America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 678 A Gift for Depp

On the shore of a small lake in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

Avid and experienced angler Joel Mandel set up his seat, placed his fish basket, tied on his hook, and prepared his bait.

This investment manager currently only serves Johnny Depp and has plenty of free time.

A dozen or so anglers from the same fishing club were scattered along this stretch of shore, which was perfect for fishing.

Rogers skillfully tied the hook and handed Joel some bait: "This is imported Asian bait, which is especially attractive to Asian carp."

Although they hadn't known each other for long, their shared profession as investment managers and their passion for fishing quickly made them friends.

Joel accepted it without hesitation.

These baits were indeed effective. Once the bait was properly prepared, Joel was the first to catch a fish, a particularly large Asian carp. He and Rogers took turns hauling the fish, which weighed several dozen kilograms, ashore.

Rogers, understanding the fisherman's mentality, boasted, "Guys, come and see if Joel has broken the club record."

Joel hugged the big fish and laughed happily.

Many people from the club came over to take photos of Joel and Big Fish together.

After weighing and measuring the length, although this fish did not break the club's record for a single Asian carp, it still ranked in the top three.

This fish was hard to catch, and Joel and Rogers were exhausted, so they simply put down their fishing rods and sat in the shade to rest and drink beer.

Joel glanced at Rogers' new BMW Touring car parked on the side of the road, and the Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, and said, "Luxury cars, luxury watches, and fine wines—you always have a brand new set whenever I see you. You've made quite a bit of money lately. Is there some special investment opportunity?"

Rogers chuckled: "There are no special investment opportunities. You've been in this business for a long time. People like us can only follow behind the giants and eat scraps. If we don't choose the right group, we might even be swallowed whole by the giants."

He picked up his beer and took a sip: "The clients only care about profits, they don't care about anything else. This industry is tough."

Joel wholeheartedly agreed, especially since he was dealing with a difficult client: "It really wasn't easy."

Rogers answered his question directly: "It's still the same old tricks in the industry: find ways to get clients to invest and reinvest, don't give them the opportunity to cash out, keep their wealth just on paper, and we get a hefty commission."

Joel was somewhat disappointed, feeling that Rogers hadn't told the truth.

The two continued drinking, and as they drank more, Rogers started to talk more, boasting about how he could get money to hire a bunch of beautiful women to throw fishing parties.

Joel had done similar things many times before, and the two chatted enthusiastically, their conversation turning to the clients they served.

"I serve a bunch of vulgar bastards, including black NBA stars and Hollywood good-for-nothings," Rogers complained. "Those people are ignorant, have no vision, and no manners. They're all scum, yet they're rolling in money. God is so unfair."

Joel was inevitably moved and said, "It's so unfair that we high-quality people are destined to be poor!"

"Those social scumbags, millionaires and billionaires, all they know is how to squander money." Rogers seemed to be under the influence of alcohol: "This money should be in our hands, so that these slum scumbags can go back to where they belong."

Joel replied, "You're absolutely right."

Rogers opened another bottle of wine, handed it to Joel, and looked at his new car: "It's not that hard."

Joel understood what he meant, and said without saying a word, "We just want to live a little better."

The two found they had more and more in common as they talked, and their conversation gradually became more in-depth.

As the sun set, the anglers had no intention of returning to the city; night fishing and camping were also a lot of fun.

Rogers and Joel even discussed how to legally and legitimately turn their clients' money into their own.

This is the basic integrity of investment managers.

Rogers recounted several "cases" he had personally handled, subtly inciting Joel's ambition and desires.

Others might have had many concerns, but the person supervising Joel was his own brother, Robert Mandel.

…………

Disney Studios, the crew of "The Martian".

Surrounded by a green screen, Martin, dressed in a spacesuit, sets up various aerospace electronic devices.

Filming would occasionally pause, and NASA official Phillips would enter the set during breaks to instruct Martin on precautions for using electronic equipment.

Movies that lean towards hard science fiction, even if they can't withstand close scrutiny like planting potatoes, still need to look convincing to the audience.

Today's scene is still filmed with only Martin. As long as Martin is in good condition, the filming will proceed smoothly.

After filming a scene where a spaceship is blown up, the crew took a break.

Ridley called Martin over, and together with Phillips, the three of them discussed the filming of the upcoming programming communication scenes.

Martin knew nothing about this and mostly just listened.

Ridley can film it however he wants, and he can act it that way.

