Chương 558: Chapter 558
"What's going on? Weren't you collaborating with the News Corp?" Charles Capet's mom, Evelyn, asked him as soon as he returned to the Capet Estate on Beverly Hills.
She was inquiring about why a tabloid under News Corp published those scandalous stories.
Charles sat on the sofa, seemingly unconcerned, and recounted his meeting with James Murdoch in New York.
"It's probably that guy playing tricks. Anyway, I'm teaming up with other Premier League club owners to raise domestic broadcast fees," Charles smiled, "No big deal!"
"News Corp's TV channels, radio stations, newspapers, and magazines are still quite influential. You better watch out," Evelyn reminded her son.
"Don't worry. News Corp has enough trouble with the phone hacking scandal in the UK. If they really mess with me, I'll hit back hard," Charles had already sent Molly Bloom to stir up some trouble for them, otherwise, he would handle it himself.
"It's just a few tabloids, no biggie. As long as the major newspapers don't start talking nonsense," Evelyn was familiar with these situations, especially now given Charles Capet's status. Many newspapers would think twice before reporting anything frivolous.
"Let's go to the cocktail party at the London West Hollywood Hotel. Lorenzo Soria, the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, will be there," Charles said as he stood up and straightened his suit.
Award season was the busiest time for talent agencies; agents would hustle between stars, judges, reporters, production companies, and media outlets.
Unlike major studios like Universal, which had a cooler attitude towards awards due to their focus on commercial value.
Evelyn nodded and then rode with Charles to the London West Hollywood Hotel.
Charles's luxurious G-class business vehicle was accompanied by security cars both front and back, ensuring top-notch safety.
The head bodyguard in the lead car, Larris Burke, received a radio call, "Boss, there's a Toyota following us since we entered Sunset Boulevard. Should we stop them?"
Larris Burke replied, "Ignore them. They're just reporters. Keep an eye on them; let's get to the London Hotel without wasting time!"
Inside the G-class, Evelyn was puzzled by the extravagant security detail, "Isn't this too many bodyguards?"
"Well, it's Larris's idea. I won't stay long at the London Hotel," Charles laughed, "I've drawn some media attention lately. Making a big scene will attract more eyes, and then I'll quietly leave the hotel."
Charles typically had 2-4 bodyguards, sufficient for safe locations. For long trips or places with potential risks, more security was needed.
The bodyguard team, responsible for Charles and Evelyn, consisted of 20 people working in shifts around the clock.
"Besides, mom, you know the economic downturn means a higher unemployment rate; you can't be too careful in the U.S. with its gun problem. I'm worried about running into a shooting or something," Considering the crime rates, Charles's focus on safety was justified.
Last year, just a few days before Christmas, Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy was found dead in her home bathtub. It was a bizarre case.
Brittany Murphy, 32, a blonde bombshell of Hollywood, just died suddenly, and her death was definitely linked to her mom and husband!
"Larris is very professional," Charles had always valued security. Larris Burke, a retired Delta Force operative, had been protecting Charles for several years without any incidents.
"Alright," Evelyn had no objections, being more concerned about Charles's safety.
...
At the London West Hollywood Hotel, Charles attended a reception and ran into Paramount Chairman Brad Grey, Tom Cruise, and billionaire David Ellison chatting together.
"Hi, Charles, good evening," Brad Grey greeted quickly.
"This is David Ellison. He really admires you!"
"Hi, Charles, you're so cool," David Ellison, who was only a few months younger than Charles, said as a peer.
"We were just talking about Tom's next big action movie, Mission: Impossible 4!"
"Good evening, everyone," said Charles, a bit surprised by David Ellison's enthusiasm, smiling. "The Mission: Impossible series is a hot property in Hollywood. It's great that Sky Dance Productions can be a part of it and learn too!"
"Have you already decided on a director for Mission: Impossible 4?" Charles asked casually.
Tom Cruise shook his head and laughed. "The first person we reached out to was J.J. Abrams, but he's busy shooting Transformers 3. I then invited David Fincher, but he's tied up directing Sony's remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We're still looking for a new director!"
J.J. Abrams was indeed unavailable. Bad Robot Productions had another film, Super 8, and he had no time to shoot it until after he finished Transformers 3 next year.
