Chapter 301: An Aged Heart, Boundless Fighting Spirit

Thirty seconds flashed by in an instant. Many who had tuned in specifically for the Super Bowl halftime show found it hard to focus on the subsequent performances. Even the Victoria's Secret Angels' segment garnered noticeably less attention.

As the game resumed, the Super Bowl Stadium was still abuzz with murmurs about the recently aired movie trailer.

Perhaps it was also because the game itself lacked excitement. Both teams had adopted overly cautious strategies.

Meanwhile, numerous individuals in the entertainment industry, also watching the game, had caught sight of the same movie trailer.

The idea of airing a film teaser during the Super Bowl halftime show sparked inspiration among many film executives.

Why hadn't we thought of this before?

The Super Bowl has consistently been the most popular sporting event in North America, and its halftime show often boasts viewership ratings that surpass even hit TV series like Friends. Broadcasting a movie trailer during this time—how many people would that reach?

Take Sherry Lansing, CEO of Paramount, for instance.

After making a few calls to confirm that the concept of running an ad during the Super Bowl halftime was Martin's idea, Lansing found herself staring at the freeze-frame of Martin dodging bullets in The Matrix trailer, his striking features filling the screen.

But don't get it wrong—Sherry Lansing wasn't fantasizing. This seasoned executive had long since lost interest in things like casual flings. Her dalliances with actors were more about asserting power and relieving stress.

No, Lansing was filled with regret. She shouldn't have hesitated when Tom Cruise opposed her earlier decisions.

Martin was like an inexhaustible gold mine, effortlessly generating wealth.

And she wasn't the only one who regretted her decisions. But no need to name everyone.

The following day, at Disney's headquarters, Michael Eisner convened a board meeting.

During the meeting, Eisner played the trailer for The Matrix.

When the clip ended, he stood up, pointing at the screen where Martin's sharp, captivating face remained frozen.

"Without a doubt, Martin is about to strike gold again. And this is why I've insisted on selling him shares. Disney must tie him to our chariot. Just look at how much Warner has profited from him over the years—

"First The Lord of the Rings series, then The Matrix, and up next Harry Potter. These are all gold mines!"

He continued with fervor:

"We need to bring Martin fully on board, but merely signing movie contracts with him won't be enough. Making him a Disney shareholder is the best approach!"

Eisner's tone grew heavier as he concluded:

"What? Do none of you want to make money?"

Roy Disney and Robert Iger exchanged glances. It seemed the timing was ripe. Roy Disney gave a subtle nod.

To avoid arousing suspicion, they had deliberately opposed selling shares to Martin in previous meetings.

But the third time's the charm—time to reel him in.

Michael Eisner's gaze lingered on them for a moment before he addressed the board:

"Let's put it to a vote. Before we proceed, let me remind you once more: bringing Martin on board will significantly boost Disney's stock. I guarantee it!"

Roy Disney signaled discreetly to a few allied board members, who quickly caught on.

Eisner's confidant, Reed Makas, announced loudly, "The vote begins now. Those in favor of selling 8.03% of Disney shares to Martin, please raise your hands."

One hand after another rose into the air.

Eisner's gaze swept across the room. When he saw that even those who had previously opposed the idea had raised their hands, satisfaction spread across his face.

In the end, only two abstained from voting; everyone else was in favor.

Those who abstained? Roy Disney and Robert Iger—ever the consummate performers.

When the vote passed, Roy Disney let out a quiet sigh of relief but maintained a neutral expression as he remarked,

"I'll reserve my opinion on making Martin a Disney shareholder."

Robert Iger quickly echoed, "Same here."

As the board meeting concluded, Michael Eisner looked visibly fatigued. Convincing the board to agree to this decision had taken a toll on him, but he had finally achieved his goal.

"Damn lucky kid," Eisner thought.

For a brief moment, envy flashed through his mind.

After all, while he had to navigate endless boardroom battles for a fraction of power, Martin seemed to gain everything effortlessly.

Still, if those 8.03% shares were in his hands…

Eisner shook his head. That was impossible.

Being Disney's CEO came with restrictions. The shareholders would never allow a hired executive to stand on equal footing with them, even if that executive brought in more profits.

This thought sparked a surge of resentment within Eisner.

"Fine. If you won't give me power, I'll seize it myself!"

Once Martin handed over the voting rights tied to those 8.03% shares, it would be time for Disney's next round of reforms—and his contract renegotiations.

Especially the clause restricting him from purchasing shares!

The $500 million retirement package? That was just a smokescreen, or rather, a bargaining chip. What he truly wanted was the remaining 10% of original shares in Disney's stock pool.

Those shares had once amounted to 18%, but with 8% sold to Martin, 10% remained—and Eisner wanted them all.

"Let the games begin," he thought.

His aged heart thudded fiercely, fueled by boundless ambition.