The Wolf of Los Angeles.

After hanging up the phone, Hawke looked at Erica and said, "The Russians are coming to visit Twitter. Let's change the trip to before the New Year."

Erica nodded and asked, "Is there any problem in Russia?"

"They are visiting Twitter." Hawke put away his phone and shrugged. "It's not like we are going to Russia. We should receive them according to normal diplomatic etiquette."

He thought for a moment and said, "I'll have someone talk to Brian and Washington about this someday. We should pay more attention to diplomacy, especially the Russians. These vulgar bears are not good things."

"They used to be the biggest shadow of America." Erica deliberately joked: "There won't be any more Russian spies, right?"

Hawke shook his head: "Probably not. After all, the earliest spy was fabricated by us."

The first of the two espionage cases, involving BlackRock, was a complete fabrication.

The latter incident was true. A high-ranking pro-American Russian leader had a brain cramp and activated someone who had been lurking for many years, and was caught red-handed.

The big guy is most likely Dmitry, the new Tsar's deputy and partner.

Hawke remembered that even ten years later, Dmitry was still a typical pro-European and American person.

It may be a bit of an exaggeration to say that he is a bootlicker.

Think about the new Tsar. He initially tried to integrate into Europe and the United States, but when he realized that Europe and the United States would not play with him, he changed his route.

This person is very close to the third brother.

The next morning, after arriving at the Coast Building, Hawke called a meeting of the company's management and announced the news.

Since Twitter moved to the Coast Building, there have been several foreign leaders visiting, so Twitter has some experience in hosting them.

After the meeting, Hawke also had someone notify several shareholders as usual.

Peter Thiel is very interested in this and will come to Los Angeles after the New Year.

Two days later, Andy Card came to Los Angeles specifically to communicate with Hawke in advance about Dmitry's visit after the New Year.

In the reception room of the Coast Building, Hawke asked directly: "Is this person directly responsible for Russian Federation intelligence?"

Andy adjusted his glasses and said, "Yes, it's him. According to our intelligence, the spy who was later exposed was given the highest-level order by Dmitri."

Hawke asked: "Why would he come to visit Twitter?"

"To a large extent, Dmitry is inclined to befriend Europe and the United States." Andy learned about it specifically: "Our guess is that he should want to visit the AI ​​project."

The Manhattan AI Project is just an empty shell. The reports that came out some time ago were all just a trick to fool people and get a second round of funding. Hawke knows it best. There is no so-called high-tech project worth visiting.

But it’s not nice to refuse either.

Hawke said seriously: "The AI ​​Manhattan Project is a strategic plan related to the country's destiny. Although our progress is not very fast, the Russian Kaspersky Lab is also promoting similar plans. We must take some precautions."

Andy asked, "What do you mean?"

Hawke smiled and said, "Some things are too advanced to be displayed. We can only show the Russians some relatively common technologies."

Andy understood it instantly: "Indeed, things that are too advanced cannot be known to the Russians."

A technology company founded by his younger brother is currently a supplier for the AI ​​Manhattan Project.

Hawke and Andy laughed at the same time.

The two termites that sucked blood from America have reached a tacit understanding.

Results are not as important as small amounts of money.

…………

San Francisco, North Bay Area.

Several representative members of the Donkey Party in Northern California all gathered at Jerry Brown's villa.

Kamala Harris represents people of color.

Gavin Bullson belongs to the traditional white forces.

Senator Barbara Boxer came all the way from Washington.

There are two men and two women, including a black man, which fits the structure of the California Donkey Party very well.

"The current situation is very unfavorable to us." Jerry Brown said directly: "Pacific Electric and other funders have expressed strong dissatisfaction."

The rest of the people remained silent. Everyone present knew very well that they were out of the race before the election even started.

After a long pause, Barbara said, "We're losing the basics."

Gavin Newson has faced reality: "I think it's time to prepare for the next election."

Kamala continued, "Has the situation reached a point of no return?"

Gavin nodded: "Not only will this fail, it will be a disastrous failure."

Jerry Brown is old, but he still has the courage of an old-generation politician: "The main responsibility for this failure lies with me. It was me who asked Gavin to handle the Philip incident in a tough manner..."

Barbara interrupted him: "The other party is well prepared. No matter which way we deal with it, the result will be similar."

Her brows were filled with worry: "If we lose, we lose. We will learn from our experience and keep looking forward. We can make California blue once, and we can do it again."

Jerry asked, "Are we going to give up the sisterhood?"

"No, absolutely not." Barbara emphasized: "This is one of our bases. If we give up, we will be seriously weakened in California."

Kamala interrupted: "But this time..."

Gavin slammed the armrest of the chair. "Michelle, the leader of the sisterhood, has no courage and no ability to get things done. She must be replaced!"

Barbara is a senator from California, but her base is still in California. She asked, "Do you have the right person?"

"There is one who is quite capable." Gavin thought of the one he dealt with frequently. "In recent months, I have been in frequent contact with the sisterhood. Vice President Fiona is very capable."

Barbara said, "It's worth considering."

