Chapter 3160 Year’s Promise

Nate didn't know it at this time, but Jimmy already had other plans.

Although he was reluctant to give up the 200,000 options, he could only grit his teeth and agree when he thought that the Rothschild family, a behemoth, was standing behind Jimmy. He said, "Okay! 200,000 shares is 200,000 shares! 200,000 options, and 12 million US dollars per year is relatively safe. As our business improves, the annual dividend amount will definitely increase further. Jimmy, your future at Ellis Law Firm is limitless!"

Although Knight made this decision with the determination to cut off his own arm, Jimmy frowned again.

Because after a simple calculation, Jimmy came to the conclusion that he now needs more cash than options.

Options are more like a bet, betting on whether the company's future development will be rapid.

If the company develops rapidly, an option worth one million today may be worth tens of millions or even more next year. However, if the company starts to go downhill, an option worth one million today may only be exercisable for one hundred thousand or even lower next year.

All the board members present felt that the future development of Ellis Law Firm would be rapid, not only because they had the best team and the greatest reputation in the United States, but also because one of their biggest competitors, Smith Law Firm, had shifted its focus to China. Although they did not give up their business in the United States, the total amount of their business in the United States has naturally declined as their main focus has shifted. These are all growth points for Ellis Law Firm.

But Jimmy knew very well that when he left with ten key members, Ellis Law Firm would inevitably enter a period of rapid decline. In this case, why would he need options? Of course, cash was the safest choice.

So he said, "I am a short-sighted person. When my eldest brother and his wife founded Smith Law Firm, they offered to give me 30% of the shares so that I could join them and start a business. I felt that the failure rate of starting a business was high and it was not as safe as getting paid monthly, so I did not agree. Now that you are giving me options, I still feel that it is not as safe as cash."

After that, he continued, "How about this, we still sign the agreement for ten years, but I don't want any options, and I will return all the options given to me before. Didn't Knight just say that these 200,000 options can earn at least 12 million a year, and more and more in the future? How about this, I will return these 200,000 options to you, and in the next ten years, you only need to cash me 10 million US dollars every year. Even if the company's performance gets better and better in the future, and the 200,000 options can earn 20 million or even more every year, I will not regret it and come to you to change the agreement. In the next ten years, I only want cash."

When Knight heard this, his expression was a little surprised at first, but he quickly returned to normal.

He knew Jimmy's character. To put it nicely, he was cautious; to put it bluntly, he was stingy.

In Chinese mythology, one can find a prototype that is almost identical to him, and that is the Pixiu.

In other words, this person always has money coming in but never spending it out.

Even though he was already a senior partner in the law firm, he was still unwilling to spend money to purchase even one option.

Generally speaking, in addition to board incentives, partners can also obtain options through board sales. Most of the time, a part is given and then a part is sold. This also allows partners to participate with money. Once they really pay, they will truly regard themselves as part of the law firm and work harder.

This method works for most people, except Jimmy.

Jimmy's investment philosophy is that anything can be invested except money, except money.

If he can make one million without investing any money, but can make two million with a high probability by investing one hundred thousand, then he will definitely choose the option of making one million without investing any money.

So wanting money instead of options at this time is indeed consistent with his personality.

After figuring this out, Knight didn't dwell on the issue too much. He thought to himself, "Whether he wants options or cash, as long as he signs a 10-year contract with me, it will be enough to ensure that he won't regret it or leave me in 10 years. Since Steve Rothschild is behind him, I can rest assured as long as I keep him in Ellis! Now that the company is booming, it's his loss if he doesn't want options. He can't blame me if he regrets it in the future."

So, Knight said very straightforwardly: "No problem, Jimmy! Since you insist on taking cash, then we will do as you say and sign a 10-year agreement. I will pay you an additional bonus of million US dollars every year to offset all your options."

Jimmy reminded him, "And you've already promised to double my base salary, which is 4 million. My guaranteed income is 14 million US dollars per year."

Knight waved his hand and said, "Jimmy, you are being too conservative. 400 million is your base salary, and 1000 million is your stock options. If you perform well, you will also receive specific performance bonuses and project bonuses. With your ability, it shouldn't be a problem for you to make million a year."

Jimmy shook his head modestly and said, "I know my own situation very well. Let's not talk about the bonus for now. As long as you write the 14 million into the contract, I can sign it anytime."

"Okay!" Knight said with a smile, "Then let's sign the contract as soon as possible. I'll have someone prepare the contract right away."

Jimmy reminded him, "Oh, by the way, we haven't talked about the liquidated damages clause yet."

Knight said hurriedly, "Hey Jimmy, I trust you 100%, there is no need to make any breach of contract clauses."

What Knight was thinking was that this guy was backed by the Rothschild family. Even if he really breached the contract, he would not dare to settle the score with him. Instead of doing that, it would be better to do him a favor and let him feel his trust in him.

But he didn't expect that Jimmy said very seriously at this time: "Nate, I'm not afraid that I will regret it, I'm afraid that you will regret it. What if you want to terminate the contract with me in advance, what should I do? I must have certain protection."

"How could that be!" Knight said quickly, "Given our relationship and my trust in you, I absolutely cannot terminate the contract with you in advance."

Jimmy nodded and said, "Although I trust you, I still want a written agreement to avoid any entanglement in the future."

Jimmy then said, "How about this, we don't need any other complicated terms. I only have one clause. If you terminate the cooperation with me before the end of the 10 years, you must compensate me all the salary and option cash for the past years in one lump sum. Is that okay?"

Knight said without hesitation: "Don't worry, I will definitely be fine! I will do as you say!"