The Wolf of Los Angeles.

All the information obtained from various professional channels on the West Coast came to the same conclusion.

Indians strongly suspect that the luminous object, which could be a high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, is Venus and Jupiter.

Professor Benjamin and his colleagues also issued a formal report explaining that their observation area was a high-altitude mountainous region with relatively thin air and virtually no industrial gas pollution, which significantly enhanced the planet's brightness.

Furthermore, during certain seasons, the trajectories of Venus and Jupiter show some similarities to the flight paths of drones.

Hawke was completely stunned by his third brother's words.

It's no exaggeration to say that the Third Brother has once again pushed Hawke's understanding of them to its limits.

I thought the Black Cat Special Forces and the Arjun Tank being delivered without an engine were outrageous enough, but then India pulled this stunt.

The third brother also used anti-aircraft guns on Venus and Jupiter, trying to shoot them down.

As for telling the truth to Third Brother, that's absolutely impossible.

Hawke is not a philanthropist, but a capitalist.

Moreover, according to the contract, the third brother still owes West Coast Technology the final payment for a batch of three-wheeled vehicles.

Now that the Indians have come to him, Hawke is determined to strike hard.

West Coast Technologies showed exceptional interest, and Henderson convened a meeting with experts from relevant departments, along with Randall from India.

The discussion process was very rigorous, and the conclusions reached were very serious.

Finally, Henderson met with Randall alone and said, "As things stand, our experts are unable to determine what the luminous object is or why it cannot be detected by radar. Even your most advanced fighter jets have found nothing."

Randall felt a headache coming on: "If there is no way to control the situation, the consequences would be unimaginable if a conflict broke out between the two sides."

Henderson said, "Perhaps low-Earth orbit reconnaissance satellites are the best way to keep track of their movements at a higher level without attracting their attention."

Randall looked at him: "The previous request..."

“If it were anyone else, we would definitely give a negative answer, because that would disrupt Starlink’s plans.” Henderson’s attitude was impeccable: “But we have a long-standing partnership and are strategic partners. If you’ve encountered a problem, we certainly won’t stand idly by.”

Randall couldn't help but clap his hands: "Great! That solves the problem!"

Henderson had to make some points clear upfront: "Both sides are old friends, and we need to be honest about the situation. The West Coast company cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness, and this must be stated in the contract."

Randall nodded: "I understand."

Henderson continued, "Another point is that the Starlink project has been disrupted as a result. West Coast Technologies has to be responsible for Surrey Satellite, NASA, SpaceX, and dozens of related companies. These involve multiple research teams in areas such as wireless communications, electronic chips, astrophysics, and composite materials, which will generate high costs."

India has money now, and Randall isn't afraid to spend it, since he can get a kickback for spending it. He immediately said, "We will take care of these things."

The two sides then began to haggle over the offer, with Henderson raising his sword high and demanding a compensation fee of up to $5 million.

That blow was too brutal; even Commissioner Randall couldn't withstand it.

He asked, "Can this satellite be used for a long time?"

Henderson said, "Yes, it can be used, but ownership belongs to the West Coast company. If you want to use it long-term, we can discuss leasing after this incident."

Talking doesn't mean a deal will be reached; it just means things will drag on, like the Indians dragging their feet on paying the balance for the three-wheeled vehicle.

Randall's mission requires addressing the border threat urgently, and he said, "A long-term lease would be best, and someone will discuss that with you later."

In his view, launching this satellite without providing it to the Indians would be a pure waste of resources.

After some further negotiation, the two finally reached an agreement on $3.2 million.

But the Indians refused to pay the full amount.

The two sides agreed that India would pay $1.6 million as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid after the satellite is launched and preliminary survey results are available.

Henderson was well aware that the Indians would not pay the final payment, and if the long-term lease failed to be negotiated, the liability for breach of contract would naturally fall on the Indians.

Randall left West Coast Technologies satisfied, and not long after, representing Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he officially signed a contract with West Coast Technologies.

The contract was quickly placed on Hawke's desk.

Hawke approved the deal, which was ostensibly worth $3.2 million.

The profit margin was too high for him to ignore, so he called Surrey Satellite and SpaceX to finalize the satellite and launch details.

This month, one of the Starlink exploration satellites was scheduled to launch.

A slight change wouldn't cause any major problems and wouldn't incur much cost.

Edward sent the contract back to the West Coast and asked Hawke, "Should we tell them the exact results after the survey?"

“Of course we’ll tell them.” Hawke took an invitation, signed his name on it, and said, “We are a company that is responsible to our clients. It is our obligation to tell them the truth. Whether they can accept it or not is their business.”

Edward said, "If this gets out, Indians will become a laughing stock all over the world."

Hawke said in a serious tone, "Although Indians are a bit abstract, there are too many abstract people and countries in this world, and Indians are definitely not the most abstract group."

People like Hawke, born in the 1970s and 80s, feel this most deeply. Having read so many magazines like "Yilin" and "Reader" in China, the sudden contrast after going abroad is simply astonishing.

Edward scratched his head and said, "Before, I only saw divorced women with children. Now that I'm in a higher position, I realize that those big shots are just like that. This is a world where everyone is just trying to outdo each other in terms of how bad they are."

After signing all the invitations, Hawke said, "Have someone deliver them personally and remind me to call again tomorrow."

Edward replied, "I've already had the public relations department prepare."

The annual gathering of the tech revolution camp will be held at the end of the month, and Hawke has invited many tech upstarts, including Brian.

Through these years of efforts, against the backdrop of major social changes in California, Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Netflix, E-Park, Amazon, and Tesla have all benefited during Brian's term as governor and become his supporters.

