fictionpage Chapter 209 Too Many Matchmakers
Chapter 209 Too Many Matchmakers
Chapter 209 Too Many Matchmakers
(I know this character isn't likable, but this is a small foreshadowing.)
The heavy office door was slowly pushed open, and two beautiful figures walked in as if they had their own spotlights, instantly breaking the silence inside.
The two women were dressed in dark business suits, the lines of which were smooth and crisp, perfectly outlining their beautiful figures. They wore matching high heels, each step producing a crisp, rhythmic sound.
Both women wore light makeup; delicate foundation concealed minor skin imperfections, subtle eyeshadow made their eyes appear more lively, and pink lipstick added a touch of vibrancy.
Overall, it exudes both the composure of a working professional and the vibrant energy unique to young people.
"This is our chairman's office. Feel free to come in and relax with a cup of coffee when you have some free time."
Anne Bellis Kennedy, the young lady, was strolling around the office with her handpicked assistant, seemingly oblivious to everyone else.
Her posture made it seem as if this wasn't the chairman's office, but rather her own backyard.
Anne walked straight past the sofa area, seemingly oblivious to Ernst and Robert Iger sitting there, as if they were merely dispensable air in the office, a stark contrast to the tension and restraint in the eyes of the other woman.
I don't know what they were thinking, they had so many requirements for an assistant, keeping the HR staff very busy.
However, seeing that he dared to treat the chairman like air even when nothing was wrong, Ernst didn't say anything, and the HR colleagues had no choice but to tolerate it.
"That's my lounge, which I use when I'm resting. If you have any ideas, you can hire a renovation team to partition off another lounge for your own use."
After hearing Anne's words, Ernst felt a headache coming on and couldn't help but think to himself, "Do you think every personal secretary is as leisurely as you?"
Anne didn't even see Ernst's dark expression. She turned to her assistant with a smile and reassured her in a relaxed tone, "Don't be nervous, our job is easy. We just follow that guy around every day, and if he goes on a business trip, we just arrange transportation—"
She rambled on and on, completely oblivious to the strange looks Ernst and Robert Iger were giving her.
After Anne and her assistant finally closed the door and left, Robert Iger, who had been trying hard to suppress his laughter, could no longer hold back and burst into laughter while leaning back on the sofa.
Ernst glared at him fiercely and said through gritted teeth, "I must have done something heinous in my past life that God sent her to punish me."
Robert Iger finally managed to stop laughing. He wiped away the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes and said to Ernst in a serious tone, "I think it's a good choice. It would be a good wife for you."
Robert Iger knew Anne's background perfectly well and naturally understood her purpose in coming.
If Ernst were to marry Anne, it would mean that Ernst's abilities had been recognized by everyone in the top echelons of American society.
This was undoubtedly a huge boost to Ernst's status and position, and it also provided immeasurable help to those who worked hard alongside him.
"Why do you all say the same thing?" Ernst sighed helplessly, his face full of frustration.
"Wenger was like that, Hamilton was like that, and now you're doing it too."
He really couldn't understand what these people saw in Anne that made them all agree she was suitable to be their wife.
"What's so good about her? Tell me one good point." Ernst looked at Robert Iger with a hint of expectation in his eyes. He wanted to hear what made Anne stand out in Robert Iger's eyes.
Without a second thought, Robert Iger blurted out, "Beautiful."
Ernst rolled his eyes. He couldn't deny that Anne was indeed very beautiful; her delicate face and perfect figure were in no way inferior to any Hollywood actress.
But this is not an advantage for him. "Beautiful women come when I call them and leave when I dismiss them. What kind of advantage is that?"
'
Robert Iger wasn't in a hurry. He took a leisurely sip of his coffee and then said, "Fool."
He wasn't really stupid when he said "stupid," but rather that marrying someone like that would at least make life easier, without having to be cunning.
Don't assume that wealthy families are always harmonious and prosperous; there's often more backstabbing and intrigue within them.
Although it's not as exaggerated as "Empresses in the Palace," wealthier families tend to think more deeply about these things.
Every woman fears losing favor; how many wealthy Americans get divorced?
In order to gain more, these women have been striving for their own wealth from the very beginning, preparing their own backup plans to prevent this day from coming.
After listening to Robert Egger's words, Ernst thought about them carefully and felt that they made some sense. He nodded and said, "It's barely one, but only barely."
Robert Iger smiled slightly and said again, "No odor."
Ernst was stunned; this was something he hadn't expected at all.
