What made old Murdoch feel lucky was that Shion Washimine was in New York during this period.
This saved him from having to fly all the way to the West Coast, or even cross the Pacific Ocean to Japan.
After all, old Murdoch is really old, and he simply cannot bear to conduct a negotiation that requires a lot of energy after a long journey.
Although nominally, old Murdoch visited Shion on the pretext of paying private greetings, everyone knew what was actually going on.
So after welcoming old Murdoch into his boss's office, Iioka left tactfully.
He had no interest in listening to the details of the negotiation between the two big guys.
As the executor, Iioka only needs to honestly complete the work assigned by Shion.
When Iioka closed the door and only Shion and old Murdoch were left in the office, the atmosphere gradually became tense.
Old Murdoch sat in an armchair, his eyes fixed on Shion.
Logically speaking, given old Murdoch's identity, Shion should receive the other party at home.
But Shion took the liberty of conducting this exchange in the office.
This made old Murdoch believe that Shion might be sincere in negotiating, but the negotiation process would definitely not be easy.
So Murdoch didn't beat around the bush and said directly: "I apologize for James's eavesdropping on you. If I had known..."
"If you knew he was eavesdropping on me, would you have stopped him?"
Shion said in a mocking tone, "If that's the case, then does it not matter if he eavesdropped on ordinary people?"
Old Murdoch looked at Shion with a gloomy expression.
In just twenty years, News Corporation has grown from a remote place in Australia to a world-class entertainment and media group.
To outsiders, this was a miracle, but as the founder of the group, how could Murdoch not know how he did it?
There were indeed many things that he was unaware of, but that did not explain everything.
Doesn't old Murdoch himself have any idea how his subordinates dug up that information?
Anyway, Shion doesn't believe that the man known as the "Media Emperor" would be completely unaware of these things.
This old man is no more innocent than his son who is already in jail.
Old Murdoch sighed and said in a very sincere tone, "Regarding this incident, on behalf of News Corporation and my son, I apologize to you, Miss Washimine."
If it were the public, Murdoch Sr. could have easily gotten away with it by saying "I don't know."
After all, public accusations must be supported by evidence.
But who is Shion?
She is currently the richest woman in the world, and evidence is always unnecessary to her.
So, Shion's eyes narrowed: "You said that as if the police are not needed after the apology."
"Ms. Shion, regarding the harm you and your... employees have suffered as a result of this incident, News Corporation and I will compensate you."
Old Murdoch knew that it was useless to pretend at this time, and he must come up with everything practical.
Even old Murdoch could guess what kind of compensation the wealthy woman wanted.
Although Shion was very secretive in its acquisition of Fox shares, the fact that several old shareholders sold their Fox shares almost at the same time still attracted the attention of Murdoch Sr.
However, Murdoch Sr. does not intend to let go of Fox just like that.
The reason is simple. Compared to News Corporation, whose reputation has completely been ruined, Fox Group is one of the few high-quality assets he currently has.
Although Fox's stock price has plummeted like News Corporation during this period, it is more due to the involvement of News Corporation.
As long as Fox can wait for this matter to pass and make a few more hit movies and produce some high-quality TV shows, this old film company will naturally rise.
Therefore, Murdoch Sr. does not want to give up Fox unless it is absolutely necessary.
If possible, he would rather solve the matter with pure money.
"News Corporation will compensate Washimine with $1.5 billion," Murdoch said. "At the same time, I will personally compensate you, Director Kiryu, and Miss Wetting with $200 million each."
This amount of money is indeed not small, and it even far exceeds the normal compensation range.
Unfortunately, Shion was very dissatisfied with this condition.
I spent so much time and energy, and even separated from my man for so long, just for these few dollars? !
If it had been ten years ago, after making Murdoch Jr. lose face, Shion might have just taken the money and let the matter go.
But ten years have passed and the woman's perspective has changed.
Washimine is no longer the Washimine that only makes games. Now Washimine is a super entertainment empire spanning several fields.
Shion's appetite has long been beyond the reach of just a little money. What she wants is Fox, the last missing piece of the puzzle in her entertainment empire.
Shion held her chin with both hands, posing in a classic Commander Ikari pose.
"Mr Murdoch, the psychological damage we have suffered cannot be measured in dollars."
The meaning of this sentence is very clear.
