First... In the 19th century, there were six major powers in Europe! They were the British Empire, Prussia (later Germany), Austria-Hungary, France, Russia... and... the Rothschild family! The Rothschild family also had a prominent nickname: "The Sixth Empire".
Secondly... In the United States before World War II in the 20th century, there was a classic saying that described the country at the time: "The Democratic Party belongs to the Morgan family, while the Republican Party belongs to the Rockefeller family..." In fact, this statement should be followed by: "And Rockefeller and Morgan both belong to the Rothschilds!"
The problem is that few people know the truth: Rockefeller initially rose to power with the support of the Rothschild family. Later, as the Rockefeller family grew increasingly powerful and disobedient, the Rothschild family then promoted the Morgan family to control Rockefeller! In essence, these two world-renowned families, familiar to the public, were merely spokespeople created by the Rothschilds!
The Rothschilds, a family so glorious it's almost terrifying! Yet, they've always remained hidden behind the scenes of this world...
And at the same time… they are also Jewish! From the founding of Israel to the decades-long support of the US government for Israel… everything bears the mark of this family's involvement!
If we're talking about the most powerful family in the US or the world, it's definitely not the Rockefellers or Morgans. As for families like the Kennedys, they're puppets among puppets, branches within branches.
(Author's note: I won't go into the background of the Rothschild family here, lest someone accuse me of padding the word count. You can look up the relevant information yourself, and I will also post some information in the supplementary chapters of the public version of this book.)
Although I'm not sure if the young man in front of me is a member of the Rothschild family, it's absolutely necessary to show some respect to a man who exudes an air of nobility in every gesture!
Two minutes later, my guess was confirmed!
"Oh, Martin, you're really joking... but you spend money much faster than you make it." This was a casual joke from Li Wenjing.
Martin smiled faintly: "That's right. Actually, I'm probably the Rothschild in the family whose ability to make money is most different from how fast they spend it. You see, I've been putting money out of my own pocket to keep this club running for almost a year."
A thought struck me! Sure enough, he was indeed a member of the Rothschild family!
This name is still unfamiliar to the general public, but it is actually very famous in high society circles! However, those who control the media have wisely chosen not to expose themselves to any media!
The party started quickly. A group of specially invited top supermodels, many of whom are global fashion darlings and frequent cover girls for fashion magazines, were present. There were also some Hollywood actresses, plus other socialites who enjoy partying… this was George Clooney's party tonight.
In fact, given George Clooney's career, he can't be considered a top-tier superstar, but he is a natural social butterfly and a party organizer.
Clearly, tonight in this place, all the Hollywood bigwigs were the focus of attention, pursued by socialites, beauties, and supermodels. In less than half an hour, I saw George approach me, each with an arm around a beautiful woman's shoulder. He still had a cigar in his hand, and seeing that I was alone, he frowned, then chuckled, "Hey, dear Chen, what's wrong with you tonight? I've never seen you so lonely… Oh, let me think, why isn't Jessica with you tonight? Hmm… right, and where's that beautiful Miss Yang beside you?"
What was said without malice may have been taken to heart by the listener.
George's last words caused both Li Wenjing, who was sitting not far away, and me to change our expressions slightly. George said a couple more words, then suddenly slapped his forehead as if he had remembered something. He then left with two beautiful women, laughing and joking. We then saw him directing someone to bring out an old-fashioned record player, playing a classic Hollywood song popular in the 1920s or 30s. He then led the two women to start dancing in the open space in the middle of the hall.
With this person leading the way, many handsome men and beautiful women around him also joined in to relive the classic Hollywood dance moves from the last century.
It seemed that only Li Wenjing, Martin, and I were left sitting on the surrounding sofas.
Li Wenjing and I were both a little embarrassed, especially after George mentioned Yang Wei. Martin glanced at us with a smile, but then said, "Alright, my two gentlemen, you've been dull enough tonight. If you continue like this, you'll disappoint the girls around us. Especially you, Chen, do you know how many girls have been secretly glancing at you in the last few minutes?"
Just then, a waiter approached and whispered a few words in Martin's ear. Martin nodded and gave us an apologetic smile, saying, "Excuse me."
As he left, the atmosphere between Li Wenjing and me suddenly became awkward.
We sat for a while, then couldn't help but reach for our wine glasses at the same time, only to glance at each other and simultaneously put them down... such an awkward situation. But in the end, it made us both laugh.
“Chen Yang… I never imagined we’d meet under these circumstances.” Being from a prominent family, Li Wenjing was the first to regain his composure. He shrugged and looked at me: “Tell me. What exactly happened between you and Yang Wei? I remember you were with Qiao Qiao, weren’t you?” I could see the anger in his eyes.
Is there anything in this world that can ignite a man's anger more than a rival's questioning?
