King of Hollywood
Chapter 430 - 152: Wait a Few Months Before Looking Again

Chapter 430: Chapter 152: Wait a Few Months Before Looking Again

"You have to admit, Apple is in a most perilous position now, even you might struggle to turn things around," Bill Gates said with a smile, giving off a shy vibe, which people who dealt with him knew to be genuine. Yet beneath that shyness, they also knew his authoritarian and dictatorial nature was just as real.

"There’s always a miracle in this world, Bill. Opportunities only come to those who are prepared," Steve Jobs adjusted his glasses, his brows still furrowed as always.

Essentially, their debate was drawing to a close. Similar discussions had been had countless times in different settings, and neither could convince the other. However, it would be entirely wrong to consider them mere rivals; as two individuals profoundly influencing IT development, they were adversaries in business but could be considered friends outside of that, rivals yet confidants.

"To be honest, listening to your debate is rather interesting," Adrian approached Jobs once the crowd had dispersed.

"If you managed to gain something from it, I would be pleased," Jobs replied calmly, turning his head back toward his wife.

"Actually, I have indeed benefited quite a bit," Adrian said chuckling, having shaken his wife Lauren Powell Jobs’ hand. He had met her frequently at various gatherings due to his intentional networking, "Bill is right, Microsoft is indeed flourishing, and I’ve made quite a bit of money from it."

Jobs did not respond, but Lauren intervened to lighten the mood, "For investors, making money is ultimately a good thing."

"Yes, and although Microsoft might face monopoly charges, their luck has always been good," Adrian casually threw in a prescient topic. It was only early 1997, and Microsoft had already made leaps and bounds and was growing ever larger, some had started to notice, but it wasn’t public conversation material yet.

With his statement that sounded both like praise and mocking, "good luck," Jobs’ interest was inevitably piqued. Then he added, "But I also agree with Steve; miracles are always around."

"Oh?" Jobs finally raised an eyebrow.

"Especially," Adrian smiled, "since Steve Jobs has finally returned to where he belongs."

Lauren was visibly moved, but Jobs remained impassive, "Thank you for the compliment, Ed, but for now, I’m just an advisor on Apple’s board of directors."

"Is that so?" Adrian looked at him meaningfully, "To me, only Steve Jobs’ Apple is the real Apple."

Surprise flickered behind his glasses. The word "only" could serve as a predicate or an attribute, depending on how it was received. Naturally, Jobs maintained his composure and responded with a half-joking tone, "I’m truly flattered. Perhaps you might consider investing in Apple if the opportunity arises."

"Perhaps, if the chance comes," Adrian laughed it off without giving a definite answer, then excused himself after a few more words.

As early as November the previous year, Jobs’ NeXT company had been officially acquired by Apple, achieving a break-even for NeXT with the $50 million Adrian paid for Pixar, even though Jobs had endured mockery for selling Pixar. Still, Apple had turned its focus back to him—after all, no one knew Apple better.

Thus, under the current CEO Gil Amelio’s leadership, Apple brought forward the acquisition of NeXT by over a month and rehired Jobs, giving him an advisory role on the board after several discussions. However, Jobs’ return hadn’t improved Apple’s dire situation. His suggestions hadn’t made much difference, and Apple’s stocks continued to falter, leaving Gil Amelio overwhelmed.

But Adrian knew this was a façade. Due to his past dealings with Pixar, he was somewhat familiar with Jobs’ matters. The situation was primarily about cleaning house, removing those who had betrayed him. There were rumors in his previous life, often regarded as accidents, such as Gil Amelio not seriously offending Jobs—it was just that Apple hadn’t entirely followed Jobs’ advice, leading to its repeated declines.

They also admitted that Amelio’s eviction was largely due to consistent poor performance and his earlier dismissal of Jobs’ suggestions during their initial discussion, which seemed far-fetched, resulting in his forced exit. Regardless, Jobs was vindictive, a characteristic Adrian didn’t plan to address openly for now, avoiding giving the impression of other motives, despite repeatedly pulling him for investments.

After all, having Jobs seek his help gave him the upper hand in areas where he was less skilled, right?

"Do you seem particularly optimistic about him?" Charli suddenly asked Adrian after they left the Jobs couple.

"Of course, despite his numerous flaws, he is indeed a genius," Adrian shrugged. "I remember instructing you to gather data on Apple and Steve. Don’t you think highly of him?"

"Too arrogant, overly power-hungry and controlling, narcissistic and conceited, always thinking he’s right..." Charlize recalled, then looked toward Adrian.

