money player

Sin Yiu-man gestured towards Sinatra, who was chatting happily with the people next to him, and said, "Frank seems to be very comfortable at these parties. Is he interested in politics?"

"He has always been interested in politics, publicly supported the New Deal in the past, and sang the campaign theme song for President Roosevelt."

"Oh, Mickey's situation is resolved?"

“Yesterday I scraped together $50,000 and sent it over. Cohen seems to know that you and I went to Jorge Guinness’s party and that we also know what happened at the party. He said that out of respect for you, he would give Frank some more time.”

Sin Yiu-man chuckled and said, "In the end, I still got involved."

Cohen is a smart man. The phrase "for his sake" was meant for him, hoping to gain a favor from him. He might have even used cryptic language—"I know you guessed I was after Gana, and I also know you're pretending not to know I'm after Gana. Adam, you owe me two favors."

Cohen was able to get wind of the party, so he must have already learned about his conversation with Hayworth. The people he saw at the Hollywood Sports Club seemed off; they had probably just been high. It's highly likely that the club was secretly selling drugs, and there's a strong possibility that Cohen was involved.

Following this line of reasoning, the possibility that the riddle is real is extremely high. He most likely owes two favors that can only be understood implicitly, no, he might also owe Haihua Silk's favor.

Oh shit!

"This counts?"

“If you say it doesn’t count, then it doesn’t count.” Xian Yaowen shrugged. “Coming here, it’s certain that your wallet will get thinner, but you should at least gain something. I saw Victoria Lake. The newspaper said she went bankrupt. Is Lawford still hoping she’ll donate?”

“I don’t know how she got here, but you’d better not get any ideas about her. Eddie, who worked with her, said she might have some mental issues, not swearing.”

"Mental instability or schizophrenia?"

"You're going to investigate?" Jia Na asked playfully.

“No, I’m afraid she’ll think some part of my body is superfluous and cut it off with scissors.” Sin Yiu-man shrugged. “I saw Judy Garland and Lauren Bacall, maybe I’ll go and meet them.”

“I suggest you stay away from Lauren, Humphrey will smash your nose.”

"He's just a tough guy on screen."

"You didn't know he was a boxer?"

"I've seen him train; I can easily defeat him."

Jia Na rolled her eyes and gestured towards Duke with her chin, "Why did you come with Sugar Mom?"

"Because I'm a boy who likes sweets, at least that's what she thought when she was in Paris."

Jia Na laughed and said, "So, you're having candy for your midnight snack tonight?"

"No, I want to eat the auntie next to Mom."

"Wow, Pauline." Jia Na savored the taste. "I wish you success."

"May you also become a candy that's linked arm in arm."

[Sugar mama, slang for a wealthy woman who keeps a young man as a lover; Arm Candy, a politician's wife used only for public display]
"Fuck you."

“Come on.” Sin Yiu-man struck a tango pose, sliding his feet away from Chia Na.

A moment later, he returned to Goddess, who was now single.

Gao Dai raised her glass to Jia Na in a toast, then smiled ambiguously and said, "Adam, you and Ava have something going on."

"Why do you say that?"

"I feel like I've been watching you all along."

Sin Yiu-man glanced back at Gianna, “My wife, oh, one of them, is a business partner of Ava.”

Wow, how many wives do you have?

Sin Yiu-man stared at Gao Dai's face. "My lovers are like clothes in your wardrobes; you can never have one more."

Gao Dai smiled gently, "Are you always busy finding lovers?"

"I'm always looking, but I'm never busy. It wouldn't be difficult for me to find a lover, would it?"

"Is your lover like a five-cent cup of coffee that you can have anytime?"

“Not quite that exaggerated, but not far off.” Sin Yiu-man raised his glass slightly. “Pauline, when I was a child, I watched ‘Modern Times’ at an open-air cinema. When you appeared, I thought I was seeing a fairy. From then on, my standard for judging the appearance of white women was how many points they resembled Pauline Goddard. Five points, wow, beautiful woman.”

Gao Dai tilted her head back, her neck stretching out gracefully, and her laughter was like a string of pearls scattered in the air.

After a moment of recklessness, she returned to normal, raised the tortoiseshell cigarette holder to her lips, took a puff, and elegantly exhaled a smoke ring—perfectly round with thick white smoke around the edge.

Her eyes slanted slightly upwards, and her light brown pupils turned amber gold in the light, revealing a cat-like cunning. "Adam, this is the highest compliment I've ever heard. I love it."

Xian Yaowen's gaze swept over the arch of her eyebrows, sensing a wildness in them. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "I need to ask you for a favor."

"what?"

"When I was your tutor, I taught you how to untie your skirt."

