King of Hollywood
Chapter 418 - 140: Shaking Head and Thumbs Up

Chapter 418: Chapter 140: Shaking Head and Thumbs Up

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what flavor the next one will be. Adrian had deeply realized the meaning of this phrase. If only he had been a little more attentive at the time, he wouldn’t have been set up like this, though he hadn’t failed to notice the suspicious aspects. Unfortunately, words like "if only I could be reborn" are meaningless.

Falling for it was certainly related to the other party’s clever tricks, which were almost impossible to detect from the exterior. But Adrian definitely had been too frivolous and hasty, underestimating his opponent, always thinking he had complete control of the situation, always thinking that dealing with this person would be a simple task, and so on. Even the smartest people, falling into these traps, get deceived. Famous people falling for simple scams is common, all the more so for Adrian.

His biggest reliance was that he could always analyze problems from the viewpoint of an observer; once that advantage was lost, being deceived was quite normal. Fortunately, the loss wasn’t too severe, and it even served as a good lesson, better to be cheated now than later in a crucial decision.

The next day, after learning the check had been cashed, Adrian quickly put it behind him. Complaining was useless; learning from it to avoid repeating the same mistake was what mattered. So, in the next few days, he invited Claudia to roam around the United Kingdom, and naturally, every night was exceedingly joyful. Perhaps he did harbor some thoughts of extracting interest, although they had only been together for three days, it felt like Claudia had been thoroughly unraveled inside and out.

Claudia wasn’t the kind of woman to indulge randomly, nor was she as upright as the media portrayed. Especially these last few days, in the unrecognizable bars and nightclubs, her allure and wildness were on full display. Of course, under Adrian’s persuasion, she agreed to endorse Victoria’s Secret.

"It won’t take many years for this brand to reach the top tier. My vision isn’t limited to just movies, Dini, time will prove it. Besides, having two supermodels endorse it is something to boast about, I believe you definitely won’t lose to Cindy, right?" Adrian, while half-reclining on the bed, said this.

"So, tell me, Ed, who is more formidable, me or Cindy Crawford?" Claudia stretched lazily, her gray-blue eyes fixed on him unblinkingly. She was only wearing a thin nightgown, its neckline so deep that the hints of spring beneath were vaguely visible, and her long legs were almost fully exposed as they curled slightly together.

"It’s hard to say, you and Cindy each have..." Adrian’s equivocal response was cut short.

"No no no, Ed, that’s not what I’m asking," Claudia chuckled, her smile carrying a cryptic tinge. "I’m asking who’s more formidable in bed, me or Cindy."

"Ha, that’s not a great question," Adrian promptly raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, don’t try to fool me, Ed. I know your reputation and don’t forget, I’m also one of the top models, I always pay attention to my rivals," Claudia’s smile turned seductive. "You’re really gentle and considerate, Cindy couldn’t possibly reject you, so... can you tell me now, or do you want..."

She then turned over and crawled up to him, her round buttocks arched up as she bent over between his legs.

Adrian took a deep breath: "Well, that’s indeed a better way to compare."

Whether in consideration of future prospects, competing with Cindy Crawford, or forming a good relationship with Adrian, the rising Hollywood legendary director and media mogul, Claudia nevertheless agreed to the invitation to represent Victoria’s Secret. Thus, after finishing her runway show in London, Adrian returned to Los Angeles.

"For your sake, I even sold my body, Crow," Adrian indignantly told Claude when he had the matter settled.

"Enjoying the pleasure and claiming it was a last resort, who could be more shameless than you?" Claude scoffed at this while also thoroughly mocking Adrian’s gullibility, which Adrian hadn’t concealed.

"Do you know what I just remembered? In second grade, I told a classmate I could turn one dollar into ten by planting it under the tree at the end of the baseball field. The poor kid actually planted it, then you stealthily dug it up, and I told him the dollar turned into fertilizer absorbed by the tree because it wasn’t handled properly. I never thought you would turn out to be that kid one day, it’s just too ridiculous," Claude laughed unabashedly.

"Wait and see, Crow, you better pray you don’t run into something like this, or I’ll turn it into a movie and put it on the screen, retaining the real names of people!" Adrian retorted in the same tone.

The two bantered for a while before they got down to business without much dispute. Adrian always supported Crow’s decisions unless they completely contradicted his own thoughts.

"Signs have already started to show, although they aren’t apparent on the surface." When discussing the most important matter of the year, Crow pulled out some documents from the office safe to show him.

Although it was only January, for those like them who could access insider information, plus their habit of paying early attention, reaching such conclusions wasn’t especially difficult.

"How are we prepared?" Adrian asked after looking through the documents.

