8 Chapter 8 - Richard's Majestic
A few days after Enzo Morelli died. The Morelli Corporation's BAWSAQ shares dropped. Of course, I exposed the crimes and atrocities he's committed throughout his run to drag the stocks ever lower. And with the stocks now being so cheap, I bought 100% of the company's shares. I'll use it well, baldy.
And to Lester's delight, Gold Coast Development's stocks went sky-high. So our partnership is now a go. I'll be meeting with him later to discuss our future plans.
Right now, I'm on my way to meet Solomon Richards. A successful Vinewood film producer and current owner of Richard's Majestic Productions, the latter having cult-classic levels of fame. Unfortunately, their recent productions have put them in an economic failure. And with other well-known studios being put down, it has become an option for them to sell the studio as well. I'm not letting that happen. Thankfully, their supposed buyer got into an "accident."
I parked my car in front of the studio office. Looking around, the studio was massive. Various trailers parked around, props from other movies adorning the open space, and people in costumes walking around. There was a set of stairs leading towards the office. I walked through it and made my way to the office door. I then knocked, waiting for a reply.
The door opened, revealing a brunette woman, with a pair of glasses adorning her face. She wore a light grey suit while holding a checklist board in her embrace.
"Ah. You must be Mr. De Santa. Please come in." She opened the door and led me towards the table.
"Please sit. Mr. Richards will be here with you shortly. Is there anything you need in the meantime?" She asked as I made my way to the table.
"No, thank you," I responded as I took a seat.
"I see. I'll be informing Mr Richards of your arrival, please wait here." I nodded at her words. She then left the office, leaving me to myself.
Observing the office. The brown wallpapered walls were adorned with movie posters in frames, the furniture engraved with fancy woodworking, and trophies of varying sizes displayed on glass shelves.
A few minutes later, the door opened, revealing an old Caucasian man. He walked in with a slightly hunched-over posture, suggesting his age. He has thinning white hair combed over. He wore a black formal suit with a pair of black tinted sunglasses adorning his face.
"Ah. You must be Michael!" He walked towards me. I stood up from my seat as he neared me. He extended his hand towards me. "Solomon Richards, nice to meet you," he said as I shook his hands.
"Michael De Santa, a pleasure" I greeted.
"So, to what do I owe this visit?" He asked as he gestured for me to sit back as he did so on the other side of the table. He took off his glasses as he sat.
"I'll get straight to the point. I want to buy your studio." I responded. He sighed at my reply.
"I knew this day would come," he looked down, a tinge of sadness evident in his eyes.
"Where have the times when movies meant more than just blatant cash grabs… You know, back when my father was still in the helm, our Richard name was treated like a messiah!" He clenched his fist. "Now… we're treated like dying camels… A thing of the past…" He unclenched his fist as he sighed. "I'm sorry Mr. De Santa, I don't think I'm quite ready to let go yet," He looked at me straight with a wistful smile.
"I think you misunderstand. I'm not here to kill off the studio. I'm here to revive it," I explained as I gave him a small smile.
"What?... Aren't you from the Morellis?" He asked as he looked at me, confused.
"No, No. Although I'm in the process of acquiring the company, right now, I'm coming to you as an individual, as a fan of the theatre, and the movies," I replied. He was speechless for a few seconds, obviously sceptical.
"Prove it. If you're really a fan, you can prove yourself, right? For all I know, you're just making up bullsh*t so you could fool me into selling my studio," He stood up and rubbed his chin as he turned around, thinking about something.
"Try me" I grinned. He then turned around with a smile of his own.
"Pluto? I said Mars, ya c*cksucker." He leaned towards the table, with an annoyed expression.
"Shoulder of Orion 2," I replied immediately.
"Darn… too easy." He then rubbed his chin again, thinking for another line. He then straightened his posture as he opened his arms. "See, the ships are coming in, but the walls will hold us!" He recited with grandiose.
"Nelson in Naples," I answered. Thank god for old Michael's obsession with the movies. He chuckled at my immediate answer.
"I loved you once, Tony, but there's nothing between us. Now that I know you prefer dictation." He spoke in a dramatic tone, sporting a sad expression.
"American Divorce," I said with a grin. "I can do this all day, friend." The smile on his face widened.
"I'm only a paraplegic, but you can't feel anything!" He said with an exaggerated old man voice.
"Rum Runner, too easy," I said. He gave out a hearty laugh before finally sitting down.