Kamala remembered that this woman was a person of color like herself, and immediately said, "She is very good."

The tragic defeat in reality forced them to make changes. These people knew that they could not delay any longer and quickly decided to push Fiona to the position in the sisterhood.

There are many factions within the Donald Trump Party, and even in California, there are regional and ideological differences.

But adversity often brings people together temporarily, and the California Donkey Party reached a consensus on the issue of the sister parade.

…………

Los Angeles, Venice.

A yacht left the Butterfly Private Pier and approached a rocky underwater reef area as it approached the open sea.

Hawke sat on the front deck, tied the fishhook skillfully, found a crab, hung it on the hook, and threw it into the sea.

Edward, who was standing next to him, was busy hanging an octopus on the fishhook, but ended up getting sprayed with ink in the face, making his dark face instantly become even darker.

He was so angry that he threw the octopus onto the white deck and said, "If you spray me again, I'll eat you alive."

Campos and Garcia laughed, and the latter brought over a live shrimp and said, "Try this instead."

Edward threw away the octopus and replaced it with live shrimp.

Several people have obtained licenses and can fish to their heart's content.

There was no tide at the moment, and when I threw the bait in, there was no movement on the fishing rod.

Waiting for the fish to take the bait, Hawke asked Campos: "I heard that Michelle left the Sisters March and joined an organization in Washington. Is there any flaw in Fiona's identity?"

Campos raised his sun hat and said, "Before Fiona, Rosa, and Sora joined their respective social organizations, we worked with the Ferguson family to create complete files in different satellite cities in Los Angeles. We are not afraid of anyone looking at them."

Hawke said, "Send a few people to pick up Fiona. If there is any problem, withdraw immediately. Safety first."

Garcia continued, "Betty has been following Fiona with her men."

Hawke's eyes fell towards the sea. If Fiona was suspected in this matter, she would just withdraw.

The purpose of the Sisters of Chaos Parade has been achieved.

If Fiona can successfully take the position... things will be exciting in the future.

There is no need to worry about Rosa and Sora. With their performance in the past two years and the sponsorship funds they have attracted, they have become powerful figures in the Matthewsin Association.

Suddenly, Edward shouted, "There's a fish on the hook! There's a fish on the hook!"

He pressed the electric fishing reel, and the boat rod was pulled into a bow shape. The fish that bit the hook was obviously very big. Several people turned their eyes to Edward.

Garcia seemed to have a lot of experience in fishing: "It should be a big grouper!"

Hawke smiled and said, "Our lunchtime snack is guaranteed!"

Along with the squeaking sound of the electric wheel, a large grouper, whose belly had vomited out due to the sudden change in pressure, was pulled to the surface of the sea and lay flat.

Hawke picked up the scoop net and scooped up the grouper, which weighed at least 40 kilograms.

As Edward started to win, Hawke and others also made some gains.

When you throw the delicious bait, there will always be fish that bite.

…………

Sisters Parade headquarters in North Hollywood.

Fiona walked out of the office and headed towards the elevator.

The women I met on the road all took the initiative to greet me: "Hello, Chairman."

Fiona smiled and nodded at them, then came to Michelle's office.

Here, several people are picking up scattered items.

Fiona said, "Just clean up this office. I'll still be working in my original office, so leave this one empty for now."

"Yes." one person responded.

After Fiona left, the man brought a stepladder, took down the sign of the chairman's office, and handed it to Fiona's assistant.

The specimens at the door of Fiona's office had already been replaced with new ones.

Chairman's Office!

Yesterday, Michelle officially left the Sisters March headquarters and went to work at an equal rights organization in Washington.

Fiona has officially taken over the position of president of the Sisters Parade.

She left the office building, drove out of North Hollywood, and returned to her apartment in Santa Monica. After entering the room, she saw the person sitting on the sofa and complained, "You came in so quietly and sat in the shadows with the curtains drawn. It's easy for me to mistake you for an enemy and kill you."

Betty smiled and said, "I have a little surprise for you."

Fiona turned on the living room lights and said, "What a surprise! I came to the Sisterhood Parade as an undercover agent, but I ended up being the number one person in the Sisterhood Parade."

Betty said, "It's great that you can take the sister parade down a different path."

"Do you know how I feel now? It's like a policeman going undercover in a gang, but ends up being the gang boss!" Fiona rubbed her face as if it was cramping, and said, "What does the boss want me to do? What do you need me to do?"

Betty put away her smile and got down to business: "For the time being, you won't be asked to do anything. The boss's instructions are very clear. In the next year, you will do what the chairman should do, prove your ability, and hold on to this position."

"I understand." Behind Fiona, the chairman, is the power of the California Democratic Party. Without the strong support from the party, her position will not be stable.

Betty said, "Don't worry about other things during this period. Don't worry about what's happening here."

Fiona responded: "I am one of them now."

"Anything else?" Betty picked up her phone, stood up and walked to the door: "Nothing, I'm leaving."

Fiona thought for a moment and said, "Tell the boss that I will hold out until the next election at most."

