Chapter 57: The Left Eye Levelled Up

[Chapter 57: The Left Eye Levelled Up]

In the cafe, Ian was having a lively conversation with Harvey Weinstein, his words flowing like honey.

He laughed, "Don't worry, the price for the Los Angeles Herald might not be cheap, but given our rapid growth, the advertising effect will definitely justify your payment... you won't regret it."

"Alright, it's a deal."

"Thank you for your generous support, Mr. Weinstein. I'm sure we'll become good friends."

After hanging up, Ian smiled at Scarlett and said, "See? All legal business."

Scarlett looked at Ian in shock.

The girl was completely flabbergasted.

After a long moment, she finally nodded, "I see now. Ian Carr, you really are the most shameless bastard I've ever met."

Ian smiled at the girl, "The next time you say that, it might be in bed."

Scarlett felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. "Is this how you win girls over?"

Ian shrugged, "Think about Weinstein; at least I'm much gentler than he is."

Comparisons were necessary at times, and Scarlett instantly acknowledged that while Ian's approach to dating was somewhat domineering, it also had its merits.

In fact, the way Scarlett viewed Ian Carr now was entirely different from yesterday.

He was an outstanding, golden-press journalist, a business genius who rose to fame in a short time, a powerhouse able to dig up dirt on anyone he set his mind to!

He was clever, handsome, sly, crafty, ruthless, and incredibly creative!

He possessed all the qualities of a successful person.

One could dislike him, but they couldn't help but admire him.

For a young girl, admiration was often the seed for budding feelings -- no matter how daunting he was, at least he wasn't targeting her!

With her bright eyes sparkling, she looked at Ian and said softly, "You're a bastard, Ian Carr. That's the third time I've said it, but not in your bed."

Ian nodded with a smile, "Then you win... Scarlett."

After being domineering, he could also be gentle!

He was willing to let her win, allowing her to be on top of him, in any sense... Scarlett, darling.

Scarlett, having won once against Ian, smiled brightly.

Her smile blossomed like a flower.

---

"Extra! Extra!"

"Harrison Ford's marriage to Melissa is on the rocks. The 59-year-old Ford has a penchant for flirtations, and a third party has caused the marriage to unravel, with divorce now inevitable!"

"Drew Barrymore is set to marry comedian Tom Green in Malibu this July. However, on the night they finalized their wedding date, reporters caught them in a fiery argument. Herald owner Ian Carr stated this marriage doesn't look good and that a one-year lasting is a miracle!"

"Kim Basinger started dating rapper Eminem just three months after her divorce, an age-gap relationship with a 19-year difference."

"British actress Kate Winslet's marriage to director Jim Threapleton is in crisis, with our reporter capturing them in numerous arguments!"

"Latin diva Jennifer Lopez, after her divorce, has begun an affair with her dancer Chris Judd. Our reporter photographed them holed up in Jennifer's house for three whole days!"

As for the producer, Mike McKellen, he resolved the situation after he was given a hefty advertisement fee.

...

With Weinstein's help, Ian no longer faced challenges entering Hollywood.

He could freely roam around, effortlessly inserting hidden cameras and listening devices wherever he desired.

The famous Hollywood stars were all in his grasp; he had plenty of dirt on them, and the glamour of the stars shattered at Ian's feet.

What a load of overhyped celebrities -- just worthless trash!

Then, there was a crazy surge of gossip about the entertainment industry, but Ian was keeping it to himself - he would not release destructive black material, after all, that was his capital to tie these people to his media brand.

Now, things were different from before. Ian didn't need to strike people hard; leaving them a way out meant they wouldn't take it too personally.

Should they be overly critical, that was alright too; he could whip out a pile of fresh dirt: "Look at this, should I spill it?"

So most would agree: "We can still be friends!"

Moreover, since the stories came through Harvey Weinstein's channels, it wouldn't be long before his "betrayal" was discovered, igniting anger throughout the entertainment industry.

He would be gang-piled.

After all, Ian did all this because he was a journalist.

You, Harvey Weinstein, were supposed to be on our side -- selling us out?

By that time, Harvey would still meet his end, but Ian would have no need to take action.

Or perhaps Ian would just be icing on the cake -- currently, he was not suited to confront Weinstein directly, being Jewish.

The base sales numbers of the Los Angeles Herald and WND News Network were steadily climbing.

The only pity was that none of these stories were the kind that captured nationwide attention, but they significantly stabilized Carr Media's foundation.

Ian continued to collect: the dirt never slowed down, but most remained as collector's items, kept for his enjoyment.

Although the gossip didn't contain anything explicit, it still fell under the category of scandalous news, and therefore the status of his left eye steadily improved.

Finally, the fourth replication ability opened, but Ian hadn't replicated any new skills yet.

Soon after, Ian's left eye officially leveled up.

Looking around, he found no immediate benefit to it.

Speechless for a moment.

Not having a manual was such a hassle!

---

Ian's routine involved handling business at the office in the morning, then wandering the streets collecting news, and attending various parties with the Gaskill Bronte at night to meet enough people for leads, while gathering additional information to selectively release.

On the afternoon of his left eye upgrade, Ian was driving around as usual with a camera in hand.

His phone rang.

It was Scarlett.

"Hey, darling," Ian answered cheerfully.

"Don't call me darling; we're not at that stage yet," Scarlett's tone held a hint of playful reproach.

She had been calling him frequently over these past few days.

Though not entirely integrated, their feelings had rapidly advanced.

Ian laughed, "Looks like you're not busy today. Where are you? Do you need me to pick you up?"

...

"Century City, come on over," Scarlett quickly hung up and grabbed her bag.

Her manager, Marti Clay, approached her, asking, "Scarlett, are you going out?"

"Yes."

Marti expressed concern: "Is it with a boy? I wouldn't advise you to go out with someone right now. The lead role in Gangs of New York isn't finalized yet, and Weinstein might not like it..."

Scarlett halted her, "Trust me; nothing will go wrong."

Marti raised an eyebrow: "Looks like you're catering to him just fine."

Scarlett huffed as she left the building.

...

Once outside, Scarlett spotted Ian's car already parked there.

She got in and asked, "Ian, have you ever thought about starting your own talent agency?"

Ian took Scarlett for a drive while pondering, "Why do you ask?"

Scarlett replied, "I just think it suits you. You could easily leverage every star's secrets and have them cooperate with you."

Ian thought for a moment, "That's true; I've considered it. But that's not the real reason you're saying this, is it? You want to leave Marti Clay?"

"Who would want an agent who forces their clients to sleep with producers?" Scarlett glanced outside, her eyes clouded, "She can't solve problems and only gets contracts by betraying artists, so what's her role as an agent?"

Then she turned to Ian, "My contract expires next year. If you start an agency, I'd want to join. You would protect me, right?"

Ian smiled.

After some thought, he nodded, "Of course. Just wait for me a bit; I'll sort it out."

Scarlett smiled sweetly, "But don't think this will trick me into your bed."

Did she realize that when a girl repeatedly brought this up, she had already agreed to most of it mentally?

"I don't need to do that... you'll fall for me yourself," Ian said, smiling.

As he finished speaking, they suddenly saw sirens wailing as police cars sped by.

As a professional journalist, Ian instantly sensed something was amiss.

He laughed, "More news! Interested, Scarlett darling?"

Scarlett also noticed the speeding police cars and felt a thrill, "Definitely."

She overlooked Ian calling her darling, or she had already entered that state of saying one thing and doing another.

"Then hold on tight," Ian stepped on the gas to follow the police cars.

*****

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