America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 576 Too Ruthless a Trap



"Your presence here is the best support for the cause of women's rights protection!" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

At the entrance of the banquet hall, Jolie and Aniston were welcoming guests.

This party, hosted in the name of Mitu, had invited many victims of the Harvey case, such as Lea Seydoux, Aisha Akido, and Anna-Frank.

There were also many media figures present, like the whistleblower Jody and the first to report on the talk show, Helen, who had arrived at the party.

However, the most eye-catching attendees were Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel.

Gavin approached Martin, shook his hand, and said, "You, as well as Mitu, have supported Jennifer through the most difficult times. As her husband, I must say thank you."

Martin had some experience dealing with political figures. "Gavin, there's no need to be polite. This is what we've been striving for over the years. It's our duty to protect women's legitimate rights."

He knew that Gavin was related to one of the victims and deliberately shifted his stance. "Many of my friends, Jolie, Lea Seydoux, and Charlize Theron, are victims of Harvey. I understand the hardships they endured. They are all strong warriors!"

These words seemed to narrow the distance a bit, and Gavin complimented, "Your friends are all remarkable."

Martin knew how to bridge the gap between men after dispensing with the formalities. "Outstanding men like us are bound to have many remarkable female friends."

Gavin laughed, speaking in a low voice, "I have rather few female friends."

This man of influence from San Francisco had been involved in such scandals, and therefore had fewer scruples about them.

"You should come to Los Angeles more often," Martin suggested naturally. "You could also attend Cola Cult gatherings."

Gavin asked, "When will you host a Cola Cult gathering in San Francisco?"

The two men continued talking about gatherings and female friends.

Until Jolie arrived with Jennifer Siebel.

Siebel asked, "What are you guys talking about? You seem to be having a lot of fun?"

Gavin said with a smile, "It's a secret among men, darling. I can't tell you."

Siebel looked towards Martin, who spread his hands to show there was nothing he could do.

Jolie said, "Men always have their little secrets. Let's not worry about them. Come, it's our turn to take the stage."

There was no sadness or solemnity at this gathering. The atmosphere was very joyful, as everyone saw the bright prospect of dividing the spoils of victory from Weinstein. Each person was in high spirits.

Then, Jolie and Aniston took to the stage together and pinned Mitu badges on Jennifer Siebel, Lea Seydoux, and the others.

This also marked their official entry into the Mitu Organization.

After coming down from the stage, Jennifer Siebel returned to Martin and Gavin.

She said, "Returning to familiar Los Angeles brings back both nightmares and fond memories. I once dreamt of becoming a big star like Julia Roberts, but alas..."

Gavin, playing the role of a model husband, encouraged her, "Dear, with the environment improved, it's not too late for you to chase your dreams."

The couple played off each other well, and Martin, picking up on this, said with a laugh, "Director Finch and I are about to collaborate on a project called 'Gone Girl.' Jennifer, if you're interested, you could come and visit the set."

Siebel responded, "I'll definitely go." She smiled, "Apart from acting, I've also worked as a producer."

Martin knew she didn't mind talking about the past and said with disdain, "Weinstein robbed Hollywood of an outstanding producer. He should spend the rest of his life in prison, repenting his heinous crimes."

Gavin understood these words and, wanting to portray a caring and family-centric husband, added, "Everyone must be held accountable for their actions, Harvey included."

Nobody would underestimate the influence of this key figure in the California Democratic Party.

Gavin left to discuss women's rights protection activities in San Francisco with Jolie and Aniston.

Once her husband was out of earshot, Siebel suddenly said, "Actually, I have a film project in my hands. An old friend reached out to me last year, wanting to collaborate on a drama film. We were about to make it happen, but then this scandal broke out and everything was put on hold."

"If you feel the project is viable, come to Burbank and talk to Davis Studio about a collaboration." Martin thought about the investment from South Korea and how he could perhaps divert some of it for their use. "My studio has the most professional personnel."

He didn't mention the fact that Davis Studio was essentially a shell company.

Siebel said, "Then I'll stop by Burbank to see you one of these days."

Martin responded, "You're welcome anytime."

The gathering didn't last long, and as it dispersed that evening, Martin quietly got into Jolie and Aniston's car.

Aniston didn't ask any questions and drove straight home.

But Jolie looked at Martin sideways and said with a laugh, "Professor, did you enjoy your chat with Siebel?"

Martin pre-emptively blocked that line of questioning, "We just talked about some movie stuff. She's not yet given up on Hollywood and probably wants to relive the thrill of being a female lead."

"That's fantastic!" Jolie clapped her hands vigorously, "Use the red couch, the unwritten rules, all of it! Just be sure to call me. I'll join you for her audition, and then..."

