15. the new commitment.

june of 1989.

A world without standardized email where everyone has communication, schedules, conversations, and potential business relationships start with an electronic message is almost an unthinkable cradle for some people currently.

The surprising bombshell about why the relationship with Nike ended so quickly and without some of the shady methods that big companies usually use to close deals. Adidas came in late July with a comprehensive deal offer, a point-of-sale commercial relationship, the commercial image of Slam Dunk in Adidas, and a four-year cooperative relationship with high exposure. Full sponsorship of $5 million, with earnings from derivatives like the Slam Dunk design brand.

-I see we lost a more reliable partnership,- Billy told Thomas.

-Yes, exclusivity leaves us with our hands tied. It's impossible to close that relationship unless we pay the contract's penalty clauses. It's nearly twice as much as what we made from their three-year commercial relationship, - Thomas said.

-Do you think foul play is involved? - Billy asked.

-Yes, strange things happen between these giants. We're just part of their political games of suppression, -Thomas said.

-Is it a two-year contract? The series is planned for about 200 volumes. So far, the latest one printed is number 16. -

-Sales haven't been very good this month. Your series, although they have good content, need time to build a community. Selling comic books is a cost that kids aren't willing to bear, and sales aren't what we expected, - Thomas said.

-It doesn't matter. I uploaded them to give myself time to continue with the rest of the series. Although I have a design for the entire series, it's not easy. Publishing issues every week for these two months, along with the alternate releases, gives me space to get ahead and publish until December, - Billy said.

-Any drawing problems? -Thomas asked. -I never considered it! You're always drawing everything so smoothly; it gives me the impression that it's a very simple task. -

>>We have issues printed up to number 20. Don't rush. Mike told me it's good to let some time pass so that new readers enter the market and have a chance to recommend it to their friends, - Thomas said.

-I'm not in a hurry, - Billy said. - I know that over time, we'll sell. Father, think about it. It's an investment. Have you heard about George Lucas' case? Content derivatives are the best of this era. Once we have more fame and recognition, we can start selling YuYu Hakusho/Ghost Files and Slam Dunk stamps. The relationship between basketball and the United States can generate a lot of income for us. -

-What's George Lucas' case? -Thomas asked Billy.

-Look, in the '70s, George Lucas proposed to 20th Century Fox (now Disney or Star+) that the original content's profits came from box office earnings both in North America and the rest of the world. When closing the contract, Lucas bet on the merchandising rights and derivatives associated with the franchise. At that time, Fox didn't consider derivatives to be valuable, so they agreed to grant Lucas the rights in exchange for lower royalty payments, - Billy said.

-I had no idea about such cunning. - said, Thomas.

-Yeah, he's a brilliant guy. He's a multimillionaire with his series and played a fantastic movie on Fox. - Billy told Thomas.

-Although, the key to all this is that your work thrives in the North American box office. - said, Thomas. - Only high exposure can sell large quantities of products, as you have mentioned. - Thomas.

-There's truth in your words, but right now we're gaining exposure. By the way, let's watch the Pistons' fourth game against the Lakers. - Billy said.

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-We will let me sort out some contracts. - said, Thomas.

-Yes, even though there are no surprises, the Pistons will win. They are a very complete team. - Billy said.

-Billy, they are tied 2-2. There were some evident issues with the Lakers' lineup in the last games, but they will win the next game. - Thomas said.

-Is it certain? - Billy asked.

-Yes, everyone is talking about the great comeback in the fifth game. - Thomas said. - We're talking about the Super Lakers with five All-Stars, they have Magic on their team. - he said.

-I'm rooting for the Pistons. Do you want to make a bet? - Billy told him.

-A bet! Sure, we'll see, kiddo. - Thomas said.

-Okay, $50 on the Pistons win. - Billy said.

-My son, although you're smart, leave the sports betting to the more experienced ones. Let's do this: $100 on the Lakers. Don't be discouraged by losing your lunch money. - Thomas told him.

