Chapter 966: 329, tempted by profit benefits

Donnie’s words left Douglas silent. No matter how much he disliked Donnie, he had to admit that he wasn’t yet indifferent to a million or two US Dollars.

“With this money, you can invest it in the stock market right now. I don’t need to explain the current state of the market across the country, you know it yourself, right?

Maybe within a year or two, this fund could double.”

“But all of this is based on you agreeing to the public listing of United Artists!”

Douglas found himself trapped in immense hesitation. After contemplating for a long time, he suddenly asked, “How can you possibly ensure the market value of United Artists doubles?”

Donnie laughed heartily and said, “In the field of filmmaking, I’m not as skilled as you, but when it comes to manipulating capital, even if you combined Charlie, you, and Gerry, none of you can rival me.

Moreover, I can make a guarantee to you: once United Artists goes public, I will unite with you to support reinvesting the company’s profits in expansion. Perhaps in a few years’ time, United Artists will become one of Hollywood’s top-tier film companies, and by then, you can completely shed the label of simply being an actor!”

Douglas was moved. No matter how much he hated Donnie, he couldn’t deny the blueprint Donnie painted for him in his heart.

“Of course, if you don’t agree, I can still go to Griffith. No one says no to capital. However, in that case, you will no longer be my partner, and during the subsequent operation, I won’t be able to ensure your interests!”

Donnie’s words struck Douglas’ heart like a heavy hammer.

Donnie had just said he could use the power of capital to boost United Artists’ market value. That surely meant he also had ways to use capital to ensure Douglas suffered a loss even though he should benefit!

“I have one condition!” Douglas compromised in his heart.

Donnie raised his glass with a smile and asked, “Go ahead, say it!”

Douglas said, “I need to become the CEO of United Artists!”

In the face of interests, Douglas chose to betray his friendship with Charlie Chaplin.

However, Donnie shook his head at Douglas’ suggestion and replied, “At least not now. Besides, as long as Charlie doesn’t voluntarily step down in the next few years, I won’t support you becoming the CEO of United Artists!”

What Douglas, Chaplin, and Griffith had previously discussed regarding United Artists’ core competitiveness–that the three of them formed its backbone–was true. But among the three, Charlie Chaplin was the most critical core.

Without the emergence of sound films, Donnie would not abandon Charlie Chaplin!

Douglas snorted coldly and said, “If Charlie finds out he’s lost control of United Artists, then given his personality, he’s bound to leave United Artists!”

Donnie waved his hand and said, “If that happens, naturally I would have no objection. But as long as it’s not Charlie who chooses to leave, I won’t allow it!”

Douglas considered himself well-acquainted with Charlie Chaplin, and firmly believed that Chaplin would leave United Artists once this matter unfolded. He conceded, saying, “Alright, I’ll agree to your conditions. But how do you guarantee what you said?”

Donnie chuckled and said, “Doug, you surely haven’t forgotten my current position, have you? I’m now the president of the Venus Consortium, a renowned figure throughout the United States. Do you seriously think I’d sacrifice my credibility over a mere few million?”

Douglas couldn’t answer that question.

The current Donnie was a bona fide billionaire–it seemed there indeed was no such possibility.

Throughout the entire negotiation between Donnie and Douglas tonight, Donnie maintained dominance.

In the end, Douglas chose to trust Donnie and agreed to support Donnie during the negotiations the next day!

Donnie remained seated, shaking hands with Douglas and saying, “Pleasure working with you!”

Douglas reluctantly took a few bites of the salmon in front of him, then left.

After Douglas left, a man who had been sitting with his back toward them stood up, his expression complex, and took the seat opposite Donnie–where Douglas had just been sitting.

“Griffith, you heard my entire conversation with Douglas earlier, didn’t you?”

After wiping his mouth, Donnie smiled and spoke to the visibly conflicted Griffith.

Griffith had been invited in advance by Donnie and had overheard his entire negotiation with Douglas.

“Block, surely your assets can’t be lacking a mere few million US Dollars?” Griffith asked helplessly.

Faced with his friend’s betrayal, his heart was filled with pain!

“Naturally, I have my reasons!” Donnie said. “Griffith, what I need from you now is to persuade Charlie to stay in United Artists after this goes down. And I’ll honor the agreement I’ve just made with you: I’ll fully respect your and Charlie’s decisions regarding United Artists’ development.”

Griffith asked, “Is there really no other way to handle this?”

Donnie shook his head and replied, “None. Griffith, you should understand that if I didn’t consider you and Charlie friends, I wouldn’t have invited you here tonight in advance. With Douglas’ support, the public listing of United Artists is now unstoppable!”

Griffith sighed deeply. He knew Donnie was telling the truth.

“Alright, I’ll persuade Charlie tomorrow, but I can’t guarantee he’ll listen to me!”

“Don’t worry. Perhaps all Charlie needs is a gentle push down the steps.”