Chapter 187: 187
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"I entered that building thinking that the famous Pixie Studios would satisfy you." Chala says as he and Tayaw drive away from Pixie Studios headquarters, on their way to Hollywood Burbank Airport.
"It's a watchable film, and they are a bunch that actually care about making quality films instead of brainless cash cows." Tayaw says.
"ah…" Chala nods at the assessment.
"But, had they released that… Euigh the lost potential." Tayaw shakes his head.
"Heh. It actually moved me when the prince's tears fell down on Snow White's face. But adding your song after she wakes up? And you suggesting that the prince and snow white dance under the moonlight to that song? That's gonna be killer right there." Chala says.
"Yeah…" Tayaw nods.
The way the animators expressed the characters' emotions impressed him very much, so he was confident in also suggesting a musical dance scene be made.
"Still. $7,000,000. That's 25% of their budget now, right? That means you'll also have 25% of the profits?" Chala chuckles at what he considers a smart and sure-win investment.
"It wasn't simple investment. I wanted to establish a standard for them for our future collaborations." Tayaw says.
Chala's eyebrows raise at this.
"That wasn't one-off? You're gonna invest again?" Chala asks.
"Yeah. Not only that, I'll buy shares. Maybe at least 51%?..." Tayaw says.
*screech* Chala almost loses control of the steering wheel.
"What the f*ck.. Are you serious?" Chala says after recovering.
"Yeah. Why not? My remaining money will be cut a good amount, but I can afford it. I just received the Pixie CEO's number when you weren't looking. I'll call him when I have time." Tayaw says.
"Hmm. Well… Come to think of it, after your investing, 'Snow White' is going to be even better. And if 'Snow White' receives some awards, Pixie's value will spike up. And, you're also a film maker, and you know how to make good films that sell. If you help Pixie with the adaptations of your fairy tales just as well as 'Snow White', then… holy f*ck!… " Chala says, getting more excited by each wishful thinking.
"You figured it out easily..." Tayaw takes Chala's attention.
"What?"
"This is why I bought time, literally." Tayaw chuckles.
"What?" Chala asks for clarification.
"If they released that film, it will still sell. After all, it's a good film on its own and a first of its kind. But by me, investing $7,000,000 and delaying the release, I've delayed the company's valuation rising as well." Tayaw says.
The information is too much for Chala to handle while driving so he shuts up. Meanwhile, he drives faster seeing that they are approaching Burbank Airport's Southwest Parking Lot.
Just in time for him to complete his thought, "…" *Scrrrr* Chala finally parks the car.
"…" Chala then stares at Tayaw.
"You want to buy their stakes for their value right now…" Chala says in understanding.
"Precisely. They're worth around $200,000,000 right now. If they make a lot of money and acclaim from 'Snow White'? Their value will rise. I can't buy as much shares as I want then." Tayaw chuckles.
Chala, realizing the opportunity slams the steering wheel in excitement. His excitement cools down immediately however after realizing something.
"How would you take over the current shareholders' shares?" Chala asks.
"Yeah… It's not gonna be hard. I heard from Klepper that 49% of the company's share that is in the control of shareholders, are always switching owners. These shareholders are not satisfied with the growth of the company so they are always looking to sell.
"Klepper said they're not even interested in the quality of the movies, but are instead focused on the box office sales. I hope them being American capitalists, obsessed on short term profits, will not see the potential of 'Snow White'." Tayaw shrugs.
"Huh. How about the remaining 2%?" Chala asks.
"That's when I'll come clean as the award-winning film maker. The majority owner after all, made Pixie to make good animated movies. If we're kindred spirits, then maybe I just might convince him. Adding to that the awards that I am nominated in this year." Tayaw says.
"What if you can't convince them to give up control? You're gonna sell your shares after the company's value rises then?" Chala asks.
"No, of course not. I'll convince them that I become a co-owner, seal the company from issuing shares from more investors. Then, I'll make use of Pixie's resources and experts to make more of my movies." Tayaw says.
"Forget about South Ouigab. Help me invest in Pixie instead!" Chala says shamelessly, considering the dividends he will receive as long as Tayaw works on the company.
"Let's see first if I my plan works out…" Tayaw says.
"Hmm." Chala says, excited as he and Tayaw exit the car.
Tayaw, seeing Chala's mood, can only look at him in amus.e.m.e.nt. Tayaw then pulls out his phone to make a call before he switches it to Airplane mode.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ironstone, East Ouigab – 12 NN
Payew, the entire morning, had been playing in the house's bas.e.m.e.nt studio, plucking an acoustic guitar on his lap. The news he received today deserves him a break.
