belamy20

Chapter 204: Do You Know How to Shoot?

Added 2024-09-05 17:18:15 +0000 UTC

After Jessica moved into the villa, the place became livelier. The two spent their days swimming, playing sports, practicing combat, and occasionally shopping—they had a good time together.

However, just after a couple of days, Jessica's family kept calling, asking where she was. Her father was a former military man, and her mother was a teacher, so she was raised with strict discipline.

Jessica, feeling pressured by her family's concerns, reluctantly left the hillside villa after a few days. However, Richard insisted she keep the card, with $100,000 in monthly spending money.

"Hehe, Richard, we agreed there'd be no favoritism toward the company's female artists. So, how do you explain this?" Anthony teased while they were in the car.

"Ha!" Mike, sitting in the front, chuckled. "Anthony, you're too late. You should have reminded him when he was with Naomi. Isn't it a bit late to say something now?"

Richard shook his head, "This isn't favoritism; it's just a normal relationship."

Anthony smirked, "Oh, so when Norman gets involved with a company artist, it's favoritism, but when it's you, it's just a normal relationship? If Norman heard that, he'd probably be furious."

"Yeah," Mike added with a laugh. "Norman used to like Jessica a lot, but he never dared to make a move for fear of getting in trouble. If he finds out about this, he's not going to let it go easily."

Richard smiled lightly, "Then we'll follow the company's rules. I'm willing to give up my shares."

"Uh, Richard, that was just a joke. You can't be serious," Anthony said, shaking his head.

"I'm serious. I've been considering this for a while. BAA is your business. Now that the company is on the right track, I can rest easy. I'm ready to transfer 25% of my shares to you, keep 5% for Naomi, and I'll remain an artist with BAA, but I won't interfere with company matters anymore. I simply don't have the time.

You know, I'm setting up New Century, selecting projects, and in the future, I'll be focusing on boxing, making movies, and managing New Century. I won't have time for BAA, so it's best to hand the company over to you and let you take charge," Richard explained.

"I disagree. The reason Norman and I started BAA was because of you. Without you, we'd lose our core. Even if you don't have time to manage the company, it doesn't matter—you can stay on as a supervisor. Hand the company over to me, and we'll work together to grow BAA. Without you—"

Anthony paused. "Norman would probably quit as well. Even if he stayed, he wouldn't be as motivated to bring in resources. Without you two as pillars, I don't believe BAA could continue to develop normally. Richard, I hope you'll stay on."

Richard frowned slightly, "The company's rules must be upheld. I broke the rules and must be punished. Otherwise, the company's culture will deteriorate."

Anthony adjusted his glasses and looked at him, "Richard, did you get involved with Jessica just to bring up the idea of quitting?"

"You're overthinking it. I've been planning this for a while. I'm bringing it up now to give you a heads-up. Think about how I can step down with the least impact and draft some guidelines," Richard replied honestly. He had little interest in this business initially, which is why BAA had been idle for two or three years with no artists. Now that he had money and New Century, he wanted to hand BAA over to Anthony completely.

Anthony pondered for a moment. "Richard, you are the face of BAA. The company could lose anyone, but not you. Norman, Naomi, Jessica, and even the new addition, Paris—they all joined because of you.

With you as the company's figurehead, more people will want to join BAA in the future. We really can't do without you. If you're serious about stepping down, wait a few more years. You can start gradually stepping back when we bring in new investors."

"Investors? How long will that take?" Richard asked, shaking his head.

"Richard, it won't be long. BAA has been around for over two years now. It started as a small company, but now we have you as our ace, two B-list, and two potential B-list actors. The others are doing well too. Our company is worth at least $10 million now. At this rate, I believe within five years, we can attract new investors," Anthony said confidently.

Richard thought for a moment. "Then how should we handle this breach of rules? I think it should be dealt with seriously."

"Ha!" Mike laughed again from the front.

"You're really giving me a tough one," Anthony said, shaking his head. After thinking for a moment, he suggested, "We could start by removing you from your supervisory position and giving you a stern reprimand at the board meeting. How about that?"

"Alright, let's do that for now. But don't forget about the share transfer," Richard agreed."Alright!"

Anthony was truly at a loss for words. Who digs a hole for themselves like this?

"Richard, we're here!"

The car pulled up to the entrance of a shooting club on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The three of them got out of the car. Richard was here for an appointment today.

The movie Black Hawk Down was in the casting stage, and director Ridley Scott had invited him here for a chat. Once inside the shooting range, he met the project's producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, director Ridley Scott, screenwriter Ken Nolan, art consultant Mark Bowden, and others.

Among these people, Jerry Bruckheimer was someone worth paying attention to. He was a top Hollywood producer, with influence comparable to that of Weinstein.

His notable works included Top Gun, Bad Boys, The Rock, Con Air, National Treasure, Glory Road, and more. He was also said to be a supporter of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, including their movie Pearl Harbor.

"Hey, Richard, do you know how to shoot?"

Jerry Bruckheimer turned around and called out. He was standing at a shooting lane, wearing noise-canceling ear muffs, holding a handgun, and had just finished firing a clip.

Next to him, director Ridley Scott also put down his gun.

Richard smiled lightly, "I know a little!"

He picked up a Colt M2000 handgun, skillfully disassembled it, and quickly reassembled it, all in under 20 seconds.

Click~

He swiftly loaded the magazine, held the gun with one hand, aimed at the human-shaped target 50 meters away, and repeatedly pulled the trigger.

Bang bang bang bang bang bang bang~

The gunfire was deafening at the shooting lane, and the sound of the shell casings hitting the ground was barely noticeable, with only the faint scent of gunpowder in the air.

After finishing the clip, Richard put down the handgun.

"Check the target!"

"Three bullseyes, two nines!"

The announcer called out.

Clap clap clap~

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted at the scene.

"Richard, you're amazing. Not only are you a boxing champion, but you're also such a good shot. I heard you once shot three robbers in the arm, and I found it hard to believe. Now, I'm thoroughly convinced."

Jerry Bruckheimer praised him.

Richard smiled slightly, "I trained for a while in the past."

"Mr. Brad, you're even better than the sharpshooters we had in the Marines. It's such a waste for someone with your talent to go into filmmaking."

Art consultant Mark Bowden sighed. He had a special forces background and was now part of the security department.

"Hey, Mark, are you saying filmmaking is a waste? Do you look down on us filmmakers?"

Ridley Scott pretended to be displeased.

"No, it's just that it's been a long time since I've seen a sharpshooter like Mr. Brad."

"Mr. Bowden, you're too kind."

Richard replied modestly.

"Richard, your movements were very smooth. Did you receive specialized training in the past?"

Jerry Bruckheimer asked curiously.

"Yes, my father and uncle were both in special forces and had seen combat. I trained with my uncle for two years when I was a child."