King of Hollywood

\u003e Chapter 73 Appetizers

"Hey Crowe, did you read today's WSJ? I liked their headline, Ten Years: The Rise of Adrian Cowell and Claude Ron Rhys' Media Empire Hope You don't mind if your name is put behind me. {net}" Standing on the balcony of the Malibu sea view villa, Adrian looked at the blue sky and white clouds in the distance and the sparkling sea waves under the morning sun, with great interest Vigorously talking to Claude,

Although he was only wearing pajamas, and the seaside in Los Angeles was still a bit cold in February, he didn't care, the newspaper in his hand.

"It doesn't matter if they don't mention my name, everyone knows that I have put you out of the way," Claude's humorous voice came from the phone, "It's not your style to wake me up for such a trivial matter, Ed."

"Although our journey is far from over, it's worth cheering for victory now, isn't it?" Adrian said with a shrug.

"But the Wall Street Journal didn't write about our rise in detail, and if you really want to show it, man, do an interview with Time, they want you on their cover like never before." Phone There came Claude's haha ​​laughter.

"I will, I promise, as long as they are sincere." Adrian also laughed. "Time" has invited him to be on the cover countless times, but each time he failed for various reasons. Now, with the official acquisition of the media... becoming the world's number one media group, Time Warner, which has yet to get out of the merger with AOL, will also start to adjust its strategy. The easiest way to show favor is to invite Adrian to appear on the "Time" page Cover up.

"Speaking of which, you actually offered a price of 30 billion. It's really a big deal, and even I was surprised." Adrian changed the subject at this time.

"If you want to acquire as soon as possible, but also want to acquire a wholly-owned investment, of course you have to offer a price that will make them happy." Claude said with a light smile, "Don't worry, buddy, this deal will take at least two or three years to complete." It's all done, we have enough time to make adjustments, and we won't go too far beyond plan."

"Okay, I'll leave everything to you." Adrian didn't chase after him, and after thinking for a few seconds, he said again: "To be honest, buddy, don't you think it's a good time to get involved in Internet services? "

"Why did you suddenly think of this? Don't forget that if it's just the TV business, it's fine, but if you add other aspects, we will become a monopoly." Claude's tone was full of surprise and smile at the same time, obviously He didn't take the word monopoly to heart, and I believe he must have thought about it...it's a good springboard, Crowe," Adrian said directly, "The TV network is their They also have communication and Internet businesses, but they are not as good as the TV business. Since there is already a business, it is not a problem to acquire a large number of users by acquiring small companies, and you said before that there are still two to three years of transaction period, they can carry out during this period, no one can say anything, You should be more familiar with this kind of loophole than me. "

After a pause of two seconds, after Claude over there digested it, he said again: "Then invest money to transform the network, develop voice and digital telephones, and then integrate broadband Internet access, cable TV and ip telephone into one, Share a network, then the development of... will exceed your imagination. Of course, we have just entered the field of network operations, and we are definitely not as proficient as other similar companies. Even if we have..., so let's see how other companies do Do, like—Comcast!"

He couldn't help showing a smile when he said this.

"Okay, I'll let someone discuss the feasibility," Claude agreed after thinking for a while, "But now you still have to say that you don't know anything about network operations?"

"Please, Crowe, this thing has already emptied me of everything in this area, so don't tease me like this again." Although Adrian sighed, the smile on the corner of his mouth widened a lot, " Well, that's it, I won't bother you, if you still want to sleep, goodbye."

Turning off the phone, Adrian stretched against the sea breeze. There were only so many opinions he could give on network operations. What he said to Claude is not exaggerated, this thing really racked his brains, and it took a lot of effort to find a little bit about Comcast's expansion method based on... this clue, and then... There is no more. After all, Adrian was just a director in his previous life, and the things about network operations were only involved in American dramas. It is already very good to be able to recall, and the rest should be left to professionals.

It can be predicted that even if they do their best to support and everything develops in the hoped direction, the profit will only be two-thirds of Comcast in memory at most, and it may even be half if the situation is not very good. After all, the media is now Get involved in network operations, and there are quite a few competitors.

But it doesn't matter, this kind of profit is enough for the media to maintain the momentum of the world's number one. This is why Adrian made these suggestions to Claude. The media has finally become the largest media company in the world, although it is worthy of joy and celebration, but it is far from the time to stop. According to Adrian's idiomatic expression: this is just the beginning.