*…We've been like this lately…* Payew's is about to leave the studio for lunch when his phone starts ringing.
"Hello? Tayaw?" Payew answers his phone, accurately guessing that owner of the American number that is calling him.
/Hey man. Didn't you receive your HEdSATs yesterday? How was it?/ Tayaw asks.
"It was actually late and I just received it this morning." Payew says, increasing Tayaw's anticipation.
/Good. Good. Well? How much did you score?/ Tayaw asks.
"34 (out of 36... this one's basically the ACTs) (1550/1600 for USA's SATs)." Payew reports simply.
/34… Wait. 34?!/ Tayaw exclaims after the figure catches up to him.
"Yeah... Heh." Payew smirks, his smug voice transferring through the phone.
/Damn. That's like… Three points compared to your attempt last year, right?/ Tayaw asks.
"Yeap…" Payew answering again in a single word to try and annoy Tayaw.
/Ooh.. alright, Mr. Genius./ Tayaw instead teases him back.
"Haha. Hey, how many did you get in yours?" Payew asks, not to compare, but simply curious.
/I scored 28 (1320/1600 for USA's SATs) and I got in Northwestern, which isn't a bad university. / Tayaw says.
"That was your second attempt?" Payew asks again, this time to compare and brag.
/Yeah. And I'm content with that./ Tayaw scoffs.
/Which Universities are you planning on going to? Still thinking about Agriculture? I think you can get in any university in Teungeb with your score./ Tayaw says.
"Yeah. I still want to study Agriculture. So Nabla State University is still my priority." Payew says.
/Hmmmm… I mean… Thinking about how you can score that high, why not try taking SATs for USA? Take it soon while your brain's still fresh./ Tayaw proposes.
"Why? Want to send me to America?" Payew asks, voicing the only conclusion he can come up with.
/Yeah. I mean, why not? I'm confident you can score high in SATs too. High enough to enter Cornell University./ Tayaw says.
"Cornell? Isn't that an Ivy League?" Payew asks.
/Yeah. It's the easiest ivy league school to get in, and I know that you can score enough to get into a better one. But, they have a good Agriculture course, which suits you well./ Tayaw says.
"Dude. Nabla State isn't that much worse. And USA has a different climate compared to Teungeb. They might have great professors and stuff, but they don't know the Teungebian land. And, AND! I don't like USA's practices when it comes to discarding food that don't look good. I don't want to see that shit." Payew explains.
/Huh… Well. I didn't know those things. Anyways, I'm just saying, you have more choices. Just check out Cornell's courses, will you? They might have something that you can use in Teungeb./ Tayaw says.
"… Okay. I'll check 'em out." Payew relents easily as he does not want to argue.
"Hey. How do I take the SATs?" Payew asks, this time, interested as he wants to know how well he can do in the test.
/I'll take care of it./ Tayaw says.
"Cool... Hey, by the way, I just shipped the band's merchandise to you just like you said. Did it arrive?" Payew asks.
/Oh yeah~! I especially love the porcelain vase made by Agew. How are the merchandise selling there? / Tayaw asks.
"The shirts were sold out. Like, 400 of them. And they're printing again! It's crazy. Damn. I'm jealous of Agew, already making money." Payew says.
/With the shirts? I thought it's the band that's making money from them?/ Tayaw asks.
"Well. Agew's making change from the shirts and the hoodies. The vases though, he's making a killing." Payew reports.
/Oh… Well, it's not that surprising, considering how beautiful the vases are... About his stuff… Why don't you study business instead? Hm? Aren't you helping dad with his money stuff in the shop? Why don't you help Agew establish his ceramics business too? Hell, if you become an excellent business manager, I'll hire you to run my film studio./ Tayaw offers his sudden idea.
While Tayaw is casual about it, Payew takes it seriously.
"This…" Payew, while he loves agriculture, he equally loves the economics of the agriculture industry.
Not only the economics of the agriculture industry, but he loves counting money in general. That love made him volunteer to be the de facto accountant of the band's merchandise sales and Liboo's workshop.
/I'm just sayin', you know. You can learn agricultural sciences in your free time. Our relatives in Nacotu and Alib can teach you the real shit of growing food./ Tayaw adds.
"This… it's too late though. I've already spent a lot of time reading agriculture textbooks in advance." Payew says.
/Does that mean you would go to business school had you prepared for it?/ Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. Might be." Payew shrugs.
/Heh. Well. Think about it, huh? I can help you prep better for business school than agriculture school. I know people you can learn hands on experience from. Learn how to run businesses from them./ Tayaw says.
