Chapter 707: Occupy Washington

With the rapid spread of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement online, protesters finally shouted the resounding slogan, "Occupy Washington."

Subsequently, over 700 protesters in New York were arrested for marching on the Brooklyn Bridge without prior notice, causing a traffic obstruction.

This was another large-scale action following last month's U.S. Constitution Day rally on Wall Street with thousands of participants.

In San Diego, Charles Capet sat on the villa sofa, staring at the live news broadcast on TV. Tents and sleeping bags were visible everywhere in Zuccotti Park near Wall Street.

Protesters held banners reading, "Bankers are crooks," "Against financial-political corruption," and "99% serve 1%!"

From the earliest days of "Occupy Wall Street," there had been subsequent movements like "Occupy San Francisco," "Occupy Chicago," and "Occupy Los Angeles," leading up to the current one in Washington D.C., the heart of U.S. power.

"Charles," Kristen Stewart, in her pajamas, walked out of the bathroom and sat next to him on the sofa, glancing at the protesting crowd on TV.

"Phew," she lit a cigarette and scoffed, "Looks like the number of protesters in New York is growing, huh?"

"Easier to organize with the Internet," Charles chuckled, touching Kristen's thigh. "How about Europe? Are there similar protests there too?"

Kristen had starred in the drama film Welcome to the Rileys last year, which received positive reviews at several European film festivals. She had recently been in Europe for some events.

"Yeah, I encountered it at the Milan Fashion Week," Kristen nodded. "The spread is fast; it's sweeping across the European continent now!"

She stubbed out her cigarette. "I've been super busy these past few years, so I plan to take a break. Both parts of Breaking Dawn are almost done. Next year, I'll see if Breaking Dawn Part 2 needs any reshoots. Otherwise, I won't take on any new projects!"

"Oh? But now is your prime time of influence, why the sudden need for a break?" Charles was puzzled.

"The Twilight series, despite its high box office, has always drawn criticism for my acting," Kristen frowned. "Expressionless and emotionless, just a pretty face, I've heard it all. And I keep getting nominated for the Razzie Awards!"

Charles chuckled, "But didn't you get some good reviews as a stripper in Welcome to the Rileys? You can transition slowly; no rush."

Kristen's acting had indeed lacked nuance, her monotonous expressions often unappealing.

"Forget it, the Twilight series is wrapping up soon anyway. Once it's over this and next year, that's it," said Kristen, always a nonconformist. She had gained both fame and fortune through the series while hanging out with Charles.

"I plan to support the Occupy Wall Street protests," Kristen glanced at Charles. "Is that okay?"

Charles shook his head, "It's fine. Loads of Hollywood stars are backing the movement. Stars rely on fan support, after all. Opposing the government is the best way to get closer to the fans."

"Just go, show up, hold a sign. That's enough," Charles laughed. Hollywood stars were never in short supply for such activities.

Anne Hathaway even held a sign at the protests and got photographed recently!

"Mhm," Kristen nodded and then kissed Charles. "I've already called Alexandra Daddario. She'll be joining us tomorrow. Excited?"

"Really?" Charles lifted Kristen into the bedroom, stripping off her robe. "Is she in California too?"

"Yep, she's promoting a comedy movie here," Kristen said, kissing his chest.

"I see," Charles said, caressing Kristen's chest as she moved downward to his abs. Soon, Charles was enjoying her services. "Babe, didn't they approach you for Snow White and the Huntsman?"

"Yeah," Kristen lifted her head and nodded, "But I was busy filming Breaking Dawn back then. No schedule. And there were quite a few action scenes; I think it would've been interesting. Oh well, just a commercial movie anyway."

"Um, they got Amanda Seyfried for Snow White instead," Charles reminded.

"Amanda Seyfried?" Kristen wasn't familiar with her but had seen media comparisons.

Then, Kristen resumed her services...

...

Time Warner's board of directors was having a meeting. Ted Turner uncharacteristically displayed a strong stance during the meeting.

"CNN's viewership is dropping, TNT failed to secure sports broadcast rights, and TBS's shows are losing to other cable channels," Ted Turner directly confronted Jeff Bewkes. "I believe TBS should be handed to someone more experienced!"

"I support giving TBS back to Mr. Turner. As the founder, no one knows it better," the American investment group representative clearly supported Ted Turner.

"Yes, we agree!"

"Isn't TBS named Turner Broadcasting System? Who's more suitable than Mr. Turner?"

"Quiet," Jeff Bewkes felt a headache coming on. Where did Ted suddenly come from?

"Mr. Koizumi, what do you think?" Bewkes asked the Japanese representative.

Koizumi replied, "Our Warner Bros. subsidiary is changing its higher-ups; the cable TV operations of TBS cannot have issues. I think letting Mr. Turner return to his familiar TV business is good for all of us."

Jeff Bewkes' face darkened. Did the Japanese shareholders also side with Ted Turner?

*****

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