Chapter 195: 195
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May 31, 2013 – Friday, 10 AM – Rinowra Preparatory School, East Ouigab
"Hey. Look at her. She looks like a little politician. Walking up there like there's a stick up her a**. I bet she speaks like a stern teacher too…" Tayaw says to Liboo, rather loudly.
"Puhaha!" Liboo cannot help but laugh at the accurate description of Rinowra Class 2013's valedictorian.
Kilat on the other hand, elbows Tayaw seeing that the other parents and attendees of the graduation ceremony also heard his comment. While some of them are smirking at the comment, "…sorry…" Kilat apologizes to them nonetheless, and with that, they focus on the valedictorian on the podium.
"Good morning. Honored guests, family, friends, Board of Trustees, teachers and staff of the school, Mr. Mayor, our speaker, and most of all to the Class of 2013, welcome to the commencement. I am honored to…"
*ding!* *ding!* *bzzt* *bzzt*… *ding* *ding* *ding* *bzzzzztttt*
"Hey. Set your phone in silent mode, please? If that beeps one more time…" Kilat reprimands Tayaw, starting to get annoyed by his phone's consecutive beeping.
Kilat would not have been bothered had the other people seated near theirs, are also not distracted.
"Hey. The valedictorian's speaking. It'd be rude. If she sees me looking at my phone, she might call the 'authorities' on me." Tayaw jokes, referencing to his words earlier.
*Snicker* Tayaw's words are loud enough for the people nearby to also hear it, and they are amused.
"Go. Go. I know you're busy. Take the call." Kilat urges Tayaw to leave the school's gymnasium as not to gather any more attention.
A minute later, Tayaw is in the gymnasium's bathroom.
"Chala? How'd it go at Pixie?" Tayaw answers the phone.
/Good news, with a bit of bad, depends on how you see it./ Chala responds.
"Shoot." Tayaw says, ready.
/Okay. Good news? I've talked to the shareholders, and they are all willing to sell./ Chala says, which pleases Tayaw.
"The bad news?" Tayaw asks.
/I've done the math and it all adds up to $100,000,000 for the whole 49%, which is just their current value. Many of them are not willing to lower their prices. / Chala reports.
"Hm.. Come on, that wasn't bad news. I expected to pay more." Tayaw scoffs.
/Hehe. I just wish, you know. Buying low is f*ckin addictive./ Chala says.
"Haha. Alright. I'm willing to buy right now, but can you try to negotiate more?" Tayaw says. /Okay? I told you they're not selling any lower../ Chala says.
"Just tell them that no one else is buying. Remind them that they can't liquify them easily anyway because it's a private company is hard." Tayaw says.
/Huh.. Why didn't I think of that? Alright./ Chala approves of the suggestion.
"Hey. Even if they won't lower their price, at least we can use 'negotiation' as an act." Tayaw adds.
/... You're right... It's a big and sudden purchase after all. They'd be suspicious why you're buying a lot at once. / Chala immediately understands Tayaw's reasoning.
"Yeah. Okay. I'll see you after I'm done here." Tayaw says.
/Graduation celebration?/ Chala asks.
"Yeah.." Tayaw says.
/Did Payew get some honors?/ Chala asks in interest.
"Nah. He's smart but he's become average in Rinowra." Tayaw says.
/Hm. Too bad. Okay. When will be back here by the way? I'd hate to interrupt your celebration, but it's best if you buy immediately before they sniff you out./ Chala says.
"I don't know... Hmnmm.. Okay. At the earliest, I'll be there in LA in about 24 hours. If I get hung up here, maybe in two days." Tayaw says.
/Alright. I'll have your lawyers and representatives on standby for the purchases./ Chala says.
"Good. Did Yarag contact you? I gave him your number just in case he needs your help." Tayaw asks.
/That guy who distributes your film? No. I can't help him with movie stuff, but it should be nice to hang out together./
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
5PM – LAX, Los Angeles, California
"Holiday Hotel please. In Hollywood. Thank you so much." Kyer tells the cab driver.
"Okay." The driver nods, and with that, he drives Kyer and Yarag out of the airport.
"Where are you guys from?" The driver starts a small chat.
"Teungeb." Kyer replies.
"Oh? On vacation?" The driver asks.
"No. Business."
While Kyer busies himself chatting, "…" Yarag is focused on his phone, which is an odd sight considering 50-something people like him are not usually the type to fiddle with electronics.
