Rebirth of America, this is my time

The weather in Florida in March is mild and sunny.

The average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for travel.

Perhaps because of this, when Cornelis came to Disney World, wherever he looked, there were crowds of people: girls in princess dresses were taking photos crazily, and children holding dolls and balloons were constantly filming. A family who came to play with their children looked around happily, and a couple who came together to realize their dream hugged and kissed at the logo at the door... The happy atmosphere seemed to have a different kind of magic, which made Cornelis, who was waiting, couldn't help but cheer up. He raised his lips and smiled.

Cone?

Wow - it's really you!

Why do I feel like you've lost weight since I haven't seen you in months?

Is it because you are too busy at work?

But no matter how busy you are at work, you still have to take care of your health!

Just as Cornelis was staring ahead, feeling the life and vitality under the morning sun, an excited shout suddenly came from behind him. When he turned around, he saw the sudden appearance of Ron Miller, which made him look happy.

Oh~ Ron, long time no see.

Cornelis opened his arms and embraced him.

Long time no see, I miss you so much.

Ron Miller didn't hesitate and gave the other party a bear hug.

The banging sound is the joy that hits the back.

After hugging each other for a moment, they separated. Although Cornelis did not explain the purpose of his visit, and Ron Miller did not tell the reason for the appointment, both of them knew exactly why they got together.

so……

Let's talk while walking?

Ron Miller pointed to the park that had just opened. Not only that, he also smiled and said: Kone, I think you haven't visited our Disney World yet, right?

Oh yes! Cornelis raised his eyebrows and said, Although the name Disney has been echoing in my ears for many years, I have also bought many Disney dolls for my children. Books and books, but Disneyland…I really haven’t set foot in it yet.”

Cornelis looked nostalgic and said, As you just said, I'm too busy.

there is no time.

Besides, there is no Disneyland in Europe, and cross-border travel is very troublesome, so...

It's a big regret of mine that I couldn't enjoy happy time with my family.

Cornelis shrugged.

Oh - is that so? It seems that it is still our responsibility.

Ron Miller took the responsibility half-jokingly, saying: Because many years ago, my father had already made its own development plan for this fairy tale kingdom. He wanted to open Disney parks all over the world. Not only in North America, but also in Asia and Europe.”

The opening location of Asia Paradise is tentatively named Neon. The location of European Paradise is tentatively named Gallic Rooster.

But unfortunately, shortly after making the plans, he fell ill.

Even after that, my uncle, Mr. Roy Disney, complied with his last wish and personally built the last park project before my father passed away, which is the Orlando Disney World you see now, but...he I also didn’t get to see the true grandeur of Disney.”

So, if you have to find the real culprit that makes you regretful...

Then the responsibility still lies with us.

Ron Miller looks apologetic.

His words made Cornelis raise his voice——

Oh, Ron, you can't say that! Cornelis shook his head: The death of Mr. Walt Disney and Mr. Roy Disney Sr. is a loss to the entire world, and we are deeply saddened.

But now that things have happened, we have to move forward. Moreover, I believe that with an outstanding successor like you, Mr. Walt Disney's last wish will definitely come true!

You, the new generation of Disney people, will definitely fulfill your fathers' dreams!

We are all witnesses!

Hahaha—— Cornelis's words made Ron Miller laugh again and again.

He stretched out his arm to hug the other person, waved his hand and said happily: Kone, thank you very much for your trust and blessing, then let me take you to visit Disney World.

I will introduce you to the famous attractions here, and then give you a membership card.

In the future, when you have time to play, you can come and go as you like.

“Whether you’re bringing your kids or your grandkids, it doesn’t matter!”

Because you are the most distinguished guest of our Disney Group!

Perhaps it was because he was filled with joy, but it was also possible that introducing his father's achievements to outsiders made people feel more proud, so when Ron Miller put his arm around Cornelis' shoulders and took him for a walk around Disney World At this time, his footsteps were extremely brisk, and his tone was even more comfortable.