I looked at him, feeling a little annoyed, but I kept a calm expression on my face: "I'm sorry, I don't have the habit of explaining my personal feelings to outsiders."
Li Wenjing, the man I'd always remembered as a gentleman, finally revealed his true colors! He leaned back slightly, toying with a crystal goblet in his hand, and squinted at me: "Chen Yang, I remember when we first met, I had a good impression of you. But I admit, I never imagined that in just two or three years you could climb to your current position... I really never did. Even from the first moment I saw Qiao Qiao with you, I knew my first fiancée loved you. But I never imagined that my second fiancée would be stolen by you."
I didn't say anything.
“I’ve always admired you.” Li Wenjing slightly raised his chin. “You’re an outstanding person… and I still think so. But I have to say, you’re simply not suitable for Yang Wei. No. I should say, you and she are not a good match. Do you understand what I mean?”
I sneered and said nothing.
“I’m not saying this out of boredom or jealousy,” Li Wenjing suddenly sighed. His voice held a hint of sincerity, though still tinged with hostility: “You and she are from different worlds. It will be very difficult for you two to end up together. And… Yang Wei is an extremely intelligent woman. She needs a man who allows her to fully utilize her talents! And you, you don’t have that ability! She’s too smart, and too assertive. So sometimes, even if she doesn’t realize it, she unconsciously adopts a controlling attitude towards everything. And you… Chen Yang, I’ve studied your career trajectory in the entertainment industry. You’re also a powerful figure. You’re not used to compromising. You don’t like taking orders… This makes your relationship with Yang Wei very difficult.”
"What exactly are you trying to say?" I asked, frowning as I looked at Li Wenjing.
“What I’m trying to say is… Yang Wei needs a platform where she can fully utilize her talents.” Li Wenjing said, almost self-deprecatingly, then raised his glass to me. Not wanting to be too impolite, I simply clinked glasses with him. Li Wenjing then said quietly, “The family I was born into destined me to bear a responsibility for the rest of my life. The education and training I received from childhood were all preparations for me to inherit the family business. Even my recreational activities, such as playing cards, horseback riding, tennis, music, wine tasting, etc… these were all training for future social activities. Everything revolves around the future interests of the family. Such a life might seem glamorous to outsiders, but if you experienced it yourself, you’d find it incredibly boring.”
I took a sip of my drink. Although I didn't know why Li Wenjing was telling me all this, I didn't interrupt him and let him continue.
“I earned one degree after another, and then started taking over some of the family business, doing some simple tasks—all part of the training process. But for me, it was all tedious, even tedious.” Li Wenjing shrugged, a complex expression on his face. “You know what? I used to hate riding horses the most. Because I was afraid of getting close to any large animals since I was little. But the people in charge of training me told me that for the sake of the family business in Europe in the future, and for the sake of dealing with European nobles who liked horseback riding, I had to learn and master this sport! And once, to help me overcome my fear of horses, they actually locked me in the stable and made me sleep with the horses all night!”
A thought struck me. Looking at Li Wenjing's expression, I saw no sign of pretense. I just didn't understand why he was telling me all this.
"When I met Yang Wei, we were both still quite young. Actually, girls like Yang Wei in her family are usually raised from a young age as pawns for future marriage alliances. But Yang Wei is an exception! Do you understand what I mean? When those etiquette teachers, dance teachers, and teachers teaching her flower arranging, art, literature, painting, music, and so on, this girl learned to rebel from a young age! On the contrary, she showed a rare talent for business! Ever since I first met her, I've been completely fascinated by her! Do you know why?" Before I could speak, Li Wenjing gave the answer himself: "Because both of us were forcibly instilled with that arranged education by our families from a young age. The difference is, I didn't rebel, becoming a product manufactured on the family's assembly line... although I consider myself far superior to other products. But she's completely different! She rebelled, and she succeeded!! She didn't follow the original arrangements made for her by her family, unlike the other girls in the Yang family. She became a business genius, a master strategist! That's what I admire about her! At the same time, I deeply envy her."
Li Wenjing squinted, as if recalling something: "You know, the first time I met her, she asked me what my biggest hobby was since childhood. Do you know what I answered? I told her I'd loved rugby since I was little. But that kind of sport, which relies on intense physical contact and is almost barbaric, isn't suited to people like us. So even though I really loved it, my family strictly forbade me from playing it! In the end, I was successfully persuaded. And when Yang Wei heard my answer, she looked at me with an undisguised look of pity. That look was really provocative. Because I've always considered myself excellent! I didn't think a girl like that had the right to look down on me. So I asked her the same question... I asked her: What was your biggest hobby since childhood? She answered: To manipulate others!"