"Wait, really?" Payew asks, excitement budding in his stomach.
/Yeah. And those people just happen to be in the USA. The land of capitalism and entrepreneurship. / Tayaw says.
Payew at this point, is already breathing heavily in excitement at the image of learning from real professionals.
"I'll think about it." Payew says, after suppressing his excitement.
/Good. Anyways. Congrats on the HEdSATS. I have a flight to take, a meeting to catch./ Tayaw bids goodbye.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7PM – Rinetta Tavern, New York
The meeting Tayaw told Payew earlier is a dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in New York that does not require reservations. Tayaw chose the restaurant especially because despite its fancy dishes, the atmosphere is like that of a diner; very homely.
"Did you wait too long?" Juliana finally arrives.
"Not really. Let's order?" Tayaw offers.
"Okay." Juliana is also starving and spent after a long day at work.
"…That's all. Thanks." After five minutes, the two are finally done ordering.
"I told you we could have met earlier at my office." Juliana says as she rests her elbow on the table before resting her chin on her hand.
"I was in California and I just came straight from the airport." Tayaw explains.
"What were you doing there?" Juliana asks.
"Well. Movie stuff. They asked me to consult on an upcoming animated film." Tayaw explains before taking a sip from his wine.
"Hmm. Boring." Juliana scoffs, almost making Tayaw spit his wine.
"Don't like animations?" Tayaw asks.
"If I was 7 years old, maybe." Juliana says.
Tayaw can only shake his head. Animated films after all, are indeed mostly for children. (This is an alternate world, chill.)
"I don't feel like this is a date. What I know of you, you also don't seem the person who asks someone out to dinner without an ulterior motive." Juliana says.
"Yeah. You got me. I actually want to ask a favor." Tayaw prefaces.
Juliana only stares, letting Tayaw to continue.
"Can you set up a meeting with Don Sylvio for me?" Tayaw asks.
"Hm? Oh. That's right. Uncle is really hard to reach for outsiders. You didn't get his phone number?" Juliana asks.
"No. It feels intrusive asking that. Don Gonzalo allowed me to visit him in his villa anytime, but Don Sylvio's different." Tayaw says.
"I see. May I know what it's about first?" Juliana asks in curiosity.
"It's about marketing. You know that 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer', the first part, is nominated in Sorrento, right?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah?"
"Well, I'm not sure if it's gonna sell with its accolades alone. So, in exchange for some shares of the profits of the movie about your grandpa, I was hoping Don Sylvio can allow me to hang some movie posters in each De Bacco branch." Tayaw explains.
Juliana processes Tayaw's favor for a while.
"Hm… He'll probably agree." Juliana nods.
"If it was you who's asking… " Tayaw scoffs. Juliana chuckles.
"Alright. I'll bring you to him after our dinner. I want to visit him anyways." Juliana finally promises.
"Wait. Tonight?" Tayaw is taken aback.
"What? Too soon?" Juliana asks.
"No.. no. Tonight is great." Tayaw says and he reserves a part of his mind to prepare for his pitch.
"Oh… Another thing… well, another favor really." Tayaw prefaces again.
Juliana this time, is less welcoming and more uneasy that Tayaw might be starting to become presumptuous.
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"I entered that building thinking that the famous Pixie Studios would satisfy you." Chala says as he and Tayaw drive away from Pixie Studios headquarters, on their way to Hollywood Burbank Airport.
"It's a watchable film, and they are a bunch that actually care about making quality films instead of brainless cash cows." Tayaw says.
"ah…" Chala nods at the assessment.
"But, had they released that… Euigh the lost potential." Tayaw shakes his head.
"Heh. It actually moved me when the prince's tears fell down on Snow White's face. But adding your song after she wakes up? And you suggesting that the prince and snow white dance under the moonlight to that song? That's gonna be killer right there." Chala says.
"Yeah…" Tayaw nods.
The way the animators expressed the characters' emotions impressed him very much, so he was confident in also suggesting a musical dance scene be made.
"Still. $7,000,000. That's 25% of their budget now, right? That means you'll also have 25% of the profits?" Chala chuckles at what he considers a smart and sure-win investment.
"It wasn't simple investment. I wanted to establish a standard for them for our future collaborations." Tayaw says.
Chala's eyebrows raise at this.
"That wasn't one-off? You're gonna invest again?" Chala asks.
"Yeah. Not only that, I'll buy shares. Maybe at least 51%?..." Tayaw says.
*screech* Chala almost loses control of the steering wheel.
"What the f*ck.. Are you serious?" Chala says after recovering.