Ron Miller introduced Cornelis to the home of the park’s founder;

He was shown design models of Disney World and future structural plans;

took him to see Walt Disney’s hand-drawn vintage Mickey Mouse movies;

Together with him, we visited the most classic project in the park, The Adventures of Snow White. We first stayed as guests in the house of the Seven Dwarfs, and then went into the enchanted medieval castle to watch the children explore.

After coming out, the two went to Pinocchio's house, rode King Arthur's horse, took a photo with Mickey, and made a wish by the spring in Mickey's backyard...

With a popping sound, a one-cent coin also fell into the water.

This movement made Ron Miller, whose eyes were slightly closed, laugh, Cone, let me guess... the wish you just made was that you hoped that God would come and kill Steve Ross, right?

The sudden inquiry broke the quiet and peaceful scene. After crossing himself, Cornelis also opened his eyes and said, Oh Ron, why did you say that?

Not only that, he also asked with a smile on his face: Why didn't I make a wish to God, longing for him to come to the world and solve the source of the disaster, Ethan Jones?

Hahahaha—— This question made Ron Miller laugh.

Because I think you must have called Steve Ross before you came to me.

Ron Miller also opened his eyes and turned his head to look at the new friend he had already met. His slightly brown pupils flashed with a smile that could see everything, Because only when you learn from Steve Ross Only when you are disappointed will you take the initiative to call me.

There's no way, humans are such strange creatures.

Even if they are faced with a desperate situation, they want to survive.

At this time, they cannot listen to the reliable advice of those around them. What they want to hear and what they are willing to accept are the only words they long for.

Even if those suggestions will lead to their immediate demise.

Is it right?

Cornelis narrowed his eyes at the rhetorical question as if he had a winning chance.

After looking at Ron Miller for a while, he shook his head with a chuckle.

Although this is a paradise for entertainment, I believe there are still quiet places here?

certainly.

Then do I have a chance to taste it?

No problem, please come with me.

Under the leadership of Ron Miller, Cornelis came to Tom Sawyer's Island, which was opened on May 20, 1973 and based on the classic novel The Island of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. An entertainment facility built for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Since you need to take a raft to go there, you only need to hang a maintenance sign so that the staff can keep tourists away.

When the two set foot on a secluded island in a noisy world, Cornelis was very satisfied with the claustrophobic environment. He found a place to sit on the ground. While listening to the cheers, he also focused his attention on Ron Miller. So...this is the key to your fight with Roy Disney?

Although Cornelis's straightforward inquiry was a bit rude, Ron Miller didn't care and nodded: Yes, this is what my wife wants.

Kone, I think you should understand what's special about this place, right?

When Disney has the right to operate independently here, we can use all the income here as tax expenses, and the tax collector will still be ourselves.

This privilege allows us to pay millions or even tens of millions less in taxes every year. We only need to use a certain amount of money to maintain the normal operation of this place and renovate and expand it on time as agreed upon when we acquired the land. We can avoid this. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s review has collected those taxes into its own arms in the form of public expenditures, so the market value in the stock market is not the actual value of Disney.”

Last year, for example, we received close to $10 million through public spending.

It's still cash.

The frank words made Cornelis nod slightly.

Although the shadow income of Orlando Disney World is no secret to world giants like them, because the taxes and public expenditures here are self-operated projects and do not need to be specifically reflected in the annual financial report, they actually do not Know how much wealth the Disney family controls.

And now, as Ron Miller said, the annual dividend is close to 10 million...

On the surface, this number does not appear to be much.

But there is no need to pay tax on this income!

Zero tax rate is the covetous point of countless capitalists!

What's more, when Ron Miller is willing to talk candidly about these things...

The sincerity in this guy is really visible to the naked eye.

The outside world says that Disney has the right to mint coins. Is it true? Cornelis continued to ask: You can issue currency in the name of Disney? And as long as the face value is equal to the U.S. dollar and can be exchanged without restrictions, Does the Fed have to recognize the legitimacy of your currency?”

Yes. Ron Miller nodded.

He took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out and handed it to Cornelis.

After helping him light it, Ron Miller lit one himself.

As the smoke rose, he smiled and said: Without these privileges, how could Walt Disney become a special existence in Hollywood? Almost everyone wants to acquire our company, but these people all know that, It is impossible for Disney to be acquired. Once Disney loses its autonomy, other capitalists will definitely try their best to destroy the specialness of Disney in Orlando...

