[Chapter 425: Masaharu Matsushita's Matchmaking Scheme]
After both parties agreed on the specific time and place for the acquisition negotiations, Linton left Matsushita Electronics Corporation and returned to his hotel to convene a meeting with his negotiation team.
The team consisted of five people: Goodman, Henry, two external negotiation experts, and his assistant Meena.
"I just got out of Matsushita Electronics. I've arranged the acquisition negotiations with Mr. Matsushita. The talks will start at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and the venue is set at the Hilton Hotel. Meena, please book the conference room there and send the details to Matsushita Electronics."
"Got it."
"The other side's psychological price is about what we expected: a minimum of $6 billion, ideally $6.5 billion. I won't attend tomorrow's meeting; Goodman will handle it on site. Stick to our strategy strictly. Remember to emphasize the issues currently plaguing Universal -- disorganized management, corrupt executives, complete lack of control from Matsushita, and that the bulk of their profits come from cooperating with me."
"Boss, we'll make sure they get the real picture of Universal's situation and crush any illusion they might have."
"Good. Your job is to push the price down toward $6 billion. If anything unexpected happens, report to my room immediately."
"Understood."
---
At 6 p.m. sharp, Linton arrived at Mr. Matsushita's home as agreed. To Linton's surprise, the treatment was completely different from his previous two visits. Masaharu Matsushita himself came to the door to greet him -- proof that power truly determined status.
They greeted each other warmly, shaking hands. Linton took an oil painting from his assistant and handed it to Masaharu Matsushita, "I heard you like modern art. I recently got a Keith Haring piece. Hope it suits your taste."
"Thank you! That's very thoughtful of you. I'll treasure it."
The two walked into the living room laughing, where two sharply dressed young men who resembled Masaharu Matsushita stood, along with six beautifully dressed young women.
"Linton, let me introduce you. This is my eldest son, Ichiro Matsushita. He'll be responsible for tomorrow's negotiation."
"Hello, Mr. Anderson. Please give me your support."
"Hello, Ichiro. A young talent worthy of the Matsushita family name."
"Linton, this is my second son, Jiro Matsushita."
"Linton, this is Sachiko Matsushita, 23, just graduated from graduate school at UC Berkeley."
"I'm so happy to see you, Linton! I'm your fan. Can I have a hug?" To Linton's astonishment, Sachiko immediately gave him a warm hug. In Masaharu Matsushita's own home, with the patriarch right there -- it was surprising how open she was.
"Linton, this is Mika Matsushita, 22, currently a graduate student at UCLA."
"Linton, it's great to meet you. I'm also a huge fan. I own all your singles and albums, and I've watched all your movies -- I even have your VHS tapes. Can I have a hug?"
"Linton, this is Kagawa Matsushita, 21, a graduate student at USC."
"Linton, this is Fujika Matsushita, 20, studying at NYU."
"Linton, this is Keiko Matsushita, 19, attending the University of Chicago."
"Linton, this is Eiko Matsushita, 18, enrolled at Harvard."
Not a single one of these young women failed to claim they were fans and requested hugs. Fortunately, they were all young, attractive, well-shaped, and wore pleasant fragrances. The hugs felt nice enough.
But something felt off. Masaharu Matsushita had said this was a family dinner. The Matsushita family was prestigious; they shouldn't be so casually intimate with a first-time visitor right in front of the family head. Even more unexpected was what Masaharu Matsushita did next.
"You're all young people; you should get to know each other better. I'll excuse myself for a moment." Saying this, Masaharu Matsushita left cheerfully.
...
As soon as he left, the six young women surrounded Linton.
"Linton, you're so handsome. Can I call you onii-san?"
"Linton, I heard your new movie just wrapped. Can you tell us some fun stories from the set?"
"Linton, when is your new album coming out?"
...
Linton understood immediately. Masaharu Matsushita must be planning to use a honey trap, trying to seduce him to increase the asking price for the acquisition.
But if you're going to use a honey trap, why in your own home? And why bring in six women at once?
Still, these girls, while fairly young and pretty, were nowhere near the caliber of the women around Linton or even comparable to Masaharu Matsushita's own daughter. Moreover, they were all ordinary people who could do nothing to help with his ability. Trying to lure him with such fodder was just insulting.
Oh well, since he was already here, he might as well play along.
Gathering his energy, Linton chatted with the six young women, telling Hollywood gossip, fun filming stories, and tales from promotional roadshows.
They were enchanted, laughing nonstop.
...
After about an hour, Masaharu Matsushita reappeared.
"Linton, sorry about that, something urgent came up. I owe you three drinks for neglecting you."
"No worries, Mr. Matsushita."
"Linton, dinner is ready. Let's go."
...
However, Masaharu Matsushita family rules remained strict during dinner. Only Masaharu Matsushita and his two sons sat at the main table; all the women were seated in another room.
Drinking with Masaharu Matsushita and his sons was dull. Linton responded monosyllabically.
Soon, the conversation turned to Universal. It was clear Masaharu Matsushita and his sons felt frustrated at their inability to control Universal.