"I’m nothing like him," Adrian said quickly, raising his hands with a chuckle.

"Yes..." Charlize paused for a long moment before sighing, but soon added, "At least in terms of controlling, you guys are alike."

Adrian shook his head with a smile, not wanting to dwell on the topic, and said, "Alright, why don’t you start gathering more information about Steve from now on? We can talk about this issue again in a few months, how about that?"

What can you learn from this, my Little Charlie?

The routine press meet thus concluded, and the next day Claude returned to Los Angeles, while Adrian went to New York. After all, it was so close and also the weekend, of course, Charlize wasn’t around at this time.

"Is it boring? But when we were watching TV last night, it was quite lively, wasn’t it?" Natalie asked curiously, leaning on Adrian’s arm on the grass in the park, the warm sun making it comfortably warm.

"When Jon was telling jokes, it was alright, but afterwards, it was just like any other social gathering," Adrian shrugged, putting down the book he held.

"So, in your eyes, what kind of person is the president?" Natalie flipped over, lying playfully on the mat on the grass, her hands propped under her chin in fists, looking quite adorable.

"Talkative, humorous, very confident, and giving the impression that he has everything under control," Adrian recalled.

"It sounds like you’re talking about yourself?" Natalie giggled.

"Really? If I ran for president, would you vote for me, Nata?" Adrian asked seriously.

"Sadly, I don’t have the right to vote yet," the young girl made a face.

"What if you did?"

"Can I choose not to answer?"

"Why?"

"No reason."

"There must be a reason."

"There isn’t, I just don’t want to answer."

"Alright, it seems I am a guy people dislike." Adrian sighed and lowered his head to continue reading his book.

"Are you upset?" Natalie propped herself up and asked tentatively; he didn’t respond, so she waved her hand in front of him, still with no reaction.

The girl’s eyes twinkled mischievously, and suddenly she moved swiftly, kissing the corner of Adrian’s mouth. Caught by surprise, Adrian finally showed a stunned expression, while the triumphant Natalie covered her mouth and laughed. Adrian glared at her half-heartedly and looked around before reaching out his hand, intending to recapture the kiss.

Natalie didn’t move away, but instead held her head high and chest out, "You better think carefully, Ed, this is a public place. I can kiss you, but you kissing me..."

She dragged out her voice, her eyes gleaming with a crafty light that made one’s teeth itch.

"Alright, you win," Adrian helplessly released his hand.

"Given up? I thought you’d come up with some clever scheme to turn the tables," the girl said in surprise, but Adrian turned indifferent again, though it seemed he was pouting.

"Fine, I’ll tell you the answer then. I won’t vote for you because if you became president, the loss to the movie industry would be too great." Natalie leaned back and gently shook Adrian’s arm, appearing very intimate. She knew just how far to go without arousing suspicion.

"Really? I’m that great now?" Adrian asked purposely.

"Of course. Those journalists who’ve been praising you haven’t just thrown all their flattering words at you; some even call you the second Kubrick." Natalie said teasingly, her cheeks suddenly flushing.

"Second Kubrick? Ha, that’s truly frightening. Unfortunately, I am me, nobody’s second," Adrian laughed lightly, then noticed the blush on the girl’s face and quickly guessed the reason. He asked in surprise, "You’ve seen it?"

"It’s just an R-rated movie." Natalie tried to look nonchalant.

"I don’t think your parents would agree to take you to see such a movie," Adrian remarked pointedly.

"Okay, okay, I just... wanted to see your work," Natalie pouted. "Those scenes aren’t that big of a deal. I’ve even seen your..."

She suddenly realized her slip, clamped her mouth shut, and turned away guiltily, glancing at Adrian nervously after a while. However, Adrian seemed not to have noticed, shaking his head and patting her head. "I know, you’re a big girl, a mature big girl, and... not a good girl."

He deliberately took on a teasing tone when he said the last part, causing Natalie’s cheeks to redden knowing his meaning.

"But such movies are still not suitable for you to watch alone, even if you know what you’re watching. You have to consider your parents and even the cinemas, right?" Adrian continued to gently advise.

"Alright, I promise this is the last time," Natalie immediately stated.

Adrian smiled and affectionately tousled her hair, then broached an important topic. "By the way, I have a role I’d like to recommend to you."

"A role for me?" Natalie looked at him as if he had discovered a new continent. "You, the Miracle Director, ace screenwriter, and Gold medal producer, also recommend roles?"

"Because it’s not for my movie, but the role suits you well and could greatly help your career," Adrian explained.

"Oh?" The girl perked up with interest.

