READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 96: Chapter 97
Strategic Developments and Expanding Horizons
Think tanks within Charlie Lee's sphere of influence debated the merits of acquiring additional construction contracting companies, evaluating whether the merger-and-acquisition strategy—though time-consuming and labor-intensive—was the fastest route to accelerated growth.
Meanwhile, the steady progress of Aegis remained a cornerstone of Lee's empire. Every step taken had to be deliberate and precise, as Lee refused to allow instability within the armed forces under his command.
Bechtel, on the other hand, expanded at an impressive pace, akin to a snowball rolling downhill. The demands from industries under Charlie Lee's umbrella continuously fueled Bechtel's growth, with its construction workforce expanding daily.
Under the leadership of former public magnate Samuel, ACE was steadily climbing out of financial difficulties. The recent acquisition of a railway line from Morgan had bolstered ACE's working capital, enabling the company to conduct research on multiple fronts.
Disney's future as an entertainment giant seemed inevitable. The Oscars and Starlight Awards, initiatives established by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, promised to elevate Disney's reputation, ensuring its future dominance in the industry.
Charlie Lee couldn't help but envision the day he would become the mastermind behind influential figures often referred to as the "old men."
Lee also had high hopes for Real Estate Service and Tourism Company, soon to be controlled by Wise Investments. Charlie trusted the "old man" Wise has to deliver exceptional results.
Considering his ancestry—descendants of imperial royalty who once ruled several nations—Charlie deemed it laughable if he couldn't manage less than 200,000 acres of land and pastures effectively.
The Oscar Star Theater was nearing completion, though it had to scale down its workforce following the theater's first Oscar event. The intricate mechanical devices and the iconic eight-claw ceiling had delayed the project by three months, but the result would be worth the wait.
The decision to reduce its workforce stemmed from the company's overloaded schedule. Projects like McDonald's and Subway had taken precedence after the theater's completion, while ongoing construction of the Blue and White Building awaited a larger labor force.
Beverly Hills was also under development. The immediate concern was deciding on the ideal location for a school that Lee intended to build.
"Rush, where do you think the school should be located?" Charlie Lee asked during a meeting at Club 22, where he gathered his core team of nine key think tank members.
The team had recently undergone a change, with Bob, the original informant, being removed from the inner circle. Bob's role had diminished over time, and if not for the delays in publicizing the "One Night Rich" plan, his exit would have come sooner.
Following speculation and sensationalism in the press, the origins of Charlie Lee's wealth had become an open secret. The gradual release of information had dispelled earlier wild guesses, leaving only those directly involved with full knowledge of the truth. Even Bob himself understood why he was being sidelined.
The most recent addition to the core nine, Rush, had quickly earned the team's respect. Since joining, he had visited five companies with 132 shareholders, securing stakes in major corporations: General Electric (2.3%), Standard Oil (1.5%), AT&T (0.85%), Boeing (1.2%), and Express (3.7%). His impressive results also won Charlie Lee's approval.
"Boss, I suggest placing the school in either Kenilworth or Dearborn Street," Rush proposed.
Both locations were affluent areas in Chicago, boasting excellent transportation, infrastructure, and security. Kenilworth, a wealthy northern suburb established in 1889, had become an enclave for the rich due to high land prices. Meanwhile, Dearborn Street, part of the prestigious Gold Coast, housed Chicago's elite families, including the McCormicks and Aikenwoods.
"What's your opinion, Ben?" Charlie asked his top advisor, seeking confirmation.
"I agree with Rush, but I prefer Dearborn Street. That's where I live, and it's perfect in terms of environment and security," Ben replied, grinning.
Noticing Charlie's curious expression, Ben added, "Joanna is three months pregnant."
"Congratulations, Ben! It looks like I owe you a gift," Charlie said, smiling warmly as he lightly punched Ben's shoulder.
"Thank you, boss," Ben said, his expression beaming with pride. The other team members offered their congratulations, some even casting envious glances.
Occasionally, think tank members gathered for social events, and everyone was familiar with Joanna, Ben's wife. Known for her intelligence, wit, and grace, she embodied the ideal partner many envied.
"Are there any properties available?" Charlie asked, ready to act on the plan.
"There's a 22,000-square-foot mansion for sale. It's owned by a bank executive," Ben said, his tone tinged with regret.
"Unfortunate circumstances," someone murmured, as everyone acknowledged the banking sector's struggles during the Great Depression.
"How much is the asking price?" Charlie inquired, intrigued by the opportunity.
"It's $1.96 million. That's the final price after several rounds of negotiations," Ben said.
"Buy it," Charlie decided without hesitation. A luxury mansion on the Gold Coast, priced at $1.96 million, was a deal he couldn't pass up.
"The property has three stories, and the layout is practical. A few modifications would make it ideal for our purposes," Ben added, making a note in his planner.
"Contact Packard and arrange for a designer to inspect the property," Charlie instructed. "Also, keep looking for suitable land. I want this school to meet the standards of Ivy League colleges."
"Boss, will there be an internal discount for tuition in the future?" Ben joked, eliciting laughter from the group.
The meeting concluded, and as they left, Charlie turned to Ben. "Do you need some time off?"
Ben hesitated but eventually said, "If you're offering, I'd appreciate it."
"Take two weeks. Arrange your work tomorrow, and I'll approve it," Charlie said. He also began considering a rotational vacation plan for the think tank members, ensuring they remained productive without burning out.
Ben expressed his gratitude, relieved that Charlie had recognized the need for work-life balance.
Later that evening, Ben shared the good news with Joanna. They celebrated and began planning their vacation. However, Joanna expressed her discomfort with having bodyguards constantly shadowing them.
Ben promised to minimize their presence while ensuring their safety, especially given the volatile environment of the time.
After discussing vacation plans with Joanna, Ben made several phone calls to his colleagues—Rush,Aria , Mahdi, Maiton, and Johnny—ensuring a smooth handover of his responsibilities during his absence.
As he finalized details, Ben also considered long-term improvements for the think tank's operational efficiency. Eventually, he hoped to adopt a supervisory role similar to Charlie's, allowing him to enjoy more personal time without compromising work quality.