These thoughts raced through my mind, and then I saw Martin's enigmatic smile. A thought struck me, and I couldn't help but tentatively ask in a low voice, "Could it be... that the Rothschild family is also interested in the film company business?" I looked at him and said, "But as far as I know, the Rothschild family seems to have always only been involved in banking and financial institutions, right?"
Martin smiled, a mysterious smile, then pointed to the hall: "Do you think this place is also a financial institution?"
I remained silent.
Indeed, this place is all run by Martin!
"To be fair, our family did run a financial institution business in the last century. But you see, there are many profitable industries now. And as I just mentioned, the elders in my family all think that I am probably the most unconventional Rothschild in the family in the last two hundred years. For me, I am interested in any business that makes money."
His smile was cunning, the kind of cunning typical of Jewish merchants.
Suddenly, a glimmer of hope arose in my heart... Perhaps tonight's experience is also an opportunity for me?
"Martin, just tell me, what do you want?"
Martin didn't answer my question directly; he just deliberately looked around. George was embracing two beautiful women, swaying his hips, and looking quite pleased with himself. I must say, this playboy was indeed very charming. And he looked a lot like Clark Gable, a Hollywood star from the 1950s and 60s.
“Did you see George? He’s a close friend of mine, and I was inspired by him to get involved in the film industry. I like trying new things, and this club has helped me make many friends in the film industry. There’s no such thing as someone who stands next to a gold mine all day, surrounded by friends making money in it, and yet remains unmoved…” Martin deliberately spoke slowly and softly. “Chen, your story surprises me. You could say you’ve created a Hollywood miracle, you’ve had a special experience… but don’t you think it would be a waste if you just made a quick buck and left, given the miracle and opportunity God gave you? You now have unparalleled fame, the favor of most Hollywood celebrities, and a huge network of connections. You can summon a bunch of A-list stars to work for you at any time. I’ve studied Hollywood history, and no newcomer has ever had such a favorable foundation—your foundation is simply enviable!”
"That's equally enviable," I added aptly. I deliberately said casually, "That's why Gao Qi was so eager to kick me out."
But at the same time, Martin's words also made me want to listen.
Indeed, as he said, if I had that kind of foundation and could continue to make it in Hollywood, becoming a new movie mogul wouldn't be difficult. But I also have my difficulties… After all, I'm involved in organized crime, and I can't focus my main energy on the film industry. This is a media world; once the media no longer owes me favors and can easily expose my organized crime background, will I still be able to survive?
When that time comes, the FBI will be the first to come after me—in fact, they really want to come after me now. The FBI definitely knows my background, but in the current situation, I'm too popular, so they can only be careful.
“You make a good point, but I have my own difficulties.” I answered directly: “I can’t continue to develop in Hollywood. My background… well, and the Gambino family won’t just sit idly by and let me grow bigger.”
Martin took a light puff of his cigar, then exhaled a dark blue smoke...
“Indeed, the leader of the Canadian Grand Circle, the smuggling oligarch of the West Coast, Thorin’s partner, the friend of the Clover family… these probably won’t make the Gambino family hesitate…” Martin smiled slightly, a hint of elation in his eyes: “Then, what if we add a new identity? For example… a friend of the Rothschild family? With such an identity, would Gao Qi still be able to act without any scruples?”
My heart skipped a beat!
"The Rothschild family has had many friends, and those who became our friends all achieved indescribable success... For example, Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor of Germany, Morgan, and... Rockefeller!" Martin spoke casually, yet with an irresistible allure: "Although these friends have all betrayed us at some point, it is undeniable that being a friend of the Rothschild family is enough to shield you from most troubles."
I swallowed hard... In fact, my mouth was already dry, parched, and there was nothing left for me to swallow, so I grabbed the bottle, poured myself some wine, and gulped it down, looking at Martin: "What exactly do you want?!"
“I want a profitable business,” Martin replied with a smile.
********************
“Everyone knows the film industry is very profitable, even more so than drugs.” Martin’s demeanor now carried a hint of sternness. “And I’m interested in any business that makes money… Look, the financial markets are very stable right now, there’s a lot of idle capital in the world with nowhere to go, and our Rothschild family’s banks have a lot of idle funds… Good heavens, letting this money lie dormant in the bank is simply a waste and a crime!” He laughed exaggeratedly. “And I’m very interested in you. I told you, you possess an innate miracle and advantage that probably won’t be available for another three hundred years! No newcomer to Hollywood has ever had such a foundation! It would be such a waste to throw away such a foundation after using it only once! So, I hope to get this opportunity to make money with you!”
I looked at him and said, “I still don’t understand… If the Rothschild family wants to invest in movies, you could simply acquire a film company. Or… approach Spielberg, he’s Jewish too.”
