America 1995

Chapter 181 God is fair
December 20th.

"The Da Vinci Code" was released for two days and the box office for the first weekend is out.

"...In any case, The Da Vinci Code is a wonderful movie worth watching!"

--Eddie McGudrick, The New York Times

As a newspaper in which the Blackburn family already had shares, and because of Rockefeller.

The New York Times naturally praised Milo highly in this film.

If this had been written before the movie was released, it might have been laughed at by some people.

But after the movie was released, it was met with overwhelming approval.

"Sophie Marceau? The French Rose's performance in the movie is extremely wonderful, not inferior to Zeta-Jones in the previous film at all." - Los Angeles Times

"The Da Vinci Code, also written by Milo, is equally outstanding. It may not be as heavy as Angels and Demons, but it is extremely eye-catching." - Empire

"Milo once again proved that he deserves the title of genius writer and genius screenwriter. Both films are equally excellent." - USA Today

You know, just a few days ago, these media outlets that sang praises were more or less speculating.

Under the same theme, and still with the original novel.

"The Da Vinci Code" may not be as good as "Angels and Demons".

It's not about the box office, it's about the content.

But they never expected that Milo would write the script of "The Da Vinci Code" so well, and the director would shoot it so... beautifully!
Yes, it looks good, and this is the first impression of ordinary audiences.

There are no lengthy explanations of religious terms, no fierce detective scenes, but there is Sophie, who is rude, straightforward and full of justice, and the lovely old man professor who can tolerate her. The dramatic tension is laid out just right, making many people enjoy watching it.

The weekend box office is the best proof. 3800 theaters earned nearly million yuan in box office in North America in two days. The proportion may not be as good as "Angels and Demons", but the potential for subsequent growth is definitely much higher, not to mention that this is during the Christmas season.

This is also why many critics praised "The Da Vinci Code" so highly.

As a movie adapted from an original novel, it does a perfect job in telling stories, creating heroes and presenting reality.

Even if someone wants to find fault, it seems difficult to know where to start.

Perhaps it can be said that in exposing the heaviness of religion, "The Da Vinci Code" is far inferior to "Angels and Demons".

But The Da Vinci Code, which is similar in genre, is more popular with the audience, so...

"If Milo had used the same approach to make The Da Vinci Code to make Angels & Demons, the latter would definitely be even better," someone commented.

Frankly, it's more interesting to watch this kind of stuff than to watch the tabloid reporters talk about Milo attending the premiere of The Da Vinci Code on the arm of Zeta-Jones.

The heroine of the previous film came to the premiere of the second film, but the heroine of the second film was unable to show up due to injury.

They could only make a VCR to apologize to everyone, which in itself was quite a gimmick.

However, sometimes, whether praising or criticizing, they all link "The Da Vinci Code" with "Angels and Demons" without exception.

This was true even among many critics who had not originally compared the two films.

But none of this has anything to do with Milo for now.

For him now, whether a movie is a hit or not is unlikely to affect his media empire.

On the fifth day after the movie was released, Milo left Los Angeles and returned to Boston, where he had been for a long time.

Boston, Plymouth.

The grassy plains at the foot of Blackburn Mountain were covered in snow, and all the branches of the tall trees were covered in snow.

From time to time, the valley was filled with the sound of dog barking. Snowflakes were floating in the sky, so fine and dense that it was hard to tell whether it was really snowing or just the snow falling due to the wind.

The booming Atlantic Ocean in the distance ignored the arrival of the cold winter and continued to vent its strength on the cliffs, bursting out with huge noises from time to time.

Although the temperature outside was as cold as minus ten degrees Celsius, it was warm as spring in the villa of Blackburn Manor.

In the small living room outside Haley's room, Robin looked closely at her eldest daughter-in-law, who was wearing pajamas.

After not seeing each other for half a year, Robin always felt that Haley seemed to have gained weight.

Not only is her face a little rounder, but her waist also doesn't seem as slender as before.

But she didn't think much about it, and discussed Milo's matter with Haley.