At this point, Li Wenjing looked at me and smiled, "Now you see, she really has been doing that all along! You could say that my love for her is a mixture of shared suffering... but also a kind of respect that comes from admiration and awe at her successful resistance, a kind of looking up to her. It is because of this feeling that I have never been attracted to any other woman over the years. Even a girl as outstanding as Qiaoqiao, I would not have any feelings for her."
At this point, Li Wenjing glanced at me and said, "And you, you ruined all of this." He gave a bitter smile.
I remained silent, but Li Wenjing shook his head: "I am indeed very angry with you right now. But I won't retaliate against you or curse you like a narrow-minded person would. There's no point in doing that. The only thing I want to say to you is: treat her well, at least until you break up. Otherwise, I will definitely use all my strength to take revenge on you."
That really surprised me.
Does this Li Wenjing really have such a magnanimous heart?
Noticing my strange expression, Li Wenjing didn't say anything. Then he stood up, seemingly preparing to leave. I couldn't help but call out to him, "Please wait a moment."
He looked at me, and I thought for a moment before saying to him very seriously, "Li Wenjing, actually, I've always had a good impression of you, perhaps it sounds sentimental. But at least until now, I've always been grateful to you because you've always appreciated me and tried to help me several times... Speaking of which, it's fortunate that I didn't receive your help before, otherwise I really wouldn't know how to face you now. What I want to say is that before my relationship with Yang Wei, I always thought we could be friends. Of course, that's impossible now. I don't think we can be friends with our current relationship. That would be too hypocritical."
Then, I stared at him: "I've talked to Yang Wei, as you know, and I've run into some trouble lately. I also know that Yang Wei went to see you, right? She tried to get you to help me. I also know that you're here in Los Angeles today because you agreed to her request, right?"
“…Yes.” Li Wenjing nodded.
"Hmph, how embarrassing..." I rubbed my temples lightly, as if mocking myself, then smiled nonchalantly at Li Wenjing: "We both love the same woman now, and our relationship has changed from friends to rivals. And under these circumstances, I almost accepted a huge favor from you... Of course, it's fortunate that it was 'almost'."
Li Wenjing frowned, as if he had thought of something: "You...could it be that you..."
"Yes!" I nodded. Talking to smart people saves energy. Li Wenjing probably already understood what I meant. But to avoid trouble, I still said it clearly!
I stood up, facing Li Wenjing, and slowly said, "I'm a person of strong principles. There are some things I absolutely cannot accept! No matter the circumstances! Therefore, I don't think I can accept any help from you in our current relationship... not even the slightest bit. So, Li Wenjing, I want to be very clear to you now: I didn't know what Yang Wei said to you before. I don't know what Yang Wei specifically asked you to do for me. I don't even know how you agreed to her... But now, I want to tell you personally: I'm sorry, all of this is canceled! I'm sorry to have made you come all the way to Los Angeles, but I really don't need you to do anything for me. And I absolutely do not want to accept any help from you. I think you, being so smart, should understand, right?"
Li Wenjing was stunned. He stared at me for a long time before suddenly laughing: "You mean, you're unilaterally demanding that Yang Wei's request to me be lifted? Can I understand it that way?"
“That’s right!” I answered him decisively.
“Chen Yang…” Li Wenjing frowned: “Do you know how big of a trouble you’ve gotten into this time? The Gambino family is not to be trifled with. You need help now.”
"But it definitely won't be from you," I added, firmly rejecting him.
Li Wenjing stared at me for a while: "Does Yang Wei know?"
"Whether I know or not doesn't matter," I said calmly. "It's my business. I think I have the right to make my own decisions. Besides, there are some things that women don't understand."
Li Wenjing didn't say anything more. He gave me a complicated look, then left.
I sat back down on the sofa and suddenly felt a sense of relief!
I admit that Yang Wei was right when we argued today.
Therefore, I won't act rashly and go looking for a fight with the Gambino family.
However, whether or not to accept Li Wenjing's help is another matter entirely!
So what if I quit Hollywood? So what if I stop making this money?! But accepting help from my rival—if I actually did that, then... I wouldn't be myself!
Actually, some of what I said in today's argument wasn't wrong.
Some things are men's business, and women will never understand!
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but laugh and curse at myself, muttering to myself, "Damn it, I'm being open to good advice while also sticking to my principles! Hehe, what she said makes sense, I can listen to it. But when it comes to matters of principle, I still have to hold firm."
I tilted my head back and downed the wine in my glass. I looked around and suddenly realized that nothing was wrong. Besides, I had unexpectedly met Li Wenjing here tonight, which had relieved a weight that had been weighing on my mind all day. I suddenly felt much lighter and prepared to say goodbye and leave.
Just then, a hand pressed down on my shoulder from behind. I turned my head and saw that Martin had returned at some point.