“It’s different.” Martin shook his head, then looked at me and smiled sincerely. “You don’t seem to understand families like ours… You see, although I have the Rothschild name, I’m not the only Rothschild in the family! The family values tradition, values discretion, and has always preferred to focus its business on finance. It doesn’t pay much attention to other industries… I, on the other hand, am an exception. But I can’t convince the family to make a major foray into the film industry… As for acquiring a film company… which one do you think I could acquire? Warner Bros.? Paramount? Fox? Those would require tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars! I’ll be frank with you: I don’t have that much influence over the family. But apart from those giants, I don’t think much of the other companies. I don’t want to buy a new film company and start from scratch in this industry. That would be too much of a waste of time! What I need is efficiency! Simply put, in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of capital, while still achieving success in the film industry… and making money!”
I laughed.
Martin is quite frank; he's a fascinating person.
Hmm... Use the least amount of capital, in the shortest amount of time, to earn the most money...
Nonsense! What businessman in the world wouldn't want that?!
But thinking about it carefully... I have to admit that my current film company does seem to meet these criteria!
“Dear Chen, I know your energy won’t be focused on the film industry. But you can’t waste this gift God has given you. So, let’s cooperate.” Martin stated his terms: “I’m willing to invest in a portion of your film company. Then this company will be jointly owned by you and me! What I get is a profitable business. According to my estimates, if this film company continues to develop, within five years it can be at least as successful as Stephen’s DreamWorks. Of course, our focus will be on film production. And you, you won’t need to spend too much energy running this company. Let us find experts to do that work… Hmm, find a few managers, a few experts to serve as the company’s CEO and management team. We can use this company to make a lot of money for us.”
I was about to say something more. Martin stopped me: "I know what you're trying to say... Are you worried about your underworld connections? Or are you worried the FBI or the media will come after you? Dig into your past? Hinder the company's development? Believe me. Perhaps these are difficulties for you, but for Rothschild, these are not problems." He even jokingly smiled at me: "If you still have concerns, I can even call the FBI Director right now and have him personally promise that he won't bother you anymore."
Although he said it jokingly... I believe it wasn't a joke! For the Rothschild family... this is something they could easily accomplish!!
If I weren't tempted right now, I'd be a fool!
What do I have to worry about? The worst-case scenario: I partner with him, but he grows powerful within the company, eventually seizing my shares and taking control… That doesn't matter to me. I never intended to run this company; I planned to make a quick buck and leave. Let him have the company. I don't care!
Moreover, judging from Martin's expression, he doesn't seem to intend to do that... After all, this company owes its existence to me. At least in the short term, he can't do without me. The company needs my fame, my notoriety, and my charisma to attract talent from Hollywood! These are what Martin values most!
Even if he abandons me and ostracizes me in the future... I'm not interested in that anyway. As long as I make enough money, I'll give him the company.
In short: This deal is mutually beneficial for both of us!
Martin looked at me and slowly said, “I’m willing to invest in and purchase fifty percent of your company’s shares, so that the company will be jointly owned by us… And at the same time, I can also offer you a small gift… that is: this company will enjoy the same benefits as Rothschild family peripheral enterprises. You will gain the friendship of all the banks and financial institutions under the Rothschild family, and your name will be specially marked with the letter “R” on our client list! When you need a loan… you will find that such treatment will bring you countless conveniences!”
"Deal!" I said without hesitation.
Martin was taken aback for a moment. He looked at me and said, "Don't you need to consider it? Or perhaps, calculate the specific numbers?"
This time it was my turn to laugh. I looked at him, squinting my eyes: "Martin... I know very well, and you know very well too. Without your help, after finishing this movie, I would have to leave Hollywood. This company would have been nothing but trash to me, trash I could throw away at any time! But now, with your arrival, this company has become a treasure again... It's like a pie falling from the sky. I'm not a greedy person—since it's all an unexpected windfall, I won't ask whether the pie is big or small."
Martin stared at me for a long while before sighing, "I really don't know if you're decisive... or reckless. But I really like your honesty. I like making friends with honest people."
********************
When I left that club, I still felt like I was dreaming.
Overnight, I just casually went out for a walk, and all my troubles were instantly resolved!?
I've actually gotten involved with the legendary Rothschild family!
Some might say I was too impulsive, agreeing to someone's request so easily. But only I know the truth: I had no choice!
Either I'm prepared to leave, or I can take a gamble; even if I'm wrong, I won't lose anything.
Sometimes, things are just that simple.
I drove back to my place and only after I entered did I notice the living room light was on. Yang Wei was sitting there, staring blankly at the ceiling.
I coughed, closed the door, and came in. Yang Wei looked at me too. We were both speechless for a moment.
Finally, after nearly a minute, Yang Wei spoke: "Just now... Li Wenjing called me. He told me..."
“Yes, that’s right.” I said calmly to Yang Wei, “I’ve already told Li Wenjing that whatever favors you asked him for before, you’ve canceled them now. Because I don’t want to get help from him in this way.”
Yang Wei remained silent, but she didn't react with any surprise and appeared quite calm.
"I understand." Yang Wei lowered her head and thought for a moment. Then she looked up and said, "Perhaps I didn't think this through. Maybe I really don't understand you men."
“You really don’t understand,” I said directly, but then I looked into her eyes and slowly said, “By the way, I also have to tell you… Even though you slapped me today, I still want to thank you because you stopped me from doing something very stupid. At least, I admit I was wrong about that.”
