Chapter 296: Drew

Li Mochen felt nothing about the resignations of the two and agreed on the spot.

One was Mr. Bartram, the current general manager of Richard Publishing House, and the other was the editor-in-chief of the publishing department. Both were blameworthy for the high losses of Richard Publishing House for two consecutive years.

Of course, the main cause was their predecessors, but the fact that they failed to turn the situation around after two years in office showed they were no longer suitable for the publishing house.

In Li Mochen's view, the only team with some fighting capability in this publishing house was the editorial team of the 'Atlanta Laborer Newspaper.' About twelve people, small but capable, whom Li Mochen must retain.

He noticed that the subscription numbers of this small newspaper had been steadily increasing over the past three years, rising by 13,000 copies, making it the only department that could balance income and expenses.

But then, Li Mochen's headache returned.

His purpose in acquiring the publishing house was twofold: first, to publish his own comics, and second, to gain the power to influence public opinion in Atlanta.

The former was easy—just apply for a publication number for his comics and print them; the sales channels covered Georgia and surrounding cities. However, Li Mochen also saw that the publishing house lacked someone to take overall charge. The resigned editor-in-chief might have been the only one with such ability.

As for the Atlanta Laborer Daily, Li Mochen hoped to continue increasing its sales and was even willing to invest heavily.

But after talking with the newspaper's editor-in-chief, he found the man lacked drive, being content with small gains. Moreover, he had no experience in publishing, which completely dispelled Li Mochen's idea of promoting him to general manager of the publishing house.

So, to revitalize the publishing business and expand the Laborer Daily's reach, he would have to find a suitable helmsman. He wondered if those headhunting firms could find someone to his liking.

Just then, Li Mochen received a call from Ms. Isolt, the Comptroller of Atlanta.

"Andre, are you now at war with Yves Cadwyn? I heard he's been badly beaten by you?"

"Just gained a slight advantage at the start. He severely underestimated me."

Li Mochen had already guessed the purpose of Isolt's call: "I suppose he's come begging to you, Ms. Isolt?"

"He begged me for half an hour and promised donations to several charitable foundations I designated."

Ms. Isolt chuckled: "But I haven't agreed yet. Is that okay, Andre?"

"It's fine, ma'am. As long as I achieve my goal, I don't necessarily have to destroy him completely."

Li Mochen felt respected: "But the terms I offered him before are no longer suitable. Besides the previous stores, I want him to give up the jewelry store as well."

"Jewelry? If you go into that business, I doubt Ms. Lillard will be happy. Edward Jewelry Company just spent a fortune to sign you."

Ms. Isolt said with a profound tone: "If you want to add terms, I suggest you demand shares of the Georgia Post. Few know that he has long held 14.5% of the Georgia Post's shares through offshore companies."

"The Georgia Post?"

Li Mochen's eyes lit up. It was a newspaper with decent sales. Though he hadn't looked into it, the Georgia Post was ubiquitous on Atlanta streets.

"The stake seems small. Can I influence the Post's stance?"

"Of course. This can help you gain control of the Post."

Ms. Isolt said calmly, words that thrilled Li Mochen: "Another major shareholder, Mr. Mott-Doyle, holds 39% of the Georgia Post. He has moved to the West Coast but has held onto the shares due to certain relationships. However, by the end of the year at the latest, he will transfer these shares. And this gentleman has always been a close friend of the Isolt family."

"You flatter me, ma'am. I am immensely grateful for your trust."

Li Mochen understood the friendship and weight behind these words.

"It's your good fortune. So far, we haven't found a suitable person to take over the Georgia Post. Then you suddenly popped up—"

Ms. Isolt sighed: "In terms of image, background, financial strength, and martial prowess, you meet all requirements. Who else would I choose but you? But Andre, the Richard Publishing House you just bought—you don't have a suitable manager yet, do you?"

Li Mochen's mind stirred, realizing this was likely Ms. Isolt's condition.

"There was a general manager, but he submitted his resignation today, and I'm troubled by it. I heard you used to be a newspaper editor-in-chief, Ms. Isolt? Could you recommend someone? Preferably someone with strong abilities."

"I do have someone in mind."

Ms. Isolt suggested with a light laugh: "Have you heard of Ms. Nanette Drew? Three months ago, she was the political editor-in-chief of the Abraham Post. As far as I know, she's still at home and hasn't sought a new job. I think you could try. This lady has immense influence; her current affairs analysis and political commentary have many loyal readers nationwide. I believe her name alone could bring 30,000 to 50,000 subscriptions to your newspaper."

Li Mochen hadn't heard of Nanette Drew, but the name 'Abraham Post' made his pupils contract.

Abraham was the capital of America, and the Abraham Post was one of the most prestigious and influential newspapers in the country. Decades ago, it had even forced a president to resign, earning great renown.

And the political section was undoubtedly the most important section of the Abraham Post.

"This is a big name."

Li Mochen's voice was incredulous: "But my Richard Publishing House is just a small publisher with negative assets. Would she condescend to come?"

"If this publishing house can acquire the Georgia Post, its scale will be considerable. The Georgia Post has 500,000 subscriptions in Georgia, with sales over a million, and 120,000 loyal readers in Atlanta alone. Notably, these readers don't overlap with your Laborer Newspaper's audience."

Then Ms. Isolt revealed the key: "Ms. Drew has always wanted to enter politics, but there's no place for her in Abraham. Your publishing house could provide her a stepping stone, a platform. If she can helm a publishing house with over a million readers, five years would be enough for her to gain strong influence in Georgia politics."

"I will extend an invitation. If Ms. Drew is truly willing to take over Richard Publishing House, it would be my honor."

Li Mochen was already tempted. The key was that this would allow him to control a media company with considerable strength.

After finishing the call, Li Mochen smiled and waved for Mr. Edmund Bedman, who was watching from a distance, to come over.

"Mr. Bedman, I think you can clock out now. The war is over. You can go back to find that Mr. Werewolf."