Hollywood Taxes: A Tycoon in TV Land

Chapter 31: Leonard's Love Story

At the end of the day, all Ron wanted was to switch up the dessert menu a bit. Musk, ever the opportunist, agreed easily and finalized the equity transfer with Ron under Andy's supervision.

Ron ended up acquiring 8.8% of Tesla's stock. Andy, who had missed the initial negotiations, said he could've secured an even better deal had he been there from the start. Still, he remained skeptical.

"A range of less than 300 kilometers, a basic electric motor structure, and a faulty braking system—yet they want to sell this glorified toy car at luxury prices? Do they think everyone's an idiot?" Andy scoffed. "Boss, I strongly advise you to cash out now while you still can. Maximize your returns."

"In my experience, this company's stock will only go downhill. You'd make more just selling the tech outright."

Had Ron not known the future, he might have believed Andy.

Unfortunately for Andy, Ron came from a parallel timeline—one where the rules of capitalism had long since changed.

In that world, a company's stock price had little to do with actual technology or profits. Those were secondary. What really moved markets was a good story—a legend people could buy into.

And no one told better stories than Elon Musk.

That guy could pin every product flaw on the user's "incorrect usage" and still come out looking like a genius. Ron didn't know how Musk managed it, but he had to respect the game.

Ron believed the guy would eventually crash and burn. He just happened to arrive in this timeline a little too early to witness it firsthand. So, his strategy was simple: sell at the peak, then maybe ride the next wave with Musk—perhaps slice off a few profits with Bitcoin or something equally volatile.

"Andy," Ron said one day, "If you're interested, I'll transfer 1% of my Tesla shares to you. The only condition is: you'll work for me without pay. Deal?"

It was a rare moment of generosity from Ron.

Andy looked at him like he was insane, then quietly walked away.

"I may be old, but I'm not senile."

---

Ron had money—but his political road was rockier.

He'd reported to his powerful backer Francis about the need to expand his team. Francis responded by providing some funding and material support, and Ron finally moved out of his tiny apartment into an office near Caltech.

Still, Ron's "task force" remained a team of two: just Andy and himself. No one else had an official position.

He didn't want mediocre people. And top talent was hard to come by. So, in the meantime, he spent his days toggling between:

Interviewing the occasional candidate recommended by other departments,

Hanging out with the near-bankrupt twin sisters, and

Playing World of Warcraft with Sheldon and the gang of socially-awkward scientists.

---

Sheldon's Apartment:

Four scientists and one IRS agent embarked on an epic fantasy quest.

"Alright, just a few more steps," said Howard gravely. "Brace yourselves, gentlemen. We're about to reach the gates of the Black Temple."

"Oh my God!"

Everyone let out gasps of excitement. They had been holed up in the apartment for four straight days over the break, grinding for this moment. Leonard quickly tried to calm the group.

"Don't panic! We've fought for 97 hours to get here!"

Then the big guy—whose asthma had been flaring up—pulled out his inhaler, taking a deep puff to steady his emotions. No one wanted him passing out from excitement.

Rajesh carefully pushed open the dungeon gate. Immediately, through their headsets, Illidan Stormrage's voice rang out with thunderous intensity:

> "I was imprisoned for ten thousand years, banished from my own homeland… and now you dare to enter here? You are not prepared!"

Ron couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for his college days. But now, he had more important things to do—like beating Sheldon to the Warglaives of Azzinoth.

Before the raid even began, Ron had already schemed his way into becoming raid leader, securing loot distribution rights through some careful political maneuvering.

And then…

Ron raised his laptop in triumph, laughing maniacally.

"Hahaha! The Warglaives of Azzinoth are mine!"

Sheldon slammed his laptop shut in frustration.

"I told you we should never let Ron be raid leader! Look—he always keeps the best loot for himself. I propose a vote of no confidence in Captain Ron!"

But Howard and Rajesh didn't budge. Sheldon launched into another tirade, but was suddenly interrupted by a sound from the apartment across the hall.

Everyone's eyes turned to Leonard.

"It's Penny—Penny's back!" Leonard jumped to his feet, trying his best to look casual as he hurried to the hallway, hoping for a "coincidental" encounter.

"Don't forget the mail," Ron called after him. "The letter the mailman 'accidentally' put in your box."

He could only sigh—Leonard's devotion was truly next-level.

As Sheldon also wandered toward the door, Howard and Rajesh quickly closed in on Ron.

"Ron! You promised you'd introduce us to your girls!"

"Of course," Ron said casually. "In fact, Hector's throwing a party tonight. You can totally come. Just say you're my friends—or Toretto's. Either works."

"No! Not another one of his parties!" Rajesh cried, looking horrified.

"What's the problem?" Ron asked, confused. "Aren't there always tons of girls at those things? You two could easily have some fun."

"'Tons of girls' for you," Rajesh groaned. "For us, there's just Lily…"

Even Howard, who famously had no standards, looked disturbed.

"Even we want to change things up now and then, you know?" he added, giving Ron a greasy wink.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. I did promise, and I keep my word. Just not tonight—I've got some recon to do. You know, actual work. If I take you two with me, you'll just slow me down… and your combat skills? Ehh..."

He clicked his tongue and shook his head dramatically.

The sleazy duo slumped in defeat, resigned to wait for the next opportunity. But their disappointment was soon overshadowed by someone in even worse shape—Leonard, who came trudging back inside, looking like he'd lost a war.

"Leonard—how'd it go?"

"I'm fine. Penny's fine." Leonard collapsed onto the couch with a sigh.

"…And the guy she was kissing is fine too."

"Kissing?" Howard perked up. "What kind of kissing? Wet? Dry? Tongue involved?"

"You're so sick," Ron muttered, shooting him a glare. Then he turned to Leonard. "Honestly, I think you should keep asking Penny out. Lean into your unshakable, obsessive persistence."

Leonard's eyes lit up with hope.

"You think I still have a chance?"

"No," Ron said bluntly. "I just think someday Penny might lose her mind and give up resisting."

"Hey! Hey!" Howard clapped his hands loudly to redirect the group's attention.

"Like Ron said—maybe Leonard should start small. You know, practice with an easier target. So how about tonight, we go meet some girls together?"