The short animation titled "Mickey Mouse" had just begun, and the living room was bathed in vibrant colors as the world of animation sprang to life on the screen. In this version of "Steamboat Willie," the characters had been revamped into a more modern style. Mickey and Minnie, the two main mice, took center stage, and the antagonist was a burly character named Pete.

As the animation unfolded, Mickey and Minnie found themselves aboard a lively riverboat, where Mickey, in his iconic high-pitched voice, greeted the audience with a cheerful, "Ahoy, everyone!" The characters exchanged humorous banter as they navigated the boat, and colorful dialogue bubbles popped up throughout the short film.

The mischievous Pete made his entrance and tried to disrupt their voyage. However, Mickey, with his quick thinking and a touch of slapstick humor, outwitted Pete in a series of comical encounters. The boat's whistle, instead of emitting a traditional sound, produced a whimsical melody that added to the hilarity.

As the short animation progressed, laughter bubbled up from the two brothers. The older brother, initially reluctant, found himself chuckling at the clever gags and witty exchanges between the characters.

Between fits of laughter, he turned to his younger sibling and said, "This is actually pretty funny. If there are more episodes, I'll watch them with you."

The younger brother's face lit up with joy, and he couldn't contain his excitement. He gave his older brother a tight hug, and the two shared a heartwarming moment of brotherly connection.

Just as the brothers were sharing this special bonding moment, Melena returned to the living room, curious about the laughter and hugs she had missed. She looked at her two sons and couldn't help but smile.

She was interested in their faces and inquired, "What happened while I was away?"

The younger one, still beaming with happiness, responded, "Mom, big brother is going to watch 'Mickey Mouse' with me, always!"

The next day in Aurelia, the news of the pilot episode of "Mickey Mouse" had spread like wildfire. The viewership numbers were indeed impressive, a testament to the appeal of the revamped classic animation. Families all around the city had gathered to watch the short film, and laughter had echoed through countless living rooms.

Meanwhile, in Sullivan Entertainment's headquarters, the tension was palpable as they awaited the viewership figures. Max, James, Emily, Ed, and a few other key team members had gathered for an important meeting, discussing their plans for the future.

In the midst of their discussions, Emily's new assistant, a young and eager intern, entered the meeting room with a sense of urgency.

"Excuse me, everyone," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "Mr. Schulz is on the line. He wishes to speak with Mr. Sullivan."

Max's face lit up with anticipation as he excused himself from the meeting momentarily. He took the call from Tobias Schulz, who wasted no time in sharing the viewership numbers, which had exceeded expectations.

With a smile on his face, Max thanked Tobias and hung up the call. Returning to the meeting room, he couldn't contain his excitement any longer.

"Fantastic news, everyone!" Max exclaimed. "The pilot episode of 'Mickey Mouse' performed exceptionally well. We've surpassed our initial expectations!"

The room erupted into cheers and applause. It seemed that, while some had hoped for success, the magnitude of it had caught them by surprise. Max, however, had maintained his optimism throughout.

Amidst the celebrations, Max shifted the focus back to their upcoming projects. He turned to James, who had vital information to share.

"Speaking of our next ventures," James began, "I've got word that Victor Sullivan has a stake in a publishing house. Given that Max's father has embraced the idea of expanding into the entertainment industry, it might be worth exploring the possibility of acquiring that publishing house."

Max nodded in agreement. "That's a solid plan. Let's look into the details. If it aligns with our goals, we should consider it part of our strategy for Dragonball and future projects."

With the promise of more exciting ventures on the horizon, the team resumed their discussions, fueled by the success of "Mickey Mouse" and the potential it held for their expanding entertainment empire.

In Victor Sullivan's tastefully decorated office, Max and James engaged in a short but meaningful conversation. Victor, who was known for his astute business sense, didn't waste any time before offering his praise.

"Max, I must say, I'm impressed by your recent endeavors," Victor remarked, leaning back in his plush leather chair. "The success of 'Mickey Mouse' is nothing short of remarkable."

Max smiled, genuinely appreciating Victor's words. "Thank you, Victor. We've been working tirelessly to expand our entertainment ventures."

With pleasantries exchanged, Max got down to business. "I understand you have a stake in a publishing house. Would you be willing to sell it?"

