The sun was shining on the earth. Even though it was only a little past eight in the morning, the summer wind was already very hot.
However, even though the wind was hot, Howard Stringer seemed not to feel it, as his body was chilling.
The negative news and plummeting stock prices of the past few days had caused great dissatisfaction at Sony's Tokyo headquarters, which demanded that he immediately stabilize the stock price and quickly resolve this major problem.
However, things had already developed to this point; how could they be resolved with just a few words?
Sony Music's development in recent years had been very good, and Howard Stringer was very satisfied with Tommy Mottola's work ability.
As for the conflict and dispute between him and Michael Jackson, Howard Stringer was actually very clear about it. Since taking office in 1997, he had always supported reclaiming the copyrights from Jackson.
As for how to operate it specifically, that was Tommy Mottola's business. Howard Stringer wanted results.
It was precisely this laissez-faire attitude that led to the situation worsening step by step, ultimately becoming irreversible and completely erupting.
Howard Stringer had already made up his mind: Tokyo needed an explanation, shareholders and investors needed an explanation, and Michael Jackson even more so.
Therefore, in today's negotiation, to appease Jackson, Tommy Mottola would have to be thrown under the bus if necessary.
Such a huge scapegoat was not something an ordinary person could bear; he was just the right size.
As long as Jackson was satisfied, and the news was released, the stock price would definitely soar.
As for the copyright issue, he would simply wash his hands of it and pass this hot potato to the next person in charge.
This was called trusting the wisdom of future generations.
At the same time, Howard Stringer also sensed something unusual, because this series of operations was too smooth.
Sony was clearly being targeted. Michael Jackson didn't seem like someone with such cunning, so there must be someone behind him manipulating things.
Connecting those details, his gaze naturally fell on MGM. He would soon know if it was Eric Cooper.
If MGM was behind this, then a feud had been formed, and Sony would definitely find an opportunity to retaliate.
At Neverland Ranch, riding a sightseeing car, he had no interest in admiring the surrounding scenery and soon arrived at the fountain, entering the house.
Seeing that he had arrived, Michael and Howard Stringer shook hands, dismissing all irrelevant personnel.
"Michael, nice to meet you. I am Howard Stringer. You should know me."
Michael nodded: "Mr. Howard, your willingness to come forward at least shows that Sony still has the sincerity to negotiate. Let's not waste words. I don't think you're in the mood to chat with me, given Sony's current stock price."
Howard Stringer smiled unnaturally: "Then let's begin. Tell me your demands. What exactly do you want?"
"No, it's not what I want, but what Sony owes me. Over the years, I have created over a billion dollars in profit and wealth for Sony, but your method of repayment has left me feeling disheartened and uneasy."
Howard Stringer cursed inwardly, Sony's market value had evaporated by billions of dollars in the past few days, who could he cry to?
However, he still said seriously: "Michael, you shouldn't believe the various conspiracies circulating on the market. Of course, I don't deny your contributions to the company."
"It's normal for you to be dissatisfied, and I can understand that, especially the conflict between you and Tommy Mottola. I didn't know about it before, but now I do."
"I can represent Sony in agreeing that the company will conduct an internal investigation. As long as you are willing to publicly announce a settlement, Tommy Mottola will be suspended and dismissed immediately."
"Are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Michael pointed to his nose: "Mr. Howard, do I look that foolish? The way you propose to handle it is what Sony should do, not something to comfort or compensate me. We must first clarify this logic."
"Tommy Mottola persecuted me, and I have been restrained enough not to initiate criminal proceedings against him. Firing him is the basis of our negotiation, not a bargaining chip you should offer."
Howard Stringer listened quietly to Michael's explanation, feeling a bit strange. From the information he had, Michael Jackson wasn't like this.
He should be a very kind and tolerant person; why was he so sharp today?
However, when one is under another's roof, one must bow one's head, so Howard Stringer could only agree.
"Michael, you have a point. Out of respect for you, I guarantee Tommy Mottola will be gone immediately."
"At the same time, to compensate for the harm done to you, Sony is willing to raise your treatment to a higher level, including all aspects such as song recording, release, and concert organization."
"Also, regarding the stagnation of your album sales, I received a report that it was all Tommy Mottola's doing. Sony will return the overdue portion to you."
