[Chapter 8: Suddenly Like a Spring Breeze]
Charlie had celebrated all night long with everyone, each person spending their last bit of cash. Thankfully, Gert took care of the bill; otherwise, they might have ended up stuck in the rowdy bar.
Charlie was woken up by noise at dawn. He opened his eyes, head pounding, and pushed away the blonde woman in front of him with his broad hand, impatiently snapping, "Move aside, you bottomless pit, don't bother me while I'm trying to sleep."
Two other women came closer, thinking Charlie was joking with them, and started giggling while fondling him. "Honey, you must be out of steam?"
"Show us your wild side from last night."
"Yeah, I can even go easy on the tip. You're different from other men."
"Oh yes, that was the best experience we've had."
Charlie laughed heartily at the compliments, grabbed two handfuls of them at random, then his expression turned cold again. "Alright, now get out of here. I have a busy day ahead and won't slack off just because of a little success."
"Fuck you, you heartless bastard!" the women cursed angrily, picking up their clothes without hesitation.
Charlie ignored them, cleaned up and washed, then knocked on other doors, waking Etto and the others.
...
At the hotel lobby breakfast, Charlie borrowed Gert's phone to call Judy back.
Judy was happy but filled with worry. "I can't believe it, Charlie, my boy. You really made it. You and your old man were both rebels, but you are even more resourceful. Promise me you won't do such crazy things anymore -- Mom's worried about you. No matter what, you're my pride!"
Judy was careful not to trigger the rebellious kid from the streets who only thought about muscles.
Charlie reassured her but soon had to deal with other incoming calls.
...
Locke called, completely turning around his attitude, showering Charlie with praise. "I knew you'd succeed."
Then he requested the publishing rights to the hard copy of Fifty Shades of Gray.
The old guy had prepared in advance. He said he convinced the big houses, Simon & Schuster, to promote and distribute the book collaboratively. He even promised, "It'll hit the market fast and sell like hotcakes."
Charlie swallowed the flattery but made no promises.
...
After that, publishers, some unknown small studios, former literary agents, and friends at varying levels of closeness all congratulated him.
Now, Charlie was like a juicy steak everyone wanted a piece of.
One million dollars in cash had just landed in his account.
Fox kept their promise mainly because they feared delays and just wanted to wrap things up quickly.
...
After hanging up, Charlie sighed, "I think I need to find an assistant."
Gert said, "Yes, and Mr. Corleone, I suggest you start a production company to manage your assets."
Lamont waved his arms, "That's too much hassle. Boss, we just grabbed a million bucks -- that's enough for us to live large for a while."
Fox's funding was officially an investment but had no final product guarantees in the contract.
Technically, that million could be spent freely without making a movie.
But Charlie had big ambitions and wasn't blinded by the immediate gain.
Shaking his finger with a smile, he said, "No, I just took what ordinary people earn in at least ten years -- connections, assets, everything. Our business is ready to set sail. Don't focus on the small sum; our future is the stars and the sea."
Lamont, Mord, and the others saw just the million dollars.
But Charlie's gains were priceless.
If he took the normal route, it would take at least a year before he could become a moderately successful writer.
Even with all the insider knowledge, success would still be a long road.
By walking the tightrope of risk, luck, and strong tactics, he finally reaped rich rewards.
First, a mid-tier celebrity film deal. Alicia was set to star in Fifty Shades of Gray.
A bestselling novel carried by fame.
A film project that could gross tens of millions.
A connection with renowned director Spike Lee.
Most importantly, the film was backed by 20th Century Fox, leveraging massive resources.
Charlie analyzed this for everyone to inspire them and gave an example, "With Fox investing, I can leverage this to raise more funds and attract top talent. These intangible assets are worth far more than a million bucks."
Everyone listened, fired up, eager to become Hollywood moguls immediately.
Charlie never thought of abandoning his crew. Though many lacked skills, with muscles on their minds, they were his foundation, loyal and important to balance new team members.
Gert nodded warmly, "Mr. Corleone, you have the mind of a winner, making full and perfect use of all surrounding resources. I sincerely hope we can work together long-term."
Charlie smiled, "Why not? But first, I want us to savor some sweet success -- I'm giving out $100,000 to all of you."
"Godfather!"
Lamont and the others were thrilled.
Giving these guys a taste was necessary; distant promises wouldn't entice them enough.
Charlie grew serious and instructed, "Gert, help me register a film company called Corleone Films. Everyone else, let's start the Fifty Shades of Gray film project. That $100,000 is the startup capital. Let's get moving."
Charlie rubbed his hands together, eager to get the business rolling.
Publishing the book, financing the movie, building the team -- many tasks meant busy days ahead.
Additionally, he had to cooperate with Fox to adjust marketing strategies based on reality.
Etto asked, "Godfather, are we really making a film or just using this to grab more money? None of us have done this before."
Charlie said, "Of course, we're making the film. If successful, we might even gain some goodwill with Fox. Don't worry, I'll hire pros, and you guys have your roles!"
Fox paid as investors. Legally, Charlie could keep the money and skip making the film if he wanted, but Fox would become a joke.
So, they needed a cover.
If the movie succeeded, Charlie would share the profits, turning foes into friends.
This was his vague goal from the start.
Everyone hurried out to start their tasks.
Charlie stopped, "Oh, Lamont, you have to help with Fox's marketing events. Head there now. Remember, don't touch any funds they give you -- it could be a trap."
"Yes, Godfather, don't worry. They won't get to you through me," Lamont vowed.
Charlie and his crew were all smiles.
The storm he stirred brought joy to some and trouble to others.
*****
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