"Why don't you take care of him? Bastard, hey, you are his sister-in-law. Haley, you should take care of him!"

Today is Christmas Eve, Milo and Haley came back last night.

After a pleasant evening, Robin came over and talked to Haley about Milo's mistress and illegitimate child in California.

Robin arrived a little suddenly and a little early, and Haley hadn't even changed her clothes yet.

She was still wearing her pajamas at this time, and fortunately the pajamas were spacious enough to cover her slightly bulging belly.

Although Haley knew that the topic her mother-in-law was talking about was not referring to her.

But she felt guilty, very guilty.

"I just went there not long ago, and I'm still adjusting to the situation there. And he kept it a secret very well, I only just found out about it..."

Haley spoke to her mother-in-law half-truthfully and with a hint of deliberate grievance.

The real part was that she really didn't know that Milo had got a French woman pregnant over there.

If I had known this earlier, I would never have let him climb into my bed!

she thought.

The false part, of course, is the previous words.

"Hey……"

Robin sighed. She knew that it was a bit unreasonable.

Robin knew very well what kind of personality his son had.

I was nothing before, but I dared to do anything.

Now that his career has far surpassed that of his father and grandfather, it is even more impossible for anyone to control him.

She, the mother, couldn't do anything about it, and neither could Joseph, the father, or old Blackburn, the grandfather.

As a sister-in-law, it is even more impossible for Haley to control Milo.

She just said it casually and didn't really think Haley could control Milo.

"What should we do now? I heard that the Rockefeller girl will only be fifteen next year. Even if she wants to get married, it will take at least five years."

Robin looked at his daughter-in-law with some sadness, and said worriedly: "Milo already has an illegitimate child now. When he really gets married, he will have more illegitimate children than his father and grandfather."

Haley remained silent.

Mainly because she already has one in her belly.

Robin didn't actually expect Haley to come up with any good ideas.

Because this kind of thing is too common in the circle of wealthy families.

Robin mainly wanted to talk, and this was the only suitable person for her to talk to at the moment.

Only Hayley, who is also Milo's elder and a female Blackburn relative, can confide in Robin.

It would be difficult for Robin to go to Shrub to complain about this family scandal.

That would become a joke.

But she didn't know the person she was confiding in.

She is also carrying an illegitimate child or daughter who is her son.

“It’s all about attitude.”

Robin continued:
"We don't know what Milo's attitude is towards his illegitimate children. If it's like Joseph, it's fine. If it's like..."

She didn't say it out loud, but Haley knew she was referring to old Blackburn.

Robin was reluctant to tell her daughter-in-law about her father-in-law's private affairs.

Her husband Joseph's attitude toward his illegitimate child was more in line with her wishes.

From a daughter-in-law's perspective, Robin was not very satisfied with her father-in-law's behavior.

Robin thinks old Blackburn is too caring towards his illegitimate children!

Every year, the family loses 20 to 30 million U.S. dollars in unclear funds.

Do you think she doesn't know?
But the family is still managed by his father-in-law, and Joseph listens to his father so much.

Robin just pretended not to know.

So now, Robin doesn't know whether his son's attitude towards his illegitimate children is like Joseph or like old Blackburn.

Looking at Robin's sad expression, Haley felt that she had to say something.

"Maybe..." the eldest daughter-in-law said softly, "You can ask Milo? He loves you the most. If you ask directly, Milo should be able to tell you."

"I asked him last night." This was the reason why Robin was worried. "He said that they were also my granddaughters and grandchildren. I think he was right..."

"Uh..." Haley was speechless.

The same goes for this one in my stomach!
Where Robin was sad was when she found herself facing her son's illegitimate children.

It might be difficult for her to be as callous as she was towards her husband and father-in-law's illegitimate children.

When I thought that the child was my little baby and I only had this little baby left.

Robin was at a loss and had no one else to talk to, so he finally turned to Hayley.

"Maybe……"

Haley suddenly had an idea and suggested, "Why don't you go and see for yourself? Go to California?"