Five or so minutes later, "Boss, how many times have you watched that thing since we landed?" Kier asks after watching his boss watch Gold, Blood, and the Deer trailer on his phone for the nth time.
"What? Can't love what I'm selling?" Yarag scoffs.
"Not sick of it?" Kier asks.
"I can't watch the film right now, can I? It's the next best to the real thing." Yarag shrugs.
"…true…" Kier pulls out his own phone to stream the trailers too, not to watch, but see the numbers.
Just a few minutes after Tayaw uploaded his trailer in Black Deer's YouTube Channel, Red Abbey Sessions, and Percussive Corrections' YouTube Channel, he also uploaded the trailer in his social media, with De Bacco and Red Abbey Lager also sharing the trailers in their social media pages.
"Huh. No wonder Tayaw don't need our help in marketing here." Kier shakes his head.
"hmm. Considering we just uploaded this three days ago, these numbers are pretty f*ckin impressive." Yarag nods.
The Teungebian version of 'Trailer 1' in Black Deer Pictures' channel has 6 million views and the English version of the same trailer has 5 million views.
In Red Abbey Session, 'Trailer 2' English version has over 8 million views.
In Percussive Corrections channel, 'Trailer 2' Teungebian version has 2.5 million views.
The trailers posted in the social media pages of Tayaw, Red Abbey, Black Deer Pictures, and Percussive Corrections, also have millions of views combined.
"Oh! Look at that!" Kyer takes Yarag's attention away as he points at a billboard along the highway, advertising GBTD.
"WHOAH…" Yarag is also surprised.
They can only strain their necks to look back at the billboard as it disappears in their view behind them.
A kilometer or so later.
"That's another one!" Kyer points again at another billboard advertising the movie only with a different version.
.As they get near their hotel.
"There's another one!" Kyer points again at a billboard on top of a De Bacco branch.
"Over a fast food restaurant? That's something else… How did Tayaw do this?" Yarag says in awe.
"Whatever it is. It makes our job easier than it already is." Kyer says in excitement.
"HAHA. If only deals are made over the phone, we wouldn't have come here." Yarag says, his palms itching to start selling the film to theaters.
"Are you guys talking about that upcoming film?" The cab driver has been listening to Kyer and Yarag.
Although he does not understand Teungebian, he noticed that Kyer and Yarag has been reacting to billboards of 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer' rather enthusiastically which he found strange.
"Yes. We're distributing it." Kyer brags.
"Really?... Well that makes sense. Isaac is from Teungeb." The cab driver says.
"Wait. People usually don't bother with directors?" Kyer asks.
"What? They're big in LA dude." The cab says.
-
A few minutes later, the two having just dropped their luggage in their hotel rooms, are now seated at a table in the hotel's restaurant, having just finished ordering their food.
"By the way, the team in Canada tried something. I approved it on your behalf." Kyer says.
"Okay? Something good?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. They arranged some screenings exclusively for theater owners..." Kyer says.
"So, a shortcut?" Yarag realizes.
"Yeah. They didn't have to approach theater owners one by one which saved a lot of time." Kyer reports.
"Oh? That's good." Yarag nods.
"So, I was thinking we can do the same here in US." Kyer says.
"…" Yarag looks at Kyer as if he is serious.
"Canada don't make many films so they are a huge importer of films. But, this is America; the biggest film exporter. I don't think it'd be as easy." Yarag says.
"I know. I know. But we've got enough e-mails already. Tayaw too is not only an established film maker adding his recent awards, but also shares the same prestige as Gary f*ckin Messick, so I'm still receiving more e-mails from movie people interested.
"Many of these theater owners know each other anyway so anyone who wants the film licenses can just come to us." Kyer says.
Yarag looking at the crowded and messy Los Angeles through the restaurant window, cannot help but consider Kyer's suggestion.
"Alright. That's a good idea, and a quicker way to do it. The rest of the team assigned here will arrive tomorrow, right?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. Uhh.. around 14 of them, I think? The American interns we employed are also divided among them, ready to work." Kyer says.
"Okay. Spread them out so we can do these screenings simultaneously." Yarag decides.
"Will do boss." Kyer nods.
"Good. How is the team in Canada doing?" Yarag asks.
Kyer quickly flips his itinerary on his phone.
"According to their reports… a total of 200 screens." Kyer says.
