America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

"The number of victims who have reported to the police has reached 90, and it won't be difficult to surpass 100."

On their way to Warner Bros. Studios, Thomas said to Martin about the latest situation, "That doesn't even include well-known actresses like Gwyneth and Nicole Kidman, who have not gone to the police."

Martin whispered, "They won't call the police, nor will they admit to being caught by Harvey, they'll just say they were harassed."

Bruce interjected, "Considering he's such a brutish offender and looks so disgusting, I guess they themselves don't even want to think about having had relations with him."

Thomas steered the conversation back on track, "With the Academy taking a stand, Harvey is officially dead in the industry."

"That's not enough," Martin wouldn't give Harvey a chance for a comeback, "He must be put in prison, and stay there for ten years!"

Thomas asked, "Why not twenty years?"

Martin replied, "Twenty years and he'll most likely die in there. That way, he'll say anything without care, all sorts of messy things, which would actually be bad for us. Better to leave him some hope."

Because of timing, he vaguely remembered some billionaire who committed suicide and seemed to be connected to Harvey.

Martin had never thought about getting involved in such a mess.

In America, it's not uncommon for someone to shoot themselves eight times and for it to be ruled a suicide.

Thomas could roughly guess what Martin was implying and said, "Ten years cut off from society, he'll be done for when he comes out."

Bruce added, "With Georgina Chapman divorcing him and taking his fortune, and more civil lawsuits for compensation to follow, plus being stabbed in the back by his own brother, he'll be just an ordinary person when he gets out."

Martin said, "After Harvey's verdict, find someone to bring him something."

Thomas was surprised, "You want to send him a gift?"

Martin said plainly, "What's wrong with sending him a bar of soap?"

Having thought about the huge sacrifice he made just to take Harvey down while facing Jody, Bruce said, "I want to send him soap with menthol added!"

Martin replied, "Go to Chinatown and have it custom made, with enough money, double the menthol is no issue."

At that moment, Thomas said, "Brad Pitt and the Affleck brothers are about to go on trial soon."

Martin nodded slightly and asked Bruce, "When is Mene coming back?"

"He's just finished filming with Isabel Huppert and is currently vacationing in the Caribbean Sea," Bruce kept in touch with Mene more, "He will be in Los Angeles in December. From what I gather, Huppert seems like she'll be staying in Los Angeles for a while, to see how the Oscar awards season plays out."

Martin said, "Elizabeth will be back in a few days, organize a party then to welcome Huppert to Los Angeles, after all, she is someone Mene brought back."

Arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, Thomas headed to the Warner Building, while Martin and Bruce entered the "Gone Girl" studio.

A project directed by David Fincher always took its time and produced fine work; the film's casting was just entering the final stage.

In the foyer, Lea Seydoux found Martin, smiled revealing a pair of small rabbit teeth, and said, "The crew just gave me a response, I got a heavyweight role."

Martin asked, "Which role?"

Lea Seydoux said, "Margo Dunne, Nick's sister."

Martin smiled and nodded, "Congratulations, the role has a lot of scenes. Once you've got Hollywood's door open, things will get easier afterward."

Lea Seydoux had last appeared in Quentin's "Inglorious Bastards," where, squeezed by Harvey Weinstein, she ended up playing just one of three farmer's daughters.

Generosity is all relative.

Compared to Harvey, Martin was indeed far more generous.

Lea Seydoux whispered, "Can we find a place to talk properly tonight?"

"I'm afraid tonight won't work, I've got things to do this evening," Martin had already made plans with Charlize to have drinks at her place that night and had to decline Lea Seydoux's invitation.

He thought for a moment and said, "How about this, wait for my call tomorrow."

The studio foyer was bustling, and many people were looking their way. Lea Seydoux had achieved her goal and said with a smile, "Anytime that works for you is fine with me."

"I'm heading in," Martin said and went towards the screening room.

Lea Seydoux watched Martin leave after meeting with her agent to discuss contract matters with the crew, deliberately waiting in the foyer for Martin.

Hollywood could be xenophobic too, and being associated with Martin could save her some trouble in the crew.

In the screening room, director David Fincher and author Gillian Flynn arrived almost at the same time as Martin. The three exchanged brief pleasantries and then watched the audition tape for the female lead together.

Martin hadn't been able to attend the third audition of the crew due to keeping an eye on the Harvey situation.

Only four actresses participated in the third round of auditions: Natalie Portman, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron, and Scarlett Johansson.

The combination of Martin and David Fincher made the project very attractive.

After watching the audition tapes once through, Martin asked Gillian Flynn, "As the original author, who do you think best fits the character of the Amazing Amy from your book?"