"We’ll need some more time to recoup, but that’s fine; we still have about half a year. Besides, it’s better to let others lead the charge." Crow shrugged.

He still held the viewpoint he had initially; AC Media and those hedge funds weren’t the same. Some things shouldn’t be overdone. Adrian knew he was thinking about the company, so he didn’t insist on anything, as long as it could secure the needed capital without affecting the restructuring plan.

Adrian initially wanted to talk about two critical aspects of this matter, but thinking it was still early, he chose to wait. Although he knew some things were untouchable, others wouldn’t understand unless they tried, so he decided it was better to adapt to circumstances as they arose.

"So, what exactly is Disney planning? Although Michael Eisner isn’t someone who seeks revenge for every slight, he’s definitely not generous. Since we’ve crossed him more than once, he will certainly reciprocate if given a chance. Hasn’t there been any useful information from Viacom?" Adrian switched to another topic he was more concerned about.

After the failed acquisition of ABC, although Eisner appeared to be in a precarious position for a while, it was merely an illusion he created. These crises weren’t any worse than when he first took over Disney. Once the opponents stepped out, a deployment of tactics firmly secured his shaky throne once again. However, it inevitably caused him to dislike them, so when Adrian and Crow heard that Disney seemed to be collaborating with Viacom, they were very concerned, especially since Viacom held some stocks in AC Media.

"No, Redstone says it’s just a normal collaboration. Since the details are still under negotiation, it’s improper to reveal anything now." Clyde shrugged and then reassuringly said, "Don’t worry. Even if Disney gets some stocks from Viacom, they can’t do anything to us, and I don’t think Redstone would be willing to give up his potential stocks."

"It’s hard to say; if only we knew what they are collaborating on," Adrian sighed, about to change the subject when a thought suddenly struck him. Could it be...

"What are you thinking about?" Noticing the change in his expression, Crow immediately asked.

"Yes, I’ve thought of a possibility, but I need more information to be sure," Adrian shook his head, "Let’s just continue to observe."

Because he had worked at a TV station in his past life and had watched quite a few American TV series, he had some understanding of several American TV stations. Information about TBS and ABC also came from there. Such messages, since unlike movies they weren’t frequently used, were just tucked away in a corner, surfacing only when something triggered them. If all went well, Viacom should be acquiring CBS very soon.

CBS is not a broadcasting company like ABC, which has been losing money year after year. While NBC launched several popular series in the 90s, it still couldn’t match CBS in terms of profitability, let alone FOX, which developed because of News Corporation. Acquiring such a giant isn’t something a mere 100 billion US Dollars could handle. Viacom, despite decent growth in recent years, might still fall short in its capacity for such an acquisition.

So, how did Viacom acquire CBS in his memories? After carefully recalling, Adrian could only smile bitterly and shake his head. Initially, he only had a vague understanding. Based on his explorations over the years, as long as he had an impression, he should be able to recall it, but if not, then no amount of recollection would help.

Was it Disney who initiated it, or was it Viacom? Although the acquisition of ABC failed, Disney wouldn’t give up on acquiring other broadcasting companies. But would Redstone, an autocrat, collaborate with Eisner, who also liked to have full control? Thinking of this, Adrian sighed inwardly. Although he had met Redstone several times and admired this old man who had participated in World War II and survived severe burns, he didn’t really understand him. Crow was the one who interacted with him more. Anyway, he should first find out what was really going on.

Adrian didn’t have much time to look at those reports, though, as he had returned to Los Angeles only a few days before flying to London again. This time was different from the last; previously he had been on vacation, but now it was for business. Along with Adrian’s assistant secretary, Charlize, there was also Warner Payne Clarkson, and the destination, of course, was the small manor they had originally visited.

As the background music crescendoed, the movie also came to a close; the screen gradually zoomed in on Nicole shopping in a mall with her husband, and then she quietly uttered a single word, "fuck."

The movie ended there. Considering the patient’s mental activity and physical inconvenience, the projector stopped before the credits finished rolling, and the room’s curtains were drawn, casting a somber light inside.

It was a living room, temporarily converted. Kubrick, unable to move, had their bed placed there, around which Adrian, Charlize, Clarkson, and his two daughters were seated in a semicircle. At that moment, they all looked towards Kubrick lying on the bed. Adrian, as per the agreement, had brought the finished cut of "Eyes Wide Shut" from the United Kingdom and had set up the equipment to show it here. Kubrick’s approval was especially crucial because if he didn’t give it, according to the original contract, the film could not be released.