But if that's the case, then why would Steve Ross suggest that you use the White Knight Plan to protect your rights? Cornelis suddenly remembered something.

At the second official gathering of the Avengers, Steve Ross claimed that Ron Miller had betrayed the organization and took the initiative to say that he was the one who proposed the White Knight plan.

The sudden memory confused Cornelis.

But before Ron Miller could answer, Cornelis thought of another possibility.

Does Steve Ross want to use this opportunity to get rid of you?

Does he want to control your Disney in other ways?

Yeah! Ron Miller nodded vigorously and said with a smile: Kone, I'm very happy, because you can think of all this, which proves that you have discovered that Steve Ross is an extremely selfish person. This guy only has his own interests in mind.

If I accept his proposal and bring Disney into an acquisition, then I will definitely become the sinner of the entire Disney, and at the same time, the value of Disney will plummet.

So I said no.

I believe this rejection will be extremely disappointing to Steve Ross.

It will make him crazily smear us.

Is it right?

Although Ron Miller asked, his tone was full of affirmation.

After catching the teasing look from the other party, Cornelis also understood what the other party meant.

Even though they were a unit before and everyone was working hard to bring down Ethan Jones, no matter who it was, they would not make a pure effort to bring down Ethan Jones.

Everyone gathers for profit, so everyone can divide for profit. For Philips, getting rid of Ethan Jones's video game business is their ultimate goal, and for Ron Miller, as long as If you can disrupt the collaboration between Ethan Jones and Roy Disney, that's a victory.

When everyone has the same general direction, but the small goals are difficult to unify, it is only human nature to have all kinds of little thoughts in their hearts. If the whole thing is applied to Steve Ross...

Cracking down on Ethan Jones may be Warner Communications' main business, but in the process, isn't it the business of Warner to crush Walt Disney to death?

You know, Warner Communications is still a Hollywood company. No matter how Steve Ross wanders around, as long as he still holds the banner of Warner, it is impossible to break out of this circle!

In the same vein, Steve Ross wants to embrace the video game industry.

Ethan Jones may be a stumbling block for Warner's development, but Philips...

Isn't it?

MFxxk!

Thinking of this, Cornelis cursed and dropped the cigarette in his hand on the ground.

Stamp it out with force, as if to vent.

After a moment, he leaned over to pick it up and threw it into the trash can nearby.

This behavior made Ron Miller smile and narrow his eyes. Under his gaze, a somewhat annoyed Cornelis also expressed his dilemma. When Cornelis said that he was under a lot of pressure at the moment. In addition to the external dangers, he was also being held accountable within the group...

Ron Miller also put out his cigarette, put his hands behind his back and said, Kone, this is normal. In the eyes of ordinary people, the leaders of listed companies have endless glory, but we understand that it is all superficial glory.

In fact, after I completely separated from Steve Ross, I carefully analyzed our confrontation between Disney and Ethan Jones. I found that our failure had nothing to do with strategic decisions. What we did Everything is right, but...Ethan Jones can do better.

The reason for this result is also very simple. Ethan Jones can make his personal will become the direction of the entire company, so he can do whatever he wants.

For example, if the alliance with Roy Disney were replaced by an ordinary listed company, the shareholders of the company would definitely think that he is mentally ill, because this kind of alliance cannot bring obvious benefits to the company, and may even cause the company to into trouble. But when he can completely control Destiny Game, everything can go smoothly. He can bring me great pain. At the same time, this alliance also helped Destiny Game successfully survive the stranglehold of the Film Association. , bringing Steve Ross’ plans to naught.”

In the shopping mall, this kind of behavior that does not pursue efficiency but only pursues strategy is very scary. When a company can make such a decision, it means that they can find and fill in the gaps at all costs. When they can use the fastest After solving the problem quickly, this kind of execution will make them invincible.”

So, although I am very passive now, but...

I admit.

I didn't lose unjustly.

Or, Ethan Jones won beautifully.

The sincere words made Cornelis' eyes ache.

The almost identical situation between the two of them made him want to cry.

But he knew that this was not the time to vent.

