The next day, the Wells Fargo Bank branch in New York officially opened. On opening day, Morgan Bank, DuPont, and representatives from various automobile companies sent their congratulations and flower baskets. Vito Corleone even attended in person to congratulate George.
What began as a modest opening ceremony quickly turned into a lively and well-attended event. The following day, newspapers reported on the vibrant scene.
Meanwhile, George had already arrived in Pennsylvania to further inspect the broadcasting project.
The broadcasting company was performing quite well. It aired three times a day—morning, noon, and evening—each for an hour. The morning segment covered current events, the noon segment offered sports commentary, and the evening broadcast featured stories. Between these segments were live music performances.
After a period of adjustment, George's SilverLine Broadcast achieved far better sound quality than Westinghouse Company's broadcasts. Reportedly, Westinghouse still relied on temporary staff and operated from a makeshift tent on a rooftop.
George had drawn inspiration from professional recording studio designs to improve his own studio's sound effects.
After instructing the broadcasting company to recruit and train new personnel as soon as possible, George headed south to Texas.
As a public figure, George's arrival in Texas was promptly announced by local newspapers. Similar to his trip to Pennsylvania, some reports speculated whether he intended to purchase land and build a city.
Texas, the largest state in the Southern U.S. and second-largest in the country after Alaska borders the Gulf of Mexico and boasts a long coastline. Historically, it was once an independent nation. In later generations, Houston would become the nation's largest refining and petrochemical center.
Indeed, George had come to purchase land. He stayed in Texas for a week and then contacted the State Legislature, proposing to buy three plots of land forming a triangle.
The largest, spanning 210,000 acres, was in the western desert region—part of the Wolfcamp Shale formation in the Permian Basin.
Another, a dense pine forest in eastern Texas, formed a triangle between Dallas, Houston, and Shreveport, Louisiana, and covered 150,000 acres.
The third was a 70,000-acre pasture in Burkburnett, Oklahoma, ideal for grazing.
Upon receiving George's applications, both states were puzzled. Some speculated he had discovered something of value. However, the Wolfcamp Shale had been previously surveyed and dismissed as little more than a desert.
The forested triangle was underdeveloped. Scattered villages with tar-paper roofs and sawmills dotted the region, which lacked decent roads and had a sparse population. After years of drought, White farmers were burdened with debt, prompting speculation that George intended to build a city there.
As for the Oklahoma pasture, many assumed George planned to engage in animal husbandry.
Consequently, the stock market saw a spike in animal husbandry shares, driven by the rumor of George's interest.
To expedite the acquisitions, George had Wells Fargo Bank and Paul form a negotiation team and head to Texas.
"Boss," Paul greeted.
"Hmm, you've arrived. Thank you for your efforts. Rest tonight. Where's the representative from Wells Fargo Bank?" George asked.
"I'm here, Boss. My name is Charlie," said the man.
"Good. Charlie, you'll handle all financial matters during negotiations, including appraisal reports. I'm not demanding the lowest price, but I do expect all three plots to be secured."
"Understood, Boss," they replied in unison.
"Alright, get some rest. The train journey must've been exhausting."
"Thank you, Boss," Charlie said, then left.
Paul remained and added, "Boss, here are the documents for a film company and a publishing house I acquired. The film company is in Los Angeles and was purchased through Harry's side. The publishing house is in New York—it used to do well, but after losing money in the stock market, it borrowed from the Mafia. It's being sold at a discount now."
He handed George the documents and showed him a picture. "This is the mechanical equipment you requested. It's completed and temporarily stored at the Security Base."
"Well done, Paul," George affirmed.
"Also, regarding the mining companies you asked me to investigate, I've shortlisted three. Here are the details."
"Alright, leave them here. We'll discuss that later. For now, focus on acquiring the three plots. Also, continue purchasing newspapers—I want one in every state."
"Understood, Boss." Paul exited.
Naturally, Paul's arrival attracted media attention. The next morning, reporters crowded the hotel entrance.
When George stepped outside, he saw the reporters and quietly signaled his security captain. The team formed a barrier, with Paul and others shielding George.
Raising his hand, George smiled and said, "Dear reporters, please don't block the entrance. Let's move to the side, shall we?"
He took the lead and walked aside, the crowd following.
"Alright," he continued, "this is only my second interview. I'll answer five questions. Please raise your hands."
Camera flashes burst as hands shot up.
George pointed to one. "Good day, sir. I'm from the New York Times. Are you here to buy land and build a city?"
"Yes. I read about a professor named Ned in California who bought a desert plot to build a city. I wanted to experience that myself."
"Mr. Orwell, why buy so much land, including a desert?"
"Though that's two questions, I'll answer both. I'm following Professor Ned's example. The triangle formed by these plots is strategic. I plan to build factories in the desert, establish a city in the forest, and set up a food supply base on the pasture. Together, they'll form a comprehensive city. I'll also visit California to consider two more plots. The final location depends on legislative approval."
"Do you have a budget for this city?"
"No. Since the land hasn't been bought, it's too early for a budget. Appraisers will evaluate the value first."
"Some call you the lucky boy. Thoughts?"
"Well, I think I'm lucky too. People who smile often don't have bad luck, right? Haha. One last question!"
"Pick me!" reporters cried.
George pointed to a female reporter. "Alright, the last one goes to this beautiful lady."
"Oh, what luck!" someone shouted.
"Thank you, Mr. Orwell! As a billionaire, what's your standard for a partner? Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked, blushing.
The crowd laughed and cheered.
"Haha, this is my first public personal question. I don't have a girlfriend. I've been too busy, and my free time is spent writing. I value first impressions, but I haven't met the right person yet. That's all. Paul will handle the land matters. I need to return to school. Thank you, everyone."
George moved toward the car waiting at the steps. Reporters tried for more questions, but security blocked them.
Once George was inside, the group drove to the station, leaving Paul behind.
Two days later, in Los Angeles, George checked into a hotel. The next day, he began inspecting various areas across California with his security team.
His itinerary was reported daily. To maintain authenticity, George expressed interest in a 5,000-acre plot in Fairmont, Malibu, and another in Calaveras County, near Copperopolis.
Wells Fargo Bank hired an appraisal firm to evaluate the land. As both plots were small and privately owned, the transactions were simple. George bought them at low prices.
His purchases accelerated developments in Texas. On the third day after George returned to L.A., Paul reported that preparations for negotiations were underway.
The next day, George arrived in Hollywood—the birthplace of dreams for aspiring stars.
Since 1912, many film companies have settled in Hollywood. That year, Carl Laemmle established Universal Studios, marking the shift from artisanal workshops to industrialized film production. In 1916, the Lasky Feature Play Company merged with Paramount, forming the foundation for large-scale production-distribution-exhibition film enterprises. WWI had spurred Hollywood's rapid growth. Studios ensured market security by acquiring cinema chains, and cinemas secured film sources by aligning with producers.
Notably, Morgan and the Rockefeller family held sway over Hollywood. The eight major studios of later generations all bore traces of these financial giants.
George, however, had no interest in such control. He simply wanted to release two films per year for profit. Having seen so many classics in his previous life, he felt it would be a shame not to share them.
Stepping out of the car in front of a five-story building, George gazed at the sign: Pride Pictures. It would soon be renamed SilverLine Studios—the film company Paul had acquired for him.