New York 2006

Chapter 275 A Day in the Life of Luo Ji

At four o'clock in the morning on April 2009, 4, Luo Ji was sleeping soundly.Suddenly, the cry of two children came from the monitor in the room.He woke up instantly, sat up and turned on the lamp next to the bed.

Luo Ji looked at Robin who was sleeping next to him. She was also awake, so he asked, "What's wrong with the child?"

"You must be hungry." Robin closed his eyes again: "Don't worry, the nanny will take care of you, just keep sleeping."

"You go to sleep first and I'll go take a look." Luo Ji was a little worried and got up and started to get dressed.

Robin was a little helpless: "This happens often. You didn't know it when you first came here. Don't worry. The child will be hungry at this time every night. I have prepared breast milk in advance."

Luo Ji patted her shoulder: "It's okay. You can continue to sleep. I'll go take a look. I can't fall asleep anyway."

"Then bring the baby over here and I'll feed it myself." Robin yawned: "Anyway, I can't sleep if you interfere like this."

Soon, Luo Ji sent the nanny away and carried the two crying children to the bedroom.Robin took it. Miraculously, the child stopped crying as soon as he saw his mother.

Luo Ji said with some sourness: "The child still kisses you. He stopped crying as soon as he was in your arms."

Robin was amused when she saw her ex-husband's appearance: "You, you can compare to this."

"Hehehe!" Luo Ji smiled stupidly.

While feeding the child, Robin said seriously: "Go to bed, you have company matters to deal with tomorrow, I can do it alone."

Luo Ji sat next to her: "It's okay, I'll stay with you. I don't feel sleepy right now."

"Ok."

After a while, the two children were fed and fell asleep with their eyes closed.

Robin carefully placed the child in the middle, then lay down and said to Luo Ji, "Turn off the light and go to sleep."

"You go to bed first, and I'll take a look at the children." Luo Ji lay on his side with his chin propped up, and looked carefully at the two children sleeping soundly.

Robin was so overwhelmed by her ex-husband's enthusiasm that she turned over and fell asleep alone, but she couldn't fall asleep.

Ten minutes later, Robin turned sideways and saw that her ex-husband was still staring at the two children. His big hand was still holding Diana's little hand and teasing it, with a happy smile on his face.

Robin simply stopped sleeping and lay on his side watching this heartwarming scene.

"Did it disturb your rest?" Luo Ji said, "I'm going to sleep right now."

"It's okay." Robin smiled.

Luo Ji asked casually, "I heard from Lily that your last medical examination reported that in another year and a half, you will completely lose the ability to produce egg cells."

"Hmm," Robin complained, "It's all because when I was a kid, my dad treated me like a boy and often asked me to do wilderness survival training."

Luo Ji asked with concern, "Will this affect your health?"

"will not."

"That's good." Luo Ji looked at her with some sympathy, then stretched out his hand to hold her hand to comfort her.

Robin saw her ex-husband's worries: "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm lucky to have Diana and Ares."

Luo Ji asked seriously: "Have you ever thought about having another child?"

"No." Robin shook his head firmly: "I've said it many times, and it has no effect on me."

“Not wanting to have it and not being able to have it are two different things.”

Luo Ji knew his ex-wife's character. She was stubborn like a boy and didn't want to worry others, so he continued: "Medical technology is very advanced now. If you still want to have a child, you can choose in vitro fertilization during these two years." The child born by Scott and his ex-wife is a test-tube baby. If you don’t want it now, you can also choose egg freezing technology. If you want a child in the future, you can thaw it.”

Robin looked at her ex-husband's serious look, thought for a while and said, "Let me think about it."

"Don't put any pressure on me. It's all about your own free will." Luo Ji held her hand, looked into her eyes and said seriously, "You can do whatever you want."

"Yeah." Robin felt his ex-husband's concern, nodded seriously, and shook his hand hard.

…………

At eight o'clock in the morning, the workout ends and we have breakfast at home.With a smile on his face, Luo Ji took a car to the Marvel Studios headquarters.

Sure enough, family harmony is more important than anything else.

Since he licked Robin back these days, he no longer has to worry about the possibility that his child will live in his stepfather's home in the future, and his overall mood has improved a lot.