Robin was startled, then looked up at his daughter-in-law, "To see Milo's mistress?"

Haley actually regretted it as soon as she said it.

What if Robin really goes to California, and the time is two or three months later.

Wouldn't that be when my belly would really get bigger?
Haley was frantically racking her brains, trying to take back what she had just said.

But she saw Robin clapped his hands fiercely and said:
"You make sense! Haley, I should go and take a look. My son has been in California for so many years, but I have never been there. This itself is unreasonable! I have decided that when Joseph's affairs in Washington are settled, I will go to California!"

Haley opened her mouth, now feeling extremely regretful.

This is a problem. How am I going to hide my belly then?
She had said that just now just to disgust Milo and his pregnant mistress.

But she subconsciously forgot about her stomach problem.

This time it’s bad, what should I do?

Haley was very anxious and wanted to persuade Robin but didn't know how to start.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were discussing Milo's mistress and illegitimate child.

The three generations of Blackburn are carrying out a family tradition:

Cut down the Christmas tree.

Before Christmas comes, go outside and cut down a small tree.

Decorating the small tree as a Christmas tree is a tradition in the Blackburn family.

This is also a habit that almost all the members of the Mayflower have carried on for hundreds of years. Or it should be said that this is an ancient tradition of Western religious families.

It is similar to pasting Spring Festival couplets during the Chinese New Year.

Although it was said that three generations of the family were chopping wood together, in reality it was just old Blackburn and Joseph watching from the side.

Milo started to scratch with the chainsaw, and the rest was done by Wendy, who directed the bodyguards and other Blackburn sons.

Blackburn House is so large that it would be impossible to fit just one Christmas tree.

At least a hundred saplings will be chopped down today, some of which will be kept as reserves.

Some of them were decorated and placed in other rooms in the manor.

The Aris family, like Wendy's family, can all be given a few trees.

It's not worth much, but it represents the importance the Blackburn family holds in them.

As an aside, there is more and more construction going on around Blackburn Manor.

Because the families of Kenny, David and others have now moved to live near Blackburn Manor.

In time, they will surely become a farmhand family like the Aris family, surrounding the Blackburn family.

Among the chopped down trees, it was the thickest and most beautiful one.

It will be placed in the main living room and decorated by real Blackburn members.

That's the tradition.

“Are you planning to take the media group public next year?”

Watching the bodyguards chopping wood, Old Blackburn looked at Milo and said.

"I have this idea."

Milo nodded, reaching out to catch a snowflake, watching it melt on his gloves, "If everything goes well, it should be available in July."

Paladin Media Group & MCA & TBS.

The three were combined into one and subsequently re-launched.

The reason for choosing July next year is that the harvesting operations in Asia should have been completed by then.

A large amount of funds will flow back to the US market at that time.

The stock market is obviously the top priority.

Taking advantage of this favorable situation, the integrated media group can go public and reap the benefits.

A company that originally had a market value of only US$300 to US$400 billion after listing might be able to increase it to US$500 to US$600 billion.

This kind of good thing only comes once every ten years or so.

How could you let it go?

"Lowell, Adams and the others want some shares." Old Blackburn said in a low voice.

"So what are they willing to exchange for? Or have they realized the role of a giant media group in the new era?"

Milo spoke casually.

The United States is the country with the most developed media industry in the world, bar none.

This is a country where entertainment kills people.

There are very few channels for people at the bottom to rise, and once they reach a certain level, there will be a ceiling that cannot be broken.

In order to avoid the same unspeakable things that happened in Tsarist Russia back then.

On the one hand, the ruling class designed various material welfare benefits.

At the same time, on the spiritual level, the "Naitou Le" culture that can temporarily satisfy people is used as a spiritual opium.

This is why the American media industry is thriving.

But when it comes to profits and real impact on the country, the media industry's share of the US GDP cannot be said to be insignificant.

That's not a large proportion.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the Eight Banners of the United States generally do not attach importance to the media industry.

Because it doesn't make much money.

