In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 151: First meeting, heir to the mantle? (-in-)

The props brought by the program staff were relatively simple, a stretching rope often used by rugby players in training and warm-up, and a bunch of colorful acupressure boards, that's all.

"We have been sitting here for so long, why don't we get up and move around. Come on, I think everyone wants to know how far this high school student has reached." The host stood up first.

This part was not included in the program outline sent to several players before. Although several athletes seemed reluctant at this time, they still stood up.

Ethan also wanted to see where his physical fitness had gotten after a semester of continuous "efforts."

·
With a stretch rope wrapped around his waist, Ethan ran forward directly at the first moment, forming a certain inclination between his body and the ground.

Darren Woodson, who was about the same size as Ethan, seemed to have tried his best, but he still let Ethan run out of bounds, which meant that he lost the duel.

Not only the players who were watching, but even the host's expression changed slightly.

Originally, this link was for professional athletes to show their differences. After all, in the previous data, Ethan had already steadily surpassed several others. The game link was more for professional players to regain their face. The program team did not want to offend them. , otherwise who will accept the invitation later.

But the reality was beyond everyone's expectation.

Ethan seemed to... easily defeat his opponent without much effort.

In other words, an NFL pro lost to a high school player.

Obviously, this will affect the league's evaluation of an NFL professional player.

Just as the host began to think about how to save the game and cover for Darren Woodson, Ethan turned around and said: "I seem to have jumped the gun."

"Yes, yes, I saw it very clearly. Ethan chose to start before Darren Woodson could exert any force." The host said quickly.

Darren Woodson's expression became more and more embarrassed, knowing that Ethan was helping him regain face when the next two players came on the court.He whispered in Ethan's ear: "Thanks, big boy."

The second event is the standing long jump, which is a traditional test event in the NFL.In order to make the smell of gunpowder less strong, I specially replaced it with an acupressure board with stronger entertainment properties.

Several athletes did not dare to be careless. After all, Darren Woodson was easily defeated just now, and no one wanted to be next, especially running back Rich Waters, who jumped an astonishing 11 feet and 6 inches.

It is worth mentioning that the best results in the standing long jump in the world have been maintained by NFL professional athletes for many years. (The latest world record is 4 meters, set by Byron Jones when he participated in the NFL rookie training camp in 1)
Next it was Ethan's turn, and he jumped up, no more, no less, just an inch longer than Richie Waters.

"Maybe I'm more adaptable to the acupressure board, and I don't feel much pain." Ethan tried to say.

"Yes, yes, you are right, it is like this." Rich Waters smiled.

The last competition seemed more pure - arm wrestling.

This time Eason's opponent was quarterback Brett Favre.This player has extremely superb passing ability, and long passes of dozens of yards are not a problem. All of this requires the blessing of arm strength.

"I'm ready!" He stretched his arms, even did some warm-up exercises, and then spat into his palms.

The location of the competition was on the long table where everyone had been interviewed before. The two people stretched out their left hands at the same time.

"The competition begins!"

Both sides exerted their strength, and Brett Favre was so suppressed that his face turned red.

But it was still difficult to stop the two men's wrists from slowly tilting towards themselves.

In the constant tug of war, Ethan finally gained the upper hand and pressed Brett Favre's wrist to the table...

·
"I wonder if these shots will be edited into the show." On the way back, Ethan asked subconsciously.

Obviously, the results of the game session far exceeded everyone's expectations, even Ethan himself.

He also didn't expect that NFL professional players were not as powerful as he imagined.Or underestimate yourself.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that the people present this time are not the top players in the NFL.

In any case, in the last segment of the program, during the discussion on "how to maintain physical condition during normal times," Ethan, a high school student, undoubtedly became everyone's focus.

Ethan even had to speak for himself, and he was portrayed by the host as an extremely self-disciplined person.As for the gossip about the relationship with the model that ended without any resolution... of course there is an explanation.

In order to realize his lofty ambition as an athlete, Ethan had no choice but to take the initiative to keep distance from each other.

This image of sacrificing personal preferences and focusing on sports as a form of asceticism began to make Ethan's image more "great and upright". After all, self-discipline is an extremely rare and noble quality...

Even though Ethan finally mentioned that he was not as hardworking as everyone thought, several people at the scene still regarded this statement as Ethan's self-effacement.

Now no one believes the truth!

"Releasing those scenes will obviously bring you more attention, but I think based on the arrangements of the program team, there is a high probability that they will not be edited and included in the feature film." Lisa shook her head.

"But we still have a backup plan." She gestured to Susan, who was sitting opposite, with her eyes.

At this time, Susan slowly took out a small home video camera from her bag.

"I originally wanted to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage, but I got an unexpected reward. The sports media will definitely like this video tape."

