money player

Sin Yiu-man didn't spend all his morning with Herbin. At 10:15, Carl Forman came over to sign a share transfer agreement. Jorge Guinno acquired 30% of Stanley Kremer's shares for $120,000. According to the agreement between Stanley Kremer and United American, Jorge Guinno would receive 15% of Noon's revenue.

As for the acquisition price, it will be paid in the manner agreed upon last time, helping Carl Forman pay less tax.

Just after seeing Carl Forman off, Guinness arrived.

Gui Nuo personally brought the film company's roster, a rather unusual roster with many photos and little text. Everyone had a fashion photo and a bikini photo, along with their hair color, eye color, and body measurements, but there were only a few lines about their professional skills.

Xian Yaowen flipped through it and said with a smile, "Is this a roster for selecting concubines?"

Guinuo shrugged. "Adam, I've never denied that I started the film company to make it easier to meet women. You'll be in charge of them from now on. To avoid any misunderstandings between us, please pay attention to the people whose names are marked with red dots. They've had relationships with me."

What misunderstanding are you referring to?

Gui Nuo shrugged. "You should understand."

Sin Yiu-man nodded. “So that’s what you meant. Relax. There won’t be any misunderstandings between us. It’s my principle not to have relationships with my subordinates, unless the order is reversed.”

“I don’t understand, but I respect your principles, and I will not have a relationship with company employees.”

“If that’s good, it will save us a lot of trouble.” Xian Yaowen put the roster aside. “You didn’t come here today just to deliver the roster?”

“Of course not.” Guinuo took out a cigar pouch from his pocket, prepared a cigar, took two puffs, and said, “I came here to talk to you about your previous proposal, the one about helping me manage my assets.”

"Adam, we weren't familiar with each other before, so I didn't express my opinion. Later, I seriously considered your proposal and felt that handing over the management of the Guinuo family's businesses to you would be a good idea. However, it's impossible to do it all at once; I need something strong to convince the family members."

"So, you plan to give me some work first, and then we'll talk about the next step after I achieve some results?"

"Your understanding is completely correct."

"You mean now, not 18 months from now as I said?"

Gui Nuo nodded, "Yes."

“Jorge, my career is at a critical juncture. I have to fly between Asia, Europe and the United States, and it will be difficult to add Brazil to my flight destinations in the short term.”

“Not Brazil, America.” Guinness took a few puffs of his cigar and placed it on the ashtray. “Adam, do you know Siegel?”

Sin Yiu-man shrugged. “Ruo Re, you can be more direct and frank. I’ve heard that you have good relationships with some people in the Mafia. Conversely, you should also know that I do business with the Mafia, so…”

“Okay.” Guinness shrugged. “I do know about your smuggling business with the Mafia.”

After a moment of silence, Guinness said, “After Siegel died, Meyer Lansky introduced me to a company. I invested $50 in the Flamingo Hotel and acquired a 5% stake. After the investment, I asked for dividends and VIP privileges, but I was refused. I only received a free suite and a casino credit line. I was tricked.”

"What do you want?"

"I want back my rightful rights."

"Jorge, if this is a test question, my answer is that, based on my understanding of the Mafia, they wouldn't dare to deprive you of your legitimate rights without cause. Just tell me directly, did you play cards at the Firecracker Hotel and lose a lot?"

Guinuo stammered, "You're right. I lost a million dollars playing high-stakes French baccarat at the hotel, but I was there with guests. The hotel should forgive my debt."

"Was there prior communication?"

"No, but isn't that how it should be?"

"If you win, what are you going to do?"

Gui Nuo remained silent, picked up a cigar and took a puff. "I also own 5% of the Desert Hotel, and I'm going to hand it over to you to manage."

"Clear property rights?"

"Of course, I never played cards there."

How much is it worth?

“I invested $20, and it’s gone up a bit now. I invested $30 in the Hotel National Cuba in Havana, stockpiled a batch of European art and Cuban cigars, and invested in a few movies in my own name.”

When Gui Nuo paused, Xian Yaowen asked, "That's all?"

