Chapter 653

It was impossible for Adriaan not to know that after Jobs returned to Apple, the originally shaky Apple was revitalized. This was one of the reasons why he had a good relationship with Jobs in the first place. Pixar was the second.

But he did not know why Jobs returned to Apple, nor did he know why he directed Apple to change its direction. Maybe Pixar's success increased his leverage and influenced him, but maybe not, who knows?

Of course, just like the famous Hollywood adage: no one is indispensable, and Jobs was not 100% indispensable. If Adriaan was the CEO of Apple, as long as Jonathan Ive and the other core designers were still there, he might not be able to match Jobs, but he could at least achieve 80% of Jobs's achievements. Well, that might not be the right example. Without Steve Jobs, Apple would have fallen flat on its face, or they would have found a better CEO who would have produced even better results. The future is attractive because of its uncertainties.

But this was exactly the situation that Adriaan wanted to avoid. His biggest advantage was foresight. Avoiding the butterfly effect was naturally something that he always had to pay attention to. Besides, Apple with Jobs would be a huge cake in the future. Pixar's benefits were just a drop in the ocean compared to it. It would be a pity to lose it.

However, if he really chose to split Pixar's rights with Jobs, he might have to bargain with him when it came to integrating animation in the future. This guy was not easy to deal with. So, Adriaan had to think about what to do.

But it only took a few days before Adriaan made his own decision.

"You mean, you want to spend tens of millions to buy a computer animation studio that has been losing money for seven years, losing more than a million every year?" After opening the wine cabinet in his study, Claude took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. He turned around and stared at Adriaan while pouring the wine.

"No more than 50 million. Uncle Leggett helped me collect some information. Just a few weeks ago, Jobs wanted to sell to Microsoft at this price, but Microsoft thought the asking price was too high and did not accept it. I don't think Jobs will offer a higher price now." Adriaan took the glass and held it up for a closer look, then shook it a few times, put it under his nose, took a deep breath, and finally closed his eyes to taste it.

"83 Malgo? You really know how to enjoy yourself, Krau. "He opened his eyes and looked at his best friend in surprise.

"Because I want to entertain you." Claude shrugged, then showed a curious look, "But how did you know it the first time? You even got the year right. "

"The bottle is in front of me, and I know the numbers and phrases on it." Adriaan pointed to the bottle in his hand.

Claude opened his mouth wide in astonishment, then burst into laughter. "Do you think I'm Conan Doyle in a taxi?"

Adriaan did not speak. He tasted the lipstick again before looking at Claude again. Claude, of course, knew what he meant. He shook his head and said, "No problem, I will contact Jobs."

This time it was Adriaan's turn to be stunned. He stared at Claude for a few seconds before he asked in a surprised tone, "Wait, Krau, you said … you agreed?!"

"Yes, I agreed. What's wrong?" Claude shrugged, puzzled. "Are you going back on your word again?"

"No, no, no!" Adriaan waved his hand and looked at him like he was looking at a rare animal. "Shouldn't you be against it? Shouldn't you be talking about investment and risks?! Shouldn't you be fighting to dispel my idea?! "

"Yes, I did think so at first. Although I collected some information and consulted some professionals, I also think that computer animation has prospects, it is not a wise move to spend so much money to buy a studio that has been losing money for several years." Claude gestured and said, "But, on second thought, I have rejected your proposal several times in a row. If I do it again, my CEO position is likely to be lost, so … I compromised."

His serious look made Adriaan's mouth twitch, but he quickly restrained himself. He waved his hand and showed a very hurt and anxious look. "How can you do this, Krau! You should continue to stick to your principles! You should continue to oppose it and continue to persuade me not to take such a big risk! "

"Hey, what's going on? Why do you want me to agree when I don't agree, but when I agree, you don't want me to agree? "Claude looked at him inexplicably.

"Because I've already planned it. You'll disrupt my plans." Adriaan put down the wine glass in his hand and spread his hands. Then, without waiting for Claude to ask, he explained, "From the previous proposals, I knew that it was very likely that you would oppose this acquisition because you are always very stable in these things. So, I prepared early. After you rejected it, I asked Uncle Leggett to help me buy Pixar in my own name. Then, we'll wait for Pixar to soar into the sky before integrating it into AC Media, so that we can further squeeze out your 25% shares! "

"You actually schemed against me like this!" Claude looked at him with a look of shock.