"Yeah. Why not? My remaining money will be cut a good amount, but I can afford it. I just received the Pixie CEO's number when you weren't looking. I'll call him when I have time." Tayaw says.
"Hmm. Well… Come to think of it, after your investing, 'Snow White' is going to be even better. And if 'Snow White' receives some awards, Pixie's value will spike up. And, you're also a film maker, and you know how to make good films that sell. If you help Pixie with the adaptations of your fairy tales just as well as 'Snow White', then… holy f*ck!… " Chala says, getting more excited by each wishful thinking.
"You figured it out easily..." Tayaw takes Chala's attention.
"What?"
"This is why I bought time, literally." Tayaw chuckles.
"What?" Chala asks for clarification.
"If they released that film, it will still sell. After all, it's a good film on its own and a first of its kind. But by me, investing $7,000,000 and delaying the release, I've delayed the company's valuation rising as well." Tayaw says.
The information is too much for Chala to handle while driving so he shuts up. Meanwhile, he drives faster seeing that they are approaching Burbank Airport's Southwest Parking Lot.
Just in time for him to complete his thought, "…" *Scrrrr* Chala finally parks the car.
"…" Chala then stares at Tayaw.
"You want to buy their stakes for their value right now…" Chala says in understanding.
"Precisely. They're worth around $200,000,000 right now. If they make a lot of money and acclaim from 'Snow White'? Their value will rise. I can't buy as much shares as I want then." Tayaw chuckles.
Chala, realizing the opportunity slams the steering wheel in excitement. His excitement cools down immediately however after realizing something.
"How would you take over the current shareholders' shares?" Chala asks.
"Yeah… It's not gonna be hard. I heard from Klepper that 49% of the company's share that is in the control of shareholders, are always switching owners. These shareholders are not satisfied with the growth of the company so they are always looking to sell.
"Klepper said they're not even interested in the quality of the movies, but are instead focused on the box office sales. I hope them being American capitalists, obsessed on short term profits, will not see the potential of 'Snow White'." Tayaw shrugs.
"Huh. How about the remaining 2%?" Chala asks.
"That's when I'll come clean as the award-winning film maker. The majority owner after all, made Pixie to make good animated movies. If we're kindred spirits, then maybe I just might convince him. Adding to that the awards that I am nominated in this year." Tayaw says.
"What if you can't convince them to give up control? You're gonna sell your shares after the company's value rises then?" Chala asks.
"No, of course not. I'll convince them that I become a co-owner, seal the company from issuing shares from more investors. Then, I'll make use of Pixie's resources and experts to make more of my movies." Tayaw says.
"Forget about South Ouigab. Help me invest in Pixie instead!" Chala says shamelessly, considering the dividends he will receive as long as Tayaw works on the company.
"Let's see first if I my plan works out…" Tayaw says.
"Hmm." Chala says, excited as he and Tayaw exit the car.
Tayaw, seeing Chala's mood, can only look at him in amus.e.m.e.nt. Tayaw then pulls out his phone to make a call before he switches it to Airplane mode.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ironstone, East Ouigab – 12 NN
Payew, the entire morning, had been playing in the house's bas.e.m.e.nt studio, plucking an acoustic guitar on his lap. The news he received today deserves him a break.
*…We've been like this lately…* Payew's is about to leave the studio for lunch when his phone starts ringing.
"Hello? Tayaw?" Payew answers his phone, accurately guessing that owner of the American number that is calling him.
/Hey man. Didn't you receive your HEdSATs yesterday? How was it?/ Tayaw asks.
"It was actually late and I just received it this morning." Payew says, increasing Tayaw's anticipation.
/Good. Good. Well? How much did you score?/ Tayaw asks.
"34 (out of 36... this one's basically the ACTs) (1550/1600 for USA's SATs)." Payew reports simply.
/34… Wait. 34?!/ Tayaw exclaims after the figure catches up to him.
"Yeah... Heh." Payew smirks, his smug voice transferring through the phone.
/Damn. That's like… Three points compared to your attempt last year, right?/ Tayaw asks.
"Yeap…" Payew answering again in a single word to try and annoy Tayaw.
/Ooh.. alright, Mr. Genius./ Tayaw instead teases him back.
"Haha. Hey, how many did you get in yours?" Payew asks, not to compare, but simply curious.
/I scored 28 (1320/1600 for USA's SATs) and I got in Northwestern, which isn't a bad university. / Tayaw says.
"That was your second attempt?" Payew asks again, this time to compare and brag.
/Yeah. And I'm content with that./ Tayaw scoffs.