"WHAT?!" Yarag is shocked.
"And there's more buying. If they manage to take 100 more screens, that's 25% of Canadian screens." Kyer reports proudly.
"I guess the film being in English had something to do with it." Yarag nods, quickly adjusting himself to the great news.
"I guess." Kyer agrees.
"Good. Send them to Australia and New Zealand next. They can handle that, right?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. Those aren't big markets compared to Canada." Kyer nods.
"After North America, where do we go next?" Yarag asks.
"If we finish selling in the first week of June here, the second week we'll be in UK and Europe." Kyer says.
"Okay." Yarag nods, expecting the timeline.
"Boss. How about Asia? India, Japan, and China are huge markets." Kyer asks.
"Let's get the film gather some steam first. September Ninth didn't exactly do well in India and Japan, so we can't risk it yet if there are no rewards." Yarag explains.
"I hope it's easier this time…" Kyer says.
"Yeah… *snicker* Heh he." Yarag suddenly giggles as something crosses his mind.
"?" Kyer looks at him in curiosity.
Yarag shakes his head as he points outside the window, at a billboard advertising 'Miss Sellers' in the distance.
"Nah. It's just… I wonder what will happen if we somehow meet some film executives from around here." Yarag says, with a smirk.
"Oh.. Yeah. Haha!" Kyer bursts out laughing too, hungry for an opportunity to gloat.
~~~~~
~~~~~
2 NN – Some fancy restaurant, East Ouigab
The Dagem family is now seated at a table Tayaw reserved earlier in the day for the celebration of Payew's graduation. Payew is now out of his toga and formal clothes and has changed into a casual wear. The rest of the family also did the same.
"Go nuts, guys." Tayaw says, urging his family to order all sorts of food.
Payew on the other hand cannot make himself enjoy and is instead eyeing Tayaw and his parents. Tayaw also catches Payew's glances and immediately understands his meaning. After the family is finished with their orders, Tayaw nods at Payew. Payew however is hesitant and shakes his head before raising his chin at Tayaw. Tayaw can only sigh.
"Aherm…" Tayaw clears his throat, taking the attention of his parents, and Agew.
"?" They look at Tayaw.
"I don't know how to bring this up, really…" Tayaw says as he pulls out a folded piece of A4 size paper from his back pocket before passing them to Kilat and Liboo. Tayaw and Payew can only watch in anticipation as Kilat and Liboo read the paper.
A few seconds later, "Sss.." Liboo takes a deep breath as he looks away from the paper.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Kilat asks with a questioning stare at her two kids.
"I mean… I didn't know he'd get accepted." Tayaw smoothly reasons, almost making Payew burst out in laughter.
Agew who has been watching the interaction, becomes curious and he snatches the paper from Kilat's hand before reading it himself.
"New York University… School of Business…" he struggles to read the letter written in English before "whoah..." looking at Payew in surprise and pride.
"Do you really want to, son?" Liboo asks, hesitant in sending Payew in a foreign land.
"Are you fine being that far away from home?" Kilat asks too.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
May 31, 2013 – Friday, 10 AM – Rinowra Preparatory School, East Ouigab
"Hey. Look at her. She looks like a little politician. Walking up there like there's a stick up her a**. I bet she speaks like a stern teacher too…" Tayaw says to Liboo, rather loudly.
"Puhaha!" Liboo cannot help but laugh at the accurate description of Rinowra Class 2013's valedictorian.
Kilat on the other hand, elbows Tayaw seeing that the other parents and attendees of the graduation ceremony also heard his comment. While some of them are smirking at the comment, "…sorry…" Kilat apologizes to them nonetheless, and with that, they focus on the valedictorian on the podium.
"Good morning. Honored guests, family, friends, Board of Trustees, teachers and staff of the school, Mr. Mayor, our speaker, and most of all to the Class of 2013, welcome to the commencement. I am honored to…"
*ding!* *ding!* *bzzt* *bzzt*… *ding* *ding* *ding* *bzzzzztttt*
"Hey. Set your phone in silent mode, please? If that beeps one more time…" Kilat reprimands Tayaw, starting to get annoyed by his phone's consecutive beeping.
Kilat would not have been bothered had the other people seated near theirs, are also not distracted.
"Hey. The valedictorian's speaking. It'd be rude. If she sees me looking at my phone, she might call the 'authorities' on me." Tayaw jokes, referencing to his words earlier.
