Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

When Steve Jobs confirmed his agreement, Martin slapped the table in excitement.

"Great, Steve. Wait for my news."

While Jobs didn't care much about Disney shares, Martin was extremely interested.

It wasn't just about the potential value increase.

For someone in the entertainment industry, becoming a Disney shareholder would significantly boost his influence in the circle.

As mentioned before, there's a hierarchy even among capitalists.

Hollywood was a notoriously insular place. Even Wall Street elites could be played like puppets here. Simply having money didn't guarantee control.

For Martin, Disney represented an excellent platform and a springboard to a higher echelon.

In his hands, Disney's shares would yield far greater benefits than in Jobs'.

"That's pointless!" Steve Jobs shook his head. "My demand for shares isn't just my idea; it's also backed by Bob Iger and those behind him. It's a strategic move against Michael Eisner!"

"If Eisner refuses to give up shares, Disney won't be able to acquire Pixar. Without Pixar, Disney's stock price can't recover, and Eisner can't regain his footing. Don't you see?"

Of course, I see!

Martin thought to himself, piecing together his own knowledge with the memories from his counterpart in China.

Ah, so that's why, in the original timeline, Steve Jobs waited until Michael Eisner was ousted before selling Pixar to Disney.

Martin smiled. "Steve, what if I can persuade Bob Iger and those backing him to agree to sell the shares to me?"

Jobs studied Martin for a moment, wondering if this young man had seen something he hadn't.

After a moment, he chuckled. "Martin, if you can convince Bob Iger and his backers, I'd gladly go along. For me, $2 billion in cash is far more appealing than Disney shares. With that money, I can accomplish much more elsewhere."

"Then it's settled!"

Martin extended his hand, and Jobs shook it, sealing the agreement.

As soon as they parted, Martin called Michael Eisner.

"Mr. Eisner, let's discuss Disney's shares."

Eisner laughed on the other end of the line. "Oh? Are you sure you want to take on this lot? Jobs must have told you he's after these shares too. Aren't you worried about crossing him?"

Martin laughed. "If you're willing to sell the shares to me, I'll handle Jobs. I'll convince him to sell his Pixar shares to Disney for $2 billion. Once Jobs is on board, the rest of Pixar's shareholders won't be an issue."

"Oh? What did you and Jobs discuss to make him agree to that?"

Eisner frowned deeply, trying to piece together Martin's interaction with Jobs. But he was missing one critical link—Bob Iger—so he couldn't figure it out.

The old man, getting on in years, had lost a bit of his sharpness. He even overlooked his most important opponent.

"Mr. Eisner, you don't need to worry about my deal with Jobs. You just need to know I can help you secure Pixar and raise Disney's stock price. I get the shares, you stabilize your position—it's a win-win."

"I'll need the voting rights for your shares," Eisner said.

"For a year," Martin replied. "I'll grant you voting rights for my portion of the shares, but the agreement will be renewed annually."

Eisner didn't think much of this, assuming Martin simply wanted to leverage the voting rights for some annual concessions.

He didn't mind such exchanges. Not at all. As long as his power was secured, trading Disney's interests was a small price to pay.

"Alright, I agree!"

Martin was thrilled. He asked the critical question: "So, Mr. Eisner, how many shares can you offer me?"

"Eight percent," Eisner replied.

Eight percent?!

Martin's eyes widened. This was more than he had anticipated. He couldn't help but confirm again. "$1 billion for 8% of the shares?"

Eisner was pleased with Martin's shocked reaction.

That was his style—when he made a move, it had to leave an impression. No room for haggling.

Back when he ousted Michael Ovitz, Eisner had paid a staggering $120 million severance, squashing all resentment from his former friend.

Spending Disney's money to solidify his power? A no-brainer.

This time, Eisner planned to do the same.

"Mr. Meyers, to be precise, it's 8.03% of the shares. Bring $1 billion, and they're yours."

With Disney's market cap currently below $10 billion, this price was considered a premium. Eisner had no fear of board scrutiny.

Martin was beyond shocked—he was ecstatic.

This was probably the best chance to buy Disney at its lowest valuation since the 1990s. It might even be his only opportunity in life to acquire shares at such a bargain.

He had never imagined the chance would fall into his lap so easily.

"I'm on board with this price. Michael, can you get the board's approval quickly?"

"Don't worry, Martin. I'll handle it. Start preparing the funds."

With the deal almost finalized, the two reverted to a more amicable tone, calling each other "Michael" and "Martin."

However, Martin quickly regained his composure.

Securing these shares required more than Eisner's approval. The board would still need to sign off, and that meant dealing with Bob Iger and his ally, Roy Disney.

After ending the call with Eisner, Martin immediately phoned Jeff Raymond.

"Jeff, arrange a meeting with Roy Disney and Bob Iger. Keep it discreet—this needs to stay confidential."

"Martin, what's going on?" Jeff Raymond sounded bewildered.

"Just set up the meeting first. I'll explain everything when I get back. Remember, it has to be quick and confidential!"

"Got it. Understood!"

It was the first time Jeff Raymond had ever heard a hint of urgency in Martin's voice, which made him tense up as well.

…

While Martin was still on the plane, Jeff called him back.

"Martin, I've scheduled the meeting with Roy Disney and Bob Iger. They've chosen a private club as the location. The meeting is set for tomorrow evening at 7. Will that work?"

"No problem. Great job, Jeff."