Many people believe that white people have good genes, are tall and handsome, and have fair skin, but that's pure nonsense.
According to Western research data, people of East Asian descent have the best genes. This is why so many powerful figures later sought out East Asian women; they were truly looking to improve their genetic makeup.
One way to tell why Asians have better genes is through more complete evolution, and body odor is a very obvious example of this.
Less than 10% of people of Asian descent have body odor, compared to 90% of white people and 99% of black people.
White people taking a shower every morning isn't because they're clean; it's because the smell from sleeping all night is too strong, so they have to shower.
This is why they spray so much perfume on themselves; if they don't spray enough, it won't cover up the effects.
Anyone who has actually been to populated areas of America knows that the combination of body odor and perfume is an unbearable experience for most people.
Ernst, on the other hand, didn't have this problem; he rarely paid attention to it.
Because he interacts with high-end people who can shower in their offices and don't sweat much even when they're in air-conditioned environments, plus the perfume they wear, I really didn't pay much attention to them.
"How did you know?" Ernst asked, puzzled.
Robert Iger shrugged. "We bumped into each other at the company gym."
This is actually an advantage, since body odor is highly likely to be hereditary. Two people without body odor indicate that their genes have evolved well.
Animals rely on their sense of smell to survive, and they generally have a strong body odor. Less body odor indicates more complete genetic evolution, which allows them to better protect themselves in the wild.
"Wait a minute," Ernst realized, how did the conversation turn to their marriage again?
"Let's talk about MGM Music Group instead."
Marvel is just waiting for the formalities to be completed, so it can be said that the acquisition is already finished. MGM's next focus will be on the music sector.
Robert Iger's smile faded, and he said seriously, "We've already sent a professional team to Bertelsmann Music Group to conduct a review. Their team will arrive at MGM in the next few days, and both sides will conduct a detailed verification of the internal accounts. Once the accounts are verified and there are no issues, we can officially finalize the deal."
This time, the share swap will still be conducted through the parent company, MGM. According to the preliminary agreement reached by both parties, Bertelsmann Group will receive more than 2400 million shares of MGM, representing less than 21% of the company.
After the share swap is completed, Ernst will hold less than 60% of the shares in the Michael Group.
Although his shareholding has decreased, he remains the largest shareholder of the Michael Group.
Ernst nodded, signaling Robert Iger to continue.
"In addition, we have successfully signed a copyright agreement with Universal Music." Robert Iger smiled. "According to the contract, we need to pay Universal Music $20 million in copyright fees every year, and the annual fee will not increase by more than 5%. This is a long-term contract for 15 years."
This is a huge gift from Goldman Sachs, which MGM has already accepted.
"As for PolyGram, we are still in negotiations with them." Robert Iger's tone was slightly serious. "Currently, the two sides are locked in a stalemate over the licensing period. We are trying our best to see if we can extend the licensing period a bit more."
With the acquisitions of Bertelsmann, Universal Music, and PolyGram, MGM has essentially secured half of the online music copyright market and gained initial control over the discourse on online music copyrights.
Among the remaining music giants are Time Records in Europe, Sony in Asia, Columbia Records (which is actually part of the same company), and Warner Music.
As for those small and medium-sized labels, they are not a threat at all. At that time, it will not be a question of whether they want to sign with the company, but whether MGM Music Group wants them.
"We still can't let our guard down; we must strive to acquire more online music copyrights."
Robert Iger nodded. "It depends on the situation now. Era Records is a pure record label, so it's easier to acquire. Sony and Columbia are actually one company, so we just need to get the Japanese conglomerate on board. But I think given the current situation in Asia, that shouldn't be too difficult."
On July 2nd, the Bank of Thailand, having exhausted all other options, announced it would abandon the fixed exchange rate, and the exchange rate dropped to 32.6 to 1.
The exchange rate has now dropped to around 40 to 1.
The Asian financial crisis has officially begun to spread, and international speculative capital is currently stirring up trouble in places like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Both Japan and South Korea are now trembling and stockpiling ammunition, with cash being the most important thing. Sony Group may very well bow down for the sake of cash.
"The most difficult one to deal with is Warner Music. Time Warner is too big, and we had a lot of unpleasantness between us before, so it's a bit difficult."
Previously, MGM and Warner Home Video had a very unpleasant falling out over overseas videotape distribution, which is a problem.
"Warner Music will negotiate if we can reach an agreement, and we won't negotiate if we can't."
It doesn't matter if we're missing a Warner Records label; the music copyrights we've signed are enough.
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