*Snicker* Tayaw's words are loud enough for the people nearby to also hear it, and they are amused.
"Go. Go. I know you're busy. Take the call." Kilat urges Tayaw to leave the school's gymnasium as not to gather any more attention.
A minute later, Tayaw is in the gymnasium's bathroom.
"Chala? How'd it go at Pixie?" Tayaw answers the phone.
/Good news, with a bit of bad, depends on how you see it./ Chala responds.
"Shoot." Tayaw says, ready.
/Okay. Good news? I've talked to the shareholders, and they are all willing to sell./ Chala says, which pleases Tayaw.
"The bad news?" Tayaw asks.
/I've done the math and it all adds up to $100,000,000 for the whole 49%, which is just their current value. Many of them are not willing to lower their prices. / Chala reports.
"Hm.. Come on, that wasn't bad news. I expected to pay more." Tayaw scoffs.
/Hehe. I just wish, you know. Buying low is f*ckin addictive./ Chala says.
"Haha. Alright. I'm willing to buy right now, but can you try to negotiate more?" Tayaw says. /Okay? I told you they're not selling any lower../ Chala says.
"Just tell them that no one else is buying. Remind them that they can't liquify them easily anyway because it's a private company is hard." Tayaw says.
/Huh.. Why didn't I think of that? Alright./ Chala approves of the suggestion.
"Hey. Even if they won't lower their price, at least we can use 'negotiation' as an act." Tayaw adds.
/... You're right... It's a big and sudden purchase after all. They'd be suspicious why you're buying a lot at once. / Chala immediately understands Tayaw's reasoning.
"Yeah. Okay. I'll see you after I'm done here." Tayaw says.
/Graduation celebration?/ Chala asks.
"Yeah.." Tayaw says.
/Did Payew get some honors?/ Chala asks in interest.
"Nah. He's smart but he's become average in Rinowra." Tayaw says.
/Hm. Too bad. Okay. When will be back here by the way? I'd hate to interrupt your celebration, but it's best if you buy immediately before they sniff you out./ Chala says.
"I don't know... Hmnmm.. Okay. At the earliest, I'll be there in LA in about 24 hours. If I get hung up here, maybe in two days." Tayaw says.
/Alright. I'll have your lawyers and representatives on standby for the purchases./ Chala says.
"Good. Did Yarag contact you? I gave him your number just in case he needs your help." Tayaw asks.
/That guy who distributes your film? No. I can't help him with movie stuff, but it should be nice to hang out together./
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
5PM – LAX, Los Angeles, California
"Holiday Hotel please. In Hollywood. Thank you so much." Kyer tells the cab driver.
"Okay." The driver nods, and with that, he drives Kyer and Yarag out of the airport.
"Where are you guys from?" The driver starts a small chat.
"Teungeb." Kyer replies.
"Oh? On vacation?" The driver asks.
"No. Business."
While Kyer busies himself chatting, "…" Yarag is focused on his phone, which is an odd sight considering 50-something people like him are not usually the type to fiddle with electronics.
Five or so minutes later, "Boss, how many times have you watched that thing since we landed?" Kier asks after watching his boss watch Gold, Blood, and the Deer trailer on his phone for the nth time.
"What? Can't love what I'm selling?" Yarag scoffs.
"Not sick of it?" Kier asks.
"I can't watch the film right now, can I? It's the next best to the real thing." Yarag shrugs.
"…true…" Kier pulls out his own phone to stream the trailers too, not to watch, but see the numbers.
Just a few minutes after Tayaw uploaded his trailer in Black Deer's YouTube Channel, Red Abbey Sessions, and Percussive Corrections' YouTube Channel, he also uploaded the trailer in his social media, with De Bacco and Red Abbey Lager also sharing the trailers in their social media pages.
"Huh. No wonder Tayaw don't need our help in marketing here." Kier shakes his head.
"hmm. Considering we just uploaded this three days ago, these numbers are pretty f*ckin impressive." Yarag nods.
The Teungebian version of 'Trailer 1' in Black Deer Pictures' channel has 6 million views and the English version of the same trailer has 5 million views.
In Red Abbey Session, 'Trailer 2' English version has over 8 million views.
In Percussive Corrections channel, 'Trailer 2' Teungebian version has 2.5 million views.
The trailers posted in the social media pages of Tayaw, Red Abbey, Black Deer Pictures, and Percussive Corrections, also have millions of views combined.