Betty smiled: "I know. You have to hold on and don't really become the leader of the sisterhood."

…………

National Association for the Advocate of Colored People headquarters in Covina.

Eric, who had visited several transgender people in person, got into a car alone.

In the past few months, he has collected a large amount of first-hand information and can start writing the script at any time.

Just as the car was about to start, an Audi drove over and the person who got out of the car waved at him: "Director Ethan!"

Eric saw that the person who was speaking was Saint Steve, so he got out of the car again and said with a smile, "You just came back from San Francisco?"

Steve walked over quickly and said, "I just arrived and saw you when I walked in. If you're not busy, can we chat for a minute?"

Eric had heard Edward talk about Hawke's god-making process more than once, and the aura around Steve had no effect on him. He smiled and said, "Okay."

The two of them did not go to the office building, but just stood here talking.

Steve asked, "Last time in San Francisco, you said you were going to create a new movie based on Philip's deeds? How is the preparation going?"

Eric picked up the file bag in his hand and patted it gently: "The Security Association has provided a lot of first-hand information. I plan to start writing the script after the New Year."

"How is the project funding going?" Steve was well aware of the impact of movies on public opinion, and said directly: "As for the filming funds, the Security Association can sponsor a part of it."

Eric was not surprised by this, because in the minds of demons and monsters, Philip had already been deified.

Even Steve, a living saint, has to praise Philip to call on more people.

This film has no shortage of investment, but which director would complain about too much money for filming? Eric has also received promises from Hawke and Tom Cruise that as long as the investor is suitable, he will try his best to attract investment to join the project.

Eric asked, "Can you tell me the exact amount?"

Steve is a man who does big things. He said, "For now, we only have 1000 million US dollars. We can make additional investments later depending on the situation."

Eric grabbed his hand and said, "The relevant film studio will be established soon. I will send someone to discuss the investment agreement with you then."

Steve smiled and said, "You're welcome anytime."

After the matter was settled, Eric got in the car and left the security meeting.

Steve walked towards the office building and instructed his men as he walked: "Come up with a film investment plan as soon as possible."

Eric left Covina, turned directly onto the highway, headed straight for Santa Monica, and entered the Coast Plaza.

He went up to the 16th floor and learned that Hawke was in a meeting, so he waited for a while.

When Hawke entered the reception room, Eric handed over an invitation letter: "Next weekend, Paramount Pictures plans to hold a press and industry preview for Los Angeles Fire in Beverly Hills. If you have time, you can go and have a look."

Apart from making some suggestions on publicity and reaching a tacit understanding with Leonardo on "The Departed", Hawke did not participate much in the publicity and public relations of "L.A. Fire". He accepted the invitation and asked, "Is the public relations going well during the awards season?"

Eric smiled and said, "We just won the Best Picture and Best Director awards from the Los Angeles Filmmakers Association Awards."

Hawke said, “Not bad.”

"This is Los Angeles, the city most affected by the fire, so they are willing to vote for me." Eric is no longer the same as he was before, and he has a clearer view of this: "If it were somewhere else, especially at the Oscars, I would want to beat Martin Scorsese for the Best Director award, but my hope is slim."

It is hard to say whether Hawke's idea can prevent Martin Scorsese from winning the award.

It is said that Spielberg, Lucas and Coppola appeared several times at the screening of "The Departed".

These three people have huge influence. They don’t need to actively canvass for votes. Just by standing there, they can influence a lot of people.

Eric doesn't hold out much hope for winning the Oscar for Best Director. He said, "The entertainment industry is now divided into two factions, and the LGBTQ faction is gradually gaining the upper hand. I am confident that I can make a good film of Phillips. I have been nominated for Best Director twice, so I have a better chance of winning next time."

Hawke praised: "It's a good thing not to be too obsessed with awards."

"Actually, I always remember what you said, that movies are more than just movies." Eric was not deeply touched by the previous movie "Nightcrawler", but the wide impact of this "Los Angeles Fire" made him more and more agree with what Hawke said.

When Hawke invests in movies, he is never concerned about the profits that the movies can generate.

In fact, although Hollywood makes so many films every year, very few of them can actually generate huge profits.

Why is there still so much money flowing into Hollywood?
Even with its current development, the film and television industry is still one of the best channels for whitewashing certain things.

There are too many international hot money in Hollywood, wearing various guises.

As for the IRS, as long as you pay taxes according to regulations, they hardly care.

The goal of "Los Angeles Fire" has been basically achieved, and the movie "Philip" will strive to push the LGBTQ movement to another peak.

If "Philip" succeeds at the Oscars, the criteria for Hollywood's awards season will change dramatically.

Hawke discovered a possibility that Hollywood movies might decline earlier than in his previous life.

Of course, the decline of Hollywood movies will also depend on whether the groups of termites it continues to attract can develop rapidly and further expand the scale of its blood-sucking.

The popularity of cultural products such as movies is often proportional to a country's social development and national strength.

The history of the development of Hollywood movies, to some extent, is the history of the development of America. (End of this chapter)