From Hollywood to Media Empire

In Los Angeles, a grand Christmas party was being held in the banquet hall of the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Naomi Watts specifically gave Charles an invitation, bringing him along to the party to meet some people or see the world.

"Wow, there are a lot of people here. Hollywood sure is a place full of glitz and glamor!" Charles whispered with a laugh as he entered the venue with Naomi.

"Tonight, many stars, singers, models, and entrepreneurs are here, covering fields like culture, business, sports, and media," Naomi quietly explained.

Charles nodded in agreement. "It's also a good place to find opportunities!"

The scene was filled with various handsome men and beautiful women. Many pretty women were accompanying older, overweight men. Hollywood never lacked beauties; it lacked opportunities.

To get opportunities, one had to give something in return - a fair trade. Of course, one had to avoid being taken advantage of.

Naomi looked around for a while and then took Charles to a corner of the hall. Nicole Kidman was there, chatting happily with others.

Charles understood. His mother had probably asked Naomi to introduce him to Nicole Kidman, who was now an absolute top-tier star.

Even though she had just divorced Tom Cruise, this year's releases of The Others and Moulin Rouge were indeed outstanding.

"Nicole, this is Charles Carpe, a talented young film producer!"

"Hello, Ms. Kidman!" Charles greeted proactively.

"Good evening!" Nicole Kidman looked at Charles and then at Naomi. He was a film producer?

"Charles just finished working with Tom Hanks and his wife on a romantic comedy, which will be released in April next year," Naomi explained, understanding Nicole Kidman's curiosity.

"Hey, not bad!" Nicole Kidman smiled. She herself was preparing to produce her first film.

After exchanging a few casual words with Nicole Kidman, Charles moved on. A now hugely popular Nicole Kidman wouldn't spend much time on a newcomer like him.

In the past two years, due to her emotional entanglements and divorce from Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman had grown closer to Naomi Watts. Introducing Charles was a gesture of goodwill.

Hollywood was a vanity fair, and Charles felt it was reasonable. As a small fry, he had to actively cozy up to others.

Holding a glass of wine, Charles navigated through the hall, greeting everyone he met courteously, regardless of whether he knew them.

Mingling in the crowd, Charles felt out of his element since he didn't know anyone.

"Good evening. I'm Charles Carpe. Not quite used to the atmosphere here, huh?" Charles noticed a sexy girl with chocolate-colored skin standing by herself and took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

The girl turned her head. "Oh, good evening, I'm Jessica Alba!"

Seeing it was a young and handsome boy talking to her, she responded with a smile.

"I'm a new film producer and I'm here hoping to find some opportunities," Charles said, spreading his hands a bit helplessly. Opportunities were scarce.

Jessica Alba nodded. "I'm an actress, and I'm here hoping to meet some people too."

Jessica Alba was currently known for playing in the sci-fi series Dark Angel. She had gained some recognition but was still a small-time actress. Most of her film roles were minor with little impact.

Charles nodded and began chatting casually with Jessica Alba. When he noticed the actress Anne Hathaway nearby, Jessica Alba revealed a clear look of envy.

Jessica Alba was 20, while Anne Hathaway, at 19, had garnered fame this year with The Princess Diaries, establishing her image as a sweetheart princess.

"Envious?" Charles asked with a smile, understanding that the allure of big-screen movie roles was far greater for TV stars.

Jessica Alba smiled. Of course, she was envious. She had been in the industry since '93, but her well-known roles were still on TV.

"You're a producer! What films have you worked on?"

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding, it's a low-budget romantic comedy set to release in April next year. I worked on it with Tom Hanks and his wife," Charles didn't hide anything as it was part of his resume.

The two chatted for a bit more. To Charles, Jessica Alba was just a pretty face, a sexy vase. Likewise, Jessica Alba saw Charles as a newcomer, a minor assistant on a film set.

"Sir, good evening. I overheard you mentioning that you've worked with Tom Hanks on a film?" A middle-aged man approached Charles.

"And you are?"

"I'm Len Wiseman, a film art director and editor. I've worked on many Hollywood blockbusters!"

"Anything you need?" Charles didn't recognize this man, who seemed to be around 30.

"I have a script which I'm perfecting with other writers. I'm looking for a production company to support it!"

Ah, another one seeking investment. Charles himself needed support. How could he support someone else?

"Sorry, I can't help you!" Charles politely declined.

"Wait, sir, it's a story about a power struggle between a new breed of vampires and werewolves, with a dark Gothic style."

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.