Stop doing useless things. I don't value money.
"I know Marvel has been negotiating with Fox for the copyright of Marvel characters..."
"That's true. Could it be that Mr. Murdoch intends to use the character copyright as collateral?"
Shion said innocently, "If you give us benefits unilaterally, wouldn't that mean we are taking bribes? We Washimine would never do such a bad thing~"
"Fox has some of the copyright and distribution rights to Star Wars. I can..."
Shion said directly: "Star Wars was originally a Lucasfilm thing, right?"
"…"
Old Murdoch's heart was bleeding; the situation he was most worried about finally happened.
Seeing old Murdoch's face turning red and white, Shion felt indescribably happy.
If there was no camera, she really wanted to take a picture of this expression and go back to enjoy it slowly with her man.
"Mr. Murdoch, how much value do you think Fox has after losing Marvel and Star Wars?"
Old Murdoch remained silent.
Since the beginning of the new century, Fox's development in the film industry has not been very smooth.
Although there are successful movies, the only works that can continuously create value are X-Men and Star Wars.
"Avatar" may be counted as one, but it is unrealistic to expect Cameron to make movie sequels as diligently as the MCU next door.
"So, apart from Marvel and Star Wars, the entire Fox is a burden. Then Mr. Murdoch, you might as well just pack it up and give it to us as a bonus."
Shion spread her hands, as if she was really considering old Murdoch.
"After all, I, Washimine Shion, am not a demon~"
It was the first time that old Murdoch had seen a woman so shameless.
Fox is a bonus?!
Although it is true that Fox's main revenue projects now are X-Men and Star Wars.
But just ask anyone on the street, which of these two series is worth more than the entire Fox company?!
Everyone will choose Fox!
"Ms. Shion, although News Corporation is currently facing some difficulties, it is not without the ability to fight back."
Old Murdoch's face flushed red. He threatened in a low voice, "Miss Washimine, do you really want Washimine and News Corporation to fight to the death?"
"Look at what you said, Mr. Murdoch." Shion couldn't help but laugh, "The market value of News Corporation has always been lower than Washimine~"
Murdoch's eyes seemed to be spitting fire: "The size of a company has never been determined by market value!"
"But no matter what, News Corporation needs a lot of money now, right? But can you afford it now?"
Shion's words reminded old Murdoch that News Corporation's funds were still in a tug-of-war with Warner Group.
Shion said with a smile: "There is an old saying in China that 'the righteous have many supporters, while the unrighteous have few supporters'. Washimine is not fighting alone now~"
Old Murdoch was silent.
If News Corporation really goes all out, it might be able to fight to the death with Washimine.
But now News Corporation is being besieged from all sides.
In terms of funding, Warner Group is dragging down News Corporation like a mad dog.
Legally, various forces, including the British royal family, are filing lawsuits against News Corporation.
Most of the News Corporation employees nowadays are either in police station or sitting in their offices in a daze.
Only the people in the legal department are busy as dogs.
Other media companies were also not idle. Television stations such as ABC and NBC broadcast unfavorable information related to News Corporation every day.
What is worse than being besieged by multiple forces is that because of this [phone-hacking] incident, no one is willing to help News Corporation anymore.
After all, News Corporation has offended too many people this time, and the wiretapping list has not yet been completely sorted out.
God knows whether he is on the list or not.
Everyone is sharpening their knives and forks, waiting to get a piece of the fat after News Corporation dies.
Washimine was just the one who took action first and was the most ruthless.
It is no exaggeration to say that News Corporation is now in the hands of the general.
Old Murdoch felt his blood pressure soaring.
I was actually threatened by someone. I haven't encountered such a thing in decades.
And the person who threatened him was a little girl who could be his granddaughter.
However, Murdoch Sr. was helpless against this threat and couldn't even fight back.
"Ms. Washimine, you want Fox, right?"
Old Murdoch tried to save face and said, "I will never accept this condition!"
"I suppose so."
Shion shrugged and pressed the button on the landline.
Iioka, who was waiting outside the door, walked in.
"You can hold Fawkes until you die if you want."
The smile on Shion's face had disappeared. She said in a very domineering tone, "It's okay. I have patience and can wait slowly. Anyway, I'm younger than you."
After saying that, Shion closed her notebook with a snap.
"Iioka, show the guest out."