After chatting for more than ten minutes, Ridley ended the discussion.

Martin returned to his rest area.

Phillips also went into the lounge and sat down next to Martin.

Martin asked curiously, "Does NASA have a Mars landing plan? When is the earliest we can land on Mars?"

"It's unlikely within the next twenty years; NASA doesn't have any plans in that area for the time being," Phillips said. "Martin, are you interested in space exploration?"

Martin casually remarked, "Rockets, spaceships, alien colonization—aren't men all very interested in those?"

Phillips, recalling Martin's close ties with Washington, said, "NASA will be hosting an investor conference in California soon. Would you be interested in attending?"

Martin immediately became interested: "What needs to be prepared?"

Phillips said, "An invitation from NASA is required, but that's not a problem. With your collaboration with NASA, a phone call will solve it."

Martin waved to Bruce behind him.

Bruce made a note of this and sent Thomas a text message, asking him to contact NASA.

When filming wrapped up in the afternoon, Thomas called Bruce. NASA had replied, saying the invitation to the investor conference would be mailed to Los Angeles next week.

On the way to the dressing room, Bruce asked, "Are you planning to invest in a NASA project?"

Martin said, "Let's go see what's going on."

When I came out after getting my makeup done, most of the crew members were still there, but the original author, Andy Weir, had arrived.

The book signing for "The Martian" has moved from New York to Los Angeles.

Andy Weir came today specifically to present the original novel to all the crew members.

Martin and Bruce each received a copy, with Andy Weir's autograph on the title page.

"Thank you." Martin planned to keep it as a souvenir.

Andy Weir was very excited and followed Martin outside, saying, "I have great news for you. The latest New York Times bestseller list is number one, The Martian."

Martin smiled and said, "Congratulations, Andy. You're now a top-selling author."

Andy Weir sincerely said, "Martin, I wouldn't be who I am today without you. If I have a new project, I will definitely continue to work with you."

Martin believes these words are sincere, but they will fade over time, and Andy Weir's new project may not be a collaboration with him if someone offers a higher price, like Gillian Flynn.

From a business perspective, these are perfectly acceptable.

He asked, "Do you have an idea for a new piece?"

Andy Weir said, "Not for now. 'The Martian' took too much of my energy, and I need to rest for a while before I can find a starting point for a new project."

Martin nodded: "If you have a new project, please let me know as soon as possible. Davis Studio can provide what other companies can."

Andy Weir replied, "I will."

As I left the photography studio, I ran into Louise, who was coming from the office building.

Andy Weir knew the two had something to discuss, so he said goodbye and went to find director Ridley.

Louise stood by the roadside, looking across at the Lone Ranger studio, and said, "All the scenes over there have been filmed. Today is the official end of filming."

Martin came to her side: "I heard that Depp and Amber Heard are reportedly starting to plan their wedding."

Speaking of Depp, Louise looked around to make sure no one else was nearby, and whispered, "My people have already gotten along well with Depp's investment manager, but something like this involving tens of millions of dollars can't be done in the short term. You need to stay calm."

Martin said, "Take it slow, don't let Depp notice."

In the studio across the street, Depp and Amber Heard came out and walked together to the roadside.

Depp saw Martin and Louise.

His henchmen glared at him angrily.

Bruce stared at the men, while his henchmen could only glare at them.

The bodyguards drove up in an electric scooter, and Depp got on and sat on the side facing Martin.

The followers got into another vehicle.

Depp, thinking of Hodgson who was about to go to jail, turned around and gave Martin the middle finger.

Then he said to the bodyguard, "Hurry up and go!"

The bodyguards managed to drive the electric scooter at speeds comparable to a car.

Martin watched the electric scooter drive away and asked Bruce, "Have someone follow Depp and see where he's going."

Bruce made a few phone calls and quickly said, "They're supposed to be going to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I heard Depp and Amber are going to look at wedding dresses."

Martin said, "This is a happy day for them, shouldn't we send them a gift as a congratulatory gift?"

Louise asked, "What are you planning to give?"

"Aren't you feminist organizations targeting Depp online?" Martin wouldn't let Depp off easily: "Why don't you protest and demonstrate against this bastard who has sexually assaulted women?"

Louise said, "Great idea. The women's movement is thriving, and even if some women go too far, the police will at most issue a warning."

Martin checked the time: "Let's go shopping on Rodeo Drive too."

(End of this chapter)