"You Americans have been too unfriendly with Japanese capital. We've owned Universal for five years but still can't manage operations."
"That's what puzzles me -- why didn't you appoint trusted leaders after acquiring Universal?"
"Well, the Federal Trade Commission watched us carefully, worried we'd influence American culture and ideology. When acquiring, we had to agree only Americans would manage Universal. Besides, Universal's leadership formed an alliance. Whenever we tried to change personnel, executives united against us, even threatening mass resignations."
"Didn't you consider spreading out positions or placing allies inside to slowly take control?"
"We tried. More than one, actually. But our people were ostracized, stripped of power, and resigned within six months. Frankly, when John Smith retired from Universal Records, we tried to appoint an outsider to replace him but failed. The leadership, led by Lou Wasserman, collectively opposed it. Ultimately, we promoted Daniel, who's doing well."
"No wonder they intimidate everyone -- they have solid backing."
"Intimidation? Are they really that bad?"
"Look, you've been deceived. I commissioned a professional evaluation of Universal before coming here. Wanna know their verdict?"
"Go ahead."
"Assets healthy, management chaotic, profits questionable."
"What? Chaos in management? Isn't Universal running smoothly, especially compared to Columbia? And their profit last year was $730 million, barely lower than Disney's!"
"Did you analyze the profit breakdown in detail?"
"Was there a catch?"
"Heck, yes. Listen, of that $730 million, $310 million came from Universal Pictures' film production and distribution, $280 million from Universal Records subsidiary, $80 million from Universal Studios. What about the rest?
Here's another fact: just from working with my film company, Universal Pictures earned $320 million last year alone. What do you think the others are doing?
Universal Records is relatively better; Daniel's conscience and competence help, but of the $280 million profit, $160 million came from me.
Without my cooperation, how much would there be?"
"Isn't Universal Pictures one of the Hollywood Big Seven? Shouldn't film production and distribution be their core business? How could they run a yearly loss?" Even Masaharu Matsushita seemed surprised.
"That's why management chaos was noted. Here's more: you know Universal's Waterworld lost over $170 million recently?"
"Yes, I heard."
"Do you know why?"
"Lou Wasserman blamed a tsunami during filming, causing extra costs, and mistakenly casting Kevin Costner -- Oscar-winning actor and director -- as director and star. Audiences rejected the film, causing the loss. Any hidden issues?"
"For such a big loss, you didn't try to hold management accountable?"
"Wasserman said Costner is blacklisted at Universal. What else could we do?"
"Ha! Blaming a director and lead actor for a loss that big? What about Universal's film decision-makers, production department, and producers? Hollywood films are producer-centered, not director-centered."
"Meaning? The real responsibility lies with some high-ups? They tricked us and used a scapegoat?"
"Exactly. Honestly, if my company had made that film, the total cost wouldn't exceed $70 million, not $235 million."
"What? Only $70 million? Where did the other $165 million go?"
"You tell me. That's why even third-party assessments cited chaotic management."
"Damn, what a bunch of vampires! No wonder they formed an alliance, taking turns bleeding Universal dry." The father and sons vented their anger.
After a moment, Masaharu Matsushita calmed down.
"Well, it's history. Selling it seems right. Otherwise, Universal might crash someday."
He asked Linton curiously, "If you take over, what would you do?"
"Simple -- clean house ruthlessly, get rid of all parasites. Then recruit qualified talent externally. Hollywood lacks everything but talent."
"Good. That's how it should be. If it were in Japan, we could do this -- too bad Universal is in America. Enough about Universal. Let's drink." Masaharu Matsushita raised his glass, leaving those concerns behind.
"Cheers." Linton smiled inwardly; his words had clearly strengthened Masaharu Matsushita's resolve to sell.
Masaharu Matsushita probably wanted to get Linton drunk, test his limits on the acquisition price. Under his lead, father and sons took turns drinking with Linton. In the end, they slurred their words while Linton remained clear-headed.
Seeing it was hopeless, Masaharu Matsushita gave up.
...
At the end of the banquet, Masaharu Matsushita took Linton's arm. "Those six young women are the brightest of Masaharu Matsushita's next generation. Any catch your eye? Would you like one to accompany you to see Tokyo's night view?"
Linton finally realized the truth. Damn, it wasn't a honey trap -- they were offering women, hoping for a marriage alliance with him.
That old fox played a clever game: spotting Linton's strength, he wanted to link the Matsushita family with him to expand their influence.
But it was too late. Masaharu Matsushita's daughter, Sukato Matsushita, used to barely fit into his circle before Linton rose to power. She was excellent -- beautiful, strong-willed, daring -- and Linton was fond of her, intending to include her in his inner circle.
But Masaharu Matsushita snuffed that out, marrying her into the Mitsui family as a family alliance.
Now, trying to marry into Linton's circle again? Impossible, especially offering women far inferior to Sukato. Besides, there were already three top-tier beauties waiting in Linton's hotel.
"Thanks, but I'm already feeling the effects of the wine tonight. I'm beat and must get some rest."
Linton politely declined Masaharu Matsushita's offer. Amid their disappointed gazes, he got into his car and headed back to the hotel.
*****
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