"Here is a contract regarding your future treatment. Take a look; it's truly very generous. You are still our most valued artist."
Howard Stringer said, taking a document from his bag: "Michael, signing it will benefit both of us. This is the optimal outcome."
Michael took the document and read it carefully. After finishing, he found that Howard Stringer had indeed not lied to him; this was truly a very generous offer, if not for a line of small print at the very end.
Tossing the document onto the table, Michael said: "Mr. Howard, Sony wants to renew my contract for fifteen years and also have priority purchase rights for the copyrights I hold. I don't think that's a good idea."
Howard Stringer explained: "Michael, the conflict between you and the company is actually the conflict between you and Tommy Mottola. You can rest assured, I guarantee he will never appear before you again."
"We will provide you with the best resources, just like in the nineties. You will be able to return to your peak, defend your title as the King of Pop, and defeat all challengers."
"Enough!"
Howard Stringer's seductive rhetoric was interrupted by Michael before he could finish.
"Mr. Howard, there's no need to change the subject. We both know this isn't a conflict between me and Tommy Mottola. Copyrights are the core."
"Sony won't give up, and neither will I. You certainly know what I want."
"Let's be direct. Sony and I terminate the contract, I leave with the copyrights, and then I will issue a settlement statement to the public, restoring Sony's reputation and stock price."
"Michael, you can't."
"I said enough! This is my only demand. If the company doesn't agree, this war will not end."
The atmosphere suddenly became awkward, and Howard Stringer's gaze also turned cold: "Michael, who is helping you behind the scenes? Is it Eric Cooper of MGM? Or Plante Tonder?"
Michael's gaze didn't flinch: "There's no need to discuss such pointless topics. I'll give you two days to coordinate. I only want results."
Howard Stringer instantly clenched his fists. He was being ordered around, by a singer.
"Michael Jackson, you have made a very wrong decision. Sony will never agree to your demands, and players will never bow to a playing card."
"Then let the stock price continue to fall, because music is dragging down the entire group. I'm very curious if those shareholders will have any opinions."
Howard Stringer stood up, picked up his briefcase, and walked towards the door.
"Michael, do you think relying on the stock price will make Sony compromise? You are too naive. We have ample funds to support the market, and the stock price will recover over time, because your fans and those who claim to be righteous will not follow this matter for long."
"After the cold treatment ends, new hot topics will cover your case. The media will always chase traffic. When no one pays attention anymore, the stock price will return to normal."
"And that will be your death sentence. You will be indefinitely blacklisted. I swear no company will ever take you in."
"Your records will be delisted, all your commercial performances will be canceled. I hear you are currently burdened with debt, and the bank will not let you off."
"This Neverland Ranch is really nice. When the bank auctions it, I will definitely buy it and then invite everyone you hate to a party."
"Don't forget those charities. Aren't you a great philanthropist? Don't you like to donate? When your capital chain breaks, let's see what you'll donate!"
"Those children and AIDS patients, they will no longer receive treatment, and one by one they will die painfully on their sickbeds. All of this is because of your selfishness!"
Having failed to achieve his goal, his disguise was ripped off. Howard Stringer's composure vanished, and he uttered vicious curses.
Michael didn't care about being cursed at, but his act of cursing with children instantly ignited Michael's fury.
"Howard Stringer, Sony indeed controls my economic lifeline, but don't forget that I also hold your Achilles' heel."
"I will exercise half of the copyright power, suspending all commercial activities of all singers under Sony Music. Perhaps I will go bankrupt, but Sony Music won't have an easy time either."
"I really want to see how many singers will dare to sign with Sony in the future. Let's wait and see!"
Unexpectedly, Michael dared to use such tactics to threaten him. Howard Stringer's eye twitched violently.
"Michael Jackson, if you dare to do that, you will become the public enemy of the music industry!"
"You're wrong, Howard. Both Sony and I will become the public enemy of the music industry. If I can't get back my rights, then let's perish together."
"You—"
Howard Stringer's eyes widened.
Michael continued: "Furthermore, I want to tell you something else. I will announce to the public that I am willing to share an additional 5% of the copyright revenue I control with other singers."