·
When the new semester started, the Normans still maintained their "invincible" attitude.

He has won every competition, and most of the time, Ethan doesn't even need to play the entire game. Most of the time, he doesn't need to rely on his body, even if he just uses pure technology, he can crush these opponents.

Even though these opponents had studied Ethan again and again before the game started, all their attempts were ineffective in front of Ethan.

In addition, behind-the-scenes of Susan's previous program recordings were also circulated anonymously.

Ethan began to appear more and more frequently in sports sections.

"This high school student has already shown that his physical fitness is not inferior to that of NFL players."

"He made us realize how high the upper limit of a human being on Earth could be."

"High schools may no longer have room for this Tyrannosaurus rex. In the next few years, this giant beast will sweep the entire NCAA..."

·
San Fernando Valley, inside the "Playboy" studio.

Wearing a rugby uniform and a helmet, Ethan was posing in front of the camera in various powerful poses.

Just a moment ago, Ethan had just accepted an in-depth interview with PLAYBOY, detailing the gains he had made along the way from the beginning of his time on the court to his current dazzling results.

"When people began to refer to you as a rare talent more and more often, did you feel a change in mentality?" Gary Cole, chief editor of the Playboy football section and deputy editor of the magazine, asked Ethan Ask questions like that.

He is a veteran who has been involved in football for many years. He has conducted exclusive interviews with many well-known quarterbacks such as Joe Montana, John Albert Elway Jr., and Dan Marino. He even had the honor to interview Vince in his early years. Lombardi.This is a "legendary" figure in the football world who has made a decisive contribution to American football. The NFL championship trophy is named after him.

"Of course, everyone will have a change of mentality when facing public praise, but for me, these are all 'interferences'. There is always only one thing I have to do, which is to play well in the next game." And Ethan's answer can be called a standard template.

In addition to having the deputy editor personally come for interviews, PLAYBOY also sent the magazine’s top figures to almost every aspect.Chief photo editor, chief makeup artist, the shooting location is also PLAY's highest-standard studio.

Obviously, this magazine gave Ethan a very high status.

As the filming came to an end, Ethan also met the mastermind behind all this.

The old captain Hugh Hefner, he was wearing a suit and leather shoes today, and he looked in high spirits, but his gray hair and wrinkles on his face showed that this man was no longer young.

He is 69 years old this year, and his body is still strong. This can also be seen from the two beautiful young girls following him.

Speaking of sailing, this little old man is definitely among the top three figures in history.

It is said that Leonardo DiCaprio left "Victoria without a secret". In fact, in terms of pure quantity, it is less than a fraction of Hugh Hefner's.

The founder of the magazine spent his life interpreting the meaning of the word "playboy".

He walked closer, took out a cigar from the inner pocket of his suit, stood aside and observed for a while, and then took the initiative to come over during a break in filming.

"Ethan O'Connor, young man, I wonder if you are satisfied with my arrangement?" He pointed around.

"Of course." Ethan nodded in response.

In terms of pure treatment, PLAYBOY really has nothing to say. It can be said that they truly treat themselves as a "superstar", which has never been seen in any media.

It can even be said that it is somewhat abnormal.

"I have watched many of your games, and your body left a distinct impression on me. Of course, if you were just a young player. I wouldn't pay such attention to you. No matter how good you are, you can't compare to Peyton Manning. "Hugh Hefner said cheerfully.

His voice was a little low and hoarse, with a little magnetism.

Although he is old, it can be vaguely seen from his face that he was definitely handsome when he was young, otherwise there would not be so many women throwing themselves into his arms.

"Maybe when I fight him again, you will change your mind." Ethan said, not being angered.

"Of course, I don't doubt it, but that's not the point. The point is, your state off the court, Kate Moss, Bridget Hall, I heard that you even cheated on your teammates' mothers, you are really audacious. , and you are not afraid of your teammates taking a shot from you." He changed the topic.

"California has very strict gun control laws, doesn't it?"

"Humph. You are making me more and more curious. Guess what, when I saw you for the first time, I knew that you are the same type of person as me. A big player! I'm in you, look A shadow of my former self.”

"There is a party this week, are you coming?" he asked with a smile.

"Sorry, I have to play a game on Friday night, FNL." Ethan responded simply.

Almost every man in America knows that Hugh Hefner holds a grand party every Friday at his Playboy Castle at the end of Sunset Boulevard.Ethan is no exception.

Each issue of the magazine will also show the grand party scene on the first few pages, which has become a tradition since the 60s.

Now Hugh Hefner has long achieved financial freedom, not to mention fame, and the company has been managed by his daughter. Perhaps the only thing that interests him is these parties.