Ever since, he continued his story and told what Steve Ross had done.

Waiting for Ron Miller to know that Steve Ross hopes that Cornelis can focus on the overall situation, give up the petty profits in front of him, and make a promise that he is willing to use some of Warner Records’ interests to protect Cornelis’ position. , the guy who had faced the Undertaker laughed heartily——

Oh Cone! You're going through exactly the same thing as me!

When I contacted Steve Ross and hoped that he could help me out of the predicament, his reply to me was simple, that is, if you can't save me, just wait to die.

I was so angry at that time that I told Steve Ross, we'll see!

The reason why he doesn't want to save me is simple, because in his view, I have lost the value of united front, when Ethan Jones has penetrated the entire Hollywood! In his eyes, we Walt... The biggest purpose of the Disney Group's existence is to cause a little trouble for Ethan Jones.

In this case, it would be a waste of time to save us.

But you are different. The value of your Philips is much higher than that of our Disney.

You have PolyGram, you have digital discs, you have an alliance with Sony...

These resources will allow you to secure your position as chairman of Philips North America.

So, even if you have a problem, Steve Ross will help you.

Brother, your situation is actually much better than mine...

Speaking of which, Ron Miller reached out and patted Cornelis on the shoulder.

Unfortunately, Cornelis did not like this kind of comfort.

Ron, you should know that this kind of help will make me passive. Cornelis stared at Ron Miller with straight eyes and said: When I accepted Steve Ross's charity Finally, once I lose my use value, he will just throw me away like trash.

This abandonment will send me to the abyss!

Because I am different from you. You are Walt Disney's son-in-law. Even if Roy Disney drives you out of the company, you will be able to live and eat well for the rest of your life.

But I'm different!

I'm just a part-time worker!

After leaving Philips...

I am nothing!

Cornelis's eyes widened.

The bloodshot eyes were filled with a terrifying light.

Although his words were a bit extreme, Ron Miller didn't care. Because he knows that compared with the choices of the times, personal efforts are not worth mentioning in the face of success.

They were able to achieve success because they reaped the dividends of the times.

When the development of society requires the construction of a rich spiritual civilization, when human progress is promoted by a bunch of wartime technologies, they are all the lucky ones who have touched the peak due to the wave of the times.

This kind of God's favor is ten thousand times more effective than working hard!

Because of this, in the thousands of years of human development, there has been such a consensus——

‘So-and-so was born in the wrong era. ’

No matter which country or civilization it is, there is no saying that the times have given birth to the wrong people.

And when Cornelis understood this truth...

Now he is the most sober player in the game.

So...you want us to join forces?

Ron Miller smiled.

Yes and no. Cornelis nodded, then shook his head, Ron, I want to join forces with you, but I don't know in which aspect we can cooperate.

The sincere words made Ron Miller sigh and said: Cone, I also want to join forces with you, but I don't want to deceive you. Disney and Philips do not have overlapping businesses.

In this case, all I can tell you is that our demands are the same.

I want to control Disney, you want to keep your spot.

Other than that, we had nothing to communicate with at all.

This fact made Cornelis look dim.

Just when he sighed and felt that his life was not long, Ron Miller said again: Kone, although our two companies have no business overlap, we can still cooperate.

For example, you provide me with information about the Avengers.

I'll find a way to get you everything you want.

I guess now you want to know the negotiation process between Paramount and Sega?

I'll find out about it for you.

After all, in addition to keeping our position, we also have a common goal...

Cornelis's eyes lit up at this suggestion.

At this moment, he already understood what Ron Miller meant.

We all want Steve Ross dead! he muttered.

The crisp words made Ron Miller laugh.

When Ron Miller extended his right fist, Cornelis did not hesitate to fight it.

When the crisp sound of 'pop' appears...

The alliance of the frustrated is also officially formed!

After going through the hasty alliance process, Cornelis also asked bluntly: So, Ron, what do you think I should do next? Perhaps having opened his heart, Cornelis said again: You How do you think I should protect my own interests?

The direct question made Ron Miller unbutton his suit and take out a folded piece of paper from his inner pocket, I think the answer you want is on this piece of paper. Written.

You can have a look……