Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles

In a luxurious suite:

"Wow, no way! Martin has that many women? Can he even handle them all?"

"Shh, don't let this slip out!" Jennifer warned, then added with a sly smile, "But I kind of get it now. He's just too good in that department. Sometimes, I honestly feel like I might pass out."

"Really? That incredible?"

Like Jennifer, Courtney wasn't particularly bothered by Martin's numerous relationships. After all, Jennifer had made it clear that marriage wasn't on the table, so as long as everyone was happy, what was the harm?

What truly intrigued Courtney was how Jennifer kept mentioning Martin's prowess.

"Of course! You wouldn't believe…"

As Jennifer continued detailing Martin's skills, Courtney's mental image of Martin became increasingly vivid and… colorful.

That night, Courtney had another "sweet dream." This time, her dream of Martin was strikingly clear—every detail, particularly about certain activities, was startlingly vivid!

Dawn, as the first light broke through the sky:

Courtney woke up gasping for air. Carefully, she glanced over at Jennifer, who was still sound asleep. Quietly, she got out of bed, rummaged through her suitcase for a fresh pair of undergarments, and slipped into the bathroom to change.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she lay back in bed, her mind racing.

After two days in Los Angeles, Courtney eventually left. Jennifer, meanwhile, resumed her idyllic time with Martin.

It wasn't until the filming of Bruce Almighty wrapped up entirely that Jennifer reluctantly returned to New York.

November:

With various box office revenue streams rolling in, Martin's available funds surpassed $2.5 billion once again.

"By the way, the UAE has officially announced their bidding process," Gordon mentioned during a meeting.

A month prior, President Bush Jr. had sent Martin a copy of the UAE's oil field bidding documents—a courtesy earned through much effort and a generous $1 million donation to the Texas Oil Group.

Martin, pleasantly surprised by this gift, graciously accepted it and praised his "good buddy" extensively, leaving President Bush in high spirits for an entire day. Unfortunately, the specific locations of the oil fields were redacted—likely at the UAE's discretion.

The world has many oil fields, but why do Middle Eastern nations rake in such astronomical profits?

Because not all oil fields are created equal. For example:

Canada's oil sands, Siberia's permafrost fields, shale oil deposits, and deep-sea oil fields are resource-intensive to extract.In contrast, Middle Eastern oil fields are the epitome of efficiency and profitability.

If we compare oil fields to agricultural lands:

Middle Eastern oil fields are like fertile, triple-cropping rice paddies.The Gulf of Mexico or Sakhalin fields are like ordinary, double-cropping farmlands.Siberian permafrost fields resemble subsistence-level hillside plots.Shale oil deposits? Untouched wastelands requiring extensive development.

This is why the UAE's announcement of an oil field auction triggered a global frenzy among major oil corporations.

Drilling Middle Eastern oil is practically a surefire investment, offering high returns with relatively low risks.

Within the Middle East, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran boast the best oil field conditions.

However:

Saudi Arabia prohibits foreign investment in its domestic oil fields.Kuwait, being geographically small, has nearly exhausted its exploitable oil reserves.Iraq and Iran are hostile toward Western interests, and both seem on the brink of war, prompting many oil companies to withdraw from these unstable regions.Only the UAE—a federation of seven emirates—offers both abundant resources and a welcoming investment environment.

Initially, Martin hadn't given much thought to Middle Eastern oil fields, being more focused on his entertainment ventures. However, the opportunity presented itself—an offshore oil field in the UAE—and it was too lucrative to ignore.

Though succubi might not care about money, Martin did—money fuels desire, and desire is everything.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The capital's name translates to "Land of the Gazelle" in Arabic, as Arabian gazelles once roamed this area freely.

Before the 1970s, Abu Dhabi was little more than a desolate desert with a handful of date palms, camelthorn bushes, and a few mud-brick homes.

Now, it's one of the world's most prosperous cities.

Skyscrapers with innovative designs dominate the skyline. Streets are wide, orderly, and interconnected.

Lush greenery flourishes in every corner—along roadsides, in residential areas, and even on reclaimed land by the sea.

The suburbs are dotted with garden-style villas and homes nestled among trees and flowers. Highways cut through dense forests, and grassy plains stretch toward the desert.

When visitors arrive in Abu Dhabi, it's as though they've entered not a desert nation but a picturesque, advanced metropolis.

This transformation is the sheer power of "oil wealth."

Or, more accurately, the power of money.

Money can turn deserts into oases, barren lands into bustling hubs of activity.

November 6th:

A massive Boeing 747 touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport, carrying Martin, his bodyguards, and a 12-member team.

The plane belonged to the Meyers family and was part of their private fleet.

As Martin descended the aircraft's stairs, a wave of dry heat hit him.

Despite being a coastal city, Abu Dhabi's climate was far more arid and hot compared to Los Angeles. If LA was like a humid city drenched in rain, then Abu Dhabi was a blazing furnace.

However, as their convoy moved toward the city center, Martin noticed a gradual change. The air became increasingly humid and refreshing.

This was thanks to Abu Dhabi's urban humidity control system.

Their destination was the Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel, located on Khalifa Bin Zayed Street—a bustling area close to the seaside, with convenient transportation and numerous shops nearby.

Even in 2002, the Corniche Hotel was one of Abu Dhabi's finest establishments, a classic five-star hotel.

Not far from the hotel, Martin noticed a massive construction site. It was the future site of the world's only eight-star hotel: the Emirates Palace.

Through the construction site, Martin spotted many workers with yellow skin and black hair, shouting in a language he recognized instantly.

As they approached the hotel, the air was no longer arid. Instead, it was fresh and invigorating—a stark contrast to the oppressive heat outside.

"Martin, we've arrived!" Gordon announced as their vehicle came to a smooth halt outside the hotel's grand entrance.