"I can’t reveal specifics since it’s a trade secret. But I can tell you that the role is a young woman in charge of a mid-sized country. The producer needs an actor who can depict her wanting independence but being temporarily unable to gain it. You were the first person I thought of; I don’t think there’s anyone more suited," Adrian said. "Also, it’s a totally commercial movie."

Natalie was initially curious but frowned slightly at the words "totally commercial movie."

"What’s wrong?" Adrian keenly sensed her mood.

"It’s nothing," she shrugged, "It’s surely not a historical film or a modern urban one. Wonder if it’s a sci-fi or fantasy."

Adrian laughed heartily. "Clever Natalie, you’ll find out in due time—Let’s change the topic for now. What kind of actor do you want to be? Or to what extent do you want to reach in this field?"

"I can’t be sure yet," Natalie said, clenching her fists with determination, "but if I keep making movies in the future, I hope to become the greatest actress in the world. I want fans all over the globe! Whether they’re ordinary people, film critics, or fellow artists, I want to make a deep impression on them."

"Good, having dreams is what drives a person," Adrian nodded in approval before posing a question. "So do you know how to achieve your goal? First, you need to be in movies that sell well so that you’re widely known around the world; second, you don’t need to experiment too much with genres, you need to fully display your best qualities. Only by doing that can you play roles that bring you honors and get recognized by those critical guys. And this movie I’m talking about can satisfy your first criterion."

Natalie gazed at him unwaveringly for a long time before revealing a charming and beautiful smile. "Okay, then I agree."

"Really?" Adrian was slightly surprised, as he had planned to say more.

"Of course," the girl said, poking him lightly on the chest with her finger, "because I know you love me."

In the cramped space, heavy breathing echoed continuously. Adrian cradled Natalie’s cheeks, blocking her mouth and continuously suckling on that nimble little tongue. The girl, with her eyes closed, responded passionately, wrapping her arms around his neck, her face flushed and her expression excited, quite moved.

Finally, Adrian left her moist cherry lips and started showering kisses like raindrops on her eyebrows, eyes, nose, chin, and delicate neck, greedily inhaling the unique fragrance emanating from her body. Natalie began to moan softly, her hands slipping down and finally reaching up to grab Adrian’s clothes.

Just as passion was about to explode, Adrian suddenly stopped. "Wait, Nata, wait."

"What’s wrong?" Natalie asked, half-opening her eyes filled with lust, pausing before stammering a bit, "It’s... it’s okay, I don’t... I don’t mind..."

"But I do," Adrian touched her face seriously. "We’re too close to your house. It would be very bad if someone saw us. I don’t mind facing whatever situation, but you can’t."

After spending a whole day hanging out with Natalie and soaking up some sun in the park, Adrian drove her back to Long Island, stopping as usual in a secluded corner before she would walk home. Maybe because their meetings were few and far between, and not every meeting was passionate, coupled with the frolicking in the park earlier, the farewell kiss suddenly became impulsive. If Adrian hadn’t controlled himself, they surely would have been swept away by excitement in the back seat.

As he spoke, Natalie gradually calmed her emotions, eventually looking at him gratefully. "You’re right, Ed. I was too frivolous. The school is also very close, if my classmates..."

She stuck out her tongue a bit frightened and stopped speaking.

"Don’t worry, it’s just a few minutes, no one will see," Adrian caressed her hair. "But I’m curious, there are many good high schools on Long Island, why did you choose a public high school?"

"I wanted to try something new, and also toughen up my will. Even though public high schools aren’t that amazing, as long as you study earnestly, you can still learn a lot," Natalie shrugged and giggled. "Why? Scared that someone will take me away?"

"Of course, you are my dearest sweetheart," Adrian said, pinching her tender chin gently, then sighed. "I knew I should have driven around a bit before coming."

"Enough!" Natalie wrinkled her nose and huffed sharply. "That was just my mistake, I definitely won’t do that again!"

"That’s really a pity, I knew I shouldn’t have stopped," Adrian deliberately smacked his lips.

"It’s too late for regrets now, it’s because you had to come today and leave today," Natalie said proudly, "It’s your fault for not coming yesterday and for not being able to stay till tomorrow."

"I had things to do..." Adrian murmured, then asked, "So, how about some compensation?"

"What compensation?" Natalie asked curiously.

He leaned in and whispered a few words in her ear; immediately, her cheeks flushed deeply, and she spat at him sharply, "You’re so vulgar! I don’t want to talk to you anymore!"

Saying that, she made a face, picked up her things, tidied up her clothes, and then swiftly jumped out of the car and fled. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please vote and recommend at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)