"Boss, the factory's bidding and tendering process is complete, and all the paperwork has been finalized. Now that the ban has been lifted, the construction team has officially started work."
On the phone, Susan reported on the project progress in China.
"From your tone, everything seems to be going very smoothly."
At Leonard's restaurant, Eric sat in a private room, the seat opposite him still empty.
"Yes, Boss. The efficiency of the Chinese government departments is very high. I thought the paperwork would take a long time, but it proceeded surprisingly smoothly."
"Those officials were all very friendly and polite. If it weren't for the special circumstances, we could have started earlier."
"And do you know? There's no need for environmental protection equipment here. The factory can operate freely without worrying about pollution."
"My goodness! The regulations are so lax it's astonishing. The same factory that would take three years to build in the United States can be completed in one year here."
Susan highly praised the high efficiency in China. It was 2003, a time of rapid economic development, especially since MGM was a foreign investment.
Anyone who dared to make things difficult for her at such a time would be blind, like an old man eating arsenic—seeking death!
Eric chuckled, "That's why I say, China isn't as bad as Americans think. Although the material conditions are a bit behind the United States, Beijing isn't backward."
"You're right, Boss. I plan to bring my husband and children here to see it. The history of this country is truly astounding!"
Just then, the door opened, and Theron walked in, wearing a blue body-hugging dress and white high-heeled sandals.
Eric looked up and saw her astonishingly long, slender legs.
Glancing down, if Quentin Tarantino saw those feet, neither too big nor too small, he would surely be tempted to lick them.
Theron sat down, placed her bag aside, and seeing Eric on the phone, politely remained silent.
She rested her chin on her hand, took a sip of juice from her glass, and quietly watched him.
Eric winked at Theron, who smiled slightly, signaling him to continue.
However, with the beautiful woman present, Eric didn't want to continue chitchatting with Susan. He said directly, "I'm relieved that the factory construction is proceeding normally. You need to keep a close eye on the project."
"transformers will be released in November. I plan for a simultaneous release in China, otherwise, pirated copies will dominate the market within a week."
"After the movie is released, merchandise sales will begin immediately. We must seize the initiative, otherwise, pirated goods will also run rampant before long."
"Susan, remember, you need to do a few things before then."
"First, you need to get at least a few production lines up and running for me. A complete factory isn't realistic, so I require construction and production to happen simultaneously."
"Order equipment in advance, and as soon as conditions are met, start production early. Also, I'll send some skilled workers from the United States to train new recruits."
"Susan, the Chinese market is huge. The consumption power of first and second-tier cities is sufficient to afford the price of genuine merchandise."
"As for smaller cities, don't consider high-end toys like figurines, but clothes, small accessories, and school supplies can do well. You can find a reliable local company to do OEM."
"Remember to thoroughly inspect product quality. Even if it's OEM, as long as it carries our logo, I don't want to see shoddy goods."
"Also, starting now, you need to connect with large shopping malls and supermarkets. We also need to gradually establish our own sales channels."
After Eric finished speaking, Susan solemnly replied, "Okay, Boss, I'll get it done."
"Hmm, any other questions? If not, I'll hang up. I have very important things to do here."
Noticing silence on the other end, Eric said, "If you have any questions, speak up."
"Okay, Boss, I'm just curious, the production and sales rights for toy merchandise are with Hasbro, right? Aren't we infringing on their rights by doing this?"
"Don't worry about that. Just do as I say. I have my reasons."
"Okay, then I have no more questions."
Hanging up the phone, Eric put his cell phone aside. He had naturally anticipated Susan's concerns and had discussed them seriously with Sergei Hassenfield.
Currently, Hasbro has no business operations in China; they simply look down on poor China.
Given that, leveraging his relationship with Sergei, it wouldn't be difficult to obtain authorization.
Sergei certainly couldn't make decisions on major company matters, but a small authorization for a third-world country was something he could handle.
However, the factory would definitely not use MGM's name. On the surface, they would be unrelated, and Alan Hassenfeld would not be informed.
After all, the old man was over seventy and well past the age of micromanagement.
Currently, Eric frequently calls Sergei to foster their relationship, visiting New York at least once a month or inviting him for a couple of days of leisure.
