softly. "You're absolutely right!"

He raised his glass: "Cheers!"

The wine glasses collided violently, sending up a blood-like liquid that splattered in the air.

(End of this chapter)