As soon as he entered the company's door, Luo Ji found Avi Arad and Kevin Feige standing in the tea room drinking coffee. The two were chatting and laughing very happily.

Luo Ji walked forward and said with a smile, "What are you talking about? So happy!"

"We are talking about the "Thor" project, and the preparations are going very smoothly." Kevin Feige smiled and complimented: "Logic, your arrival has solved Marvel's urgent need. Our funds have never been so abundant."

"This is what I should do as chairman." Luo Ji then looked at Avi Arad next to him: "Come to the office with me. I have something to tell you."

"Okay." Avi Arad's face became solemn.

The two came to Luo Ji's office, which was converted from Perlmutter's office.

Perlmutter was quite understanding of people and sophistication. In order to maintain a good relationship with Luo Ji, he didn't take away Christopher Wool's paintings on the wall before leaving.

Luo Ji sat down in the office, first searched on the computer, and then looked at the Marvel CEO opposite, his expression became serious: "Arad, you should know that Marvel's second conference will be held this morning. Board meeting, do you know what I asked you to come to?”

"I probably guessed it." Allard nodded, and then said: "Is it about the toy factory in Ohio? I know that you recently sent people to China to find OEM companies."

"Yes, the OEM has been negotiated now." Luo Ji continued, "I told you before that I wanted to close that factory, but you don't seem to be willing."

Arad said: "That factory has 130 front-line workers, 30 people who transport goods, and more than [-] logistics clerical staff. If the factory is closed, they will lose their jobs. The local government and the labor union will definitely It will also be stopped.”

Luo Ji Youyou said: "There is nothing we can do about it. You should know very well that the company now has huge liabilities and must increase profits to repay the debts."

"Is there no room for negotiation?"

"No. The factory must be closed." Luo Ji then said, "I want you to take charge of the work related to the closure of the factory."

Arad lost his usual flattering attitude and said angrily: "Logic, how did you promise me when you first joined Marvel that you would not interfere with the company's normal operations?"

"But it's no longer normal operations, and the company may go bankrupt." Luo Ji turned the computer screen to him: "Look, what are the newspapers saying about me."

What appeared on the computer was today's Wall Street Journal, with the front page headline about Marvel.

“One month after Logic took over Marvel, a Marvel insider suddenly broke the news that due to Logic’s leveraged mortgage loan to Marvel, plus previous debts, Marvel’s current debt has reached a staggering $19 billion. "

"After our analysis, Marvel is very likely to be insolvent and may go bankrupt at any time!"

The entire article is full of schadenfreude and contempt for Luo Ji, who thinks this is a very bad investment.

Arad glanced twice, then turned his head and looked at Luo Ji: "You must have found someone to leak this!"

Luo Ji immediately retorted: "I didn't. Don't talk nonsense. Some kid must have received money from the Wall Street Journal."

Arad did not give Luo Ji any face: "Am I still unclear about Marvel's situation? The cash flow is completely sufficient to repay the interest."

Luo Ji's face turned cold: "So you don't want to take charge of this work?"

"I don't want to!" Arad said firmly: "I came from this factory, and it is impossible to close this factory."

Luo Ji was uncompromising: "This is your responsibility as CEO!"

"I helped you when you first joined Marvel." Arad's face was full of regret: "Logic, how did you agree to me in the first place?"

"Am I not good enough for you?"

Luo Ji's face turned gloomy: "Your current salary will be increased by 20%, and next year, I promise to increase it by another 30%. My first private equity fund also accepted your funds in advance, and it has increased in value by 7% this month." I also promised to give you the greatest power in the company, including admitting you to the board of directors and promising you 1% of future options. I will give you all the money and power you want."

Arad looked directly into Luo Ji's eyes: "This is different, Logic, you know!"

Luo Ji thought about his role in the Marvel acquisition, so he made a compromise: "Well, I can find another person in the company to take charge of this matter." Arad did not give in, and said bluntly: "No, You promised me, Logic!”

"I've never promised you this before! It's about tens of millions of profits every year." Luo Ji was also a little angry at his lack of food and salt. He looked him in the eyes angrily and said, "That factory Must be closed!”

