King of the Wilderness

Chapter 484: Chapter 269: Lin Yu’an’s New Value (Part 3)

Scoot’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. The setup of suspicion had finally been laid bare.

This was not a judgment from a superior to a subordinate; it was the most lethal test of trust between two equal power players.

If Scoot could not provide a perfect answer, their unbreakable alliance would begin to bear an irreparable rift from today.

Scoot showed no anger and offered no defense. He simply replied with a tone mixed with fatigue, self-mockery, and a hint of madness: "Brian, if I truly had such secret channels, would I still need to stay at CAA and share my commercial artists with you?"

This arrogant yet absolutely honest retort cut through all the suspicions like a sharp blade.

Indeed, if Scoot really had such power, he wouldn’t need to play games by Hollywood’s rules. He could become the next Brian Lorde himself, possibly even surpass him. There’s no need to set up a scheme with a newcomer in such a crude way.

On the other end of the line, Brian fell silent. A few seconds later, his signature low chuckle came through.

"You’re right, Scoot. It seems we’ve all been taught a lesson by this young man." The ice of suspicion instantly melted, and the two reverted to their ally stance.

"So, what do you think of his so-called channels?" Brian asked, which was the real core issue.

Scoot pondered for a moment, sorting through the chaotic information in his mind: "It’s unlikely from any official level; neither the Kremlin nor Zhongnanhai would intervene in Wall Street in such a manner. The risks and rewards are completely disproportionate."

"I agree," Brian said, "So, more likely... a non-official white glove?"

"Yes." Scoot took over the conversation as their thoughts aligned, "Perhaps some Russian energy oligarch, eager to find new growth points overseas after sanctions?"

"Or maybe some red capital looking to make money in the US financial circle, while giving Wall Street a lesson? These are the most likely possibilities."

"Both are possible." Brian’s voice carried a hint of excitement, "Whichever it is, it means behind Lin Yu’an stands a massive force we’ve never encountered before, existing outside the rules!"

"He is no longer a simple entertainer, Scoot; he is a bridge linking the unknown world, able to move."

"A bridge... that can explode at any moment," Scoot added with a bitter smile, "Moreover, he seems very aware of the value of this bridge. He’s pricing it for us."

"Risk and opportunity always coexist," Brian’s tone turned decisive, "The bridge has appeared, and we have no reason not to step onto it to take a look. Now, let’s discuss specific tactics; how much have you put down?"

Scoot didn’t hold anything back: "I’ve already invested five million, which is the largest sum of entertainment funds I can mobilize without affecting core assets. He gave me a specific exit date, January 26."

"So soon?" Brian then chuckled, a laugh filled with a hint of the composure and charisma of someone at the top, "Five million? Your courage is still so small, Scoot."

"After all, I can’t compare to your massive industry, what about you? How much do you plan to invest?" Scoot retorted.

"Then I’ll test the waters with ten million." Brian’s tone was as casual as discussing what’s for dinner tonight.

Scoot knew that when Brian said ten million, it might just be a starting number. With his style, once he confirms the direction, he’s likely to multiply the stakes at any time.

"However, my approach might be a bit different from yours."

"What do you mean?" Scoot asked.

"Your five million is a bet based on trust; you’re looking to enjoy the entire ride, aren’t you?" Brian pointed out Scoot’s thoughts sharply.

"And my ten million is based on a setup for verification. I don’t care whether it’s at $20 or $30 now."

"I will immediately have the Switzerland side start absorbing shares gradually. But what I’m looking for isn’t a rise in the stock price, but anomalies."

Scoot was somewhat puzzled: "Anomalies?"

"Exactly." Brian’s voice became precise like a scalpel, "I want to see what the short sellers do when million-dollar buy orders appear on the market."

"Will they increase their short positions to try to drive the price down, or will there be panic covering? I want to see if the sentiment on social media will undergo a qualitative shift due to the inflow of funds."

"I want to see how big a splash this stagnant pond makes when I throw a rock into it!"

Scoot suddenly understood.

Brian wasn’t waiting for someone else to signal; he was personally creating the signal and observing the market’s feedback!

"My ten million is that exploratory rock." Brian continued, "If the market’s reaction confirms Lin Yu’an’s oracle, that shorts are already too weak to remain defenseless, retail investors’ emotions are easily ignited."

"Then, before the true trigger point—when Melvin or Citron publicly declare war—I will quietly complete the final layout with much larger sums than now."

"At that point, it will no longer be following the trend, but creating the trend."

Scoot was filled with awe; this was the mindset of a top predator. He was just a gambler, while Brian was the house trying to control the game.

"Operationally," Brian continued, "make a fortune quietly. This isn’t the official investment of CAA. Use your own offshore accounts and clean up all traces. I will enter through Swiss funds, ensuring no legal ties with the company."

"We cannot have the company’s balance sheet get directly entangled with such geopolitical scale."

"I understand."

"Furthermore," Brian added, "have your assistant team start researching the models and modification plans for top jungle airplanes, from Piper Cub to de Havilland Beaver. Prepare a detailed report for me."

"Once the GME prophecy is fulfilled, we want to get this toy into his hands as soon as possible."

Scoot was a bit puzzled: "So proactive? Shouldn’t we..."

"This isn’t being proactive; it’s investing in the future." Brian explained, with a hint of teaching in his tone, "If he wins, it’ll prove his channels are real."

"Then, an airplane in exchange for the next, and the next oracle. Scoot, remember, for such individuals, control is the lowest means; buying and tying interests together is."

"We want him to understand as long as his information is valuable, CAA will be his most generous partner. The rules are still set by us, just in a different way."

"Alright, I understand now." Scoot fully accepted.

"Scoot," Brian said one last time before hanging up, his tone returned to its initial calmness, "Keep a close eye on him; apart from GME, I need to know if the crack he’s opened leads to treasures behind, or a monster devouring everything."

The call ended.

Scoot looked out at the nightscape, the fear and pressure in his heart hadn’t dissipated yet, but there was now a trace of... delirious excitement.

He and Brian, these two top Hollywood predators, hadn’t encountered prey that could make them both feel so out of control and excited in a long time.

Lin Yu’an, this mysterious young man from Alaska, had successfully turned himself into the center of this game.

——

(Almost there! Soon I’ll have enough money to buy a large farm!)