"Don't be like this, young man, you should see the truly exciting side of this world. This will open your eyes..." Hugh Hefner spread his hands and tried his best to persuade.

"My mother would beat me to pieces if she knew I went to Hugh Hefner's party," Ethan continued.

Although many men will secretly envy this old man who has been playing for a lifetime, but on the surface everyone still criticizes him to a certain extent.So, from another perspective, Hugh Hefner also seems infamous.

"Are you sure you don't want to go? I'm inviting you for the last time." Hugh Hefner said.

"If I have time, I will go." Ethan politely declined.

Hugh Hefner shook his head: "Maybe I was too abrupt. I did all this just to let you know that I don't have any malice. I want to be your true friend."

As my friend, is it possible to introduce me to your playmates from time to time?
This is obviously impossible.

Ethan looked at the two girls behind Hugh Hefner, one with dazzling blonde hair and the other with darker brown hair.The two were dressed fashionably in high heels and stood behind Hugh Hefner while he was chatting with him.

At the same time, Hugh Hefner also noticed Ethan's gaze, and then took the initiative to introduce him: "This is Kelly Gallagher, and this is Kimberly Donley, both of whom are the magazine's monthly playmates. Girls. Beautiful, young, and enthusiastic. I like them both very much. Do you like them both?"

"Not interested." Ethan shook his head immediately.

"Okay, this is normal. Anyway, we already know each other, and I look forward to our next meeting." Hugh Hefner said, squeezing Ethan's shoulder.

But before he turned around and left, he told the two girls: "You two stay here and send Ethan O'Connor back later."

"Okay, sir." The two girls nodded immediately without any intention of disobeying.

Eventually Hugh Hefner left alone.

"I don't need any escort. I drove here. Thank Hugh Hefner for me. You two can go." Ethan walked out of the studio and turned around and said to the two young girls who came out with him.

Showing kindness for nothing, Hugh Hefner must have some agenda for this arrangement. No matter what he thought, Ethan was not prepared to get involved with this notorious person, at least not now.

"But, we have to follow Hugh Hefner's arrangements." The brown-haired woman named Kelly Gallagher said.

Ethan turned around quickly, and the two women quickly followed.

"Does he often force you like this?" Ethan looked helpless.

"No." Kimberly Donley shook her head.

"He hired us as his apparent girlfriend to parade around every day and show off in front of everyone. In fact, he was too old to do those things." Kimberly Donley said of the real situation.

"He has become a symbol, and this symbol is closely related to magazine sales, and he must maintain his own personality." Kelly Gallagher continued.

Ethan twisted his head: "You can talk about this in detail in the car."

·
Kelly Gallagher claimed to be a Playmate last October, and Kimberly Donley the previous March.

Playmate Girl is a fixed column of the magazine. Every month, a young girl is invited to take photos, accompanied by a handwritten book introduction and comments. It is considered the main column of the magazine.

In the 70s, when magazines were at their peak, this column would have attracted many people's attention. However, today, with the expansion of competitors and the development of videotapes, it has become a popular topic.The magazine has lost its former glory, with circulation steadily declining.Playboy's style of "focusing on fashion", "lifestyle" and "high-end positioning" is becoming increasingly unpopular.

This is also the reason why Hugh Hefner still faces criticism and frequently appears in the public eye even at his age. He could have completely faded out of the public eye and enjoyed life.

His overly indulgent life in his youth also brought him retribution at this time. He was eroded by a variety of chronic diseases and had to take multiple medications every day.Facing the warblers and swallows around them, they could only stare blankly, and over time, they ended up in this state.

But this unexpected news had no effect on Ethan.

"Thank you for your answers. You can go home now." Ethan asked the two of them to get off the car at the door of his house and returned home alone.

Charlize has also spent the Christmas vacation and returned to Los Angeles to start work again.

JJ Harris had completed the handover with Lisa not long ago, and not long after she became Charlize's agent, she found a very good performance opportunity for Charlize.

20th Century Fox invested in and filmed the musical comedy "Unstoppable Miracle", which is Tom Hanks' first directorial debut. Interestingly, Liv Tyler will also star in it as the female lead, while Charlize is just a supporting actress. .

This made Ethan, who received the news for the first time, lament the smallness of Hollywood.

"JJ Harris also arranged some interviews for me." Before Mia returned, Charlize sat directly into Ethan's arms.

"Your authorization is needed. The main focus of the interview is you, a manager who is a rugby player. The media also wants to know the other side of you."

"It's my duty to help the actors under my banner." Ethan said, not stopping.

"F**k me!"

The chair was pushed away, and Charlize was pressed on the table, with the ends of her short blond hair spread out randomly.The table kept shaking and making creaking sounds.

·
On the weekend after meeting Hugh Hefner, Ethan came to DiCaprio's house.