Although the media is now in the limelight, compared with those old media groups, it is still a little bit worse in terms of background, so it is not easy to maintain the world's number one reputation, at least News Corporation is chasing after it. . In addition, there are still many opportunities, why can't we continue to strengthen the foundation and continue to build the empire even more majestic?

In addition, influence and right to speak are two different things. Maybe the media has enough influence in the media industry, but Adrian's right to speak in Hollywood has not yet reached the level he wants. Modern society is doomed that a dominant model will not succeed, and it is impossible for Hollywood to have only one voice, so what Adrian seeks is the dominant voice—when he speaks, at least 80% of the people will Take the initiative to agree with him, whether it is sincere or false, as for the rest, it doesn't matter if they sing against him, this is the king of Hollywood!

This is very difficult, but also very easy. Why are there so many well-known producers in Hollywood who are good at flattering people, but actresses only flock to Adrian? Because only he did it, anyone he wanted to support could become popular. He can turn Julia into box office poison? Roberts makes a comeback, he can make the repentant Drew? Barrymore reinvigorated, he can let the model-turned-Monica? Bellucci won the Oscar for Best Actress, can he let Naomi who has been wasted for ten years? Watts became famous...doing things that ordinary people can't do, it's that simple.

All of Adrian's plans are arranged around this point, and it started before this year, and the powerful media can give him the most powerful support. He once said to Crowder that this year will be the media show In a year of its own strength, the acquisition...is the first time, it will be the second time in May, and the third time at the end of the year. Of course, there will be another one soon, but that's just an appetizer, so don't count it among them.

In short, after spending so much effort to make the media the number one in the world, it's time to feed back, when his plans come true one by one...

"Ed?" Just as Adrian was thinking about his abacus, a somewhat lazy voice entered his ears, and when he turned around, he saw Miranda? Ke'er stood at the door of the balcony, with fluffy hair, blue eyes with some confusion, the white blanket wrapped around her body was grasped in front of her chest with both hands, and her white shoulders and neck were exposed.

"Why don't you get more sleep?" Adrian walked over with a smile, kissed her on the lips and brought her into the room, "Don't stand outside, it's still cold."

"I woke up and saw that you were not around, and I was a little scared..." Miranda explained with some embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, baby, it's my fault," Adrian hugged her horizontally and kissed her again, "I was going to come down to make breakfast and then come up to wake you up, but I checked the newspaper halfway Then I couldn't help but give my best friend a call, and then we chatted until now."

As he said, he walked into the kitchen with her in his arms: "What do you want to eat? I don't know how to make things that are too complicated."

"You're so gentle, Ed." Miranda said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "No wonder so many women like you."

"Thank you, this is the greatest compliment to me." Adrian laughed and put her on the kitchen table, "So?"

"I'll eat whatever you eat." Miranda said with a smile, her two shallow dimples and blue eyes made her look very charming, and Adrian couldn't help being slightly absent-minded for two seconds.

"Really?" His smile became meaningful, and then he leaned over to touch her forehead, "What if... I want to eat you?"

Miranda shrunk her neck involuntarily, a trace of fear flashed across her beautiful face, it seemed that she had been tormented enough last night, but immediately two red clouds appeared, and she stretched out her naked calf on Adrian's thigh It was obvious that although she had tossed a lot, she also tasted the wonderful **.

"Just don't go too far." The girl said shyly. In the next second, she let out an exclamation, was pushed down on the table by Adrian, and then her mouth was also blocked.

After experiencing those things in Australia, and being brought to the United States to receive a series of modeling training, and signed a letter of intent with Victoria's Secret, Miranda was easily acquired by Adrian. In fact, he could have put her to bed by the end of last year. Miranda had already revealed a little "you can do whatever you want" at that time. I have, but I am not ignorant of these.

What's more, Alexander, who is a popular model of Victoria's Secret? Ambrosio often came to guide her, and the hints between the words were obvious. Coupled with what Adrian did for her in Australia, Miranda felt that going to bed with him was not a bad thing.

However, Adrian hoped that it would be a matter of course and leave a good impression on her, otherwise Alexander would wake up beside him today.

He has never celebrated Valentine's Day, because no matter who he spends with, he will only offend more people, so he simply does not pass it. Of course, flowers, chocolates and all kinds of special small gifts they like must be prepared. This is not simple. Thing - the chocolate was never made by him. Even so, the next day, no woman was willing to accompany her, not even Ivanka and Charlize. This is not comparable to last year's Christmas. And not afraid of the consequences, you can go to other women, but Valentine's Day has almost become a practice since the development.