"Of course not. I met Farouk while playing cards at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate, was also playing cards with us. Rainier III hosted Aristotle and me and invited us to invest in the Monte Carlo Casino. He valued not only our money but also our ability to bring guests there."

Guinuo flicked his cigarette ash and continued, "Did you spot Greta at the party?"

"Saw."

"She was Rainier's lover, and she came to Los Angeles to relax."

Sin Yiu-man chuckled and said, "Perhaps Prince Rainier III wants the outside world to think that Garbo is your lover."

“It doesn’t matter.” Guinness shrugged. “Not long ago, France pressured Monaco to abolish its independent customs duties because of its tax-free policy. Rainier refused, saying that ‘Monaco is not a French colony,’ and France threatened to annex it.”

I don't know how much risk investing in Monaco is taking at this time. I can't spend more than half an hour reviewing documents, otherwise my head starts to ache. I also plan to entrust this investment to you.

"Any more?"

"That's all for now."

Sin Yiu-man said with a serious expression, "Jeremy is very expensive. The compensation you have to pay me may exceed the returns on these investments."

"Tell me."

“What you just mentioned are all troublesome investments. I want to take 30% of your profits. Listen carefully, I mean 30% of all the returns, not the ‘added value’.”

Gui Nuo nodded. "Is there anything else? Yes, please continue."

“A $20 annual salary, that’s all I’m talking about after tax, or whatever you can do for me. Plus, my travel expenses will be reimbursed. That’s all.”

"Wow!" Guinness exclaimed dramatically, "Adam, you're really expensive!"

“Jorge, I’m really busy. If it weren’t for a test, I wouldn’t want to participate.”

“I understand, so I agree to your terms.” Gui Nuo took out his checkbook, wrote a check, and handed it to Xian Yaowen. “US$5, is that enough for your travel expenses for the next year?”

“That’s enough.” Sin Yiu-man flicked the check. “I will register a Guinuo Asset Management Company and deposit the check into the company’s account. You will receive an asset status statement and expense details every quarter. Travel expenses will be reimbursed based on actual costs, and any excess will be refunded to you.”

"No need, I just hope that there will be no need to increase investment."

"I can't guarantee it, I can only say that every penny you give is worthwhile."

"I believe."

"Thank you for your trust."

Guinuo did not stay long in Jorge Guinuo, and left after explaining things clearly.

Just as Sin Yiu-man was about to leave, Grace Kelly appeared, a person he never expected.

Amidst the California heatwave, she gave him a hug, the sticky glue on her arm clinging to his suit. "Adam, I missed you."

Is it hot outside?

“I rode in a car without air conditioning.” Kelly kissed Sin Yiu-man on the cheek, her arm ripping off his sleeve with a ripping sound, like peeling off a sticky note stuck with glue.

Sin Yiu-man took out a handkerchief to wipe Kelly's forehead and cheeks. "I'd rather believe you rushed back from Sonoma to have sex with me before I leave Hollywood, but I know that's impossible."

"I just signed a share transfer agreement with Foreman a little over an hour ago. You will receive 30%, or 9%, of the shares. If you brought your checkbook, we can sign the agreement once you've rested enough."

Kelly smiled and said, "Adam, you don't have to be so clever. Which hotel are you staying at? I'll come to your place tonight."

"When do you plan to go back to Sonoma?" Xian Yaowen folded the handkerchief in half and continued wiping Kelly's neck.

"I don't have any scenes to film for the next few days, so I'll probably be going back on Saturday."

"I already have an appointment at noon to discuss some important matters, which may affect my afternoon schedule. Even if it doesn't, I already have an appointment for the evening. You know, this is Hollywood. If a coffee shop sign falls down, it could hit five or six beautiful women."

"Which beautiful woman did you meet up with tonight?"

"Baolian Gaodai".

Kelly was surprised. "I thought it would be a young actress, but it turned out to be her."

"My pursuit of beauty is not limited by age; women at every age have different charms. That was my previous idea, but I changed it a bit last night."

Who did you meet up with last night?

"Doris Duke, was offered a contract."

“It’s her.” Kelly said, slightly surprised. “Has your opinion changed?”

