Chapitre 500: Chapter 500: Transfer Target?
In France, Charles Capet and Liu Yifei spent a week in Saint-Tropez. After that, they went to London, England, where they attended a Michael Jackson concert. Liu Yifei then flew back from London.
Seeing Michael Jackson still lively and full of energy on stage, Charles Capet seemed to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Arsenal, having won back-to-back Premier League titles, was definitely a powerhouse in Europe. However, their back-to-back failures in the Champions League made fans more eager than ever for upcoming triumphs in Europe.
That summer, Real Madrid was the hottest topic, as 24-year-old Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid for EUR96 million. Samba prince Kaka, 27, a key player in AC Milan's two Champions League victories, transferred to Real Madrid for EUR67 million. Benzema, 22, the star of French Ligue 1 giants Lyon, transferred to Real Madrid for EUR35 million!
Real Madrid's La Liga rival, Champions League winner Barcelona, also strengthened their squad by trading EUR46 million plus their legendary striker Samuel Eto'o to Inter Milan in exchange for the then in-form Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Premier League's Manchester City brought in strong players like Lescott, Tevez, and Santa Cruz, spending over PS100 million!
Arsenal also made eye-catching moves that summer, buying out 17-year-old Neymar from Santos in Brazil for PS28 million. They brought in Gareth Bale from Tottenham for PS12 million, even though he had just undergone knee surgery. Defender David Luiz was brought in from Benfica for PS18 million, and midfielder Santiago Cazorla from Villarreal for PS15 million. They sold Eduardo da Silva to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk for PS6 million, bringing their total transfer income to PS22 million!
"Snatched two Premier League titles from Manchester United. Is Cristiano Ronaldo really worth that much?" Charles Capet muttered in the office at Arsenal's Colney training ground.
"Charles, Arsenal's commercial value has significantly increased over these two years. Next year, we'll strive to win a Champions League title," said David Dein, feeling a bit regretful but still content with the progress.
Charles nodded, "Don't forget about setting up Miami FC. The renovation work at Bank of America Stadium will be done in August."
"By then, both Miami FC and the Miami Dolphins can use it."
Okay, even the Miami Marlins baseball team would use that stadium.
His CSE company had spent $80 million to renovate the stadium, reducing the number of regular seats and adding commercial facilities like enhanced viewing experiences, VIP boxes, and open-air bars.
"Don't worry. We are already preparing. We can join next year's competition," said David, noting that assembling Miami FC with Arsenal's help wasn't difficult.
"We received news from New York. Forest City Ratner won their lawsuit in Brooklyn, so the new Brooklyn arena can now begin construction," David Dein reported to Charles.
Charles nodded, "Remind Barclays Bank to prepare the funds promptly."
...
After leaving Colney, Charles went to Emily Blunt's place in Notting Hill.
"Do you wanna go see Harry Potter?" Emily Blunt dragged Charles towards a cinema in Notting Hill.
"Yeah, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince just premiered yesterday. After waiting all these months, we can finally enjoy it in the theater," said Emily Blunt, her love for the Harry Potter series evident as a Brit.
Charles nodded and went into the cinema with Emily Blunt. Warner Bros' Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince had been postponed from last November to this July.
After the movie began, Charles, leaning back in his chair, asked, "Have you finished shooting Gulliver's Travels?"
Emily Blunt shook her head, "I've mostly wrapped up my part, but might need to return for some special effects scenes. Black Swan starts shooting in October. Timing should be fine. I've already met with Darren Aronofsky, Natalie Portman, and Vincent Cassel.
This summer Capet Pictures is doing great. The Proposal grossed over $150 million in North America, Iron Man 2 crossed $300 million, The Hangover surpassed $250 million, and Transformers 2 is also over $400 million in North America."
With just four summer movies, Capet Pictures grossed over $1.1 billion in North America, giving them the confidence to buy NBC Universal.
Holding the woman's hand, Charles said proudly, "Another sports drama, The Blind Side, will release next week. Just wait and see!"
This year, Capet Pictures was unstoppable, already poised as the market leader.
"You're amazing," Emily Blunt said, kissing Charles on the cheek. "How's the NBC Universal acquisition going?"
"It's going smoothly. I can't see why General Electric's shareholders would reject our offer," Charles said honestly, knowing GE was looking to sell its entertainment assets and refocus on manufacturing.
Capet's takeover of NBC Universal also involved a stock swap, which was far superior to Vivendi's offer, given Capet's unlimited future potential.
"Oh, by the way, your movie The Young Victoria was quite good this year. The styling was really on point," Charles whispered in Emily Blunt's ear.
Emily Blunt pinched Charles' waist, "Are you trying to desecrate the queen again?"
"No, no," Charles quickly explained, "I meant you look beautiful in the period costumes. As for desecrating the queen... Just look at the photos of your current queen when she was young. There's no way one could even think of desecrating her. The British royal family doesn't have the best genes."
Emily Blunt laughed, "Do you people from the New World dare say that about the British royal family?"
"I'm not like others who are obsessed with European aristocracy. Just look at the Habsburg family with their inbreeding and messed-up jawline. Too much inbreeding in European royalty has led to reverse selection in genes," Charles believed in science.
"All right, watch the movie. When we get home tonight, I'll put on those period costumes for you to see," Emily Blunt said as she intertwined her fingers with Charles'.
Charles smiled and kissed the woman on the lips as she responded reluctantly.
*****
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