"Boss, the bidding for the factory has been completed, and all the procedures are done. Now that the ban has been lifted, the construction team has officially entered the site."
Over the phone, Susan reported on the progress of the project 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 procedures would take a long time, but they went surprisingly smoothly."
"Those officials were very friendly and polite. If it weren't for the special circumstances, construction could have started much earlier."
"And do you know? There's no need for environmental protection equipment here. The factory can start production at will, completely disregarding pollution issues."
"My goodness! The regulations are so lax it's astonishing. The same factory that would probably take three years to build in the United States can be completed here in one year."
Susan highly praised the high efficiency in China. It was 2003, a time of vigorous economic development, especially since MGM was a foreign investment.
Anyone who dared to make things difficult for her at such a time would be purely asking for trouble, like an old birthday boy 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 take a look. The history of this country is truly astounding!"
At this moment, the door opened, and Theron walked in, wearing a blue one-piece bodycon dress and white high-heeled sandals.
Eric looked up and saw her astonishingly long, slender legs.
Glancing down, if Quentin Tarantino saw those not-too-big, not-too-small feet, he would definitely be unable to resist licking them.
Theron sat down, placed her bag aside, and seeing Eric on the phone, politely made no sound.
Resting her chin on her hand, she took a sip of the juice in her glass, then quietly watched him.
Eric winked at Theron, and she smiled slightly, signaling him to continue.
However, with the beautiful woman present, Eric didn't want to continue chatting with Susan and directly said, "I'm relieved that the factory construction is proceeding normally. You need to keep a close eye on the project."
"transformers is set to be released in November. I plan to synchronize the 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 too long."
"Susan, remember, before that, you need to do a few things."
"First, at least get 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 hires."
"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, high-end toys like figurines shouldn't be considered, but clothes, small accessories, and school supplies can do well. You can find a reliable local company to do OEM."
"Remember to carefully inspect product quality. Even if it's OEM, as long as it carries our logo, I don't want to see shoddy products."
"Additionally, from now on, you need to start connecting with large shopping malls and supermarkets. We also need to gradually open up our own sales channels."
After Eric finished speaking, Susan solemnly replied, "Okay, boss, I will get it done."
"Hmm, any other questions? If not, I'll hang up. I have very important things to do here."
Noticing the 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? Wouldn't what we're doing be an infringement?"
"Don't worry about this. 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 had no business operations in China; they simply looked down on the impoverished China.
Given this, with his relationship with Sergei, it wouldn't be difficult to obtain a qualification.
Sergei certainly couldn't make decisions on major company matters, but a small authorization for a third-world country was something he could manage.
However, the factory would definitely not use MGM's name at that time. On the surface, they would be unrelated, and Alan Hassenfeld would not be informed.
After all, the old man was over seventy, long past the age of hands-on involvement.
Now, Eric frequently called Sergei to foster their relationship, visiting New York at least once a month or inviting him to enjoy a couple of days together.
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 this old man to meet Kate Winslet.
If he could successfully set up Winslet, filling Sergei's emotional void of many years.
Coupled with the long-standing anger he held towards Alan Hassenfeld, Sergei was a guy who could be won over at a crucial moment, with a high probability of siding with him.
"Done with work?" Theron asked.
Eric hummed in affirmation and began to carefully observe her attire today, noticing that Theron had applied light makeup.
Perhaps out of habit, or perhaps out of respect, but a woman willing to put on makeup for a man was a good sign.
"Haha. Sounds like a very big business."
"I've invested in a factory in China and also established a film and television company 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 had 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 hint of flirtation.
Although she was somewhat secretly pleased, she felt it wasn't quite appropriate, as she did have a boyfriend.
Though her boyfriend had some shortcomings compared to the man opposite her—to be precise, there was a significant gap in age, looks, talent, status, and power, he was completely overshadowed.
But no matter what, 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 praise her sweetly. Theron smiled slightly, "Then you should wait until I've lost weight to observe; I'll be even sexier then."
