บท 40: Chapter 40: Parting Ways
Apollyon was equally shocked by Ethan's statement.
"Forty percent is too much, Ethan."
"So, how much do you think is reasonable?" Ethan asked with a faint smile as he looked at the two men, with Jimmy raising an eyebrow from the sidelines.
"Fifteen percent, Ethan. You don't understand, running an ad agency involves a lot of expenses—networking, crew, set design, product samples..." Apollyon began listing them one by one, but with every point he made, the smile on Ethan's face grew wider.
"Apollyon, you can't do this. Our profits are thin!" Maroney chimed in, supporting Apollyon. "At most, I can agree to thirteen percent, but nothing more!"
"Maroney!" Apollyon glared at him, and in the end, Maroney backed down, turning to Ethan and saying, "Fine, fifteen percent, but that's the limit."
"Forget it." Ethan clapped his hands and laughed, "Since the company is struggling so much, why don't I just make it easier for you? I'm out!"
Jimmy followed suit, "I'm out too."
"What?!" Both Apollyon and Maroney were stunned. However, while Apollyon's shock was genuine, Maroney's surprise seemed more theatrical.
"Ethan! You've planned this all along, haven't you?" Maroney exclaimed angrily. "You're just clinging to Heinz Group, aren't you? I know Henry promised you something! But let me tell you, once you're out of Lion Advertising, no one will offer you shares! You'll just be stuck with a basic salary!"
"Maybe you're right," Ethan replied with a smile. He stood up, and together with Jimmy, began to walk out.
Apollyon also rose and called out, "Jimmy, I gave you both jobs! Are you really going to leave me now?"
Jimmy turned back, his face apologetic. "Apollyon, you've been a great brother, and I'll always support you. Call me anytime you need help. But this is a different matter. Ethan is right. He's vital to the company, yet he hasn't been treated fairly. That's just not right."
"And what is fair? Should we hand over all the profits to Ethan after we've worked hard to build and maintain this company?" Maroney sneered, advising the conflicted Apollyon, "Don't bother stopping them, Apollyon. They've already made up their minds, and no matter what you offer, they won't stay."
That much was true.
Ethan's demand for a larger share today was merely a pretext for Jimmy and himself to gracefully exit.
He knew that Maroney and Apollyon wouldn't be willing to give up such a big piece of the pie.
Seeing Maroney's attitude made Jimmy furious. "It's because of you, Maroney! You think you can handle all the clients on your own? Go ahead and dream about your fancy car while it lasts!"
The two of them walked out of Lion Advertising and got into the car, just like when they had signed the contract a month ago. But now, things had changed drastically, and they were parting ways.
"Ethan, can the new company really work?" Though Jimmy had supported Ethan unconditionally in the meeting, he still had some doubts in private.
Leaning back in his seat, Ethan replied, "You know, Jimmy, people often have a certain misconception."
"What misconception?" Jimmy asked, confused.
"They think that writing and creativity have no barriers. They believe anyone can come up with good ideas, like Maroney, who lives by this belief. That's why he constantly criticizes my creative work."
Ethan's tone was filled with mockery. "But in reality? There are countless advertising companies out there! Only the truly professional ones, those that respect creativity, can rise to the top. Lion Advertising's so-called fame is just an illusion, like the reflection of the moon in water. Without strong creative support, it'll soon shatter."
"And they're so petty, as if our leaving won't affect them at all. That's why they wouldn't share the profits with us."
Jimmy nodded in agreement, "Yeah, fifteen percent? That's a joke."
"That's why we need our own company. We don't need a large staff. We can outsource the production crew, and you can handle that part. I'll take care of the advertising projects."
"Alright, no problem," Jimmy agreed.
The two of them drove around looking for office space and quickly found a two-story building near a commercial street in the Bronx. The location was convenient, and the area was nice. However, the rent was a bit higher than other places. But for Ethan, who had a perfectionist streak, it was worth it. He didn't want to constantly move offices in the future.
Once the office space was settled, Ethan entrusted Kirk, the lawyer, to handle the company's registration. Three days later, the company was successfully registered, and Ethan named it Supreme Creative.
After that, Ethan went alone to meet with Henry, the CEO of Heinz Group, in his office.
"Hey, Ethan, I postponed a meeting as soon as I got your call. So, do you have any ideas yet?" Henry was wearing a dark blue pinstriped suit today. Every time Ethan saw him, he had on different outfits, clearly reflecting his wealth.
"Of course, Henry, but it might not be what you're expecting," Ethan smiled as he sat on the couch with Henry and explained. "I had a falling out with Maroney. He claims I won't make it in the advertising industry, but I intend to prove him wrong."
"Maroney? That's nonsense! A creative genius like you, not making it in advertising? Ridiculous!" Henry responded, shocked, before realizing something. "So, you're planning to start your own company, right? Am I correct?"
Ethan nodded, "Supreme Creative, my own agency."
In fact, during his interactions with Henry over the past few weeks, their relationship had shifted from one of condescension to one of mutual respect. Ethan's use of forward-thinking internet terms had impressed Henry, making him believe that Ethan was no ordinary person.
After learning the meaning behind these terms, Henry had even started using them regularly in meetings.
As a result, the executives at Heinz Group had adopted phrases like "capturing user attention," "increasing granularity," and "using creative thinking strategies to form a closed loop." If you didn't throw in a couple of these buzzwords during your presentations, others would think you didn't know what you were talking about.
Thus, Henry genuinely hoped that Ethan would join his company and become a valuable member of his team.
But now that Ethan had revealed his plans to start his own business, Henry couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Still, a seasoned professional like him wouldn't let a small setback hold him back, and he quickly came up with a new idea.
"Well, Ethan, do you need investment? I can have Heinz Group invest one million dollars in your company. How does that sound?"
Ethan thought to himself, "Amazing!"
But outwardly, he pretended to hesitate, knowing that it's never good to seem too eager. Letting someone pursue you gives you the upper hand.
"Don't worry, we won't take a majority stake," Henry reassured him, sensing his hesitation. "I just believe in your potential. Twenty percent for a million dollars, how does that sound?"
Ethan was satisfied. He had already planned to structure his company's shares similarly to Facebook's. He would keep sixty-five percent for himself, five percent for Jimmy, and thirty percent for other investors.
This way, he could ensure that even after going public, he would still retain absolute control over the company. Henry's offer of twenty percent fit perfectly into his plans, leaving room for future expansion and other investors.
"Henry, thank you for your generosity," Ethan said, accepting the offer. Henry, in turn, brought out a bottle of champagne.
"I'm just investing early, Ethan."
"Trust me, you'll be glad you invested today."
"Let's hope so. Cheers."
"Cheers."
.....
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