"Ethan, you're finally here. Auntie misses you very much. You came here so early and you haven't had breakfast yet? If you want to eat something, Auntie will make it for you."

Little Plum's mother, Ms. Emeryn, looked at Ethan expectantly.

"Ahem, I ate before I came here." Ethan coughed a few times to resolve the embarrassment. Xiao Lizi's mother was really enthusiastic during her first visit.

I did eat this morning, it was Charlize mayonnaise.

"You're such a big person, it doesn't matter if you eat a little more. Auntie will cook it for you right now." Emerald happily headed to the kitchen and shouted in the direction of the room.

"Leo, come out quickly! Ethan is here to find you."

A few minutes later, Ethan saw Xiao Lizi, who had just washed his hair, walk out of the room. He was wearing a white vest, and he had obviously just woken up.

Faced with her mother's enthusiasm for Ethan, Xiao Lizi seemed quite helpless.

No matter how you look at it, your mother likes Ethan very much, and she likes him from the bottom of her heart. Little Plum even noticed that her mother had put on lipstick early in the morning.

"This is the first time for Ethan to go. You must take more care of him and teach him some things that need to be taught. Do you hear that?" Emerin turned her head at this time and ordered Xiao Lizi.

"I know, Mom." Xiao Lizi nodded.

This time, DiCaprio was going to audition for a western film, and he brought Ethan with him to familiarize him with the audition process.

"I have always had a good relationship with Leo. He has introduced me to many good friends." Ethan said.

Including a few girls.

Whether it's Kate or Bridget, if it weren't for Little Plum, I really wouldn't have met them.

He and Xiao Lizi left together. As soon as they left the house, Xiao Lizi let out a long sigh and looked glum while sitting in Ethan's car.

"What if, I mean what if, you and my mother...really, what then?" Xiao Lizi couldn't help complaining.

"I would never do something like that. You are my friend, and I don't want to have a son like you." Ethan immediately clarified.

But if there is such an extra person, I won't refuse. After all, father and son have a deep love, and it is right for a son to respect his father.

·
The audition for the movie took place in Los Angeles, at the studio of B-movie director Sam Raimi.

Ethan was able to watch the entire audition process. He sat in the corner and watched DiCaprio, who had changed into a cowboy costume, reading the lines in the script.

Opposite DiCaprio are director Sam Raimi and producer Sharon Stone.

Throughout the audition process, Sharon Stone kept nodding. She was very satisfied with DiCaprio. In fact, after watching DiCaprio's previous film "Boys' Life", she was very impressed by him and recommended DiCaprio. Arrive at the set.

"I also think you are very suitable, but the salary issue..." Sam Raimi couldn't help but mention it at this time.

"Leo, you also know that the remaining budget of this film is not much. If you can lower your requirements a little..." Sharon Stone also continued.

"The issue of remuneration is non-negotiable!"

A voice suddenly appeared. Lisa, Leo's manager, walked in from outside. Originally, she would not have followed him on such an occasion.But considering that Ethan would also be there, she rushed to the scene specially.

"Lisa, I'm very optimistic about Leo. This is also an opportunity for him, and this is his first western." Sharon Stone tried.

"But Leo has no shortage of performance opportunities, and he doesn't need friendly performances." Lisa didn't give in.

In fact, this is indeed the case. Although Li Zizi has not participated in any major productions yet, he has many invitations to perform.

She has no interest in unprofitable business.The most important thing is that Ethan is here, and she must create some opportunities for Ethan.

Under Lisa's intentional or unintentional obstruction, the negotiations immediately reached a deadlock.

"Leo, what do you think, are you willing to cooperate with me?" Sharon Stone was looking for a breakthrough opportunity from Xiao Lizi.

"I..." Xiao Lizi was about to speak.

"Ahem." Lisa coughed twice immediately.

DiCaprio couldn't help but recall what Lisa had warned him before, never letting the producer know his thoughts to prevent the other party from lowering the price.

"I choose to listen to Ms. Lisa. She has full authority to represent me in all performance contracts." DiCaprio took a step back.

The final negotiations ended on bad terms.

"Do I have to pay Leonardo's salary out of my own pocket?" Sharon Stone thought in her mind. She was really optimistic about this young actor. She was the producer of this film, not just the starring role. And this western film pins her ambition of transformation...

"How about letting someone else try? Isn't there another audition actor?" Sam Raimi looked at Ethan in the corner at this time.

"He, he is not an actor, but he has appeared in several music videos and has acting experience. The most important thing is that he can act for free!" Lisa said immediately.

Ethan, who was sitting in the corner, found that everyone was looking at him at this moment.

　There are still some at night, but it’s probably after twelve o’clock.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)