He still smiled like a hospitable host: "Hey, Chen, what's wrong? Are you leaving so soon?"
Then the man named Rothschild suddenly revealed a strange smile. He looked around and asked, "Where's Li? Did he leave first? Is there some misunderstanding between you?"
"No." I shook my head. It wasn't a misunderstanding, but rather a conflict that was out in the open.
“Alright, since it’s just the two of us now, how about we talk about some topics we’re both interested in?” Martin smiled and pulled out a small bottle from behind him: “Look, this is a bottle of gin from my collection. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you, it tastes absolutely amazing!”
I blurted out, almost without thinking, "Like the Rothschild family?"
Martin smiled mysteriously and shook his head: "No, no, it's our family's tradition to keep a low profile. But I'm an exception. My elders have said that I'm probably the most unconventional member of the Rothschild family in over two hundred years. Because I like to be around Hollywood stars all the time, and I'm also the person closest to the media spotlight."
He poured me a drink, then casually remarked, as if it were nothing, "By the way, I heard you've been running into some trouble lately..."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 175: Each Gets What They Need
Martin seemed to be saying it casually, but I took it to heart. Someone of his stature wouldn't say or do anything without a purpose.
I nodded frankly: "You're right, I do have some conflicts with the Gambino family."
Martin whistled. To be honest, he was nothing like the Jewish person I had in mind, because he was very easygoing and not serious at all. "Chen, you're really something. You've only been in Hollywood for a few months and you've become the number one star in America, and then you've messed with the number one mafia family in America... I don't know whether I should compliment you or say something else."
He was teasing me, and his tone was very relaxed, as if we were chatting between friends. I didn't know what his purpose was in being so friendly with me, but I knew for sure that he wouldn't treat just anyone like that, meaning he had an ulterior motive.
"I've never been very lucky," I said casually.
Martin moved closer to me, and I could even smell his cologne. He thought for a moment, then, as if sighing, said, "Actually, I've heard about your situation. After all, Hollywood is such a small place; even a little bit of news can spread like wildfire. And... Stephen also mentioned you to me; he thinks you're a good young man."
Looking at someone close to my age, calling me a "young man" in such an old-fashioned tone feels strange, but given his status, he certainly has the right to speak in that manner.
After thinking about it, I decided to confront him!
“Martin,” I looked at him, trying to use the most sincere tone, “If you have something to say, just say it. I’m also very willing to listen to my friends’ opinions now.”
Martin laughed, a laugh that carried the air of someone who could obliterate everything with a flick of their wrist: "Going to Stephen was indeed a good idea. In Hollywood, no one can disrespect Director Spielberg. But have you considered that Stephen can't protect you forever? This film will only take six months to shoot, plus hairstyling and release, a maximum of a year. The Gambino family might not bother you during that time. But what about after that? Stephen has no obligation to help you indefinitely. Although he admires you and believes Hollywood owes you a favor, once that favor is repaid, no one is obligated to offend the Gambino family for your sake."
I didn't say anything, I just watched him quietly, waiting for him to continue.
Martin looked at my expression, then smiled mysteriously and whispered, "Or perhaps... you never intended to stay in Hollywood long-term? You planned to pull off this one job and leave?"
That's when I was shocked! This guy actually guessed my whole plan!
He then stopped looking at my expression and muttered to himself, "Even so, you still can't escape the Gambino family. If they really want to cause you trouble... heh heh, you invested a lot of money in this film company, didn't you? And you can't take the film company with you when you leave. Even if you plan to sell the film company, that old man Gooch can still make things difficult for you. In Hollywood, everyone is very pragmatic, and no one will go out of their way to help you without any benefit. What I'm worried about is that after this movie is over, without Stephen's protection, you probably won't be able to get your money out of here!"
I remained silent.
Indeed, based on current calculations, this film should earn around $300 million, minus the $100 million benefit given to Spielberg's DreamWorks. I could indeed pocket nearly $200 million. But what about afterwards? I've invested a considerable amount of money in this film company! And currently, the film company still owes bank loans! If I want to leave, I'll definitely have to sell the film company, because I can't carry this burden indefinitely… However, if the Gambino family really wants to get rid of me, they can easily pull some strings.
For example, they could carry out some underhanded attacks on the film company, such as shootings or other malicious gangster tactics, creating widespread fear and making it impossible for anyone to take over the company.
If this company doesn't step in, I'll have no protection and will just rot in Hollywood... unless I'm willing to file for bankruptcy myself!
I've invested tens of millions in this company, and I still have to repay bank loans. In the end, I'm afraid I won't make much money.
If that's really the case, all my efforts will have been in vain. I've wasted a whole year. And I've created a formidable enemy like the Gambino family for myself.
It's not worth it...it's not worth it at all!