Having personally witnessed the third audition, Gillian Flynn didn't hesitate, saying directly, "Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson are both good, but Scarlett Johansson is too short."

Martin looked to David Fincher.

David Fincher's opinion was consistent with Gillian Flynn's, "Charlize Theron is the most suitable."

Martin nodded and said, "Then let's choose Charlize Theron."

The three of them were in agreement, so there was not much more to be said. David Fincher called a production manager over and told him to inform Charlize's agent.

With the female lead's choice settled, the preliminary preparations for "Gone Girl" were nearly complete.

Martin asked, "When do we officially start shooting?"

David Fincher replied, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will be released soon. I need to do some promotional work with the crew, we can't start filming until at least February."

Martin understood the Oscar obsession many had in their hearts; after all, his biggest Oscars obsession was his buddy. He said, "That's fine, my schedule is open."

David Fincher joked on purpose, "Get ready to play a scumbag."

Martin couldn't help but laugh, "That's too easy."

As the two left the screening room and headed to the office, they ran into Daniel coming out of a producer's office.

The latter stopped Martin, "Let's chat for a moment."

Martin asked, "Has the copyright issue with 'The Hobbit' been resolved?"

"Pretty much," Daniel said roughly. "Bob Weinstein was much easier to communicate with than Harvey, accepting Warner Bros' offer of 8 million US Dollars, actively ending this dispute."

Martin said with a smile, "Congratulations, you've overcome the biggest obstacle to the project."

Daniel said, "Without that bastard Harvey, many things are easy to solve." He changed the subject, "Do you have time? Let's head over to Warner's, Barry Meyer was just talking about you this morning, he wants to have a good chat with you."

Martin wouldn't turn down such an invitation, "Of course, I have time."

The two left the studio and went together to the Warner Building.

In the office on the top floor, Martin met Barry Meyer. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

They inevitably talked about Harvey. Their tacit cooperation this time was said to be key to undermining Harvey's downfall.

Barry Meyer was also surprised at the power Martin could wield.

He thought Martin would rely more on Warner, but before Warner could really exert its force, the tide of public opinion was already surging, leaving Harvey no chance to fight back, much less be found.

What Warner had to do was to just stamp down hard, crushing his chances of a comeback.

Daniel mentioned something, "Warner is currently sorting through the old film library with the intention to remake some movies. I'll give you a list sometime; if you're interested in remakes, you can take a look."

That was a multiple benefit deal, and knowing Martin had a good eye for film selection, Barry Meyer said, "Just communicate directly with Daniel about any old movie that you're interested in remaking, and Warner will cooperate with you."

Martin wouldn't refuse such kindness and said, "No problem, once you've put the list together, send it to me with the plot synopses."

Daniel agreed.

When leaving, Martin reminded Bruce to jot down this matter and to actively seek Daniel for the list later.

There might be works in Warner's film library worthy of a remake.

After all, there were successful precedents, such as Will Smith's "I Am Legend," which was a creative second-creation remake of an old film from Warner's library.

There are too few people in Hollywood who really go for originality in films; directors like Christopher Nolan are only going to become rarer in the future.

Martin returned to Beverly Hills and on the way, he received a call from Louise.

"I just got a bit of insider info on Warner from my dad, currently it's circulating in a very small circle," Louise said quickly. "Because it involves my collaboration with Warner, my dad specifically called me."

Martin's Davis Studio was also collaborating with Warner, and he asked, "What's the news? Warner can't be announcing bankruptcy, right?"

Louise replied, "Inside Time Warner, there are people looking to adjust the management of Warner Bros."

Martin understood the implications of her words, "Are Barry Meyer and Ellen Horn stepping down?"

"It may involve intense internal staffing struggles within the corporation," Louise replied, her father's information was also somewhat vague. "We shouldn't get involved, just wait and see how it unfolds."

Martin had no capital to meddle in Warner's internal affairs and said, "I'll listen to you and see how things go."

Currently, Warner Bros. holds a steady first place in Hollywood's performance, with projects like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" series buzzing from the box office to merchandising.

But a change in leadership wouldn't be surprising.

After all, Warner isn't Warner if it's not stirring things up.

Martin was planning to go straight to Charlize's place, but on the way, he received calls from both Jolie and Aniston, inviting him to the old spot to meet.

The two women had been very active in the recent Weinstein scandal, using their influence as Me Too movement leaders to frequently voice their opinions in the media, greatly impacting the entertainment landscape, a commendable effort indeed.

Martin was a man of conscience; he couldn't just forget his old flames now that he had new lovers.

He immediately went to the hotel alone to meet them.

When it got dark, he left the hotel to head for Charlize's home.

The troubles of being a man, who could understand!