Chapter 204: Comic CEO
Meanwhile, Orio Masayoshi sat in a Michelin-starred restaurant, preparing to meet Marvel Comics' CEO, Reggy Anderson.
As Orio Masayoshi sliced through the tender beef on his plate, savoring each bite, he experienced instant pleasure on his taste buds.
Having lived in the USA with his family for about a year, Orio and his family had gradually adapted to the American lifestyle. He became so accustomed to it that he gained some weight, as did his wife. This prompted him to start exercising regularly.
Now, Orio Masayoshi found himself tasked with the time-consuming responsibilities that his boss, Shinro Suzuki, had once again delegated to him.
His mission? To engage in discussions with the current CEO of Marvel Comics, a company grappling with challenges as it consistently loses ground to DC Comics. The latter benefits from the backing of Warner Bros., effectively promoting iconic comics like Batman and Superman.
From Orio Masayoshi's perspective, investing in a struggling company like Marvel Comics was neither desirable nor profitable in his opinion.
However, he followed his boss's orders without complaint. After all, Shinro Suzuki had led KiShin to its current success, and Orio Masayoshi had witnessed some of his boss's miracles. Take, for instance, the 'Jurassic Park' movie, a blockbuster that surpassed a billion in box office earnings. Even Hollywood film critics marveled at how an inexperienced studio could achieve such success. Some credited KiShin's marketing, while others pointed to CGI, but the undeniable fact was that 'Jurassic Park' was a triumph.
As 20 minutes ticked by, Orio Masayoshi furrowed his brows while waiting for the CEO of Marvel to arrive. Eventually, Reggy Anderson, clad in formal attire with impeccable grooming, appeared alongside a young man carrying a portfolio of documents.
Observing this, Orio Masayoshi promptly stood up with respect. Despite his time in the USA, he retained Japanese traits, outwardly displaying humility and respect even though internally, he was growing increasingly annoyed.
Being from KiShin, a considerably wealthier company than Marvel, the tardiness of the struggling company's CEO grated on him. If not for the responsibility entrusted to him by Shinro Suzuki to handle the acquisition procedure for Marvel Comics and Suzuki's genuine interest in the company, Orio Masayoshi wouldn't bother with maintaining such outward respect.
While pondering these thoughts, Orio Masayoshi offered a warm and kind smile as he shook hands with Reggy Anderson, who nodded and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Masa-?" Reggy Anderson forgot and discreetly glanced at his secretary carrying the documents.
The secretary subtly gestured with his mouth, forming the words "Sa" and "Yoshi."
Orio Masayoshi faintly caught wind of the exchange but chose not to reveal it.
Reggy Anderson coughed and corrected himself, "Cough, Mr. Masakoshi."
Hearing this, Orio Masayoshi couldn't help but feel a bit amused, especially as the secretary next to Reggy Anderson almost facepalmed himself.
Orio Masayoshi couldn't help but think, 'No wonder Marvel Comics was struggling... If this person were the CEO of any company, they'd probably struggle too...'
He gently corrected Reggy Anderson, "It's Masayoshi, Mr. Anderson."
Reggy Anderson, feeling a bit embarrassed, responded, "Oh, I just had a sore throat. I meant Masayoshi."
Orio Masayoshi simply smiled and said, "No problem..." Yet, deep inside, he assessed that Reggy Anderson had the personality to never admit even his minor mistakes.
They took their seats and shared a table, with Reggy Anderson's secretary standing by his side.
As the conversation began, Orio Masayoshi initiated with light topics such as meal orders. Reggy Anderson, shamelessly, selected items from the menu, seemingly unfazed by the expectation that Orio Masayoshi would foot the bill.
In Reggy Anderson's mind, he thought, 'I like the Japanese... They're so humble and kind that they're easy to take advantage of...'
Truth be told, Reggy Anderson's tardiness was a result of prioritizing more time with his mistress over the business discussion with KiShin.
Reggy Anderson wouldn't have attended at all if not for KiShin's multimillion-dollar offer to purchase Marvel Comics. What sweetened the deal further was KiShin's alternative proposal: a discussion on bringing Marvel characters to the big screen, with Marvel Comics still retaining partial ownership under Reggy Anderson. Marvel Comics, originally a family business under the Goodman family, became Reggy Anderson's through marriage to the Goodman family's daughter.
However, since Reggy Anderson assumed office, Marvel Comics faced a decline. Even the Goodman family, particularly the grandfather of Reggy Anderson's wife, expressed frustration at how Reggy was running the company. Regrets about entrusting the business to what they perceived as an irresponsible leader plagued the Goodman family.
At present, Reggy Anderson was seeking KiShin's support to propel Marvel Characters onto the big screen, aiming for business success to rival DC Comics.
In addition to the option of selling the company, Reggy Anderson wished to leverage the presence of the Japanese individual before him. He intended to negotiate the voluntary adaptation of Marvel Comics into cinematic productions, demonstrating to the Goodman family his capability to enhance the popularity of Marvel characters with KiShin's assistance, ultimately boosting comic sales.
With that, Reggy Anderson received his wine and remarked, "As you know, the primary business objective here is to offer KiShin the rights to our Marvel Comics characters for cinematic adaptation..." Pausing as he twirled his wine, he continued, "We would be willing to grant KiShin the rights to our Marvel characters for an appropriate price."
Excitement surged within Reggy Anderson. Not only would he profit from the proposed deal, but the promotion of Marvel Comics would also be free, all while earning profits with KiShin lending their rights.
Upon hearing Reggy Anderson's proposal, Orio Masayoshi frowned and responded, "Cough... I don't think Mr. Anderson has assessed the current situation of your company."
Reggy Anderson, perplexed, furrowed his brows and asked, "What do you mean?"
Orio Masayoshi smiled and explained, "This meeting revolves around either KiShin acquiring Marvel Comics or the potential cinematic adaptation of Marvel Characters. For the latter to happen, KiShin must purchase the full rights to specific Marvel Comic Characters in the Marvel Comics company that they desire for cinematic adaptation."
Upon hearing Orio Masayoshi's words, Reggy Anderson immediately realized that deceiving the Japanese individual was more challenging than he had anticipated. It seemed improbable, especially considering the challenging circumstances Marvel Comics was currently facing.
Meanwhile, Reggy Anderson's secretary glanced at him with a touch of disdain. Truth be told, he harbored no fondness for Reggy Anderson, and the attempt to deceive a seasoned businessman seemed nothing short of a joke.
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