"Oh! Look at that!" Kyer takes Yarag's attention away as he points at a billboard along the highway, advertising GBTD.
"WHOAH…" Yarag is also surprised.
They can only strain their necks to look back at the billboard as it disappears in their view behind them.
A kilometer or so later.
"That's another one!" Kyer points again at another billboard advertising the movie only with a different version.
.As they get near their hotel.
"There's another one!" Kyer points again at a billboard on top of a De Bacco branch.
"Over a fast food restaurant? That's something else… How did Tayaw do this?" Yarag says in awe.
"Whatever it is. It makes our job easier than it already is." Kyer says in excitement.
"HAHA. If only deals are made over the phone, we wouldn't have come here." Yarag says, his palms itching to start selling the film to theaters.
"Are you guys talking about that upcoming film?" The cab driver has been listening to Kyer and Yarag.
Although he does not understand Teungebian, he noticed that Kyer and Yarag has been reacting to billboards of 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer' rather enthusiastically which he found strange.
"Yes. We're distributing it." Kyer brags.
"Really?... Well that makes sense. Isaac is from Teungeb." The cab driver says.
"Wait. People usually don't bother with directors?" Kyer asks.
"What? They're big in LA dude." The cab says.
-
A few minutes later, the two having just dropped their luggage in their hotel rooms, are now seated at a table in the hotel's restaurant, having just finished ordering their food.
"By the way, the team in Canada tried something. I approved it on your behalf." Kyer says.
"Okay? Something good?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. They arranged some screenings exclusively for theater owners..." Kyer says.
"So, a shortcut?" Yarag realizes.
"Yeah. They didn't have to approach theater owners one by one which saved a lot of time." Kyer reports.
"Oh? That's good." Yarag nods.
"So, I was thinking we can do the same here in US." Kyer says.
"…" Yarag looks at Kyer as if he is serious.
"Canada don't make many films so they are a huge importer of films. But, this is America; the biggest film exporter. I don't think it'd be as easy." Yarag says.
"I know. I know. But we've got enough e-mails already. Tayaw too is not only an established film maker adding his recent awards, but also shares the same prestige as Gary f*ckin Messick, so I'm still receiving more e-mails from movie people interested.
"Many of these theater owners know each other anyway so anyone who wants the film licenses can just come to us." Kyer says.
Yarag looking at the crowded and messy Los Angeles through the restaurant window, cannot help but consider Kyer's suggestion.
"Alright. That's a good idea, and a quicker way to do it. The rest of the team assigned here will arrive tomorrow, right?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. Uhh.. around 14 of them, I think? The American interns we employed are also divided among them, ready to work." Kyer says.
"Okay. Spread them out so we can do these screenings simultaneously." Yarag decides.
"Will do boss." Kyer nods.
"Good. How is the team in Canada doing?" Yarag asks.
Kyer quickly flips his itinerary on his phone.
"According to their reports… a total of 200 screens." Kyer says.
"WHAT?!" Yarag is shocked.
"And there's more buying. If they manage to take 100 more screens, that's 25% of Canadian screens." Kyer reports proudly.
"I guess the film being in English had something to do with it." Yarag nods, quickly adjusting himself to the great news.
"I guess." Kyer agrees.
"Good. Send them to Australia and New Zealand next. They can handle that, right?" Yarag asks.
"Yeah. Those aren't big markets compared to Canada." Kyer nods.
"After North America, where do we go next?" Yarag asks.
"If we finish selling in the first week of June here, the second week we'll be in UK and Europe." Kyer says.
"Okay." Yarag nods, expecting the timeline.
"Boss. How about Asia? India, Japan, and China are huge markets." Kyer asks.
"Let's get the film gather some steam first. September Ninth didn't exactly do well in India and Japan, so we can't risk it yet if there are no rewards." Yarag explains.
"I hope it's easier this time…" Kyer says.
"Yeah… *snicker* Heh he." Yarag suddenly giggles as something crosses his mind.
"?" Kyer looks at him in curiosity.
Yarag shakes his head as he points outside the window, at a billboard advertising 'Miss Sellers' in the distance.
"Nah. It's just… I wonder what will happen if we somehow meet some film executives from around here." Yarag says, with a smirk.
"Oh.. Yeah. Haha!" Kyer bursts out laughing too, hungry for an opportunity to gloat.
