Chapter 495: Special Hobby
After returning to Los Angeles from the Cape Ranch in Colorado, Transformers 2 was released!
In Beverly Hills, at the Cape Manor, Charles was on the phone with Thomas Wayne, the chairman of the Nets.
The NBA 2009 draft had just concluded. Stephen Curry was chosen seventh by the Warriors, and even though the Knicks had the eighth pick, they had no chance!
The Nets picked point guard Jrue Holiday with the eleventh pick in the first round and selected Danny Green in the second round; Then they worked with the Raptors and Magic on a three-team trade, trading Vince Carter to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, the ninth pick, and next year's first-round pick from the Magic!
Charles could only watch as the Clippers took Blake Griffin, and the Thunder grabbed James Harden.
Stephen Curry was out of reach, and Vince Carter, nearing 33, wasn't as valuable, at least the Magic showed interest, so they got DeMar DeRozan from the Raptors using the ninth pick.
"I heard the Suns' GM Steve Kerr really liked Stephen Curry and tried to trade Amar'e Stoudemire and the 14th pick for him, but the Warriors refused. Stoudemire's injuries are tough," Thomas Wayne explained to Charles on the phone.
"Alright, let's tank for a year, get a good pick next year, then relocate," Charles nonchalantly agreed.
"By the way, how are the negotiations with Barclays Bank going?"
"They want an 18-year contract, and they can provide construction funds starting next year," Thomas Wayne responded quickly.
"18 years, from 2011 to 2029, fine, but I need that billion dollars directly in the stadium construction account!"
"I believe Barclays Bank will agree to those terms."
Charles hung up the phone. The budget for the new Brooklyn arena was $400 million. With Barclays Bank providing half, he'd invest the other half himself!
Soon, a Mercedes SL600 drove out of the Cape Manor.
Charles reached a hidden studio in the San Fernando Valley, where his bodyguard was waiting for him.
"How's it going?" he asked the bodyguard while walking inside.
The head bodyguard, Larris Burke, replied, "The senator has been in the room watching the filming process, requested some drinks and cigars."
Charles nodded and quickly entered a room on the second floor, with a giant floor-to-ceiling window facing the studio below.
Gavin Newsom, the newly appointed federal senator from California, was sitting on the couch, smoking a cigar and drinking wine while enjoying the performances below.
Charles walked to the window, a scene was being shot with a white man battling two black men.
"Charles, you're here. You just missed a great scene," Gavin Newsom stood up, joining Charles at the one-way window.
Right then, the white man, completely naked, was handcuffed and hanging by his hands from a steel pole, with two strong black men slowly approaching him...
Charles felt a wave of nausea but remained calm outwardly. Who would have thought Gavin Newsom had such an unusual hobby, enjoying watching this kind of stuff!
"I need some support with the antitrust investigation in Comcast; the NBC Universal acquisition is going too fast," Charles requested after a while of watching the disturbing scene.
Gavin Newsom nodded, "We can delay it for up to three months, we'll use the Time Warner Cable and American Cable companies to set up obstacles. Make sure to speed up on your end too, Comcast's goal is to gain control over NBC Universal, not to make a full acquisition in one go. This will make GE's shareholders hesitant for sure!"
Charles agreed, "That's enough. I'm confident we'll resolve the dispute by October. I'm leaving now. Iron Man 2 has grossed over 300 million dollars in North America and overseas as well. I need to attend the celebration party," Charles said. He had come to see Gavin Newsom mainly for some political support.
"Congratulations! I should return to San Francisco as well," Gavin Newsom replied. He mostly stayed in San Francisco. "Tonight's scenes were quite unforgettable, to say the least!"
Charles laughed, "The San Fernando Valley's annual economic output reaches nearly 10 billion dollars, which contributes to the U.S. economy. This adult film valley is the world's largest hub for the adult entertainment industry, an essential part of Hollywood and the entire U.S. movie industry!"
Then, Charles and Gavin Newsom left the San Fernando Valley together.
...
In the evening, Charles arrived at the celebration party at the London Hotel in West Hollywood. Iron Man 2 was the first blockbuster to surpass 300 million dollars at the North American box office this year, certainly worth celebrating!
As the lead actors, Robert Downey Jr. and Kate Beckinsale were naturally the most sought-after stars.
"What's wrong? With such high box office earnings, shouldn't you be happy?" Scarlett Johansson nudged Charles with her elbow, smiling.
Charles shook his head and smiled, "Of course I'm happy about the high box office. I just saw some disturbing scenes earlier, so I'm still adjusting."
"Let's go for a walk!"
Scarlett Johansson and Charles walked to the garden outside the hotel and sat on a bench.
"Scarlett, you look stunning tonight," Charles complimented, touching her face.
Scarlett Johansson playfully bit Charles's finger and sucked it for a moment, "Charles, let's go back to Westlake Village together later!"
Facing the temptations of the captivating Scarlett Johansson, Charles could only nod; her allure was irresistible.
"Iron Man 2 has been out for a month and has grossed over 600 million dollars globally, surpassing the first movie's earnings. The third installment will definitely be a bigger hit," Scarlett Johansson said. Her previous movie, Mamma Mia!, was a box office hit, but it seemed everyone focused more on veteran actress Meryl Streep.
Iron Man 2 brought Scarlett Johansson's character, Black Widow, into the public eye.
"We're summarizing the journey with Avengers releasing next year. By then, your Black Widow will surely be famous worldwide," Charles said, kissing her lips afterward.
*****
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