Chapter 602: Follow the Rules

"Universal Studios Singapore? Let Steve go check it out," Charles sat in his office at Capet Pictures, listening to Phyllis Jones' work report.

Universal Studios Singapore was part of the Resorts World Sentosa and had opened to visitors in March that year.

"Sentosa has a casino, and Universal Studios built there? What was GE thinking?" Charles shrugged. He was never interested in Universal Studios Singapore and didn't plan to waste his time inspecting the place.

Sentosa's parent company was Genting Singapore. Genting Group, registered in Malaysia, had four main subsidiaries: Genting Malaysia, Genting Singapore, Genting Plantations, and Genting Hong Kong (formerly Star Cruises) which was renamed last year.

"Boss, Singapore issued two casino licenses this year. The most expensive casino, Marina Bay Sands Resort, opened in June," Phyllis Jones reminded him.

Charles didn't care about casinos; he was more concerned with the influence of Universal Studios and tourists' reactions.

"Orlando's Universal Studios welcomed 3.3 million visitors within a month of opening The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," Charles leaned back in his chair, "Now that's good news."

"How's Shanghai doing?" Charles inquired about the Shanghai Universal Studios Resort project.

Phyllis Jones replied, "Shanghai is hosting the Expo right now. Construction will start after the Expo ends in November."

"Has the design for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Osaka started?"

"It has, but with some additional elements," Phyllis Jones explained.

"Remind them to be firm with Warner Bros. I don't want any more of JK Rowling's bland design ideas," Charles frowned.

"For Shanghai Universal Studios, there's no need to include Harry Potter; they prefer Marvel and Transformers IPs. As for Shanghai, we should combine Capet Pictures' own IPs with Chinese culture, taking into account local insights. Shanghai is like a blank canvas, perfect for creativity! I want record-breaking visitor numbers, massive product sales, and impressive financial statements. That's all I care about."

Phyllis Jones nodded then left the office.

Charles massaged his temples. The economic survey report from the EU and Eurozone lay on his desk. Analysis of the first two quarters showed an economic growth rate of 1% this year for both the EU and the Eurozone!

"Is the EU economy recovering slowly?" Charles had over 500 million euros in cash; he wasn't going to let it sit idle in the bank.

However, compared to Southern Europe, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain were the worst hit by the Euro debt crisis.

Economic recovery wasn't going to be easy.

"Looks like a trip to Europe is necessary. I need to strengthen my investment portfolio there," Charles felt he had been too focused on Asia.

But the economic rise of Asia post-millennium was also a golden opportunity.

...

Two days later, Charles flew from New York to London, just missing the first round of the Premier League, where Liverpool lost 1-2 to Arsenal at home.

In London, at the Colney Training Centre in Hertfordshire, Charles asked about the Liverpool acquisition.

David Dein laughed, "John Henry from New England Sports Ventures has put together a purchase team, but Tom Hicks and George Gillett are unhappy with the price. And Liverpool's current situation is dismal, with debts of millions of pounds. Last year, they were mid-table and didn't make it to European competitions. Once they can't pay off the debt, Liverpool will face bankruptcy."

Charles stroked his chin, "I remember John Henry asked me for advice on running a Premier League team."

"It should be soon. John Henry is quite decisive. There might be a new club owner in the Premier League soon!"

Arsenal's recent success was irreplicable, thanks to Charles' visionary foresight.

Two league titles, one FIFA Cup, three Community Shield trophies, a Champions League title, and one League Cup!

"This year, winning the Champions League has greatly boosted Arsenal's commercial value. We've added significant brand fees. Front shirt sponsorship, stadium naming rights, jersey sales, league and Champions League revenue, partnership fees, matchday income, sale of players - Arsenal is truly thriving!"

David Dein was ecstatic. With excellent results and successful commercial development, surpassing Manchester United was within reach.

"Well, in business, you Americans are top-notch," David Dein finally sighed.

Charles laughed, "That's because the Premier League's commercial development is so strong, attracting global capital."

But Charles knew the Premier League should thank Roman Abramovich for its financial football boom.

"Alright, I'll be in Europe for a while, planning to watch the Super Cup match between Monaco and Atletico Madrid," Charles stood up, knowing he'd likely visit Germany and France as well.

The Big Three in Europe - Germany, the UK, and France - had formidable economies!

...

That evening, back at his luxurious Hampstead villa, Gal Gadot was waiting for Charles in London.

"Babe, has Fast & Furious 5 finished filming?" Charles asked, holding her and kissing her on the couch.

"Hehe, not yet, but only some indoor scenes are left to shoot at Pinewood Studios in London," Gal Gadot laughed, responding to his kisses.

"Skyfall will start shooting in London too, so you'll be in London for a while," Charles leaned back on the couch. "Being a Bond girl will boost your influence!"

Whether it was Fast & Furious or the upcoming Captain America, Gal Gadot's performance was just average and not outstanding.

"I know, I auditioned for a Bond girl role before but didn't get it," Gal Gadot's performance in Fast & Furious 4 hadn't won her many opportunities.

"Well, let's go take a bath together..." Charles said, stroking her face.

*****

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