"So refusing Li Wenjing's help wouldn't be foolish?" Yang Wei couldn't help but ask.
I walked over and stood in front of her, looking down at her. It seemed I had never spoken to Yang Wei in such a serious and impolite tone since I first met her…
I told her, "You have to remember this... Men can be very simple at times, but they can also be very complicated at others! In our world, some things are either right or wrong... But sometimes, there's no right or wrong, and the most important thing is principle!" Then I added, "I do really want to make money and grow myself. But the premise is that I won't do things I don't want to do for it! Otherwise, I'd rather do nothing at all."
Yang Wei's expression was somewhat complicated. She thought for a moment, sighed, and lowered her head. When she looked up at me again, she asked, "So... now, are we considered to have made up?"
I thought for a moment: "Not yet."
Yang Wei's expression was rather unpleasant.
My heart softened a little, but I continued, "I would never hit a woman, no matter who she is. I respect all women. But I also don't have a habit of being hit by a woman. You might say I did something stupid. But I just want to tell you: no man likes to feel controlled by his woman. Yang Wei, maybe you didn't understand these principles before, but I hope you can understand them from now on."
I moved closer and gently lifted her chin. Yang Wei seemed surprised by my firmness and looked like she wanted to dodge, but I gently pinched her chin, then lowered my body and kissed her lips. Then I stood up, looked at her, and whispered, "I love you very much, and I still do... but loving you doesn't mean I'll do whatever you want."
I pointed to my temple: "I have my own way of thinking and my own habits of doing things."
I let go of Yang Wei, then turned around and went upstairs to sleep.
"Get some rest, tomorrow is another day."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 176: The Doctor's Explanation
Although I seemed to act cool in front of Yang Wei when I was downstairs, once I got back to my room, I threw myself heavily onto the bed, but I just couldn't fall asleep.
Whether this matter is right or wrong is impossible to determine. And although it's already dawn, I'm not sleepy at all, and the frustration in my heart hasn't subsided...
Although I went out that night and ran into Martin at that club, a magical opportunity that solved my biggest problem at the moment.
But after returning, he still had a knot in his heart that he couldn't untie when facing Yang Wei.
At times like these...
Suddenly, a thought struck me. At times like this, I felt I needed to confide in someone about my frustrations.
friend……
I gave a wry smile, jumped out of bed, took out my phone, hesitated for a moment, and then dialed a number.
As I held the phone, I casually glanced at the wall... Hmm, it's past midnight, but back in China it's only evening.
The phone rang for a long time before it was finally answered, and a dry voice came through the receiver: "Get to the point quickly, don't keep me from watching Naruto."
I don't know why, but with just that one sentence, I felt as if I could see the wooden man standing right in front of me, wearing a doctor's white coat, holding a book and studying diligently.
And, surprisingly, my mood immediately improved.
"Wood, that's me."
"I know." The voice on the other end remained unchanged: "You wouldn't call me for no reason, would you? Tell me. Heartbroken? Bankrupt? Or terminally ill?"
“………※￥……％#￥％” I couldn’t help but curse a few times. After I finished cursing, I laughed, and the frustration in my heart lessened a bit. Then I whispered, “Wood, how have you guys been lately?”
“He can eat, drink, and sleep well. Aze has hooked up with an 18-year-old beauty. Qiaoqiao is locked up upstairs in their mansion. The princess is waiting for the knight to rescue her... As for the others…” Mu Tou thought for a moment and said slowly, “Jenny is going to have a concert, and Yoyo is going to have a parent-teacher conference… Damn it, who said I look old? They actually want me to act as her parent.”
My smile widened even more.
Suddenly, I miss everything about China, my friends, and the carefree days we spent together… And now, I'm abroad. Although I seem to be doing well, I'm actually walking a tightrope every single moment! The Gambino family, the Rothschilds, Thorin, the Shamrock… Damn it, back in China, none of this troublesome stuff happened!
"Wood, I'm in some trouble, and I'm really upset."
"Don't you know what to wear to the Oscars?" Wood joked.
A thought struck me… Woody wasn't usually this talkative. But today on the phone, he seemed much more fluent than before. Had something changed about him? But judging from his tone, even if there was a change, it should be for the better.
"I'm not kidding, I'm really in trouble." I gave a wry smile.
“…Speak,” Mu Tou said helplessly.
I thought for a moment and said, “I have an opponent now. They have ten times more people than me, ten times more money, ten times more power, and a hundred times more official backing. Moreover… they made me suffer a great humiliation, and I swear I will get my revenge.”
The wood didn't speak.
I continued, "Just last night, I got a little emotional and was ready to go and fight them..."
"Then you're dead meat," Wood bluntly interjected.
"...That's right." I admit, the other party was far stronger than me. If I had really fought, it would probably have been a dead end. But thankfully I didn't. Later, something happened that changed my mind."
“A woman… well, or rather, one of my women, strongly opposed what I did, and we had a huge argument to stop her. In the end, she slapped me and yelled at me.”