Damn it, to win him over, he was even more intimate and attentive than with the women around him.
Currently, Eric was looking for the right opportunity to create a chance for the old man to meet Kate Winslet.
If he could successfully set up Winslet with Sergei, filling the emotional void Sergei had felt for many years.
Coupled with Sergei's long-accumulated anger towards Alan Hassenfeld, Sergei could be swayed at a critical moment and was very likely to side with him.
"Are you done with work?" Theron asked.
Eric hummed in affirmation and began to carefully observe her attire today, noticing that Theron was wearing light makeup.
Perhaps out of habit, or perhaps out of respect, but a woman willing to put on makeup for a man is a good sign.
"Haha. It sounds like a very big business."
"I invested in a factory in China and also established a film and television company there to handle some business operations."
"Then am I interrupting you? You can continue, it's still early."
Eric waved his hand, "No need. Didn't I just say on the phone that I have very important things to do? Now is the time to do them."
Hearing this, Theron shyly turned her head to the side. This remark had a flirtatious undertone.
Although she felt a little secretly pleased, she felt it wasn't quite appropriate, as she did have a boyfriend.
While her boyfriend had some shortcomings compared to the man opposite her—to be precise, there was a significant disparity in age, looks, talent, status, and power, he was completely overshadowed.
But they had been together for over a year, and she had feelings for Stuart Townsend.
"You look truly beautiful today, Theron. This dress makes you look lovely and sexy."
Eric continued to sweet-talk her with compliments. Theron smiled slightly, "Then you should wait until I lose weight to observe; I'll be even sexier then."
The words slipped out, making Theron inwardly chastise herself.
Damn it, how could you respond to him? Don't respond!
Eric's lips curled up: "Then I'll have to take a good look when that time comes. I wanted to ask you something, do you know Kate Winslet?"
"Yes, I met her at events before. We have a pretty good relationship, for several years now."
"That's wonderful! Could you introduce us?"
Eric slapped his thigh. He had finally found an opportunity.
Upon hearing this request, Theron immediately became alert. At this time, Kate Winslet had not yet gained weight; they were female stars of the same age, and Winslet was also a sexy and beautiful goddess.
Moreover, in terms of fame, after titanic, she was an absolute world-class star, while Theron was several levels below her.
Eric's sudden inquiry naturally made Theron feel a bit abrupt and uncomfortable.
Without directly agreeing, Theron pretended to ask casually, "What do you want with her? Does MGM have a project?"
"It's not about a movie. A friend of mine, actually, he really admires Kate Winslet. After watching titanic, he became captivated by Winslet."
"A few months ago, he started pestering me, hoping I could help him create a suitable opportunity."
Eric briefly explained the situation, omitting the fact that Sergei was married. Only then did Theron understand.
Knowing that Eric wasn't interested in Winslet, she suddenly felt relieved and her face was once again filled with smiles.
"No problem, but meeting alone would be too deliberate and also quite awkward."
"I'll think about it and find an opportunity to gather everyone together. Whether your friend can seize the chance is up to him."
Eric's gaze was electric: "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."
"Seize the opportunity… to do what?" Theron asked hesitantly.
"Guess?"
Their eyes met, and in the air of the room, an ambiguous atmosphere gradually spread.
Neither of them spoke, just gazing at each other, as if everything had been said.
Thump, thump, thump.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and a waiter entered with dishes.
Theron quickly lowered her 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 ladies' man, he naturally sensed the subtle changes in the beautiful woman's attitude.
To conquer Theron's heart, he not only took the initiative himself but also enlisted the help of people around Theron.
That's right, it was her again, Eric's wingwoman Patty Jenkins.
During the filming of transformers, Patty covered for him, keeping it from Gadot, so this time, she naturally felt it was her duty.
What? You disagree! You think this is a bit unethical!
I'll add 5 million dollars to your publicity budget, will you do it or not?
No problem, my great Boss, I'll hit wherever you point!
On the way back to Beverly Hills, his phone rang. Eric glanced at it; it was Michael.
He found it a bit strange; Michael rarely called him at night.
He answered and put it on speakerphone.
"Hi, Michael, what's up?"
