Chapter 516 - 332: Celebration Party, Opening a New -

"That's right," Li Wei nodded. "Two million. How does that sound?"

"This... Thank you, Boss! Boss, I—" Jin Heon almost blurted out "Boss, I love you!" but she caught herself after a glance at Anya and quickly changed her tune to avoid a disaster. "Boss, I'll work for you for the rest of my life!"

"Mr. Mark is still a partner at Merrill Lynch Securities. His son was just born, but he's been continuing to provide us with remote financial assistance," Li Wei said. "I'd like to sign a special advisor contract with you for the new entity in the Free Port. One and a half million USD a year. The main focus will be supporting us on the capital side."

"Thank you, Mr. Li Wei," Mark said, raising his hand. "May I ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"What is this new entity in the Free Port?"

Everyone else also looked at Li Wei curiously.

"I'll get to that in a moment," Li Wei said with a wave of his hand. "Also, Arthur, from transferring the manor's deed to LW's business contracts, you've saved me tens of millions of USD."

"I would have frozen to death without you, Li Wei," Arthur said with a small smile. "It's the least I could do."

"I know you're involved in an aid program for the mole people of New York," Li Wei said, waving his hand dismissively. "Johnson, Elizabeth, and I will have our foundation get involved. We'll contribute 500,000 USD in aid annually. I also want you to be my company's chief legal officer. We'll start your salary at one million a year. We can talk about the rest once you get your law license back." (Chapter 109)

The group broke into laughter, and Arthur scratched his head in embarrassment.

It was a funny story. Arthur had offended Onyx Construction years ago and had his license revoked.

But he hadn't lost any of his practical skills or work ethic. He had handled several matters for Li Wei beautifully. The only issue was his law license—he had actually failed the bar exam last time!

It was a point of shame for him. He was retaking the exam next week and had sworn to everyone that he would pass this time.

"Also, after you pass the exam—and I have faith that you will," Li Wei said, "I'll give you an additional annual budget of four million USD. First, you'll need to hire a few assistants. Second, find an external law firm to establish a long-term partnership with. And third, set aside a contingency fund to handle legal risks."

Arthur first jotted everything down in his notebook before nodding.

"Thank you for your trust, Li Wei," Arthur said. "I'll set up the structure as soon as possible."

"Alright," Li Wei said, clapping his hands. "Does anyone have any questions or complaints about this round of semi-annual bonuses?"

Everyone shook their heads in unison.

"Good," Li Wei nodded. "Then let's talk about how we're going to claw back over 700 million in future taxes on LW Beverages from the IRS."

"I just got off the phone with Elizabeth Mellon," he said, holding up his phone. "I'm sure you've all heard of the Mellon Family's Free Port in Delaware."

The group nodded.

"I plan to move the 'Horizon Holdings' entity into the Free Port," Li Wei said, looking at Don Quixote. "Because the Free Port itself is tax-exempt for overseas income, and 'Horizon Holdings' owns the patent for LW Beverages' packaging and its formula, so—"

"So we can have LW pay a licensing fee to 'Horizon Holdings'?" Jin Heon blurted out. "And reduce our profits to pay less in taxes."

"Exactly," Li Wei nodded. "That's the gist of it. Elizabeth Mellon and I discussed it, and a figure around one billion a year is a reasonable ratio. It won't make LW Beverages' production costs too high or its profits too low, which would trigger the IRS's ire. After all, we still have to pay them something."

"But in that case," Mark mused, "141 million a month—"

"120 million, under ideal conditions," Jin Heon said. "We expect to start spending 20 million on advertising next month to maintain our high visibility."

"1.44 billion in annual pre-tax profit," Mark nodded, "and then deduct one billion in patent licensing fees, lowering the profit to 440 million. That saves 530 million USD in taxes a year."

"Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?" Li Wei said with a grin. "This is why I'm giving everyone their bonuses now."

"Because this will involve complicated procedures and documents. Even though Elizabeth said the Free Port's legal team will cooperate, we'll still have to fill out a lot of forms and deal with many departments," he said. "So I'll be counting on all of you!"

"Boss! It's no trouble at all!" Jin Heon shot up from her seat. "Loyalty! Devotion!"

"Alright, alright, that's the main thing," Li Wei said, gesturing for her to sit down. "Also, aside from occasionally going to school, I plan to spend most of my time breaking into the entertainment industry and acting in Hollywood. So I'm entrusting the home front to you all."

"Huh?" Mark was completely unaware of this. "Mr. Li Wei, you're planning to cross over into acting?"

"Yes."

Li Wei nodded. "I've decided to try something new."

'It's all about grinding my stats, grinding my stats,' he thought. 'I really can't wait another day.'

Last night, he had called Guillermo Del Toro to ask about the audition schedule. After learning the audition was next week, he decided to really spend a few days there and secure the male lead role first and foremost.

The group finished their lunch amidst cheerful conversation, the topic shifting from business to casual chat.

Jin Heon had originally wanted to ask about the down payment on a villa she had her eye on. Including the previous bonus from Li Wei and her commission from the LV collaboration water bottle, her savings were now close to three million.