Gao Dai tiptoed, her naturally pouty lips close to Xian Yaowen's ear, and chuckled seductively, "I'll teach you how to take off your skirt, what will you teach me?"

"I'm a redneck, so I don't have much to teach you, but I'm an athletic guy, so I can play basketball with you all night, oh, baseball."

"football."

"Really?"

"Hmm." Gao Dai took a step back, leaning back slightly, exuding confidence and languor. "Doris has already laid out the napkins and is ready to enjoy the feast."

"Damn it, call the Federal Children's Bureau for me. I want to report her for molestation."

Gao Dai's mouth stretched to her ears, revealing her neat white teeth, and she laughed loudly, "Are you a child?"

Sin Yiu-man shrugged. “Call 221-2121, I bet the operator didn’t go out for coffee.”

“You’re doomed. Nobody answers the LAPD emergency number,” Gao Dai quipped. “The coffee there must be really good.”

In 1951, the U.S. police system was rife with corruption and inaction. The emergency call operators were "mysterious temporary workers." When the police department was criticized for not responding to calls in a timely manner, the operators would bravely step forward and take responsibility.

“I’d like to give it a try if I have the chance.” Sin Yiu-man swirled the wine in his glass. “If I hadn’t invited you to Hong Kong, what are your plans for the future?”

“I plan to live in Paris for a while. I’m interested in the galleries there and might consider investing in one.”

"Art investment?"

"Yes, I have a long life ahead of me, but I am losing the ability to make money. I have to make a plan."

"Perhaps you could include me in your plans?"

"You?" Gao Dai asked suspiciously. "Adam, we just met, don't joke like that."

"Partners and lovers all start as strangers. I'm a greedy person. I not only want to have a romantic encounter with you, but I also want to become your partner if we're compatible."

Gao Dai replaced the cigarette holder with a new one, lit it, and took a few puffs in silence. "What kind of partner?"

"We share common interests and have an equal cooperative relationship."

"We can talk."

"Hmm, shall we start by getting to know each other?"

“Not tonight, Adam’s Cake.” Goddard grinned mischievously. “Tonight is Doris’s Night. Ha, Doris is back.”

Duke is truly back, leaving no room for Sin Yiu-man to complain.

"What are you talking about?"

"I invited Pauline to my room after the party, but she said tonight is Doris Night and I should go to your yacht to watch the fireworks show. Are there really fireworks?"

"There is a yacht, but no fireworks are prepared. If you like animals, you can play with Cleo for a while."

"What kind of animal is Cleo? A cat? A dog?"

"Cheetah".

"Oh, a friend from South Korea gave me a pair of North Korean tigers. I haven't seen these darlings yet, but they must be very cute."

"The world's largest tiger?"

"uh-huh."

"Give me a tiger cub in the future."

"no problem."

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," Gao Dai suddenly said.

Xian Yaowen glanced at Gao Dai and thought to himself, "This woman is doing this on purpose."

Gao Dai returned a "good luck" look.

Duke was pleased with Goddard's understanding and tact; at this moment, she didn't need a hundred-watt light bulb dangling around her.

After Goddard walked away, Duke said, "Adam, do you know Marilyn?"

"Marilyn Monroe?"

"Yes."

“I know her. She has worked with Jorge Guinness. I plan to launch a female singing group, and she is one of the members I have chosen.”

“I just chatted with her for a while, and we hit it off. I gave her a bracelet.”

Upon hearing this, Xian Yaowen glanced at Duke's wrist. The diamond bracelet that had been on her wrist was indeed gone. The diamonds on the bracelet were quite large, and it was estimated to have cost tens of thousands of US dollars when it was bought.

"Is she special to you?"

“It’s very special. I plan to give her some help and help her realize her dream of making movies.”

Everyone encounters people they feel a strong connection with, which is not strange. But what are the chances of a woman with an unattractive appearance finding herself drawn to another beautiful woman?

Sin Yiu-man expressed skepticism about Duke's supposed affinity with him, preferring to believe that Duke had a male network that required careful maintenance, and that he favored Marilyn Monroe, whom he viewed as a beautiful gift.

"Fox might not agree."

"If I invest in Marilyn's movies, will Fox really stop me?"

"It's possible. Since Fox signed her, they must have made a development plan for her. It's possible that your help conflicts with the plan."

"Is it a conflict with the dirty needs of some people?"

Sin Yiu-man shrugged. "This is Hollywood, a giant dumping ground where the garbage of humanity gathers."

Duke did not respond, but changed the subject, saying, "I met Howard in Las Vegas last month. He invited me to invest in RKO, but I refused. RKO is just a tool for him to pick up girls and lure actresses there to have fun, but he forgot that the company needs to make a profit."