However, even after several minutes, Kubrick made no move, blankly staring ahead—where a white screen that had been used for the showing had already been retracted—as if in a trance. If it wasn’t for a slight rise and fall in his chest, one might think he had already passed on to Heaven.

"Daddy..." his elder daughter Anya called out softly.

Kubrick finally responded, turning his neck with difficulty, staring intently at Adrian for several minutes. Being under that gaze, Adrian felt an uncomfortable sensation stirring within him; those eyes, though seemingly clouded, seemed at times to reflect a piercing light.

Just an illusion, perhaps? Adrian wondered, noting that momentary glimmer, for an instant nearly convinced that the other had seen right through him.

Kubrick finally closed his eyes and lay there without showing any reaction. Clarkson was somewhat frustrated; what was the verdict, after all, could they proceed or not? Surely some clear indication was warranted?

"Father is a bit tired," Anya observed his anxiety and explained softly, forcing Clarkson to temper his impatience and wait.

Eventually, Kubrick opened his eyes again. His gaze surveyed the individuals around him, then he laboriously shook his head. Clarkson’s heart sank instantly; this meant that the film would either end up shelved in a warehouse, at a total loss, or it would mean a full breach with Kubrick.

Adrian’s brow furrowed; it didn’t make sense. He had adhered as closely to the original as possible, even improving several details. Considering Kubrick’s fondness for the film, he shouldn’t be displaying such an expression. Could it be that the rumors of him wanting to re-edit the film before his death were true? Or did he perhaps dislike it now because it matched his vision, yet he hadn’t directed it himself?

Just then, his younger daughter suddenly gasped, and they saw Kubrick’s right hand, which hadn’t moved in a long while, tremulously raised and then gave a thumbs-up.

"What... what’s going on here?" Clarkson looked bewildered at Kubrick, while Kubrick’s younger daughter had already dashed out to call the doctor.

This gesture seemed to have drained all of Kubrick’s energy; his arm suddenly slumped, his eyes closed, and his elder daughter cried out in alarm. The doctor rushed into the room, conducting checks while ushering out Clarkson, Adrian, and Charlize—essentially all non-essentials.

"What in the world did Stan mean? Damn it, shaking his head and then giving praise, oh, damn, why did he have to have a stroke!" Clarkson paced around the living room complaining.

"Alright, Payne, you’re just disconcerted because you care," Adrian, who had been stroking his chin in deep thought, suddenly looked up with a smile and said.

"Did you figure something out?" Clarkson turned towards him, "Tell me, Ed, what did you see?"

"Let’s wait until the doctor comes out to discuss this further," Adrian suggested with a smile but remained silent.

Soon, the eldest daughter finally came out, "I’m sorry Adrian, Mr. Payne, and Miss Charlize, the doctor has said that dad has exerted too much energy today and needs to rest."

"Very well, Miss Anya, if Stan makes a decision, please inform us immediately." Hearing her words, Clarkson knew there wouldn’t be any results today, sighed, and then left with Adrian.

"Payne," Adrian suddenly called out as they were about to get into their cars outside, "you can start the preparations."

"Are you sure?" Clarkson looked at him, having drawn a similar conclusion after Anya had come out, though he wasn’t entirely certain.

"Remember to submit it for MPAA rating soon, then start the publicity, and skip the previews; just release it directly in theaters once the promotion is set," Adrian replied, evasively, then waved for Charlize to get in the car and they drove off.

Truly, a Legendary Director like Kubrick, with only twelve films could surprise everyone—whether they hate or love his work. He must have seen something, but wasn’t completely sure, Adrian thought as he watched the light rain start to fall on their way back to the hotel. He really wondered how much Kubrick had figured out.

Even though Adrian didn’t like the messages Kubrick tried to convey in his films, even detested them, taking over "Eyes Wide Shut" was only to brighten his own fame and take advantage of certain situations. At this moment, however, he truly respected the old man.

"Some documents have been faxed over from Los Angeles," Charlize walked in.

"Thank you, Charli, it’s different having you by my side," Adrian said with a smile, taking them from her.

"Is that you?" Charlize suddenly asked.

"What?" Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"The naval officer, in Tom Cruise’s fantasy, making love with Nicole." Charlize’s eyes didn’t blink.

"Is there a problem?" Adrian asked with a smile.

"You were really doing it," Charlize stated confidently.

"That sure?" Adrian looked at her with interest.

"Definitely. I know your body too well, from your height to your silhouette to distinctive features, especially that particular item below—I could even pinpoint it to three decimal places," Charlize lifted her chin.

Even someone as thick-skinned as Adrian couldn’t help but twitch his mouth upon hearing that. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to qidian.com to vote and support us. Your support is my greatest motivation.)