/Which Universities are you planning on going to? Still thinking about Agriculture? I think you can get in any university in Teungeb with your score./ Tayaw says.
"Yeah. I still want to study Agriculture. So Nabla State University is still my priority." Payew says.
/Hmmmm… I mean… Thinking about how you can score that high, why not try taking SATs for USA? Take it soon while your brain's still fresh./ Tayaw proposes.
"Why? Want to send me to America?" Payew asks, voicing the only conclusion he can come up with.
/Yeah. I mean, why not? I'm confident you can score high in SATs too. High enough to enter Cornell University./ Tayaw says.
"Cornell? Isn't that an Ivy League?" Payew asks.
/Yeah. It's the easiest ivy league school to get in, and I know that you can score enough to get into a better one. But, they have a good Agriculture course, which suits you well./ Tayaw says.
"Dude. Nabla State isn't that much worse. And USA has a different climate compared to Teungeb. They might have great professors and stuff, but they don't know the Teungebian land. And, AND! I don't like USA's practices when it comes to discarding food that don't look good. I don't want to see that shit." Payew explains.
/Huh… Well. I didn't know those things. Anyways, I'm just saying, you have more choices. Just check out Cornell's courses, will you? They might have something that you can use in Teungeb./ Tayaw says.
"… Okay. I'll check 'em out." Payew relents easily as he does not want to argue.
"Hey. How do I take the SATs?" Payew asks, this time, interested as he wants to know how well he can do in the test.
/I'll take care of it./ Tayaw says.
"Cool... Hey, by the way, I just shipped the band's merchandise to you just like you said. Did it arrive?" Payew asks.
/Oh yeah~! I especially love the porcelain vase made by Agew. How are the merchandise selling there? / Tayaw asks.
"The shirts were sold out. Like, 400 of them. And they're printing again! It's crazy. Damn. I'm jealous of Agew, already making money." Payew says.
/With the shirts? I thought it's the band that's making money from them?/ Tayaw asks.
"Well. Agew's making change from the shirts and the hoodies. The vases though, he's making a killing." Payew reports.
/Oh… Well, it's not that surprising, considering how beautiful the vases are... About his stuff… Why don't you study business instead? Hm? Aren't you helping dad with his money stuff in the shop? Why don't you help Agew establish his ceramics business too? Hell, if you become an excellent business manager, I'll hire you to run my film studio./ Tayaw offers his sudden idea.
While Tayaw is casual about it, Payew takes it seriously.
"This…" Payew, while he loves agriculture, he equally loves the economics of the agriculture industry.
Not only the economics of the agriculture industry, but he loves counting money in general. That love made him volunteer to be the de facto accountant of the band's merchandise sales and Liboo's workshop.
/I'm just sayin', you know. You can learn agricultural sciences in your free time. Our relatives in Nacotu and Alib can teach you the real shit of growing food./ Tayaw adds.
"This… it's too late though. I've already spent a lot of time reading agriculture textbooks in advance." Payew says.
/Does that mean you would go to business school had you prepared for it?/ Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. Might be." Payew shrugs.
/Heh. Well. Think about it, huh? I can help you prep better for business school than agriculture school. I know people you can learn hands on experience from. Learn how to run businesses from them./ Tayaw says.
"Wait, really?" Payew asks, excitement budding in his stomach.
/Yeah. And those people just happen to be in the USA. The land of capitalism and entrepreneurship. / Tayaw says.
Payew at this point, is already breathing heavily in excitement at the image of learning from real professionals.
"I'll think about it." Payew says, after suppressing his excitement.
/Good. Anyways. Congrats on the HEdSATS. I have a flight to take, a meeting to catch./ Tayaw bids goodbye.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7PM – Rinetta Tavern, New York
The meeting Tayaw told Payew earlier is a dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in New York that does not require reservations. Tayaw chose the restaurant especially because despite its fancy dishes, the atmosphere is like that of a diner; very homely.
"Did you wait too long?" Juliana finally arrives.
"Not really. Let's order?" Tayaw offers.
"Okay." Juliana is also starving and spent after a long day at work.
"…That's all. Thanks." After five minutes, the two are finally done ordering.
"I told you we could have met earlier at my office." Juliana says as she rests her elbow on the table before resting her chin on her hand.
"I was in California and I just came straight from the airport." Tayaw explains.
"What were you doing there?" Juliana asks.
"Well. Movie stuff. They asked me to consult on an upcoming animated film." Tayaw explains before taking a sip from his wine.
"Hmm. Boring." Juliana scoffs, almost making Tayaw spit his wine.
"Don't like animations?" Tayaw asks.
"If I was 7 years old, maybe." Juliana says.