On the other end was Michael's very low voice: "Eric, Neverland Ranch was raided by the Santa Barbara Police Department. Tom Schneider suddenly brought people in."
"I'm currently being held at the police station for questioning. If it's convenient for you, please go to the Ranch and check on it for me."
Although Michael's voice was low, his trembling could be heard, and Eric was instantly furious.
These guys, they really came. They wouldn't stop until they put Michael to death.
"Don't worry, I'll be right there!"
"Okay, once you arrive, you can contact Lawyer Meserio. He's excellent and trustworthy!"
It wasn't even nine in the evening yet, and the roads in Los Angeles were still full of traffic.
Suddenly, a black Wrangler sharply swerved and turned around, completely disregarding traffic rules as it cut into the oncoming lane, then sped away into the distance amidst a chorus of surprised shouts and curses.
The journey, which usually took over two hours, had less traffic at night. Coupled with Eric flooring the accelerator.
This new car, just released last year, demonstrated its superior performance. In less than two hours, he had already arrived in Santa Barbara.
At Neverland Ranch, Eric stood before a white-haired, bespectacled middle-aged man. He was the lawyer, Lawyer Meserio, whom Michael had mentioned.
They were all named Tom, but this one chose justice, while Tom Schneider was a mad dog.
The two shook hands. Lawyer Meserio spoke, "Mr. Cooper, Jackson said you are his best friend, trustworthy."
"Lawyer Meserio, Michael also told me that you are a lawyer with a sense of justice and will not succumb to evil!"
Lawyer Meserio nodded: "Alright, since Jackson believes we are both trustworthy, I hope we can work together to get him out."
"Let me briefly tell you about this. Today, Jackson had an event in San Francisco and left very early."
"And while he was away from Neverland Ranch, Tom Schneider brought the police to search the premises. The remaining people at the Ranch were powerless to stop them."
"After Jackson found out, he rushed back in the afternoon, but he was arrested by Tom Schneider before he even entered the gate. He is now being held at the police station."
"I also received the news not long ago and rushed over immediately, and I've already met with him."
"I originally wanted to get Jackson out of the police station first, but he asked me to come find you. That's essentially it."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at Michael's residence.
Mesereau said, "This was the main area of the search. They really wanted to find Jackson's private belongings inside."
Walking inside, Eric's emotions, which had calmed down, once again flared up in anger.
The living room was completely messed up; sofas, cabinets, rugs, and wall decorations were all on the floor. The ground was covered in debris, and many things had been cut open with sharp objects.
"Son of a bitch!"
Cursing, the two went upstairs, first to Michael's collection room, which contained his treasured toys, figurines, discs, CDs, and comics.
Many of them were gifts from friends. Eric even saw the doll and record that little Elizabeth had given him last time he visited.
But now they were all shattered on the floor!
Then they went to his bedroom, which was even more of a disaster area, worse than if it had been ransacked.
"Does Michael know?"
Mesereau shook his head: "Not yet. If he saw all this, he would surely be heartbroken and pass out."
"He told me some things, hoping the police didn't find them."
Saying this, Mesereau began to search. After a while, he finally pulled out a very sophisticated camera from a corner; a non-professional would truly not have found it.
Subsequently, he found several more in other areas.
"It's good that this is here. He said you suggested installing it, and I didn't expect it to actually come in handy. Unfortunately, the ones installed in other parts of the Ranch were all turned off."
"What do you want to do?" Eric immediately asked.
"No matter what, let's first go to the police station and get Jackson out. Tom Schneider clearly has malicious intent, and I'm worried he might use illegal methods."
"Illegal? Are these methods legal now?"
"Of course not. First, they shouldn't have searched while Jackson was away; the premise was wrong, not to mention such violent methods."
Eric nodded, "So, the police are completely in the wrong, right?"
"Yes!"
"Good, since they've resorted to such tactics, then it's only fair that I respond in kind. I'll use some tactics too."
Mesereau frowned: "Mr. Cooper, what do you intend to do?"
Eric looked coldly ahead: "Of course, I'll make them pay the price. At the very least, that son of a bitch Schneider won't be able to interfere with the subsequent trial!"