A whole new world of possibilities doesn't know much about NFL results, but it knows a thing or two about the golden age of basketball during Michael Jordan's time. The Pistons will keep winning, becoming champions next year as well. Then it will be the Chicago Bulls' hegemony, winning three championships and accomplishing the same feat after Michael Jordan retired to play baseball in 1995.

Know the winner of the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, 1-0. How much could you win with sports betting in this dream life? You need to be of legal age to go to betting houses. You can't wait six years to start betting; you've forgotten some games. But you'll never forget great moments in sports history. Unfortunately, you only know the results from basketball and soccer, two golden sports in Spain.

On the night of June 21, 1989, Billy could be seen receiving $100. He increased the bet after the second quarter when the Pistons' start wasn't very threatening, but their explosive athleticism and tough defense eventually suffocated the Lakers' warm play.

-I still can't believe it! - said, Thomas.

-Believe it, they will win next year in the East and also in the final against the West. - Billy said.

-Are you bragging again, Billy? - Thomas said.

-Not at all, it's a sure thing they'll win next year. - Billy said.

-What are you basing it on? -

-How do you think a team can contain Michael Jordan, one of the best players in the East, who, in my opinion, is one of the best in the entire league? In the West, there is no other Michael Jordan. As long as they win in the East, they'll win in the West, simple as that. - Billy said.

-Of course, but they'll win next year in the East; it will be two in a row. - Thomas said.

-Yes, they'll win because... Do you want to bet again? - Billy

If there's one thing your father can't reconcile, it's losing. He's sure to lose again and fall into a vicious cycle, typical of gambling.

-Sure, how much do you want to lose? - said, Thomas. - What about $1,000? Now that you're earning some income from your comics, you'll have that money in a year, - Thomas said.

-Even better, Dad. If I lose, I won't go to graphic animation school. I'll immediately study business at Stanford University, - Billy said.

-Wow, Stanford! We have the money to pay for it, - his father exclaimed.

-We have the comic sales, - Billy said. - Besides, it's an investment for the future. -

-Deal, Billy. Although you're very smart, this bet will cost you,- Thomas said.

Thomas had always wanted his son to go to a good university, but he wasted his business talent and didn't go to any of the not-so-good universities in California. Thomas thought.

-And what if I win?- Billy said.

-Well, go ahead and ask for whatever you want. It's not like you'll win anyway," his father said jokingly.

-We have $400,000 in the company's savings account. With the comic sales and the $1 million that Nike owes us, we can make transactions. I want $30,000. I'll bet on the Pistons winning the 1990 season, both the Eastern Conference and the final championship, in three different betting houses, - Billy said.

-I still don't understand what this is all about, - Thomas said.

-Easy. The bet is for $30,000. If I lose, we lose $30,000, and I go to Stanford. If I win, I keep all the betting money, - Billy said.

Until now, there was no distinction in income, and his father managed all the accounts. He was even the owner of Lux Comics, but Billy held all the copyrights. However, he did nothing but create and sell comics. As a diligent worker, his father was very frugal with his expenses, and all the money went into individual purchases for the company and household expenses, also supported by the company.

However, he didn't have financial freedom. Even though he owned 90% of the company, he trusted his father completely. What would happen if something happened to his father? What about his grandparents, uncles, or worse, a new woman who entered the home? Money is the root of all evil. It can bring happiness and comfort, but for money, people are willing to do anything.

-You're crazy! $30,000 is not a small amount. You need to know when to stop, - Thomas said.

-Come on, Dad. It's $30,000 for Stanford, -Billy said.

-Fine, deal. I'll make the inquiries with the notified betting houses, - Thomas said. - I hope you don't regret this. You'll go to Stanford, study two basic courses, and then an MBA in management. -

-I'm sure, - Billy said.

-Why are you so sure? We just had a discussion recently about your eagerness to enroll in animation school. Now, you're saying you're willing to postpone it for five years because of a bet, - Thomas said.

-I will win, - Billy said.

..