However, it is also for this reason that this industry has gradually fallen into the hands of the squid people.

However, the times are developing and technology is advancing.

At the end of 1996, who could have imagined that in thirty years the world would become a world of universal media?
Who would have thought that the Squid Man could successfully coerce the Eight Banners of the United States through the media and finance?

"Not sure yet," said Old Blackburn. "There's a party tonight, actually, in Boston. They want you to come."

"Do you think I should show up then?"

"My advice is... you decide for yourself."

Old Blackburn looked at Milo with a smile, his face full of pride and relief. "You are now qualified to be on equal footing with them. But dear, that's not because you are a media tycoon. It's because you have acquired 28% of the shares of Phillips Petroleum."

For nearly a month, with the help of Herbert.

Milo gradually acquired 28% of Phillips Petroleum's shares.

Just today, he officially launched a tender offer.

The company publicly acquired shares of Phillips Petroleum Group at a price of US$28.5 per share.

This incident caused a huge sensation in the financial and energy circles across the United States.

It was no less shocking than the sensation in the media industry and among ordinary people when they learned that Milo had successfully acquired MCA.

Ordinary people may think that there is no difference between oil tycoons and media tycoons.

They are all rich people that they can never reach.

Only people who are at a slightly higher level know that the masters of this country are in the fields of military industry, energy, medical care and finance.

Other industries are not qualified to speak.

Milo is just a media tycoon, so at most he is just qualified to sit at the table and eat.

If he is not of pure blood, he cannot even sit down to eat and can only eat while standing.

For example, Murdoch.

Although this guy is also Ansa, he does not have Mayflower bloodline.

Still from Australia.

And an energy tycoon, as long as he can gain a foothold in the United States.

Still Ansa.

Then you can eat steadily while sitting at the table.

For example, Koch.

Milo himself is the Mayflower among Mayflowers.

He is a media tycoon and now he may become an energy tycoon.

His identity is no longer the same as it was before.

The Boston consortium can no longer treat him as just an ordinary member of the consortium.

So they approached old Blackburn and that led to tonight's party.

Joseph watched his son and his father talking and felt extremely envious.

That was an invitation jointly extended by the core families of the entire Boston consortium, including Adams, Lowell, Lawrence, etc.

Even his father, Blackburn Rovers, had never enjoyed an invitation of this level.

Not to mention Joseph himself.

But now, Joseph's son was treated like this.

Joseph was proud but also somewhat unhappy.

This is probably what most fathers think when they see that their sons are better than themselves and have a higher social status than themselves.

"Then go ahead."

Milo thought about it and watched Kenny, David and the others help move the most beautiful little tree onto the pickup truck.

"Choose this one, Wendy, and move it into the main living room. I'll decorate it myself," Milo said.

Wendy breathed out cold air and agreed with a smile.

"I am a Bostonian after all, even if I marry Rockefeller's daughter."

Milo looked at his father and grandfather and said, "So I'm still going to attend the Boston party."

Old Blackburn smiled and nodded, obviously happy with Milo's choice.

"We are all very happy that you can say that." Joseph said happily.

Joseph was also invited tonight.

Joseph now couldn't wait to go to the party and see how his peers envied him.

It used to be because of Paladin, and now it’s because of Milo.

How come my son is so awesome?
Should we have more children?

But Robin's body is failing, so he has to find another way to live...

forget it.

Joseph thought of his other illegitimate children.

Although his illegitimate children were not as good as their father, none of them were as outstanding as the brothers Paladin and Milo.

Not even half.

Maybe the shrub has better genes?

After all, Herbert is so powerful.

But George and the others are worse than me.

Joseph couldn't figure it out.

Finally, I think of Milo and the Paladin brothers.

They probably took all the goodness out of the Blackburn and Bush genes.

That's why they brothers are so outstanding.

But it makes the other blackburns and bushes look useless.

After all, God is fair since He loves Paladin and Milo so much.

Then His gaze would not be able to continue to wander over the other bushes or over Blake himself.

(End of this chapter)