Sin Yiu-man scoffed, “Howard is my idol. My initial goal in entering the film industry was to become another one of him. However, I can’t treat business like a toy like he does. Business is business, and making a profit is the primary goal.”

"Adam, that's why I won't invest in RKO, but I hope to invest in Flower Society. I believe you can bring me a good return."

"Thank you for the compliment."

“I’m serious. If Juliet needs funds, I can invest.”

Xian Yaowen chuckled and said, "Juliet Brand Management does have a financing plan, but not now. Perhaps I will take the initiative to talk to you about it around this time next year."

In the United States, one can be incredibly wealthy, but not wield absolute power—this is the paradox of capitalism.

This has been achieved to some extent in the American financial world. If a company grows into a goose that lays golden eggs and still dares to cling to it, bullets will come knocking on its door in no time. Let's see if it's tougher or if your head is tougher.

Even powerful families like the Rockefeller and Morgan families mostly operated their own businesses as joint-stock companies; those who try to monopolize everything never end well.

From the Declaration of Independence to the United States of America, and the separation of powers, checks and balances between the two parties, state power versus federal power, and independent oversight bodies.

In terms of legislation, there are the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the Clayton Act of 1914, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.

Every aspect demonstrates the concept of checks and balances, proving that the United States is extremely wary of any single entity becoming too powerful. The United States can have conglomerates, but it absolutely cannot have oligarchs.

Juliet Brand Management's goal is to dominate the luxury goods industry, and even the brand industry. It may not go public, but it cannot do without attracting shareholders. With a mentality of wanting to have it all to itself, Juliet will never reach the point of dominance. Who would not like to help someone who is grateful and willing to share? If he doesn't share, others will, and all that awaits him is his premature demise.

Do you think Juliet doesn't need a partner right now?

"You could say that, but the main thing is that I see Juliet as a career, which is different from the Flower Company."

“Understood, I’ll wait for your news.” Duke clinked glasses with Xian Yaowen, took a sip of his drink, and said, “Adam, besides women, what other pastimes do you have?”

"Music, football, boxing, motorcycle riding, reading, gardening, handicrafts, knitting, travel, art collecting, and many more. When I'm not busy, I spend time on my hobbies."

"Knitting?"

"strangeness?"

"A little."

"Knitting has many benefits. It can train finger dexterity and tactile sensitivity, improve concentration, memory, and spatial thinking. Psychologically, it can reduce stress, train patience and perseverance, and increase the sense of accomplishment when completing a piece."

Duke chuckled, "With so many benefits, I'm tempted. Can you teach me?"

"no problem."

“Besides knitting, we have several overlapping hobbies. I like buying houses, and after buying them, I design different styles of gardens and interiors, as well as different art collections. I also have a house in Beverly Hills. Would you like to visit?”

"Doris, you have a strong personality, and so do I. A relationship that goes beyond a partnership may not be pleasant."

"How do you know if you don't try?" Duke stared intently at Xian Yaowen's face.

Well, now Xian Yaowen knew that Duke really wanted to taste him, and he couldn't keep up the pretense any longer. He had no choice but to weigh the pros and cons again. Well, what a load of crap, being fucked by this woman was much better than being denied it.

It's just that her thick, arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, icy blue pupils, straight Greek nose, and thin upper and thick lower lips all combine to create such an abstract look, which is a waste of her height and good figure.

Endure humiliation and bear the burden, deceive yourself for once, and launch a surprise attack from behind without looking at his face?

He shrugged. "Okay, if you want to try, I'll oblige. But I'll visit your house next time. Come to my room for a drink later."

“OK.” Duke raised his glass.

Sin Yiu-man touched her hand, then looked at Lawford.

Lawford, holding a spoon, knew the real action was about to begin. He took a sip of his drink, placed his hand on Duke's lower back, tapped it lightly, and when her gaze met his, nodded towards Lawford.

The light from the crystal chandelier cast elegant shadows on Lawford's sharply defined face. He gently tapped an empty champagne glass, the crisp sound gradually quieting the conversation in the drawing room, and everyone gathered around him.

Sin Yiu-man put his arm around Duke's waist and took a few steps forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lauford began in a standard upper-class British accent, yet with a touch of Californian casualness, "I know you're all wondering what makes this English lad so qualified to endorse American politics?"

Good-natured laughter rang out from the crowd.

Lauford tilted his head slightly, revealing his signature sly smile: "Let me tell you, I've met true leaders, on the battlefield, on the film set, at every important moment in life. And tonight, I'm going to introduce a young man who will change American politics."

A waiter approached with a tray. Lauford took a glass of champagne from the tray, sipped it, and continued: "In August 1943, on a dark night in the South Pacific, a torpedo boat, PT-109, was rammed in two by a Japanese destroyer. Of the eleven men on board, two were killed instantly. And their young commander..."