"I guess you really are a fan," He said with a smile. "You know I would've offered you coffee, but my assistant ran off to who knows where - you know I used to have three secretaries. Now I have to make my own coffee and make myself a happy ending"
"Nah, don't worry about it," I replied with a small chuckle as I waved his offer off.
"Now tell me, Michael. If I hand over my studio to you. Will you promise to lead our way back to the path of prosperity? To the land of dreams?" He asked genuinely.
"Absolutely," I answered promptly. "I will not let you down" He smiled at my answer.
"Then you got yourself a deal" He extended his hand towards me. I shook it.
"Thank you," I said.
Solomon sighed. "If only my son had the same drive as you… You know he wants me out to pasture so he can turn this place into condos or a theme park or something". He looked down with a disappointed smile.
"Then he must be blind. This place is a dream factory!" I said wryly.
"Exactly… Well maybe he has different dreams," Solomon said as he raised his head, leaning back on his chair.
We proceeded to have some small talks, talking about my future plans. We spent hours talking, surprisingly. I left before promising to meet with him again with a script in hand.
Moving to my next agenda of the day, I'm on my way to the Arcade to meet with Lester.
***
I was sitting in the planning area of the Arcade. I had my feet raised on the table as I inspected my stats. I haven't stopped exercising and shooting at the range, so most of my stats have been improving.
I tried reading some books and watching guides on how to fly planes and helicopters but my stas for flying hasn't really increased much. It seems I need to physically fly them. If I gather the right crew, I shouldn't really have the need to, but having variety in my skillset is better. So, I'm planning on taking some lessons.
Stamina: 24 > 29
Shooting: 24 > 31
Strength: 22 > 28
Stealth: 9 > 11
Flying: 2 > 3
Driving: 16 > 21
It's now been a week since I last bought items from the [Shop], so its contents are now refreshed. Opening it, I immediately noticed a lot more items that're useful than the last time.
[ Master Key (B)
Cost: $9500
The all-fitting key! This key will morph to fit any small, and vehicle locks, allowing you to open them without much hassle. ]
[ System Map (A)
Cost: $100,000
A holographic map, presenting the places you've been to. It also marks nearby entities, so no surprises for you! ]
This is gonna be hella useful in the future. Buying it.
[ Face-Mask Generator (A)
Cost: $250,000
A device that creates a realistic recreation of any face you want. However, each use will be quite costly.
3D Scanner: $200,000 per use
Face Printer: $300,000 per use
(Note: Only clean money is accepted) ]
It's that thing they use in Mission Impossible! I'm buyin' it. Though I can't really use it too much yet cause it'll put a dent in my account, the investment will pay quite high in the future.
[ ICA19 Silverballer (B)
Cost: $9,500
This pistol is modelled after the Colt M1911A1 but adorned with a silver exterior. Also equipped with the [silence] suppressor. No one would even notice anything till they see the body drop. ]
I bought it without hesitation. 'I already got 47's sniper, might as well buy the whole set.'
[ A Mary Jane Enthusiast's Blessing (A)
Cost: $95,000
I like mah greens high quality. All Cannabis that is planted in your name will have x10 in its quality when harvested. ]
[ Auto-Looting (B)
Cost: $50,000
Anything you deem useful will automatically be put in your inventory.
Note: You must be within at least 1 meter of the items. ]
I bought quite a lot today, but they're all worth it. I then checked my current inventory.
[ Bullet Proof Suit (A) ]
[ Meth Formula (A) ]
[ Sieger 300 Ghost (B) ]
[ Voice Modulator (B) (x4) ]
[ Payday Clown Mask (C)(x4) ]
[ Master Key (B) ]
[ Face-Mask Generator (A) ]
[ ICA19 Silverballer (B)(x2) ]
I need 32 more purchases to unlock the next tier of the Shop. I closed my inventory.
I then got a ding from my phone. It's a message from Lester.
<I'm here> He texted.
***
That's it for Chapter 8!
The story's slow right now 'cause it's still in the recruitment phase. Though expect for it to start picking up starting chapter 15 or 20, or maybe even earlier idk.
Also, can you guys suggest a vehicle that can seat four people but still have enough space for loot, and still have enough power to go on high speeds even with plated armour attached to it. Currently, I have the Dartz Kombat in mind, but if you guys have better suggestions, let me know in the comments!
