hollywood billionaire

Chapter 229 Look at the offer

"This is a pretty tricky situation, Yi, I have to say."

Sitting in the second-floor parlor of 79 East 4th Street, David Rubinstein was devouring the late-night snack brought to him by his private kitchen—a simple grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of warm wine to help him sleep. Hot milk.As we all know, Rubinstein has no dietary preferences. He does not smoke or drink. As a Jew, he must abide by kosher regulations.Apart from that, he is also a vegetarian.

After being trapped by several identities, there really wasn't much food left for him to enjoy.

The original Upper East Side celebrity circle was dominated by Anglo-Saxons, and later many rich Germans from the Pan-Germanic circle were added. Later, the Irish people who had been discriminated against were also given the "Caucasian race" After gaining status, he rose to the top.Apart from these three groups, until the 1970s, Jews and all other minorities were still excluded from any real positions of power as lawyers, judges, banks, and board of directors.

The United States remains a collection of racial ghettos after another: Italians know Italians, Jews know Jews, Poles know Poles, Irish know Irish, and white Protestants barely know any of them exist, while Carter The Bot talk only to God.

Back then, M&A, or mergers and acquisitions, was a seedy business considered vulgar and disgusting by mainstream bankers.Although white-shoe law firms and elite investment banks can see the prospects of the M&A business, this move to take over the company against the wishes of the existing management runs counter to the religious ideas they have received since childhood.Just like merchants and lawyers in the Middle Ages viewed interest-bearing loans, the church viewed usury as an unholy practice, so they would rather earn less than enter the business.

History is like this, spiraling with ever-changing appearance and unchanging core.The financial industry in the Middle Ages was dominated by classical Jews who didn't care about church manuals.Wall Street in the second half of the twentieth century was occupied by modern Jews who pursued Machiavellianism for the same reason.

Since the 1980s, there is no need to elaborate on the fact that Wall Street is full of Jewish leaders. Citigroup, Chase Manhattan Bank, and Irving Trust Company, these once most racially discriminatory financial groups, have begun to replace their top managers with Jews in batches. In 1986, New York Times reporter Robert Bennett even wrote an in-depth report on Wall Street, titled "No Longer the Reservation of WASPs," revealing Manhattan's rapidly changing ecosystem.

At that time, the large-scale incursions of Jews aroused resentment and disgust among the wealthy circles of the Upper East Side.These Anglo-Saxons, who considered themselves New World aristocrats, could not tolerate Jews from Boston, Philadelphia, or Williamsburg interrupting garden parties at their luxurious headquarters in lower Manhattan.Jewish wealthy businessmen like Ronald Perelman, who was holding a cigar and spouting ungrammatical barbaric sentences at will, invading the holy Revlon empire, were the targets of all the Upper East Side celebrities who wanted to maintain the glory of WASP. object.

Ronald Perelman acquired Revlon in the harsh winter of 1985, while David Rubinstein left Washington and founded the Carlyle Group in the early spring of 1987.At that time, the struggle for financial order between the Jews and the Anglo-Saxons was entering a fierce stage. Although William Conway, a purebred WASP who was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Dartmouth, was tied up as a partner, In the early days of his business, David Rubinstein still suffered a lot because of his Jewish identity.

A banquet like this tonight is the most common place for Rubinstein to be tortured. In the 80s, it was not like today. There were no vegetarian or kosher options. Thirty years ago, charity dinners served only one type of food - Anglo-Saxon-approved food.Sometimes, in order to disgust these foreign barbarians, the organizers will even deliberately provide meals that violate kosher regulations.

Therefore, from that time on, David Rubinstein developed the habit of skipping dinner, or only eating a little pre-dinner salad, which continues to this day.Even if this is a banquet organized by himself, even if it is now a Jewish world, he still insists on using this method to remind himself of the humiliation of the past.

"You give them an opportunity to advance and retreat together, which is a big no-no in negotiations."

"I understand, but by the time I realize it, it's too late."

"It's really too late for a big victory." David Rubinstein stretched out an index finger and signaled Han Yi to wait for a moment.After swallowing the hot cheese bread slices and taking a sip of milk, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "But if you want to save the situation, it's never too late."

The reason why Rubinstein deliberately stayed with Han Yi after the dinner and asked him to come to his private house on the Upper East Side was not to catch up with him again.Guiding the direction for this lost lamb is his true purpose.