Arad stared directly into Luo Ji's eyes, neither of them compromising.Ten seconds later, Arad was the first to look away.

He compromised, hum.

Luo Ji was a little disapproving, but because of the high income in the future, he didn't insist too much.There is no real benefit in any emotion.Arguing with him is more likely to be about fighting for power!
Arad's next words made Luo Ji open his mouth. He slowly said: "I resign!"

"Even if those employees are unemployed, they can still find new jobs! Could it be that they can't live without Marvel? This is a capitalist society." Luo Ji couldn't believe it: "You want to resign for this, are you serious? "

"Yes." Arad's tone was a little low: "I recruited the employees of that factory one by one. It was impossible for me to sit in the position of CEO and watch them be laid off one by one without doing anything. of."

In Luo Ji's impression, this Marvel executive + minority shareholder was a relatively money-grubbing person. Luo Ji had previously promised him huge profits and asked him to persuade Perlmutter that if the price reached a high level, he could settle down. You should enjoy your old age in peace.

Unexpectedly, he still had his own persistence.

For the first time, Luo Ji really got to know this old white man, and he pondered for a moment: "If you have any requirements for resigning, ask them now. As long as you can do it, I will agree to it."

…………

At nine o'clock in the morning, the second board meeting after Marvel was acquired.

There are currently nine people on Marvel's board of directors.

The shareholder representatives include Chairman Luo Ji, Zhu Haowei, representative of Logic Pictures, and Thomas Tull of Legendary Pictures.As well as two board members elected by small shareholders such as Musk, Bill Lee, Li Zekai, Low Tezuo, and Taylor, a total of five people.

Executives representing the company include Marvel Group CEO Avi Arad, Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige, Marvel Comics Publishing President Dan Buckley, and Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Kunsa. Da.Four people in total.

When Luo Ji re-established the board of directors, he deliberately excluded toy company executives.As chairman, he now has absolute control over the entire group.

Luo Ji spoke directly: "The first item of the meeting now is about CEO Avi Arad's proposal to resign from the position of CEO of Marvel Entertainment Group and his seat on the board of directors."

Kevin Feige was very shocked and looked at Arad with a surprised look on his face.Several other executives looked at Arad in surprise or surprise.They were all shocked by this sudden news.

Arad looked at the crowd and said, "I feel that my long-term work over the years has made me neglect my family. Therefore, I want to spend more time with my family..."

After Arad finished speaking, Luo Ji looked at everyone: "To express Arad's long-term contribution to Marvel, Marvel will give him two years' salary as a reward for resigning this time. After that, he will establish a film production company, Marvel We will also invest 30% and provide him with certain resource support.”

Arad said: "As you all know, Marvel has often authorized other companies to produce Marvel comic movies over the years, such as "X-Men" and "Spider-Man". I have a very good relationship with these related companies, so I can get to a certain production order.”

Arad said with a smile: "The company I established is called Arad Production Company. I also ask for your support in the future."

Several executives quickly agreed: "Okay."

The sudden resignation shocked several senior executives of the company, and the scene was a bit solemn.But the atmosphere brightened as Arad smiled.Everyone wished him well.

Luo Ji continued, "Let's vote on this proposal with a show of hands."

Luo Ji scanned around and everyone in the room raised their hands, so he said, "Then, regarding Arad's intention to resign, it is approved."

After Luo Ji finished speaking, he stood up, held Arad's hand, and said hypocritically, "Thank you for your contribution to Marvel. Marvel will always remember you."

"Thank you." Not sure if it was an illusion, but Luo Ji felt that his waist was not as straight anymore, and he looked much older in an instant.

Without having time to think about it, Luo Ji took the lead in applauding, and others followed suit.Appearance still needs to be done, no matter what the people in the board of directors think, the farewell ceremony was very harmonious.

Watching Allard leave, the board meeting continues.

"The next item on the agenda is the proposal to close the Marvel toy and card factory in Ohio." Luo Ji looked at the crowd and explained: "Right now, Marvel's debt is extremely serious..."

With Arad leaving, there was no longer any objection to the proposal. Luo Ji looked at the raised hands of everyone and announced, "Then this motion is passed."