As for David Fincher, he was busy filming The Social Network, based on Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's life, and afterward, he also needed to direct The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He was definitely tied up!
"From the looks of it, Mission: Impossible 4 can start shooting at the earliest by the end of this year," Tom Cruise said with some helplessness.
"Don't worry, Tom. You're a globally renowned superstar. Mission: Impossible 4 will definitely be a big hit," Charles smiled.
"Alright, I'll walk around for a bit," he said as he departed.
...
After watching Charles leave, David Ellison looked on enviously. "So young and already a Hollywood entertainment tycoon. Being a Hollywood son is terrifying. My first movie, Flyboys, lost tens of millions of dollars!"
"Don't worry, David. Working with us at Paramount, you'll also get to enjoy the flowers and applause," Brad Grey reassured, making sure to take care of the sentiments of this rich investor.
"We were just talking about Tom's role in Top Gun back then. You should know, Tom also has a pilot's license."
"Really, Tom, you have a pilot's license?" David Ellison, an air force enthusiast, perked up with great interest upon hearing this.
"That's right, I learned to fly specifically to better shoot Top Gun..." Tom Cruise, himself the producer of the Mission: Impossible series, of course, knew how to win over an investor, recounting various interesting tales of flying.
Brad Grey looked at David Ellison, who was now deeply engaged in conversation with Tom Cruise, and thought that Sky Dance's billion dollars were in the bag.
However, he couldn't help but feel a pang thinking about the currently hot James Cameron film Avatar.
Back then, 20th Century Fox had teamed up with Paramount to complete Titanic after running over budget.
This time, James Cameron's epic Avatar also went over budget, but 20th Century Fox didn't partner with Paramount again!
Avatar had already grossed 450 million in North America alone in less than a month, with overseas earnings breaking $1 billion, at 1.3 billion!
...
"Hey, Charlize, long time no see!" On the other side of the room, Charles ran into Charlize Theron, whom he hadn't seen in a while.
"Oh, Charles," Charlize Theron chirped, warmly embracing Charles.
Last year, Charlize Theron frequently participated in charitable activities in Africa and was now the ambassador for this year's South African World Cup.
She was also a guest at last year's World Cup draw ceremony - being the "South African Diamond" after all!
"Charlize, you've become even more mature," said Charles, wrapping his arm around her waist. Indeed, Charlize Theron had a unique charm; at 35, she was still stunning.
"Mature!" Charlize Theron teased, "I can't compare to those young starlets you're always seen with in the tabloids."
Charles kept his composure. "Ah, those young girls can't compare to your mature charm now!"
With her voluminous loose hair, a sexy deep V-neck halter dress paired with loose-fitting straight pants, Charlize Theron exuded both sensuality and coolness.
Charlize Theron kissed Charles on the cheek and smiled, "Congratulations, you're now a Hollywood behemoth!"
"Hollywood is still challenging, and it isn't all up to me, am I right?" Charles showed a bit of pride but not excessively.
"You didn't seem to shoot much last year?"
Charlize Theron nodded. "I visited many places in Africa, worked on some World Cup tasks, and participated in various United Nations humanitarian activities. I haven't spent much time in Los Angeles. Are you planning to enjoy the World Cup this year?"
Charles chuckled, "We'll see. Even if I go, I won't stay long. You know, now that I own a Premier League club, international games mean the squad calls up my players," he said with a shrug.
Charles had no choice; the World Cup was a major event in sports, and soccer's most influential match.
Look at LA Galaxy's David Beckham, who was loaned to AC Milan until the end of the Serie A season last year.
This year, AC Milan loaned David Beckham again. He still hoped his European performances would earn him a spot in England's national team for South Africa!
"By the way," Charles leaned closer to the lady, "many reporters are watching me. Help me slip away later, and I'll spend the night at your place!"
Charlize Theron nodded, gently touching Charles's hand, "Then you better perform well tonight. I haven't had a boyfriend in a long time."
Charles paused, remembering Charlize Theron had a several-year-long relationship with Stuart Townsend and had been single since their breakup.
"Weren't you satisfied with my performance before?"
"Satisfied, but can you still be as good? You've had lots of flings in the tabloids..."
Charles laughed, "You're wrong. I'm even better now. Let's see if you can keep up tonight!"
*****
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