After Hawke finished tidying up, he glanced at the time and said, "Let's go to Venice Beach later and have a chat with Frank." Edward said, "That old bastard, he doesn't think about anything but having fun now."

“We can’t let him have it so easy,” Hawke said casually. “We need to put some pressure on him and make sure he’s not so relaxed.”

Half an hour later, the two appeared on Venice Beach and found Frank sunbathing on the rooftop terrace of the RV.

Hawke pulled up a plastic chair, sat down opposite Frank, and said, "Where are your two beautiful companions?"

Frank pointed to the distance of the beach: "A Hollywood film crew came to shoot a scene and needed the beach rescue team as backgrounds, so they all went to film."

He also specifically stated: "The male lead of the film is Dwayne Johnson, and it is a movie adapted from the TV series 'Baywatch'."

Edward gazed into the distance. "I think I see Dawn's bald head," he said with a laugh. "That guy always asks me out to dinner."

Frank knew Hawke when he first arrived in Los Angeles and knew about Hawke's early experiences. He said, "Dawn is a smart man. He knows that Hawke's position is too high and too far away from him, so he specifically sought you out to maintain the relationship between the two sides. You are just a bridge, you idiot with a head full of cotton."

Edward scoffed: "You think I don't know? There are plenty of Hollywood stars who fawn over me, but how many fawn over you? Old man, you're outdated."

Frank fell silent, picked up the water beside him, and slowly took a sip.

After a long while, he looked at Hawke and asked, "What do you want from me?"

Hawke didn't mince words with Frank, saying, "Back in your day, Hollywood was a chaotic mess..."

Frank couldn't help but interject: "Hollywood is just as chaotic now, but compared to your level, their stuff is nothing."

Hawke nodded slightly and continued, "Have you ever been in contact with any cults in Hollywood?"

Frank paused for a moment before saying, "Yes, I did. My ex-wife... well, strictly speaking, my first ex-wife, apparently joined a cult."

Edward became interested and asked, "And then the cult used her to drain your wealth?"

“It’s not that exaggerated.” Frank shook his head and said, “She only took more than half of my property, plus I have to pay her child support every month.”

Edward remarked, "What has marriage brought us?"

Frank said, "It's an astronomical deal, a rocket-like rate of making money, and possibly more money than they could ever earn in their entire lives."

Edward thought of himself and said, "I've made up my mind. I will never get married again."

He looked at Frank and said, "With such a negative example as you in front of me, I must learn from your mistakes and not follow in your footsteps."

These words left Frank speechless.

A series of marriages and divorces turned a once powerful figure in Hollywood into an elderly homeless man.

Seeing that the topic had veered off to Cthulhu, Hawke quickly steered it back, asking Frank, "Have you studied the special rituals of cults? For example, which ones can produce effects?"

Frank looked Hawke up and down as if he were meeting him for the first time: "What are you going to do? Start a cult? I remember you weren't interested in these things before."

Hawke said roughly, "We are preparing to do something very important, which may affect the development for many years to come. We will use all available means and methods."

"You're even using cult rituals?" Frank was initially surprised, then realized what was happening and lowered his voice, saying, "You want to directly interfere in next year's election?"

Hawke didn't need to say anything more.

Frank's surprise disappeared, and he said, "Using all sorts of dirty tricks in elections is the norm. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to resort to cult-like methods."

He thought for a moment and said, "When I was young, I participated in some special religious ceremonies out of curiosity. I'll write them down and draw them later. I'll call you and you can have someone come and pick them up."

"Sure." Hawke was willing to take the plunge regardless of the outcome.

Not only Frank, but he also recruited Tom Cruise. Scientology is one of the oldest cults in the United States.

These elements, combined with the professionals the Ferguson family has consulted, may lead to the design of a special ceremony.

Frank added, "These are all minor issues. America is becoming increasingly bizarre, and I hope you can bring it back on track."

In this respect, they were destined to go in opposite directions. Hawke shrugged: "An individual, or even a group, has limited power over a country; the power of inertia is too strong."

He changed the subject and asked, "How's your son's situation?"

Some time ago, Frank sought help from Hawke because his son Xavier was being attacked by demons and monsters at the USC School of Cinematic Arts for making normal comments, and the school was putting pressure on him, potentially costing him his job.

Frank said, "The little rascal was disobedient at first, thinking I was getting senile and still promoting the values ​​of ordinary people at the film academy. But after the New Year, when the monsters and demons intensified their attacks on him, he finally listened to my advice and put on a wig and breast prosthesis to fight magic with magic."

Edward leaned closer and asked, "How was the result?"

Frank pushed him away and said, "We've stabilized the situation for now, but we'll have to find another opportunity. I know Xavier, that bastard. He won't let this go so easily. He'll make the USC School of Cinematic Arts and those monsters suffer to the extreme and make them regret the rotten things they did."

Hawke said, "Just let me know if you need my help."

When we last talked about this, Frank had a feeling: "You want to mold him into a figurehead like Steve? I think you should forget it. He's just an ordinary person and can't handle too much pressure."

Hawke shook his head: "Steve is a product of a special period, and it's hard to replicate. I'm only doing this because of you."

Frank sighed: "The luckiest thing I've had in the last ten years is meeting you."

Edward reminded him, "Don't forget, I'm here too."

Frank stopped joking and said, "If there's anything you need me to do, just let me know. I'm still of some use."

Hawke thought for a moment and said, "When it's your turn to play, I won't hold back."

He glanced at Frank and noticed that the old man had lost a lot of weight. He reminded him, "You'd better be more restrained. Otherwise, when I need your help, you might be lying there unable to get up."

Frank, the king of show-offs, was not about to admit he was getting old. He said, "Although I can't take on seven in one night, taking on two is still no problem."

All three of them laughed. (End of Chapter)