Victor leaned forward, his expression serious. "Max, I didn't buy the whole publishing house; it was only a part. My wife had a fondness for some of their books, and they were facing financial troubles at the time. But if you're interested, I could certainly consider buying the entire thing and incorporating it into Sullivan Entertainment."

Max paused for a moment, considering the proposition. It was clear that Victor had a keen interest in the publishing business. However, he also recognized that he had something valuable to offer in return.

James, always the strategist, chimed in with a sly grin. "Victor, I couldn't help but notice your interest in developing a hotel brand. What if Max were to give you full control of the hotel within Sullivan Land? It would give you a platform to expand beyond the park. And who knows, maybe even a Sullivan cruise ship in the future."

Victor's eyebrows raised in surprise. He hadn't expected such a proposition but found himself intrigued by the possibilities.

Max, realizing the potential synergy, nodded in agreement. "I'd be open to that, Victor. It's a win-win situation for both of us."

Victor chuckled, his laughter resonating through the room. "You're growing up, Max. And James, you're still as savvy as you were ten or fifteen years ago. Very well, let's proceed with the deal. I'm looking forward to the future of Sullivan Entertainment."

With a handshake and a sense of anticipation, they sealed the agreement that would not only benefit their respective endeavors but also solidify their partnership in the ever-expanding world of entertainment.

As Max and James left Victor's office, they found themselves in a corridor bathed in soft, ambient lighting. The weight of their recent agreement lingered, but they both knew there was much more to do.

Max, looking pensive, began the conversation. "James, we need to start thinking about finding good partners for our various ventures. Costumes, props, and everything related to the creation process in Sullivan Land."

James nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right, Max. Long-term acquisitions and partnerships will be crucial to our success."

They continued walking through the corridor, their footsteps echoing lightly. Max shifted his thoughts to their upcoming project. "Speaking of partnerships, James, if Dragonball takes off like 'Mickey Mouse,' we'll need a lot more employees to handle the workload."

James considered the implications and nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Max. We should start scouting for talent, especially for the Wild West, pirate-themed attractions, and the stunt show you mentioned earlier."

Max's eyes brightened with excitement. "I've got some ideas for those as well. The Wild West could use some authenticity, and the pirate theme could be taken to a whole new level."

James flashed a knowing smile. "Already ahead of you, Max. I'm scouting for potential crew members who could bring these ideas to life. We'll need professionals for the stunt show too—people who can create something spectacular while ensuring the safety of our guests."

Max appreciated James' proactive approach. "That's great, James. Let's make sure we find the right people who share our vision and passion for creating unforgettable experiences in Sullivan Land."

With a renewed sense of purpose, they continued their journey through the bustling world of entertainment, ready to bring their ideas and dreams to life.

Max arrived home to find Emily still hard at work, her focus undeterred by the passage of time. Intrigued, he approached her and asked, "Emily, what are you up to?"

Emily, her eyes fixed on the screen displaying the employees of Sullivan Land, replied, "I've been reviewing our employees' interactions and observing the workplace culture. It's essential for the success of a theme park to have a positive and cohesive environment."

Max nodded, understanding the importance of fostering a healthy work culture. "That's a great idea, Emily. I'll be in my office for a while. Let me know if you find anything interesting."

Closing the door to his office, Max settled into his chair and delved into his Mind Library, a vast repository of ideas, concepts, and inspirations. As he browsed through the virtual shelves, his thoughts began to crystallize around several concepts for Sullivan Land's attractions.

Thinking about action-packed stunt shows, he considered Disney's "Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show." However, Max wanted something with a more defined storyline, an IP that could potentially be expanded in the future.

Pondering further, Max's thoughts shifted to "Vic the Viking," a character known for his daring adventures. Pirates also danced through his mind, evoking the legendary "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.

For the Wild West theme, Max contemplated "Winnetou," a character well-suited to the rugged landscapes and thrilling narratives. He was aware of the cultural nuances and unique aspects of Aurelia that he could incorporate into this Wild West experience, even though there were no direct Native Americans in this world.

With a trove of ideas to explore and develop, Max immersed himself in the creative process, determined to shape the future of Sullivan Land and its captivating attractions.