At the Golden Dawn office, Alexander, Zane's chief assistant, was giving him a report.
"Boss, as of yesterday, you have brought $740 million in cash back from the Asian financial crisis."
"Here is how we've spent it so far:"
"$400 million was put into California Standard Bank to buy physical gold."
"$20 million was used to upgrade the bank's branches and build new ones."
"$125 million was used to buy 2.7% of Apple's stock."
"$110 million was used to buy another 1.02% of Apple's stock from the open market."
"$85 million was used to buy stocks in other internet companies, like Cisco and Microsoft."
Alexander finished, "So, as of yesterday, you hold a total of 3.72% of Apple. And the $740 million in your personal account is now down to just $20 million."
Zane sighed. "Wow. In just a few months, I've spent over $700 million. And it's still not enough for all the things I want to do. Life is full of surprises."
Of course, that $20 million wasn't all the cash Zane had. He also had a separate, personal bank account. All the money he earned as a producer or director from his movies went into that account.
Why? It was a smart way to do business. It kept his personal money safe and separate from his company's money. It also helped with taxes.
"A company is a company, and a person is a person," Zane always said. He was very careful to keep his finances clean and separate.
...
"Boss," Alexander continued, "there's one other investment you've been focused on: the Under Armour sports company."
Zane hadn't forgotten about Under Armour. He knew it would one day be a multi-billion dollar company. How could he forget?
"So," Zane said with a friendly laugh, "is our former football star, Kevin Plank, still being stubborn? Is he still holding onto his company?"
Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, was a very smart and shrewd man. That's why he would one day be a billionaire, while most other athletes went broke.
For the past few months, Zane had sent people to offer to invest in Under Armour. But every time, Plank had said no.
"Man, this is my company!" he'd said the first time. "What? You're saying I need money?! Listen to me! Even if I have to drag this company to hell with me, I will never sell one single share!"
But... the second time Zane sent someone, the man's tune had changed a little.
"Guy," he'd said, "please tell Mr. Blackwood that Under Armour is my life's work. It's like my child."
Uh huh, Zane thought. He's trying to get me to pay more!
Mr. Plank had turned into a greedy businessman, asking for a crazy high price. He wasn't acting like a simple football player at all.
Zane didn't play that game. He just told his team to wait. "Let him sweat," Zane had said.
Zane wasn't going to be ripped off. He'd just made all this money, and he wasn't going to just give it away.
And it worked! Kevin Plank, who really needed the money to grow his company, finally had to swallow his pride. He had called Zane's team three times, ready to make a fair deal.
"Haha!" Zane smiled. "See that, Alexander? In America, the person with the money is the boss. The wealthy can do whatever they want!"
Alexander just smiled.
"Alright, buddy," Zane said, "it's about time. Go tell that greedy guy, Kevin Plank, my final offer: $3 million for a 45% stake in Under Armour."
"Okay, boss."
That's right. Only $3 million! After spending hundreds of millions, this was just pocket change. But Zane was a man of principle.
"I'll give you the money," he thought, "but I'm not going to let you demand it."
...
A few days later, at the casting for the new movie, "Memento"...
"Joaquin, congratulations," Zane said, shaking Joaquin Phoenix's hand with a warm smile. "You worked hard, and you've earned the lead role in this film."
Joaquin was so excited. "Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Blackwood!"
He was the future "Joker," a huge star. But right now, he was still a young actor who hadn't had a big, main-character role yet.
Zane really liked Joaquin. He was a great actor, and just as important, he was a good guy. He didn't use drugs, which was rare in Hollywood.
The new movie was all set:
Film Title: Memento
Screenplay: Jonathan Nolan
Director: Christopher Nolan
Producer: Zane Blackwood
Lead Actor: Joaquin Phoenix
Lead Actress: Jennifer Connelly
Zane had chosen Jennifer for the female lead role. She was a great actress, and she was beautiful. Of course, she also had an... impressive figure.
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