America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 576 is such a cruel trap.

"Your presence is the best support for the cause of protecting women's rights!"

At the entrance to the banquet hall, Julie and Aniston were greeting guests.

This was a party the two hosted under the #MeToo name, and they invited many victims of the Harvey case, such as Léa Seydoux, Elsa Argento, and Anna Frank.

In addition, many media figures, such as whistleblower Jody and Helen, who was the first to be featured on a talk show, also came to the party.

However, the most eye-catching couple at the scene were Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Seabell.

Gavin found Martin, shook his hand, and said, "You, and MeToo, have supported Jennifer through the most difficult time. As her husband, I must say thank you."

Martin has some experience dealing with political creatures: "Gavin, don't be shy, this is what we should do, and what we've been working to promote for years. Women's legal rights must be protected."

Knowing that Gavin was a victim's family member, he deliberately changed his stance: "Many of my friends, Julie, Léa Seydoux, and Charlize Theron, are all victims of Harvey's tragedy. I understand the hardships they've endured; they are all incredibly strong fighters!"

This seemed to bridge the gap a bit, with Gavin praising, "Your friends are all excellent."

After finishing his high-sounding words, Martin knew how to bridge the gap between men: "Outstanding men like us are bound to have many outstanding female friends."

Gavin laughed and said in a low voice, "I don't have many female friends."

This San Francisco figure, who has been involved in scandals in that area, is much less concerned about such matters.

"Come to Los Angeles often in the future," Martin said casually. "You can also attend Coca-Cola Cult gatherings."

Gavin asked, "When are you going to San Francisco to host a Coca-Cola Cult gathering?"

The two began to discuss the party and their female friends.

Until Julie came with Jennifer Seabelle.

Sibel asked, "What are you talking about? You seem to be having a lot of fun?"

Gavin laughed and said, "It's a man's secret, darling, I can't tell you."

Sibel looked at Martin, who shrugged, indicating that he couldn't help.

Julie said, "Men always have something to hide. Never mind them, come over here, it's our turn."

There was no sadness or solemnity at the party; the atmosphere was very joyful. Everyone present saw the bright prospect of sharing the spoils of victory with Weinstein, and they were all very happy.

Then, Jolie and Aniston went to the front of the stage and punched Jennifer Seabell, Léa Seydoux, and others with #MeToo fists.

This also marks their official entry into the #MeToo movement.

After coming down from the stage, Jennifer Seabell then approached Martin and Gavin.

She said, "Returning to familiar Los Angeles brought both nightmares and wonderful memories. I once dreamed of becoming a big star like Julia Roberts, but alas..."

Gavin, behaving like a model husband, encouraged her, "Honey, the environment has improved, it's not too late for you to pursue your dreams now."

Martin, who was clearly aware of the couple's coordinated remarks, smiled and said, "Director David Fincher and I are about to collaborate on a film called 'Gone Girl.' Jennifer, if you're interested, you can come and check it out on set."

"I will definitely go," Sibel said. She smiled and added, "Besides being an actress, I was also a producer back in the day."

Martin knew the other person didn't mind talking about the past, and said with resentment, "Weinstein deprived Hollywood of an outstanding producer. He should spend the rest of his life in prison, repenting for the heinous crimes he committed."

Gavin understood these words. To cultivate an image as a loving husband and father, he needed to do the same. He said, "Everyone is responsible for their actions, and Harvey is no exception."

No one can ignore the influence of this important figure in the California Democratic Party.

Gavin left to discuss women's rights activities in San Francisco with Julie and Aniston.

After her husband walked away, Sibel suddenly said, "Actually, I have a film project in mind. Last year, an old friend contacted me, wanting to collaborate on a feature film. We were ready to proceed, but this incident happened and it was delayed."

"If you think the project is feasible, you can come to Burbank and collaborate with Davis Studio." Martin then thought of the investment from the Koreans, hoping to find a way to extract some of it: "My studio has the most professional staff."

He wouldn't mention the fact that Davis Studios is essentially a shell company.

Sibel said, "Then I'll come to Burbank to see you another day."

Martin replied, "You can come anytime."

The party didn't last long. When it ended in the evening, Martin quietly got into Julie and Aniston's car again.

Aniston didn't ask any further questions and drove straight back to her own home.

Julie glanced at Martin sideways and said with a smile, "Teacher, you and Sibel had a pleasant chat?"

Martin preemptively blocked any possibility: "They only talked about movies. She hasn't given up on Hollywood and may want to experience being a leading lady."

"Great!" Julie clapped her hands loudly. "Red sofa, unspoken rules, use them all! And remember to call me, I'll go with you to her audition, and then..."

