Chapter 22. Joshua’s Plan

MGM Building, Eric's Office.

"Gal Gadot?"

"Who else? The same day you gave the assignment, I found her contact information and flew to Israel two days ago. I met her through her agent."

"But this girl is complicated. Or rather, her parents are complicated. She's only 17 years old, a minor, and can't make many decisions on her own. I don't want to be accused of kidnapping a minor."

Eric laughed loudly:

"You're the master of finding girls! Can't you handle a little girl? I gave you the authority."

"Yes, I have the authority. I even offered her a supporting role in the film—a chance many dream of. But she didn't bite. Her father is very stubborn and wouldn't budge."

"Wait. I can't understand, is the resistance coming from Gal Gadot herself or from her parents?"

Judy thought for a moment:

"Mostly from her parents. They don't even believe in my identity; they demand to meet you personally to be convinced. That's why I suggest you come to Israel personally if you're really interested in this girl."

Eric, holding his head, felt a headache. It was a critical moment, and he didn't want to leave MGM. Who knows how long this trip would take?

But Gal Gadot was too tempting a fruit to leave unattended.

After thinking for a bit, Eric asked:

"Did you study her family situation?"

"There wasn't much time, but I found out that their ancestors are European Jews. During World War II, they became refugees. Since then, starting with her grandfather, they moved to Israel. They live well, but far from luxury."

"Are her grandfather and grandmother still alive?"

"Grandfather is alive, though elderly. I was at their home."

"Got it, keep in touch with her. I'll fly to Israel as soon as possible. But I'm still counting on you to persuade her."

"I'll try. But what if they still have doubts?"

After hanging up, Eric called: "Chen Xing, have you seen 'Schindler's List'?"

Chen Xing was momentarily stunned: "I've seen it, but I don't remember the specific plot well."

"That's enough. I want to get some of its relics as souvenirs. Go and find out everything."

"Okay, boss, I think I need to contact major auction houses about such items."

"Go, I need results as soon as possible."

...

In the evening, Eric's older brother, Joshua Cooper, unexpectedly came home and hugged Eric like a bear.

Eric was in good shape, but far from a professional American football player. He felt all his muscles shake from such an embrace.

"Do you want to give me a concussion?"

"Ha-ha-ha! There are no weaklings in the Cooper family. You scoundrel, you bought MGM and didn't even tell me! If Mom hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known anything!"

"And for that, you decided to kill me to inherit the company?"

"Of course! Can I?"

Both brothers laughed, and Mom Emily called them to the table.

"Eric, how much did you spend to buy MGM?" Joshua asked curiously.

Eric, continuing to eat, held up three fingers.

"$300 million?"

"Haha... Do you seriously think you can buy a company like that for $300 million?"

Joshua's lips trembled:

"It can't be... It's not $3 billion, is it?"

"Almost."

"OH MY GOD!"

Joshua's eyes widened in shock, then he began to growl: "Why buy that damn MGM? Why not buy the San Francisco 49ers instead?"

"If we bought a team, I'd be the brother of the team owner. I could play any position and kick anyone out. That guy Harry has been annoying me for a long time!"

Eric nodded seriously: "Buying a team is indeed a good idea. In the new era, I think we're in for a boom in both American football and basketball."

"But the company is just getting on its feet. Let's wait until I make some money. In the future, you can become the team manager."

A sly smile appeared on Joshua's face: "Team manager isn't that important, I have an idea."

"What idea?"

"Since MGM now belongs to the Cooper family, how about I become a scout?"

Seeing his indecent look, Eric tensed up and suspiciously looked at him: "Joshua, you're not planning to use this as an excuse to meet girls, are you?"

Joshua hastily denied it but glanced at their mother, who was already glaring at him.

"Joshua, I'm warning you, don't slack off. Whatever you do on the side, I don't care, but don't you dare harm Eric's career, or I'll whip your ass right in front of your coach and teammates. You know I can do it!"

Joshua's lips twitched: "I was joking, Mom. And I'm not doing anything on the side either; I'm still single."

"But our team has excellent cheerleaders, and some of them are really hot. Maybe they have potential as actresses. Of course, there would be no deals between us, I just want to help the company."

His words, of course, convinced no one, especially Eric, who had no fondness for cheerleaders.

Once, Los Angeles Lakers player Magic Johnson contracted AIDS due to a promiscuous personal life. After that, the entire team, including players, staff, and cheerleaders, were tested. Special attention was paid to the cheerleaders.

One must understand that normal social interactions, including kissing, do not transmit AIDS. The main transmission routes are from mother to child, through blood, and sex.

If one person got infected and the whole team was at risk, the only possible transmission route was sex, highlighting the chaos within the team. Cheerleaders practically became the public restrooms of the team.

"Joshua, forget about the cheerleaders. Be careful not to catch AIDS!"

Their father looked at him sternly and warned: "Joshua, you need to be more restrained. I don't want some woman showing up with a child one day, let alone several women with children."

"If that happens, I won't be gentle with you! Got it?"

Joshua shrank and muttered quietly: "I knew I shouldn't have come back. I just suggested an idea, why are all three of you jumping on me?"

Eric smirked: "Alright, if you find truly talented athletes, you can introduce them to us."

Joshua shrugged: "Well, that's something."