Chapter 418: Delivering Resources

Chapter 418: Chapter 418: Delivering Resources

The three-party negotiations were completely settled, and all contract terms were finalized.

Jay Shapiro packed up the documents with satisfaction and was the first to rise and leave.

For Jay Shapiro, this negotiation was highly fruitful.

Not only did he secure a respectable A-list salary for Will Smith, but he also took advantage of the situation to land Jaden’s screen debut—and it was not just some bit part or comic relief role, either.

It was a complete success.

The staff in the conference room also began to file out.

The previously noisy and tense space instantly quieted down, leaving only Ella Walker and Shelly.

Just as Shelly was preparing to stand up and leave to return to the office to organize the negotiation materials and sync the news with Irene Coppola, Ella Walker suddenly reached out and gently grabbed Shelly’s arm.

The gesture was natural yet deliberate, clearly intended to keep Shelly behind for a private conversation.

Closing the side door of the conference room to block out all outside eyes and activity, Ella Walker set aside the impartial stance held while mediating.

Ella Walker lowered the voice slightly and got straight to the point, heading directly to the most critical and sensitive topic.

"Shelly, I have heard quite a few whispers in the industry lately, but I have not found the time to ask you about them properly." Ella Walker’s tone was probing. "Word on the street is that Irene Coppola is looking to enter the media sector and intends to fully acquire a second-tier television station to officially build a personal media platform. Is this news just industry gossip, or is there some truth to it?"

This news was highly sensitive, belonging to the top-level strategic planning within Echo Pictures.

Not a whisper had been released externally, and ordinary industry practitioners had no way of knowing.

Only someone like CAA, with its grasp of top-tier resources across the network and years of deep cultivation in Hollywood’s capital circles, could have caught wind of such an unexecuted strategic move.

Upon hearing this, Shelly paused for a split second, expression remaining neutral as Shelly quickly weighed the pros and cons in mind.

Acquiring a second-tier television station was the top priority of Irene Coppola’s next phase.

The goal was to build a personal platform for promotion, broadcasting, and content, and to control multi-channel media and traffic—a crucial long-term strategy.

This matter would eventually be made public anyway.

Being discovered by Ella Walker ahead of time would not significantly impact the plans.

At the very least, from Ella Walker’s perspective, Irene Coppola’s management contract was still under CAA.

Furthermore, as the current CEO of CAA, Ella Walker held the capital and connections of all of Hollywood in her hands, with wide-reaching channels and access to information.

Rather than deliberately hiding it and creating unnecessary friction, it was better to admit it frankly and take the opportunity to see what cards the other party was holding and what the true intentions were.

After a brief moment of thought, Shelly nodded calmly, tone flat and even.

"The news is true. Irene Coppola does indeed have plans to acquire a second-tier television station. She is currently observing the market and screening for high-quality targets, but has not yet finalized a partner."

Upon receiving a definitive answer, a flash of precise gleam appeared in Ella Walker’s eyes.

It was clear Ella Walker had been prepared and had not just asked on a whim.

"That is quite a coincidence." Ella Walker said, tone firm and full of confidence.

"I happen to have a very suitable, high-quality resource in my hands. I have an old friend who has been deeply involved in local media for many years and owns a second or third-tier local television station with complete qualifications and stable operations.

The media market has been quite volatile this year, and in 2004, many small and medium-sized television stations are facing transformation, mergers, or sales. Many capital groups are waiting for opportunities to enter the market and integrate channel resources. My friend happens to be thinking about selling the station and exiting the business, and is currently looking for a reliable, capable buyer who understands content."

Ella Walker leaned forward slightly to show further sincerity and dangled an enticing offer.

"This television station covers several core second-tier cities in North America and possesses a complete broadcasting license, offline channels, and a foundational audience base. It only has minor debt disputes, but its operational system is mature and stable, making it perfectly suited to Irene Coppola’s layout needs. If you are interested, I can lead the bridge-building, help Irene Coppola prioritize the connection to this resource, secure exclusive negotiation rights, avoid the scramble from other capital on the market, and complete the acquisition at the most suitable price and through the most secure process."

Shelly’s expression remained calm throughout.

Shelly merely raised eyes to look at Ella Walker, instantly seeing through the other party’s true intentions.

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Ella Walker voluntarily offering such a high-quality, exclusive media resource was definitely not out of pure kindness.

In essence, Ella Walker wanted to use this favor to trade for something coveted for a long time: the authority to co-manage Irene Coppola’s agency affairs.

Over the years, Ella Walker had been obsessed with entering Irene Coppola’s core circle of collaborators, striving to become a joint agent, sharing in the dividends of top-tier resources and connections, but Ella Walker had never been able to find a suitable breakthrough.

Now, seizing the critical opportunity of the television station acquisition, Ella Walker naturally wanted to use it to do a favor, pave the way, and trade for cooperation rights.

Shelly tactfully declined the other party’s underlying demand.

"Ella Walker, I believe your resource is absolutely high-quality, and I am very grateful for your initiative in bridging this. But there are some things I must make clear in advance to avoid any misunderstandings later. I have always been aware of your desire to become Irene Coppola’s joint agent, but I really cannot agree to that on her behalf, nor do I have the authority to make that decision without her."

"I have represented Irene Coppola for so many years, so you should be very clear about Irene Coppola’s working style. She absolutely loathes tedious interpersonal interference, multi-party coordination, and internal friction. Over the years, she has only ever recognized me as the point of contact. It is not that I am monopolizing resources; it is that she herself dislikes having too many people interfering with her projects, intervening in her plans, or dividing her resources. Any unnecessary involvement will only cause her resentment."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Ella Walker’s face faded slightly, but the expectation in the eyes of Ella Walker did not dissipate.

Ella Walker knew this was a rare opportunity and was unwilling to give up just yet.

Ella Walker reined in all the aggressive posturing of a superior, softening the tone with a touch of earnestness and concession.

"I certainly understand your concerns, and I am clear about Irene Coppola’s bottom line. I have never thought about forcibly interfering with her projects or intervening in her decisions, let alone dividing your resources."

"I simply hope to get a chance to communicate with her in person and be formally introduced. I can maintain respect throughout the process, only acting as a resource connector and channel facilitator. I will never interfere with creation, meddle on set, or participate in internal decision-making. I will only act as an assistant."

After speaking, Ella Walker provided a perfect buffer time, leaving enough room for both herself and Irene Coppola to adjust.

"How about this: after the entire filming of Transformers has wrapped and the crew has finished up, you arrange a private meeting for me. I want to talk to Irene Coppola personally. Regardless of the outcome, I will definitely hand over this resource."

Facing the other party’s repeated concessions and earnest request, Shelly neither directly refused nor easily agreed.

Instead, Shelly made a safe compromise and gave the most reasonable reply.

"I can help you convey this sentiment and request to Irene Coppola in full. I will truthfully inform her that you hold television station resources, are willing to take the initiative to bridge them, and that you wish to have a face-to-face conversation. But whether to meet, and when to meet, will be entirely up to her to decide. We can only respect her choice."

This response was comprehensive and secure.

It neither completely offended the head of CAA, preserving the personal relationship and room for maneuver between both parties, nor did it overstep authority or make any promises on Irene Coppola’s behalf.

Upon hearing this, Ella Walker nodded lightly, feeling satisfied.

Ella Walker knew Shelly’s character.

As long as Shelly was willing to relay the message, it meant the request had successfully reached Irene Coppola.

As long as Irene Coppola was interested in the television station resource, Ella Walker would have a great opportunity to enter the circle and completely break the deadlock of being unable to get close for so many years.