Tayaw can only shake his head. Animated films after all, are indeed mostly for children. (This is an alternate world, chill.)
"I don't feel like this is a date. What I know of you, you also don't seem the person who asks someone out to dinner without an ulterior motive." Juliana says.
"Yeah. You got me. I actually want to ask a favor." Tayaw prefaces.
Juliana only stares, letting Tayaw to continue.
"Can you set up a meeting with Don Sylvio for me?" Tayaw asks.
"Hm? Oh. That's right. Uncle is really hard to reach for outsiders. You didn't get his phone number?" Juliana asks.
"No. It feels intrusive asking that. Don Gonzalo allowed me to visit him in his villa anytime, but Don Sylvio's different." Tayaw says.
"I see. May I know what it's about first?" Juliana asks in curiosity.
"It's about marketing. You know that 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer', the first part, is nominated in Sorrento, right?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah?"
"Well, I'm not sure if it's gonna sell with its accolades alone. So, in exchange for some shares of the profits of the movie about your grandpa, I was hoping Don Sylvio can allow me to hang some movie posters in each De Bacco branch." Tayaw explains.
Juliana processes Tayaw's favor for a while.
"Hm… He'll probably agree." Juliana nods.
"If it was you who's asking… " Tayaw scoffs. Juliana chuckles.
"Alright. I'll bring you to him after our dinner. I want to visit him anyways." Juliana finally promises.
"Wait. Tonight?" Tayaw is taken aback.
"What? Too soon?" Juliana asks.
"No.. no. Tonight is great." Tayaw says and he reserves a part of his mind to prepare for his pitch.
"Oh… Another thing… well, another favor really." Tayaw prefaces again.
Juliana this time, is less welcoming and more uneasy that Tayaw might be starting to become presumptuous.
"I entered that building thinking that the famous Pixie Studios would satisfy you." Chala says as he and Tayaw drive away from Pixie Studios headquarters, on their way to Hollywood Burbank Airport. "It's a watchable film, and they are a bunch that actually care about making quality films instead of brainless cash cows." Tayaw says. "ah" Chala nods at the assessment. "But, had they released that Euigh the lost potential." Tayaw shakes his head. "Heh. It actually moved me when the prince's tears fell down on Snow White's face. But adding your song after she wakes up? And you suggesting that the prince and snow white dance under the moonlight to that song? That's gonna be killer right there." Chala says. "Yeah" Tayaw nods. The way the animators expressed the characters' emotions impressed him very much, so he was confident in also suggesting a musical dance scene be made. "Still. $7,000,000. That's 25% of their budget now, right? That means you'll also have 25% of the profits?" Chala chuckles at what he considers a smart and sure-win investment. "It wasn't simple investment. I wanted to establish a standard for them for our future collaborations." Tayaw says. Chala's eyebrows raise at this. "That wasn't one-off? You're gonna invest again?" Chala asks. "Yeah. Not only that, I'll buy shares. Maybe at least 51%?..." Tayaw says. *screech* Chala almost loses control of the steering wheel. "What the f*ck.. Are you serious?" Chala says after recovering. "Yeah. Why not? My remaining money will be cut a good amount, but I can afford it. I just received the Pixie CEO's number when you weren't looking. I'll call him when I have time." Tayaw says. "Hmm. Well Come to think of it, after your investing, 'Snow White' is going to be even better. And if 'Snow White' receives some awards, Pixie's value will spike up. And, you're also a film maker, and you know how to make good films that sell. If you help Pixie with the adaptations of your fairy tales just as well as 'Snow White', then holy f*ck! " Chala says, getting more excited by each wishful thinking. "You figured it out easily..." Tayaw takes Chala's attention. "What?" "This is why I bought time, literally." Tayaw chuckles. "What?" Chala asks for clarification. "If they released that film, it will still sell. After all, it's a good film on its own and a first of its kind. But by me, investing $7,000,000 and delaying the release, I've delayed the company's valuation rising as well." Tayaw says. The information is too much for Chala to handle while driving so he shuts up. Meanwhile, he drives faster seeing that they are approaching Burbank Airport's Southwest Parking Lot. Just in time for him to complete his thought, "" *Scrrrr* Chala finally parks the car. "" Chala then stares at Tayaw. "You want to buy their stakes for their value right now" Chala says in understanding. "Precisely. They're worth around $200,000,000 right now. If they make a lot of money and acclaim from 'Snow White'? Their value will rise. I can't buy as much shares as I want then." Tayaw chuckles. Chala, realizing the opportunity slams the steering wheel in excitement. His excitement cools down immediately however after realizing something. "How would you take over the