The words slipped out, making Theron inwardly scold herself.
Damn it, how could you respond to him? Don't respond!
Eric's lips curved upwards: "Then I'll have to take a good look when that time comes. I wanted to ask you something, do you know Kate Winslet?"
"Hmm, I met her at events before. We have a pretty good relationship, it's been several years."
"That's excellent! Could you introduce us two to each other?"
Eric slapped his thigh. He finally found an opportunity.
Upon hearing this request, Theron immediately became alert. At this time, Kate Winslet had not yet gained weight, and they were actresses of the same age, the other being an equally sexy and beautiful goddess.
Moreover, in terms of fame, after titanic, she was an absolute world-class star, while Theron was several levels below.
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 to see her for? 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 was 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. Theron then understood.
Knowing that Eric wasn't interested in Winslet, she suddenly felt relieved and her face was once again full of 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 helped me a great deal, Theron. Whether Sergei can seize the opportunity is unclear, 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, yet it seemed they had said everything.
Knock knock knock.
Suddenly, the door was knocked, 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 do I feel like I'm losing control?
After finishing dinner, Eric watched Theron leave.
As an experienced 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 those around Theron.
That's right, it was her again, Eric's wingwoman Patty Jenkins.
When filming transformers, Patty covered for him, keeping it from Gadot. This time, she naturally felt it was her duty.
What? You disagree! You think this is 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 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 broke in with his people."
"I'm currently being held at the police station for questioning. If you can, please go to the ranch and check it out for me."
Although Michael's voice wasn't loud, his trembling could be heard, and Eric immediately became furious.
These guys, they really came. They wouldn't stop until Michael was ruined.
"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 PM 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 and entering the oncoming lane, then sped away amidst a chorus of surprised shouts and curses.
The journey that usually took over two hours had less traffic at night, and Eric floored the accelerator.
This new car, which had just been released last year, performed exceptionally well, and he arrived in Santa Barbara in less than two hours.
At Neverland Ranch, a white-haired, bespectacled middle-aged man stood before Eric. He was the lawyer Tom Mesereau 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, and Lawyer Meserio began, "Mr. Cooper, Jackson says you are his best friend and trustworthy."
"Lawyer Meserio, Michael also told me that you are a lawyer with a sense of justice and will not yield to evil!"
Lawyer Meserio nodded: "Alright, since Jackson believes we are both trustworthy, I hope we can work together to free him."
"Let me briefly explain this matter to you. 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's currently being held at the police station."
"I also just received the news a short while ago and rushed over immediately. I've already met with him."
"I originally wanted to get Jackson out of the police station first, but he told me to come find you, so that's roughly the situation."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at Michael's residence.
Mesereau said, "This was the main focus of their search. They really wanted to find Jackson's private information inside."
Stepping inside, Eric's calm emotions once again erupted into fury.
The living room was in complete disarray. Sofas, cabinets, rugs, and wall decorations were all scattered on the floor, which was covered in debris. Many items had also been cut open with sharp objects.
"Son of a bitch!"
Cursing angrily, the two went upstairs, first to Michael's collection room, which was filled with his prized toy collections, figurines, discs, CDs, and comics.
Among them were many gifts from friends. Eric even saw the doll and record that little Elizabeth had given him during his last visit.
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 faint from heartbreak."
"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 thing is here. He said you suggested installing it, and it really came in handy. Unfortunately, the ones installed elsewhere in the ranch were all turned off."
"What do you want to do?" Eric immediately asked.
"Regardless, let's go to the police station and get Jackson out first. Tom Schneider clearly has malicious intent, and I'm worried he might use illegal means."
"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 polite to reciprocate. I'll use some tactics too."
Mesereau frowned: "Mr. Cooper, what do you intend to do?"
Eric looked coldly ahead: "Of course, to make them pay the price, at least to make sure that son of a bitch Schneider can no longer interfere with the subsequent trial!"