"Hey, how can you say that? I have discussed it with you first, but you rejected the proposal. Of course, I have to buy it myself." Adriaan raised his hand innocently. "This is a very normal business practice."

"But I have already agreed, and you are asking me to reject it. If this isn't a scheme, then what is?" Claude said, pestering him endlessly.

"Have you ever seen a scheme that says everything … like this? You … Hey … Idiot … I'm warning you, Krau, if you do this again, I won't go easy on you! "Adriaan reached out to deal with Claude's fist, frowned, and said in a warning tone.

"Is that so, boy?" Claude immediately jumped up and waved his fist at him. "Do you want to fight?"

Adriaan couldn't help but be stunned at the situation in front of him. Some scenes suddenly flashed in his mind. He knew that it was the memory of his previous self. However, he had also fought with Claude a few times in the private club. Why was there an inexplicable feeling spreading in his heart now? Although it only lasted for a few seconds, but …

Adriaan suddenly laughed and jumped up. After unbuttoning his collar, he took a stance and waved at Claude. "Come over if you want to be beaten."

"Don't say it so confidently, Eide." Claude waved a few punches to test him. "I can beat you effortlessly. If this wasn't my study, if I wasn't wearing boxing gloves, you would have been lying on the ground … Ah!"

With a plop, Claude fell to the ground. Adriaan, who swung his fist fiercely, took a few steps forward because his strength missed. Then, he looked at Claude, who was lying on the ground with his head in his hands, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"You haven't changed at all. My fist hasn't touched you yet," he said mockingly.

"Do you want me to wait for you to hit me before lying down? You don't know how to control your strength. "Claude sat up and said bitterly," Now I don't … "

He suddenly closed his mouth. Adriaan was stunned at first, but then he understood what he was worried about. He couldn't help but smile. "It's okay. At least you can tell my godfather."

"Don't mention it. My father will only let me hit him back with my fist." Claude stood up lazily.

The two extended their fists and punched each other. Then, they looked at each other and smiled. Some things did not need to be said between best friends.

"How about we find a chance to go on stage and fight for two rounds?" Claude said as he sat back in his chair.

"No problem. Anytime." Adriaan, who also sat back in his chair, clapped his hands in agreement.

"That's it then. I will contact Jobs as soon as possible." Claude brought the topic back. "The bottom line is that we must get Pixar, right?"

"Yes." Adrian nodded. "It would be best for you to negotiate with him in person, to show that we value him, that we value him, and I'm sure we'll get more out of him."

"As you wish." Claude waved his hands. Then, he thought of something and smirked. "Well, if nothing goes wrong, we will soon get ownership of Pixar. You can't use that method against me anymore."

"Unfortunately, I have already asked Uncle Leggett to buy Silicon and Synapse Studio. So, I have plenty of opportunities." Adriaan sneered.

"Are you that confident?" Claude raised his eyebrows.

"Just wait and see, Krau." Adriaan laughed. "To celebrate, how about we open another bottle of good wine?"

"Let's finish this bottle first." Claude raised the bottle in his hand.

"That won't do. You have a lot of good wine collection. How can you use an '83 Magog to brush me off?" Adriaan said and thought for a moment. "Why don't we open the 1784 Chateau Dichen white wine?"

"Don't even think about it! That's a collector's item that can only be viewed. Drinking it is a waste of God's gift! "Claude yelled.

"It's a waste of God's gift if I don't drink it." Adriaan mumbled, but then he waved his hand. "Okay, okay. I won't think about your collection."

He didn't really think about the bottle of wine. He was just using this opportunity to tease Claude. In a sense, collectibles were more like trophies. They were more used to show off. For example, people who liked to collect famous paintings or antiques always liked to show these things in front of their customers. Even ordinary people would collect stamps or something. Many animals had the same custom, and humans were all advanced animals.

"I remember that you used to like collecting cars. You don't seem to have any interest now?" Claude suddenly asked.

"Yes, I have." Adriaan nodded.

"What are you collecting now?" Claude asked with interest.

Adriaan wanted to say nothing, but a thought suddenly popped up in his mind.

"I am now …" He said slowly, looking at the dark red glass in his hand. A playful smile appeared on his face. "Collecting women!"