July 6.

  The whole process somewhat exasperated Steve Parks, but what could he do when security was something they needed for all these operations? Since March 1995, he has been reviewing the acquisition of Orion Pictures, flirting with Metromedia to purchase the animation studio. What does it take to buy a studio like this? Simple: buy before you know you have the money. With some es, it was affirmed that Orion's participation had to be seriously sidered, and a joint purchase wasn't desirable.

  Billy was weighing his options with Steve Parks, who assured him that this was the most challenging acquisition of his career and that they he media to stop fog on them for business reasons. But everythio hell when the AOL news broke. Now they know the money is in their pockets, and the offer is higher; they want more and more, one of the pany's misfortunes.

  Steve Parks, with his wool coat in the Californiaher, his pearl-like bald head shining under a traditional bck hat, sighed calmly.

  -Gentlemen, I have no more time to waste. You have a debt of 120 million, and your minimal pertage and the extra money you're asking for make it clear you're not sincere in your offers. However, it's been a pleasure learning about your business and knowing I've learned many things, - said Steve Parks.

  He ed it up while Metromedia tinued with its meager and tangled purchases and sales of shares, almost a debt for everyone, almost a terrifying blow of scruples visible in the air, a totally annoying sight.

  But Steve Parks wasn't someone who didn't pn. Carolco Pictures, a pany on its st legs, was his Pn B. However, the bankruptcy issues posed certain problems for the thick shell that was the acquisition. It had a debt of 55 million. The idea was to revitalize the pany with one dition: that they i in high-impact movies and focus on low-budget films. This approach would be simir to New Line ema, and his brief dealings with Metromedia gave him insights into Artisan and their close retions. A library of at least 40 films from 1970 to 1992.

  ***

  July 12.

  Security at Lux Animation doubled, as marepreneurs eager to be part of the acquisition took note. Anne Hall was clear in taking the reins, “We sell everything in one day; residerations are not taken. We seek the best for Hotmail and Lux Animation.”

  -I think this meeting is a plete disaster, - murmured Anne Hall, arranging the meeting room that could only aodate teams of 30 people, ensuring that those presehe most important people about to iate.

  The leading tenders were TPG Capital (Texas Pacific Group), whied a slight alliah AOL, and Ieology Venture, which allied with Microsoft. These were the only groups close to the proposal, h around 500 million.

  -You’re a bit nervous, - Billy ented, watg Anne pace bad forth, visibly stressed by everything happening.

  -I am, and you should be too. I think I’m going to hyperventite, and it doesn’t help that you’re so calm, - Anne replied, somewhat annoyed by Billy's seemingly carefree attitude towards their responsibilities.

  -You don’t o worry. What ed me the most was offending the businessmen's goodwill. The Texas Group isn't just any small group, we have tracts with Microsoft. That’s why you o handle everything, while I’m the actor focused on drawing, dating actresses, and making movies. Besides, your bonus will be substantial. 0.1% of the sale isn’t negligible, Anne, - Billy said, pnning to distribute 1% among all involved.

  -Yes, 500,000. Enough to pay for the kids' exge trip, - Anne said, calming her nerves for a brief moment, thinking about the agreements that would be handled fidentially. Each group would enter and present not only their future perspectives for the pany but also the many processes involved, with the decision to be made after four hours, once all groups had finished presenting.

  -It doesn’t help our image that you’re being photographed during your adventure in Italy. We had a lot to advance here while you were pying sed-geion kid. We’ll talk about that ter. Please, get out of my office! - Anne said, tinuing on her way.

  Billy did as he pleased, heading to his office full of drawings. He had several to present at the beginning of the year, reactivating or pausing some that were at critical moments, like the final chapter of Sm Dunk. An open-ended fihat had half of the Uates hooked. Billy had improved the drawings aended each chapter, adding parts not in the inal manga, and incorporating elements from movies and ahe series stretched from 271 to 345 episodes and had its climactial battle against Sannoh//Arizona Teical School. With 11 episodes already aired, the final manga chapter was expected to be 356.

  Billy calmly sketched each se, adding his characteristic shine. Four hours passed, and Aill hadn’t returhe meeting was taking lohan expected, he thought as he started chapter 354, drawing a cover and some figurines, Sakuragi/Will perf a sm dunk, passing the ball under his legs. Suddenly, Anne burst through the door, her cheeks flushed.

  -We did it, although it's not the deal we expected. But it’s surprisingly beneficial. Now I uand why you said you’d make money, - Anne said with a wolfish grin. The only dition both panies agreed on was that Billy would be the principal advisor and co-director of the pany. This would curb his habit of leaving for Europe unannounced.

  -Price? -

  -518 million. -

  -That’s a good price, - Billy said into the air, feeling that it was enough to stabilize all his new ventures.

  ...