Capítulo 157: Chapter 157: A Sorrowful Story
Without any hesitation, Michael said directly, "No need. I don't have such great ambitions or capabilities. Relativity Entertainment is just a small company, and earning a bit of money amidst the big companies is enough for me."
Michael's talent for lying with a straight face had long been perfected.
Aziz and Samir exchanged glances, each seeing the surprise on the other's face.
"Michael, don't be so quick to refuse," Aziz hurriedly said. "We've always had a good collaboration, and this is to make our partnership even closer..."
"If the Investment Authority wants to continue investing in films, my company and I would be very welcoming," Michael said firmly. "I welcome all my Arab friends, including the Investment Authority, to collaborate with me in investing in films."
He gradually became more serious, "But my company doesn't just represent me; it's also the life's work of my father. I won't transfer any shares."
The conditions offered by the other party were indeed tempting—$100 million for the equity transfer and a $300 million capital injection. It was very attractive, but Michael could never agree, especially since it would tie him up for several years.
One could imagine, once the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority completed the acquisition, what kind of movies they would be producing. Ten films like Kingsman: The Secret Service a year? Relativity Entertainment would quickly go under.
Aziz hadn't expected Michael's attitude to be so resolute and quickly said, "Michael, the Minister has always valued you and cherishes your friendship..."
Michael's stance was clear. He didn't want to waste time in pointless arguments and stood up, "Sorry, I have another appointment. Let's end it here for today."
Continuing the discussion would be meaningless.
"Mr. Anderson!" Samir couldn't help but stand up, "Please reconsider!"
Michael smiled, "I'm honored that the Minister values Relativity Entertainment. I also cherish the friendship with the Investment Authority and the Minister. But our personal relationship shouldn't interfere with such a major commercial event. I hope we can continue to collaborate in the future."
Aziz looked at Salih. The Investment Authority knew that Michael and Salih were friends.
Salih remained seated, showing no intention of speaking.
Michael prepared to leave, and Aziz said again, "Please reconsider. We can discuss the transaction price further."
"No need." Michael was firm, "Please convey my regards to the Minister."
Seeing Samir about to speak again, Michael didn't give him a chance and strode out of the meeting room.
"Your Highness..." Aziz looked at Salih with anticipation.
Salih stood up, "I'll go talk to Michael, but don't get your hopes up."
After speaking, Salih left the meeting room as well.
Samir frowned, "How could this happen?"
Aziz paced back and forth, saying, "Why is this? Michael Davenport always says he's a good friend of Abu Dhabi. How can he refuse a friend's goodwill?"
Samir raised a more critical question, "How do we explain this to the Minister?"
The situation was vastly different from their expectations. Internally, the Investment Authority was very optimistic about acquiring Michael Davenport's company. They had conducted professional research, showing that many American companies, severely lacking funds in their early stages, would sell themselves out to attract capital.
The Investment Authority, as a friend, was helping Michael Davenport solve his funding issues. Shouldn't it have been easy?
Aziz paced a few more steps and said, "Let's see what Salih can do. I'll report to the Minister this afternoon."
In the elevator, Michael was contemplating the consequences. This incident might trigger a series of chain reactions, the most significant being the inability to secure financing from Abu Dhabi again.
Fortunately, he had prepared for this. Abu Dhabi wasn't the only place with wealthy investors interested in Hollywood. Many people around the world were eager to invest in Hollywood films.
Hollywood was like a veiled, enticing woman, constantly drawing in countless lustful admirers.
As for other concerns, there was nothing else to worry about.
After all, this was Los Angeles, not Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, this was just normal business dealings. They couldn't possibly resort to drastic measures because he refused the Investment Authority's acquisition, could they?
The UAE wasn't like Saudi Arabia.
Many people and companies worldwide had refused to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
Leaving the elevator, Michael saw a group of Arab men in headscarves approaching and thought it might be wise to hire some professional bodyguards, just in case.
It might also be a good idea to avoid the Middle East, including the entire Arab region, for the next few years.
Relativity Entertainment aimed to be in media and entertainment, not energy or weapons trading. There was no need for Michael to personally go to the Middle East.
"Wait, Michael."
A familiar voice called from behind. Michael stopped and saw Salih catching up.