Sin Yiu-man shrugged. "Sometimes looks aren't that important. Among the women I've been involved with, she's the second most compatible with me."

"May I be curious about who came in first?"

"My first wife."

"Is she special?"

"Everyone is special."

Kelly said coquettishly, "You know what I mean."

“It’s very special, just like you.” Sin Yiu-man put away his handkerchief and gently stroked Kelly’s cheek. “I’m planning to set up a bodyguard company in Hollywood, mainly providing private security services for Hollywood stars, and also undertaking some event security work. The company is called Big Dog, and it’s already registered. I’ve added your name to the shareholder list, and you own 20% of the shares.”

Why should I get shares?

“For your safety,” Xian Yaowen gently patted Kelly’s cheek, “you have a group of people you can absolutely trust protecting you, so you can unleash your ambitions without worry. Your shareholder status will not be disclosed to the public, but you will participate in company management, which will make it easier for you to cultivate your own confidants.”

“I’m just a small-time actress, why would you think I need a ‘group of people’ to protect me?” Kelly said thoughtfully.

Sin Yiu-man placed his hand on Kelly's chest. "Don't ask me, ask it."

“It said, take your hand away.” Kelly chuckled. “Adam, do you have a cigarette? I’d like one.”

"You treat this place as a social occasion?"

Kelly once told Sin Yiu-man that she was not addicted to smoking, and only smoked in social situations or when she was under too much pressure.

"No, I'm under a lot of pressure."

"Did I put a lot of pressure on you?"

"Always."

“Okay.” Xian Yaowen pressed on an apple-shaped ornament on the piano, and the apple fell, scattering cigarettes like a shower of flowers. He took one and put it in Kelly’s mouth, lighting it for her.

After taking a few puffs of her cigarette, Kelly asked, "Adam, do you have a big plan involving me?"

Xian Yaowen reached out to adjust the buttons on Kelly's cheongsam, then examined the embroidery on the side. "There is a kind of silk called kesi, which used to be the fabric used by the royal family. The king and queen's dresses were mostly made of kesi, representing the highest status."

Kesi (silk tapestry) uses a continuous warp and discontinuous weft weaving method, which has no seams or rough edges. Complex patterns can be woven directly into the fabric without the need for later embroidery. Kesi weaving is difficult, and it takes three to four months of work to make the fabric needed for one cheongsam.

The most distinctive feature of kesi (silk tapestry) is its uniqueness; a cheongsam made of kesi will absolutely never be the same as anyone else's. I've ordered 12 yards of kesi fabric for you, and you'll receive it in two months.

"Hmm, unique, and then what?"

"Does being unique need anything else?"

"Aren't you advertising for the princess and gentlemen?"

"Oh, you mean this? You don't need to do anything, just wear it when you go to the party."

Kelly exhaled a puff of white mist. "My problem."

"My answer is maybe, but it's not certain yet. Please rest assured that I will discuss it with you before it's confirmed. As the person involved, you have the absolute right to know."

"Okay, how much of Big Dog's shares do I need to invest?"

"$1."

Kelly asked suspiciously, "Adam, I'm more curious about your plan."

"You'll see. Let's get on with the agreement quickly. I have to go keep my appointment."

……

At 11:50, Sin Yiu-man arrived at "La Rue", gave his name as Balaban, and was led into a private room by a waiter.

He wasn't the first to arrive; several people were already seated in the private room, including Balaban.

"Adam, come and sit down."

Upon hearing the call, Sin Yiu-man walked towards Balaban, glancing at everyone in the private room. He recognized them all and had met some of them before.

Paramount's Balaban goes without saying, but others include Harry Cohen of Columbia, Louis Mayer of MGM, Joseph Schenk of Fox, Jack Warner of Warner Bros., David Selznick, producer of "Gone with the Wind," and Abe Rastefogel of William Morris Agency.

He was a little shocked. Everyone present was a Hollywood mogul. This was no ordinary high-end event; it could be said to be the most high-end event in Hollywood. He didn't think that with his current status in Hollywood, he was qualified to participate in this event. Why did Balaban bring him in?

