plans and more plans.

July 6.

The whole process somewhat exasperated Steve Parks, but what could he do when security was something they needed for all these operations? Since March 1995, he has been reviewing the acquisition of Orion Pictures, flirting with Metromedia to purchase the animation studio. What does it take to buy a studio like this? Simple: buy before you know you have the money. With some connections, it was affirmed that Orion's participation had to be seriously considered, and a joint purchase wasn't desirable.

Billy was weighing his options with Steve Parks, who assured him that this was the most challenging acquisition of his career and that they needed the media to stop focusing on them for business reasons. But everything went to hell when the AOL news broke. Now they know the money is in their pockets, and the offer is higher; they want more and more, one of the company's misfortunes.

Steve Parks, with his wool coat in the Californian weather, his pearl-like bald head shining under a traditional black hat, sighed calmly.

-Gentlemen, I have no more time to waste. You have a debt of $120 million, and your minimal percentage and the extra money you're asking for make it clear you're not sincere in your offers. However, it's been a pleasure learning about your business and knowing I've learned many things, - said Steve Parks.

He wrapped it up while Metromedia continued with its meager and tangled purchases and sales of shares, almost a debt for everyone, almost a terrifying blow of scruples visible in the air, a totally annoying sight.

But Steve Parks wasn't someone who didn't plan. Carolco Pictures, a company on its last legs, was his Plan B. However, the bankruptcy issues posed certain problems for the thick shell that was the acquisition. It had a debt of $55 million. The idea was to revitalize the company with one condition: that they invest in high-impact movies and focus on low-budget films. This approach would be similar to New Line Cinema, and his brief dealings with Metromedia gave him insights into Artisan and their close relations. A library of at least 40 films from 1970 to 1992.

***

July 12.

Security at Lux Animation doubled, as many entrepreneurs eager to be part of the acquisition took note. Anne Hall was clear in taking the reins, "We sell everything in one day; reconsiderations are not taken. We seek the best for Hotmail and Lux Animation."

-I think this meeting is a complete disaster, - murmured Anne Hall, arranging the meeting room that could only accommodate teams of 30 people, ensuring that those present were the most important people about to negotiate.

The leading contenders were TPG Capital (Texas Pacific Group), which formed a slight alliance with AOL, and Invest Technology Venture, which allied with Microsoft. These were the only groups close to the proposal, hovering around $500 million.

-You're a bit nervous, - Billy commented, watching Anne pace back and forth, visibly stressed by everything happening.

-I am, and you should be too. I think I'm going to hyperventilate, and it doesn't help that you're so calm, - Anne replied, somewhat annoyed by Billy's seemingly carefree attitude towards their responsibilities.

-You don't need to worry. What concerned me the most was offending the businessmen's goodwill. The Texas Group isn't just any small group, we have contracts with Microsoft. That's why you need to handle everything, while I'm the actor focused on drawing, dating actresses, and making movies. Besides, your bonus will be substantial. 0.1% of the sale isn't negligible, Anne, - Billy said, planning to distribute 1% among all involved.

-Yes, $500,000. Enough to pay for the kids' exchange trip, - Anne said, calming her nerves for a brief moment, thinking about the agreements that would be handled confidentially. Each group would enter and present not only their future perspectives for the company but also the many processes involved, with the decision to be made after four hours, once all groups had finished presenting.

-It doesn't help our image that you're being photographed during your adventure in Italy. We had a lot to advance here while you were playing second-generation kid. We'll talk about that later. Please, get out of my office! - Anne said, continuing on her way.

Billy did as he pleased, heading to his office full of drawings. He had several to present at the beginning of the year, reactivating or pausing some that were at critical moments, like the final chapter of Slam Dunk. An open-ended finale that had half of the United States hooked. Billy had improved the drawings and extended each chapter, adding parts not in the original manga, and incorporating elements from movies and anime. The series stretched from 271 to 345 episodes and had its climactic final battle against Sannoh//Arizona Technical School. With 11 episodes already aired, the final manga chapter was expected to be 356.

Billy calmly sketched each scene, adding his characteristic shine. Four hours passed, and Anne still hadn't returned. The meeting was taking longer than expected, he thought as he started chapter 354, drawing a cover and some figurines, Sakuragi/Will performing a slam dunk, passing the ball under his legs. Suddenly, Anne burst through the door, her cheeks flushed.

-We did it, although it's not the deal we expected. But it's surprisingly beneficial. Now I understand why you said you'd make money, - Anne said with a wolfish grin. The only condition both companies agreed on was that Billy would be the principal advisor and co-director of the company. This would curb his habit of leaving for Europe unannounced.

-Price? -

-$518 million. -

-That's a good price, - Billy said into the air, feeling that it was enough to stabilize all his new ventures.

...