Chapter 165: Unexpected Events

The day before the negotiation, Irina, the French girl, visited Hardy's office.

"Boss, I've compiled the list you requested," she said.

Hardy reviewed the list of graduates from the University of Southern California Broadcasting Institute. It included their current employment details, with many now working for major companies like NBC and CBS, or local TV stations. These experienced professionals were exactly what ABC needed to rebuild from scratch.

"Boss, I recommend someone for the president of the broadcasting company," Irina said.

"Who is it?"

"My former teacher, William Fox. He's 42 years old, a USC graduate, and has significant experience. He worked at Nick Rodin TV station in New York, where he excelled in various departments and eventually turned the station profitable. He later became a professor at USC's School of Broadcasting."

Irina continued, "Mr. Fox has extensive experience, both practical and theoretical, and a strong network in the industry. He could be incredibly valuable for establishing a new TV station. By the way, he's the one who told us about the situation with the candy company and ABC Broadcasting in class."

Hardy considered Irina's recommendation and agreed, "Elaine, please contact Professor Fox and see if he's interested in joining ABC Broadcasting."

Irina hesitated. "Boss, if we acquire ABC Broadcasting, can I work there?"

Hardy was surprised. "Don't you enjoy working at the auction company?"

Irina explained, "I do enjoy it, but my major is broadcast hosting. I'd love the chance to be in front of the camera if possible."

Hardy nodded. "If broadcasting is what you want, I'll arrange for you to join the new company as the chairman's secretary. You'll also have the opportunity to host on the TV station."

Irina's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Boss. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Being my secretary is a significant responsibility. You must be prepared for the demands of the role," Hardy warned.

"I'm ready to work hard," Irina assured him.

"Great. Your first task is to reach out to Professor Fox. Once we have a director in place, you'll help build the company and develop its operations," Hardy instructed.

Irina left with enthusiasm, and Hardy focused on the upcoming acquisition of ABC Broadcasting, hoping for a successful outcome.

---

The day before the negotiation, Alderman, owner of the Pegasus Rubber Tire Factory, arrived in Springfield with a team, including his assistants, two vice presidents, and an economic lawyer. They stayed at a hotel and parked their car in the hotel's lot.

As they approached the hotel, chaos erupted nearby. Two masked robbers were attacking passersby. One robber fired shots, causing people to scatter. Amid the panic, Alderman was struck by a stray bullet.

"Boss, are you alright?" his team cried out in alarm.

Alderman, clutching his abdomen and bleeding, was quickly rushed to the hospital. The doctor determined he had been shot in the abdomen but managed to avoid critical injuries. Alderman underwent surgery and remained in a coma, with the doctor warning of potential complications.

The police investigated the incident, discovering it was a robbery gone awry. They concluded that Alderman had been an unfortunate victim of the chaos.

The vice presidents discussed the situation. "What do we do about the negotiation?"

"With the boss unconscious, none of us have the authority to decide on such a significant matter. We should wait until he recovers."

"Agreed. We should consider moving him to a better-equipped hospital in Chicago."

---

Paramount had sent a vice president and a team to Springfield. After arriving at the airport, they hailed a taxi to the Xiangge Hotel.

As they traveled, their taxi was intercepted by masked robbers. The robbers forced the vice president and his team out of the car. The vice president, startled and in pain, tried to negotiate with the robbers.

The robbers, initially demanding money, decided to escalate the situation. One of them suggested kidnapping the Paramount team for ransom instead. The vice president and his team were then taken to an abandoned factory, tied up, and gagged. They provided contact information but feared for their safety.

---

The next day, Edward Noble arrived at the Xiangge Hotel for the scheduled negotiation with his economic lawyer and assistants. As the meeting time approached, the other parties failed to appear, causing Noble concern.

When Andy arrived with his team, he greeted Noble. "Good morning, Mr. Noble."

"Hello, Mr. Andy," Noble responded.

Andy sat down and said, "Since we're both here, can we start the negotiations?"

Noble, surprised by the absence of the other parties, agreed. "Let's begin."

The negotiations started with HD's offer of $11 million for ABC. Noble's asking price remained at $14 million. The discussions also covered various terms, including personnel arrangements, payment methods, and deadlines.

Despite extensive negotiations, Andy's final offer was capped at $11.5 million, leading to a deadlock.

Noble proposed continuing the next day. Andy agreed but warned, "Our boss is interested, but if the price is too high, we might consider starting a new broadcasting company instead. If the negotiations don't progress, we may withdraw."

Noble was displeased but acknowledged Andy's position. The negotiations would continue the following day.