"How to save the situation?" Han Yicheng asked sincerely. It was close to eleven o'clock and he was extremely tired and was still a guest in someone else's house. It was definitely not that he and David Rubinstein were brothers and were inseparable.

He suffered a frustrating loss due to lack of experience and urgently needed David Rubinstein's guidance.

"In addition to these three congressmen, there should be other people working on the music copyright reform plan, right?" David Rubinstein adjusted his glasses and followed the lead.

"There's another one, Congressman Bob Goodlatte from Virginia."

"Do you know what position Bob Goodlatte currently holds in the House of Representatives?"

"... Chairman of the Judiciary Committee." Han Yi suddenly realized after being prompted, "The Copyright Subcommittee headed by Darrell Issa falls under the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee, and Jerry Nadler is also a senior member of the Judiciary Committee... bypassing it directly The three of them can start with Goodlatte and influence the bill through him, is that what you mean?"

"What is your main purpose, Yi?" David Rubinstein did not rush to answer Han Yi's question. "Is it to let everyone know that Han Music has contributed to the update of the bill, or is it that you want to improve the actual situation of the bill?" Take advantage of the text content?”

"Both." Han Yi thought for a while and answered.

"Which one is more important?"

"If I have to say it, the second one is more important." Han Yi pondered, "There are many things worthy of careful study in this update of the copyright law. A numerical value or even a change in wording can determine whether the three major music groups can continue to maintain their advantage over the next 20 years."

"That's right. Look, you have now made clear your top priority." David Rubinstein raised his arm at Han Yi, "If you want everyone to know about Han Music's presence on Capitol Hill, and There are many other ways. The simplest way is that after the bill is passed by the subcommittee and formally submitted to Congress, you can use Manat as a lobbyist to launch your own lobbying activities in the House of Representatives."

At this point, Rubinstein pointed at the night view of Central Park outside the window.The reason why he did not invite Han Yi's legal advisor to accompany him was because although it sounded very politically incorrect, it was indeed because Jordan Bromley's status and level were not high enough to be invited to visit David Rubinstein's private home. degree.

Moreover, the founder of the Carlyle Group has never liked to show off his wealth in public.Whether it is the Francois I-style private residence in the Upper East Side built by railroad tycoon Henry Cook, worth $6500 million, or the waterfront mansion in South Hampton that Han Yi visited before, they have all been in the media for a long time. outside the radar detection range.In fact, his only known property is the private island in Nantucket, which was gradually exposed because many American politicians frequently visited it for vacation and leisure.

Of course, in addition to these two reasons, David Rubinstein also had his own agenda for not allowing Han Music's general counsel to participate in this late-night conversation.

"Although Bromley only does entertainment law-related work, there are many lawyers active on and off Capitol Hill at the Manatt headquarters. James Bonham, Sean Hojaty, Peg McGlinchey, etc. There are three that I know of.”

"clear."

Han Yi nodded and did not reveal to Rubinstein the fact that Jordan Bromley was also actively involved in lobbying for music copyright laws.Because he knew very well what David Rubenstein meant when he suddenly mentioned the three names of the three people at the headquarters of Manat Law Firm.

These three lawyers definitely have a close relationship with the Carlyle Group and David Rubinstein himself.

"But I don't just want people on Capitol Hill to know the influence of Han Music, David. In fact, I want people in the industry to know this, especially Universal, Sony and Warner."

"To make them afraid to touch you?"

"Let them at least hesitate for a while before touching me." Han Yi smiled, "I'm not afraid of competition, but I'm afraid of starting competition in advance when I'm not fully prepared."

Typical Chinese thinking.

This Eastern race, like the Jews, is the best opportunist in the world at seizing opportunities.

Never act rashly if you are not completely sure.But as soon as he sees a chance to win, he will do his best.It seems that tonight's arrangement mistake was just an accident.

Remaining skeptical, cautious, and humble is the norm for young people in this country.

"Then you can still use Manat, Greenberg-Traurig, or any law firms and lobbying companies involved in the entertainment and political circles." While constantly correcting his understanding of Han Yi in his mind, In order to avoid misjudgment, David Rubinstein analyzed the way out for Han Yi, "It's just that we can change hands first."

"Turn a hand?"

"Through the Recording Academy, or the Recording Industry Association of America, or any important organization you want to win awards for, donate to them, and then let them give the money to the lobbying company." David Rubinstein said firmly, " Helping them pay what they have to pay, and using this method to exchange for actual benefits and industry reputation at the same time, isn't it more convenient than finding two or three politicians to invest, and then push it back to the record industry through them?"