~~~~~
~~~~~
2 NN – Some fancy restaurant, East Ouigab
The Dagem family is now seated at a table Tayaw reserved earlier in the day for the celebration of Payew's graduation. Payew is now out of his toga and formal clothes and has changed into a casual wear. The rest of the family also did the same.
"Go nuts, guys." Tayaw says, urging his family to order all sorts of food.
Payew on the other hand cannot make himself enjoy and is instead eyeing Tayaw and his parents. Tayaw also catches Payew's glances and immediately understands his meaning. After the family is finished with their orders, Tayaw nods at Payew. Payew however is hesitant and shakes his head before raising his chin at Tayaw. Tayaw can only sigh.
"Aherm…" Tayaw clears his throat, taking the attention of his parents, and Agew.
"?" They look at Tayaw.
"I don't know how to bring this up, really…" Tayaw says as he pulls out a folded piece of A4 size paper from his back pocket before passing them to Kilat and Liboo. Tayaw and Payew can only watch in anticipation as Kilat and Liboo read the paper.
A few seconds later, "Sss.." Liboo takes a deep breath as he looks away from the paper.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Kilat asks with a questioning stare at her two kids.
"I mean… I didn't know he'd get accepted." Tayaw smoothly reasons, almost making Payew burst out in laughter.
Agew who has been watching the interaction, becomes curious and he snatches the paper from Kilat's hand before reading it himself.
"New York University… School of Business…" he struggles to read the letter written in English before "whoah..." looking at Payew in surprise and pride.
"Do you really want to, son?" Liboo asks, hesitant in sending Payew in a foreign land.
"Are you fine being that far away from home?" Kilat asks too.
May 31, 2013 Friday, 10 AM Rinowra Preparatory School, East Ouigab "Hey. Look at her. She looks like a little politician. Walking up there like there's a stick up her a**. I bet she speaks like a stern teacher too" Tayaw says to Liboo, rather loudly. "Puhaha!" Liboo cannot help but laugh at the accurate description of Rinowra Class 2013's valedictorian. Kilat on the other hand, elbows Tayaw seeing that the other parents and attendees of the graduation ceremony also heard his comment. While some of them are smirking at the comment, "sorry" Kilat apologizes to them nonetheless, and with that, they focus on the valedictorian on the podium. "Good morning. Honored guests, family, friends, Board of Trustees, teachers and staff of the school, Mr. Mayor, our speaker, and most of all to the Class of 2013, welcome to the commencement. I am honored to" *ding!* *ding!* *bzzt* *bzzt* *ding* *ding* *ding* *bzzzzztttt* "Hey. Set your phone in silent mode, please? If that beeps one more time" Kilat reprimands Tayaw, starting to get annoyed by his phone's consecutive beeping. Kilat would not have been bothered had the other people seated near theirs, are also not distracted. "Hey. The valedictorian's speaking. It'd be rude. If she sees me looking at my phone, she might call the 'authorities' on me." Tayaw jokes, referencing to his words earlier. *Snicker* Tayaw's words are loud enough for the people nearby to also hear it, and they are amused. "Go. Go. I know you're busy. Take the call." Kilat urges Tayaw to leave the school's gymnasium as not to gather any more attention. A minute later, Tayaw is in the gymnasium's bathroom. "Chala? How'd it go at Pixie?" Tayaw answers the phone. /Good news, with a bit of bad, depends on how you see it./ Chala responds. "Shoot." Tayaw says, ready. /Okay. Good news? I've talked to the shareholders, and they are all willing to sell./ Chala says, which pleases Tayaw. "The bad news?" Tayaw asks. /I've done the math and it all adds up to $100,000,000 for the whole 49%, which is just their current value. Many of them are not willing to lower their prices. / Chala reports. "Hm.. Come on, that wasn't bad news. I expected to pay more." Tayaw scoffs. /Hehe. I just wish, you know. Buying low is f*ckin addictive./ Chala says. "Haha. Alright. I'm willing to buy right now, but can you try to negotiate more?" Tayaw says. /Okay? I told you they're not selling any lower../ Chala says. "Just tell them that no one else is buying. Remind them that they can't liquify them easily anyway because it's a private company is hard." Tayaw says. /Huh.. Why didn't I think of that? Alright./ Chala approves of the suggestion. "Hey. Even if they won't lower their price, at least we can use 'negotiation' as an act." Tayaw adds. /... You're right... It's a big and sudden purchase after all. They'd be suspicious why you're buying a lot at once. / Chala immediately understands Tayaw's reasoning. "Yeah. Okay. I'll see you after I'm done here." Tayaw says. /Graduation celebration?