"You don't need me to explain what this means. Singers and fans alike will only be grateful to me. You will always be the bad guys, and can Sony do that?"
"I am just an individual, but Sony is a multinational listed company. You are about profit, and you are accountable to your shareholders."
A chill suddenly rose from Howard Stringer's heart. He was 100% certain that this was a premeditated action, and Sony had long been trapped in it.
Michael also stood up: "Howard, Sony now faces only two paths."
"The first is that we perish together, but Sony's losses will definitely be much greater than mine."
"The second is that we part ways peacefully. Sony lets me leave with the copyrights, but I will also abide by the rules and use these copyrights reasonably."
"And I can guarantee that I will not switch to Universal or Warner Bros. In the music market, you will still be in a three-way standoff, and the pattern will not be broken."
"On the other hand, if we fight to the death, the only ones who profit will be other companies."
"Mr. Howard, you are an excellent businessman, and excellent businessmen always make the most appropriate decisions."
"However, it's still the same old saying: I only give you two days to consider. If you don't give a clear answer after two days, then I will consider that Sony has chosen the first option."
After speaking, Michael took the initiative to open the door. Howard Stringer stared at him for a while, then left without a word.
Watching Howard Stringer leave, Michael also breathed a sigh of relief. The decision he had just made was the result of a long discussion with Eric. If Sony remained stubborn, the outcome would be disastrous.
Leaving Neverland Ranch, even with the air conditioning running high in the car, Howard Stringer still felt unbearably hot.
He had miscalculated. He thought he could easily manipulate Michael Jackson, but instead, he was intimidated by him.
The most crucial thing was that the other party only gave him two days, which wasn't enough time for a cold treatment.
Frustrated, Howard Stringer patted his forehead and said, "To the airport. I need to fly to Tokyo immediately!"
At the same time, Michael let in all the media gathered outside Neverland Ranch, telling reporters that there would be a result in two days, which would be a major event that would shake the music industry.
Everyone waited anxiously, and two days passed in a flash.
During this period, Japanese media reported that Sony held a shareholders' meeting, with many wealthy individuals holding shares attending as observers.
Eric and Michael had also spoken on the phone several times. All the revelations he had prepared were ready to be released en masse if things took a turn for the worse.
As the black Cadillac drove into Neverland Ranch, a visibly unwell Howard Stringer once again entered the room, just as he had two days prior, to negotiate with Michael.
Lawyer Meserio entered midway, and the negotiation continued until evening, with the three still not emerging from the room.
Looking at the already cold food, Siti, the black housekeeper, sighed.
Creak.
A moment later, the door finally opened, and the three walked out.
"Michael, have something to eat. You've been hungry all day."
"Just a moment, Siti, I'll be right back."
Letting in the reporters who had been waiting all day, Michael and Howard Stringer shook hands in front of everyone.
The reporters quickly pressed their shutters, capturing the moment.
Howard Stringer cleared his throat and said: "After friendly consultation, we are convinced that everything was a misunderstanding, and it was Tommy Mottola's personal actions."
"Sony and Mr. Jackson have reached an agreement to terminate his contract early."
"From this moment on, he is an independent musician, but we remain good friends, and will continue to be close partners in the future."
The reporters looked at him in confusion, wondering if he even heard what he was saying. Weren't they going to court? Hadn't they been fighting to the death?
At this moment, Michael looked at Mesereau. He was not thick-skinned enough to lie through his teeth.
Mesereau then spoke on his behalf: "Mr. Howard Stringer is absolutely right. It was all Tommy Mottola's doing, and he will receive his due punishment."
"And Sony is a great company. They chose to let Michael leave with his own copyrights, which is a testament to their respect for contractual spirit."
"We thank Sony for its grace and generosity, and we hope the rumors stop. It's time to end this struggle that has hurt both sides."
At this moment, Howard Stringer's heart was bleeding. What grace, what generosity? That was all money, wealth worth billions of dollars.
The reporters, however, watched everything in shock. Michael Jackson leaving Sony with half the copyrights, didn't that mean he had won?
For an individual to force capital to compromise, such a thing was simply unheard of.
And for Michael, who held these copyrights, did it mean the rise of a new giant in the music industry?
Indeed, as he said, this was a major event that shook the music industry.