"It makes sense."

Han Yi's lips moved, wanting to say something, but he still didn't speak.Han Yi had already thought about David Rubinstein's proposal. In addition to secretly contacting the three congressmen, he also entrusted Jordan Bromley to contact the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, and ASCAP. , the American Music Publishers Association, and other related organizations, they want to use them to promote the process of the Music Modernization Act on the one hand, and on the other hand, as Rubinstein said, through financial support for political activities, obtain some real practical benefits. .

For example, the Recording Academy Grammy Awards.

For example, the Recording Industry Association of America's record sales certification.

You may not be able to buy any earth-shattering grand prize right away, but in the next six months to a year, it will be okay to let Han Music show its face and make a small splash in the limelight.

But Han Yi didn't want David Rubinstein to know the specific implementation progress of his plan, especially after today's accident.The three congressmen formed a temporary alliance in a few words. Although they did not formally offer conditions to Han Yi, he was so careless that he was defeated first.And this opportunity for the general was given by himself.

In the past few months, various aspects of his career have been progressing too smoothly, which has made Han Yi feel lazy. The thoroughness of his plans and his alertness to unexpected situations are not as high as they were at the beginning. This led to the fundraising There was a mistake in the arrangement at the dinner, and without getting any of the congressmen, they were allowed to take advantage of the situation.

Han Yi is not the kind of person who makes the same mistake a second time. Now that he has learned a painful lesson, he will not easily utter any words that may backfire on him.

"I will find ways to establish contact with these associations. But... what about Bob Goodlatte?" Han Yi acted very sincere and humble, "To be honest, I have told each of them before Congressmen have done background checks to try to understand their likes, dislikes, and appeals. Goodlatte is the only one that I... can't find any leverage for."

"Why do you say that?" David Rubinstein asked with interest.

"First of all, there seems to be nothing to worry about in terms of his election."

Han Yi thought for a moment and replied slowly.

“Virginia’s 6th Congressional District seems to have never been blue, right?”

"Since the 1953rd Congress began to turn red in 83, it was only represented by Democrats for ten years starting in 1983. Since Goodlatte was first elected in 1993, this has been the traditional territory of the Republican Party." David Rubinstein nodded, "He definitely doesn't need help in the election. Like Jerry Nadler, he is a lifelong member of Congress."

"Yes, and he has already become the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. At least at the parliamentary level, there is not much room left for him to go further. Going up further, those positions are not something we can promise."

"The only ones with more power than the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee are the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Leader of the Majority Party. Moreover, in terms of influence on the outside world and the associated interests that accrue, these two positions are not as good as Gudela Te’s current position. Give it to me and I won’t change it.”

Created in 1813, the Judiciary Committee is Congress's second-oldest standing committee. It has jurisdiction over all proposed amendments to the Constitution and essentially introduces the largest number of substantive bills to the House of Representatives each year.

In addition, the Judiciary Committee oversees the administration of justice by federal judges, federal administrative agencies, and other federal law enforcement entities, and is involved in impeachment proceedings against federal officials, including the President of the United States.

In other words, sitting in the position of chairman of the Judiciary Committee, even if Bob Goodlatte’s district is in Virginia, everyone from the Attorney General of the Department of Justice to the head of state in the White House must pay three respects to him.

"The most important thing is that according to Bob himself, after this year's election, he will enter semi-retirement."

“Not seeking re-election in 2018?”

"That's right, I've been working for too long and I want to retire."

"But he's only 64."

In American politics, especially four years later, this age means you are not even qualified to run for president.

To be elected president, you have to be at least close to eighty.

"There is no need to devote your life to public service. Everyone has different pursuits in life." David Rubinstein stretched his waist and said with a smile, "Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, if you work for five or six years, you will not be able to cash out , do you really want to introduce a constitutional amendment?”

"So..." Han Yi thought for a few seconds, "He is going to be a lobbyist?"

"Or someone..."

David Rubenstein takes the last bite of his grilled cheese sandwich.

"Government Relations Consultant to Private Industry."

"Or both at the same time."

"Look at the offer."

　The next chapter returns to the emotional line, daily line, and career line. I have been waiting for you for a long time. Some people find this political line boring, but it is essential to the layout, and there should be some people who like to know about it.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)