Martin raised his hand to pinch Jolie's full lips, "Have you gone mad?"

Aniston said, "She's not crazy, she's at the salon!"

Jolie knocked Martin's hand away and said, "Isn't this what you love doing?"

Martin denied it, "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't!"

Aniston couldn't take it anymore, reminding them, "Harvey's wife, Georgina Chapman!"

Jolie followed up, "Stuart Townsend's fiancée, Charlize Theron!"

"These were just accidents," Martin dismissed their bickering and returned to the previous topic, "My conversation with Siebel was purely about collaboration."

He added, "I haven't gone mad."

Jolie dropped the jokes and seriously said, "I'm not mad either, just reminding you to keep your head in control of below."

Martin said, "Do I look like someone who can't differentiate between what's important and what's not?"

Aniston interjected, "Angie, let's both take good care of him tonight. Martin will then stay out of trouble in the future."

Jolie had a great idea, "How about this, we take the initiative this time, I'll be on top, and you'll be responsible for lifting me up to hit this jerk!"

"Ha, wishful thinking!" Aniston wasn't happy, "Why aren't you the one lifting me?"

Jolie said, "Because it was my idea."

Aniston had just driven into the driveway, "But you're at my house, guests should listen to the host!"

Martin said, "Stop fighting, you'll both listen to me tonight!"

The absurdity of that night didn't last long, as the next day Martin had to attend a collaborators' meeting at Warner Bros. The new CEO of Warner Bros., Kevin Shiyuan, would formally discuss future collaborations with Warner's partners.

Having made arrangements with Louise, Martin went to Davis Studio first.

Just as he entered the foyer of the office building, he saw several Asians sitting in the waiting area.

The middle-aged man among them quickly came over and said, "Mr. Davis, long time no see."

Martin recognized him, the Burmese gemstone investor, Wu Maoting, and shook hands with him immediately, smiling, "Indeed, it's been a while."

He pointed up the stairs, "Upstairs, please."

They went up together, entered the reception room, and Martin asked someone to bring in tea.

Wu Maoting gave a look to his subordinate.

The subordinate immediately took out a gift box and handed it to him.

Wu Maoting placed the gift box on the table, "I apologize for the intrusion. This is a small gift, a token of no great importance."

The lid of the gift box was transparent, and Martin could see several well-cut rubies through it.

They weren't big, but they seemed to be of good quality.

Martin had heard of the reputation of Burmese rubies, but didn't know much. He took a glance and then looked away, saying, "Mr. Wu, as you East Asians say, 'No man gives a gift without expecting something in return'!"

Wu Maoting looked hesitant but spoke directly, "I would like to continue participating in film investments with Davis Studio."

Martin said, "I remember you went into direct partnership with Warner Bros.?"

"I apologize for my previous rashness and shortsightedness," Wu Maoting elaborated, "Two years ago, I joined a syndicate investment in 'Terminator 2018.' The film had a production budget of 200 million US dollars and eventually garnered 371 million US dollars in box office returns. Warner Bros.

told me that the film incurred a huge loss, and from my investment of 30 million US dollars, less than 5 million US dollars has returned."

He was extremely angry, "I had the accounts reviewed by professional accountants. They told me there was no problem with the accounts, and that the film's losses were especially severe."

Martin wasn't too focused on the film's profits and losses; it's not unusual to see losses on paper. Hollywood's big six are best at cooking the books when it comes to outside investors.

As expected, Wu Maoting said, "To raise funds, Warner Bros. had to borrow from New Line Cinema, and just the interest amounted to 20 million US dollars! New Line is a subsidiary of Warner Bros., just like Warner Bros. itself..."

Martin interjected, "Not every Hollywood company operates like Davis Studio and Pacific Pictures."

"Yes, yes, I regret it deeply," Wu Maoting sighed, "I sued Warner Bros., spent a fortune on legal fees to seek justice, but lost the case."

Martin didn't say much; such an outcome wasn't surprising.

At this moment, Wu Maoting expressed with utmost sincerity, "Mr. Davis, please forgive my ignorance and give me another opportunity to invest in Hollywood."

He had run into some problems in Burma and wanted to establish himself here, but moving funds required a channel, and the film industry was quite suitable.

Of course, it couldn't be another 'Terminator 2018' that not only scammed people but did so ruthlessly.

Hearing this, Martin thought of Siebel, and after a brief consideration, said, "After 2008, Hollywood faced many troubles. Mr. Wu, I welcome your investment with open arms, but I can't guarantee that your money will make a profit, nor can I assure even a return on investment."

His tone shifted, "But one thing I can guarantee, Davis Studio and Pacific Pictures will definitely not engage in the practices of Warner Bros."


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.