Chapter 174: Chapter 174 The Development of Wayne Enterprises
New York.
Anton stepped out of the airport, where his nominal assistant, Betty, was there to pick him up.
"How DC Company doing lately?"
Anton asked calmly as he sat in the car.
"The Flash TV series has just shot its fourth episode. It averaging a rating of 1.1 and ranks sixth in its timeslot.
It not as popular as some highly acclaimed shows, but it far exceeds the network standards for renewal.
From the feedback of comic and novel fans, most are supportive, with only twenty percent negative reviews, fourteen percent neutral, and the rest positive," Betty explained.
"Especially Wonder Woman. The Easter egg in the first episode is what fans are most concerned about. Everyone is looking forward to your next work."
These results are actually not too good, just mediocre.
However, in his past life, the first season of The Flash initially broke the CW network record with a rating of 1.9, but it seemed to stabilize just over 1.0 later on, sometimes even dipping below 1.0 and never exceeding 2.0.
Overall, although not outstanding, these numbers definitely meet Anton expectations.
With a rating just over 1.0, approximately two million people in the US watch this series daily.
According to the fan value data analysis on Anton system dashboard, this number is not far from his estimate.
At least, starting from the broadcast of The Flash, in just over a month, the fan value for The Flash has risen from three million to eight million.
By the time The Flash ends, this number could reach fifteen million.
Considering a season of twelve episodes spans three months, which is roughly the same as his movie production cycle, the cost-effectiveness is slightly better.
Furthermore, because Wonder Woman made an appearance as an Easter egg in the first episode and was promoted during this period, her fan value has also increased significantly, reaching 5.5 million.
And after the Wonder Woman movie wraps up, there is a script specifically arranged for a crossover plot.
Before the movie premiere, Wonder Woman will appear in The Flash TV series, not just as an Easter egg, but as a crossover character to help The Flash defeat enemies and heat up the movie.
Anton estimates that with the broadcast of this episode and the movie promotional material, Wonder Woman fan value increase will far exceed that of The Flash.
Before the movie premieres, it should be no problem for Wonder Woman fan value to reach ten million.
"The movie is about to wrap up. Have Jim prepare some promotional materials and start the formal publicity work," Anton instructed.
"Understood," Betty nodded.
"Next, take me to Wayne Enterprises."
After giving his instruction, Anton closed his eyes to rest for a moment.
Soon.
Upon arriving at the relocated Wayne Enterprises, Anton met the long-missed old man.
Betty stood at the office door, not disturbing the reunion of the grandfather and grandson.
Anton walked into the spacious and bright office and saw J. Jonah Jameson, who showed no signs of strain.
Dressed in a suit and sitting leisurely in the executive chair with a cigar in his mouth, he looked more like a villain with an imposing aura.
"Anton, how the movie coming along?"
The old man had already received news that Anton was coming back to New York, and he wasn't particularly surprised.
He chuckled, "We're going to make a fortune now!"
Spreading his arms wide with grand enthusiasm, the old man boasted,
"We're the only ones in the world, we don't even need to fight. Those who are perfectly cured of their disabilities are our best testimony."
"Small scale," Anton shrugged. "Don't forget, this is just the beginning."
"I've already spoken with Vice President Rodriguez. When the time is right, he will introduce us to military forces.
With Defense Secretary John Kler backing us, it won't be long before we secure a large number of military orders and become the new arms industry giant."
The old man was brimming with confidence as he looked at Anton. "The biggest issue now is the military technology you promised me."
"Technology is not a problem, but we can't just do business with the military," Anton cautioned.
"There's a vast market out there waiting for us, like the Middle East or some African countries."
"Don't worry," the old man nodded calmly.
"I've already sorted that out. I've even made contacts with the Continental Hotel. As allies of Batman, they're willing to contribute to Batman's cause."
Anton stared at Jonah Jameson in shock, utterly surprised that the old man had quietly made contacts with the Continental Hotel, or the High Table, behind his back.
Moreover, the old man even knew about the High Table alliance with Batman!
This was completely unexpected for Anton.
"The High Table..."
Just as Anton was about to speak, the old man interrupted him, "Anton, I know what I'm doing."
Pausing for a moment, Jameson continued,
"Don't forget, when you first told me you were Batman, the Continental Hotel was the first to approach us.
Since nothing bad happened afterwards, I think you know what I mean!"
"Alright, I trust you with the company," Anton said, deciding not to argue further.
The old man's approach was indeed unexpected, but recalling his first meeting with Norman Osborn and the hints Osborn had unintentionally dropped, it was clear the old man was a cunning figure.
Perhaps he harbored good intentions, but in this era, living up to one's conscience is the greatest justice.
After all, the world today does not welcome those who uphold absolute justice.
That said, having the old man contacting the High Table on behalf of Batman and gradually expanding Wayne Enterprises influence into the underworld truly filled the gap Batman left in the underworld.
Thus, Wayne Enterprises had taken a significant step on the path of becoming a "corporation."
After a moment of reflection, Anton handed a USB drive to the old man.
"This contains some data on extraterrestrial energy weapons, enough to handle the military and the High Table."
"I wasn't planning to give it to you so soon, but the company development has far exceeded my expectations.
Since I won't be focusing on Wayne Enterprises going forward, I'm leaving the company in your hands!"
"Go handle your business," the old man took the USB, nodded, and smiled at Anton.
"I hear there's quite a show coming up at the Stark Industries Expo.
Hammer Industries is planning to showcase their latest weapons, and Osborn Industries is also ready to flex their muscles.
Plus, with Tony Stark revealing his new armor, ah, it going to be quite a scene..."
"Aren't you interested in watching the drama unfold?" Anton picked up on the old man's hint.
"Hmph," the old man shrugged.
"I'm not interested in their business competition. Besides, it's a crucial time for the development of Wayne Enterprises.
Their fight is advantageous for us... With your USB, I'll meet with some people tomorrow to accelerate Wayne Enterprises entry into the arms industry and take advantage of the market gap left by Stark Industries withdrawal from the arms business."
"Got it!" Anton waved his hand.
"I'm off."
"Off you go."