The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Chapter 54: Relationships within relationships
Before the end of April, "The Scorpion King" starring Dwayne Johnson held its premiere in North America.

Hawke, accompanied by his bag-carrying boy Edward, entered the Chief Rock Cinema before the red carpet began.

Then, he met the square-faced girl Catherine and her kneeling and licking little brother Eric.

Katherine stepped forward and hugged Hawke tightly: "Everything that happened in Park City is like a miracle. You really opened the door to the film industry for Eric and me."

Hawke deliberately joked: "If you go bankrupt because of investing in movies in the future, don't blame me."

Catherine said very seriously, "It must be because I was too arrogant and didn't hire you to run the movie for me."

This was so nice that Hawke found it pleasing to the ear. He said to Eric, "Your girlfriend has praised me too highly. It will be very painful if I fall."

He looked at Catherine, but asked Eric: “Don’t you think Catherine is becoming more and more attractive?
Eric put his hands in his trouser pockets and said, "Because I'm happy. D.C. Heights is doing well in the video market. After Castle Rock Pictures bought it, it took less than a month to recoup the investment in the video and DVD markets."

His smile showed a little more confidence: "Castle Rock Pictures has decided to participate in the investment of my new film."

Catherine corrected: "Remember, it's our new film."

Eric's confidence disappeared instantly, and he quickly said, "Yes, yes, it's our new film."

Nearby, a well-dressed couple passed by. The sturdy man among them spotted an acquaintance from the corner of his eye and immediately turned to look over here.

Miller Collins slowed down and looked at Eric.

That kind of artistic temperament is so attractive to him.

His wife Maria was holding a little girl by the hand, and the little girl asked, "Dad, why don't you leave?"

Miller quickly caught up and pointed over there for his wife: "I saw some familiar faces. We met them at Tracy's gym."

Maria also looked over there and it did look familiar.

The three of them left quickly and entered the VIP room.

Eric suddenly felt uncomfortable all over, and looked around but only saw the backs of a family of three.

Hawke saw him looking around and asked, "Are you waiting for someone?"

Catherine pricked up her ears.

Eric shook his head: "No, I just felt someone staring at me, but I didn't notice it."

Hawke joked, "Maybe a beautiful girl will take a fancy to you."

Eric made his position clear: "My body and soul belong to Catherine, and I am not interested in other women."

Catherine was very happy because she had a director whose work was released to flatter her, which really made her status in the circle increase greatly.

A few people chatted for a while and then entered the VIP room together.

Hawke hardly knew anyone in the group, Eric, the video director, had no say in Hollywood, and Catherine was not strictly considered a member of the film industry.

The three of them found a place to sit down and chat.

Edward felt uncomfortable all over, so he said goodbye to Hawke and went for a stroll alone.

The main creative staff of the crew came in one after another at this time, including Johnson's agent and wife Dany Garcia.

The latter came to Hawke and said, "Wait a moment, Dawn will find a chance to introduce you to Stephen Sommers."

Hawke smiled and said, "No hurry."

After waiting for a while, Johnson came over and said something, and Hawke followed him to the main creative crew.

Stephen Sommers is an impressive Hollywood director. His two most famous works are "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns".

Johnson made introductions for both sides.

Steven Sommers shook Hawke's hand and said, "You did a good job of publicity. It increased Johnson's popularity in a short period of time, and the movie also benefited from it."

Hawke said: "Hopefully it will help the movie box office."

Stephen said politely: "That's helpful, young man, you have a bright future."

This kind of introduction was just a brief contact, and Stephen Sommers left quickly. Johnson said: "The big guys in the circle are all like this. Not to mention you, I can only barely speak in front of him."

There is a huge gap in power and status between the two sides.

Hawke understands that the name "The Rock" that Johnson earned in the professional wrestling world only gave him a higher starting point than most people, but he was still a newcomer in the Hollywood film industry.

Johnson suddenly remembered something: "Oh, there's someone I want to introduce to you. Let's go over there while we have time?"

Hawke understood as soon as he heard it that these were people and things that were in trouble.

He is a good man who likes to help people solve their problems: "Let's go."

Johnson looked in the crowd and saw a big girl, who called Hawke to go over with her.

Hawke looked at the girl as they walked. She was not very tall, but had a very good figure. Her face with makeup was pretty, and her skin was slightly darker. He didn't know if she had a tan or, like Johnson, had some black blood.

Johnson came up to the girl and introduced her: "This is Alison Faith. Her mother and I are good friends. Alison, this is Hawke Osment, the founder of West Coast Entertainment Studios."

"Nice to meet you." Alison's voice was clear and rhythmic.

Hawke responded politely.

Johnson asked, "Where is your mother? Why is she gone?"

Alison said, "I was there just now, then I met a handsome black guy, chatted with him for a few words, and I don't know where I went."

Hawke subconsciously thought of Edward.

Alison seemed to rely on her mother: "I'll go find her."

After everyone left, Johnson simply said, "Alison was a child star and singer. She was popular for a while before she was fifteen, but she met an irresponsible father who squandered all the money she earned. Her parents divorced and fought for her custody. Her career development has been frustrated in recent years. She has not released any new records and has few opportunities to perform."

Hawke grasped the key: "She wants to become popular again?"

"Yes, she and her mother both want to resume their acting careers." Johnson added: "The divorce lawsuit was time-consuming and laborious, but it's all over. Alison is an adult now and has signed a new record company. She may release a new album this year."

Hawke thought of something else, a divorced woman with a young daughter, and that handsome black guy...

Sure enough, Alison came back with a charming middle-aged woman, and Edward was beside the woman.

Judging from her body shape alone, the middle-aged woman is simply an older version of Alison.

Hawke looked at Edward, who came quickly and automatically stood behind him.

Alison's mother is Joanna. After Johnson introduced her, he said directly: "Jo, I suggest you find a time to have a good talk with Hawke. Hawke is very good at image building and reputation management, and maybe he can help Alison."

Joanna glanced at Edward behind Hawke and said with a smile, "Can you leave a business card for me?"

Hawke took out his business card and handed it over: "If you need anything, feel free to call me. I can provide you with different plans and options."

Joanna still believed Johnson's words to some extent, and said, "Let's find a chance to talk it over."

Someone from the crew came over to notify everyone to enter, and most people in the VIP room walked out.

Hawke fell behind, looking at Joanna and Alison, mother and daughter, in front of him, and thought as he walked, how can an out-of-date female singer, a child star at that, become popular again?

For a moment, he had no idea and put it aside.

Hawke met Eric again when he entered the scene.

The latter suggested: "Let's go for a drink after the movie?"

Hawke responded, "Okay, it's my treat."

Entering the screening room, Hawke and Edward sat down in the third row.

Eric and Katherine were next to the two.

There are also guest seats at the back, and people are coming in one after another.

Miller Collins and his family of three sat in the fourth row.

(End of this chapter)