Seeing that Salih had something to say, Michael pointed to the lounge in the hotel lobby and said, "Let's talk over there."
They found a quiet spot in the lounge and sat down. Salih seemed hesitant, unsure how to begin.
Michael smiled, "Are you here to persuade me too?"
Salih didn't answer immediately. Given his position within the Investment Authority, he should leverage his personal relationship to persuade Michael, but he also didn't want to make things difficult for a friend.
Ultimately, Salih chose to follow his heart, "I don't want to get involved in this matter. But Michael, don't blame my brother Mansour. He values your collaboration and believes this could be a win-win situation, hoping to help you as you're our friend."
Michael said sincerely, "I've always considered the Investment Authority a friend. But Salih, shouldn't friends respect each other and treat each other equally? Is it right to decide to acquire someone's company without their knowledge, even if it's to help them?"
Salih was momentarily speechless, unable to respond.
From his perspective, the Investment Authority's actions were indeed inappropriate.
Salih, a prince of the Abu Dhabi emirate with some influence, was someone Michael knew carried weight. Michael made it clear, "I've always considered Abu Dhabi a friend and aimed to use films to dispel misconceptions about the Arab world. Even if it's challenging and I'd face countless obstacles in Hollywood, I'll continue. I believe one thing, regardless of faith, origin, skin color, or political beliefs, everyone is equal!"
Michael emphasized, "This is a principle I will never change. I understand the Investment Authority wants to expand its influence and eliminate misconceptions, but such matters should be left to professionals like me."
"I'm sorry, Michael." Salih felt the Investment Authority was at fault, "Really, I'm very sorry. I'll call my brother Mansour and ask him to abandon the idea of acquiring Relativity Entertainment."
Whether they abandon it or not didn't matter much. Arabs had limited influence in the US. Michael simply didn't want to have a fallout with the Investment Authority; it was best to part on good terms.
Michael shook his head, "This has nothing to do with you, Salih. We're friends. You don't need to apologize on others' behalf."
Salih's smile was forced, "Yes, Michael. No matter what, we are friends."
To be honest, Salih was indeed a good person. Whether leading him initially or trying to help now, he changed Michael's perception of Arabs.
This was, of course, in a positive sense.
Faith doesn't determine a person's goodness.
Rarely, Michael said, "Salih, if you come to Los Angeles or the US and encounter difficulties, feel free to call me."
"Of course," Salih smiled, "Who else would I call?"
Michael and Salih tacitly avoided mentioning the Investment Authority's attempt to acquire Relativity Entertainment. After chatting for a while, Michael left the InterContinental Hotel.
That afternoon, Michael contacted a reputable security company and hired two bodyguards. Both were former anti-terrorism unit members with no other skills after discharge, continuing to work in related fields with over five years of bodyguard experience, ensuring the people they protected were always safe.
Sometimes he might be overly cautious about his safety.
But life is precious. Even if reincarnation were possible, ending up in a place like Somalia would be a significant tragedy.
Things weren't as bad as he imagined. That night, Salih called Michael. Hearing that Michael had no intention of selling Relativity Entertainment, the Investment Authority internally debated but quickly decided to slow their entry into Hollywood.
This was purely a business matter, not worth resorting to non-business measures.
Sheikh Mansour wasn't pleased, but after a call from Salih, the matter fizzled out.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority wanted to enter mainstream Western society and had to follow some fundamental social rules.
Listening to Salih on the phone, Michael realized the Investment Authority had higher standards than him.
He had no choice. The Investment Authority had a country backing them and oil reserves underground. What did he have? No background, no foundation.
Compared to Hollywood's privileged ones, Michael's conditions were far inferior.
Michael once saw a very sorrowful message on social media, describing a privileged director's sad story. The story was exaggerated but somewhat reflected the reality.
A young director named Travis Knight, under immense pressure from the flop of Transformers 5, took on the standalone Bumblebee movie. If it failed, he would have to abandon his directing career and return home to inherit a billion-dollar fortune.
The story was profoundly sad.
Michael once researched and found the story even sadder. Travis Knight released an album, and his father bought 100,000 copies. When he worked in a stop-motion animation company, his father bought the company...
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