current shareholders' shares?" Chala asks. "Yeah It's not gonna be hard. I heard from Klepper that 49% of the company's share that is in the control of shareholders, are always switching owners. These shareholders are not satisfied with the growth of the company so they are always looking to sell. "Klepper said they're not even interested in the quality of the movies, but are instead focused on the box office sales. I hope them being American capitalists, obsessed on short term profits, will not see the potential of 'Snow White'." Tayaw shrugs. "Huh. How about the remaining 2%?" Chala asks. "That's when I'll come clean as the award-winning film maker. The majority owner after all, made Pixie to make good animated movies. If we're kindred spirits, then maybe I just might convince him. Adding to that the awards that I am nominated in this year." Tayaw says. "What if you can't convince them to give up control? You're gonna sell your shares after the company's value rises then?" Chala asks. "No, of course not. I'll convince them that I become a co-owner, seal the company from issuing shares from more investors. Then, I'll make use of Pixie's resources and experts to make more of my movies." Tayaw says. "Forget about South Ouigab. Help me invest in Pixie instead!" Chala says shamelessly, considering the dividends he will receive as long as Tayaw works on the company. "Let's see first if I my plan works out" Tayaw says. "Hmm." Chala says, excited as he and Tayaw exit the car. Tayaw, seeing Chala's mood, can only look at him in amus.e.m.e.nt. Tayaw then pulls out his phone to make a call before he switches it to Airplane mode. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ironstone, East Ouigab 12 NN Payew, the entire morning, had been playing in the house's bas.e.m.e.nt studio, plucking an acoustic guitar on his lap. The news he received today deserves him a break. *We've been like this lately* Payew's is about to leave the studio for lunch when his phone starts ringing. "Hello? Tayaw?" Payew answers his phone, accurately guessing that owner of the American number that is calling him. /Hey man. Didn't you receive your HEdSATs yesterday? How was it?/ Tayaw asks. "It was actually late and I just received it this morning." Payew says, increasing Tayaw's anticipation. /Good. Good. Well? How much did you score?/ Tayaw asks. "34 out of 36... this one's basically the ACTs 1550/1600 for USA's SATs." Payew reports simply. /34 Wait. 34?!/ Tayaw exclaims after the figure catches up to him. "Yeah... Heh." Payew smirks, his smug voice transferring through the phone. /Damn. That's like Three points compared to your attempt last year, right?/ Tayaw asks. "Yeap" Payew answering again in a single word to try and annoy Tayaw. /Ooh.. alright, Mr. Genius./ Tayaw instead teases him back. "Haha. Hey, how many did you get in yours?" Payew asks, not to compare, but simply curious. /I scored 28 1320/1600 for USA's SATs and I got in Northwestern, which isn't a bad university. / Tayaw says. "That was your second attempt?" Payew asks again, this time to compare and brag. /Yeah. And I'm content with that./ Tayaw scoffs. /Which Universities are you planning on going to? Still thinking about Agriculture? I think you can get in any university in Teungeb with your score./ Tayaw says. "Yeah. I still want to study Agriculture. So Nabla State University is still my priority." Payew says. /Hmmmm I mean Thinking about how you can score that high, why not try taking SATs for USA? Take it soon while your brain's still fresh./ Tayaw proposes. "Why? Want to send me to America?" Payew asks, voicing the only conclusion he can come up with. /Yeah. I mean, why not? I'm confident you can score high in SATs too. High enough to enter Cornell University./ Tayaw says. "Cornell? Isn't that an Ivy League?" Payew asks. /Yeah. It's the easiest ivy league school to get in, and I know that you can score enough to get into a better one. But, they have a good Agriculture course, which suits you well./ Tayaw says. "Dude. Nabla State isn't that much worse. And USA has a different climate compared to Teungeb. They might have great professors and stuff, but they don't know the Teungebian land. And, AND! I don't like USA's practices when it comes to discarding food that don't look good. I don't want to see that shit." Payew explains. /Huh Well. I didn't know those things. Anyways, I'm just saying, you have more choices. Just check out Cornell's courses, will you? They might have something that you can use in Teungeb./ Tayaw says. " Okay. I'll check 'em out." Payew relents easily as he does not want to argue. "Hey. How do I take the SATs?" Payew asks, this time, interested as he wants to know how well he can do in the test. /I'll take care of it./ Tayaw says. "Cool... Hey, by the way, I just shipped the band's merchandise to you just like you said. Did it arrive?" Payew asks. /Oh yeah~! I especially love the porcelain vase made by Agew. How are the merchandise selling there? / Tayaw asks. "The shirts were sold out. Like, 400 of them. And they're printing again! It's crazy. Damn. I'm jealous of Agew, already making money." Payew says. /With the shirts? I thought it's the band that's making money from them?