/ Chala asks. "Yeah.." Tayaw says. /Did Payew get some honors?/ Chala asks in interest. "Nah. He's smart but he's become average in Rinowra." Tayaw says. /Hm. Too bad. Okay. When will be back here by the way? I'd hate to interrupt your celebration, but it's best if you buy immediately before they sniff you out./ Chala says. "I don't know... Hmnmm.. Okay. At the earliest, I'll be there in LA in about 24 hours. If I get hung up here, maybe in two days." Tayaw says. /Alright. I'll have your lawyers and representatives on standby for the purchases./ Chala says. "Good. Did Yarag contact you? I gave him your number just in case he needs your help." Tayaw asks. /That guy who distributes your film? No. I can't help him with movie stuff, but it should be nice to hang out together./ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ 5PM LAX, Los Angeles, California "Holiday Hotel please. In Hollywood. Thank you so much." Kyer tells the cab driver. "Okay." The driver nods, and with that, he drives Kyer and Yarag out of the airport. "Where are you guys from?" The driver starts a small chat. "Teungeb." Kyer replies. "Oh? On vacation?" The driver asks. "No. Business." While Kyer busies himself chatting, "" Yarag is focused on his phone, which is an odd sight considering 50-something people like him are not usually the type to fiddle with electronics. Five or so minutes later, "Boss, how many times have you watched that thing since we landed?" Kier asks after watching his boss watch Gold, Blood, and the Deer trailer on his phone for the nth time. "What? Can't love what I'm selling?" Yarag scoffs. "Not sick of it?" Kier asks. "I can't watch the film right now, can I? It's the next best to the real thing." Yarag shrugs. "true" Kier pulls out his own phone to stream the trailers too, not to watch, but see the numbers. Just a few minutes after Tayaw uploaded his trailer in Black Deer's YouTube Channel, Red Abbey Sessions, and Percussive Corrections' YouTube Channel, he also uploaded the trailer in his social media, with De Bacco and Red Abbey Lager also sharing the trailers in their social media pages. "Huh. No wonder Tayaw don't need our help in marketing here." Kier shakes his head. "hmm. Considering we just uploaded this three days ago, these numbers are pretty f*ckin impressive." Yarag nods. The Teungebian version of 'Trailer 1' in Black Deer Pictures' channel has 6 million views and the English version of the same trailer has 5 million views. In Red Abbey Session, 'Trailer 2' English version has over 8 million views. In Percussive Corrections channel, 'Trailer 2' Teungebian version has 2.5 million views. The trailers posted in the social media pages of Tayaw, Red Abbey, Black Deer Pictures, and Percussive Corrections, also have millions of views combined. "Oh! Look at that!" Kyer takes Yarag's attention away as he points at a billboard along the highway, advertising GBTD. "WHOAH" Yarag is also surprised. They can only strain their necks to look back at the billboard as it disappears in their view behind them. A kilometer or so later. "That's another one!" Kyer points again at another billboard advertising the movie only with a different version. .As they get near their hotel. "There's another one!" Kyer points again at a billboard on top of a De Bacco branch. "Over a fast food restaurant? That's something else How did Tayaw do this?" Yarag says in awe. "Whatever it is. It makes our job easier than it already is." Kyer says in excitement. "HAHA. If only deals are made over the phone, we wouldn't have come here." Yarag says, his palms itching to start selling the film to theaters. "Are you guys talking about that upcoming film?" The cab driver has been listening to Kyer and Yarag. Although he does not understand Teungebian, he noticed that Kyer and Yarag has been reacting to billboards of 'Gold, Blood, and The Deer' rather enthusiastically which he found strange. "Yes. We're distributing it." Kyer brags. "Really?... Well that makes sense. Isaac is from Teungeb." The cab driver says. "Wait. People usually don't bother with directors?" Kyer asks. "What? They're big in LA dude." The cab says. - A few minutes later, the two having just dropped their luggage in their hotel rooms, are now seated at a table in the hotel's restaurant, having just finished ordering their food. "By the way, the team in Canada tried something. I approved it on your behalf." Kyer says. "Okay? Something good?" Yarag asks. "Yeah. They arranged some screenings exclusively for theater owners..." Kyer says. "So, a