He paused deliberately, looked around the room, and said, "It's Jack, JFK, John F. Kennedy."

He put down his wine glass and slammed his right fist down onto his left palm. "Jack, this rich kid who graduated from Harvard, dragged his injured back and swam for five hours in shark-infested waters, biting the life jacket strap of his wounded comrade with his teeth, and finally led everyone to safety."

His voice suddenly rose: "This isn't a movie script, this is real heroism!"

Lauford stepped into the crowd. “Who is the senator from Massachusetts now? (Young) Henry Cabot Lodge… an old-fashioned gentleman who even has breakfast at the Boston Club with silver cutlery.”

He suddenly turned around and picked up a piece of bread from the waiter's tray: "But Jack, he was more used to sharing bread like this with the workers at Charleston docks and listening to their stories."

He broke the bread in half. "This is a choice: to vote for the continuation of privilege, or to vote for the creation of opportunity?"

After a brief pause, Lawford returned to his seat and adopted a more relaxed tone, “In Hollywood, we invest in movies; some make money, some lose money. But tonight, I’m going to recommend a sure-fire investment—investing in the future of America.”

He held up three fingers: "$100 can print 1 flyers; $500 can buy half a page in the Boston Globe; $1000... can get Jack to call you personally to thank you, this is a limited edition experience."

Duke tilted his head and said to Sin Yiu-man, "Peter is working really hard."

"The speech and stage design were both very good; is that his level?"

"I don't know, but there are probably experts involved."

The others, like Sin Yiu-man and his companion, were whispering amongst themselves. Just then, Sina, holding a glass of champagne, approached Lawford and said, "Gentlemen, I've written a new song, 'High Hopes,' 'Just what makes that little old ant, think he'll move that rubber tree plant?'"

Sinatra sang a couple of lines impromptu and then said, "Perfect for JFK's campaign!"

Lauford chimed in, "See, this is the added value that $1000 can bring: Frank's private concert."

A friendly, agreeable smile rang out.

Sinatra put his arm around Lawford's shoulder: "Peter's right, this isn't a donation, it's the smartest investment. I'll put up $5000, who wants to call?"

"Me!" Humphrey Bogart, standing next to Lauren Bacall, raised his checkbook and shouted, "I call, write the check right away!"

Sin Yiu-man shook his head. The tradition of campaign fundraising is really good. The 2001 campaign and the 1951 campaign are almost identical, with similar tactics. It's just that the two campaigns have a rather ruthless tone. His status is what it is. He is the boss of a brokerage firm and has just won the title of one of the most talked-about figures in the million-dollar gambling game. He would offend people if he spent less than $5000.

"Adam, do you regret coming over?" Duke said, waving behind him. His female driver, who was probably also his bodyguard, came over.

Sin Yiu-man reached into his suit jacket pocket to pull out his checkbook. "Now that you're asking me this, how can I answer that I regret it?"

Duke chuckled and said, "Of course, if you regret your answer, I can write you a check."

Sin Yiu-man waved his checkbook. "There's an even bigger one at the end. I'd like you to open that one for me."

"what."

The two walked together to the sofa area, sat down at the low table, and wrote checks. They both filled in $5000, following the established tone.

A short while later, checks were passed around and gradually came into Lauford's hands. There was no vote counting. Comparing the amount of donations would not only easily offend people, but also violate the principle of equality. Donating more or less is a politically correct stance for Democratic supporters that must be maintained. Complaints can only be kept to oneself.

When the checks were all in Lawford's hands, it was time for the final statement.

"Some people ask me why I support Jack, and the answer is simple..." Lauford raised his glass, "In this age of skepticism, we need a leader who believes in the American Dream, just like you all here, writing a new American story with your checks."

He bowed gracefully, "Thank you all. May we celebrate a new chapter for Massachusetts this time next year."

Lawford's task was completed, and Sinatra stepped up to take his place. Music started playing, and Sinatra swayed and hummed his own song, "Castle Rock."

When music starts playing at a party, it means the men should invite the women to dance.

Sin Yiu-man put down his cup, came up behind Duke, hugged her waist, and swayed with her to the beat of the music.

Duke tilted his head back, nestling into Xian Yaowen's shoulder, their ears rubbing together.

“My face is my least important asset, but it has certainly helped me scare off quite a few suitors.”

"To be honest, I was almost scared off."

“Adam, you’re not that shallow,” Duke smiled. “Feel my belly; my skin is as smooth as a Black woman’s.”

Meanwhile, Lawford entered a room with the check in his hand.

"Patricia, you've raised 32500." (End of Chapter)