“On Marvel Studios’ plans for this year’s second film, Thor.”

"pass."

"Regarding comic book printing, there is a proposal to abandon American partners and instead look for Chinese OEMs." Luo Ji said: "Everyone knows that most of the American printing industry has moved to other countries. Now the United States can Although the costs of surviving printing plants have dropped a lot compared to before, the prices are still much lower than those in China."

"You know, most of the leaflets, Bibles, and books used in the current election campaign in the United States are produced in China. But we are clinging to the old channels..."

"pass."

"About the proposal that Marvel comics can be viewed online and made available on the Internet..."

"Then keep it for now." Luo Ji kept the matter simple. He looked at Dan Buckley, the publishing president of Marvel Comics: "I hope you can come up with a plan as soon as possible that is accepted by publishers and physical stores. .”

……

The board meeting lasted three hours and finally came to an end.

Luo Ji looked at the crowd: "Now let's move on to the last item on the agenda, a discussion on the new CEO of Marvel Group."

When several senior executives of the company heard this, their faces showed imperceptible joy, even Kevin Feige was no exception.

A representative of a small shareholder who had been silent next to him suddenly said: "I propose that Zhu Haowei take over. Logic Pictures is managed very well by him. The company has been established for two years, and last year's profit exceeded that of Marvel, which has a history of more than ten years." ”

Another representative of small shareholders also expressed his position: "I also agree."

Thomas Tull then said: "I agree."

"I agree, too." Luo Ji then looked at several senior executives of the company: "Do you have anyone you would like to propose?"

Several Marvel executives first looked at the five shareholder representatives, and then at the three executives around them, and the smiles on their faces disappeared.

Kevin Feige was dissatisfied with Luo Ji's board of directors raid, but he finally stood up and said, "We have no proposed candidate here."

Luo Ji made the final decision: "Then, the next step is to nominate Zhu Haowei as the CEO of Marvel. Everyone will vote!"

…………

At eight o'clock in the evening, Luo Ji dragged his exhausted body to Robin's house.

Ex-wife Robin was sitting on the sofa watching TV. She waved quickly: "Come here quickly, there is news for you."

He sat on the sofa and looked at it. It was a Fox News program, and it was Tucker Carlson, the new anchor who appeared on FOX at the end of last year.

Luo Ji disliked this person very much. A few months ago, he was very nice to hear news about him. After Luo Ji's second album was released, he even praised it several times.

But since the news of Luo Ji's successful acquisition of Marvel came out, he began to get angry with himself in the media and make all kinds of criticisms.

Tucker Carlson took the press release and began to read: "Since Logic successfully acquired Marvel, he finally couldn't bear it anymore and carried out a bloodbath on Marvel today. CEO Avi Arad resigned and he appointed himself A close confidant of Chinese descent, Zhu Haowei."

"Today, when Zhu Haowei was interviewed by the media, he stated that Marvel's toy factory in Ohio would be closed."

Let's take a look at the relevant interview footage. The TV program switched and Zhu Haowei appeared on the TV. There was no preface, but the sentence came right at the top: "Marvel will close its toy production factory in Ohio next."

Immediately afterwards, the screen returned to the studio. Host Tucker Carlson said indignantly: "Next, Marvel will have more than 200 workers who will lose their jobs at the same time. This is Logic's way of running Marvel. We interviewed urgently Union representatives from the toy factory protested and planned to go on strike..."

Robin used to be a reporter and has news sensitivity. She asked, "Did Fox selectively report this news?"

"Hmm," Luo Ji said, "When Zhu Haowei was interviewed by reporters, he said that Marvel had $19 billion in debt and was about to go bankrupt before making such a decision. They didn't mention it at all."

Robin held her man's hand with some worry: "You'll be fine."

Luo Ji smiled and reassured her, "It's okay."

"Really okay?"

Luo Ji said coquettishly, "The man in your family is a big shot, so this matter won't cause any trouble to me."

"I just know how to brag." Robin was also infected by her ex-husband's confidence.

Luo Ji blew into her ear: "My dear, stop talking about this. I'm starting to miss your body again."

(End of this chapter)