shortcut?" Yarag realizes. "Yeah. They didn't have to approach theater owners one by one which saved a lot of time." Kyer reports. "Oh? That's good." Yarag nods. "So, I was thinking we can do the same here in US." Kyer says. "" Yarag looks at Kyer as if he is serious. "Canada don't make many films so they are a huge importer of films. But, this is America; the biggest film exporter. I don't think it'd be as easy." Yarag says. "I know. I know. But we've got enough e-mails already. Tayaw too is not only an established film maker adding his recent awards, but also shares the same prestige as Gary f*ckin Messick, so I'm still receiving more e-mails from movie people interested. "Many of these theater owners know each other anyway so anyone who wants the film licenses can just come to us." Kyer says. Yarag looking at the crowded and messy Los Angeles through the restaurant window, cannot help but consider Kyer's suggestion. "Alright. That's a good idea, and a quicker way to do it. The rest of the team assigned here will arrive tomorrow, right?" Yarag asks. "Yeah. Uhh.. around 14 of them, I think? The American interns we employed are also divided among them, ready to work." Kyer says. "Okay. Spread them out so we can do these screenings simultaneously." Yarag decides. "Will do boss." Kyer nods. "Good. How is the team in Canada doing?" Yarag asks. Kyer quickly flips his itinerary on his phone. "According to their reports a total of 200 screens." Kyer says. "WHAT?!" Yarag is shocked. "And there's more buying. If they manage to take 100 more screens, that's 25% of Canadian screens." Kyer reports proudly. "I guess the film being in English had something to do with it." Yarag nods, quickly adjusting himself to the great news. "I guess." Kyer agrees. "Good. Send them to Australia and New Zealand next. They can handle that, right?" Yarag asks. "Yeah. Those aren't big markets compared to Canada." Kyer nods. "After North America, where do we go next?" Yarag asks. "If we finish selling in the first week of June here, the second week we'll be in UK and Europe." Kyer says. "Okay." Yarag nods, expecting the timeline. "Boss. How about Asia? India, Japan, and China are huge markets." Kyer asks. "Let's get the film gather some steam first. September Ninth didn't exactly do well in India and Japan, so we can't risk it yet if there are no rewards." Yarag explains. "I hope it's easier this time" Kyer says. "Yeah *snicker* Heh he." Yarag suddenly giggles as something crosses his mind. "?" Kyer looks at him in curiosity. Yarag shakes his head as he points outside the window, at a billboard advertising 'Miss Sellers' in the distance. "Nah. It's just I wonder what will happen if we somehow meet some film executives from around here." Yarag says, with a smirk. "Oh.. Yeah. Haha!" Kyer bursts out laughing too, hungry for an opportunity to gloat. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ 2 NN Some fancy restaurant, East Ouigab The Dagem family is now seated at a table Tayaw reserved earlier in the day for the celebration of Payew's graduation. Payew is now out of his toga and formal clothes and has changed into a casual wear. The rest of the family also did the same. "Go nuts, guys." Tayaw says, urging his family to order all sorts of food. Payew on the other hand cannot make himself enjoy and is instead eyeing Tayaw and his parents. Tayaw also catches Payew's glances and immediately understands his meaning. After the family is finished with their orders, Tayaw nods at Payew. Payew however is hesitant and shakes his head before raising his chin at Tayaw. Tayaw can only sigh. "Aherm" Tayaw clears his throat, taking the attention of his parents, and Agew. "?" They look at Tayaw. "I don't know how to bring this up, really" Tayaw says as he pulls out a folded piece of A4 size paper from his back pocket before passing them to Kilat and Liboo. Tayaw and Payew can only watch in anticipation as Kilat and Liboo read the paper. A few seconds later, "Sss.." Liboo takes a deep breath as he looks away from the paper. "Why didn't you tell us?" Kilat asks with a questioning stare at her two kids. "I mean I didn't know he'd get accepted." Tayaw smoothly reasons, almost making Payew burst out in laughter. Agew who has been watching the interaction, becomes curious and he snatches the paper from Kilat's hand before reading it himself. "New York University School of Business" he struggles to read the letter written in English before "whoah..." looking at Payew in surprise and pride. "Do you really want to, son?" Liboo asks, hesitant in sending Payew in a foreign land. "Are you fine being that far away from home?" Kilat asks too.