This is like a low-level actor in Hengdian earning a few hundred yuan a day being taken by a celebrity to a private party in the celebrity circle. The whole thing seems bizarre. How could two people with such clearly defined boundaries possibly hang out together? It's a personal matter if a celebrity is willing to be more accommodating, but it's absolutely impossible for them to be brought into the circle.

He does have a collaboration with Paramount, but Balaban doesn't need to go to such lengths to reciprocate by introducing him to almost all of Hollywood's top connections at once. Even if he had that intention, he should have broken down the connections into smaller parts and done favors for him bit by bit.

In the celebrity circle, it's mostly because they were caught in a drug-related promiscuous activity. The police have almost finished collecting evidence and are just waiting to arrest them. At this point, they trick an idiot into joining the operation and making him the ringleader who deserves to be executed. Then they can implement a "catch the big fish and let the small fish go" approach.

What purpose does this idiot have in this situation?

His mind raced, his thoughts radiating outwards from Kennedy, going around in circles, yet he still couldn't figure it out.

First of all, political donations are a simple practice in the United States. You don't have to be an American or even a human. Any pig with money can donate to a candidate and make its own political demands, such as Americans being forbidden from eating pork.

In theory, North Korea could donate money to presidential candidates in exchange for American soldiers turning their guns on South Korea.

There might be brave enough people to accept this donation, and we can agree to it first. As for whether it will be implemented after we take office, we can talk about it later. If we develop an invincible shield and are not afraid of the bullets of the military industry group, then it may be possible to get things done.

Kennedy Sr.'s anti-Semitism was his personal sentiment. There's a saying that personal emotions shouldn't be brought into work, let alone politics. On anti-Semitic sentiment, Kennedy didn't have to be on the same page as Kennedy Sr. Even if his personal sentiment was anti-Semitic, as long as he didn't say or do anti-Semitic things, he could be a "Kennedy" for the Jews.

Judge things by their actions, not their intentions. Judging by intentions... well, that's a joke. If a gourmand goes to eat at a restaurant five minutes before closing time, and the chef doesn't spit in the food, even if he curses the gourmand's ancestors for eighteen generations, the chef is still a good chef, his emotions are quite stable, and his character deserves the song "Listen to Me, Thank You."

Therefore, there is nothing wrong with the fact that Jews donated money to Kennedy. If history had not deviated, Jews would have been Kennedy's supporters and the fourth largest force supporting his eventual entry into the White House.

After Kennedy took office, he maintained a relatively friendly attitude towards Jews and Israel. Later, some media even speculated that the assassination of Kennedy was orchestrated by anti-Semitic individuals.

Even if we don't look at the issue from God's perspective and only focus on the present, there is nothing wrong with Jews donating money to Kennedy. The old Kennedy was just talking big and had a history of "taking and vomiting". If he made comments about the suffering of Jews in World War II from an objective point of view, he could at most be considered a person with prejudice against Jews. Politically, he could be completely classified as a close comrade-in-arms who needs to be ideologically reformed.

In conclusion, there's no need for scapegoats when it comes to donations. Besides, Jewish people don't have unsung heroes; once the money is donated, the favors owed must be acknowledged. Furthermore, if donations are made but the donors can't be registered, Kennedy can't keep track of the accounts.

Although in 1951 Massachusetts, candidates were not restricted from running for office at their own expense, and it was not a problem to raise all campaign funds out of their own pockets without raising even a penny from outside sources, running for office at one's own expense did not mean being honest or honorable. On the contrary, it would reveal cowardice, a reluctance to raise funds from outside sources, and whether one knew that they were not popular with voters and was secretly planning to spend money to buy votes.
This is one of the reasons why the Kennedy family, despite having plenty of money, still went to great lengths to raise funds from outside.

If it's not because of donations, then what could it be?

Hollywood stuff?
That's even more impossible; he's just a newbie in Hollywood, too inexperienced to handle anything.

Or did I meet a benefactor while I was out?

Or perhaps Balaban wants to hear Lao Tzu sing "Chrysanthemums Wither" in a dance hall in Mohe?

Unable to uncover the truth, he could only proceed cautiously, sitting down next to Balaban and observing the others. (End of Chapter)