This is amazing. Some of them have no connection with each other, but they are very tacit in their rejection. Is this a woman's intuition? Although, Adrian can use some strong means to get some people, such as Rachel, she is the most suitable candidate; or Charlize, she may agree, if he begs hard; and Natalie, She couldn't refuse his request now. However, it is difficult to predict what consequences will follow.

Therefore, Adrian chose to go out to a bar on the night of February 15th. He was alone, and then met Miranda who was out with Alexander in a certain bar. Needless to say about the rest, Miranda also received flowers and gifts from him on Valentine's Day, plus all kinds of things in the past six months, so in the end she took the initiative to lean into his arms.

"Maybe we change places..." Miranda said that at the time, and then looked at Alexander with some hesitation after speaking. You don't need to guess about the relationship between Adrian and Alexander, and Alexander doesn't seem to refuse.

But in the end, Adrian took Miranda back to Malibu alone, and whispered a few words to Alexander before leaving.

Alexander didn't take it seriously, as she got to know Adrian deeply in the past two years, she was very obedient by his side, and she knew her situation well, and she didn't mind having a companion in Victoria's Secret—— From the moment he asked himself to guide Miranda, Alexander knew Adrian's thoughts on this girl. As for the rules of the league, oh, it was past 12 o'clock at that time, and the rules have expired.

"You are so charming, baby." While kissing the remaining white breasts, Adrian said in admiration while exercising.

The blue eyes were full of bewilderment, and Miranda was completely in love, but she just shook her head and straightened her body to keep catering. Adrian smiled softly, leaned down to cling to the girl's body and launched a more violent attack. Under the sun, a man and a woman were entangled on the long kitchen table, playing the original and seductive movement.

The media acquisition... Although it caused a lot of repercussions in the entertainment industry, but then their eyes were attracted by other things. In any case, the media industry was most affected by this acquisition, and the entertainment industry naturally paid more attention to entertainment. In terms of news, more noteworthy than media acquisitions... is that two days after Valentine's Day, the nomination list for the 73rd Academy Awards was released.

"The new list of Oscar nominations is finally out. I bet this is definitely the most surprising list of nominations. No matter what the final result is, this list will occupy a place in film history-even if it is small." There is news The host commented like this when reporting.

Indeed, many people were happy, depressed or excited after getting this list, and then they all opened their mouths when they figured out the meaning behind it.

There are five nominations for best film, Universal's "Gladiator", Focus's "Drug Network", New Line's "Little Miss Sunshine", Miramax's "Never Compromise" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", Universal, Miramax, and New Line are all under the same parent company, and Focus is under Universal's banner. That's right, the five nominated films for best film are all from the media!

This is too exaggerated. Although there were occasional cases in the past where two of the works competing for the best movie came from the same film company under the same media group, it was the first time that all of them were like this now. However, in Adrian's eyes, there is still some regret. If the best film can now be shortlisted for ten works, then two more places will also belong to the media.

"Winter's Bone" should have been nominated for a best film, but the reality and depth are a little worse than "Drug Network", and the inspiration is not as good as "Never Compromise", plus it is Adrian's work Well, the judges of the Film Academy would not want to repeat what happened two years ago at the Oscars, so they naturally failed. However, "The Cider House Rules" is not as close to reality as "Little Miss Sunshine" in terms of heart-warming. Come on, so there is no such thing as this movie, which is really a pity.

Well, if you thought it was just like this, you would be very wrong. After the best film nomination, it is naturally the nomination for best director, namely Ridley in "Gladiator"? Scott, Steven from Drug Network? Soderbergh, Adrian from "Never Compromise"? Cowell, Ang Lee from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and -- Stephen from Out of My World? Dudley.

Is it different? It's a pity that it's useless, because "Jump Out of My World" was released by the focus of Universal, so the works of the five directors still come from the media!

The next best actor nomination is slightly better, only Russell? The "Gladiator" starring Crowe was produced by Universal Pictures, a subsidiary of the media, but it took up four more nominations for Best Supporting Actor. John in "Winter's Bone"? Hacks, Albert of "Never Compromising" ? Finney, Ellen from Little Miss Sunshine? Arkin, Michael of The Cider House Rules? Kane.

And then there's the Best Actress nomination, no doubt, Julia? Roberts is on it, but she is not the one who gets the most attention——

"This is the youngest Best Actress nomination in Oscar history...Q\u003c/p\u003e