/ Tayaw asks. "Well. Agew's making change from the shirts and the hoodies. The vases though, he's making a killing." Payew reports. /Oh Well, it's not that surprising, considering how beautiful the vases are... About his stuff Why don't you study business instead? Hm? Aren't you helping dad with his money stuff in the shop? Why don't you help Agew establish his ceramics business too? Hell, if you become an excellent business manager, I'll hire you to run my film studio./ Tayaw offers his sudden idea. While Tayaw is casual about it, Payew takes it seriously. "This" Payew, while he loves agriculture, he equally loves the economics of the agriculture industry. Not only the economics of the agriculture industry, but he loves counting money in general. That love made him volunteer to be the de facto accountant of the band's merchandise sales and Liboo's workshop. /I'm just sayin', you know. You can learn agricultural sciences in your free time. Our relatives in Nacotu and Alib can teach you the real shit of growing food./ Tayaw adds. "This it's too late though. I've already spent a lot of time reading agriculture textbooks in advance." Payew says. /Does that mean you would go to business school had you prepared for it?/ Tayaw asks. "Yeah. Might be." Payew shrugs. /Heh. Well. Think about it, huh? I can help you prep better for business school than agriculture school. I know people you can learn hands on experience from. Learn how to run businesses from them./ Tayaw says. "Wait, really?" Payew asks, excitement budding in his stomach. /Yeah. And those people just happen to be in the USA. The land of capitalism and entrepreneurship. / Tayaw says. Payew at this point, is already breathing heavily in excitement at the image of learning from real professionals. "I'll think about it." Payew says, after suppressing his excitement. /Good. Anyways. Congrats on the HEdSATS. I have a flight to take, a meeting to catch./ Tayaw bids goodbye. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7PM Rinetta Tavern, New York The meeting Tayaw told Payew earlier is a dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in New York that does not require reservations. Tayaw chose the restaurant especially because despite its fancy dishes, the atmosphere is like that of a diner; very homely. "Did you wait too long?" Juliana finally arrives. "Not really. Let's order?" Tayaw offers. "Okay." Juliana is also starving and spent after a long day at work. "That's all. Thanks." After five minutes, the two are finally done ordering. "I told you we could have met earlier at my office." Juliana says as she rests her elbow on the table before resting her chin on her hand. "I was in California and I just came straight from the airport." Tayaw explains. "What were you doing there?" Juliana asks. "Well. Movie stuff. They asked me to consult on an upcoming animated film." Tayaw explains before taking a sip from his wine. "Hmm. Boring." Juliana scoffs, almost making Tayaw spit his wine. "Don't like animations?" Tayaw asks. "If I was 7 years old, maybe." Juliana says. Tayaw can only shake his head. Animated films after all, are indeed mostly for children. This is an alternate world, chill. "I don't feel like this is a date. What I know of you, you also don't seem the person who asks someone out to dinner without an ulterior motive." Juliana says. "Yeah. You got me. I actually want to ask a favor." Tayaw prefaces. Juliana only stares, letting Tayaw to continue. "Can you set up a meeting with Don Sylvio for me?" Tayaw asks. "Hm? Oh. That's right. Uncle is really hard to reach for outsiders. You didn't get his phone number?" Juliana asks. "No. It feels intrusive asking that. Don Gonzalo allowed me to visit him in his villa anytime, but Don Sylvio's different." Tayaw says. "I see. May I know what it's about first?" Juliana asks in curiosity. "It's about marketing. You know that 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer', the first part, is nominated in Sorrento, right?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah?" "Well, I'm not sure if it's gonna sell with its accolades alone. So, in exchange for some shares of the profits of the movie about your grandpa, I was hoping Don Sylvio can allow me to hang some movie posters in each De Bacco branch." Tayaw explains. Juliana processes Tayaw's favor for a while. "Hm He'll probably agree." Juliana nods. "If it was you who's asking " Tayaw scoffs. Juliana chuckles. "Alright. I'll bring you to him after our dinner. I want to visit him anyways." Juliana finally promises. "Wait. Tonight?" Tayaw is taken aback. "What? Too soon?" Juliana asks. "No.. no. Tonight is great." Tayaw says and he reserves a part of his mind to prepare for his pitch. "Oh Another thing well, another favor really." Tayaw prefaces again. Juliana this time, is less welcoming and more uneasy that Tayaw might be starting to become presumptuous.
