America: From a Fallen Child Star to the Head of the University of the West

"Of course." Sean wiped his mouth. "I have a complete plan. First, we need legal support."

"law?"

"Yes. I've already contacted a very capable lawyer named Vincent Carter. He specializes in handling these kinds of complex public interest lawsuits. We will be challenging the new arena project from multiple angles, including environmental assessments, traffic impacts, and historic building preservation."

"Carter..." Cao Yiqian thought for a moment, "I've never heard of that name before."

"You'll hear about it soon enough," Sean said with a mysterious smile. "He's a genius, he just hasn't been discovered yet."

"But he's a white man after all." Cao Yiqian was still somewhat hesitant.

"Tsk tsk tsk, that's a biased view! I'm white too!" Sean laughed. "And as you and I both know, Chinese American organizations have historically often collaborated with white lawyers!"

"Come on, Matthew, tell Chairman Cao who the most famous one among them is?" Sean looked at Matthew with a smile, and Matthew slowly opened his mouth like a child being called upon by relatives to perform a talent during the New Year:

"It was Franklin Roosevelt, who once served as legal counsel for the Hongmen."

These words silenced Cao Yiqian. He wanted to say something more, but before he could, Sean's silver tongue continued:

"Besides the legal system, there is also public support. We will continue to expand our street interviews and may even launch an online petition. I will use my social media influence to turn this into a national issue."

Cao Yiqian finally knew what he should say.

"Mr. Pan, there's a question I have to ask."

"Please speak freely."

"A few days ago, there was a huge uproar about the Muslim community mutual aid center," Cao Yiqian said, looking Sean in the eye. "Although you didn't explicitly say it in the video, everyone knows what happened. Now you're going to help us Chinese fight against the NBA..."

His tone became somewhat peculiar.

"Aren't you worried about being accused of inciting racial conflict? Attacking the Muslim community while simultaneously courting the Chinese community. Politically... that's very dangerous."

Sean watched as the number above Cao Yiqian's head began to fluctuate again, dropping to [50].

He knew what Cao Yiqian was worried about.

The Chinese community has always been cautious and wary, and is most afraid of being drawn into such ethnic conflicts. If Sean is labeled as "exploiting ethnic tensions," then Chinatown might get into serious trouble if it collaborates with him.

But Sean's expression turned serious and sincere. "President Cao, you've misunderstood."

"I exposed that community support center not because they are Muslims, but because they were swindling taxpayers' money. That's corruption, that's crime. I would expose it regardless of whether it's run by Muslims, Chinese, or even white people."

"My support for Chinatown is not because I want to win over Chinese voters, but because you are being treated unfairly. This is about justice and fairness."

"Fairness, fucking fairness!"

He looked directly into Cao Yiqian's eyes.

"I, Sean Penn, do not discriminate against any race, nor do I take sides with any group. I only stand on the side of reason."

"What I want to do is not to incite confrontation, but to unite. I want everyone in Philadelphia to see that no matter which community, if they encounter injustice or have their rights violated, we can stand together to fight against arrogant power and greedy capital."

"This is true brotherly love, this is the spirit of Philadelphia."

His words were spoken with great righteousness and without any flaws.

Cao Yiqian stared at him for a long time, as if trying to find even the slightest bit of hypocrisy on his face.

But Sean's eyes were filled with conviction.

Finally, Cao Yiqian breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile returned to his face.

【65】.

"Okay! Mr. Pan, I believe you!"

He raised his glass. "Just because of what you said, I'll help you out!"

"I will contact the other board members and a few long-time neighbors. Although I can't guarantee that everyone will agree, given my position, it will still be somewhat useful."

"Then thank you very much, Chairman Cao." Sean raised his glass to him.

The crisp sound of glasses clinking echoed in the private room.

Matthew watched this scene from the sidelines, and he was filled with admiration for Sean.

It's a shame this guy isn't a pyramid scheme leader.

"Come on, eat up! It won't taste good when it's cold," Cao Yiqian warmly urged. "This Mapo Tofu must be eaten while it's hot; the Sichuan peppercorn powder is the most fragrant..."

……

After leaving Emei Mountain Villa, the afternoon sun shone on the slightly crowded streets of Chinatown. Sean rubbed his stomach, which felt a little too full from eating.

"So, Mr. Pan," Matthew turned to look at him, "you're really going to use your connections in Hollywood next? Who exactly are you going to contact—producers, directors, or which celebrity will speak out on your behalf?"

Sean glanced at him. "Huh? You don't actually believe that, do you?"