Martin reached out and pinched Julie's thick lips: "Are you crazy?"

Aniston said, "She's not crazy, she's at the hair salon!"

Julie slapped Martin's hand away and said, "Isn't this what you love doing the most?"

Martin denied it: "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't!"

Even Aniston couldn't stand it anymore and reminded him, "Harvey's wife, Georgina Chapman!"

Julie chimed in: "Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend's fiancée!"

"These were just accidents." Martin didn't argue with them and returned to the previous topic: "Sibell and I were simply discussing cooperation."

He added, "I'm not crazy yet."

Julie stopped joking and said seriously, "I'm not crazy, I'm just reminding you not to let your mind control your body."

Martin asked, "Am I the kind of person who can't distinguish between what's important and what's not?"

Aniston interjected, "Angie, let's keep a close eye on him tonight, and Martin will be more settled from now on."

Julie came up with a great idea: "How about this, this time we'll take the initiative. I'll be on top, and you'll lift me up to ram into this bastard!"

"Ha, you wish!" Aniston retorted, displeased. "Why shouldn't you be the one carrying me!"

Julie said, "Because it was my idea."

Aniston drove right into the house: "But you're in my house, guests should follow the host's instructions!"

Martin said, "Stop arguing, tonight you'll all listen to me!"

The absurdity of that night didn't last long, because the next day Martin was going to Warner Bros. for a partner meeting, where Warner Bros.' new CEO Kevin Tsujihara would officially discuss future collaborations with Warner's partners.

Martin arrived at Davis's studio first because he had an appointment with Louise.

As soon as I entered the lobby of the office building, I saw several Asians sitting in the waiting area.

Upon seeing Martin, the middle-aged man quickly approached him and said, "Mr. Davis, it's been a long time."

Martin recognized him as U Maung Than, a jewelry and jade investor in Myanmar. He immediately shook hands with him and said with a smile, "It has indeed been a while since we last met."

He pointed towards the stairs: "Upstairs, please."

The group went upstairs and into the reception room. Martin asked a question and had tea brought over.

Wu Maoting gave his subordinate a look.

The latter immediately took out a gift box and handed it to him.

Wu Maoting placed the gift box on the table: "I apologize for the intrusion; this is just a small gift, nothing more."

The gift box lid is transparent, and Martin can see several cut rubies through it.

Although it's not very big, it seems to be in good condition.

Martin had heard of Burmese rubies, but knew little about them. He glanced at them, then looked away and said, "Mr. Wu, there's a saying in the East: 'When you give a gift, you always expect something in return!'"

Wu Maoting hesitated for a moment, but then said directly, "I want to continue participating in Davis Studio's film investment."

Martin said, "I remember you were working directly with Warner Bros.?"

"I apologize for my recklessness and shortsightedness back then," Wu Maoting said in detail. "Two years ago, I participated in the co-investment of Terminator Salvation. The film's production budget was as high as $200 million, and it eventually grossed $3.71 million at the box office. Warner Bros. told me that the film had caused huge losses, and of my $30 million investment, I have only received less than $5 million back."

He was furious: "I had a professional accounting firm review Warner Bros.' bills, and they told me there were no problems with the accounts, and the entire film was losing money terribly."

Martin didn't pay much attention to the film's profit and loss; it's normal for it to show a loss on paper. The six major Hollywood studios are best at bookkeeping when dealing with foreign investors.

Sure enough, Wu Maoting said, "Warner Bros. borrowed money from New Line Cinema to raise funds, and the interest alone amounted to $2000 million! New Line Cinema, like Warner Bros., is a subsidiary of Warner Bros."

Martin added, "Not every Hollywood studio is like Davis Studios and Pacific Films."

"Yes, yes, I deeply regret it." Wu Maoting sighed. "I sued Warner Bros., spending a huge amount of legal fees to try and get justice, but I lost."

Martin didn't say much; this outcome was not unexpected.

At this moment, Wu Maoting said with utmost sincerity, "Mr. Davis, please forgive my ignorance back then, and give me another chance to invest in Hollywood."

He encountered some problems in Myanmar and wanted to establish himself there, but he needed a channel to transfer funds, and the film industry was a perfect fit.

Of course, it can't be something like "Terminator Salvation," which is not only a rip-off, but also a rip-off that's too blatant.

Upon hearing this, Martin thought of Sibel, pondered for a moment, and said, "After 2008, Hollywood has encountered a lot of trouble. Mr. Wu, I welcome your investment, but I cannot guarantee that your investment will be profitable, or even that you will recoup your costs."

He abruptly changed his tone: "But one thing I can guarantee is that Davis Studios and Pacific Films would never do what Warner Bros. did."

(End of this chapter)