Chapter 138: Chapter 138 GNC Stock Price Fall
"But one night, after returning from a show, they are attacked by a gunman. During the struggle, Sam is shot and killed. Molly is heartbroken, unaware that Sam hasn\'t left but has become a ghost, staying by her side."
"Later, Sam discovers that his death was orchestrated by Carl to steal money from the bank. Carl then pursues Molly to obtain the code Sam had."
"Sam learns to use his powers but struggles to communicate with Molly. She feels his presence."
This ghost story wasn\'t scary but rather heartwarming, with emotional exchanges between the living and the dead, making it unique.
Hardy narrated the story with great emotion, drawing Hedy deeply into it.
When he finished, Hedy hadn\'t recovered from the tale, asking, "Did Sam really leave in the end?"
"Ghosts and humans belong to different worlds. He went to heaven."
Hedy was somewhat relieved, but soon became excited again.
"Mr. Hardy, I must say this is one of the most beautiful love stories I\'ve ever heard. If it were made into a movie, it would undoubtedly touch countless hearts."
Then she looked at Hardy earnestly and asked, "Mr. Hardy, do you think I could play the role of Molly?"
Her eyes seemed to speak.
"Please, give me a chance," she pleaded.
Hardy spread his hands.
"The story I just told you isn\'t even a script yet, and HD Films has already invested in three movies this year. The financial pressure is high. This \'Ghost\' movie might not happen until next year."
Hedy\'s eyes lit up even more.
"So, if HD Films starts \'Ghost\' next year, I can be the lead actress?"
This woman had a way with words.
"Mr. Hardy, I can write scripts too. Let me write the \'Ghost\' script. I\'ll start preparing now, and when you think the time is right, we can begin," Hedy proposed.
Hardy thought for a moment.
"Alright, that\'s fine."
"Wow!" Hedy jumped up excitedly, looking more like a little girl than a woman in her thirties.
After celebrating for a while, Hedy sat down and said, "By the way, the magazine wants my photos. Do they plan to use my old photos or take new ones?"
"They definitely want new ones. Playboy emphasizes sensuality—suggestive but not explicit."
"Can you tell me your thoughts on the photos?"
Hedy discussed the photo shoot with Hardy without any embarrassment, seeing it as art.
Hardy preferred a style that was charming and seductive, alluring but not vulgar."
The allure of being half-covered often made it more irresistible.
Hardy explained his vision to Hedy, who nodded repeatedly, "Mr. Hardy, please wait here. I\'ll be right back."
Hardy was a bit puzzled.
He took a sip of his coffee, which had gone cold, and picked up a magazine lying nearby to browse through.
After a while, he heard sounds at the door and looked up, stunned.
Lace and thin gauze draped gracefully over her body. The autumn sunlight streamed through the window, casting her perfect silhouette.
Hardy was momentarily mesmerized.
This feeling was truly enchanting.
Hedy Lamarr indeed deserved to be called a Hollywood goddess.
"Mr. Hardy, what do you think?" Hedy asked.
"Ahem, umm... It\'s excellent, or rather, perfect," Hardy praised without reservation.
...
Hardy didn\'t stay for dinner. He bade Hedy farewell and returned home. After arriving, he called Hefner to inform him that Hedy had agreed to the photo shoot and arranged a time to bring her to HD Films for the shoot.
HD Films had professional photographers with top notch skills.
The weekend flew by.
Many people were still concerned about the stock situation of GNC. On Monday, when the market opened, they found the stock price still falling.
"Didn\'t they say HD\'s boss was planning to acquire it? Why is the stock price still dropping?"
"With such a large sell off, maybe a major seller has already acted."
"I hope there\'s good news soon."
As people waited for updates, HD Company announced that it was abandoning the GNC acquisition due to the shareholders continuously raising the stock price, making HD lose patience. HD had been approached by several other health supplement companies and decided to seek partnerships elsewhere.
Boom!
This news immediately caused an uproar among those who had bought GNC stock.
The stock had surged solely because HD planned to acquire it. Now that HD had backed out, the stock became worthless.
Many people panicked and started selling off their shares, causing GNC\'s stock to plummet.
Andy had already completed his short sell and now reaped another wave of profits, this time totaling a few hundred thousand dollars.
Playboy\'s editor, Hefner, brought several file folders to Hardy. "Boss, these are the photos from the shoot, all taken according to your requirement."
Upon opening the first folder, it was filled with photos of Hedy Lamarr. Hardy admired each one.
He had to admit, this woman was truly beautiful.
As a seasoned man who has been baptized by the Internet even he felt moved by these photos, let alone people in the 1940s who hadn\'t seen much.
"Boss, these are photos of HD Films\' actresses, a total of 11. We plan to use five sets for the first volume, along with some scattered group photos. See which ones you think are suitable."
Hefner opened the other folders.
Stoya, with skin as white as snow.
Bibi Jones, tall and slender.
Ashley, youthful and vibrant.
Kayden Kross, with an enticingly full figure.
The two of them carefully selected the best ones. These women were all beautiful, each with their own unique charm, catering to various tastes.
After choosing the models, they then selected the photos.
There were many photos taken. For example, Hedy Lamarr had over 80 photos, and the other girls had around 30 to 40 each.
Not all could be used; only the best ones were chosen.
This was a tiring task.
But since it was the first volume, the inaugural edition, they had to strive for perfection, presenting the best possible work. It took them three hours to finalize all the photos.
"These photos, once used, must be properly stored. The unused ones should not be leaked. Understand?" Hardy instructed.
"Understood, boss. We\'ll keep them safe. These are our core assets," Hefner assured.