"Didn't you say inside...?"

"I was just saying," Sean said, hands on his hips. "I'm barely making it in Hollywood anymore, what real connections do I have left? Besides, Hollywood stars don't really have that much of a connection with the NBA, do they?"

"Then why did you say it to Chairman Cao as if it were the truth..." Matthew said helplessly.

"How can he believe it if it doesn't sound real?" Sean laughed. "But I can name a few, like Spielberg, I've clinked glasses with him at dinner before, Tom Hanks' assistant's assistant had coffee with me, Leonardo... well, I might have seen Leonardo from afar at some party."

"Anyway, I've made a comeback now, so maybe they'll actually be willing to meet me."

Matthew smiled wryly and said, "If you can actually get in touch with Leonardo, remember to get me his autograph. I'm a fan of his."

Sean shrugged. "Sure, let me find his phone number first."

Ultimately, however, those who truly have influence are still the business people.

But directly contacting NBA owners isn't realistic. They can't offer a price, and there's no way to get them to concede. Perhaps all they can do is exert pressure through public opinion, making them think the matter is too complicated and that it's better to sit down, have a cup of tea and a snack, and then talk things over.

After all, Shawn's current goal is not to stop the 76ers from building a basketball arena, but to find a solution that is acceptable to both of them.

But we can't just bring both sides together, say, "Fine, fine, we've all had our struggles, give Sean Penn some face..." and resolve the matter. That's unrealistic!

"Hey, wait a minute!" Just then, Sean suddenly noticed a young black man looking in their direction from the roadside, and he subconsciously pointed at him.

It's not surprising to see Black people in Chinatown, or even live here, except that the man was wearing an old 76ers jersey and holding a cell phone, pointing it at them from a distance.

"What's wrong?"

"We have a fan, but it doesn't seem to be one of ours."

Sean squinted, and the young black man he spotted immediately came right up to him with a silly grin on his face.

"Hey! You're Sean Penn, right? I've seen your videos online! Sorry, I didn't mean to, I just wanted to confirm and then send them to my friends."

"It's nothing, bro." Sean glanced at the top of his head; it was [70], quite a high favorability rating. "It's me. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Oh, that reminds me! My cousin's sister really likes you!" The young man pulled a small notebook out of his backpack and handed it to him.

Isn't your cousin's sister your sister?!

Sean gave an awkward laugh and then quickly signed his name.

"Thank you!" The young man took the notebook and carefully put it away. "Are you sightseeing here?"

"Actually, we're here on business," Sean said, glancing at his basketball jersey. "It's about the basketball arena."

"Ah, about that basketball court." The young man nodded. "I live around here too. To be honest, I'm a little worried about the rent going up. If it goes up too much, I'll have to move. You know, it's hard to find a job in America without a stable address. I don't want to be homeless!"

"Yeah," Sean followed up, "By the way, have you seen the 76ers' plans? What do you think of them?"

"You mean the new arena? Well..." The young man scratched his head, "I think the Guofu Center is pretty good, isn't it? If they build a new one, what about the old one? For us fans, if there are games in both arenas at the same time, which one should we go to? Isn't that putting the fans in a difficult position?"

After he finished speaking, he smiled a little embarrassedly.

"I was just saying. You go ahead with your work, I won't keep you any longer!"

"Thank you for your support." Sean waved to him.

Matthew, who had been silent all along, looked at Sean again and noticed a strange light flashing in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Matthew asked.

"...Matthew, what did I learn from his words?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it again, use that brain of yours that could get you into Penn!"

After thinking for a moment, Matthew tried to answer his question:

"Are you saying that one city, one team, two home stadiums is inherently unreasonable?" Matthew paused. "It not only wastes money but also separates the fans and creates redundant and chaotic traffic planning. This isn't just a Chinatown issue; it's a problem for the entire city planning of Philadelphia!"

However, Sean shook his head. "No, nobody in the city government or urban planning cares."

"ha?"

"In this game, money talks. The Philadelphia government only approved the 76ers' project because of the economic benefits. But what if the 76ers' executives find that this doesn't actually meet their expectations? Think about it: one team, two home games—that would create division within the team!"

"Of course, I don't know much about basketball, I just think this is a new angle," Sean grinned.

"Oh!" Matthew exclaimed, suddenly understanding. "Perhaps we can suggest they relocate? But then again, how do we get in touch with NBA executives?"

Sean was silent for a minute, then shook his head and said, "It seems I have no choice but to use the biggest celebrity in my network!"